Chapter 549: Vs. Castle Valet Darach
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Battle Zone – Battle Castle]
A ripple of excitement went through the small, gathered crowd. Azure grinned, a flash of white against his sun-kissed skin. He reached for his Arc Phone, calling up his accrued CP. With a few swift taps, he allocated the points, watching as the health bars of his Gallade, Froslass, and Magmortar glowed, then filled.
A full heal for the grand battle ahead.
From the stands, Gengar giggled, conjuring a spectral picnic basket filled with an assortment of Pokémon-friendly snacks. She declared, her voice a playful, ethereal chime, "Ooh! The main event! Gengar has popcorn!"
Rotom, buzzing cheerfully in the Arc Phone, zapped out, "And Rotom has the best view! Battle data, here I come!"
Pikachu chirped in agreement, nibbling on a Poffin, while Eevee purred contentedly, occasionally nudging Pichu (Mew), who snored softly. They were excited to see what kind of battle was in store.
Azure stepped into his position on the battlefield, the smooth, polished stone cool beneath his boots. Across from him stood Darach, the Castle Valet himself. Darach was a picture of refined elegance, his tailored suit immaculate, his posture ramrod straight. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk played on his lips, a testament to his confidence.
He gave a slight, formal bow. Darach began, his voice a smooth, cultured baritone, "Trainer Azure Sky, it is an honor. I am Darach, and I shall be your opponent today. A three-on-three battle, as is customary."
Azure returned the bow, his grin widening as he replied respectfully, "The honor is all mine, Darach. Let's make this a battle to remember!"
Darach's hand went to his Poké Ball. He grinned, hurling it into the air, declaring, "Indeed. Gallade, to the stage!"
*POP*
A flash of crimson Darach's Gallade materialized, its green and white form striking a regal pose. A faint shimmer around its hand blades indicated its held item, a [Scope Lens].
Azure countered, tossing his own Poké Ball, "My pleasure. Gallade, let's go!"
*POP*
Azure's Gallade appeared, equally imposing, its vibrant green body radiating a calm power. Its own [Scope Lens] gleamed. The two Psychic/Fighting-types stood poised, locked in a silent staring contest.
The air grew thick with anticipation.
The announcer's voice roared, "Battle begin!"
Darach wasted no time. He ordered, "Gallade, Psycho Cutter!"
*SHINNG*
Darach's Gallade's arm blades glowed a vibrant cyan, slicing through the air, sending arcs of psychic energy hurtling towards Azure's Pokémon.
Azure commanded, his voice sharp and clear, "Gallade, Psywave! Form your spoon, then, into Full Counter!"
*HUMMM*
Azure's Gallade's hands glowed with intense psychic energy. Instead of forming two blades, the energy coalesced into a shimmering, spoon-like shield, broader and thicker than its natural blades.
It then coated this psychic construct with a faint, almost invisible aura – the effect of Full Counter, a technique that masterfully combined the reflective properties of Light Screen and Reflect, not just to reduce damage, but to rebound attacks.
*WHIRRRR—CLANG*
The Psycho Cutter struck the psychic spoon, but instead of shattering, the energy was absorbed, twisted, and then violently flung back, a searing, emerald-green projectile, twice as fast. Darach's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise breaking his composed facade. He exclaimed, "What?! That's not just a block, it's a reflection!"
But his shock faded as his instinct returned. He commanded, a fraction of a second too late, "Gallade, Detect! Quick!"
*WHISH*
His Gallade, reacting on instinct, blurred, narrowly sidestepping the reflected attack as it carved a groove in the stadium floor. Its eyes narrowed at Azure's Gallade, eyeing the spoon with caution. Darach murmured, regaining his composure, declaring, "Impressive! But now my Gallade is behind yours!"
*WHISH*
Azure's Gallade had used the moment of distraction to reposition itself, appearing directly behind Darach. Darach said confidently, a knowing smirk returning, "Ah, but a momentary advantage, I assure you. Gallade, seize him!"
*SHINNG*
Darach's Gallade, with astounding speed, spun and moved, its arms extending not as blades, but as long, sinewy appendages, binding Azure's Gallade in a tight, inescapable hold. It was a bizarre, almost unsettling sight, the psychic warrior's arms becoming like iron cages.
Darach proclaimed, his gaze intense, "I will not allow myself to be defeated so easily! Lady Caitlin, watch closely, for I shall prevail!"
Azure, however, remained utterly calm. His expression was unreadable, a slight curve of his lips the only hint of his thoughts.
