Chapter 538: Attack on Galactic (4)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Route 213 – Route 214]
The air around Route 213—214 hummed with a nervous energy, a prelude to the impending storm. The scent of pine and damp earth mingled with the faint, metallic tang that always seemed to accompany a gathering of powerful Pokémon.
*Whoooosh*
Suddenly, a shimmering distortion rippled through the air, and with a soft psychic noise of displaced atmosphere, three figures materialized on the winding path. Platinum, her eyes sharp and determined beneath, thanked her trusted Alakazam. She praised, a hand resting gently on the Psychic-type's shoulder, "Excellent work, Alakazam."
Alakazam merely nodded, its spoons clinking softly as it solidified completely. Beside her, Candice, the usually bubbly Snowpoint Gym Leader, looked serious, her hair catching the sunlight. Maylene, the Fighting-type specialist from Veilstone Gym, stretched vigorously, her grin tight with anticipation.
Candice murmured, scanning the tree-lined route, "So, this is it. Byron's call sounded urgent. Reclaiming Veilstone... It's about time."
Platinum's jaw set as she muttered sternly in a resolute voice, "Team Galactic has caused enough trouble in my home region. They won't get away with this."
Her determination was palpable, a stark contrast to the carefree spirit she'd had when she first embarked on her journey. Now, she was a powerful Pokémon Trainer and Dex Holder of her own right.
A warm, gravelly voice resonated from a nearby clearing, "Indeed."
An elderly woman, her face etched with a lifetime of experience and wisdom, stepped into view. It was Bertha, the Ground-type user of the Sinnoh Elite Four, her kind eyes twinkling as she greeted them, "Platinum, Candice, Maylene. You've arrived just as requested. Excellent timing, as always."
But Bertha wasn't alone. Standing beside her, his usually boisterous demeanor softened by surprise, was Pearl. His eyes, wide with disbelief, locked onto Platinum's.
Pearl exclaimed, a broad smile beginning to spread across his face, "Platinum?! Is that really you?!"
Platinum's own surprise quickly morphed into a radiant smile of reunion. She hurried over, momentarily forgetting the solemnity of their mission as she said happily, "Pearl! What are you doing here?"
Pearl, equally delighted, nodded eagerly as he explained himself to Platinum, "I came to help with the operation! I... I only just heard a few minutes ago from Dia's mom, Johanna. She said Diamond was involved, hiding in one of Team Galactic's airships, trying to save Mesprit."
His expression tightened with concern as he said, "I couldn't just stand by."
He gestured vaguely down the route, adding resolutely, "I've been battling Team Galactic Grunts down at Route 213 for a bit, actually."
He puffed out his chest slightly as he said happily, "Then I met some Interpol agents, ACE Trainers, and Miss Elite Four Bertha here, who were also heading this way."
He explained his goal of saving his friend, who was now unequivocally part of this grand operation, and his unwavering desire to help end Team Galactic for good. Platinum's smile faltered slightly at the news about Diamond.
He was always getting into scrapes, but an airship? And Mesprit? Her heart ached with worry, but it also flared with renewed resolve.
She murmured silently to herself, a mix of exasperation and affection in her voice, "Diamond... he always rushes in."
Bertha chuckled, her eyes warm as she observed the youthful reunion, as she said, "Such youthful optimism, a fire that never dims. It's inspiring."
She then turned her gaze to Candice and Maylene, her expression becoming more business-like as she stated, "Candice, my dear, your assistance is needed elsewhere. Head to Route 210. Elite Four Lucian and Aaron are holding the line there; they could use your expertise with Ice-types to freeze their advance."
Candice nodded, understanding the strategic importance as she replied, "Understood, Miss Bertha! Be safe, everyone!"
*Pop—Whoosh*
Bertha's Claydol, a tall, imposing Psychic/Ground-type, materialized beside her. With a respectful bow, Claydol glowed faintly and with another silent teleport. It teleported Candice away. The air shimmered once more, and Claydol reappeared in its usual spot at Bertha's side.
