43 Descent of the Sky Guardian

"Are you guys sure you want to do this?" I projected my psychic energy, sending my thoughts cascading into the minds of the Pokémon that had surrounded us. Though teleporting myself out of this predicament was an option, abandoning my loyal Pokémon was simply unthinkable. I couldn't bear to leave behind the companions I had forged unbreakable bonds with over a lifetime.

By my side, Lucario stood vigilant, having consumed a few special medicines to restore its fighting spirit. Where it had been at a mere 30% after our battle, it now stood at a formidable 80%, ready to defend me with all its might. As the tension thickened, and the possibility of a battle loomed on the horizon, a small chirp pierced through the air, drawing the attention of all present.

Through the legs of the Blazikens and Combuskens that encircled us, a tiny Torchic swaggered towards me with an air of confidence. My heart leaped in my chest as I realized that this must be my long-lost companion. The resemblance was uncanny, and in a strange twist of fate, the Torchic seemed drawn to me as if by some unseen force.

Without a hint of hostility, the Torchic dashed forward and perched comfortably on my shoulders, chirping in delight. Even Lucario sensed no danger from the small Fire-type Pokémon, though there was a mischievous glint in its eyes. Amidst the shocked expressions of the wild Pokémon, my Torchic boldly confronted its own colony, determined to defend me despite its modest strength.

Amidst the chaos unfolding around us, I took a moment to observe my newfound companion. Despite the commotion and the demands of the Blaziken colony, I remained unfazed. In this moment, I was lost in a world of my own, overcome with the realization that I had once again been reunited with my cherished partner from a past life.

Finding my Dragonite and Milotic had been relatively straightforward, as they were Pokémon I had received from the clan vaults in my previous life. Even Lucario had been my mother's Pokémon, so its presence was never in question. But my Blaziken had been a wild capture, and I had clung to hope against hope that I would one day encounter a miracle.

And now, as I stood amidst the turmoil of the Blaziken colony, with my Torchic perched proudly on my shoulder, I realized that miracles do happen. With renewed determination, I prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that together, my Pokémon and I were unstoppable.

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[TORCHIC]

Species: Chick Pokémon

Gender: Female

Status: Healthy

Level: 36

Stage: Silver

Height: 0.4 m

Weight: 2.6 kg

Type: Fire

Potential: Dark Blue

Ability: Blaze

Hidden Ability: Speed Boost

Stats:

HP: 470

Attack: 384

Defense: 314

Special Attack: 419

Special Defense: 349

Speed: 331

Moves:

Scratch, Growl, Focus Energy, Ember, Peck, Sand Attack, Fire Spin, Quick Attack, Double Kick, Mirror Move , Flamethrower, Agility, Fire Blast, Swords Dance.

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A soft smile played across my lips as I gazed upon the Torchic before me, a creature that had been by my side through the trials and tribulations of my previous life. Each scar, each battle-worn feather, bore testament to the countless dangers we had faced together. While my roster of Pokémon in my previous life may not have been extensive, each member remained steadfast until the end, unwavering in their loyalty amidst the escalating conflicts between humans and Pokémon.

The sight of Torchic's potential, evident even in its humble beginnings in the wild, filled me with a sense of wonder. Unlike the controlled environments of human intervention, where selective breeding dictates the course of a Pokémon's potential, the wild presents a different set of challenges and opportunities. Survival and maturity in the untamed wilderness are determined by myriad factors beyond mere genetics.

Although Torchic's current potential shimmered in a dark blue hue, I harbored no doubts about its future. With dedication and perseverance, I was determined to elevate its potential to the highest echelons, pushing it beyond its limits to achieve a rare and coveted purple potential. The resources required for such a feat would be considerable, but like my steadfast companion Lucario, I was willing to spare no expense. For me, the investment in my Pokémon's growth was not just a matter of financial cost but a testament to the depth of our bond and my unwavering commitment to their well-being and success.

As I entertained the fleeting notion of escaping with my Pokémon companions, a powerful aura enveloped me, freezing me in place and thwarting any attempt at teleportation. Even the Torchic perched upon my shoulder squirmed uncomfortably, as if sensing the imminent arrival of something formidable. Before I could fully comprehend the situation, the assembled Blazikens and Combuskens parted, creating a path through their ranks.