He ordered, "Gallade, Teleport, now!"
*SWP—SHINK*
Just as Darach's Gallade tightened its grip, a shimmer of distortion enveloped Azure's Gallade. Darach's Gallade, sensing the escape, instinctively extended its elbow blades, which sharpened and elongated with a SHINK!
An unexpected use of Sacred Sword, designed to strike its bound opponent. But the blades met only empty air…
*WHOOOSH*
A gust of cold wind swept across the arena. In Azure's Gallade's place stood Froslass, serene and ethereal, her ice sculpture-like body gleaming.
The Fighting-type Sacred Sword, which would have been devastating to Gallade, was utterly ineffective against the Ghost/Ice-type Froslass.
She was immune to Gallade's Fighting-type moves. A soft, almost unnoticeable glow around her indicated her [Focus Sash].
Gengar cackled from the stands, "A Teleport switch! Clever, Boss! But Froslass is a bit squishy, isn't she?"
Azure grinned. He barked, "Froslass, Agile Style Blizzard!!"
*WHOOOSH*
Froslass let out an icy cry, and a furious storm of razor-sharp ice shards erupted from her, swirling towards Darach's Gallade. Darach's Gallade, still recovering from the surprise switch, barely managed to protect against the incoming blizzard, a shimmering shield briefly protecting it from the icy onslaught.
*CLANG*
But it was distracted for a crucial moment.
*SWISH*
Using Teleport was when Gallade struck. A shadowy claw raked across Froslass's back, a powerful Shadow Claw, exploiting her Ghost-type weakness.
*CRACK*
Froslass recoiled, a pained gasp escaping her. Her form flickered, and the [Focus Sash] around her waist shattered, saving her from a one-hit knockout but leaving her with a mere sliver of HP. Darach's Gallade, having struck and moved, was completely unharmed.
Darach observed, unfazed, and merely commented, "Ah, a [Focus Sash]. A good defensive choice, but my Gallade remains untouched. I cannot be defeated by such normal means, Azure! Gallade, continue the assault! Shadow Claw!"
Gallade lunged again, its shadowy claw glowing ominously. Azure commanded, his voice unwavering, "Froslass, Destiny Bond!"
Froslass, with barely any strength left, had ethereal wisps of dark energy briefly coalescing around her. She braced herself for the impact.
*SLASH*
Darach's Gallade's Shadow Claw tore through the faint aura of Destiny Bond, connecting solidly with Froslass!
Azure mentally braced himself, expecting to recall Froslass, knowing that Destiny Bond would drag Darach's Gallade down with her. But what he heard next wasn't the familiar THUD of a fainted Pokémon.
*Drip*
Instead, a soft, almost imperceptible drip-drip-drip sound echoed through the arena. Darach's Gallade, instead of withdrawing its claw, pressed it against Froslass, and a gentle, shimmering dew coalesced from its palm, sprinkling over Froslass.
His eyes widened. Azure gasped, genuinely surprised, "Life Dew?"
Darach smiled, a hint of triumph in his gaze as he explained, "Indeed. I have plans for such contingencies, Azure. Destiny Bond, while potent, requires the user to faint. By forcibly healing your Froslass, even a minuscule amount, she remains standing, and the effect of Destiny Bond is nullified."
Froslass, now with a sliver more HP than before, trembled, the Destiny Bond fading into nothingness. Darach intoned, "Now, Gallade, finish it. Shadow Claw!"
*SLASH*
Another powerful Shadow Claw, this one undeniable, struck Froslass. Her icy form shattered momentarily, then dissolved into shimmering particles. The announcer declared, "Froslass is unable to battle! Darach's Gallade is the victor!"
Darach glanced at his watch as he uttered, "One minute and thirty seconds. A respectable effort for your Froslass."
Azure let out a slow breath, recalling Froslass's Poké Ball. He said calmly, "You're strong, Darach. Very strong. I didn't expect that Life Dew counter."
Darach replied, his eyes reflecting a deep admiration, "Lady Caitlin is exceptionally strong, Azure. However, certain... delicate matters prevent her from battling at this time. Thus, I am honored to stand in her stead."
He looked towards his remaining Poké Balls, lost in thought for a moment, weighing his options between a sleek Houndoom and a powerful Staraptor. He thought for a few moments before declaring his choice, "Hmm, which to choose... Very well. Houndoom, prepare to ignite the battlefield!"
Darach recalled his Gallade switching for his Houndoom. Azure, sensing the danger, switched as he declared, "Magmortar, let's turn up the heat!"