Bertha's face hardened then, the warmth replaced by a steely resolve. She began to walk, heading deeper into Route 214, the others falling into step behind her as she explained the situation, "Alright, now that everyone is where they need to be, let's re-establish the situation. The main objective, as many of you know, is to reclaim Veilstone City. Champion Cynthia and Azure are currently at Mount Coronet, in Spear Pillar. They're using a fake 'Uxie' — a brilliant ruse orchestrated by Green's Ditto, apparently — to bait Team Galactic's top brass. The idea is to draw them out of their headquarters in Veilstone and weaken their defenses."
*BZZZT*
As Bertha spoke, a faint, almost imperceptible buzz originated from Platinum's Rotom Phone, tucked into her pocket. It was a quick, coded message from Looker, confirming Azure's position and the bait's readiness.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Mount Coronet – Spear Pillar]
Meanwhile, high above, on the desolate, windswept peaks of Spear Pillar, Azure stood beside Cynthia. The air was thin, the wind howled like a banshee, and the sky above was a swirling maelstrom of angry clouds, mirroring the chaotic energy Team Galactic sought to unleash.
Azure, his Pikachu perched firmly on his shoulder and Eevee nestled comfortably on his head, held a Poké Ball in his hand. Azure stated, his voice calm despite the rising tension, "They're taking the bait, Cynthia. Looker just confirmed activity from their HQ. Pearl and Platinum's team should be making their move soon."
Cynthia replied, her long blonde hair whipping around her, "Good. Every piece of this puzzle must fall into place perfectly."
From Azure's jacket, a mischievous giggle erupted. It was Gengar, Azure's Gengar, partially phased through his jacket, a spectral grin on her face said mischievously, "Heh heh! Those Galactic goons won't know what hit 'em! Gengar's got a special surprise waiting for their shadows!"
Azure chuckled, patting the head of his Pichu (Mew), peeking out from his jacket as he replied, "Indeed. We have the advantage of surprise and a well-coordinated plan."
He then tapped his Arc Phone as he asked, "Rotom, can you patch me through to Looker again? Just a quick check-in on the perimeter forces."
*BZZZZT*
Rotom chirped, its screen flashing to show a slightly distorted image of the Interpol agent, "Affirmative! Connecting to Agent Looker! BZZZZT!"
Azure asked calmly with a resolute expression, "Agent Looker, status report on the route's perimeter."
Looker's voice crackled through the phone as he replied, "Azure, sir, it's as planned. Elite Four members, ACE Trainers, and Interpol agents are surrounding Routes 214 and 215. We've encountered some grunts at Route 213 and 210, but nothing that can break through. Candice just arrived at 210, reinforcing Lucian and Aaron. Veilstone City is slowly being encircled."
Azure nodded but then added, a slight edge to his voice, "Excellent. Keep the pressure on. We need to ensure no one breaks through to assist Galactic's main force once they commit to Spear Pillar. The true Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf must be rescued. And Diamond."
Looker's voice was resolute as he saluted and replied, "Understood, sir! We'll make sure Veilstone City is purged of Galactic Grunts the moment they lift off!"
Azure nodded, disconnected, and looking back at Cynthia, stated, "Good. Over and out. The net is closing."
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Route 214]
Back on Route 214, Bertha continued, unaware of the brief interlude. She emphasized, a steely glint in her eyes, "Other Elite Four Members, ACE Trainers, and Interpol Agents are currently surrounding Routes 214 and 215. Some Grunts have already been engaged at Routes 213 and 210, ensuring no one breaks through. Our goal here is to resecure Veilstone City and purge it of Team Galactic members when they finally leave to take the bait."
The group moved silently, their steps crunching on the gravel. Soon, they reached a more open section of Route 214, where several Interpol agents and ACE Trainers were already stationed, looking grim but ready. The air thrummed with unspoken readiness as they cycled through the enemy territory.
*CRACK*
A Thunderbolt flashed, illuminating the trees as Pearl's Luxray, Rayler, shocked a Team Galactic Grunt's Stunky.
