Pokémon XYZ: Life, Death, Order, and Chaos (book 2 of the HBoD series)

Chapter 65: The King's Sorrow

"And we're back for the second round of the Quarter Finals! Entering the field now is the one who claims himself and his Greninja as the Kage-Shinobi! Zeno! And facing him is a mysterious giant by the name of AZ, who seems to have a cold dispassion towards his battles! Who will triumph in this battle!?"

"Giant" was an understatement. This guy had to be over 3 meters! 

I held up Mawile's pokeball. "At this point, we can't underestimate any of our opponents. So go all out!" I shouted, throwing the ball in the air, Mawile being released onto the rocky ground. It would seem our battlefield was going to be the water and rock field.

Within AZ's hand was a pokeball that seemed way too small for big hands such as his. He flicked his wrist and a Torkoal appeared on the other side of the river, white smoke billowing from his back.

"I want to know," AZ's voice, albeit speaking in a low tone, traveled easily to me. "What a 'trainer' is, you who destroyed the Ultimate Weapon."

I took a step back, eyes widening, before I regained my composure. Several theories sprung into my head, but I pushed them back for now. I didn't sense any hostility from this "AZ" character, but... I felt longing.

"Alright," I nodded. "Then we'll show you. Mawile, Fairy Wind!"

Mawile swung her arms, a fierce pink wind flying into Torkoal, battering him.

"Torkoal," AZ spoke. "Flamethrower."

The Fire type opened his mouth and breathed flames towards Mawile.

"Dodge," I commanded. "And use Stockpile!"

"Lava Plume," AZ's stood like a statue, only his mouth moving. A geyser of fire and lava gushed upwards from Torkoal, raining down towards Mawile.

"Into the water!" I shouted. "And Stockpile again!"

Mawile leaped into the river just in time as the fire rained down over her as she continued to boost her defenses. Then sharp stones flew towards her, battering her over and over and sending her out of the river.

"Stockpile one more time," I gritted my teeth. "Hang in there!"

"Lava Plume."

"Now, GO!" I yelled and Mawile took off at a run. She leaped into the water, making a huge splash around her, nullifying some of the attack. Then she proceeded towards Torkoal. "Use Spit Up!"

"Body Slam!" AZ's eyes had widened a bit, seeing his Pokemon was in trouble.

Torkoal leaped into the air, bearing down on Mawile as her back jaw jettisoned the contents of the Stockpile towards him. The attack collided with the Fire type, blasting him away and onto his back. His feet wriggled as he tried to right himself, but Mawile appeared next to him, punching him with a glowing fist. He skidded along the ground where he came to a rest at AZ's large boots, fainted.

"Torkoal is unable to battle, which means Mawile is the winner!"

AZ returned his Fire type, returning the pokeball into his battered coat. He then produced a second one and let out a Sigilyph. "Cosmic Power." Sigilyph shook his whole body, increasing his defenses.

"Crunch, let's go!" I shouted and Mawile leapt for Sigilyph. 

"Psychic," AZ said quickly.

Sigilyph's one eye glowed as he flew to the side and Mawile was slammed backwards into the ground. 

"Air Slash," AZ narrowed his eyes. 

Sigilyph flapped his wings, the air slicing against Mawile.