*POP*
With a roar, Azure's Magmortar, its cannons glowing, materialized, exuding an intense heat that warped the air around it. Its [Wise Glasses] shimmered, amplifying its special attacks. Darach's Houndoom, a menacing dark dog, entered, with a subtle glow around its neck denoting its [Focus Sash].
Azure commanded, going for raw power, "Magmortar, Strong Style Hyper Beam!"
Magmortar let out a guttural growl, its arm cannons converging, glowing with an unbearable, white-hot intensity.
A blinding beam of raw energy erupted, blasting towards Houndoom...
*FWOOSH—BOOOOM*
The Hyper Beam struck Houndoom squarely, sending the Dark/Fire-type skidding backwards, a cloud of dust and smoke temporarily obscuring it!
Darach complimented, a genuine note of appreciation in his voice, "A magnificent attack, Azure!"
However, his smile remained, adding, "But, Houndoom, endure!"
As the smoke cleared, Houndoom stood, singed and battered, but still standing. Its [Focus Sash] lay shattered at its feet, having saved it from the devastating blow. It let out a defiant snarl, its eyes burning with determination.
Gengar shrieked, dropping a piece of popcorn, "It survived! That's one tough puppy!"
Darach ordered swiftly, "Houndoom, Crunch!"
Houndoom, despite its injuries, lunged, its jaws snapping, glowing with dark energy as it aimed for Magmortar.
Azure countered, a quick flicker of his hand, "Magmortar, switch with Gallade!"
*WHOOSH*
Just as Houndoom's Crunch was about to connect, Magmortar dematerialized, and in its place, Azure's Gallade reappeared.
Azure followed up with a command, "Gallade, use Detect!"
*CLANG*
Houndoom's Crunch clamped down on empty air as Gallade blurred, evading the attack with practiced ease. Swiftly, Gallade's psychic hand formed into a shimmering, sword-like blade, not made of psychic energy, but of pure, flowing water.
Azure declared, "Agile Style Aqua Cutter!"
*SPLASH—SHIIING-THUD*
The water blade sliced through Houndoom with incredible force. Houndoom whimpered, staggering back, then collapsed and fainted.
The announcer declared, "Houndoom is unable to battle!"
Azure praised proudly, recalling his Pokémon, "Excellent work, Gallade! Now, Magmortar, back in!"
*POP*
Darach sighed, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face, uttered, "My Houndoom, defeated so quickly after enduring that Hyper Beam... A truly ingenious switch. Very well. Staraptor, demonstrate your aerial prowess!"
*POP*
Darach's final Pokémon, a proud Staraptor, soared into the arena, its powerful wings beating the air. A faint clinking sound came from its talons – its held item was the [King's Rock]. Azure's Magmortar, having been switched back in, stood ready, its cannons still glowing.
Azure commanded, "Magmortar, Flamethrower!"
*FWOOSH*
A torrent of superheated flames erupted from Magmortar's cannons, engulfing the area where Staraptor had been!
Darach called, "Staraptor, Double Team!"
*WHOOOSH*
But Staraptor was already moving, blurring into multiple afterimages, gracefully evading the fiery attack. The flames passed harmlessly through empty space.
Darach announced, a hint of a challenge in his voice, "Remember, Azure, Staraptor can also recover its health with Roost!"
Magmortar continued its assault, a relentless barrage of Flamethrowers after Flamethrower. Staraptor, a master of evasion, danced through the flames, creating illusory doubles. Occasionally, it would land, folding its wings for a moment, a green glow enveloping it as it used Roost, restoring a fraction of its health.
*FWOOSH*
*WHOOSH*
*FWOOSH*
The battlefield became a fiery, smoky inferno. Magmortar, a living furnace, poured out constant streams of fire. Though Staraptor was fast and elusive, the sheer, oppressive heat and the repeated direct hits from the Flamethrowers began to take their toll. The air was thick with smoke, and Staraptor's movements grew sluggish…
*HISSS—THUD*
One final, searing Flamethrower caught Staraptor, sending it plummeting to the ground. The announcer declared, "Staraptor is unable to battle!"
Magmortar, panting heavily, stood victorious amidst the cooling embers. Darach conceded, recalling his Staraptor, "Magmortar is a force to be reckoned with. My compliments. However, your Magmortar has taken significant chip damage from all that sustained effort. And my final Pokémon... is still quite fresh."
With a flourish, Darach's Poké Ball opened once more.
He proudly declared, "Gallade, return!"