*SWISH*
Platinum's Altaria, with an elegant sweep of its wing, knocked back a Zubat with a swift Dragon Pulse. Maylene's Pokémon Lucario and Machamp moved with practiced precision, their fists flying in a flurry of Aura Sphere and Dynamic Punch, sending Galactic Pokémon sprawling.
*CLANG*
Bertha's Hippowdon, a formidable sand-colored beast, unleashed a powerful Sand Tomb, trapping several Grunts and their Pokémon. The sounds of battle – Pokémon cries, trainers' shouts, the clash of metal on metal – echoed through the route.
They fought their way through several pockets of resistance, Grunts falling one by one, their Pokémon either defeated or recalled. The path they carved was clear, but the closer they got to Veilstone City, the more entrenched the enemy became.
Finally, they reached the Veilstone City path gate, a formidable steel structure that served as the primary entrance to the city. The gate itself was heavily guarded.
A phalanx of Grunts, backed by their intimidating Pokémon—Skuntank, Crobat, Bronzor—stood defiantly, their eyes narrowed. Maylene observed, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. Lucario stood poised beside her, growling softly.
She asked Bertha, gesturing towards the gate, "There are too many of them to brute force without taking significant losses. Couldn't we have our Pokémon use Teleport to bypass them, like how we arrived?"
Bertha's Claydol, Platinum's Alakazam, and Pearl's Coco (his Exeggutor, which he'd just rotated into his team before the battle) simultaneously shook their heads, their expressions grave. Platinum noted, her brow furrowed, "Something's preventing them. My Alakazam can feel a strange energy interference… a barrier, perhaps, blocking their Psychic abilities from Teleporting inside the city."
Bertha confirmed, her voice grim as she explained, "Precisely, dear. It must be Galaxy technology. They've always had an expertise in energy and peculiar technology. I suspect they've installed a Psychic-dampening field around the city gates. A last-ditch effort to keep intruders out once their primary forces have departed."
They were left with no choice but to confront the heavily fortified gate head-on or find another way. Bertha, however, had another idea. She brought out her partner, her colossal Hippowdon, a true titan of the sands.
Bertha asked, her gaze piercing at Platinum and Pearl, "Pearl, Platinum. Are you truly determined to save your friend, Diamond, and the legendary Pokémon?"
Both trainers nodded, their eyes burning with unwavering resolve. Pearl declared, his voice firm, "Absolutely! Diamond needs us! And Azelf and Mesprit, too!"
Bertha grinned, a mischievous glint entering her wise eyes. Then said resolutely, "Good. Then prepare yourselves!"
*SHRRRRR*
Before they could even fully register her words, Hippowdon let out a guttural roar and unleashed a mighty whirlwind of sand. A ferocious Sandstorm erupted, not just around the gate, but directly at Platinum and Pearl!
Pearl yelped, as the torrent of sand and wind blasted him backwards, "AHHH!! WHOA! NOT AGAIN!"
Platinum exclaimed, shielding her face with her arm as she was lifted off her feet, her Altaria squawking in surprise as it too was caught in the gale, "AH! Hippowdon?!"
They were sent flying, propelled by the sheer force of the Sandstorm, high over the heads of the Grunts and their Pokémon, who were suddenly enveloped in a swirling shroud of sand, obscuring their vision.
Instinctively, Pearl whistled, and his Dragonair, Ryu, swooped down, coiling around him and stabilizing him in the air. Platinum, quickly recovering, mounted her Altaria, the fluffy cloud-like Pokémon, battling the strong winds.
As they ascended higher, Platinum's eyes widened. She realized with a jolt as she exclaimed, "Wait a minute... the Sandstorm isn't hitting the Grunts directly! It's shielding us! Bertha used Hippowdon's Sandstorm to create a diversion, a cover for us to fly over undetected!"
Below them, the battle on the ground was now a chaotic blur within the swirling sand. Seeing their chance, Pearl and Platinum exchanged a look of grateful understanding. They said, "Let's go, Ryu! Altaria!"
