Chapter 398: Battle Pyramid!
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, (July 2nd) Daylight, Battle Frontier]
The air of the Battle Frontier was already sticky with July humidity, but the sun of July 2nd shone with the promise of high-stakes competition. Azure, clad in his usual travel gear, stepped out onto the polished flagstones just outside the Battle Pike, the newly acquired Luck Symbol clutched firmly in his palm.
Beside him, Green, elegant even in her practical traveling attire, offered a wry, approving smile. Azure's constant companions were exactly where they were supposed to be: Pikachu, the veteran partner, nestled comfortably on his right shoulder, while Eevee, ever alert on his head, its large brown eyes scanning the bustling crowd.
Azure commented happily, tucking the symbol away, "Noland was predictable, and Lucy was… theatrical… Two down and five more to go. A quick eighteen hours of total focus. Not bad for a warm-up."
Green raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow as she commented, "Fifteen hours in the Factory, two in the Pike. Your definition of a 'warm-up' is terrifying, Azure. Most people would probably take weeks for that."
Azure retorted with a confident smirk plastered on his face, "Most people don't have the experience under their belt, or the future staring them down. Besides, the Pike was easy. Luck favors the prepared, and the prepared happen to know the exact placement of every Trainer, even the unpredictable ones."
Green sighed but agreed with his words. His sights were already set. The next target was Brandon, the legendary Pyramid King. With that, the two took their time looking around to search for Jirachi and sightseeing in the meantime…
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Battle Frontier – Battle Factory]
A short distance away, within the sterile, humming confines of the Battle Factory's maintenance corridors, the atmosphere was considerably colder. Sird, the former member of Team Rocket's Three-Beast Beast squad, now wore the severe uniform of a Team Galactic Admin—a disguise meant to afford her untraceable movement across regions.
Her features, usually prone to dramatic expressions, were set in a mask of rigid concentration as she checked the internal telemetry of the factory's rental system. She muttered, the low words echoing slightly in the empty hall, "Two days wasted… Five days left. That creature must be located."
Her mission hinged entirely on Jirachi, the wish-granting Pokémon, a target made urgent by the catastrophic failure of the Deoxys capture plan—a failure. Azure Sky's uncanny ability to anticipate events had derailed crucial elements of her operations.
Sird clenched her fist, adjusting the collar of her disguise. The sheer volume of challengers and spectators flocking to the Battle Frontier to witness the League champion's assault was a critical complication.
The demonstration battle between Azure and Noland had flooded the facilities, making clandestine movement almost impossible. She thought with bitterness, 'A rampage among the rental Pokémon… that would have been the optimal chaos…'
Her idea would've cleared the area, allowing her to search undisturbed. But with Azure and Green nearby—two of the sharpest minds in the region—such an overt action would immediately draw their attention.
She sighed, a sound thin with distaste. She was forced to rely on subtlety and observation, moving through the periphery of the crowds like a predator avoiding its prey's gaze as she whispered, "I must remain on high alert. The boy is too dangerous to ignore."
With a final glance at the Factory floor, Sird slipped out, weaving into the torrent of curious onlookers, intent on finding the elusive location of the sleeping Jirachi before time ran out. Or anyone else captured it first…
/////
[Hoenn Region, Nighttime, Battle Frontier]
Meanwhile, Azure and Green walked along the winding paths that connected the Frontier facilities. The search for Jirachi served as a thinly veiled excuse for their post-Pike cool-down, a casual blending of date and detective work.
Green began, slowing her stride to match his relaxed pace, a deliberate pout forming on her lips, "So, Azure… Between just us… You know where Jirachi is, don't you? You wouldn't be this calm otherwise."
Pikachu chirped in agreement, and Eevee twitched its ears, sensing the familiar game of cat and mouse, "Piak… Bui… (Here we go again…)"
Azure let a slow, perfectly timed breath escape his lungs, his gaze fixed on a distant flock of Pidgey. He casually brought two fingers to his mouth and let out a light, irritatingly cheerful whistle.
Green's eye twitched. She knew that whistle.
It was his signature move when he possessed information he refused to share. She pressed, her voice laced with mock accusation, "You had Celebi show you the future again, didn't you? You know exactly where the wishing star will appear, and you're dragging me through this scenic route purely because you want to capture it before I even get a chance to throw a Level Ball."