*POP*
His Gallade, the same one that had defeated Froslass, stood tall and seemingly unharmed. Azure's face remained grim. His Magmortar was exhausted.
Darach commanded, pressing the advantage, "Gallade, Aqua Cutter!"
*Zoooom*
Darach's Gallade's hand blade shimmered with water once more, striking Magmortar with a swift, powerful slash!
*CRACK—SIZZLE*
The water cut deeply, dousing Magmortar's internal flames. The Fire-type Pokémon let out a pained groan, its body flickering, then collapsing.
*THUD*
The announcer declared, "Magmortar is unable to battle!"
Azure let out a sigh, recalling Magmortar. He had one Pokémon left. He admitted, his eyes narrowing, "Your Gallade is incredibly strong, Darach."
From the stands, Lady Caitlin, who had been silently observing the battle, leaned forward slightly. Her keen eyes, usually distant and serene, focused intently on Darach's Gallade. She noticed a faint, reddish discoloration on its right arm, just above the elbow blade. A burn. Very slight, almost imperceptible.
Darach, however, didn't notice. He merely laughed, a light, triumphant sound declared, "Magmortar didn't even have enough strength left to land a final blow. Now, we reach the climax. Your Gallade versus my Gallade! A fitting end, wouldn't you agree?"
Azure agreed, a determined glint in his eyes, "Indeed."
He tossed his final Poké Ball as he declared proudly, "Gallade, it's all on you now! Psychic Spoon to sword!"
*POP—Hummm*
Azure's Gallade reappeared, its psychic energy already shaping its hand into a broad, katana-like blade, shimmering with internal power. Across from it, Darach's Gallade accepted the challenge, extending its own arm blades, sharpening them with a SHINK-SHINK, settling into a low, aggressive fighting stance.
Gengar exclaimed, putting her popcorn aside, "Alright, this is it! Place your bets! Gengar bets on Azure!"
Rotom buzzed, rotating wildly in the Arc Phone, "Rotom bets on data-driven victory!"
Pikachu cheered, shaking his fist, "Pika-Pika! (On my partner!)"
Eevee barked encouragement, "Eevee! (Same!)"
The atmosphere in the Battle Castle crackled. Two Gallades, two master swordsmen, are facing each other down.
Darach roared, "Go, Gallade!" Close the distance!"
Azure commanded, "Alright, Gallade, meet him head-on!"
*WHOOSH*
Both Gallades charged simultaneously, blurs of green and white. They met in the center of the arena with a furious clash of blades!
*CLANG—SHING—CRACKLE*
Darach's Gallade lashed out with a powerful Sacred Sword, its elbow blades extending to strike. Azure's Gallade parried with its psychic sword, the Full Counter shimmering, deflecting the blow. It followed up with a lightning-fast Cut, forcing Darach's Gallade to block with an X-Scissor, its blades crossing defensively…
*SHIIIING*
Azure's Gallade spun, a graceful pirouette, unleashing an Aqua Cutter that shimmered with deadly precision. Darach's Gallade responded with a Leaf Blade, the two elemental attacks sparking as they collided.
They were a whirlwind of motion, a ballet of blades. Night Slash met Psycho Cut, each blow met with a block, a parry, an evasion. Azure's Gallade was faster, darting in and out, its attacks precise. Darach's Gallade, while powerful, seemed to be struggling to keep up, its movements just a beat slower.
*CLANG—SWISH*
Azure's Gallade unleashed a Fury Cutter combo, a rapid flurry of slashes, each one building in power. Darach's Gallade, through sheer force of will, managed to parry most of them with its own Sacred Sword, but a few grazed its body.
Darach muttered, observing the intricate dance, "Remarkable! Your Gallade has remarkable precision. Is it... Sharpness?"
His eyes narrowed as he watched Azure's Gallade's blades glow with an almost supernatural edge. He muttered in realization, "The Hidden Ability... It gives your slashing moves an extra bite!"
*WHOOSH*
Azure's Gallade, fueled by its Sharpness ability, launched an Aerial Ace, then immediately followed with an Air Slash, creating a vortex of wind-infused blades. Darach's Gallade found itself overwhelmed, unable to parry every attack. It took a glancing blow to its shoulder, staggering back, its breathing ragged.
Darach's Gallade panted, its form trembling slightly, "HUUUUH... HUUUUH...."
It looked down at its arm, the faint burn mark that Caitlin had noticed earlier now a more prominent, angry red. The sustained, intense combat had exacerbated the injury, making every movement a painful effort. The burn from Magmortar's Flame Body, previously dismissed by Darach, was now a critical hindrance.
