Chapter 561: Vs. Tower Tycoon Palmer (3)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Battle Zone – Battle Tower]
Azure's eyes widened. Lucario, a powerhouse, was defeated in a single, brutal attack. He grits his teeth, recalling his fallen partner.
Azure raised Lucario's Poké Ball calmly, saying to his fallen comrade, "You did incredibly well, Lucario. Get some rest."
Now, only one Pokémon remained. The final stand. Azure held up his last Poké Ball. His gaze met his Infernape's Poké Ball, a silent conversation passing between them. A slow, determined grin spread across his face.
Azure declared, his voice ringing with a renewed, fierce battle spirit, "Alright, Infernape, you're the last one. It's all on you now! Show them the true meaning of indomitable flame! Infernape, stand by for battle!"
*FWOOSH*
*THUD*
A burst of crimson and orange light, and Infernape, the Flame Pokémon, landed with a powerful thud. Its fiery crest blazed, and its eyes, usually playful, now burned with intense resolve. The [Expert Belt] around its waist seemed to thrum with contained power. Its knuckles were already alight with a low, infernal glow.
This was it. The final battle.
With Infernape's arrival, the temperature in the arena seemed to noticeably rise.
Gengar cackled, rubbing its shadowy hands together, "Gengar! Gengar-gar! Time to bring the heat!"
Rotom buzzed, cheering for the Flame Pokémon, "Infernape deployed! Battle analysis: Infernape vs. Regigigas. Type disadvantage for Regigigas, but it holds [Life Orb], Infernape holds [Expert Belt]. Let the clash of titans commence!"
Regigigas, momentarily stunned by the raw power of its own Giga Impact, was now in its recharge state, its massive form momentarily immobile.
This was Azure's chance.
Azure barked, seizing the opening, "Infernape, Taunt!"
Infernape moved like a streak of fire, its movements fluid and swift. It unleashed a flurry of mocking gestures, a primal war dance, its fiery crest flaring brighter. The Taunt struck home, a psychological blow that irked the ancient Legendary, ensuring it couldn't use a defensive move like Block to halt the ensuing assault, though it would still be free to move next turn.
Azure declared, his voice echoing with conviction, his gaze locked onto Palmer, "I am the one who is going to win this battle!"
Azure commanded, "Infernape, Will-O-Wisp!"
*WHOOSH—HISSS*
Infernape roared, a torrent of ghostly, blue-green flames erupting from its mouth. The swirling inferno shot towards Regigigas, impacting its immense body with a WHOOSH! Regigigas rumbled, enduring the attack with surprising ease, but the insidious flames flickered around its torso, and a faint, orange sizzle sound could be heard. Its Physical Attack was now halved, a crucial blow.
Palmer's eyes narrowed as he countered, "Clever. But Regigigas is more resilient than you think. Mega Punch!"
*THWOOM*
Regigigas, no longer in its recharge state, lumbered forward, its massive fist glowing with pure Normal-type energy. It swung with incredible force.
Azure commanded, his voice unwavering, "Counter with Strong Style Fire Punch!"
*FWOOSH-BAM*
Infernape met the attack head-on, its fiery fist blazing with intense heat, muscles bulging with inner power. The two colossal forces collided in a spectacular explosion of fire and pure physical energy…
*BOOOM*
A shockwave rippled through the arena, kicking up dust and making the ground tremble. The forces neutralized each other, a stalemate in sheer power.
Azure followed up, "Flamethrower, Infernape!"
*ROOOOOSH*
Infernape unleashed a searing torrent of fire. The flames roared towards Regigigas, a river of molten heat.
Palmer remained calm. He countered in a calm voice, tracking the battle's momentum, "Regigigas, use the battlefield! Shield it!"
*CRACK*
With surprising agility, Regigigas slammed its massive fists into the ground. Huge slabs of rock and earth tore themselves free, rising like an improvised wall, absorbing the brunt of Infernape's Flamethrower. The flames licked harmlessly against the stone, unable to penetrate.
Palmer retaliated, "Focus Blast!"
