Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Thirty-Four - A Test Of Heart

Raido stood on the top floor of Sprout Tower, taking in the breathtaking scene around him. The open-top battlefield was a testament to the tower's history and craftsmanship. The rich, dark wood gleamed under the sunlight, meticulously maintained despite the tower's age. The battlefield was clearly marked out, its boundaries adorned with intricate carvings of Bellsprouts that seemed to flow seamlessly into the structure. The sunlight poured in, casting a warm, golden glow across the area, and a gentle breeze carried the faint scent of flowers from the gardens below.

From this vantage point, Raido could see all of Violet City spread out beneath him. The rooftops and winding streets were familiar, and in the far distance, he could even make out the tiny speck of New Bark Town, his hometown. The sight filled him with a sense of determination and obligation. He had come too far to turn back now.

But it wasn't just about the view or the battle ahead. Raido felt a heavy weight on his shoulders. He wasn't just fighting for himself; he was fighting for the young boy who dreamed of a Bellsprout and for his father, whose reputation was now shrouded in darkness and mystery. Whether his father really was the dark trainer they spoke of, Raido couldn't be sure. The possibility troubled him deeply, but it also fuelled his resolve. He had to prove that he was different, that he could be a force for good, no matter what his lineage suggested.

Snapping back to focus, Raido gazed at Elder Troy, who stood patiently across the battlefield, his serene expression masking any hint of emotion. A nearby monk, standing at the halfway line of the field, raised his hand to call for attention.

"Welcome to the final test," the monk announced, his voice resonating with authority. "Introducing Elder Troy, master of Sprout Tower." He then turned to Raido, his eyes expectant. "And his challenger, Trainer...?"

"Raido!" Raido shouted, his voice filled with resolve.

"Trainer Raido," the monk repeated formally. "Each trainer may use two Pokémon of their choice. The trainer who defeats both of their opponent's Pokémon will be declared the winner." He looked between Elder Troy and Raido. "Are you both ready?"

Elder Troy nodded, his calm demeanour unshaken. "Ready."

Raido took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."

"Then let the battle begin!" the monk declared, stepping back.

Elder Troy summoned his Bellsprout, which stepped forward with a determined look, taking its place on the battlefield. The small, plant-like Pokémon exuded confidence, its leaves rustling slightly in the breeze.

Raido knew that this battle would be a marathon, not a sprint. He grabbed Tyrunt's Pokéball, feeling the weight of responsibility in his hand. "Tyrunt, let's pick up where you left off!" he called out, summoning the ancient Pokémon onto the battlefield.

Tyrunt materialised in a flash of red light, landing with a thud and shaking the ground slightly. It let out an enthusiastic roar, raring to go. Raido turned to Nidoran, who was waiting by his side. "Be ready and warmed up for when I need you, Nidoran," he advised.

Nidoran chirped in response, her eyes gleaming with determination.

Elder Troy raised an eyebrow at Raido's choice. "An interesting choice, Trainer Raido," he commented, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Let's see how well you and your Pokemon have bonded."

The battle commenced with a fierce intensity, each Pokémon striving to overpower the other. Bellsprout's swift movements and precise strikes were a testament to the strong bond it shared with Elder Troy. The elder's commands were barely needed; Bellsprout seemed to understand his intentions intuitively. Raido and Tyrunt, though not as perfectly synchronised, displayed a clear and growing bond, their determination palpable.

"Bellsprout, use Vine Whip!" Elder Troy called out.

The slender vines lashed out with incredible speed, striking Tyrunt hard and making it stagger. Raido's heart clenched with worry. "Tyrunt, are you okay?" he shouted, concern etched in his voice.

Tyrunt growled and shook off the blow, eyes burning with determination. "Hang in there, Tyrunt! Use Bite!" Raido commanded.

Tyrunt lunged forward, teeth bared, and clamped down on Bellsprout's slender form. Bellsprout struggled, but Tyrunt's jaws held firm. The elder smiled slightly, a subtle hint of his growing respect for Raido. "You're doing well, young trainer, but this test is far from over" he murmured.

As the battle raged on, both Pokémon began to show signs of fatigue. Bellsprout's movements became slower, and Tyrunt's breathing grew heavier. The field was littered with the marks of their fierce exchanges, a testament to the intensity of their clash.

"Bellsprout, don't give up! Use your energy to create distance!" Elder Troy encouraged.

Bellsprout managed to push Tyrunt back, but it was clear that both Pokémon were nearing their limits. Raido watched intently, his mind racing for a strategy to end the battle.

"Come on, Tyrunt, we can do this! One more Bite!" Raido urged.

Just as Tyrunt prepared to strike, a sudden disturbance shattered the focus of both trainers and Pokémon. A black ball flew through the air, drawing everyone's eyes. It landed in the centre of the battlefield with a loud thud.

"What the—" Raido began, but before he could finish, the ball exploded, releasing a thick, black smoke that quickly enveloped the entire top floor of Sprout Tower. The dense smog choked the air, making it difficult to breathe or see.

"Everyone, cover your mouths!" Elder Troy shouted, trying to maintain control amidst the chaos.

Raido quickly pulled his shirt over his nose and mouth, squinting through the smog to see what was happening. Panic gripped him as he realised he could barely make out the shapes of Tyrunt and Nidoran. He called out to them, hoping they could hear him through the thick smoke. "Tyrunt! Nidoran! Where are you?"

Amidst the confusion, a sinister and familiar laugh echoed through the smog, sending chills down Raido's spine.