Chapter 560: Vs. Tower Tycoon Palmer (2)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Battle Zone – Battle Tower]
Azure's internal monologue was a flurry of calculations. He'd faced Palmer, as he was unlike the other Frontier challenges. Palmer knew his style, knew his power, but managed to overcome them.
His Gallade had done admirably, managing to take down Palmer's Regigigas with a last-gasp Destiny Bond before succumbing to its raw power. Not only that, but Gallade also took down his partner Dragonite, leaving Azure with two Pokémon remaining and Palmer with one. Now, the moment of truth.
Azure called, his voice clear and firm, "Lucario, stand by for battle!"
*POP*
A flash of light erupted from a Poké Ball, and with a powerful roar, Lucario landed gracefully on the field, his blue-black fur shimmering, his red eyes blazing with intense aura. The [Lucarionite Z] pulsed faintly on his wrist, a hidden promise of power.
Across the field, Palmer's confident smile remained, but a hint of seriousness entered his eyes as he declared, "A powerful choice, Azure! But I believe I have the perfect counter! Cresselia, it's your time to shine!"
*POP*
Another Poké Ball opened, and with a soft, ethereal glow, Cresselia materialized. The Lunar Pokémon, with its crescent moon-shaped body and flowing, dream-like aura, hovered serenely above the battlefield.
A gentle chime seemed to accompany its presence, a stark contrast to Lucario's aggressive stance and wariness. The [Leftovers] held by Cresselia were a clear sign of Palmer's strategy: endurance.
Azure commanded, his hand sweeping forward, "Alright, Lucario! Let's start this off with Agile Style Shadow Claw!"
*Whooosh*
The Aura Pokémon moved with astonishing speed, a blur of motion, "Lucario! (On it!)"
His paw glowed with dark energy, twisting and turning as he closed the distance. Palmer's eyes narrowed slightly. He swiftly countered calmly, "Cresselia, dodge and lash out with Zen Headbutt!"
*WHOOSH*
Cresselia, despite its graceful appearance, reacted instantly. With a faint shimmer, it glided sideways, barely avoiding Lucario's claw. The air where Lucario's attack had aimed rippled. Without missing a beat, Cresselia dipped, its forehead glowing with psychic energy, and surged forward…
*BONG*
The Zen Headbutt landed squarely on Lucario's chest. Lucario grunted, stumbling back a step, the psychic force rippling through him.
Pichu (Mew) squeaked from the stands, worried, "Pika! (Lucario!)"
Eevee let out a distressed cry, "Vui! (Hang in there!)"
Gengar's voice echoed in the stands, assuring them, "Don't worry, he's tough! That's just a warm-up!"
Palmer pressed his advantage, "Now, Future Sight!"
*SHIII*
Cresselia's eyes glowed, and a faint, shimmering image of a future impact flickered above Lucario for a split second before vanishing. It was a ticking time bomb, a delayed but inevitable attack.
Lucario, shaking off the damage, focused, "Rio! (I won't go down that easily!)"
Azure's voice cut through the air, "Don't let up, Lucario! Blaze Kick!"
*SWISH-KICK*
Lucario's right leg ignited with fierce orange flames as he spun, a swift, powerful kick aimed at Cresselia's ethereal form. Cresselia, still maintaining its distance, used its psychic powers to create a barrier, absorbing part of the blow.
*SMACK*
The attack landed, but the psychic shield diffused some of the heat. Still, the Lunar Pokémon shimmered, taking visible damage, "Cresss! (Ohmp!)"
Palmer countered quickly, "Psybeam!"
*ZAP—ZAP—ZAP*
A vibrant, multi-colored beam of psychic energy shot from Cresselia's forehead, spiraling towards Lucario. But Azure quickly ordered, "Detect, Lucario!"
*WHOOOSH*
Lucario's senses sharpened. His eyes glowed, and he shifted his body, a mere twitch, at the precise moment the Psybeam would have hit. It sailed harmlessly past, momentarily illuminating the arena behind it.
Azure praised, a small smile forming, "Excellent evasion! Now, Extreme Speed!"
*Whoooosh*
Lucario vanished, reappearing almost instantly in front of Cresselia, an azure blue streak across the arena!
