Chapter 552: Vs. Dahila the Arcade Star
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Battle Zone – Battle Arcade]
The Battle Arcade was a whirlwind of flashing lights, synthesized fanfare, and the excited roar of a gathered crowd. A colossal roulette wheel dominated the arena, its vibrant segments promising a myriad of battle conditions: stat boosts, weather changes, status effects, and sometimes, even Pokémon swaps. The air crackled with anticipation, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of the Battle Zone.
Azure stood victorious on the battlefield, a small, triumphant smile playing on his lips. He had just secured his 20thconsecutive win, a testament to his growing prowess and the fierce loyalty of his partners.
On his side, H-Zoroark, a majestic creature with flowing white fur and piercing red eyes, shimmered back into existence from its shadowy illusion. Beside it, Lucario, radiating an intense aura, stood ready, while Alpha Garchomp, a titan of raw power, let out a low, satisfied rumble.
From the observation stands, Azure's closest companions erupted in a cacophony of cheers. Pichu clapped its little paws, a burst of delight illuminating its features. Pikachu pumped its tiny fists, "Pika Pika! Chu! (You got this, partner!)"
Eevee leaped up and down, barking joyfully, "Evoi! (Almost there!)"
Rotom buzzed happily, its voice a cheerful electronic whir from within the Arc Phone, "Oh yeah! Azure's on fire! 20 straight! That's a new record for him here, isn't it, Gengar?"
Gengar, a mischievous grin plastered on her ghostly face, floated above the others. Her voice, a playful, echoing whisper, carried through the cheers, "You bet it is, Rotom! So proud of our trainer! He really knows how to read these tricky roulette spins."
Azure gave a quick wave to his cheering squad before turning his attention to his next opponent, the flamboyant and enigmatic Arcade Star, Dahlia. She was known for her unpredictable style and captivating performances.
Azure observed her Pokémon lineup: a fiery Blaziken, a graceful Togekiss, and a majestic Zapdos. The crowd around them was a murmur of shocked admiration. Someone exclaimed from the stands, "Whoa, a Zapdos! And a Togekiss! What a flashy team!"
Azure thought cautiously, a flicker of strategic analysis crossing his mind, 'Yeah, her Pokémon really stand out.'
His eyes, sharp and intelligent, studied Dahlia's confident stance. He knew her Pokémon were formidable, but he had a plan.
The giant roulette wheel began to spin with a mechanical whir, the vibrant colors blurring into a mesmerizing swirl. Azure narrowed his eyes, his psychic abilities extending, subtly attempting to peer into the immediate future, searching for the segment he desired most to help in battle. He needed an advantage, and the "-HP" slot, which would shave 20% off his opponent's starting health, was precisely what he envisioned. His mind focused, he saw it – the red segment, "-HP", aligning itself perfectly. He tensed, ready to slam the button.
*RUMBLE*
A low, guttural growl vibrated through the floor, escalating rapidly into a violent tremor. The entire Battle Arcade shook, lights flickering wildly, the ground beneath Azure's feet rocking as if in the grip of a colossal unseen force.
The force of the quake threw him off balance, his hand missing the button by mere inches. Azure gasped, momentarily losing his concentration as he struggled to keep his footing, "Whoa! An earthquake!"
*BZZZZZT-CLUNK*
A digital alarm blared, followed by a definitive thud. The roulette wheel, having spun for its allotted thirty seconds, automatically came to a halt. Azure's stomach lurched. He hadn't pressed the button.
The opportunity was lost. Silence, broken only by the settling dust and the murmurs of a shaken crowd, descended upon the arena. Azure stared at the roulette wheel, his jaw clenched. This was a problem.
Rotom buzzed, a note of frantic worry in its electronic voice, "Oh no! That earthquake messed everything up!"
Gengar floated closer to the edge of the stands, her eyes wide, and murmured, "That was... quite the shake-up, wasn't it?"
Dahlia, remarkably composed despite the tremor, stepped forward, her signature fan unfurling with a soft snap, and said cheerfully, "Seems fate had other plans for your turn, Azure. Thus, the right to stop the roulette falls to me!"
She pressed the button with a theatrical flourish.
*Click*
The roulette wheel, which had remained still, whirred back to life for a split second before clicking into place, landing on a segment Azure had never encountered. A shimmering, iridescent sign glowed: 'SWAP!'
