Chapter 541: Attack on Galactic (7)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Mount Coronet – Spear Pillar]
The air within Spear Pillar, usually so thin and sacred, hung heavy with an ominous silence, broken only by the keening whistle of the wind that snaked through the ancient stones. Azure stood beside Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion, atop the weathered altar, a place where legends were foretold and reality often warped.
The faux Uxie, Green's transformed Ditty, floated serenely between them, its beady eyes glinting with an innocent, almost naive curiosity that belied its true nature as a masterful deception. Azure's partner Pikachu twitched an ear from his shoulder, while Eevee, nestled warmly on his head, her large eyes scanning the desolate landscape.
Tucked inside his jacket, a small, pink-eared Pichu (Mew) snored softly, oblivious to the impending storm. The ancient pillars, scarred by eons of wind and cosmic energy, loomed around them, a natural arena for the conflict to come.
Cynthia murmured, her voice a low counterpoint to the wind, "They're here."
*Whirrrr*
Her gaze, usually so serene, sharpened into a diamond-hard focus. The faint thrum of rotor blades, growing steadily louder from the distant horizon, confirmed her words.
Azure nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips as he replied, "Right on schedule. Hope Green's enjoying his little nap, wherever Looker took him."
He knew the real Uxie had gone with Green so it could free Azelf and Mesprit. This entire charade was a masterful trap.
*WHUMP-WHUMP-WHUMP*
The sound intensified, rattling the very stones of Spear Pillar. Two colossal airships, dark as storm clouds and emblazoned with the crimson 'G' of Team Galactic, broke through the jagged peaks, their powerful engines kicking up swirling vortexes of snow and ice.
They didn't so much land as hover menacingly, their underbellies opening like monstrous maws to disgorge a torrent of Team Galactic Grunts. Hundreds of them, clad in their distinctive helmets and uniforms, swarmed over the ancient ground, a crimson tide against the grey stone.
From the lead airship, two figures descended on individual platforms, their capes shielding them from the cold snapping dramatically in the wind. Commander Mars, with her fiery red hair and unnerving smirk, and Commander Saturn, cold and calculating, his eyes already narrowed on Azure and the 'Uxie' floating innocently between him and Cynthia.
Mars sneered, her voice carrying an artificial echo amplified by her helmet, "Well, well, if it isn't the little meddler, Azure Sky. And the Champion, no less. How quaint. Come to watch your little protégé get his just deserts?"
Azure merely chuckled, a sound that grated on Mars's nerves. He replied to Mar's taunts in a dismissive tone, "Came to collect your overdue payment, Mars. You owe me for that little 'incident' at Valley Windworks."
He remembered the frustration of dealing with her, the way she'd disrupted Valley Windworks when they first met and got away. This was personal, a dish best served cold, in the freezing wind of Mount Coronet.
Saturn stepped forward, his gaze piercing as he declared resolutely, "We're not here for pleasantries. Hand over the Lake Pokémon, Azure. Our leader, Cyrus, requires Uxie for his grand design. You've already caused us enough trouble, particularly with Jupiter and Sird disappearing after encountering you."
His eyes flickered with a hint of suspicion, a sliver of the video evidence Azure had broadcast yesterday — a grainy but undeniable clip of him single-handedly capturing Uxie, and sending their forces packing with their tails between their legs.
Azure tilted his head, a feigned innocence in his tone, "Uxie, you say? But I thought your leader already had plans for other legendary Pokémon. Heard he's been collecting some 'Forces of Nature' and even a certain nightmare-inducer."
He gestured vaguely to the empty sky as he added subtly, "Seems a bit greedy, even for Team Galactic."
He was subtly poking at their leader's grand ambitions, knowing it would irk them. Mars scoffed as she exclaimed, "Our leader's vision is beyond your comprehension, boy! These creatures are but tools to reshape the world!"
Saturn, however, remained impassive as he demanded, "Regardless, Uxie is our immediate concern. And you provide it. Now."
