Chapter 601: Black's First Trainer Battle! (2)
~Black H. POV~
[Unova Region, Route 1]
It was an Axew, muscular and fierce, its single horn gleaming. But this Axew was different; its scales shimmered with an unusual, almost different colored hue, contrasting sharply with the deep crimson of its inner mouth and eyes…
It was a Shiny Axew.
My mind instantly cataloged the detail, another unique trait of Azure. The Axew landed with a stomp, letting out a sharp, challenging cry, "Axew! Axew! (Come and fight me!)"
Its gaze was intense, already sizing up Musha.
I murmured, my internal thought process racing, "A Shiny Axew… And you say it's at an equal level? You're playing fair, I see."
Azure chuckled, explaining himself, "Well, I certainly wouldn't want to make things too easy for a future champion, would I? This Axew here, he's got a lot of fight, but he's also relatively new to my team. We've been working on her raw power and instinct. Your Musha, on the other hand, seems like she's got plenty of experience dealing with the wild. Let's see how that translates."
Besides Azure, rotating silently in the air, a peculiar digital Pokémon with a television screen for a face, Rotom, whirred, "Analyzing… new data… trainer aptitude… intriguing! Battle commences!"
My 'Reasoning Time' kicked into overdrive. Azure was essentially telling me his Axew was strong but perhaps less refined in strategy. Musha, having spent countless hours battling wild Pokémon alongside Brav in the depths of forests and caves, had developed a resilience and adaptability that would be key.
While her direct special attack wasn't always the highest, her control over psychic energy was precise. I commanded, my voice firm, "Musha! Start with a Psywave! Keep your distance!"
*Hummm*
Musha's eyes glowed a vibrant indigo. She began to hum, a low, resonant sound that vibrated through the air, causing the very pebbles on the ground to shimmer slightly. A swirling orb of raw psychic energy coalesced before her, growing before she launched it with a gentle nudge of her head.
*Wooosh*
The Psywave streaked across the arena, a shimmering, purple distortion in the air aimed directly at the Shiny Axew. Azure's Axew let out a defiant roar, "Axew!"
Azure called out, his voice a calm counterpoint to the Axew's ferocity, "Axew, evade and use First Impression!"
The Shiny Axew moved with stunning speed, a blur of silver-white scales. It sidestepped the Psywave with practiced ease, its movements fluid and powerful, then vanished from sight in a burst of motion. My 'Reasoning Time' barely registered the blur but recognized the intent!
First Impression!
This was a priority move, and its speed was terrifying!
Before I could even react, the Axew reappeared directly in front of Musha, practically on top of her. Its horn slammed into Musha's soft, pink body with incredible force.
*CRACK*
A painful grunt escaped Musha as she was sent careening backward, a trail of shimmering psychic energy momentarily disrupting her form. Dust erupted from where she landed, a soft thud against the rocky ground.
I cried out, "Musha!"
*Bdmp*
My heart leapt into my throat. That single hit, so fast, so powerful, had rocked Musha to her core. Even with my 'Reasoning Time' active, the sheer speed had caught me off guard. Musha lay momentarily stunned, her eyes unfocused, a faint shiver passing through her. She was almost knocked out!
But in that instant, my 'Reasoning Time' flashed. This was it. The opening. Axew was close, perhaps too close, having committed to the immediate attack. It stood over Musha, a triumphant Axew! Echoing from its maw.
I roared, pushing all my focus into the command, "Musha, NOW! Hypnosis!"
*Shiiii*
Musha, though dazed, heard my voice. Her instincts, honed from countless skirmishes in the wild, kicked in. Her large, dark eyes, still somewhat glazed, began to glow with an intense, swirling pattern of deep purple and indigo.
A wave of hypnotic energy, thick and heavy, emanated from her, washing over the Shiny Axew like a thick fog. The Axew, still basking in its momentary victory, paused. Its triumphant cry faltered. The hypnotic energy swirled around its head, its eyes suddenly growing wide and unfocused.
*Thud*
The raw speed that had defined its First Impression now seemed to abandon it. Its eyelids drooped, heavy and slow, fighting a losing battle against Musha's mental assault. Within moments, with a soft thud, the Shiny Axew collapsed to the ground, fast asleep, its breathing deep and even.