Azure's brow furrowed in confusion. He echoed, a sense of unease bubbling within him, "Swap? What does that even mean?"
Dahlia giggled, her voice like wind chimes. She gestured dramatically towards him and curtsied, "Exactly as it looks, dear Azure! For this battle, you and I shall exchange our Pokémon! You will fight with my beautiful partners, and I will have the pleasure of battling alongside yours!"
Azure's eyes widened in thought, 'A Pokémon swap?'
This was unprecedented. He had conquered the Battle Frontier, traveled through regions, but never had he faced such a bizarre and challenging condition. His mind reeled. Battle with unfamiliar Pokémon?
Against his own beloved team?
It was a twist he hadn't prepared for.
Gengar's voice was edged with disbelief, "Swap our Pokémon? That's just... rude!"
Rotom added, its internal fan spinning faster, "It's a curveball, for sure."
Dahlia, seemingly impervious to Azure's surprise or his Pokémon's distress, began to approach him, her movements fluid and rhythmic. She began to sing, a melodic, lilting tune that seemed to weave through the very air, calming yet subtly disorienting.
Her voice, rich and warm, filled the arena, "Come, my dear, and join the dance; let our spirits intertwine. A different rhythm, a brand new chance, your heart with mine, my fate with thine. Yaaa! Yaaaa~"
Azure stood transfixed, still processing the shock of the swap, the implications of fighting his own Lucario, Garchomp, and H-Zoroark. He glanced towards the stands, his gaze falling upon Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu, their small faces etched with concern. Behind them, his Gengar floated, her ethereal form radiating a sense of injustice.
His own Pokémon, the ones he had raised, trained, and fought countless battles alongside, watched him. They understood.
They knew how deeply he cared for them, how much their bond meant to him. To be forced to treat them as opponents, to fight them with a stranger's team, felt like a betrayal of that bond. He could feel their unspoken worry, their confusion.
A wave of hesitation, cold and sharp, washed over Azure as he thought, 'Could I do this? Could I face my own partners like this?'
He looked at their worried eyes, then at Dahlia's expectant, smiling face. The rules of the Battle Arcade were clear. He had to follow them.
Taking a deep breath, Azure forced a reassuring smile for his partners. He projected, his voice steadier than he felt, "It's alright, everyone. I'll be fine. We'll all be fine."
He nodded, steeling himself. He said boldly, "I'm ready, Dahlia. Let's do this."
Dahlia's smile widened, a glint of approval in her eyes. She stated happily, "Excellent! Such determination, even in the face of the unknown! You truly are a Battle Frontier challenger worthy of song!"
With swift, practiced movements, the robot attendants facilitated the exchange. Azure's Poké Balls were collected, and Dahlia's three Blaziken, Zapdos, and Togekiss were presented to him. He felt the weight of them in his hand, a strange mix of unfamiliarity and unexpected power. These Pokémon were strong, no doubt, but they weren't his.
As he clipped the new Poké Balls to his belt, Azure turned his gaze back to his own Pokémon in the stands. His Alpha Garchomp, Lucario, and Hisuian Zoroark met his eyes, their expressions a mix of confusion and a developing readiness.
*Hummm*
He focused his aura, projecting his thoughts directly to them, a silent communication that bypassed words. He urged them, his mental voice firm, yet laced with understanding, 'Do not… hesitate, you three. Do not hold back against me. And I… I will not hesitate against you either.'
He could sense their initial internal conflict, the instinctive desire to protect their trainer, not to fight him with full force. But then, as his unwavering resolve flowed through the aura link, he felt a shift.
A tremor of renewed fighting spirit, a spark of understanding. They were warriors. And a true warrior, even against a beloved friend, fought with everything they had. They would give him their best, just as he would give his best to them.
The hesitation in their eyes receded, replaced by a fierce, competitive gleam.
Rotom whispered, its voice hushed, "Gengar, you think they really get it?"
Gengar reassured with pride in her voice, "Oh, they get it, newbie. The Boss's bond is stronger than any rule. They know he's asking them to fight him seriously, as a sign of respect."
Dahlia, now holding Azure's Poké Balls, clapped her hands together, a theatrical flourish. She struck a pose, declaring, "The stage is set! Let the Battle Arcade Challenge begin! Garchomp, to the stage!"