With renewed purpose, they urged their flying Pokémon higher, soaring over the disoriented Grunts and the formidable gate, disappearing into the city beyond.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the Sandstorm raged, providing a perfect screen. Maylene, battling two Grunts and their Pokémon with her Lucario and Machamp, dodged a Poison sting from a Skuntank. She called out, a mix of exasperation and concern in her voice, "Miss Bertha! Why did you send them off like that?"
Bertha, her colossal Hippowdon now standing proudly beside her, unflinching against the sand, merely chuckled. Her Rhyperior and Claydol stood sentinel, defending her from any stray attacks. She replied, her voice calm amidst the chaos, "Just a gut feeling, dear Maylene. A hunch that those two would be more successful taking the aerial route. Besides, I trust the next generation to overcome this troubling day. It comes with age and wisdom, you see."
Maylene rolled her eyes, dodging another attack as she commented, "Age and wisdom, right. And a little bit of sending us into a confrontation!"
*ZOOOM*
Just then, a Team Galactic Grunt's Crobat, its speed amplified by the Sandstorm's swirling cover, zipped through the chaotic air, aiming a vicious Wing Attack directly at Bertha's exposed back. It was too fast, too sudden, for Maylene or her Pokémon to react.
*POP*
But Bertha simply stood her ground, an almost imperceptible smirk playing on her lips. From beneath the folds of her thick, traditional scarf, a surge of raw, primal power erupted. A massive, alpha-sized Nidoking, its purple hide rippling with muscle, burst forth with a thunderous roar, "NIDOOOOO!!!!"
*SLAM*
Its massive fist, glowing with an intense blue energy, slammed into the Crobat with an ICE PUNCH!
*CRUNCH*
The Crobat shrieked, its wings folding inward as it was pulverized into the ground. Before the stunned Grunt could even react, Nidoking's foot stomped down, the earth beneath it CRACKING and SPLITTING open with a devastating FISSURE!
The ground itself buckled and tore, swallowing not only the defeated Crobat but also its surprised Grunt and two other nearby Team Galactic Pokémon, sending them plummeting into the newly opened chasm.
Maylene gulped, her eyes wide with awe as she watched the raw, untamed power of Bertha's Alpha Nidoking. The ground-type specialist of the Elite Four was a force of nature, indeed, as she whispered, "W-wow..."
Bertha said calmly, her voice stern now, the earlier warmth completely gone, "Enough gawking, young Maylene. We still have a job to do. Push them back! We need to secure this gate!"
Maylene snapped back to attention, a newfound respect for the seasoned Elite Four member burning within her. She shouted, her Lucario and Machamp roaring in agreement, charging forward with renewed vigor, "Right!"
*Ripple*
Bertha smiled as she looked up at the sky. A faint ripple of an invisible figure showed through the Sandstorm as she thought happily, 'Go now, Uxie. Your best chance to save your siblings would be those two. Hopefully you can keep those kids safe.'
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Meanwhile, Veilstone City]
*Thud*
Meanwhile, in the heart of Veilstone City, Pearl's Dragonair, Ryu, and Platinum's Altaria gracefully descended, touching down softly on a deserted rooftop with a faint thud. The silence of the city, save for the distant sounds of battle from the perimeter, was unnerving to them.
Pearl whispered, sliding off Ryu, "We made it!"
*POP*
He quickly returned Ryu to her Poké Ball, then released his Chimlar, Rayler, Herc, Coco, and Tauler. Platinum, dismounting Altaria, sent out her Pokémon Empoleon, Rapidash, and Lopunny. Pearl declared, his voice a low growl of determination, "Alright, we're back!"
His eyes scanned the horizon, seeking the ominous, multi-storied Team Galactic Headquarters building that dominated the city skyline as he muttered, "Team Galactic's headquarters. Pearl is back, baby!"
He puffed out his chest as he declared resolutely, "Listen up, Team Galactic! Pearl, the great comedian and powerful trainer, is here to save Azelf!"