*FWOOOM*
Regigigas gathered dark, swirling energy, then unleashed a volatile sphere of pure fighting-type power. The Focus Blast rocketed towards Infernape, radiating immense destructive potential.
But Azure countered, "Detect, Infernape!"
*WHOOSH—BOOOM*
Infernape's eyes glowed, its body blurring into an afterimage as it deftly sidestepped the attack. The Focus Blast slammed into the ground where Infernape had just been, exploding with a deafening explosion, leaving a gaping crater.
Azure roared, "Now, Iron Tail!"
Infernape's tail glowed metallic, hardening into a formidable weapon. It leaped, spinning through the air, aiming a powerful, steel-hard strike at Regigigas's head.
Palmer shouted, ready for a counter, "Regigigas, Tera Blast!"
*ZZZZZZZAAP*
Regigigas channeled immense energy, its body briefly shimmering. It unleashed a concentrated beam of pure force. The Tera Blast intercepted Infernape's Iron Tail mid-arc. The sheer power of the blow wasn't just defensive; it was destructive.
*KRAK-THOOM*
The impact ripped through the air, not only neutralizing Infernape's Iron Tail but also sending a wave of concussive force that tore through one half of the entire battlefield, reducing the terrain to rubble and dust.
Gengar exclaimed, impressed, "Gengar-gar! That's some serious firepower!"
Rotom buzzed frantically in a frantic tone, "Warning! Structural integrity of the arena compromised! Regigigas's power output was detected as extreme. Environmental damage calculation: 48% of the arena floor is now unstable!"
Azure's poker face remained intact, though his mind raced with worry, 'This Regigigas is a force of nature. Gotta beat it fast!'
Azure ordered, "Strong Style Flamethrower!"
*ROOOOOOOSH*
Infernape, undeterred, unleashed another concentrated, powerful stream of fire. But Palmer remained calm, countering, "Mega Punch!"
*FWOOSH-SMASH*
Regigigas met the fire with another glowing fist...
This time, the sheer force of its punch created a powerful gale, a wind tunnel that channeled the air, snuffing out Infernape's flames mid-flight. The two Pokémon, a dance of power, then exchanged a blur of rapid-fire physical attacks.
Infernape, with its blazing speed, launched a flurry of Mach Punches. Regigigas, responding with incredible speed for its size, countered with powerful physical blows that felt like Thunder Punches in their impact, crackling with raw force.
*THWAP-THWAP-THWAP*
*ROOSHED*
Each landed a hit, the impacts sounding like drumbeats, making both Pokémon wince. Then, Infernape found an opening, and another Flamethrower finally landed squarely on Regigigas's massive form, the Legendary grunting from the direct hit.
Palmer called out, attempting to capitalize on the momentary stun, "Now, Regigigas! Focus Punch!"
Regigigas began to charge a devastating blow, its massive fist glowing with immense energy. Azure swiftly countered, "Infernape, Grass Knot!"
*THUD*
Infernape slammed its foot onto the ground, causing vines of energy to erupt from beneath Regigigas. The unsuspecting giant stumbled, its massive weight causing it to trip and fall with a thunderous crash, disrupting its Focus Punch.
Azure commanded swiftly, "Now! Strong Style Aura Sphere!"
*FWOOSH-BAM*
Infernape gathered a potent sphere of blue aura, its fiery crest flaring. It launched the condensed energy at the downed Regigigas with incredible force. The Aura Sphere struck true, exploding against the Colossal Pokémon.
Palmer roared, refusing to give up, "Regigigas, Block!"
*WHOOSH*
Despite the hit, Regigigas, showing incredible resilience, managed to pull itself up. A field of invisible, unyielding force erupted around it, immediately dispelling the effects of Taunt and freezing Infernape in place. Infernape struggled, but the force was absolute, immobilizing it.
Palmer grinned, ordering, "Now, Rock Tomb!"
*CRACK-CRACK-CRACK*
Regigigas stomped its foot. Pillars of jagged stone erupted from the ground around Infernape, forming a claustrophobic cage, trapping the Fire-type Pokémon.