Palmer roared, urgent now, "Moonblast!"
*FWOOSH*
Cresselia gathered lunar energy, firing a large, pink orb of power. But Lucario was too fast. He ducked, weaving under the Moonblast, the powerful explosion narrowly missing him. He was already within striking distance.
Azure commanded, "Mind Reader, then Flash Cannon!"
Lucario's eyes glowed, subtly predicting Cresselia's next move. His paws then crackled with metallic energy.
*CLANG—THWACK*
A powerful beam of steel-type energy erupted, striking Cresselia head-on. The Lunar Pokémon recoiled, a pained cry escaping its ethereal form. Its glow flickered, showing clear damage. Palmer frowned, seeing the damage, "Cresselia! Another Moonblast!"
*FWOOSH*
Cresselia, recovering quickly, fired another luminous orb. But Azure instructed, "Jump! Use your aura to rise, then!"
*BOING*
Lucario sprang into the air, a faint blue aura surrounding him, allowing him to ascend higher, easily clearing the Moonblast. He hung suspended for a moment, an ethereal warrior. Palmer's voice boomed, "Now, Cresselia, Psychic!"
*WHOOOOM*
Cresselia's entire body glowed, and a wave of raw psychic power surged upwards towards Lucario. But Azure countered, "Aura shield, Lucario!"
*SHHHIIING*
Lucario's blue aura intensified, forming a shimmering, opaque barrier. The psychic wave crashed against it, creating ripples of force that distorted the air.
Lucario held firm with a grin. Azure grinned as well, commanding, "Now! A flurry of Agile Style Shadow Claws!"
*SWISH-SWISH-SWISH*
*THWUMP-THWUMP-THWUMP*
Breaking through the psychic ward, Lucario descended, a whirlwind of dark energy. He unleashed a rapid succession of strikes, each claw connecting with Cresselia, pushing it back across the arena.
Rotom buzzed, impressed, "Incredible speed!"
Gengar cheered, clasping her shadowy hands, "That's our Lucario! Clearly Arceus third favorite right after Pikachu and Charizard!"
Palmer grits his teeth. He ordered, "Shadow Ball!"
*WHOOSH*
Cresselia, regaining its footing, conjured a sphere of dark energy and launched it at Lucario. But Azure called, "Detect, again!"
*SWISH*
Lucario reacted instantly, a blur of motion as he sidestepped the incoming attack. He read the aura; he dodged the blow.
Azure ordered, "Strong Style Bullet Punch!"
*BAM*
Lucario's fist glowed with steel energy, his form hardening, and he flew towards Cresselia with devastating force. The powerful punch connected, sending Cresselia reeling backwards, its body momentarily losing stability. But then, its Levitate ability kicked in, allowing it to regain control, though still visibly shaken.
Azure mentally mused on how much punishment Cresselia was taking. Its Leftovers were certainly helping, but Lucario was delivering powerful blows. This was a true Frontier Brain-level Pokémon.
Azure ordered, "Quick Attack, Lucario!"
*WHOOSH*
Lucario darted forward again, a streak of light. But Palmer followed Lucario's speed as he thought, 'This is one tough Aura Pokémon.'
Palmer bellowed, "Zen Headbutt, Cresselia!"
*CLANG*
Cresselia met the charge head-on, its forehead glowing. The two Pokémon collided, a burst of energy marking the impact. Lucario was knocked back, sliding across the ground. Palmer ordered, "Psychic, follow up!"
But Lucario was already moving. Azure ordered, "Detect!"
*Whooosh*
He blurred, evading the looming Psychic attack.
Azure commanded, rallying, "Shadow Claw!"
Palmer's retort was just as swift, "Moonblast!"
*SWISH—FWOOSH*
Both Pokémon charged, their attacks glowing brightly. They met in the center of the arena, a double impact.
*CRACK—BOOM*
Smoke billowed, momentarily obscuring them. Both Pokémon were sent skidding back, panting heavily...
*Whooosh*
As the smoke cleared, they stood in a visible standoff, both showing heavy damage. Cresselia's glow was considerably dimmer, while Lucario leaned slightly, his chest heaving.
