Chapter 467: Vs Rival Platinum (2)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Route 208 – Campsite]
Platinum declared, tossing her next Poké Ball with practiced grace, "I can still turn this around… Buneary, let's go!"
*Pop*
A flash of light, and her elegant, fluffy Buneary appeared, landing lightly on the grassy battleground. Its large, soulful eyes blinked, and its long ears twitched, absorbing the surroundings.
A small, melodic chime resonated faintly – the sound of its held item, a [Soothe Bell], subtly boosting its affection and, perhaps, its battle spirit. Azure's eyes narrowed slightly, acknowledging the Buneary as he thought, 'Buneary, huh? And it even has the [Soothe Bell] to boost friendship. I guess she's using me to further increase her bond with Buneary as they're known to be vicious little bastards having 0 friendship.'
Azure recalled H-Lilligant, grabbing for another Poké Ball from his belt. Azure announced, his voice steady, "Alright, Rotom, it's your debut!"
*Pop*
With a whoosh and a burst of electric-blue energy, a peculiar Pokémon materialized. It was a small, plasma-like being, crackling with electricity, its eyes glowing with mischievous intelligence.
This was Rotom, Azure's newest, most unpredictable acquisition, holding a pair of ornate, wire-rimmed [Wise Glasses]that subtly enhanced its special attacks. It cried out, "Raaaatom! Wazz up!"
Diamond exclaimed, already pulling out his Rotom Phone, which buzzed with excitement at seeing another of its kind, "Whoa, it can talk! That's incredible! It's that same Rotom from that mansion! Can't wait to see what it can do!"
Pearl whistled as he commented, "Whew! This is gonna be something alright! Now Rotom vs Buneary begins!"
*Zzzzt*
Rotom hovered silently, its plasma body undulating, a low zzzt-zzzt sound emanating from it. It seemed to assess Buneary, its glow intensifying slightly.
Platinum quickly recovered from her surprise as she commanded, "Buneary, start with Quick Attack! Close the distance!"
*Zoooom*
The rabbit Pokémon sprang forward with incredible speed, a white blur streaking across the field. It was upon Rotom in an instant, aiming a swift, impactful strike as it raised its glowing red ears.
Azure's eyes caught the incoming Fire Punch. Azure commanded, his voice calm amidst the impending strike, "Rotom, use Double Team!"
*BZZZT*
Just as Buneary was about to connect, Rotom flickered, splitting into multiple ghostly images. Buneary's attack passed harmlessly through the first phantom, then the second, its momentum carrying it through several illusions.
*THWACK*
It finally connected with an image, but it dissipated into static, confirming it was a decoy as it cried out in shock, "Buneary?! (Nani?!)"
Platinum exclaimed, frustrated, "Impossible!"
Buneary skidded to a halt, looking around, several identical Rotoms now buzzing around the battleground. Diamond observed, impressed, "That Rotom is fast!"
Azure's voice cut through the air, "Alright, Rotom, Confuse Ray!"
*ZIIIING*
One of the Rotom illusions pulsed, and a wave of eerie, purple energy shot out, aiming for Buneary. Platinum called out, but the illusions were too numerous, and Rotom's attack was swift, "Buneary, dodge it!"
*BWOOOSH*
The Confuse Ray struck Buneary head-on. The rabbit Pokémon recoiled, shaking its head violently, its eyes swirling with disorienting colors. It let out a distressed squeak, its movements becoming erratic.
Pearl declared, "Buneary is confused!"
Azure pressed his advantage, "Now, Rotom, Charge!"
*ZZZZT*
Rotom, the true one amidst its many copies, pulsed brighter, absorbing ambient electrical energy. A visible aura of power enveloped it, boosting its next Electric-type attack as it muttered, "Raaaa! I'm powering up!!"
Platinum urged, hoping to negate the next attack, "Buneary, snap out of it! Focus! Use Endure!"
Buneary hopped erratically, bumping into one of the Rotom illusions, then another. It tried to focus, but its confusion was too strong.
*Shiii*
It started to glow faintly, preparing to Endure, but its movements were clumsy, its concentration broken. Azure ordered, capitalizing on the confusion, "Now Rotom, Parabolic Charge!"
*ZMMT*
Rotom let out a high-pitched cry, and a wave of concentrated electrical energy erupted from its body, expanding rapidly outward. The attack wasn't just powerful, it was area-of-effect, hitting all targets around Rotom – including the confused Buneary.