Azure stopped whistling, turning to face her with an expression of pure, innocent confusion as he said in mock bafflement, "Celebi? Future sight? Green, darling, I'm just enjoying the beautiful Battle Frontier architecture."
Green's eye twitched as she snapped playfully at him, whispering, "Don't you 'darling' me! Just tell me if it's in the Factory or the Palace. I hear the Palace gardens are lovely this time of year—perfect for a Legendary who loves making wishes."
Before Azure could offer another evasive defense, a massive shadow fell over them. Then boomed a voice like stone grinding against stone, "Architecture, you say?"
Green had barely time to register the shift in light before a calloused hand, thick as a tree branch, clamped around the collar of Azure's jacket. Azure stated flatly, not bothering to turn his head, "Let go of me, Brandon."
He recognized the sheer physical force instantly. Brandon, the Battle Pyramid King, was a man carved from the rugged wilds he explored, imposing and radiating an aura of ancient, untamed power.
He wore his explorer's gear with the confidence of a king ascending his throne. Brandon didn't release his grip. Instead, he slapped his free hand against a towering, dark wall nearby…
*FLASH*
Lights, previously hidden, flared to life, illuminating the sheer, imposing structure of the Battle Pyramid, which had been right next to them all along. Brandon growled, his deep-set eyes assessing Azure with keen intensity, "A League Champion should know better than to waste time, boy. You've been wandering while the ultimate challenge awaits. Tell me your times. How long did it take to master those trinkets?"
Azure sighed, resigning himself to the inevitable spectacle as he replied, "Battle Factory: 15 hours. Battle Pike: 2 hours."
Brandon repeated, a slight smirk stretching his lips, "15 hours and 2 hours. Fast. But not fast enough for the Pyramid."
With a guttural shout, Brandon dragged Azure along with his Pikachu and Eevee to the Battle Pyramid. Brandon threw Azure—Pikachu and Eevee, clinging desperately to their trainer, straight toward the massive, open gateway of the Pyramid.
*THUD*
Azure tumbled into the entrance chamber. The moment he landed, the vast space around him dissolved into absolute, suffocating darkness.
Azure stood up, swatting at the void, "What the—"
It was then that he finally noticed it. He couldn't see his hand in front of his face. His consciousness, trained to quickly adapt, found no reference points ordered, "Pikachu, use Flash! Give me light!"
*ZZZZZT*
Pikachu dutifully unleashed a cascade of electricity, but the brief illumination revealed nothing but immense black walls that seemed to swallow the light immediately. Even with the flash, Azure was entirely disoriented.
He took a few tentative steps, relying on his sense of direction, until he felt a cool draft and saw a sliver of exterior light. He slammed his body through the opening exit.
*Thud*
He stumbled out, blinking in the daylight, only to be met by the sight of Brandon, whose hand immediately shot out and snatched the back of his shirt as he said, "Not so fast, whelp. That was too easy!"
*THUD*
Azure was thrown back inside with even greater force. This time, Azure landed and immediately oriented himself, trying to recall the few steps he had taken moments before as he murmured, "Damn, that guy can throw! Now I should –!"
He followed the mental map of his previous path—three steps forward, two steps left, a pivot to the right—but instead of finding the exit, his foot met an obstacle that hadn't been there before.
He stumbled into a dead end of cold stone as he mumbled, "What gives?"
Brandon's voice boomed from the unseen entrance, resonating through the dark chamber, "The Battle Pyramid is the ultimate challenge of endurance, resourcefulness, and mental fortitude! It is a pitch-black maze that completely rearranges its internal layout every single time a challenger steps inside!"
Green gasped outside, "He's lost his mind!"
Brandon commanded as his voice boomed into an echo, "If you want to complete this place, you will have to start immediately. And prepare to spend over an entire day inside before you even get a chance to face me!"
Brandon elaborated, his voice stern and unapologetic as he laid out the grueling rules, "Challengers may bring up to three Pokémon. After completing a set, you may return and change your team if you wish."
Azure listened in the dark, Pikachu and Eevee silent in anticipation as he continued, "To earn the Brave Symbol, you must scale ten floors, seven times. That is seventy floors of constant climbing and exploration. You will face virtual Trainers programmed to push your limits, and you will have to find your way through the dark by any means necessary."