Palmer observed, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "They're both critically injured!"
Azure yelled, his voice strained with anticipation, "Lucario, Bullet Punch! Let's end this!"
Palmer's command was urgent, desperate, "Cresselia, Lunar Dance!"
*Zooom*
Lucario lunged, his fist glowing, ready to strike. But then, the air above Lucario shimmered, alerting Azure and Lucario.
*WHOOSH-WHOOSH*
The Future Sight that Cresselia had set up earlier finally materialized, glowing ominously. Azure shouted, his eyes widening in alarm, "Detect, Lucario! Retreat!"
*Wooosh—BOOM*
Lucario, with incredible speed and instinct, used Detect, vanishing from the spot just as the Future Sight slammed into the ground. The explosion rocked the arena, forcing Lucario to retreat safely, but it bought Cresselia the crucial time it needed.
*FLASH*
As Lucario rematerialized, he watched, stunned, as Cresselia began to glow with an intense, otherworldly light. The Lunar Dance completed, her body growing ever brighter, then, with a final, radiant flash, Cresselia dissolved into pure energy, fainting from exhaustion, but leaving behind a potent wave of restorative power.
The referee declared, "Cresselia is unable to battle!"
Azure frowned, the pressure of the moment sinking in. Cresselia had used Lunar Dance, sacrificing itself to fully restore Palmer's next Pokémon. And he knew exactly which one it would be.
Palmer boomed, his smile back in full force, a triumphant glint in his eyes, "Well done, Cresselia! Now, Regigigas, return to the field!"
*POP—THUD*
From its Poké Ball, a colossal presence materialized. Regigigas, the Colossal Pokémon, now fully refreshed as if the battle had never touched it, stomped onto the field with a loud THUD. Its enormous frame exuded raw, ancient power, its eyes glowing with renewed intensity. The [Life Orb] it held pulsed with dark energy, a clear indicator of its enhanced attack power.
Pikachu gasped, recognizing the behemoth, " Pika Pika! (OH NO!!)"
Eevee whimpered, "Eevoi?! (He's back to full strength!)"
Rotom buzzed, its screen flickering with analysis, "That's a tricky move, using Lunar Dance with Regigigas!"
Gengar floated closer to Azure as he said in concern, "Boss, this is bad. He's a tank already, now he's fully healed AND has a [Life Orb]!"
Azure nodded, his face grim but resolute. He knew the challenge. He said calmly, his voice calm, "Lucario, this is it. We're going all out."
He raised his left hand, where his Omni Ring shimmered as he declared, "Omni Ring, respond to my will! Mega Evolve full power!"
Palmer's eyes widened seeing this as he thought, stunned, 'He can Mega Evolve again?! This might be actual trouble!'
*FLASH*
A brilliant flash of light enveloped Lucario. His form began to shift and grow, his fur bristling, and his aura-sensing appendages becoming more prominent. The Lucarionite Z on his wrist glowed with dazzling intensity, merging with his very being. The transformation was swift and awe-inspiring, culminating in a powerful roar, "RRROOOOOAAAAARRR! (BE PREPARED FOR OUR BATTLE SHALL BE LEGENDARY!!)"
Mega Lucario Z stood on the field, radiating an aura far more potent than before, his frame slightly larger, his aura channels blazing with sapphire light. Palmer's excitement surged, "Mega Evolution again! You can do it twice!! Magnificent! But even that won't stop the colossus! Regigigas, Block!"
*THUD-WHOOOM*
Regigigas lumbered forward, its massive hand slamming into the ground, creating an invisible force field around Mega Lucario Z, trapping him in place. Azure's eyes narrowed at the scene before him. Palmer was playing smart, not letting Lucario capitalize on its immediate power surge.
Azure muttered to himself, "He's going to wait out Slow Start!"
The ability Slow Start drastically reduced Regigigas's speed and attack for the first five turns. Being blocked meant Lucario couldn't attack freely, effectively wasting those critical turns as he was stuck in place.
Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu watched with bated breath, their small forms trembling slightly. Azure's face was a mask of intense concentration, his mind racing, but he knew he couldn't break the Block. He had to wait.