Through the parting crowd strode a Blaziken of imposing stature, radiating an aura of unparalleled strength that dwarfed even that of the defeated challenger faced by Lucario. It was immediately evident that this Blaziken was unlike any I had encountered before—a colossus among its kind, exuding an aura that hinted at the imminent transformation into an Epic stage Pokémon. As someone well-versed in the ways of legendary and Epic stage creatures, I recognized the unmistakable signs of a pseudo-domain being established, heralding the ascent of this Blaziken to unprecedented heights of power.

The newcomer stood head and shoulders above its brethren, a regal figure whose very presence commanded respect and awe. As the Torchic leaped from my shoulder and darted forward to confront the towering Blaziken, chirping animatedly in a manner that suggested familiarity, my attention was wholly captivated by the enigmatic figure before me. Ignoring the Torchic's protests, I focused intently on the newcomer, assessing its strength and potential with a keen eye honed by years of experience and observation amidst the grandeur of the Pokémon world.

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[BLAZIKEN]

Species: Blaze Pokémon

Gender: Female

Status: Healthy

Level: 2542

Stage: Aurora

Height: 2.6 m

Weight: 112.3 kg

Type: Fire

Potential: Light Indigo

Ability: Blaze

Hidden Ability: Speed Boost

Stats:

HP: 1529

Attack: 1562

Defense: 1100

Special Attack: 1470

Special Defense: 1100

Speed: 1193

Moves:

Scratch, Growl, Focus Energy, Ember, Double Kick, Peck, Sand Attack, Fire Spin, Bulk Up, Quick Attack, Blaze Kick, Brave Bird, Flare Blitz, Sky Uppercut, Overheat, Counter, Reversal, Swords Dance, Fire Blast, Slash, Flamethrower, Agility, Mirror Move, Rock Slide, Acrobatics, Bounce, Superpower, Blaze, Bulk Up, Low Sweep, Work Up, Poison Jab, Protect, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Focus Punch, Aerial Ace, Brick Break, Fire Pledge.

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The Blaziken, unequivocally the matriarch of the colony, exuded an aura of authority that left no room for doubt. The submissive demeanor of the surrounding Pokémon spoke volumes, and even Lucario seemed to falter under the weight of the Blaziken's intense pseudo fire domain. Establishing such a domain was a crucial step for any Pokémon aspiring to transcend to Epic rank—an ordeal akin to a trial of life and death.

This Blaziken, much like the Gengar I had encountered before who was now part of Grandma Alice's team, teetered on the edge of such a transformation, possessing the raw power of a pseudo Epic Pokémon. Such creatures were on the verge of ascendance, absolute powerhouses with untapped potential. Yet, guiding my Pokémon to such heights would require substantial effort and perseverance—a journey still far from its conclusion.

Despite the fervent protests of the young Torchic, animatedly attempting to explain our predicament, the matriarch remained unmoved. Her unwavering gaze disregarded even the presence of Lucario, hinting at a deeper understanding or perhaps caution. Why would a member of her own colony feel compelled to defend a stranger? The question lingered, unanswered, in the midst of a tense standoff.

In the midst of this tension, Lucario's widened eyes betrayed a sense of impending danger. As an aura Pokémon, he was acutely attuned to fluctuations in the surrounding aura. "Luca, Luca, Lucario," he urgently warned, his aura ablaze as he prepared to confront the looming threat. It was only after Lucario's reaction that I, too, sensed the imminent peril—a massive shadow descending upon us from the skies, executing a perfect ambush. I was slow to react, but just as the serpentine figure moved to ensnare me, my shadow stirred and materialized into a Froslass.

With uncanny swiftness, Froslass propelled me and the rest of my Pokemon to safety, utilizing her Psychic power to create a safe distance from the aerial threat. Without hesitation, she unleashed a powerful Ice Beam in retaliation—a display of sheer strength befitting her legendary status. This act underscored the gravity of her role as my final trump card, entrusted to me by the Blackthorn family for my protection—a responsibility I bore with utmost solemnity.

The Blaziken colony was engulfed in the chilling aura emanating from Froslass, leaving most Pokémon in a state of paralysis. Only those Pokemon of Palladium stage or higher retained a semblance of control amidst the overwhelming fear. Despite the looming threat posed by the legendary stage Pokémon, none of the kneeling Blaziken dared to move—an instinctual recognition of the true danger descending from the sky.

As the colossal ice beam surged towards the looming aerial shadow, anticipation hung thick in the air. With bated breath, I braced myself for the impending clash, the collision of legendary forces imminent. The ice hurtled forth, its crystalline form gleaming in the sunlight, only to be effortlessly cleaved in twain by a single gleaming claw.

A surge of draconic energy rippled through the atmosphere, its raw power causing even the indomitable Froslass to falter momentarily. Undeterred, she rallied her resolve, channeling her legendary ice prowess into a valiant defense. Yet, her efforts proved futile against the overwhelming might of her adversary—a mythical Pokémon whose very presence commanded the skies.

With a deafening roar, Rayquaza unleashed a devastating Dragon Pulse, a primal force of nature that tore through the air with unmatched ferocity. Froslass, caught in the maelstrom of power, fought bravely against the onslaught, her ethereal form flickering with determination. But in the end, she was no match for the sheer force of Rayquaza's assault. Like a broken string, she was sent crashing towards the ground. The frozen terrain beneath her shattered on impact, scattering into a million shimmering ice crystals.

As the dust settled and the battlefield lay in ruins, I beheld the awe-inspiring sight of Rayquaza—the arbiter of the heavens—hovering ominously above. It was then that I realized the true nature of our encounter: Rayquaza, drawn by some unseen force, had sought me out in its domain, a mere mortal standing before an immortal titan.

Despite the overwhelming disparity in power, Froslass refused to yield, her spirit unbroken even in the face of certain defeat. With a defiant surge of Psychic energy, she unleashed a powerful, desperate assault—a testament to her unwavering resolve even in the face of a being like the Ruler of the Skies. However, before Froslass could react, Rayquza dove down at blinding speed and crashed onto Froslass, pinning it down with a single claw. Froslass let out a shrill cry as it struggled under the weight of Rayquza's claw, unable to break free.

Yet, even as Rayquaza pinned her securely beneath its claw, there was a palpable sense of restraint in its actions. It was as if the mighty dragon, ruler of the skies, held back its full strength, unwilling to unleash its fury upon a lesser foe.

As I observed the one sided pummeling, my mind raced with ideas, trying to get Froslass out of this predicament. With a single exchange, it was all clear that the legendary stage pokemon was completely outmatched in front of the mythical Pokemon. The very fabric of the surrounding landscape seemed to tremble with the intensity of their battle. Trees swayed and groaned, their sturdy trunks splintering under the sheer force of the titanic forces at play. The once serene forest became a battleground, ravaged by the fury of these two Pokémon.

With each pulse of energy and every mighty roar, the ground quaked beneath our feet, fissures tearing through the earth like jagged scars. Streams of molten rock surged forth from deep within the ground, casting an eerie glow upon the chaos unfolding before us. The sky, once a tranquil canvas of blue, was now obscured by swirling clouds of dust and debris.

As the clash intensified, the Blazikens, who still stood witness to the spectacle, sprang into action, rallying the other Pokémon and ushering them to safety. With practiced efficiency, they guided their fellow creatures away from the epicenter of the conflict, their instincts driving them to protect their kin from harm.

Despite their efforts, chaos reigned supreme as Pokémon of all shapes and sizes scattered into the wind, seeking refuge from the cataclysmic clash, which was literally redrawing the map. Even the hidden Epic-class Pokémon, guardians of the deepest reaches of the wilderness, were not spared from the turmoil that engulfed the forest.

Amidst the chaos, Froslass continued its epic struggle, trying to buy me enough time so that I could escape. Their powers collided with devastating force, sending shockwaves for miles . With each passing moment, the destruction wrought by their battle grew more profound, reshaping the very landscape around us into a tableau of ruin and devastation.

Losing Froslass was not an option; it stood as one of the pillars of the Blackthorn family. Despite its modest bloodline, it had shattered its racial limits through sheer effort. Perhaps it had consumed more resources than a pseudo-legendary Pokémon to achieve this status. It was a testament to the fact that not all Pokémon, even those with the highest pedigree, could guarantee a breakthrough.

Yet, in the face of Rayquaza's overwhelming power, I felt utterly powerless. It was a humbling realization. However, I refused to succumb to despair. There was one last trick up my sleeve, one final gambit to try. If the mythical Pokémon had sought me out specifically, there had to be a reason.

Ignoring Lucario's protest, I stepped forward, determined to confront Rayquaza head-on. I knew what I was doing was beyond stupid but then I was desperate to keep Froslass safe. As Froslass continued to resist, I gathered every ounce of my aura, projecting my voice with all the authority I could muster.