Gengar cried out, its playful tone replaced by concern, "Oh! No!"
Rotom buzzed, its lights dimming slightly in a worried tone, "Infernape immobilized! Vulnerable!"
Palmer, seizing the strategic advantage, commanded, "Regigigas, Rest!"
*Zzzzzz*
With Infernape trapped, Regigigas lowered itself to the ground. A soft, green glow enveloped its body as it entered a deep sleep. The burn marks faded, its stamina visibly replenished. Palmer had just bought his ace a full recovery.
Azure, however, remained calm. His eyes twinkled with a plan as he commanded, "Infernape, Slack Off!"
A moment of intense concentration passed over Infernape's face. Despite being trapped, a faint, restorative green aura pulsed around it. The impossible happened: Infernape, through sheer will and Azure's unique command, began to recover its health and stamina, the exhaustion visibly retreating from its fiery form by 50%.
This wasn't a move it canonically learned, but in this world, under this trainer, the boundaries of possibility bent. Palmer clicked his tongue, thought, 'Tch. Looks like he won't go down that easily.'
Azure commanded, "Now, Flame Wheel! Break free!"
*ROOOOSH-CRACKLE*
Infernape roared, its entire body erupting in a fiery wheel. It spun with incredible force, slamming into the rock pillars.
*CRASH-SMASH-RUMBLE*
The pillars shattered, sending debris flying as Infernape burst free, racing towards the still-sleeping Regigigas. But Regigigas was not truly asleep. Its eyes snapped open, ancient intelligence burning within.
It had anticipated this.
Palmer's command sliced through the air, "Hyper Beam!"
*FWOOOOSH*
Regigigas opened its mouth, a massive, swirling mass of pure energy forming. The Hyper Beam erupted as a blinding white-hot torrent, aimed directly at the charging Infernape, intending to blast him.
*BOING*
Infernape, with a powerful leap, launched itself into the air, narrowly avoiding the devastating blast. The Hyper Beam tore through the ground where it had been, igniting the earth and leaving a smoking trench. As Infernape soared, its Flame Wheel dissipated, and it unleashed another surprise attack.
Azure declared, his voice cutting through the smoke, "Will-O-Wisp, again!"
*Sizzle*
A ghostly blue-green flame arced through the air, finding its mark once more on Regigigas. The ancient Legendary rumbled, visibly annoyed, as the insidious burn effect reappeared, halving its Physical Attack once again.
Palmer growled, frustration beginning to etch his features, "Regigigas! End this with a Mega Punch!"
*THWOOOOOOM*
*CRITICAL-HIT*
Regigigas, furious, brought its massive fist down with incredible speed. The blow connected squarely with Infernape, sending the airborne Fire-type Pokémon bouncing violently across the battlefield.
*THUD-THUD-THUD*
Infernape crashed down hard, skidding across the demolished arena floor, a pained cry escaping its lips. It lay there, unmoving amidst the rubble, seemingly unable to battle. A hush fell over the arena.
Palmer, feeling the weight of the moment, began to raise his hand, preparing to declare the match over, "Infernape is –"
But Regigigas interrupted him, "Regi-gigas… (Hold on…)"
The colossal Pokémon, still burning, slowly lowered its gaze to Infernape's still form. A low hum emanated from it, an ancient, knowing sound. It knew. It felt the faint spark that refused to be extinguished.
Palmer paused, looking at his Regigigas, then back at Infernape. A flicker of surprise, then respect, crossed his face. He watched as Infernape's body twitched, a faint, almost imperceptible tremor.
Palmer murmured, his voice softening, "Infernape… don't give up."
It wasn't a command, but an almost paternal plea. His concern was genuine, a testament to the intensity of the battle and the respect he held for his opponent, as he said calmly, "You've done enough. You should be proud of having come this far. But… this is the end. Your health…"
*Hissss*
Just then, a faint red glow pulsed around Infernape. Its eyes, which had been glazed over, snapped open. The fire in its crest flared, small at first, then growing, burning with a renewed, furious intensity.
Azure cried out, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. His grin returned, wider, more predatory, "Infernape! Sorry, Palmer, you might think this is the end, but you're wrong! This battle isn't over yet!"
