Chapter Text
Shitty metal music blasts through the spacious room as the sounds of battle clashed below. The Ignus City Gym was stiflingly hot, despite the air conditioning (which hardly did anything) due to the fire type specialist who resided within. The Explouds mingled above, carelessly blasting their music. They weren't quite as invested in the battle as the audience in the stadium itself.
A shrieking cry echoed as wings swept across the stadium’s concrete ground, a trail of fire blazing as it sped up. A shower of sparks scattered across the floor, the miniature light show that regulars of the Ignus City Gym battles were used to. Sparks sprayed onto the scorched glass barriers that separated the audience from the battle.
Talonflame was the Ace of the Gym Leader, always the star of the show, as quick as a dying star and as bright as one too. The chemicals applied to its feathers sparked a pink flame like fireworks as it streaked into a nosedive, ramming headfirst into an unsuspecting Omastar.
“Talonflame used Flame Charge! It doesn’t seem to be very effective.. does our new challenger have the prowess to secure their very last Gym Badge before taking on the Elite Four?”
Omastar wormed its tentacles into the cracks in the concrete, focusing as it summoned a flash flood. The flood roared as it rushed towards Talonflame, who quickly whisked away. The water flooded the stadium, splashing against the walls as both trainers stepped back to avoid getting wet in the knee-deep water. The protective glass barriers held strong against the raging waves, the foamy crests crashing against them repeatedly in loud thunderous booms.
“And Omastar counters with Surf! Surely this powerful water-type move will finish Talonflame once and for all!”
Talonflame spun rapidly, its flaming wings sparking up a pink fire tornado, enshrouding itself. It swept along the water, its wings leaving a trail of steam behind it as it blazed through. The raging inferno evaporated the flood water, the heat drying out the damp concrete. Talonflame’s attack enveloped both Pokemon into a veil of mist.
Through the haze, Talonflame propelled itself forward and struck Omastar’s shell with a powerful Steel Wing, cracking the hard bone exterior with a loud crunch. It let out a shrieking cry, attempting to follow its opponent’s attacks as Talonflame whirled around it in a dizzying Hurricane. The mollusk fell back as the bird swept away into the fading steam, back under the cover.
“Talonflame uses Overheat to dry up the remnants of Surf– a wise decision on its trainer’s part! It used the steam to cover up its sneaky attack… only to follow up with a stealthy but powerful Steel Wing, distracting it with Hurricane right after! A powerful set up to a three part move… Omastar looks a bit tired now, it might be wise to send out another Pokemon!”
The mist was almost gone. Omastar now had a semi-clear view– but Talonflame’s attacks had left their mark, as the announcer had stated. It dragged itself towards Talonflame sluggishly, a gasp from the audience resonating as blood trickled from its exposed back from where its shell had been shattered. The sensitive skin was rapidly drying from Talonflame’s heat, its soft body vulnerable. It growled, clearly annoyed as well as heavily injured from Talonflame’s vicious hits.
The bird Pokemon rose up higher, preparing another nosedive towards its sensitive, bare body.
With a cry, Omastar launched itself, shooting a jet of water which Talonflame swiftly dodged with a barrel roll. Although its maneuvering speed was as quick as lightning, Omastar’s guard was raised, and attacks seemed to bounce off its hard shell as it swiftly turned to avoid losing the upper hand. As Talonflame shot in, Omastar’s tentacles wrapped around its wing– smashing it into the ground with a powerful Rock Blast.
“And its a quad-weakness move! But Talonflame doesn’t look ready to give up yet!”
Talonflame’s wings spread, crying out as it attempted to recover. Its legs scrabbled for purchase against the cement ground, its claws sending sparks flying. However, Omastar was unrelenting, gripping it tight as it hit it with a full force Hydro Pump.
The stadium rumbled as the cannon of water blasted into the Scorching Pokemon, spraying the audience with a slight shower of rain as Talonflame shrieked. The faint orange blur was enveloped in blue as it was thrown against the walls. The glass cracked under the water pressure, and Omastar inhaled sharply, ready to blast it again.
“Omastar doesn’t give up! And a Hydro Pump straight to the face… place your bets, everybody! Omastar has the advantage now!”
The waves ebbed to reveal a crumpled Talonflame splayed out, its feathers slightly fluffed up and damp as it slowly slid down the scorched glass barriers and hit the ground.
“...Oh? And it seems like Sinen’s Talonflame is no longer able to battle!”
A mix of both cheers and boos echoed from the audience, although the sides seemed to be fairly mixed. The roar of the noise echoed in the stadium, mirrored by the Explouds’ music.
With a scoff, the silver haired girl stepped forwards, recalling Talonflame back into its ball.
'A water/rock type… I’m cooked. That’s a double weakness no matter what I put out.'
“Go, Ceruledge!”
A purple shadow swifted around Sinen, clouding her in an ominous aura before appearing in front of her in a flash of vibrant flame. Omastar growled, readying itself as Ceruledge extended its blades.
“Ceruledge, Phantom Force!”
As Ceruledge disappeared into Omastar’s shadow, the stadium’s doors swung open with a crash. A late viewer? The show had started almost an hour ago, so it was unlikely. With a creak, the doors slowly toppled down as a large avian stormed in, its wings spread in displeasure as it clacked its beak. The door had been completely broken off. That was alarming to say the least.