"Stop! I said, "Stop!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the chaos. Though insignificant compared to the titan of the skies, it succeeded in catching Rayquaza's attention.

Just as I prepared to shout again, a majestic voice reverberated directly into my mind. "Child! It is not me whom you should ask to stop. You should ask your companion to do so. My patience is running thin, and if this Pokémon of yours continues to challenge me, I won't hesitate to rip its head clean off," the voice declared before abruptly cutting off.

Rayquaza turned its attention back to Froslass, who defiantly fired a hyper beam in its direction despite being pinned to the ground. Rayquaza simply swatted the hyperbeam away, causing it to detonate miles away and reshape the entire surrounding area, leaving behind a massive crater.

"Froslass, enough! There's no need to fight," I commanded, attempting to calm the situation. Despite the surge of anger and humiliation within the legendary Pokémon, it instinctively understood that it was no match for the behemoth it faced. While it had clashed against some natural legendaries in its long lifespan, this was the first time it felt utterly helpless.

"Froslass! Calm down and return!" I shouted, sensing the chaotic emotions swirling within the ghost Pokémon. After a few tense moments, Froslass's resistance slackened, and Rayquaza loosened its claws, releasing the legendary Pokémon, who quickly retreated back to my side.

Although Froslass had retreated from the fight after its defeat, it remained by my side, ready to whisk me away if any danger arose. Meanwhile, the majestic form of the Dragon Pokémon settled gracefully onto the ground.

It didn't surprise me that a mythical Pokémon could convey its thoughts directly into my mind. Even legendary-stage Pokémon possessed this ability. The mighty creature quickly retracted its aura completely, as if vanishing entirely from my perception. If the Pokémon hadn't been physically present before me, I would have thought it all to be a dream.

Now, I understood how these Pokémon remained so elusive—they could completely erase their presence if they wished. Even if such a Pokémon were hidden behind a bush a few meters away, one might not detect them at all, unless they wished to make their presence known.

As I stood before the towering figure of Rayquaza, frustration simmered within me. "Why did you attack me and my Pokémon?" I demanded, my voice trembling with emotion.

Rayquaza, with a hint of amusement in its ancient eyes, chuckled softly. "If I had truly attacked you, would you still be standing here?" It countered, its voice resonating deep within my mind. The question gave me pause. Indeed, if Rayquaza had intended harm, escaping its clutches would have been an impossible feat, even for a Pokémon as skilled in teleportation as mine.

Undeterred, I pressed on. "Then what was the purpose of your actions?" I asked, my frustration evident.

"I was merely testing you," Rayquaza replied calmly, its voice carrying a weight of centuries of wisdom. My face contorted with disbelief. A test? What kind of test involved such a terrifying display of power?

Sensing my skepticism, Rayquaza continued, its tone almost patronizing. "Do you know how most humans react when they encounter a mythical Pokémon for the first time, especially one as imposing as myself?" it asked rhetorically. "They often crumble under the pressure, paralyzed by fear. I wouldn't even be surprised if humans choked themselves to death under my pressure. But you, despite faltering briefly, quickly composed yourself."

I listened in silence, the gravity of its words sinking in. "This isn't your first encounter with a mythical Pokémon, is it?" Rayquaza inquired knowingly. My heart skipped a beat. How could it possibly know?

Rather than choosing my words carefully, I remained silent, unwilling to divulge the secrets of my past life. Rayquaza's eyes gleamed with amusement at my reluctance, but it offered a compliment nonetheless. "You are fortunate,truly one of a kind," it remarked. "Since the dawn of my birth, I have lived through eons after eons. During this span, humanity has risen and fallen multiple times. However, I have never witnessed Arceus bestowing its blessing on a human before. Yet here you stand, the recipient of divine favor."

But it was Rayquaza's mention of humanity's rise and fall that piqued my curiosity. "What do you mean by the rise and fall of humanity?" I asked eagerly, eager to uncover the mysteries of the past.

With a cryptic snicker, Rayquaza spoke of humanity's penchant for seeking absolute dominance and their tendency to destroy what they could not control. "If memory serves me right," it mused, "humanity has risen and fallen nine times, each era marked by their relentless pursuit of power and disregard for the consequences."

As Rayquaza's words echoed in my mind, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. What other secrets lay buried within the annals of history, waiting to be unearthed? Only time will tell.

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