*KRA—BOOOOOM*
Infernape, with a guttural growl that contained both pain and unwavering defiance, slowly, painfully, pushed itself up. Its limbs shook, its body screaming in protest, but its eyes, blazing with an internal inferno, never wavered.
As it staggered to its feet, the red glow intensified, engulfing its entire form in a fiery aura. Its fiery crest erupted into a towering column of crimson flame, its fur shimmering with latent, explosive power.
Gengar shrieked, its shadowy form practically vibrating with excitement, "Thank you, Deus-Machina! Blaze EX!"
Rotom buzzed frantically, its screen flashing red in astonishment, "Ability activation! Blaze EX! Power surge detected! Energy output… astonishing! This isn't a standard Blaze ability! The readings are… unnaturally high!"
Azure's grin widened into a triumphant, almost feral smile. This was it. The true, unbridled power of his Infernape.
The legendary anime Infernape, the one that burned with a power that transcended game mechanics, a beast of untamed fire. Ash might have nurtured one, but Azure's Infernape, forged in the fires of a journey across worlds, was now ready to unleash its full, terrifying might.
Infernape threw its head back and let out a primal roar that shook the very foundations of the Battle Tower, sending shockwaves of heat through the air, "IN-FERNAAAAPEEEE!!! (I'M NOT DOWN YET!!!)"
*FWOOOSH*
The flames around it pulsed, hotter, brighter, devouring the very oxygen in the arena. Palmer's eyes widened, a rare look of genuine surprise on his face as he uttered, "Such… such power! It's beyond a normal Blaze ability!"
Azure bellowed, pouring every ounce of his will into the command, "Strong Style Flamethrower!"
*FWOOOOOOOOOOSH*
Infernape unleashed a torrent of fire unlike anything seen before. It wasn't merely a stream; it was a super-powerful, condensed blast, a vortex of white-hot, furious flames, incandescent and overwhelming. The air around it shimmered and warped from the immense heat.
Palmer urged, a hint of desperation in his voice, and commanded, "Regigigas, Tera Blast! Hold it back!"
Regigigas, despite its burn, mustered all its strength, firing off another Tera Blast. The beam of pure energy slammed into the infernal vortex, struggling to push back. But the sheer power of Infernape's amplified Flamethrower was too immense.
*CRACKLE-SCREEECH*
The Tera Blast was consumed, overridden, and overwhelmed. The superheated flames tore through the defensive attack and slammed into Regigigas!
*BOOOOOOM*
The colossal Pokémon staggered back, groaning under the unprecedented assault, much to Palmer's utter astonishment, 'What! He pushed it back and won?!'
Azure followed up proudly, ordering, "Now, Fire Punch!"
*BAM-CRACK*
Infernape, a blur of crimson, lunged forward, its fist blazing with the fury of a supernova. The Fire Punch connected with a deafening crack, sending the massive Regigigas, a Pokémon that weighed nearly a ton, flying backward across the arena, slamming into the wall with a resounding THWUMMM!
*THWUMMM*
His mind raced, struggling to reconcile the raw power he was witnessing with what he knew of Pokémon abilities. Palmer stared, dumbfounded, as he muttered in disbelief, "Unnatural… to push a Legendary this far with a simple Blaze Ability… this is beyond comprehension!"
Then, a flicker of red energy emanated from Regigigas's form. The ancient Colossal Pokémon, battered and burned, let out a deep, resonant rumble, "RE—GIGI—GASSSS!!! (FINALLY, A WORTHY OPPONENT HAS APPEARED!!!)"
*THUD*
Regigigas stood once more, causing the ground to shake. Its multi-faceted eyes glowed with a renewed, fierce defiance. It, too, was now pushing past its limits.
Gengar shrieked, pointing with a shadowy claw, "Hah! Palmer's Regigigas! It's activating its own Deus-Machina!"
Rotom confirms in a frightened tone, "Energy levels stabilizing at an equilibrium! Both Pokémon are now operating in a heightened state of power! The battle between the two has intensified to unbelievable levels!"