The final rules were the most restrictive as they caught Azure's attention the most: "You cannot use held items on your Pokémon. However, the maze is littered with items—Potions, status healers, and random items. These are yours to take and use at your discretion."
70 floors in absolute darkness, battling virtual opponents, relying on sheer instinct and scavenged resources. It was a hellish endurance test designed to break the will. Azure's competitive fire, far from being extinguished, roared to life at the challenge.
He remembered the grueling physical training he had subjected himself to in his past few years, the determination that had fueled his past victories. He was a champion of persistence, no matter the odds against him.
Feeling challenged, Azure yelled into the darkness, "Fine! Let me out! I need to prepare my team. I don't back down from a challenge, Brandon."
Brandon's laughter was a triumphant roar as he replied, "A fine spirit! Step into the light, then, and show the world what a three-time champion is made of!"
As Azure stepped out, brushing dust off his clothes, he saw Brandon smiling—a rare, genuine expression of respect. Brandon bellowed, gesturing toward the gathered media, "Press! Take your pictures! This boy will be the first one to attempt to conquer the Pyramid! Record his bravery!"
Azure immediately broke into a run, heading straight for the nearest Pokémon Center. Green trailed him, her expression a mixture of worry and frantic energy.
Green protested, grabbing his arm as they entered the Center lobby, "Azure, wait! You idiot, you haven't slept properly! You cannot start a seventy-floor, twenty-five-hour maze challenge right now!"
Azure paused, pulling out the three Poké Balls currently holding his strongest team members from the Pike as he replied, "I'll sleep after I beat Brandon. If I wait, the momentum will be lost. I need the fresh sting of this challenge."
He moved rapidly to an open Transporter terminal. He needed a specific team for this sustained, indoor, resource-limited environment.
Speed and brute force wouldn't cut it; he needed stamina, reliable utility, and maneuverability in the dark. He initiated a connection. He murmured to Green, his eyes fixed on the screen, "I'm calling Crystal."
*BEEP*
Crystal, currently in her lab, answered instantly, looking tired but efficient, and said curiously through the video feed of the computer in a curious voice, "Azure? Did you win the Pike? I saw the newsfeed."
Azure nodded with a light smile as he made his request in a polite tone in a calmling voice, "I did. Need to swap some heavy hitters for some endurance runners, fast. I'm sending you back my Gardevoir, Slaking, and Houndoom. I need Arcanine, Venusaur, and Mismagius sent back immediately."
Crystal blinked, processing the unusual exchange of powerful fighters for a more niche team. Gardevoir's psychic strength, Slaking's overwhelming power, and Houndoom's sheer intimidation were being replaced by three Pokémon with high stamina, varied elemental coverage, and excellent utility in navigation.
Crystal guessed, a smile touching her lips once Azure explained the limitations of the Battle Pyramid as she replied, "The Battle Pyramid? Dark, enclosed spaces, limited items. Good choices. Give me one minute."
*BEEP*
The trade was executed flawlessly through the teleporter system. Azure snatched the incoming Poké Balls, his smile returning, muttering, "Glad to have you guys with me for this. I'll rely on you."
Aure chose his 3 Pokémon for specific roles in mind. Arcanine—for speed, Fire coverage, and smell utility to detect threats. Venusaur—for Grass-type coverage, debilitating status effects, immense natural stamina, and healing abilities.
And Mismagius—a Ghost-type that could literally float through walls or ignore physical hazards, offering unparalleled utility in a shifting maze, along with the move Flash utility (crucial in the dark if he could risk the setup).
Pikachu and Eevee, who remained on his person as non-combat companions for the crawl, chittered their approval. Azure declared, clipping the three new Poké Balls to his belt, "Perfect. With them, I'm ready."
He turned back to Green, with a confident grin on his face, and uttered, "I'll be out tomorrow. If Jirachi shows up, you know what to do."
Green just shook her head, watching him sprint out the door as she yelled, "Be safe, you stubborn idiot."
Azure arrived back at the towering wall of the Battle Pyramid, the press still clambering for positions, the shadow of the structure already beginning to lengthen as the late morning wore on. Brandon was waiting, arms crossed, flanked not by his usual assistants, but by three massive, silent Pokémon.