Platinum, ever the pragmatist, gently nudged his arm. She added, her gaze fixed on the imposing building, "And Azelf, Mesprit, and Diamond. Let's focus, Pearl. We need to be careful from here on out."
They checked the area carefully. The main entrance to Team Galactic Headquarters was indeed heavily guarded. Grunts were visible, patrolling the plaza, their Pokémon on high alert. Confronting them directly would be a bloody, time-consuming affair, and time was a luxury they didn't have.
Platinum murmured, her gaze drawn to the adjacent building—the Veilstone Game Corner, "Wait a second..."
It was an old, somewhat dilapidated building with flashing neon signs that seemed out of place in the current atmosphere of tension as she muttered, "The Game Corner... It's connected to the Team Galactic Building!"
Her eyes lit up with sudden insight, remembering a detail from her earlier travels or perhaps a rumor she'd heard. She explained to Pearl, "The Game Corner often has secret passages or hidden routes in these types of plots, doesn't it?"
Pearl blinked, then smirked. He replied, "You're right! Always the quick thinker, Platinum! Let's head to the Game Corner. It's our best bet for a covert entry."
Platinum nodded, already calling upon one of her PC Pokémon. She tossed it out, saying, "Froslass, now!"
*Pop*
A chillingly elegant Froslass materialized, her ethereal form shimmering. Platinum then asked politely to her partner, "Froslass, use your illusions. Hide our presence. We need to get inside undetected."
Froslass, with a graceful sweep of her translucent arms, created a shimmering veil of illusion around them. The cityscape seemed to subtly shift, making them appear as mere blurs, indistinct shapes that the patrolling Grunts wouldn't register.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Veilstone City – Galactic Building (Game Corner)]
They moved quickly and silently, slipping past a pair of unsuspecting Grunts who were distracted by an argument over a spilled coffee, and entered the Game Corner. The once-lively arcade was eerily empty, the flashing screens and blaring sounds silenced. Dust motes danced in the muted light, a testament to the urgency with which Team Galactic had cleared the place out.
Pearl observed, his voice echoing slightly, "They've abandoned it. Smart. They probably knew it was a weakness."
Platinum led the way, her instincts guiding her towards the back. They systematically searched the abandoned game machines and deserted snack counters until Pearl's Buizel, Zeller, and his keen sense of smell detected something amiss behind a stack of dusty arcade cabinets, nudged a hidden button atop a shelf.
*CLUNK—WHIRRR*
With a low click and a grinding whirl, a section of the wall slid aside, revealing a dark, narrow, hidden path. Pearl cheered softly, giving his Buizel a high-five, "Ha! Nice one, Zeller! Platinum, you're a genius! If we hadn't come here, we'd still be stuck outside!"
Platinum praised, her eyes fixed on the dark passage, "Good work, Zeller. Now, let's move. Diamond will be waiting."
Both ran through the hidden passage, their hearts pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. They were uncertain what awaited them inside, what dangers Diamond might be facing.
Pearl, ever thinking of his friend, paused briefly. He reached into his bag, pulling out two Poké Balls that belonged to Diamond.
He whispered to his Chatot partner perched on his shoulder, "Chatler, I need you to do something for me. Take Tru and Kit. Find Diamond. He'll need them. And tell him... tell him we're coming."
Chatler, understanding the urgency, took the two Poké Balls gently in his beak. He squawked softly, then took flight, soaring into a ventilation shaft above, his mission clear, "Chat! You got it, boss man! Chatot!"
With that done, Pearl and Platinum exchanged a determined look. They rounded a final corner in the cramped passage, a sliver of light indicating their imminent arrival into the heart of Team Galactic's lair. Taking a deep breath, they prepared themselves.
The fight was about to begin.
*Ripple*
Unaware of the two Sinnoh Dex Holders, Uxie, the real one that had been kept hidden, veiled itself with invisibility. It followed Platinum and Pearl to find its sibling, as it looked determined to save Azelf and Mesprit.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!