Chapter 557: Vs. Battle Matron Argenta
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, 2 Days Later, Battle Zone – Battle Hall]
The crisp Sinnoh morning air, carrying the scent of pine and distant mountain snow, filled Azure's lungs as he arrived at the Battle Zone. Just a day ago, the thrill of acquiring his second Frontier Print from the Battle Arcade still buzzed within him.
Now, with the Battle Factory and Battle Arcade prints secured in his Vs. Recorder, his focus sharpened, a keen glint in his eyes. Volkner, the Sunyshore Gym Leader, was reportedly recovering well from his injuries sustained battling Team Galactic, a prospect that lit a fire under Azure's resolve.
The sooner he completed this Battle Frontier gauntlet, the sooner he could claim his eighth badge and truly prepare for the Elite Four and the Champion. His next challenge, etched firmly in his mind, was the Battle Hall.
As the opulent, almost ethereal structure of the Battle Hall loomed before him, its polished floors gleaming under the overhead lights, Azure took a deep breath. 2 days had passed since he first stepped into this arena. 2 grueling days of relentless battles, a solitary journey for him and his formidable partner, Kleavor.
Azure had deliberately chosen the Bug/Rock-type Pokémon, a powerhouse he'd encountered and befriended in Hisui, for this peculiar challenge. Kleavor, a magnificent creature with razor-sharp stone axes for arms, currently gripped its [Scope Lens] with a silent intensity, a promise of critical hits to come.
The roar of the crowd, a familiar symphony of cheers and gasps, echoed through the vast hall as the announcer's booming voice reverberated, "And with that devastating Stone Axe, Kleavor claims its 169th consecutive victory! An unprecedented display of unwavering strength and skill!"
Azure stood in the center of the arena, a proud smile gracing his lips as Kleavor, its stone body shimmering with residual energy, let out a triumphant roar, "KLEAV-OR!!! (Is that the best you have!! Bring me your strongest fighter!!)"
The Pokémon's axes, usually restless, now rested, a testament to its recent exertion. It had been a long, arduous journey through the ranks of the various Pokémon types, each battle demanding strategic thinking and precise execution. 169thopponents had fallen, each representing a distinct type and ascending rank. Now, only one challenger remained: the Hall Matron, Argenta herself.
From the elaborate Trainer Box in the stands, Azure's closest companions watched, their hearts swelling with pride. Pikachu, perched on Azure's shoulder even when he was in the arena, squeaked excitedly, his tail wagging like a metronome.
Eevee, nestled securely on Azure's head, chimed in with soft, melodic cries of encouragement. In his jacket pocket, a tiny Pichu (Mew in disguise) peeked out, its small voice adding to the chorus of support.
Rotom, usually zipping around in Azure's Arc Phone, manifested slightly, its ghostly form crackling with energy, cheered, "Zzzzzzt! Un-frickin'-believable, Azure! You're gonna smash this, zzzzt!"
Beside Rotom, Gengar, a mischievous grin plastered on her ghostly face, floated slightly above the railing. Her voice, a low, melodic purr, was perfectly audible over the crowd, "He's making it look easy, isn't he? Another one bites the dust! Go, Kleavor, show her what a real rock star can do!"
Azure merely winked at them, a silent acknowledgment of their unwavering support. He had chosen to only bring Kleavor into the Battle Hall challenge, a testament to his faith in the Pokémon and a tactical move to allow the rest of his Sinnoh team to undergo intensive training. For the past 2 days, they had been under the tutelage of the Stats Trainers: Riley, Cheryl, Buck, Mira, and Marley.
He knew they were in capable hands, honing their skills and growing stronger, rather than languishing in their Poké Balls. This wasn't just about winning a print; it was about optimizing every moment of his journey.
*Chime*
A soft chime echoed through the hall, signaling the arrival of the Hall Matron. Argenta, a woman of dignified grace with an aura of calm authority, stepped onto the field. Her gaze, serene yet penetrating, met Azure's.
A faint smile touched her lips. Her voice was like smooth silk, carrying a quiet confidence said confidently, "Azure Sky. Your persistence is truly remarkable. 169 consecutive victories with a single Pokémon. It has been a pleasure observing your journey through my Hall. But now, the time has come for your final test. I am your opponent."
Azure's grin widened, a spark of challenge igniting in his eyes. He replied eagerly, "Finally. I wouldn't have it any other way, Matron Argenta."
