Chapter 399: Vs Pyramid King Brandon! (1)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, (July 3rd) Battle Frontier – Battle Pyramid]
At the very apex of the gigantic Battle Pyramid, the atmosphere was thin and charged. Azure, covered in dust, sweat, and the faint glow from the seventy torches he had successfully lit, finally stepped onto the vast, open platform of the tenth floor, seventh set of the Battle Pyramid.
Below him, the complex maze of the Pyramid stretched out into the hazy distance. Brandon stood waiting, a massive figure silhouetted against the midday sky.
Flanked by Regirock, Regice, and Registeel, the Pyramid King looked utterly indomitable. Azure felt the drain of his physical endurance, but the sight of the Legendary trio sent a surge of adrenaline through him.
Brandon let out a hearty laugh as he looked down on Azure and declared, "Seventy floors, Azure! You collected forty-two items along the way—a new record! Your bravery is undeniable. Now, show me your mettle."
Azure smiled, a wide, tired, triumphant grin. Azure admitted, his voice rough, "I am exhausted, Brandon. But I have come too far to stop now. You have the Legendary Titans. I have my team. I will win this battle, no matter what it takes."
Brandon's smile widened, a challenge glint reflected in his eyes as he declared boldly, "Such confidence. Very well. Let us see if your spirit can match the might of the ancient ones!"
The wind seemed to howl in anticipation as the battle began. Brandon, with a commanding gesture, called forth his first titan, "Regirock, unleash your power!"
*BOOOM*
The rock golem, a creature of pure geological might, lumbered forward, its stony limbs thrumming with contained energy. Azure's mind raced, recalling Regirock's known moves and abilities.
Its held item, [Quick Claw], was a dangerous wildcard, capable of granting it an unexpected first strike. Before Azure could even issue a command, Brandon's voice boomed, "Regirock, Superpower!"
Regirock's eyes glowed, and it began to charge, its rocky fists clenching, radiating immense power. Azure, however, was prepared to hurl his Poké Ball out as he commanded, "Venusaur, come on out!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light, Venusaur materialized, its massive frame landing with a soft thud. The plant Pokémon's scent of fertile earth and blooming flora filled the air, a stark contrast to the sterile, ancient power of Regirock.
Attached to Venusaur's vine was its own held item, the familiar [Leftovers], a subtle yet crucial detail that did not escape Brandon's notice. A flicker of surprise crossed the Frontier Brain's face.
Azure's reputation for strategic use of items was well-earned. Regirock, mid-charge, was a terrifying sight. Its rocky arm swung down with devastating force, aiming for Venusaur.
*Wooosh*
But Azure's instincts, honed by countless battles, were faster as he countered, "Venusaur, ensnare its arm with your vines! Hold it tight, then Leech Seed!"
*WHIP*
Venusaur roared, its twin vines shooting out with astonishing speed. They wrapped tightly around Regirock's descending arm, halting its momentum just inches from its target. The sheer strength of Regirock was immense, straining Venusaur's hold, but the plant Pokémon dug its roots deeper into the pyramid's stone, bracing itself.
*Plop*
As Regirock struggled, a flurry of glowing seeds erupted from Venusaur's bulb, latching onto Regirock's stony hide. Tiny tendrils immediately began to extend, visibly sapping away at the rock golem's immense vitality.
Azure commanded, pressing his advantage, "Now, Venusaur, Power Whip!"
*WHIP*
Venusaur's vines glowed, then snapped out like a whip, lashing furiously at Regirock. But Brandon, ever composed, countered swiftly, "Regirock, Iron Defense!"
*SHIII*
A metallic sheen instantly enveloped Regirock's body, its defenses hardening to an incredible degree. The Power Whip, which would have shattered lesser Pokémon, merely bounced off, leaving barely a scratch on the ancient golem's reinforced exterior.
Azure frowned but didn't falter. He called out, "Strong Style Razor Leaf!"
*WOOOSH*
Venusaur launched a volley of razor-sharp leaves. They spun through the air like emerald shuriken, but they too glanced harmlessly off Regirock's iron-clad form, showering the ground with harmless green fragments.
Iron Defense had effectively nullified the physical and mild special moves. Brandon seized the moment, "Regirock, break free!"
*RIP*
With a surge of raw, elemental power, Regirock flexed, its rocky muscles rippling. Venusaur's vines, though strong, splintered under the immense pressure, snapping away from Regirock's arm. The golem roared, now free, and its stony eyes focused with unnerving intensity.
Brandon ordered, "Immediately, Lock-On!"