The arena vibrated. The air crackled.
The battle between the two behemoths, one ancient and legendary golem that created Regions, the other a fiery, defiant champion, intensified to unbelievable levels. Regigigas, though still burned, was no longer merely suppressed by Infernape's flames; it met them with its own surging power.
Regigigas let out a roar, attempting a Mega Punch, its fist blazing with power, "RE—GIGI—GASSSS!!!"
But Infernape, with a triumphant cry, met it with a Fire Punch, "INFERNAPE!!! (TRY AND TAKE THIS!!!)"
*BOOM-CRASH*
The clashing blows created shockwaves that visibly rippled through the air, pushing both Pokémon back with each thunderous impact!
*THUM-THWACK-BOOM*
Another exchange, a flurry of Mega Punches and Fire Punches, a maelstrom of raw strength and incandescent heat. Azure and Palmer felt the physical shockwaves, the intense heat, the very ground shaking beneath their feet.
Mentally, Palmer was doing calculations, his analytical mind working furiously. Infernape's fire-type moves, he estimated, were increased in power by a staggering 100%. This was too abnormal for a normal Blaze Ability, which typically offered a 50% increase.
This wasn't just a battle; it was an evolution of power. His thoughts were cut short as Regigigas was tossed against the arena wall once more by a devastating Strong Style Fire Punch from Infernape.
*THWUMM—BOOOM*
The impact rattled the entire structure. Palmer realized, with a jolt, that he had to end this immediately, or he would truly lose.
Both Pokémon were now at their absolute limits, their bodies glowing with residual energy, breathing heavily, but their eyes burning with an unyielding will. This was it. The grand finale.
Palmer thundered, his voice raw with determination, "Regigigas! Giga Impact!"
Regigigas, roaring defiance, once again became enveloped in a swirling vortex of orange energy, charging forward for one final, cataclysmic blow, "RE—GIGIIII—GASSSS!!! (LET'S END THIS LITTLE SPARK ONE! ONE FINAL ATTACK!!!)"
Azure's eyes blazed. He had pushed Infernape to its absolute peak, and now, he'd unleash something even greater.
His hand shot to his Omni Ring, a powerful device that allowed him to use Z-Moves. He pulled out a shining Fire Z-Crystal, placing it firmly into the ring. Azure roared, his voice echoing with the primal fury of his Pokémon, "Infernape! Strong Style Blast Burn! And now… unleash the ultimate inferno! Inferno Overdrive!"
Infernape, its entire body a sun-hot furnace, gathered every ounce of its strength. The Blaze EX flames intensified a thousandfold, coiling around it, infused with the power of the Z-Crystal. A colossal, super-concentrated sphere of absolute, destructive fire erupted from its body, dwarfing the arena.
This wasn't just a move; it was a phenomenon, a final, world-ending inferno. Infernape roared to the heavens, "INFERNAPEEEE!!! (THEN LET'S DO THIS BIG GUY! I'M NOT THE ONE GOING DOWN… YOU ARE!!!)"
Azure finished his dance, filling his Pokémon with the power of the Z-Move. Infernape unleashed the monstrous Inferno Overdrive, a pillar of pure, consuming fire that screamed across the arena, meeting Regigigas's charging Giga Impact head-on!
*EEEEEEEEEEEYAAAAAAAHHHHHHH*
The two attacks collided in an explosion that defied description. A maelstrom of fire and energy erupted, streaming into the sky, illuminating the entire Battle Zone with an unholy, blinding light. The ground buckled, the air shrieked, and a concussive force slammed into the stands, making Gengar, Rotom, Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu (Mew) brace themselves against the immense pressure.
Gengar yelled, its voice barely audible over the roar, "Unbelievable!"
Rotom screamed, its circuit board flickering wildly, "Power readings off the charts! Maximum output detected! This is… beyond anything I've ever recorded!"
For a moment, the world was nothing but light and sound, the clash of two unstoppable forces. Infernape, pushed beyond all reasonable limits, strained, its muscles screaming, its spirit ablaze, pushing itself further, further than it ever had before.