The seconds stretched into an eternity. Regigigas stood stoically, its power slowly returning. With each passing moment, Azure felt the weight of the ticking clock as he thought, 'Five turns… five precious turns.'
Finally, a deep rumbling sound emanated from Regigigas. Its eyes flared, and the aura around it intensified, palpable. Slow Start had ended. Regigigas was now at full, terrifying power. Palmer roared, his voice echoing with renewed vigor, "Now, Regigigas! Unleash your full power! Mega Punch!"
*BWWOOOM*
The colossal Pokémon swung its massive fist, a devastating blow aimed directly at Mega Lucario Z. The force of the punch was immense, creating a miniature sonic boom. The Block shattered, releasing Lucario.
Azure instantly commanded, "Aura Sphere, Lucario!"
*FWOOSH*
Mega Lucario Z, despite the lingering disorientation from the Block, quickly gathered energy, firing a potent sphere of aura. He then attempted to leap away from the incoming Mega Punch, but the sheer force of the blow, even as it missed, created fierce winds that buffeted him, forcing him sideways and disorienting his aim.
*Hisssss*
The Mega Punch itself became a wall of wind, smothering the Aura Sphere just as it reached Regigigas, dissolving it harmlessly. Gengar exclaimed, aghast, "He just brushed it off! That's not good!"
Rotom buzzed, "Regigigas is unbelievably strong!"
Refusing to give in, Azure clenched his fist.
He commanded fiercely, "Lucario, Power-Up Punch!"
Mega Lucario Z, still dazed but incredibly resilient, roared and charged, his glowing fist aimed at Regigigas's torso. Palmer's voice boomed, matching Azure's intensity, "Mega Punch, Regigigas, again!"
*BWWOOOM*
Regigigas responded, its giant fist tearing through the air. But Azure was prepared for it, ordering, "Over it!"
*THWACK—THWACK—THWACK*
With incredible agility for its size, Mega Lucario Z leaped, clearing the colossal fist by mere inches. He landed on Regigigas's shoulder, and then, a flurry of powerful, super-effective punches rained down on the Colossal Pokémon. The Power-Up Punch, already strong, landed critical hit after critical hit, dealing immense damage!
With each hit that Mega Lucario Z landed against his foe, it would gain +1 Attack stat as it used this chance to fully MAX out its attack stat. Regigigas staggered, a deep groan reverberating from its core…
*CRASH*
The titan collapsed onto the ground from the attacks, shaking the entire arena. Dust billowed, obscuring the view.
Azure pumped his fist, hope surging, "Yes! Critical hits!"
Pikachu cheered, tiny sparks flying, "Pika Pika! (Did he get him?)"
*RMBL*
But then, to everyone's shock, especially Azure's, the dust began to settle, and Regigigas slowly, inexorably, began to stir. With a mighty struggle, it pushed itself back onto its feet, seemingly unfazed by the incredibly powerful barrage.
Rotom zipped around, its screen showing critical damage indicators but no signs of fainting, "Unbelievable!"
Gengar whispered, a rare note of genuine fear in her voice, "It just... got back up! What the actual fuck?!"
Palmer's excitement was palpable, his grin wide, "Magnificent! Truly magnificent, Azure! That's the spirit! Regigigas, one more Mega Punch!"
*BWWOOOM*
The Colossal Pokémon raised its fist, energy crackling around it. The air itself seemed to compress. Azure yelled, his voice strained, "No, not again! Lucario, gather all your aura! Giant Aura Sphere!"
*WWWOOOOOOOOSH*
Mega Lucario Z, pushing past his exhaustion, stood his ground. He drew every ounce of his aura, channeling it into a single, massive sphere of energy. The Aura Sphere grew larger, shimmering with intense blue light, until it pulsed like a small sun.
*CLASH*
The two titans' attacks met in the center of the arena. Mega Punch, a force of raw physical power, slammed into the Giant Aura Sphere, a concentrated blast of spiritual energy. For a moment, they were perfectly balanced, a tug-of-war between two immense forces.
Azure roared, pouring his own will into the attack, "Push! Lucario, push through!"