*CLICK*
A crimson crosshair appeared in the air, locking onto Venusaur with unerring precision. Azure sweated as he thought, 'This is dangerous; Brandon was setting up an unmissable attack…'
Azure had to act fast. He quickly commanded, "Venusaur, Vine Whip on its other leg! Immobilize it!"
*WHIP*
Venusaur, despite its exhaustion from holding Regirock, responded with immediate obedience. A vine snaked out, wrapping around Regirock's free leg, digging in tightly and pulling.
Regirock stumbled, its balance compromised, rendering it momentarily immobile. It roared in frustration, unable to move effectively. But Brandon was relentless, ordering, "Regirock, Hyper Beam, now!"
*PEW*
A terrifying surge of orange energy began to gather in Regirock's chest, glowing with destructive potential. Escaping was impossible; the Lock-On was still active, and Venusaur was too slow to fully evade such a massive attack at point-blank range.
Azure yelled, his voice cutting through the building tension, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
Just as the Hyper Beam erupted from Regirock's chest in a blinding torrent, a shimmering green barrier flickered into existence around Venusaur. The colossal energy blast slammed into the shield with an earth-shattering impact.
*BOOOOM*
*RMBL*
The pyramid's apex trembled, and a blinding explosion of light and force filled the air, creating a dense, opaque smokescreen that swallowed both Pokémon whole. Azure knew that Protect fully absorbed a Hyper Beam, especially from a Legendary, but it would buy him crucial seconds.
Brandon's voice cut through the fading roar of the Hyper Beam, laced with a cold challenge. His words rang with conviction, a clear warning, "Cheap moves will not work on me, Azure! All I need is one decisive attack from my ancient Pokémon to knock out your Venusaur!"
*WOOOSH*
As if on cue, a massive silhouette began to emerge from the dissipating smokescreen. Regirock, its form still wreathed in residual energy, was far too close to Venusaur. The Protect barrier, having absorbed the brunt of the Hyper Beam, shimmered and then faded from existence, leaving Venusaur exposed and vulnerable.
Azure felt a sense of unease. Brandon bellowed, his voice echoing across the pyramid, "Regirock, blow it up! Explosion!"
Azure's eyes widened in alarm as he thought, startled, 'Explosion at point-blank range, from a Pokémon like Regirock? This bastard…!'
It was a reckless, desperate move, but devastatingly effective. There was no time to react, no shield to raise. Regirock's stony body glowed with a terrifying, internal light, and then, with a deafening, cataclysmic roar, it detonated…
*KA-BOOOOOM*
The top of the Battle Pyramid was engulfed in a blinding flash, a shockwave rippling outwards as the sheer force of Regirock's Explosion ripped through the air. Dust, debris, and raw concussive energy filled every inch of the atmosphere.
When the last echoes of the blast faded and the dust slowly began to settle, two forms lay sprawled amidst the rubble. Regirock, its rocky frame cracked and scorched, lay utterly motionless.
Beside it, Venusaur, its lush foliage singed and tattered, its body bruised and still, was also clearly unable to continue. Both Pokémon were fainted, sacrificed in a double knockout from Explosion.
Azure stared at the scene, a mix of frustration and grudging respect warring within him. He returned Venusaur to its Poké Ball, his expression grim as he commented bitterly, "That was… childish, Brandon. Using a move like Explosion to take out an opponent, at such a cost."
Brandon, returning his own fainted Regirock, met Azure's gaze with unflinching intensity as he replied bluntly, "Childish? Perhaps. But in a showdown such as this, when victory is on the line, I will not back down from a win, no matter the method. It is a testament to your Venusaur's tenacity that it forced my Regirock to such an extreme."
His eyes narrowed, a challenge burning within them as he bellowed, "You have taken down one titan. Let us see how you fare against another. Registeel, attack!"
*Wooosh*
With a majestic flash, Registeel, a sleek, silvery golem of pure metal, rushed onto the battlefield. Its form gleamed under the sun, an embodiment of steel and unyielding defense.
Azure's tactical mind whirred. Registeel often held [Leftovers], just like his Venusaur had, granting it passive recovery. He needed a Pokémon that could disrupt, outmaneuver, and inflict status.
Azure called, sending out his ghostly Pokémon, "Mismagius, it's your turn!"
*Swf*
Mismagius appeared silently, its ethereal form shimmering, its pearl necklace gently clinking. It's a held item, [Bright Powder], a rare and cunning choice, was a subtle detail that could turn the tide.
Azure knew Registeel would target Mismagius's speed and special defense, so a disruptive first move was essential. Azure commanded, "Mismagius, start with Mean Look!"
*SNAP*
Mismagius's eyes glowed with an eerie purple light, fixing Registeel with an unblinking, supernatural stare. A ripple of dark energy pulsed outwards, and Registeel, despite its massive size, seemed to flinch as the Mean Look hit its mark, trapping it on the field and guaranteeing hits in the future.