Azure's grin widened, a predatory glint in his eyes. He saw the opening.
The burn, the exhaustion, the slowing movements. This was it.
Azure commanded, his voice ringing with triumph, "The end is here, Gallade! Test your new move! Psyblade!"
Darach's eyes widened in alarm. He exclaimed in disbelief, "A new move?! Gallade, evade! Any energy left, use it!"
Darach's Gallade desperately tried to respond, to blur away, to raise its blades in defense. But the prolonged battle, the exhaustion, and the searing pain from its burned arm rooted it to the spot. Its movements were sluggish, its reflexes dull. It simply couldn't muster the energy.
Azure's Gallade's psychic sword flared, glowing with an intense violet energy. It wasn't just a blade; it was a conduit for raw mental force, amplified by its Sharpness ability. With a powerful, downward arc, it slashed.
*CRACKLE—WHHHHHAM*
The Psyblade struck Darach's Gallade. A wave of shimmering psychic energy erupted, engulfing the Pokémon in a violet explosion. Darach's Gallade cried out, a sound of agony and defeat, before collapsing, utterly defeated.
*THUD*
The announcer roared, his voice echoing through the now silent Battle Castle, "Darach's Gallade is unable to battle! The winner is Trainer Azure Sky!"
A collective gasp went through the crowd, followed by a burst of applause. Gengar let out a triumphant shriek, "YES! I knew it! Boss is the best!"
Rotom whirred, equally as excited by the battle, "Battle data acquisition complete! Azure's strategies are 100% efficient!"
Pikachu bounced excitedly, and Eevee cheered, while even Pichu stirred, letting out a tiny, sleepy "Mew! (Did dad win yet… Zzz…)"
Darach stood frozen, his perfect composure shattered. He stared at his fainted Gallade, then at Azure, a profound embarrassment washing over his face as he uttered, "I... I lost. How... how did my Gallade get burned?"
Lady Caitlin, her serene expression finally breaking, walked gracefully from the stands, her gaze fixed on Darach's Gallade, then on Darach. Her voice was soft but held an undeniable authority, "It was Flame Body, Darach. When your Gallade used Aqua Cutter on Magmortar, it made physical contact. Magmortar's Ability, Flame Body, had a chance to burn your Pokémon."
*Slap*
Darach's eyes widened. He smacked his face in disbelief, uttering, "Flame Body... I had completely forgotten!"
Caitlin chided gently, but with a firm undertone and expression to match, "You were too focused on the elegance of the sword duel, weren't you? You let your eagerness for battle overshadow your tactical awareness. And you permitted your Gallade to continue fighting with a debilitating burn, which only intensified during that prolonged, physical duel with Azure's Gallade."
Azure walked over, recalling his victorious Gallade with a proud smile. He held up his hand, stating, "It was truly a fun challenge, Darach. And it was the perfect opportunity to test Psyblade. It has a base power of 80, but when used by a Pokémon with the Sharpness Ability, it gets a 50% boost. It definitely worked, much to Gallade's joy."
He patted the Poké Ball. He could feel Gallade's proud emotion.
Darach let out a long, slow breath, then bowed deeply, a gesture of profound respect as he said politely, "My apologies, Azure. I underestimated you and made several tactical errors. I admit my defeat."
Caitlin sighed softly as she chastised him, "Darach, you rely too much on your natural skill and aristocratic flair. You must reflect on your mistakes carefully."
Darach nodded, chastised. He then produced a beautifully crafted print, depicting himself, Caitlin, and a stylized image of the Battle Castle, stating, "Azure Sky, as proof that you have conquered the Battle Castle, please accept this."
Azure took the print, admiring its craftsmanship, asking curiously, "Thank you, Darach. But... where exactly do I put this?"
Darach explained patiently to the baffled Azure, "Ah, every challenger who enters the Battle Frontier is given a VS. Recorder. It serves as a digital record of your battles and accomplishments, and the prints are stored within it."
Just then, Gengar floated down, holding the VS. Recorder, which she had apparently retrieved from his bag. She said cheerfully, "Here you go, Boss! I thought you might need this!"
Azure chuckled, taking the device, replying, "Thanks, Gengar."
He touched the print to the VS. Recorder, and it was seamlessly digitized, appearing on the screen. He smiled, looking at the image. Azure murmured, a renewed spark of determination in his eyes, "One down. And four more to go..."
The Sinnoh Battle Frontier was proving to be an exhilarating challenge, and Azure Sky was more than ready for what came next…
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!