A gasp escaped my lips. It had worked!
My 'Reasoning Time' had seen the opening, and Musha had executed it flawlessly.
Azure's eyes widened slightly as he commented, impressed, "Well played, Black! Quick thinking, Musha!"
Even Gengar let out a low, impressed voice, "Hmmph… nice counter, rookie."
Zorua, who had been observing from behind Azure, let out a telepathic chuckle, 'He certainly knows how to turn the tables when given an opening.'
I praised, relief flooding through me, "Musha, excellent job! Now, Dream Eater! Recover your strength!"
Musha, still hovering, drifted closer to the sleeping Axew. Her body emitted a faint, ethereal glow, and from her, thin tendrils of shimmering, rainbow-colored energy extended, delving gently into the slumbering dragon's mind. The air around them began to crackle softly as Musha absorbed the energy.
*Chomp-Gulp-Gulp*
I could practically feel her strength returning, the faint shivers of pain from First Impression receding. Her normally soft color seemed to deepen, her presence growing more vibrant. Axew twitched slightly, a faint groan escaping its lips.
Even in sleep, it clearly possessed a formidable spirit. I urged, "Don't let up, Musha! Keep that energy flowing!"
But the Axew was tougher than it looked, even in sleep. As Musha continued her Dream Eater, the ground beneath Axew began to tremble faintly.
*TRMBL*
Its horn, even though it was asleep, seemed to thrum with a suppressed power. The Axew's eyes snapped open with a sudden, startling intensity, a fierce Axew cry! Tearing through the air. It had awakened!
I exclaimed, my 'Reasoning Time' scrambling to adapt, "It woke up already?!"
It had resisted Hypnosis and Dream Eater faster than any wild Pokémon Musha had ever faced!
Azure said calmly, his smile returning, a glint of pride in his eyes, "He's a tough one. Axew, Crunch!"
*CRUNCH*
Without hesitation, the Shiny Axew lunged forward, snapping its powerful jaws. Its sharp fangs, glowing with a dark energy, aimed directly for Musha. The sound of jaws closing echoed ominously.
I shouted, knowing that close-range was not Musha's ideal fighting style, especially against a powerful physical attacker like Axew, "Musha, Psywave! Push it back!"
*Whoooosh*
Musha reacted instantly. Even as Axew closed in, she unleashed another Psywave, but this time, it wasn't a projectile. It was an outward burst of raw psychic force, forming a visible, rippling wave of energy that emanated from her.
The Axew, already committed to its Crunch, was caught in the blast. The psychic wave slammed into it, and instead of a single, focused attack, it began to swirl around the dragon-type. The air warped, forming a miniature, shimmering psychic twister that enveloped Axew, pushing it back, away from Musha.
Axew cried out, struggling against the unseen force, "Axew! (Nani?!)"
The twister lifted it momentarily before slamming it back down a few feet away, disoriented but still defiant. My mind raced. Azure's Axew was incredibly strong and resilient, but Musha had the advantage of experience in these prolonged, strategic battles, especially against Pokémon unaccustomed to her unique psychic tactics.
Azure himself had implied his Axew was 'recently caught'. This was Musha's element – wearing down a powerful but perhaps less patient opponent.
I commanded, my voice gaining a desperate edge born of fierce determination, "Musha, keep your distance! Psywave, Psywave, repeatedly!"
Musha, understanding, maintained a graceful hover. Her eyes glowed with steady, relentless power as she launched one Psywave after another. Each orb of psychic energy streaked across the arena, a shimmering purple missile.
*Whoosh-Whoosh-Whoosh*
They weren't just attacks; they were a barrage, designed to keep Axew off balance, unable to close the distance. Azure's Axew, though strong, seemed frustrated. The Dragon cried out, "Axew! (Come fight me, coward!)."
It tried to use Leer or Scary Face, its eyes turning menacing, but Musha was too far. It attempted to Taunt, a challenging cry, but Musha merely continued her assault. It even tried to use Dragon Dance, attempting to boost its power and speed, but the constant bombardment of Psywaves prevented it from finding a moment's peace to fully concentrate on the move.