Suddenly, Cynthia stepped forward, her presence radiating an undeniable authority that made even the grunts falter. Her voice was calm, but the latent power in it was palpable, like a coiled spring, "Is that an order, Commander Saturn? You stand before the Champion of Sinnoh. I suggest you reconsider your tone."
Mars's smirk widened, though a flicker of annoyance crossed her features as she ordered, "Oh, the Champion wants to play hero. Fine by me. It'll just make our victory all the sweeter! Grunts! Move in! Overwhelm them! Saturn, let's show them what happens when you cross Team Galactic!"
A wave of grunts surged forward, their Poke Balls flashing, "Yes, Commander!"
Azure whispered, giving his partners a light ruffle, "Alright, Pikachu, Eevee, Pichu, let's have some fun...!"
Pikachu let out a cheerful cry, "Pika! (Finally! Time to shock them!)"
Eevee chirped, and even Pichu (Mew) stirred, giving a tiny cry of sleepy curiosity, "Pichu? (Fine… the sooner they're gone, the sooner I can get back to sleep…)"
Mars and Saturn drew their own Poké Balls, ready to lead the charge. Mars barked, a flash of red light revealing her powerful electric-type, "Electivire, to me!"
Saturn commanded, his poisonous amphibious creature appearing with a malevolent glare, "Toxicroak, advance!"
*POP*
But before their Pokémon could even fully materialize, a chilling laugh echoed through the Pillar, an ethereal sound that seemed to shimmer on the edge of the perceptible, "Hee-hee-hee... fools! You activated my TRAP CARD!!"
*WOOOSH*
From behind the startled Grunts, two shadowy figures detached themselves from the ancient pillars, revealed to be Azure's Froslass and Hisuian Alpha Zoroark. The whoosh of their sudden appearance was accompanied by a collective gasp from the Grunts.
Mars cried, her eyes widening in surprise, "What the –?!"
Saturn muttered, "An illusion?!"
It wasn't just Froslass and Azure's H-Zoroark. As the illusion shattered, revealing the true positions of Azure's Pokémon, the Spear Pillar erupted into a symphony of growls, roars, and battle cries. Azure's voice boomed, clear and commanding even amidst the chaos, "Infernape, Blaze Kick!"
*CRACK-WHOOOOSH*
His Infernape, a blur of fiery motion, slammed into a group of Grunts' Skuntank and Crobat, sending them reeling with powerful, flaming kicks.
Azure followed up, "Lucario, Aura Sphere!"
Lucario, his steel-blue fur gleaming, launched a rapid succession of energy orbs, tearing through the Grunts' lines like cannon fire!
*FWOOSH-FWOOSH-FWOOSH*
Azure commanded, "Gallade, Psycho Cut!"
*SHING-SHING*
Gallade, blades extended, moved with elegant precision, carving a path through their Purugly and Crobat!
Azure's Gengar, with a mischievous grin, manifested directly behind Mars, her glowing red eyes fixing on the Commander, "Looking surprised, little red?"
Gengar cackled, her voice a raspy whisper that only Azure (and Rotom, who had popped out of Azure's Arc Phone, hovering nearby with an excited "Roto!") could fully understand, continued, "I warned you about underestimating my trainer. Hee-hee!"
Mars, startled by Gengar's sudden appearance and unnerving voice, whirled around. She swiftly ordered, "Back off, you ghastly fiend! Electivire, Thunderbolt!"
*Zzzzzt*
Her Electivire unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity, aiming at Gengar. But Gengar cackled, "Too slow, twerpt!"
*Wooosh-CRASH*
Gengar vanished with a taunting laugh, reappearing just as quickly to unleash a Shadow Ball that slammed into Electivire's side with a crashing sound, eliciting a pained grunt from the electric Pokémon.
Cynthia, meanwhile, had not been idle. Seeing Mars's Electivire recovering, she knew the most direct path to neutralizing the commander.
She commanded bluntly, "Garchomp, Dragon Rush!"