Slowly, agonizingly, the brilliant, swirling maelstrom began to recede, leaving behind a thick, suffocating blanket of smoke that filled the arena, obscuring everything. The smoke began to clear, slowly, dramatically.
Two silhouettes became visible, barely standing amidst the rubble. Regigigas. Infernape. Both Pokémon were perfectly still, locked in a silent, desperate staredown. Their trainers, Azure and Palmer, held their breath, their hearts pounding in their chests.
Then, Infernape, despite its exhaustion, mustered a final surge. Its head snapped up, eyes still burning with an unyielding fire, and with a final, defiant growl, it launched a single, perfectly aimed, super-heated ember, a small but potent spark, towards Regigigas!
*Sizzle*
It struck the legendary on its chest, a barely visible impact amidst the smoke. And with that final, symbolic act, after a delayed reaction that seemed to stretch into an eternity, Regigigas finally swayed. Its massive form trembled, the ancient power within it finally giving way…
*THWOOOM*
With a mournful, rumbling groan, the Colossal Pokémon slowly, majestically, collapsed onto its side with a deafening crash, stirring another cloud of dust, "Regi—gigasss… (It was… a good fight… let's fight… again some… da… y…)"
The referee, who had stood frozen in awe, suddenly found their voice, "Regigigas is… unable to battle! The winner is Azure Sky!"
A gasp, then a roar of cheers erupted from the stands!
Pikachu leaped into the air, sparks flying. Eevee chattered excitedly. Pichu (Mew) squeaked in delight. Gengar whooped, phasing through the barriers and rushing towards the arena. Rotom buzzed, its lights glowing green, indicating success.
Azure stood, panting, his hand on his chest, feeling the echoes of the devastating Z-Move. His legs felt like jelly, his mind reeling from the sheer exertion of commanding 2 Mega Evolutions and a Z-Move in such an intense battle.
Palmer, after a long moment, walked forward, a wide, genuine smile breaking across his face. He extended his hand, holding a shimmering, golden print. He handed over the Tower Print.
Palmer said proudly, his voice filled with admiration, "Azure Sky, that was… truly incredible. A battle for the ages. You earned this, every single inch of it."
Azure gratefully took the Tower Print, its warm surface a testament to his victory. This completed his Sinnoh Battle Frontier quest.
He looked at Infernape, who was now swaying, weakened but triumphant, giving a small, weary salute. He rushed to its side, supporting it, praising his partner, "Thank you, Infernape. You were magnificent."
Palmer chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound said proudly, "You forced me to exert every ounce of my strategy, Azure. And you forced Infernape to exert a phenomenal amount of power. I could feel your exhaustion from here, using 2 Mega Evolutions and a Z-Move against my ace. You pushed yourself to your limits to take me down."
Azure laughed, a tired but joyful sound, as he replied, "You did the same, Palmer. Your Regigigas… it was a true wall. I've never faced anything quite like it."
Both men, trainer and Frontier Brain, could feel the profound satisfaction of a battle fought with honor, skill, and unyielding spirit. Palmer asked, a knowing look in his eyes, "Your journey in Sinnoh isn't over, is it? Volkner still awaits. And then… the Elite Four, and our Champion, Cynthia."
Azure nodded, a fresh spark of determination igniting in his eyes, answered, "That's right. This was just… training. Preparation."
Palmer smiled with a genuine, hopeful expression. He asked happily, "I look forward to seeing it. Perhaps, someday, our paths will cross again, and we can have another battle of this magnitude."
Azure met his gaze, a confident smile on his face, answering, "I'd like that very much, Palmer. Very much indeed."
He recalled Infernape, then turned to his cheering Pokémon. He said exhaustedly, a renewed spring in his step despite the exhaustion, "Come on, guys, Sinnoh still holds more adventures for us."
As Azure left the Battle Tower, the golden Tower Print clutched firmly in his hand, a new chapter in his extraordinary journey was about to begin. The fight against Palmer had been a climactic ending to his Battle Frontier challenge, but it was just a prelude to the true challenges that lay ahead.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!