Mega Lucario Z bellowed, his muscles bulging, pushing with all his might. The Giant Aura Sphere began to churn, its blue light intensifying, slowly, inexorably, pushing back against the Mega Punch.
Palmer gasped in disbelief, a look of genuine shock spreading across his face, "It's breaking through!"
*KABOOM*
With a final, explosive burst, the Giant Aura Sphere broke through Regigigas's Mega Punch, scoring a direct hit on the Colossal Pokémon's chest. The impact was deafening, a blinding flash that momentarily swallowed the arena.
*FLASH*
Regigigas roared in pain, its massive body reeling. It crashed to the ground once more, shaking the entire Battle Tower. The dust cloud was thicker this time, lingering longer.
Azure panted, watching with bated breath as he thought cautiously, 'This had to be enough. It can't just keep coming back up—'
*RMBL*
But then, incredibly, a faint shimmer of light, a movement within the dust... Regigigas was stirring again. Slowly, agonizingly, it began to push itself up.
Palmer's face was alight with pure, unadulterated joy as he exclaimed, "Yes! Yes! This is what I've longed for! A battle of this intensity! Regigigas, Earthquake!"
*THHHUUUMMMPPP*
The Colossal Pokémon, now fully upright, stomped its foot with incredible force. The ground buckled and cracked, sending shockwaves throughout the arena.
Pillars of earth erupted!
Azure countered, his voice raw, "Aura Storm, Lucario! Leap up!"
*WHOOOSH*
Mega Lucario Z, his body aching, pushed himself into the air, a final burst of aura allowing him to soar above the chaotic tremors. He gathered his remaining aura, channeling it into his core. With a mighty roar, he unleashed a massive, swirling beam of energy downwards, "RRRROOOOAAARRR! (TODAY YOU SHALL FALL!!!)"
*WHOOOOM*
The Aura Storm, a vortex of spiritual power, slammed into Regigigas, triggering a colossal explosion that engulfed both Pokémon!
*VVVVRROOOOMMM-KABOOM*
The arena was momentarily plunged into chaos, a maelstrom of dust, light, and raw power. When the smoke finally cleared, both Pokémon were still standing, barely. Mega Lucario Z was panting heavily, his aura flickering weakly, his body undeniably at its limit.
Regigigas, too, showed signs of incredible wear, its massive frame scarred, its movements sluggish. Palmer's excitement was peaking, his voice hoarse, "This is it, Azure! This is the peak of Frontier battles!"
Regigigas, its arm pointing vaguely towards Lucario, suddenly slumped. Its eyes closed, and its massive body went completely still.
Azure frowned, then his eyes widened in horror as the realization set in, exclaiming in disbelief, "No! It used Rest!"
He was too late. Regigigas, the cunning behemoth, had used its powerful recovery move, sacrificing a turn of activity to regain all its health. It lay there, seemingly asleep, but its HP bar would be full.
Azure screamed, desperate, "Drain Punch, Lucario! Now!"
*WHOOSH*
Mega Lucario Z, despite his extreme fatigue, mustered his last reserves and raced towards the slumbering giant, his fist glowing, ready to land a super-effective, health-draining blow. He tried to land one more hit.
But as he closed the distance, Regigigas's eyelids snapped open. Its eyes, now burning with freshly recovered energy, locked onto Lucario. Before the Aura Pokémon could even land its punch, Regigigas let out a guttural roar, "REGI—HA!!!"
Palmer commanded loudly, "GIGA IMPACT!"
*KRRRRRRSSSHH*
A blinding, destructive aura enveloped Regigigas. Its massive body surged forward, becoming a living projectile. The force of the Giga Impact was absolute, overwhelming. It slammed into Mega Lucario Z with catastrophic power.
Azure cried out in anguish, "LUCARIOOOOOO!"
*Thud*
The impact sent Mega Lucario Z flying backwards, crashing against the arena wall with a sickening thud. The Mega Evolution shimmered, then vanished, leaving a badly injured, unconscious Lucario.
The referee declared, "Lucario is unable to battle!"
Azure stood there, stunned. His most powerful Pokémon, Mega Lucario Z, had fallen. His breath hitched. He had only one Pokémon left…
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!