Once, it managed to get off a Dragon Claw, a powerful swipe of its sharpened claws, but it only cut through empty air as Musha expertly dodged. The psychic attacks were taking their toll. Each Psywave, though not always a direct hit, was draining Axew's energy.
Its movements grew sluggish, its defiant roars turning into strained grunts. Its scales, once so vibrant, now seemed duller, and the Axew's breathing grew heavier.
*Thud*
Finally, after a particularly strong Psywave slammed into its chest, the Shiny Axew staggered backward, its legs trembling. It let out a weak, pained groan, its eyes rolling back. With a final, weak thud, it collapsed onto the ground, not moving.
*Whooosh*
A moment of stunned silence hung in the air, broken only by the soft whoosh of Musha's continued hovering. Azure declared, a wide, genuine smile breaking across his face, "Axew is unable to battle! Musha wins!"
He walked over to his fallen Axew, gently patting its head before recalling it. He said softly, "You fought well, Axew. You gave it your all."
I stared, then blinked, a wide grin spreading across my face. I cheered, unable to contain my excitement, "We did it, Musha! We won a round!"
Musha floated over, nuzzling against my cheek, her soft body radiating warmth and mental satisfaction, "Munna!"
My 'Reasoning Time' began to recede slightly, a faint sense of exhaustion creeping in, but the exhilaration of the win pushed it back. One win each. This battle was tied. And now, for the final round.
Azure commented, tapping his chin thoughtfully, "You really exploited Axew's inexperience, Black. Your Musha showed incredible resilience and patience. A true wild-trained Pokémon."
Rotom whirred again, "Analysis complete: Rookie's strategy effective against less experienced opponent. High adaptability observed."
I nodded, feeling a surge of pride for Musha. I recalled her, preparing for the final, decisive round, but not before thanking her, "Thanks, Musha. Get some rest."
*Bdmp-Bdmp-Bdmp*
My heart hammered against my ribs, a powerful drumbeat of anticipation. I said resolutely, taking a deep breath, "Alright, Azure! This is it. For the final match, I choose you, Brav!"
I launched Brav's Poké Ball high into the air.
*POP—WHOOSH*
With a powerful flap of wings, Braviary emerged, circling once triumphantly before landing with a majestic thump on the rocky ground. His piercing gaze was fixed on Azure, his formidable talons flexing in the dust.
He was ready. He cried, a booming roar that echoed across the route, demanding attention, "BRAVIARY!"
Azure's smile, once playful, now held a sharp edge of combat readiness. He reached for his final Poké Ball, saying calmly, "A Braviary, huh? The national bird, strong and proud. An excellent choice, Black…. Then I'll meet your strength with my own, Black. Zweilous, let's go!"
*POP—THWACK*
With a resounding THWACK! Azure's Poké Ball burst open, and a truly imposing Pokémon emerged. It was Zweilous, a bipedal, two-headed dragon covered in shaggy, blue-black fur, with menacing snorts on each head.
This was clearly not a recently caught Pokémon. This was a trained, formidable beast, radiating immense power. Its two heads squirmed independently, each letting out a low, guttural growl, "Zweil-Zweil!"
My 'Reasoning Time' instantly marked the difference. Unlike Axew, Zweilous coiled with an inherent, raw training, every muscle defined, every movement purposeful. The air around it seemed to thicken with its presence.
Azure's words from earlier echoed in my mind: 'Agile Style' and 'Strong Style'. This was where his true skill, his legend as the 'Uncrowned Champion', would shine. What he's known for in battles…
… And I get a front-row taste of his style.
I commanded, my voice tight with concentration, "Brav, keep your eyes on both heads! Azure, this is going to be intense."
Azure chuckled, a low, confident sound. He declared, "Indeed, Black. Zweilous, let's start with a Strong Style Crunch!"
*ZOOOOM*
The right head of Zweilous lunged forward, moving more slowly than Axew, but with an incredible, palpable weight behind it. The jaws opened wide, glowing with dark energy, promising a devastating impact.
*Creak*
The very ground seemed to creak under the power it gathered. This was a Strong Style attack: slower, but with bone-shattering force.
I shouted, knowing that Braviary's speed and powerful flying moves were our best bet, "Brav, dodge! Then retaliate with Brave Bird!"