Argenta nodded, her composure calm and unwavering. With a swift, practiced motion, she tossed a Poké Ball into the air, declaring in a confident voice, "Then let us begin! Dragonite, brace for battle!"
*POP*
A powerful roar ripped through the air as Dragonite, a magnificent orange dragon, materialized from a flash of light. Its eyes, bright and intelligent, were fixed on Kleavor. A faint glow emanated from its body, indicating its held item: [Leftovers], a constant source of recovery.
Azure commanded, "Kleavor, let's show them our strength!"
Kleavor roared in response, its stone axes glinting menacingly, "KLEA-VOR! (Finally, a worthy challenger to face me in battle!)"
Argenta wasted no time. She smirked as she commanded, making the first move, "Dragonite, Dragon Breath, full power!"
Azure countered instantly, "Kleavor, dodge and use Strong Style Stone Axe!"
*WHOOSH*
Dragonite inhaled deeply, a shimmering green energy swirling in its mouth before unleashing a concentrated beam. Kleavor, moving with surprising agility for its size, sidestepped the attack, the Dragon Breath searing the air where it had just stood. In the same fluid motion, Kleavor lunged forward, one of its stone axes glowing with primal energy…
*CLANG*
The axe slammed into Dragonite's side with incredible force, the impact echoing through the hall. Dragonite recoiled, a low groan escaping its throat, a visible grimace on its usually serene face. The super-effective damage was evident.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Battle Zone – Battle Hall (Observation Room)]
Meanwhile, in the Battle Hall's exclusive Observation Room, high above the main arena, Palmer, the Frontier Brain of the Battle Tower, watched the unfolding drama with a keen eye. His broad shoulders were relaxed, a half-smile playing on his lips, but his gaze was sharp and analytical, missing nothing.
*Knock-knock*
He heard a soft knock at the door and uttered, "Come in, Darach!"
*Hisss-Krack*
The door hissed open, and Darach, Caitlin's impeccably dressed valet, entered, executing a precise, low bow. His usually placid features held a hint of weary formality. He replied respectfully, "Good day, Mr. Palmer."
Palmer boomed, his voice warm and jovial, "Darach, my boy, good to see you. Though I must say, you've been rather scarce at our Frontier Brains' meetings lately."
Darach straightened, a faint blush touching his cheeks as he explained himself, "My sincerest apologies, sir. As you know, I must attend to Lady Caitlin. Her well-being and schedule require my constant presence."
Palmer nodded, his smile softening as he replied casually, "Understood, understood. A valet's duty is paramount, especially when Lady Caitlin is involved."
He chuckled softly, a knowing twinkle in his eye as he added teasingly, "But she permitted you to attend this one, didn't she? Something about the reputation of the Battle Zone concerning a certain young man?"
At the mention of 'Azure ', Darach's expression tightened ever so subtly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his refined features uttered, "Indeed, sir. Lady Caitlin expressed… a particular interest in the proceedings."
Palmer's laugh rumbled, a hearty sound that filled the room as he bluntly said, "Hahahaha! Ah, yes! I heard all about that little incident. It was funny to hear the news! Battling Caitlin, causing a bit of property damage to the Battle Castle with her… enthusiasm. Never thought I'd hear of anyone pushing her to a full-blown psychic tantrum, let alone winning a 1-versus-6 sweep by using a Darkrai to send her villa flying! He certainly leaves an impression, doesn't he?"
Darach sighed, a long, drawn-out sound that spoke volumes of his exasperation as he replied helplessly to Palmer's claims, "He certainly does, sir. It took days to have the Battle Castle fully restored."
He pushed a stray lock of hair back from his forehead, attempting to regain his composure before turning his gaze to the large, crystal-clear TV screen displaying the battle below as he added, "So, this is the much-talked-about Azure Sky."
Palmer confirmed, leaning forward slightly, "The very same. And he is formidable, Darach, as he bested you. He's already seen off Thorton at the Battle Factory and Dahlia at the Battle Arcade. He's certainly saving the best for last, challenging me, the Battle Tower Tycoon. But first, he needs to get past Argenta."
Palmer gestured at the screen, then turned to Darach, his expression becoming more serious as he said, "You know the rules of the Battle Hall, don't you? The challenger chooses a Pokémon type for their opponent, and it's a one-on-one battle. There are 18 Pokémon types, and each type has ten ranks. To reach Argenta, he had to conquer all ten ranks of 18 different types, and this Dragon-type battle is the final one."