Platinum cried out, "Buneary, no!"
*SHWOOM*
The purple-hued electricity engulfed Buneary, forcing a pained yelp from the Pokémon. As the attack subsided, a visible surge of energy flowed from Buneary back into Rotom, healing the plasma Pokémon slightly.
Pearl announced, impressed by the move, "Rotom used Parabolic Charge! And it restored some of its own health!"
Buneary stumbled backward, clearly hurt, the confusion still scrambling its senses. It landed on its rear, shaking its head weakly. Platinum's voice was filled with concern, but her mind was already working overtime, "Hang in there, Buneary!"
She needed to break the confusion. It was a long shot, but sometimes a strong attack could shake off confusion as she ordered, "Buneary, try to use Dizzy Punch!"
Buneary struggled, trying to follow the command. It swayed, then hopped forward unsteadily, its small fists glowing.
*SWISH*
*SWISH*
But in its confused state, it misjudged its target, swinging wildly at the air. It completely missed Rotom, hitting nothing but dust.
Azure commanded, pragmatic as ever, "Rotom, use Thunder Wave!"
Rotom chuckled, "One shock to your system coming up!"
*ZZZZIIIIP*
A thin, precise bolt of static electricity shot from Rotom, striking Buneary. The rabbit Pokémon stiffened, a full-body tremor running through it. The confusion subsided, but it was replaced by a more debilitating condition.
Pearl announced grimly, "Buneary is paralyzed!"
Platinum's heart sank. Paralyzed and damaged, her Buneary was in a critical state as she cried out, "Buneary, no!"
Azure concluded, his voice unwavering, "Rotom, use Discharge!"
*KABOOOM*
Rotom pulsed with raw, unbridled electrical power. A massive surge of blue lightning erupted from its body, a wide, sweeping attack that left no room for evasion, especially for a paralyzed Pokémon.
*CRACKLE-ZZZZZZT*
Platinum screamed, "Buneary!"
The lightning enveloped Buneary completely. The rabbit Pokémon let out a final, pained squeal before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
*Thud*
Its small body lay still, wisps of smoke rising from its fur. Pearl quickly raised his hand as he declared his ruling, "Buneary is unable to battle! The winner of this battle is Azure and Rotom!"
A collective gasp went through the small group. Diamond clapped, impressed, "Wow! That Rotom is seriously strong!"
Azure nodded, offering Rotom a small, approving smile. Rotom zipped happily, its plasma body glowing with satisfaction as it praised his mischiefs partner, "Rotom performed admirably for its first official battle. It showed great agility with Double Team, precise control with Confuse Ray and Thunder Wave, and excellent power distribution with Parabolic Charge and Discharge."
He then looked at Platinum, whose face was a mask of dismay and renewed determination as he praised her as well, "Good job, Platinum. Buneary fought well and showed great resolve, even in confusion."
Platinum knelt, gently gathering her fallen Buneary's Poké Ball. She returned it with a soft touch as she says, "You did your best, Buneary. Rest now."
She then stood, meeting Azure's gaze, her expression a mix of awe and renewed fire as she replied, "That Rotom… It's a truly unique Pokémon. And your strategy… it was impeccable. You completely nullified Buneary's speed and then stripped it of its resolve."
Azure replied calmly as he nodded his head, "Every Pokémon has strengths and weaknesses. And every trainer has a style. You caught me off guard with Buneary's initial speed. It was a good opening."
He wasn't just being polite; he genuinely meant it. Platinum's Buneary was fast, and if Rotom hadn't been able to use Double Team so quickly, the initial Quick Attack could have been problematic, especially if Buneary had landed its Fire Punch.
Azure recalled his Rotom as Platinum was left with one Pokémon remaining. Platinum announced, her hand confidently reaching for a Poké Ball, "Go, Alakazam!"
*Pop*
A flash of crimson light erupted, and a lean, bipedal Pokémon with a long mustache and two spoons held aloft in its hands materialized. Alakazam, its piercing gaze immediately focusing on Azure, floated gracefully above the ground.
A subtle shimmer around its wrist indicated its held item: [Wise Glasses], enhancing the power of its special attacks. It intoned, a low, confident growl, "Alakazam! (I shall claim victory for my lady!)"