*WHOOSH*
Braviary, reacting with the swiftness that belied his size, flared his mighty wings, creating a sudden gust of wind. He soared upward, narrowly avoiding the Strong Style Crunch that tore a small crater in the ground where he had just stood…
*SHIIII*
Immediately, his body began to glow with a brilliant, fiery aura of blue and white. He plummeted toward Zweilous like a living meteor, a suicidal attack that channeled all his power into a single, devastating dive, "BRAAAAV-IARY!"
Azure counter-commanded, his eyes blazing with the thrill of the battle, "Zweilous, Agile Style Snarl!"
*HISSS-SS-SS*
Before Braviary could connect, the left head of Zweilous opened its maw and let out a shockingly fast burst of dark energy, not as powerful as an all-out attack, but quick and disruptive. The Snarl was a whirlwind of shadowy sound that crashed into Braviary mid-dive.
Braviary staggered slightly, his Brave Bird aura flickering. The Snarl, though not physically impacting, seemed to rattle his concentration, momentarily robbing him of some of his destructive power.
He still struck, but the impact was less than it could have been.
*THWUMP*
Braviary slammed into Zweilous, the Brave Bird connecting solidly with the dragon's chest. Zweilous roared in pain, staggering back, its shaggy fur ruffled. But it stood its ground. Braviary, engulfed in the recoil of his own attack, grimaced, a faint shimmer of pain passing over him.
Azure pressed, seeing his opportunity, "Now, Zweilous, keep the pressure! Strong Style Dragon Rush!"
*ZOOOM*
The two heads of Zweilous coiled, then its entire body propelled forward, wreathed in a swirling aura of raw draconic energy. This wasn't just a charge – it was a living battering ram, a focused, heavy force designed to crush.
I yelled desperately, knowing we couldn't afford to be on the defensive, "Brav, don't let up! Air Slash!"
*SWISH—SWISH*
Braviary, still recovering from the Brave Bird recoil, flapped his wings with desperate strength. Two razor-sharp blades of compressed air shot forth, shimmering with kinetic energy…
They sliced through the air with a slash sound, aiming for Zweilous's heads…
*THWACKS*
The Air Slashes hit Zweilous, one on each head, creating a sharp smack and making the dragon roar in annoyance. But the Strong Style Dragon Rush was already in motion. It slammed into Braviary with incredible force.
*CRUNCH*
Braviary was sent flying backward, a pained cry escaping his beak. He hit the ground hard, skidding several feet, kicking up a cloud of dust and small rocks. He lay there, wings spread awkwardly, struggling to rise, looking gravely injured.
My 'Reasoning Time' screamed at me. We were in a corner. Azure's strategic use of Agile and Strong Styles was devastating. He could disrupt my attacks with speed, then crush me with power.
Zweilous was a relentless, dual-headed battering ram.
I pleaded, my voice cracking, "Brav! Get up, buddy! Don't give up!"
Braviary, with a monumental effort, slowly pushed himself up. His feathers were ruffled, some dislodged, his breathing heavy. But his eyes, though pained, still held a fierce, unyielding light…
He was a warrior, through and through.
Azure acknowledged, a hint of admiration in his voice, "He's tough, Black! Zweilous, finish it! Agile Style Hyper Voice!"
*WWWWWWWRRRRRRYYYYYYYYY*
Both of Zweilous's heads opened wide, and a piercing, high-frequency sound wave burst forth, shaking the entire arena. It was an invisible wall of pure sonic force, designed to disorient and inflict damage from a distance, moving with terrifying speed.
My 'Reasoning Time' flashed. This was it.
Braviary was hurt, unable to dodge a fast, widespread attack.
We had one chance.
One last, desperate gamble.
I poured every ounce of my will, every dream, every lesson learned, into that single command. I roared, my voice raw with conviction, "Brav go all in! Full power, Brave Bird! All or nothing from here!"
Braviary, hearing the desperation and absolute faith in my voice, let out a final, defiant shriek, "BRAAAAVIIIIAARY!"
*FWP—SWOOSH*
Ignoring the incoming Hyper Voice, ignoring the pain, he launched himself into the air once more. His entire being became suffused with an incandescent, burning blue-white energy, even more intense than before. This wasn't just Brave Bird; this was a manifestation of pure, unadulterated resolve.