Brandon, unfazed, retaliated, "Registeel, Metal Claw!"
*SHINNG*
Registeel's metallic arm glowed, extending into a sharp, gleaming claw, which it swung with surprising speed towards the ghostly Pokémon. But with how slow it was, Azure had time to counterattack.
Azure instructed, "Dodge, Mismagius! Then Will-O-Wisp!"
*Wooosh*
Mismagius, with an elegant, almost balletic swivel, phased slightly to the side, allowing the Metal Claw to slice harmlessly through the air where it had been moments before. As Registeel overextended, Mismagius's pearl necklace glowed, and ghostly blue flames gathered around its spectral hands.
*Sssss*
With a flick of its wrists, it unleashed a torrent of Will-O-Wisp. The fiery orbs streaked across the battlefield, slamming into Registeel with a direct hit.
*Boom*
The steel golem stumbled back, knocked off balance by the impact, and a sickly green glow enveloped its metallic body – it was burned, its physical attack power significantly reduced. Its physical power was cut in half.
A flicker of annoyance crossed Brandon's face. The burn was a critical status condition against Registeel's robust defenses.
Brandon ordered, switching to an electric attack, "Registeel, Zap Cannon!"
*ZZZZZT*
Registeel's chest cavity opened slightly, and a powerful sphere of crackling electricity began to form. Azure, recognizing the power of the move, countered immediately, "Mismagius, Strong Style Shadow Ball!"
*CRACKLE*
Mismagius gathered dark energy, compressing it into a swirling orb of pure spectral force. Both attacks launched simultaneously, a brilliant blue orb of lightning hurtling towards a swirling sphere of purple shadows.
*BOOOOM*
*CRACK*
The two attacks collided in the center of the battlefield with a deafening CRACK and an explosion of light and residual energy, creating a temporary smokescreen. Brandon, undeterred, used the distraction, "Lock-On, Registeel! Then follow up with another Zap Cannon!"
He aimed to guarantee the hit, eliminating Mismagius. Azure's eyes narrowed.
He knew Brandon's strategy. Azure ordered, "Mismagius, Phantom Force!"
*Swf*
As Registeel's Lock-On targeted its spectral form, Mismagius shimmered, its form becoming transparent, then disappearing entirely, phasing into another dimension, just as the Zap Cannon erupted from Registeel. The powerful electric blast tore through the empty space where Mismagius had been, missing its mark.
*Swf*
A moment later, Mismagius reappeared, not in front of Registeel, but directly behind it, its ghostly laughter echoing faintly. Azure pressed his advantage, "Now, Mismagius, Psychic Noise!"
*SCREEEE*
Mismagius's eyes flashed, and a wave of disorienting, psychic energy emanated from it, aimed directly at Registeel's vulnerable back. Registeel roared, its metallic form vibrating uncomfortably under the assault.
Brandon's eyes narrowed as he thought calmly, 'Psychic Noise… he just made its item [Leftovers] useless as it blocks healing.'
Brandon, seeing the peril, commanded, "Registeel, Metal Claw, counterattack!"
*SHINNG*
Registeel twisted, its claw glowing once more as it attempted to strike Mismagius. But as the attack swung, a subtle shimmer enveloped Mismagius.
*Swooosh*
The [Bright Powder] on Mismagius's form seemed to momentarily distort the light and obscure its exact location, just enough to disrupt Registeel's aim. The Metal Claw sliced through the air, missing Mismagius by a hair's breadth.
Brandon's eyes widened slightly in surprise, a rare occurrence. He observed the subtle gleam around Mismagius, and a knowing look settled on his face as he commented, "A clever use of the items found in the Pyramid, Azure. [Bright Powder], I presume. You certainly know how to leverage every advantage. But don't let overconfidence be your undoing. Registeel, Toxic!"
*SPLAT*
Registeel's chest opened again, but this time a vile, purple orb of potent poison began to form, aimed at Mismagius. Azure commanded, his voice sharp, "Mismagius, Telekinesis! Redirect it!"
*Shiii*
Mismagius's head snapped up, and with a focused burst of psychic energy, it intercepted the Toxic orb mid-air. The purple sphere, instead of continuing its path, swirled erratically, then was sent hurtling back towards Registeel.
Registeel, however, was already too far committed to its attack animation to react, and the Toxic orb splattered harmlessly against the ground a few feet from its metallic feet. Brandon had anticipated the redirection, it seemed, or at least factored it into his plan of attack.