Regirock. Regice. Registeel.
The Legendary Golems. The crowd collectively gasped.
This was not a challenge; this was a trial by Legend. Brandon said, his voice now imbued with the weight of the ancient creatures surrounding him, "You have your team, boy… I trust you chose well."
Azure nodded, his own confidence unwavering despite the titanic opposition. Brandon stated, "I will not see you again until you reach the final set. I will be waiting for you on the seventh floor of the tenth set. Complete the Pyramid, defeat my virtual challengers, and earn the right to face the King."
Azure looked at the pitch-black entrance once more. Seventy floors, a maze that shifted with every breath, and a three-on-three battle against the Legendary Titans waiting at the end. Azure answered, giving the Battle Frontier King a sharp mock salute, "Duly noted! I'll see you on the seventh floor, Brandon. Don't go anywhere."
He clipped the three Poké Balls containing Arcanine, Venusaur, and Mismagius, took a deep breath, and walked directly into the suffocating darkness of the Battle Pyramid. The massive door slammed shut behind him, sealing the Uncrowned Champion away within the ultimate test of endurance.
/////
[Hoenn Region, (July 3rd), Battle Frontier – Battle Pyramid]
Time became irrelevant inside the Pyramid. The only markers were the rising fatigue, the changing tactical challenges, and the slow rotation of his three powerful Pokémon.
Night had passed. The heavy, smothering dark of the challenge now yielded to the faint golden light of day filtering through the distant door as Azure completed the third set. He stumbled out of the tenth floor, breathing hard.
*Wooosh*
In the final rooms of that set, a wild Houndoom had rushed him, its hot breath a warning in the dark. Azure hadn't hesitated, calling upon his largest partner as he commanded, "Arcanine! Roar!"
*ROAR*
The explosive, fearsome sound of Arcanine's Roar, amplified by the cavernous walls, had instantly shattered the Houndoom's aggressive posture, sending it fleeing into another corridor.
Green, waiting outside with the supportive Pikachu and Eevee, rushed forward. Green embraced him quickly, noting the grime and exhaustion on his face, "Azure! You made it! Daybreak already? This Pyramid is grueling. How are you holding up?"
Azure gasped, accepting a bottle of water as he replied, "Don't worry… Tactical breaks are built-in."
Green had brought provisions: fresh fruit, water, and a pouch of premium Poké Blocks for his team. As Arcanine and Venusaur eagerly devoured their food, Azure rubbed Mismagius behind its shimmering head.
After a brief ten-minute rest, Azure, energized by the food and the sunlight, re-entered the darkness for the fourth set. Azure murmured as they navigated the fourth floor, "Strategy change. Arcanine, Odor Sleuth! Tell me who's coming."
*Sniff*
Arcanine, following the command, began tracing scent trails through the black void. Suddenly, it stiffened, letting out a sharp, low growl, "Grrr… (Danger! To our left, Master a Ghost type!!)"
Azure concluded, recognizing the spooky, floral scent as he ordered, "Misdreavus! Flash then Shadow Ball! Give us some light!"
*FLASH*
Mismagius shimmered into existence, casting a faint, eerie blue light that briefly illuminated the twisting stone corridor. The light revealed the ethereal purple orb of a Misdreavus right in front of them.
*CRACKLE*
The Ghost-type shrieked in surprise, but Mismagius was faster. A concentrated Shadow Ball erupted, defeating the wild Pokémon instantly.
*BOOOM*
Brandon's voice echoed over the intercom system as he declared, "The Pyramid is designed to keep out intruders and thieves, young man. It is a test of bravery, rewarding those who conquer their fear."
As the Misdreavus dissolved, the room Azure was in brightened ever so slightly—enough to distinguish the floor from the ceiling. A reward for defeating a wild Pokémon.
Green, watching from the monitors outside, commented on Brandon's fairness, "It's surprisingly honorable, given how much humiliation you've caused him! But even fair play won't change the fact that you still have to face those three Legendary Titans."
The fifth set proved even more punishing.
Azure was forced into a desperate run, retreating down a corridor as a massive, wild Gengar burst out of a wall, its manic grin glowing in the faint gloom. But Azure commanded, "Venusaur! Roar! Now!"