Pearl narrated, consulting his newly acquired Pokedex, "Alakazam, male, Psychic-type, the Psi Pokémon!"
Azure nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. He held up a Poké Ball as he declared, "A formidable choice, Platinum. But I believe I have just the partner for this challenge. Come out, Froslass!"
*Pop*
Another burst of light, and a spectral, kimono-clad Pokémon with an icy, serene expression coalesced into being. Froslass, its delicate form seemingly woven from frozen mist, drifted effortlessly before Azure.
A faint, almost imperceptible shimmer around its neck revealed its [Never-Melt Ice] held item, boosting its Ice-type moves. As it settled, a subtle cold began to emanate, an instinctive activation of its ability.
Its ethereal voice echoed, a haunting yet beautiful sound, "Froslass! (I shall achieve victory here, master~)"
Pearl announced as he checked his Pokedex, "Froslass, female, Ice and Ghost-type, the Snow Land Pokémon! This is going to be good!"
Pearl called out, waving his arms, "Alright, trainers! Battle begins!"
Platinum's eyes narrowed, quickly assessing Froslass. She commanded, choosing a quick, reliable psychic attack, "Alakazam, Confusion!"
Alakazam, true to its incredible speed, blurred out of sight for a fraction of a second, then reappeared, sending a flurry of shimmering, psychic-shaped projectiles arcing through the air towards Froslass, "Zam! (Take this!)"
Azure remained calm as he countered, "Froslass, Double-Team!"
*WHOOSH*
Froslass, with an elegant, almost dance-like movement, vanished and reappeared, not one, but several identical copies momentarily flickering around the real Froslass. The Confusion orbs, unable to pinpoint the true target amidst the illusions, harmlessly passed through the spectral duplicates, dissolving into thin air with a soft POP!
Platinum clicked her tongue. She countered, unwilling to let Azure gain too much of an advantage, "Clever. Alakazam, Psychic!"
*Shiii*
This time, Alakazam's spoons glowed with a potent, cerulean energy, and a heavy wave of psychic force pulsed outwards, aimed at disorienting and sweeping away the illusions. "Kazaaaaam!"
Azure commanded instantly, "Froslass, Protect!"
*CLANG*
Froslass materialized a shimmering, iridescent barrier of pure energy around itself, just as the Psychic wave slammed into it. The barrier held firm, absorbing the attack with a visible ripple, then shattered like glass, leaving Froslass completely unharmed.
Pearl exclaimed as Dia munches on his snacks, "Impressive defense, Froslass!"
Platinum's lips thinned. Azure was being cautious, setting up. She commanded, "Alakazam, Psycho Cut!"
*SWISH*
*SWISH*
Alakazam darted forward with blinding speed, its spoon glowing with sharp, visible psychic energy, aiming a concentrated slash at Froslass. Azure's voice cut through the air, "Hail now, Froslass!"
*CRACKLE*
Froslass didn't dodge. Instead, it let out a chilling cry, and the air around them suddenly grew colder. Dark clouds materialized overhead with uncanny speed, and then, PITTER-PATTER, tiny, sharp ice pellets began to rain down, stinging the ground and the Pokémon caught in the open.
The Psycho Cut, precise as it was, seemed to waver slightly in the sudden blizzard, as if the icy haze made it harder for Alakazam to focus its aim. The Snow Cloak ability was now actively working in Froslass's favor.
Alakazam, momentarily disoriented by the weather, still managed to land a glancing hit on Froslass's shoulder, a faint blue spark crackling where the psychic blade connected. Froslass winced but remained airborne, its ghostly form flickering faintly.
*TINK*
The Hail, however, began to chip away at Alakazam's health, tiny TINK-TINK-TINK sounds accompanying each ice pellet that struck its body. Pearl observed, Pokedex knowledge flowing freely, "Hail adds damage to non-Ice types! And Froslass's Snow Cloak makes it harder to hit!"
Platinum urged, "Alakazam, focus! Disable Froslass's Hail!"
*SHIII*
Alakazam channeled its psychic energy, attempting to dispel the weather effect. A counter-current of psychic energy pushed against the icy storm, making the hail falter for a moment, but it held, Froslass's will stronger than Alakazam's attempt to dissipate the weather.
It was a risky move, costing Alakazam precious time and energy. Azure commanded, capitalizing on Platinum's tactical misstep, "Now, Froslass, Confuse Ray!"