Palmer shook his head slightly, a hint of admiration in his voice, adding, "169 battles just to get to this point. It took him 2 whole days, constantly battling, barely resting. The kid is quite persistent."
Darach raised an eyebrow, his annoyance momentarily forgotten, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. He couldn't help but ask curiously, "To go to such extremes… why would he be in such a hurry?"
Palmer's gaze drifted to the screens showcasing various Battle Frontier facilities before settling back on Azure. He answered his question, "That, my friend, is the crux of it all. 2 days ago, after finishing his set at the Battle Hall, I got a phone call from Flint. He's recovered. Healthy and ready to battle along with Volkner. They shared the news on Azure. That news lit a fire under Azure. He's now in an absolute rush to finish his Battle Frontier run so he can claim his final Gym Badge and properly prepare for the Elite Four and the Champion."
A faint, almost grim, expression crossed Palmer's face as he continued, "Look at him, Darach. The situation has sharpened his resolve. He's not just battling for prints; he's fighting to get stronger, to outpace something. Something big is brewing in Sinnoh, and we, the Frontier Brains, must wait until they make their next move. But Azure… he's taking matters into his own hands. He's seizing every opportunity to push himself and his Pokémon to their absolute limits."
Darach watched Azure on the screen, a new understanding dawning in his eyes. He uttered with an intrigued expression, "I see. That's why he's facing Argenta with such intensity. A Trainer always striving to grow stronger, huh…"
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Battle Zone – Battle Hall]
Back in the main arena, the intensity was palpable. Kleavor, despite its initial blow, was now facing a fully recovered Dragonite, thanks to its [Leftovers]. Argenta commanded, her voice cutting through the air, "Dragonite, Extreme Speed!"
*WHOOSH*
Dragonite vanished in a blur of orange, reappearing instantly behind Kleavor, a powerful punch aimed at its back!
Azure yelled, his eyes narrowed, tracking Dragonite's impossible speed, "Kleavor, pivot, Strong Style Stone Axe again!"
*CRACK*
Kleavor, reacting with incredible speed, rotated its body, its stone axe intercepting Dragonite's attack. A deafening sound as stone met scaled fist. Dragonite was thrown back, clutching its arm, a pained snarl escaping its lips.
Argenta smiled faintly, an almost imperceptible twitch of her lips as she said, "You chose the Dragon-type for your final match, Azure, hoping for a challenge using Kleavor's Rock-type, did you not?"
Her voice was calm, but threaded with a subtle challenge. She smirked as she boasted, "A valid strategy, but remember, you cannot win by feelings and emotions alone against a rank 10 Dragonite."
Azure's gaze softened slightly as he looked at Kleavor. He remembered their first encounter, a fierce Scyther, the undisputed leader of its swarm in the Sinnoh region. Their battle had been intense, a test of wills and raw power.
He remembered the moment it had accepted him, the evolution into Kleavor, a magnificent force of nature. 169 battles in this very hall, fighting side-by-side, adapting to every type, every strategy.
Azure thought, a wave of affection washing over him, 'We've been through so much, haven't we, Kleavor? From a wild Scyther to a Sinnoh Battle Hall champion in the making. We understand each other better than anyone. I know your limits, and I know your boundless potential.'
He met Argenta's gaze, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He replied proudly, "I know, Argenta. And I believe in Kleavor. It'll win this battle."
Argenta's smile widened, a glint of respect in her eyes. She ordered, "Then let us see. Dragonite, use Steel Wing!"
*WHOOSH*
Dragonite roared, its powerful wings hardening, shimmering with a metallic sheen. It dove, a living missile, aiming for Kleavor's exposed core. The sheer speed generated a powerful gust of wind that rippled through the arena.
Azure ordered, "Kleavor, block with Stone Axe!"
*CLANG*
The impact was tremendous, a metallic shriek that grated on the ears. Kleavor was pushed back several feet, scraping its feet against the polished floor. A visible wince crossed its stone face, and a slight tremor ran through its body. Steel Wing, a super-effective Steel-type move, had landed a heavy blow.
Argenta stated, her voice resonating with pride, "That is the power of a rank 10 Dragonite. It will not fall so easily."
From the stands, Gengar hissed, "Ooh, that looked like it stung! Come on, Kleavor, show some guts!"
Rotom buzzed nervously, "Zzzzt! Super effective! Is Kleavor okay, zzzzt?"
Azure's brow furrowed, but his resolve never wavered. He knew Kleavor was tough, tougher than most. And true to form…
[Kleavor toughed it out so you wouldn't feel sad!]