*RMBL*
From behind Cynthia, a colossal Alpha Garchomp, larger and more formidable than any ordinary Garchomp, shot forward like a land missile. Its scales shimmered with ancient power, and its roar, a primordial Cynthia's Garchomp, echoed through the entire Pillar.
It was terrifying and magnificent, "RRROOOOAAARRR!"
Mars's eyes widened, a rare look of pure fear flashing across her face. She barked quickly, "Electivire, defend! Ice Punch!"
Electivire, despite its previous hit, bravely charged, its fists crackling with energy. But it was no match for Cynthia's Alpha Garchomp. The land shark Pokémon, wreathed in draconic energy, slammed into Electivire with the force of a meteor.
*KRA-THOOOOOM*
The impact sent Electivire flying, a dazed look in its eyes. Before Mars could even process the defeat of her ace, Garchomp pivoted with terrifying speed, its massive body a blur. It scooped up the stunned Mars, who was still reeling from the shock…
*WHAM*
… and with a powerful hit, slammed her into one of the ancient stone pillars that jutted from the ground. The impact was sickeningly loud, a dull, heavy thud followed by a scraping sound as Mars's body slid down, going limp, her helmet askew.
Saturn stared, his jaw slack, a look of abject horror on his face. As he exclaimed in shock, "Mars! You… you killed her?!"
Cynthia, her Garchomp now standing protectively by her side, its eyes burning with intensity, merely shook her head. Saturn flinched at her gaze.
Cynthia explained to Saturn coldly, "Hardly. My Garchomp knows how to hold back. A direct hit, yes, but not fatal. We need them conscious for interrogation, after all."
There was a cold, calculating edge to her voice that belied her usual composure, a testament to her mastery of battle. She added harshly, "She'll just have a splitting headache when she wakes up."
Azure nodded, a pleased grin on his face as he added, "Nicely done, Champion. Efficiency at its finest."
The Grunts, seeing their commander fall so swiftly, hesitated, their resolve crumbling. Many of them were already engaged with Azure's vast array of Pokémon. His Alpha Rhyperior was a living battering ram, laying waste to their ground types with Rock Wrecker. His Hisuian Liligant danced through the fray, using Victory Dance to boost attacks and Axé Kick to send foes flying. Kleavor, with its Scyther-like speed, carved through lines of defensive Pokémon.
*BEEP-BOOP-BEEP*
Saturn, seeing the tide turn disastrously, frantically pulled out his communicator, his fingers fumbling as he tried to report, "Cyrus! Commander Cyrus, we've encountered unexpected resistance! The Champion is here, and Azure has a… horde of powerful Pokémon! Mars is down! We need backup!"
*Beeeeee*
But his call never went through.
Azure's Rotom, a mischievous electric plasma spirit, zipped forward with a high-pitched whir, manifesting an electric field around Saturn's communicator, "Roto! Not so fast, villain!"
*ZAP—Fizzle*
Sparks flew, and the screen went dead, emitting an angry fizzle. Rotom chirped, buzzing excitedly, "Ha-ha-ha! Communication disabled!"
Right behind Rotom, Porygon-Z, Azure's eccentric digital Pokémon, materialized. It projected a colorful, swirling vortex of data that encased Saturn's communicator, scrambling its internal components beyond repair. Porygon-Z's robotic voice glitched with glee, its head spinning disorientingly, "ERROR! SYSTEM FAILURE! MALWARE DETECTED! BEEP BOOP!"
Saturn stared at his now useless device, his face a mask of disbelief and growing despair, and uttered, "Impossible! My communicator…!"
Azure's Gengar cackled, materializing beside Rotom and Porygon-Z, adding her own brand of spectral mischief, "What was that, Saturn? Can't hear you over the sound of your impending defeat! Hee-hee! Such fun!"
She loved watching technology suffer almost as much as Rotom did. Azure's voice cut through the air, drawing Saturn's attention back to the battle, "Looks like it's just you and me now, Saturn. And my Gabite needs some experience."