*WHOOOOOSH*
Froslass let out a sinister, echoing laugh, and a swirling beam of purple-black energy shot forth from its mouth, striking Alakazam directly. Alakazam flinched, its movements becoming erratic.
Its eyes, normally sharp and intelligent, glazed over with a dizzying spiral. It mumbled, swaying precariously in a confused manner, its spoons clanging together, "Alak… zam? (Where… exactly… am… I…)"
Diamond shouted, "Oh no! Alakazam is confused!"
Platinum gritted her teeth as she thought critically, 'This was bad. Confusion, combined with Hail damage, could quickly turn the tide.'
She urged, hoping her voice would cut through the mental fog, "Alakazam, snap out of it! Focus! Use Psychic!"
Alakazam struggled, its spoons spinning wildly. It tried to focus its psychic energy, but its mind was jumbled. It cried out in frustration, "Alak… ak!"
*CLANG*
… and then, inexplicably, it slammed its own head with one of its spoons! A small burst of stars appeared above its head, and it visibly recoiled, taking damage from its own confusion. Diamond gasped, his eyes wide, "Alakazam hit itself!"
Azure praised quietly, "Excellent, Froslass. Now, Ice Shard!"
*SHING-SHING-SHING*
Froslass rapidly fired a volley of jagged ice shards. Made stronger by the [Never-Melt Ice] and slightly boosted by the Hail, they flew with surprising speed and precision, aiming for Alakazam's wavering form.
Several shards struck Alakazam, eliciting a cry of pain. Its health, already being chipped away by the Hail and its own confusion, was visibly decreasing, "Aaaak!"
She knew she needed to mitigate damage immediately. Platinum motivated, her voice unwavering, "Alakazam, don't give up! Reflect!"
*FWOOOM*
Alakazam, despite its confusion, managed to channel its energy. A shimmering, transparent barrier of light appeared around it, reducing physical damage. It wasn't perfect, given its confused state, but it was enough to offer some protection.
Azure noted the Reflect. It wouldn't help against Froslass's special attacks, but it showed Platinum's resolve.
He commanded, "Froslass, follow up with Frost Breath!"
*HISSSS*
Froslass took a deep breath, and a concentrated blast of freezing wind, super-cooled and sharp, shot forth. Frost Breath always lands a critical hit, bypassing Reflect's physical defense for a moment and hitting Alakazam's special defense directly.
*CRACKLE*
The icy breath struck Alakazam full-on. A layer of hoarfrost instantly coated its body, and it shivered violently, letting out a pained moan. The cumulative damage was starting to show. Its movements became sluggish.
Platinum cried, concern lacing her voice, "Alakazam!"
Her noble demeanor momentarily faltered under the pressure. Azure pressed, pushing his advantage, "Froslass, Icy Wind!"
*HISSSS*
Yet another blast of freezing wind erupted from Froslass, broader and more potent than Frost Breath. This attack was designed to slow down.
Alakazam tried to dodge, but the Icy Wind was too wide, and its movements were already hampered by the Frost Breath and prior damage. It was caught fully and pushed back several feet.
Even as the TINK-TINK of Hail continued, Alakazam's speed significantly dropped, its elegant levitation now a struggle. Pearl announced, almost breathless with excitement, "Alakazam's speed has dropped!"
Platinum knew she had to act decisively. Leaving Alakazam confused and slowed was a recipe for disaster.
She commanded, hoping a powerful, wide-area attack might clear its head and force Froslass back, "Alakazam, use Dazzling Gleam!"
*FLASH*
Alakazam struggled, but with a surge of willpower, its spoons glowed with a blinding, multi-colored light. A radiant wave of fairy energy burst forth, washing over the battlefield, attempting to engulf Froslass and its duplicates.
Azure ordered, anticipating the wide-area attack, "Froslass counter with, Double-Team again, then Hex!"
*WHOOSH*
Froslass and its illusions fractured and scattered just as the Dazzling Gleam washed over their previous position. The attack, powerful as it was, missed the real Froslass, which reappeared momentarily, its spectral eyes glowing.
*HISSSS*
Then, without much fanfare, a sinister, dark energy coalesced around Froslass, and it unleashed a shadowy, chilling curse. Hex, a Ghost-type attack, was particularly potent when the target was afflicted with a status condition – like confusion.