… after a moment, Kleavor straightened. Its stance was still firm, its axes still poised. Shaking its head with a defiant roar, "KLEAVOR!! (I'm not down… yet!!)"
Argenta's serene expression faltered for a mere instant, a flicker of genuine surprise in her eyes as she muttered, "Remarkable. To weather a super-effective Steel Wing from Dragonite at full power and still be ready to fight…"
Azure barked, seizing the momentum, "Now, Kleavor, Aerial Ace!"
*SLASH*
With renewed vigor, Kleavor charged, moving with a burst of speed. Its body blurred, a whirlwind of stone and muscle, as it slammed into Dragonite. Razor-sharp axes zipped across Dragonite's body in a series of lightning-fast strikes, too quick for the dragon to fully react. Dragonite cried out, forced to back away, flapping its powerful wings to gain altitude, its eyes now narrowed in clear frustration.
The Battle Matron was clearly not one to be easily outmaneuvered. Argenta commanded, her voice sharp with renewed focus, "Dragonite, Ice Beam!"
*SHIIII*
Dragonite, now airborne, opened its mouth, a chilling blue energy coalescing at its maw. The temperature in the arena plummeted perceptibly as a frigid beam of ice shot forth, aimed directly at Kleavor.
Azure, however, merely smirked. This was it.
The surprise tactic he'd been saving.
He countered, "Kleavor, Full Counter!"
In the stands, Rotom zipped with confusion, uttered, "Zzzzt? Full Counter? Is that a move Kleavor knows, zzzzt? I don't see it in his data!"
Gengar, eyes wide, whispered, "Oh, this is going to be good."
Azure's mind raced, a rapid-fire calculation unfolding. He knew Kleavor only knew Light Screen, a defensive move that could reflect Special Attacks. But Argenta didn't need to know that. She wouldn't expect a Bug/Rock type, typically known for its physical prowess, to possess such a technique, let alone use it offensively.
The key was the execution, the mental link between him and Kleavor, the trust forged over countless battles. Kleavor, understanding Azure's nuanced command without a word, prepared itself. Its massive stone axe, still vibrating from the impact of Steel Wing, began to glow with a faint, pulsing psychic energy.
The psychic energy wasn't for attack, but for manipulation, for redirection.
*WHOOSH*
The Ice Beam hurtled towards Kleavor, a deadly spear of arctic cold. Just as it was about to strike, Kleavor swung its psychic-coated axe...
*FWOOMPH*
The Ice Beam didn't hit; it bent. The psychic energy, amplified by Kleavor's sheer will, caught the frigid attack and, with an explosive surge, redirected it!
The blue beam, now much wider and even more ferocious, arced back towards Dragonite with incredible speed. Dragonite, caught completely off guard, could only manage a startled squawk as it was being attacked.
*CRACKLE*
The redirected Ice Beam slammed into its outstretched wing, forming an instant crust of ice. The dragon roared in pain and shock, spiraling downwards, its frozen wing useless, falling to the ground hard…
*THUD*
It hit the ground with a heavy THUD, sliding across the floor, unable to regain its balance. A gasp rippled through the crowd.
Argenta's eyes widened, her serene composure completely shattered for the first time in the battle uttered in shock, "What… what was that technique?"
Azure's voice boomed, full of triumph, "Now, Kleavor! Finish this battle! Stone Axe, maximum power!"
Kleavor, never one to waste an opportunity, let out a mighty roar, "KLEA—VORRR!! (It's time to end this, fellow warrior! THIS IS THE END!!)"
*ZOOOM*
Its powerful legs coiled, and then it launched itself high into the air, soaring above the dazed and partially frozen Dragonite. The stone axes on its arms glowed with an intense, raw power, reflecting the arena lights. It plummeted downwards like a meteor.
*SKREEE*
*CRUUUUNCH*
The finishing blow landed with devastating force, a critical hit that slammed directly into Dragonite's chest. The air shuddered with the impact. Dragonite let out a pained, guttural cry, its eyes clouding over as it slumped motionless to the ground, a thick layer of ice still clinging to its wing.
*THUD*
The silence that followed was deafening, swiftly broken by the announcer's stunned voice, "Dragonite is unable to battle! The winner is Kleavor and Azure Sky!"
The arena erupted. A thunderous roar of applause, cheers, and whistles shook the very foundations of the Battle Hall. Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu cheered wildly, their small voices lost in the din. Rotom zapped excitedly chimed, "Zzzzt! Oh my Arceus, I'm gonna update my database on that, zzzzt! That was incredible!"