*POP*
A beam of crimson light shot from her hand, materializing into Azure's own magnificent Alpha Garchomp. It dug its claws into the arena floor, a powerful roar echoing through the Arcade, its powerful fins gleaming under the lights.
Azure, despite the lingering strangeness, pushed all doubt aside. He drew a deep breath and released his first borrowed Pokémon.
He declared, "Togekiss, I choose you!"
*POP*
The elegant Fairy/Flying-type Pokémon emerged, its white wings unfurling, its gentle gaze sweeping over the arena. This wasn't his Togekiss, but it was a Pokémon entrusted to him, and he would honor that trust.
Dahlia grinned as she made the first move and commanded, "A bold choice, Azure! Garchomp, let's start with a Metal Claw!"
Garchomp roared, charging forward with astonishing speed!
Azure, his mind already racing through Togekiss's known moveset, instinctively began to call for a Fairy-type attack. There was a brief flicker of unfamiliarity, a split-second pause as he accessed the move instead of his own Pokémon's.
But he quickly pushed past it. He would not disrespect them.
Azure commanded, "Togekiss, Moonblast!"
*PEW*
Togekiss swiftly responded, gathering sparkling fairy energy in its mouth, releasing a vibrant pink orb that shot towards the charging Garchomp.
Dahlia, ever quick, countered, "Iron Tail, Garchomp! Meet it head-on!"
*CLANG-BOOM*
The powerful Iron Tail, glowing with metallic force, slammed into the Moonblast. A blinding explosion of pink and silver energy erupted, engulfing the center of the field in a cloud of dust and light. The force of the impact made the stands vibrate anew.
Rotom buzzed excitedly, "Wow! What an opening!"
Gengar cheered, "Right out of the gate with a clash!"
Azure wasted no time, calling out his next command before the dust could even settle, "Togekiss, Tri Attack!"
Togekiss pierced the fading smoke, its three-colored energy blast striking Garchomp squarely before it could fully recover!
*FWOOSH*
Garchomp roared in pain, staggering back as a faint orange glow flickered around its scales – a burn.
Dahlia chided playfully, though her eyes held a serious glint, "Too slow, Azure! You may be fast, but Garchomp is faster! Hyper Beam!"
*BOOOM*
Azure's Alpha Garchomp, his own Garchomp, roared with unbridled fury, ignoring the burn. A massive, concentrated beam of raw energy began to gather in its mouth, threatening to engulf Togekiss. Dahlia noticed a subtle detail as she thought, 'Garchomp showed no hesitation, not an ounce of holding back, even against Azure. It was fighting with absolute resolve, just as Azure had asked.'
A small, satisfied smile touched Dahlia's lips, mentally adding, 'This was precisely the kind of battle she lived for.'
Azure, seeing the overwhelming power of the incoming attack, knew Togekiss couldn't withstand it head-on. He ordered, "Togekiss, Protect!"
*SHIIII*
A shimmering green barrier instantly materialized around Togekiss, just as the devastating Hyper Beam slammed into it!
*CRACKLE-WHOOMPH*
The Protect shield held, shimmering under the immense pressure, then dissipated, leaving Togekiss unharmed. Before Garchomp could recover from the recoil of its Hyper Beam, Azure capitalized, ordering, "Now, Moonblast, one more time!"
*PEW-BOOOM*
The second Moonblast, faster and more focused, struck Garchomp directly. The powerful dragon cried out, the force of the fairy energy proving too much. It staggered backwards, momentum failing, and then collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
The robotic Starly-shaped guide that hovered above the referee chirped, "Garchomp is unable to battle!"
Azure let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding as he thought, 'One down. Two more to go.'
Dahlia, though she had lost her first Pokémon, smiled. She returned Garchomp to its Poké Ball, throwing her second, followed up with, "Magnificent, Azure! Truly magnificent! Your command of a Pokémon you've just met is admirable. Very well then! Let's continue the show! Lucario, time to dazzle!"
*POP*
A Poké Ball opened, and Azure's H-Zoroark materialized, its spectral form wavering slightly before solidifying. It shimmered and shifted, its ghostly figure taking on the form of his very own Lucario, a perfect Illusion.
Azure murmured, "A clever trick."
He knew his Zoroark. He knew its ability.
Dahlia, unfazed, declared, "Lucario, Shadow Ball!"
The illusory Lucario gathered a sphere of dark, spectral energy and fired it with astonishing speed at Togekiss!
*WHOOSH-CRACK*
The Shadow Ball struck Togekiss head-on. The robotic Starly guide immediately chirped, "Critical hit! Critical hit!"
The referee, a stern-faced man, adjusted his glasses and added, "Azure is at a disadvantage, folks! His Togekiss has taken significant damage!"
Azure saw Togekiss wince, but its fighting spirit hadn't broken.
He knew he couldn't let it fall so easily.
He ordered, "Togekiss, Roost!"
*WHOOOSH*
Togekiss landed gracefully, absorbing ambient energy to heal some of its wounds, taking another Shadow Ball as it did so. It was still battling, but Azure knew he couldn't risk it further. He grabbed her Poké Ball and uttered, "Return, Togekiss!"
He quickly swapped out, choosing his next borrowed Pokémon. He declared, "Zapdos, come forth!"
*POP*
The legendary Electric/Flying-type Pokémon burst onto the field with a magnificent flash of yellow electricity, its wings crackling with power. Its sharp eyes immediately fixed on the illusory Lucario.
Azure took a moment, focusing his own aura. He had seen his Hisuian Zoroark's illusion unfold many times. He could feel its ghostly energy beneath the façade. It was his Ghost-type, not his Fighting-type Lucario.
Azure commanded, his voice ringing with certainty, "Zapdos, Thunder!"
Zapdos unleashed a mighty clap of thunder, a colossal bolt of lightning arcing directly towards the illusory Lucario!
*ZZZZAPP—CRACKLE*
The powerful electric attack landed, tearing through the illusion like paper. The form of Lucario shimmered and dissolved, revealing Azure's H-Zoroark, which cried out in pain as the Thunder coursed through its ghostly body.
Rotom buzzed excitedly, "Yes! He knew it was Zoroark!"
But even as it took the full force of the attack, Zoroark, with a defiant wail, channeled its remaining energy. A dark, ethereal glow enveloped it.
Dahlia called out, her voice filled with a dramatic flair, knowing the gambit, "Zoroark, finish it with Destiny Bond!"
*GHOSTLY-WAIL*
Before Zapdos could deliver another blow, the Destiny Bond took hold. Zapdos, though mighty, found itself tied to Zoroark's fate. As H-Zoroark finally collapsed, exhausted and defeated by the powerful Thunder, Zapdos, too, fell to the ground, its body shimmering and fading as the Destiny Bond fulfilled its purpose.
*THUD*
The robot Starly announced, a note of surprise in its mechanical voice, "H-Zoroark is unable to battle! And Zapdos is also unable to battle!"
Azure returned Zapdos, a wry smile on his face. He commented, "A risky move, Dahlia, but well played."
Dahlia clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling as she replied, "Indeed! A double knockout! This is turning out to be quite the dance! Now, for our final partners!"
Both trainers were down to their last Pokémon. Azure drew Dahlia's last Poké Ball, declaring, "Blaziken, your turn!"
*POP*
From the crimson beam of light, the powerful Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon, Blaziken, emerged, its flame-like wrist and ankle extensions burning fiercely.
Dahlia, with a flourish, released her final Pokémon. She declared resolutely, "Lucario, let's bring it home!"
*POP*
And there he was, Azure's own Lucario, noble and strong, standing ready to face him. Azure could feel its aura, blazing with fighting spirit, completely committed to the battle, just as he had asked.
Dahlia commanded, setting the pace, "Lucario, Extreme Speed!"
*Zoooom*
Azure's Lucario vanished in a blur, reappearing instantly before Blaziken!
*WHIZZZ-THWACK*
The powerful tackle sent Blaziken reeling backward, a yelp of pain escaping its beak!
Azure grimaced, thinking, 'That had hurt.'
But Blaziken, despite the unfamiliarity, was a fighter. Azure countered boldly, "Blaziken, Blaze Kick!"
Flames ignited around Blaziken's leg as it spun, delivering a powerful, fiery kick!
*WHOOSH—CRACK*
Lucario cried out, a guttural growl of pain, as the Blaze Kick found its mark. It staggered, clutching its midsection.
Azure felt a pang of empathy. That was his Lucario, hurting. But this was a battle, and both Pokémon were committed.
He hardened his resolve.
Dahlia, noticing Lucario's pain, nodded. She grinned, ordering, "You're both determined! Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
Azure's Lucario, though grimacing, focused its aura, forming a potent sphere of blue energy in its paws…
Azure countered instantly, "Blaziken, Focus Blast!"
Blaziken, radiating its own fighting spirit, gathered a massive, volatile orb of fighting energy. And with the launch of both attacks…
*ROOAARR—BLAST*
Both attacks were launched simultaneously, a cobalt blue sphere against a fiery orange sphere. They collided with devastating force in the center of the arena!
*BOOM*
A concussive explosion rocked the Battle Arcade, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Smoke and debris billowed upwards, momentarily obscuring both Pokémon. When the smoke cleared, Blaziken was panting heavily but still standing. Lucario, however, had closed the distance during the chaos.
Dahlia urged, "Lucario, one final Aura Sphere!"
Azure's Lucario, battered and bruised but with a fierce determination in its eyes, unleashed another Aura Sphere at point-blank range.
*THWACK*
The attack landed squarely. Blaziken let out a pained cry, the powerful Fighting-type attack proving too much. It swayed, then collapsed, a faint burn mark still visible from the earlier Blaze Kick.
The Starly announced, "Blaziken is unable to battle!"
Azure returned Blaziken, a respectful nod to the valiant Pokémon. He had lost two of Dahlia's Pokémon, but she had lost two of his. It was a fierce exchange. He drew his final Poké Ball, declaring, "Togekiss, one more time!"
*POP*
Togekiss emerged, looking weary, its white feathers ruffled, clearly tired from its earlier encounters with Garchomp and H-Zoroark. But its eyes still held a spark of determination to fight.
Dahlia's Lucario, also showing the strain of battle, stood its ground. Dahlia commanded, aiming to finish it quickly, "Lucario, Extreme Speed!"
Azure, despite Togekiss's fatigue, matched her. He commanded fiercely, "Togekiss, Extreme Speed!"
*ZOOOOM*
Both Pokémon blurred, meeting halfway across the arena in a collision of incredible speed, intending to end each other…
*WHIZZ—CRACKLE*
Dahlia pressed, "Now, Bullet Punch!"
Lucario lunged, its fist glowing with metallic energy, aiming to deliver a swift, decisive blow. Azure, seeing the end approaching, knew he had to act fast.
He wasn't giving up.
He swiftly commanded, "Togekiss, Aura Sphere, then Follow Me!"
Togekiss, with a burst of renewed energy, quickly formed a small, focused Aura Sphere and fired it just as Lucario came within striking distance.
*WHOOSH*
Then, before Lucario could react, Togekiss instinctively used Follow Me, its body radiating a bright, inviting glow. Lucario, its instincts honed on offensive prowess, was drawn to the lure. Its Bullet Punch, originally aimed at Togekiss's chest, was subtly diverted by the Follow Me. Instead of a direct hit, Lucario found itself pulled closer, directly into the path of the Aura Sphere it had just fired…
*THWACK*
The Aura Sphere, meant for an opponent, struck Lucario itself, amplified by the close range. Lucario cried out, a final, pained gasp, and crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
*THUD*
The robotic Starly announced, its voice celebrating the unexpected victory, "Lucario is unable to battle! Azure Sky is the winner!"
The crowd erupted in a thunderous roar, a mixture of awe and disbelief. Azure stood, his chest heaving, a thin layer of sweat slicking his brow.
Dahlia's Pokémon, though powerful, were unfamiliar, and the intensity of battling his own team had been mentally draining. Dahlia, though defeated, approached him with a wide, genuine smile, her fan fluttering gently.
Dahlia praised Azure for the battle as she said happily, opening her arms widely, "Oh, Azure, you are truly a marvel to behold! I'm quite exhausted, but what a spectacular performance! To fight so skilfully with Pokémon you've just met, against your own cherished partners… it was quite the spectacle!"
She paused, her smile softening, adding, "When the roulette landed on 'Swap,' I admit, I was uncertain. Many trainers would crumble under such pressure. But once I saw that spark in your eyes, that unwavering determination, I knew you would not yield. And my Blaziken, Zapdos, and Togekiss are indeed formidable. You simply commanded them with magnificent grace."
She began to reach for the Battle Arcade Print, but Azure gently redirected her hand. His priority wasn't the prize, not yet. He strode past her, moving directly towards the stands where his own Pokémon had watched the battle unfold.