The Agile Style Hyper Voice slammed into Braviary as he ascended. The sonic waves tore at him, making him shiver and distort in the air, but he pushed through it, a burning beacon of defiance. He flew, not just at Zweilous, but through the Hyper Voice, absorbing the damage, transforming it into fuel for his final, desperate strike.
Zweilous, still roaring its Hyper Voice, suddenly went wide-eyed as it saw the sheer, unbridled fury in Braviary's approach. It recognized the suicidal determination. Even Azure muttered, "That mad bird—"
*BZZZZZZZ-CRACK*
Braviary hit Zweilous with the force of a small supernova. The Brave Bird was a spectacular explosion of blue and white energy, slamming into the dual-headed dragon with unimaginable impact. This time, it wasn't just a hit; it was a critical hit. The force of it shook the very ground, sending tremors through the rocky terrain.
Zweilous, mid-Hyper Voice, choked on its own cry. Its two heads snapped back, its shaggy fur bristling, and a raw, guttural scream of absolute agony tore from both its mouths. It was airborne for a brief, terrible moment before crashing back down…
*THUD*
The dust settled.
Zweilous lay motionless, utterly defeated, steam rising faintly from its body. But just as I started to cheer, a faint, sickening thump echoed through the air. Braviary, having poured every drop of his energy into that final, devastating attack, succumbed to the recoil.
*THUD*
He hovered for a moment, his fiery aura flickering and dying, before his powerful wings drooped, and he, too, fell, landing softly but heavily beside his vanquished opponent. He was out cold.
Silence descended upon Route 1, thick and heavy.
Azure, his face a mixture of awe and slight disappointment for his Zweilous, looked from his fallen dragon to my unconscious Braviary. He paused for a long moment, then a wide, genuine smile spread across his face.
Azure proclaimed, his voice clear and strong, "Both Pokémon are unable to battle. However, Braviary's attack was decisive. It connected first, and it knocked out my Zweilous first before succumbing to its own recoil. Therefore, Black… you are the winner of this battle!"
My breath caught in my throat. I stared, wide-eyed, at the scene. Braviary, my mighty Brav, had won. I, Black, a trainer who had never even had a proper battle, had just defeated the legendary 'Uncrowned Champion' in my very first real contest.
I whispered, disbelief warring with a surging tide of triumph, "I… I won?"
I couldn't believe it…
Had I won?
For real…
I exhaled, a long, shaky breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My 'Reasoning Time' dissolved completely, leaving my mind awash with pure, unadulterated elation. I exclaimed, rushing over to my team, "Brav! Musha! Tep! We won!"
Azure walked over, recalling his Zweilous with a soft smile. He knelt between Braviary and where Zweilous had been, produced a Full Restore, and gently sprayed it over my fallen Braviary. The potent medicine instantly began to work, healing Braviary's wounds and stirring him from his unconsciousness.
Azure said coolly, standing up and offering me a hand, "That was an incredibly close match, Black. Your dedication, your strategic thinking, and your Pokémon's sheer willpower… It's truly something to behold. Especially for a rookie."
He winked, adding in a casual tone, "But don't think I'll go easy on you next time. My team is just getting started."
I took his hand, pulling myself up, a wide, almost foolish grin plastered across my face. My body hummed with residual adrenaline, my heart still pounding a joyous rhythm. I bowed my head down, thanking him, "Thank you, Azure. That was… that was amazing. The best battle I've ever seen, let alone been a part of."
I looked at my recovering Braviary, then to the spot where Musha and Tep were watching. I added, "We learned so much. Thank you for the experience."
Azure nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. Zorua's telepathic voice echoed, almost a whisper in my mind, 'He's got potential, Boss. More than you probably expected. Gonna be tough competition~~.'
I glanced at Azure, then at the empty air where Zorua's voice seemed to originate, a new layer of wonder adding to my exhausted joy. My first actual battle, and I had faced Pokémon that spoke, an 'Uncrowned Champion,' and learned more than I could have imagined. This journey was only just beginning, and I couldn't wait to see what other challenges awaited me on Unova Route 1 and beyond.
It just makes me wonder—
But his next words caught me off guard as he said, "Hmm… I decided! I'll travel with you around the region, Black!"
… Huh?
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!