He gestured to his Alpha Gabite, who was currently clashing with Saturn's Toxicroak. The two Pokémon were locked in a fierce struggle. Saturn's Toxicroak, a vicious poison/fighting type, was agile and relentless, landing sharp Poison Jabs and Sucker Punches.
But Azure's Alpha Gabite, already larger and stronger than its standard counterparts, was holding its own, its Dragon Claw attacks biting deep. Saturn commanded, desperate, "Toxicroak, focus blast!"
*PEW*
Toxicroak charged a sphere of concentrated energy, launching it at Gabite. But Azure was ready as he countered, "Gabite, Dragon Pulse, then Dig!"
*BOOOM*
Gabite roared, unleashing a potent beam of draconic energy that collided with the Focus Blast, creating a brilliant explosion of light and force. As the smoke cleared, Gabite was nowhere to be seen.
Saturn exclaimed, his eyes darting around, "Where did it go?!"
Gengar hissed, popping up briefly just to taunt him, "Underground, you fool!"
*CRACK*
The ground beneath Toxicroak split open, and Gabite erupted, jaws snapping, delivering a powerful uppercut, "GAH-BITE!"
Toxicroak reeled, stunned. It was then, in that moment of raw power and determination, that a brilliant blue light enveloped Azure's Gabite. The light pulsed, growing brighter, its form stretching and morphing.
*FLASH*
Cynthia murmured, a flicker of admiration in her eyes, "It's… evolving!"
The Grunts who weren't already unconscious or fleeing watched in awe and terror. Saturn's face blanched. He knew what this meant.
*THUD*
The light flared one last time, then dissipated, revealing a Pokémon that was no longer Gabite. Standing tall and imposing, its scales gleaming, was an Alpha Garchomp, every bit as magnificent as Cynthia's, if slightly less battle-scarred. Its roar was deeper, more resonant, "GAAARR-CHOOOOOMP!"
Azure grinned, his heart swelling with pride. He praised his partner's new evolution and commanded, "Welcome to the big leagues, partner! Now, Garchomp, finish this with Dragon Claw!"
*THWACK*
His newly evolved Alpha Garchomp lunged, its massive arm-claws glowing with draconic energy. Toxicroak, still dazed, stood no chance. The Dragon Claw slammed into it with devastating force, sending it skidding across the ground, unconscious.
The battle was over. The Grunts, disheartened by the loss of their commanders and overwhelmed by Azure's formidable team, quickly surrendered, throwing down their Poke Balls and raising their hands.
Azure's Entei, a majestic beast of fire and courage, unleashed a powerful Roar that echoed through the Pillar, sending shivers down the spines of the remaining Grunts, completing their surrender, "ROOOOARRR!"
Working swiftly, Azure's Machamp and Ursaluna, along with Cynthia's Garchomp, quickly rounded up the defeated Grunts and their Pokémon, tying them securely with sturdy vines conjured by Tangrowth's.
Mars and Saturn, still unconscious, were also bound. Cynthia remarked, wiping a smudge of dust from her cheek, "Well, that was efficient. A clean sweep. And a new Alpha Garchomp for your lineup. Impressive, Azure."
Azure patted his new Garchomp's scaly head. He looked at the pile of defeated enemies as he said calmly to her with a confident grin, "He earned it, and the others did great, too. Now, to send them on their way."
Azure smiled happily, patting his new Garchomp's scaly head. In the process, he checked his Pokémon's newest status info and Pokedex bio.
[Garchomp the Mach Pokémon. When Garchomp folds up its body and extends its wings, it resembles a jet plane. It can fly as fast as a jet fighter and can reach sonic speeds to catch its prey, which it will never allow to escape. It is also fast underground, and it is said that when it runs, its wings generate wind blades that cut down nearby trees.
The fine scales on Garchomp's body reduce wind resistance for easier flight, and its sharp edges also serve to injure opponents who attack it directly. It hunts down as much prey as it can, and is known to eat entire flocks of bird Pokémon.
