Chapter 69: A Ground Full of Treasure!
Chapter 69: A Ground Full of Treasure!
"Kingdra, Hydro Pump!"
"Tentacruel, Sludge Wave!"
"Cloyster, Ice Beam!"
In the depths beneath the water city, hidden from the eyes of the world, lay an ancient subterranean structure. The entire place resembled a vast labyrinthine palace, glowing faintly under the soft illumination of mysterious luminous stones.
The stones emitted a steady, gentle light, but the energy radiating from them was undeniably immense. They were infused with powerful Psychic-type energy, indicating they were at least A-tier treasures.
That wasn't all.
Embedded in the ground were countless Water Stones, their radiating energy dense and potent. Each of them rivaled the treasures used by top trainers, making it clear these were no ordinary finds.
At the center of the palace stood a crystalline gemstone, radiant and translucent. It glimmered faintly, exuding an aura of immense power that was almost tangible.
This scene was overwhelming—a floor covered with treasures, a sight that would incite endless greed and rivalry in the outside world.
And yet, despite the wealth on display, the two Pokémon currently guarding the centerpiece—the Soul Dew—were under siege.
Hovering in the middle of the hall were Latias and Latios, their energy being channeled into the Soul Dew. Latios maintained a defensive barrier around them, attempting to shield against the barrage of attacks from the surrounding Pokémon.
The opposing Pokémon were no ordinary creatures. Each one's level ranged from Gym Leader to Elite, with the strongest among them, Kingdra, at Master-tier.
Under normal circumstances, these legendary Pokémon could have easily dispatched the attackers with a single move. However, their energy was rapidly depleting as they infused the Soul Dew with power. They were already weakened, and their strength was dwindling.
"Latias, hold the barrier steady!" Latios telepathically urged his sibling. Despite their situation, his voice remained calm.
"I'm trying, but they're too strong!" Latias responded, her tone strained with effort.
The Psychic barrier trembled under the combined might of Hydro Pump, Sludge Wave, and Ice Beam. Cracks began to form, and Latias's energy levels dropped further.
As their power was drained, both siblings' strength fell to the Master-tier, leaving them vulnerable.
"Humans! What are you doing here?" Latios's telepathic voice boomed, laced with fury.
The lead trainer smirked, unfazed by the legendary Pokémon's wrath. "So the legends are true. Soul communication! Marvelous!"
The man's excitement was palpable. If he could capture a legendary Pokémon, his position within Team Rocket would rise exponentially. He might even rival Giovanni himself.
"Latios, Latias," he declared with a twisted grin, "become my Pokémon. Together, we'll rule this city and beyond!"
Latios's eyes burned with rage. "Those with impure hearts will corrupt the Soul Dew!"
Latios turned to Latias. "Sister, once we're done charging the Soul Dew, take it and escape!"
"But what about you?" Latias's voice wavered.
She understood her brother's intentions. He planned to stay behind and buy her time to escape. Once the Soul Dew was charged, their energy would be nearly depleted, leaving them defenseless against the attackers.
The barrier shuddered again, and Latios grimaced. "Hurry, it's almost done."
Latias hesitated, conflicted. Her gaze darted to the barrier, which was moments away from collapsing.
Her mind flashed to the human she had encountered recently—the one who had fed her the energy block. She had left a psychic imprint on him. Could he help?
She reached out through her psychic connection. "Can you hear me? Please… help us."
---
Meanwhile, at the tournament arena above the city, the championship match continued.
The battle was intense. Frogadier adhered to Hikaru's promise, refraining from using Electric-type moves. Vaporeon, on the other hand, took full advantage of its aquatic agility, dominating the match thus far.
"Phew, this isn't going to be easy," Hikaru muttered to himself.
But… did they really think this was Frogadier's full potential?
With a sly grin, Hikaru reached into his inventory and adjusted the Gravity Ball attached to Frogadier. Its suppression level dropped from 1.5x to 1.2x.
The moment the adjustment was made, Frogadier's body trembled slightly, and its eyes gleamed with excitement.
This was liberation.
The Gravity Ball had been suppressing Frogadier's energy and speed, forcing it to operate under immense strain. It was a training tool, much like the weights worn by seasoned fighters. But now, unshackled, Frogadier felt an unprecedented surge of power.
"Wait… what?!" Lili, Vaporeon's trainer, stared in disbelief as Frogadier's speed visibly increased.
Her Vaporeon, still submerged, froze in shock. It had been tracking Frogadier's movements, but now its target was gone—its presence completely undetectable.
By the time Vaporeon realized what was happening, it was too late.
The water's surface split open, as if cleaved by a sharp blade. Frogadier shot toward Vaporeon like a silver bullet, its Water Shuriken glinting in the sunlight.
"Vaporeon!" Lili shouted, panic rising in her voice.
In desperation, Vaporeon fired a rushed Water Gun. However, the hastily-formed attack was no match for the concentrated power of Water Shuriken.
The shuriken sliced through Water Gun with ease, striking Vaporeon squarely. The impact sent the Water-type Pokémon tumbling.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices filled with awe.
Frogadier, ever the showman, wasn't finished. Its form blurred, creating three identical clones. Each clone began forming its own Water Pulse, their energy coalescing into perfect orbs.
Vaporeon, still reeling from the first attack, could only watch as one of the orbs closed in.
"Vaporeon is unable to battle. Lili, please send out your next Pokémon," the referee announced.
From his elevated seat, Takashi Hayashi watched intently, his sharp eyes locked on Frogadier. He had seen no signs of illegal enhancements. Instead, he recognized the clever use of suppression training—a legitimate and highly effective method.
Still, the audience was abuzz with speculation.
"How did Frogadier's speed increase so suddenly?"
"That Water Shuriken move was insane! Is that even allowed?"
Takashi's voice boomed over the noise, silencing the crowd. "If there are any irregularities, they will be investigated after the match. Until then, the competition continues!"
Lili, clearly frustrated but determined, released her second Pokémon: Leafeon.
Meanwhile, Hikaru's mind drifted elsewhere. Through his psychic connection with Latias, he caught glimpses of the chaos unfolding beneath the city.
Latias…
"Frogadier, return. Charmeleon, it's your turn!"
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To Be Continued…
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