Rotom observed, its voice soft, "Oh, he's going to them!"
Gengar floated down, a knowing smile on her face as she added sweetly, "Of course, he is. That's Boss for you."
Azure knelt, his gaze sweeping over his Garchomp, H-Zoroark, and Lucario, now patiently waiting for him. They had fought fiercely, without hesitation, just as he had asked. He opened his arms, pulling them into a tight, heartfelt embrace.
He murmured, his voice thick with emotion, "You three... You were incredible."
He rubbed Lucario's head, then Garchomp's powerful jaw, before gently petting H-Zoroark's soft fur adding, "You gave it your absolute best, every single one of you. I saw it. Thank you. Thank you for trusting me."
Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu (Mew) joined the embrace, a tangle of happy Pokémon surrounding their trainer. Dahlia watched the scene unfold, a warm smile gracing her lips. This was a trainer who truly understood what it meant to bond with his Pokémon.
She took the Arcade Print, a circular badge etched with the roulette wheel, and calmly affixed it to his VS. Recorder. She then turned to retrieve her own Pokémon, returning Blaziken, Zapdos, and Togekiss to their Poké Balls with a contented sigh.
As she did so, a flicker of curiosity crossed her mind, 'That earthquake earlier… it had been quite a tremor. I wondered what could have caused such a disruption.'
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Battle Zone – Battle Tower (Training Grounds)]
The source of the "minor earthquake" was, in fact, Palmer, the formidable Frontier Brain of the Battle Tower. He stood on a specialized training field, designed to withstand immense force, a wide, enthusiastic grin plastered across his face.
He was putting his team through an intense regimen, preparing them for future challengers, particularly one young trainer he had heard so much about: Azure Sky.
Palmer roared, his voice echoing across the vast training grounds, "Alright, Regigigas, let's see some power! Focus, my friend!"
Before him, the colossal, ancient Pokémon, Regigigas, newly caught by Palmer in the Hoenn region, was locked in a fierce, albeit one-sided, sparring match. Against the Legendary Golem, Palmer's Dragonite, Rhyperior, and Milotic were giving their all, pushing their limits.
*FWOOSH-CRASH*
Regigigas, responding to Palmer's enthusiastic commands, stomped its mighty foot. The sheer force of the impact sent tremors rippling through the ground – the very tremors that had disrupted the Battle Arcade and Azure's roulette spin. Thick cracks spiderwebbed across the reinforced concrete.
Palmer cheered excitedly, completely oblivious to the chaos his training was causing across the Frontier facilities, "Hah! That's the spirit, Big G! Just imagine Azure's face when he sees that kind of raw power when the time comes! We need to be ready, boys! Azure is no ordinary challenger!"
*BRRRRRRRRRRING*
Palmer's Rotom Phone buzzed furiously in his pocket. He pulled it out, answering with a booming, "Palmer here!"
It was Thorton, the Battle Factory Head, his voice laced with an uncharacteristic edge of irritation, yelling through the phone, "Palmer! What the hell?! My Battle Factory's machinery is going haywire, and I'm getting reports of disruptions across the entire Battle Frontier! Are you training Regigigas again?"
Palmer chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head, replying, "Ah, Thorton, old friend! Just a little light training with my newest partner! He's quite eager to get some battle experience, you understand! Got to be ready, after all!"
Thorton's sigh was practically audible through the phone as he uttered, "Eager or not, Palmer, please tone it down. You're causing minor earthquakes!!! We have other trainers trying to challenge the facilities, you know?! SO STOP!!!"
Palmer agreed, a sheepish grin spreading across his face rubbing the back of his head embarrassingly, "Right, right, you're absolutely right, Thorton! Apologies! I'll tell Regigigas to... tread a little lighter. Promise!"
*BEEP*
He ended the call, looking at the massive Golem as he said helplessly, "Alright, Big G, maybe a little less... ground-shattering today, eh? Don't want to break the Battle Frontier before Azure even gets here!"
Regigigas tilted its head, a low rumble emanating from its chest, as if acknowledging its trainer's words. The ground beneath them, for the moment, settled back into a peaceful stillness. Palmer, however, remained as boisterous and eager as ever, his mind already set on the day Azure Sky would finally stand before him for a Battle Tower challenge.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!