Garchomp sometimes battles Salamence in the air as they compete for food. The protuberances on its head act as sensors, allowing it to detect prey from afar. Garchomp lives in volcanic mountain ranges, and after finding its meal, it returns to its den before its body cools down from being outside. It is described as having a feral nature, requiring extreme caution if encountered in the wild.]
|Name: Garchomp [Alpha] (Mach Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon/Ground
|Tera: Dragon
|Level: 48
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Muscle Band]/[Draco/Earth Plate]/[Garchompite]/[Garchompite Z]
|Ability: Sand Veil
|Nature: Bashful
|Moves: Dragon Dance, Swords Dance, Hone Claws, Protect, Roar, Draco Meteor [A][S],Twister [A][S], Dragon Claw[A][S], Dragon Rush [A][S],Dual Chop [A][S], Sand Tomb [A][S], Bulldoze[A][S], Dig[A][S], Earth Power [A][S], Slash [A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Dragon Rage [A][S], Metal Claw [A][S], Iron Tail [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Rock Slide [A][S], Thunder Fang [A][S], Fire Fang [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S], Crunch [A][S] (IM), Sandstorm (IM), Dragon Breath [A][S] (IM), Outrage [A][S] (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
Satisfied with the results, Azure turned to the unconscious grunts. He turned, his eyes finding his personal Darkrai, a shadowy figure that shimmered with an unsettling aura as he said calmly, "Darkrai. Time for a little teleportation service."
Darkrai floated forward, its red eyes glowing. Darkrai's voice, a soft, raspy whisper that only Azure could hear, acknowledged the request, "As you command, Master."
With a graceful sweep of its arm, Darkrai unleashed a vast, swirling vortex of shadowy energy. Darkrai uttered, "Dark Void."
*THUMP*
The air grew heavy, the light around them seeming to dim as a portal, shimmering with dark energy, opened on the ground. Saturn, roused by the strange distortion, blinked awake just as the Grunts and Mars were being lifted and pulled into the swirling abyss.
His eyes widened in terror as he saw Darkrai, the very nightmare-inducing Pokémon his leader sought to control, effortlessly transport his entire force. His voice was a guttural gasp, laced with utter disbelief, "No! What… what is this?! Darkrai?! You… you have Darkrai?!"
The humiliation of defeat was nothing compared to the shock of seeing Azure command such a powerful legendary. Gengar cackled, giving a mock wave as Saturn's eyes rolled back, and he too was pulled into the Dark Void, his last coherent thought a horrifying realization, "Hee-hee-hee! Sweet dreams, Saturn!"
*WHOOOSH*
The portal snapped shut with a soft whoosh, leaving the Spear Pillar eerily quiet once more, save for the whistling wind. All that remained were Azure, Cynthia, their Pokémon, and the placidly floating 'Uxie' (Ditty).
Azure said calmly, dusting off his hands at the scene, "That should get them to Looker and the International Police agents in Veilstone safe and sound. A bit disoriented, perhaps, but otherwise intact."
Cynthia nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face as she said calmly, "Indeed. A rather elegant solution. Your Darkrai is quite the asset. And Gengar's… vocal contributions were certainly unique."
Gengar chimed in from her spot, floating lazily next to him, "You know you love my commentary, Champ."
Azure chuckled. He glanced at the vast, desolate expanse of the Spear Pillar. The true challenge, Cyrus himself, was yet to arrive as he added, "Alright, everyone. Take a breather. He'll be here soon enough."
Pikachu, Eevee, and a now fully awake Pichu (Mew) hopped down, nudging Azure's leg. He knelt, giving them all reassuring pats. He said calmly with a reassuring smile, "Just a little longer, guys. The big fish is about to bite."
The wind howled, a mournful dirge, as they waited for the next act in Team Galactic's tragic play. The stage was set, the pawns cleared, and the main antagonist was marching directly into their trap, unaware that the 'Uxie' he coveted was nothing more than a playful, shape-shifting Ditto. Azure and Cynthia stood ready, two figures against the vastness of the ancient world, prepared for the battle that would decide the fate of Sinnoh. Now all that awaited them was for the big fish to come to them.
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!