The crowds went silent, as the announcer, clearly taken off guard, cleared his throat.
“What’s this? A new challenger?”
The Omastar’s trainer was dragged aside, the large armoured bird Pokemon snatching the Spiral Pokemon and dropping it next to its protesting trainer. It seemed to be a Corviknight… which was odd, considering they weren’t native to Hikken. In place of Corviknight as transport, locals would breed larger and stronger Talonflame, hence why Sinen’s Talonflame was unusually large for its species and could withstand more damage.
Through the last of the haze, another figure emerged– one with a Pokeball in hand and a hostile expression upon his face as he stalked towards the arena.
“I hate to interrupt,” He spoke, but the way he moved and voiced his words made Sinen realize that to interrupt and cause destruction was exactly his plan. “But you have something I need.”
Sinen narrowed her eyes, folding her arms. Her palms felt cold and a bit clammy, and she could feel her heart rate speeding up. This was a stranger. She was never even good at interacting with people close to her, let alone strangers. “Who’s asking?”
The stranger tugged at his sleeves. “My name is Amethio.”
Invisible fingers clutched Sinen’s throat, choking and holding back her breath. She forced back her uneasiness, calming her nerves and smoothing out her skirt as she cleared her throat.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait your turn, Amethio. I’m in the midst of facing another challenger.”
Ceruledge still hovered in its Phantom state, unsure what to do as it remained a purple shadow in front of Sinen. Amethio held out his Pokeball, his Corviknight returning to perch behind him, its wings spread ominously as it cawed.
“I’m afraid I don’t have time for that.” He responded coolly, leaning against Corviknight as he tossed his Pokeball from hand to hand. “I’m not here for the badge. I’m here for information. Information that's authorized.”
Sinen’s brow arched as she glanced back at him. “Please wait your turn or I will have my Gym Trainers kick you out. The Ignus City Gym does not tolerate rule breakers.”
With a scoff, he tossed the ball– revealing another Ceruledge.
Sinen’s teeth gritted.
He knew exactly how to get to her.
“If that’s how you want it, so be it.”
Sinen’s Ceruledge emerged, leaping out of its Phantom state and diving towards the new Ceruledge. Their fiery blades clashed and slashed, sparks flying as both Pokemon tried to gain the upper hand.
“And its a battle of wit and Ceruledges!”
The crowd, seemingly revived by the announcer’s voice and the sound of battle, cheered again loudly. The Explouds resumed blasting their shitty music, but something was off. The music was faster, louder, and sounded 10x more violent. Their eyes were focused on the battle below.
An unfamiliar glint shone in Sinen’s eyes as she watched with trepidation.
Amethio swept his arm out, flourishing dramatically as he called out, “Ceruledge, Psycho Cut!”
Before Sinen’s Ceruledge could dodge, the opposing Pokemon swung its blade across its torso, sending it flying back with a crash, narrowly avoiding Sinen. She tsked as she looked back, her Ceruledge trembling against the cracked wall as it stumbled up.
“Ceruledge, Phantom Force!”
Before Amethio’s Ceruledge could strike it again with a potential knockout blow, Sinen’s Ceruledge disappeared and reappeared behind it.
“Good, now Flame Charge!”
Amethio’s Ceruledge was caught off guard as Sinen’s Ceruledge slammed into it, pushing it into the ground in a fiery blast.
Both Fire Blades Pokemon danced around, seemingly entranced as they locked swords again, sparks flying and stray flames scorching the walls. The sounds of blades crashing filled the stadium, the oddly metallic hum resounding despite the ghostly energy that made up their limbs.
Sinen raised her arms over her face, squinting. The heat was nearly unbearable as she backed up even further, hissing.
'I really need to invest in some sunglasses. As well as more fireproof clothing.'
Sinen pushed the smoke away from her face as she braced herself. This was a risky plan, but could potentially be her victory.
“Ceruledge, Shadow Sneak and follow up with Flare Blitz!”
Ceruledge cloaked itself in shadow again, swifting through the other Ceruledge and reappearing behind it in a spinning attack with its blade arms outstretched. The whirlwind of flames sent the opponent stumbling back, skidding across the concrete in a trail of smoke.
Both Pokemon were tired by now, their swords barely ablaze and flickering. The opposing Ceruledge was scuffed and panting, eyes barely open. Amethio stood up, raising his hand, returning Ceruledge back into its Pokeball. He stepped back, expression as cold as ever, his eyes blazing.
“Coward. Running already?”
Sinen taunted, spreading her palms out smugly as she took a step forward. She seemed a lot more careless now, her eyes holding an unusual spitefulness. Her tone was mocking. Her stance was more confident. This wasn't the quiet, easy Ignus City Gym Leader he’d been warned about.
Amethio scoffed, tugging on Corviknight’s reins.
“Shut up. I know my boundaries and have restrictions.”
With a final look, he turned. As he left he spoke;
“Don’t think you’ve won, Sinen. I’ll be back for round two.”
“I’ll look forward to it, then. You’ve just proved to be the inferior Ceruledge trainer.”