*ROAR*
Venusaur, using its incredible bulk and anchoring itself, emitted a deep, rattling Roar that sent the Gengar recoiling, giving Azure enough space to slip through a low opening. Green asked worriedly, her voice tight with tension over the monitor, "Why didn't you use Mismagius to blast it?"
Azure replied, catching his breath, "Can't. The Misdreavus I defeated earlier used Grudge before Mismagius could finish it, emptying its stamina for Shadow Ball. This set is designed to conserve resources by move denial. Remember earlier sets? Paralyze, poison, burn. Now, they're aiming for PP depletion."
He was exhausted, but his strategic mind was still sharp. He commanded, "Arcanine. Sniff out the loose items. We need resources."
Arcanine, relying on its magnificent sense of smell, began meticulously traversing the corridors, avoiding pitfalls and virtual Trainers with equal dexterity. Azure and his other two Pokémon acted as a tight defensive unit, covering the retriever.
A moment later, Arcanine returned, several small, brightly colored objects gathered carefully in its mouth. It dropped them onto the floor. Azure picked up the objects—one Hyper Potion, a Revive, and an Ether.
Azure said happily, immediately using the Ether to restore Mismagius's depleted stamina, "Perfect. Just what we needed."
Green, watching the feed, began to put the puzzle pieces together as she murmured, "Arcanine is your item gatherer. Venusaur and Arcanine are your escape artists for quick retreats using Roar. And Mismagius… you picked it because of Pain Split and Destiny Bond. It can drain opponents to restore its own health, eliminating the need to waste healing items or Poké Blocks on it."
She shook her head in admiration with a sly grin on her face as she complimented Azure's choices, "Azure, your team selection is flawless for this setting. You mapped out the perfect endurance strategy."
Suddenly, a new figure appeared in the viewing room beside Green. It was Spenser, the Palace Maven, his face grave as he stated solemnly, "I apologize for the interruption, Miss Green, but I believe we have a serious situation."
Green's smile vanished as she asked, "What is it?"
Spencer, riding his Crobat explained to them in a calm voice, "You must come with me. And bring Pikachu and Eevee—we wouldn't want them getting lost."
/////
[Hoenn Region, Battle Frontier – Battle Factory]
Moments later, Green, along with Pikachu and Eevee, found herself ushered into the high-tech conference room of the Battle Tower. Anabel, Tucker, Lucy, Noland, and Greta were gathered around a computer module, their expressions ranging from panicked, conflicted, to furious.
Noland stated, running a frustrated hand through his hair, "It's disappeared. All of them. Every single rental Pokémon across the entire Frontier."
Green was aghast. Her eyes widened in shock asked in a surprised voice, "Stolen? Who on earth would do something like that?"
The Frontier Brains collectively turned to stare at her. The implication was clear: they suspected Azure and her.
Greta snapped, her eyes narrowed as she bluntly explained, "He's the only known outsider who possesses a team strong enough to pull off coordinated attacks across multiple facilities. And you, Miss Green, are the only person here who travels consistently with him!"
Green countered as she argued her defense, "That's ridiculous! Azure has been either with me all day, or locked inside the Battle Pyramid since morning!"
An argument immediately flared up, the Brains torn between their belief in his capability and the absurdity of his location. Anabel, the Salon Maiden, raised a hand, silencing the room instantly.
Anabel said calmly, her voice calm but authoritative, "Scott has left us specific instructions. First, the demonstration will proceed as planned. If we announce the theft now, the resulting chaos and press storm will give the criminal free rein to strike again. Second, we must all work together immediately. We have to capture the thief before the Battle Frontier is officially opened to the public."
Tucker, the Dome Ace, looked directly at Green with cold eyes as he stated, "Tell Azure that I do not trust him. And I will find out who did this."
Tucker led Green out of the room, leaving her heart pounding with worry. She needed to focus, to get back to the monitors, but the sheer scale of the theft was terrifying.
Green asked Lucy, standing outside the Tower's central hub, "How is he doing?"
Lucy, despite her grave expression, offered a small comfort as she replied in a calming voice, "The boy is relentless, I'll give him that. He's already made it to the final floor of the tenth set."
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A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!