Brandon let out a low whistle, a genuine smile returning to his face as he said, "Impressive. Truly impressive, Azure. You have forced me to push my limits. Now, boy, show me everything you have left. Throw everything at me!"
Azure's resolve hardened. He ordered, "Mismagius, Mystical Fire!"
*SSSSS*
Mismagius gathered intense, mystical flames, a shimmering cascade of hot, purple fire that it unleashed in a powerful stream towards Registeel. The attack radiated heat, bending the air around it.
Registeel braced itself, its metallic body glowing as it attempted to resist the special attack. Brandon commanded, pushing his Pokémon to its absolute limit, "Registeel, break free from the attack!"
*WOOOSH*
With a grunt of pure effort, Registeel managed to shift its weight, twisting its body just enough to escape the direct, concentrated impact of the Mystical Fire, though parts of its metallic body still glowed hot from the residual heat.
Azure pressed, not letting up, "Another Mystical Fire, Mismagius!"
*Sssss*
Mismagius, despite the effort, focused its energy again, but Brandon had a counter ready, "Registeel, Sandstorm!"
*SWOOOSH*
From Registeel's body, a powerful vortex of sharp sand and debris erupted, swirling outwards and upwards. The Sandstorm formed a dense, abrasive barrier, blocking Mismagius's second Mystical Fire, the flames dissipating harmlessly within the swirling grit of sand.
The violent Sandstorm then began to close in, trapping Mismagius within its destructive, visibility-impairing vortex. Brandon commanded, aiming to grind Mismagius down, "Another Sandstorm, Registeel! Intensify the pressure!"
The Sandstorm raged, its winds howling, the abrasive sand battering Mismagius, but Azure had a plan. He commanded, "Strong Style Ominous Wind, Mismagius! Push it back!"
*SWOOOSH*
Mismagius let out an eerie wail, and a powerful, spectral gust of wind erupted from its form. The Ominous Wind met the incoming Sandstorm head-on, a clash of elemental forces. For a moment, the two vortexes battled, but Mismagius's spiritual power was potent.
Slowly but surely, the Ominous Wind began to push the Sandstorm back, forcing it to recede. The spectral wind continued its assault, growing in power, until it enveloped Registeel itself, trapping the steel golem within its chilling, swirling currents.
Registeel, caught off guard, struggled within the Ominous Wind. Brandon, seeing his Pokémon in distress, gambled on raw power, "Registeel, Zap Cannon! Now!"
*ZZZZT*
A desperate Zap Cannon erupted from within the Ominous Wind, but the chaotic winds disoriented Registeel, and the attack, despite its immense power, missed Mismagius completely, tearing a hole in the distant pyramid facade.
He wouldn't lose another Pokémon to a miss. Brandon roared, his voice laced with urgency, "Lock-On, Registeel! Then Zap Cannon!"
*ZZZZT*
Registeel's eyes glowed, locking onto Mismagius even as the Ominous Wind continued to buffet it. The powerful Zap Cannon began to charge, the vortex of the Ominous Wind seemingly charging the electric attack, amplifying its destructive potential. Azure knew this was the final, devastating blow.
*KA-BOOOOOM*
The resulting explosion was immense, far more powerful than the previous one, as the charged Zap Cannon unleashed its fury within the already volatile Ominous Wind. The blazing Sandstorm, already unstable, was annihilated by the sheer force of the blast. The entire summit seemed to tremble under the impact.
*RMBL*
When the smoke finally cleared, clinging to the air like a shroud, Registeel stood, battered and singed, but still upright, its metallic form glowing faintly from the residual energy. It had taken a severe beating, but it was still in the fight.
On the other side of the clearing, Mismagius lay on the ground, its spectral form flickering weakly, its pearl necklace dull. It was unconscious, defeated. A collective gasp escaped from the distant observers.
Brandon allowed himself a satisfied, if weary, smirk. But then, as he watched, Registeel's metallic body began to shudder…
*Shiver*
A faint, dark aura, like a spectral echo, pulsed around the fallen Mismagius, reaching out to its victorious opponent. Brandon's eyes widened, a dawning realization of horror settling upon his face as he uttered, "No… Destiny Bond!"
*THUD*
With a final, agonizing groan, Registeel's mighty form buckled. The steel golem, the unyielding titan, crashed to the ground, its metallic body silent and unmoving. It had succumbed to Mismagius's desperate, last-ditch effort, taking its foe down with it.
Another double knockout. Brandon had lost his second legendary.
The silence that followed was profound, broken only by the whistling wind. Azure, though his Mismagius had fallen, felt a surge of exhilaration. He had done it. He had taken down Registeel.
The battle was far from over, but the tide had irrevocably turned. With only one Pokémon left on each side, both their expressions hardened.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!