Gengar floated down to the edge of the arena, clapping her ghostly hands together, praising them, "Magnificent! A true showman, that one! Didn't even see it coming! Good work there, bug-man!"
Azure rushed to Kleavor, patting its stony shoulder, praising him, "You were incredible, Kleavor! Absolutely incredible!"
Kleavor puffed out its chest, its eyes glinting with pride, a satisfied roar that reverberated through the cheers, "Kleavor!!! (Heh. It was nothing.)"
It had earned its 170th consecutive victory.
Argenta, though defeated, approached them with a look of genuine admiration. Her initial shock had faded, replaced by a quiet respect. She says respectfully, "That technique… 'Full Counter,' you called it? I have observed all 169 of your previous battles, and never once did I see Kleavor employ such a move."
A faint smile returned to her lips as she praised his strength, "To hide such a powerful trick until the very end… You are a truly cunning trainer. And your Kleavor… its strength and resilience are truly outstanding. To adapt Light Screen into such a devastating offensive reflection… truly remarkable."
Azure smirked, Kleavor mirroring his expression with a proud tilt of its head. He replied happily, "We learn a few things along the way."
With a final, gracious nod, Argenta retrieved a gleaming, stylized badge from her pocket – the Hall Print. She handed it to him, her fingers brushing his, congratulating him, "You have earned this, Azure. The Battle Hall Print is yours."
Azure took the print, its polished surface cool against his palm, and with a satisfied click, stored it in his Vs. Recorder alongside his other three. He smiled as he thought, 'Four prints. Just one left to go.'
As Azure, with Kleavor by his side, exited the Battle Hall, the cheers of the residual crowd slowly fading behind him, a familiar, imposing figure met him. Palmer stood there, a wide grin stretching across his face, clapping slowly, rhythmically.
Palmer boomed, his voice carrying easily through the now quieter corridor, "Bravo, Azure! Absolutely bravo! Even Argenta herself, known for her unbreakable composure, was taken by surprise! That 'Full Counter' move of yours… truly inventive."
He approached, his grin softening into a look of genuine impressiveness, adding, "You know, Azure, I knew you were strong from what Thorton and Dahlia told me, but you are much, much stronger than any of us had thought."
Azure smirked, a familiar phrase coming to his lips. He replied, "I get that a lot."
He patted Kleavor's shoulder, the Pokémon nuzzling his hand affectionately. His mind, however, was already racing ahead as he said calmly, "Volkner's recovered, I hear. That means it's time to wrap things up here at the Battle Frontier quickly, collect my eighth Gym Badge, and properly prepare for the Elite Four and the Champion battle ahead."
His gaze sharpened, meeting Palmer's head-on. He stated in a clear tone, "But first, I still have to defeat the strongest Trainer here in the Battle Zone, don't I?"
Palmer's grin widened even further, a spark of competitive fire igniting in his eyes. He replied excitedly in a challenging tone, "Oh, you certainly do, young man! And I can't wait for you to challenge me!"
*CLAP*
He clapped Azure on the back, a powerful but friendly gesture. He said calmly with an eager grin, "But don't think for a moment it'll be easy. I'll be the one to end Azure Sky's Battle Frontier Run!"
With a final, hearty laugh, Palmer turned and strode away, his confident stride echoing down the corridor. Azure's grin mirrored Palmer's. The challenge was set. His next stop was the Battle Tower, the pinnacle of the Battle Frontier.
He looked down at Kleavor, who nudged his hand once more as he said calmly, "You've earned a good rest, buddy. We both have."
He took out his Arc Phone. Rotom zipping out playfully chimed, "Zzzzt! We should celebrate those 170 wins, zzzzt! Maybe some Poffins later?"
Gengar floated up, a pleased look on her face. Gengar asked cheerfully, "Indeed! You fought splendidly, Boss. Now for some well-deserved rest. Then tomorrow, the Battle Tower."
Azure nodded, a deep sense of satisfaction warming him, and agreed, "Exactly. A quick rest for the day. Tomorrow, the Battle Tower awaits."
The journey ahead was clear, and Azure was more than ready for it. But he couldn't help but ponder curiously, 'I wonder who I get to face against Palmer. And which Pokémon should I choose for this final round…'
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!
And also, for those who read the sample, should I begin in the past or close to the beginning of Ash's Journey?