The attack slammed into Alakazam, and the damage was immense. Alakazam cried out in agony, a guttural sound of psychic pain. The confusion, momentarily forgotten in the face of such a powerful attack, seemed to deepen its suffering. Its translucent form shimmered, dangerously close to fading.
Platinum asked, her voice tinged with concern, "Alakazam, can you still battle?!"
Platinum watched, her heart pounding. Alakazam was on its last legs.
But she refused to give up. She commanded, going for a powerful neutral attack this time, hoping it would negate Froslass's type advantage, "Alakazam, you must! Focus! Use Psychic!!"
Alakazam, battered and disoriented, managed to conjure a vibrant purple orb of energy between its spoons. It was slower, less focused than usual, but still undeniably powerful. It launched the orb towards Froslass.
*Wooosh*
Azure countered, a calculated gleam in his eyes, "Froslass, Draining Kiss!"
*Wooosh*
Instead of dodging, Froslass drifted gracefully towards the incoming Psychic, its lips puckering. As the purple orb neared, Froslass seemed to absorb its energy, a faint pink glow encompassing its body.
*KISSSSSS-FZZZZZ*
With a ghostly sigh, Froslass then shot out a pulsating, pink heart-shaped projectile that sped towards Alakazam. The Draining Kiss, a Fairy-type move, also had the effect of healing Froslass.
*MUUUAH*
It struck Alakazam with a soft kiss, but the effect was devastating. A significant chunk of Alakazam's remaining energy was siphoned away, flowing back to Froslass, which visibly regained some of its ghostly luster.
Alakazam, already critically weakened and its speed reduced, staggered backward, its spoons falling from its grasp, clattering softly on the ground. Its eyes finally rolled back, and it slowly, almost reluctantly, collapsed to the ground, its body shimmering and then fading into unconsciousness.
*THUD*
Silence descended upon the battlefield, broken only by the continuous TINK-TINK-TINK of the lingering Hail. Pearl, after a moment of stunned silence, lifted his arm as he declared, "Alakazam is unable to battle! Froslass is the winner! Which means the victor of this battle is Azure!"
A faint cheer erupted from Pikachu, Eevee, and a soft cry from Pichu (Mew) from Azure's jacket. Azure himself offered a small, appreciative nod to Platinum as he stated, "A hard-fought battle, Platinum. Alakazam showed incredible resolve."
Platinum walked towards her fallen Pokémon, a complex expression on her face. Disappointment, yes, but also a newfound respect.
She gently returned Alakazam to its Poké Ball as she praised her Pokémon, "You fought admirably, Alakazam. Rest now."
She then looked at Azure, a rare, genuine smile gracing her features as she replied, "You were right. This was indeed excellent training. Your Froslass is remarkably skilled, utilizing its abilities and status conditions with great precision. My compliments."
Her gaze held a hint of determination as she added, "But do not think this means I will not win next time."
Azure replied, returning Froslass to its Poké Ball, "I wouldn't expect anything less."
The Hail clouds overhead dissipated as its summoner was recalled, and the evening air felt slightly warmer as he praised his Pokémon, "Froslass, you did great. You handled a very fast and powerful opponent with excellent strategy."
Diamond ran over, munching on another berry, commented, "That was amazing! Froslass was so cool with all the ice and the confusion! And Alakazam was super strong too, even when it hit itself!"
Pearl agreed, closing his Pokedex as he said excitedly, "Indeed. A fantastic display of strategic battling, Azure. You really know how to use your Pokémon's movesets to their fullest potential."
As Azure's Blissey padded over with a First Aid Kit, ready to administer healing to Pokémon that battled, Platinum retrieved her map once more as she muttered, "Well, then. The plan remains the same. A longer journey it shall be. Hearthome City, then Celestic Town. We'll need to make good time, but also ensure our Pokémon are well-rested and prepared for whatever lies ahead."
She looked at the group, her expression regal once more as she added, "The peak of Mt. Coronet awaits, and with it, the materials for my family crest. Let us continue our journey with renewed vigor."
Azure met her gaze, a shared understanding passing between them. The battle had been more than just training; it had solidified the respect between trainer and Pokémon, a silent acknowledgment of their respective strengths and goals.
With the night settling in and the stars beginning to pepper the vast Sinnoh sky, the group, now even more cohesive, prepared for the long, winding road ahead. But for now, the group decided to rest for the night.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter!