Chapter 671: Electric Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Unova Region, Nimbasa City – Gym]
The electric pulse of Nimbasa City's premier entertainment district thrummed through the stadium floor, a vibrant baseline of neon and bass that vibrated straight through the soles of the spectators' shoes.
High above the battlefield, bathed in the cerulean glow of holographic spotlights, Elesa—the Model Gym Leader—offered a soft, knowing smile. She gracefully recalled her battered Zebstrika, the circuits of its striped hide sparking faintly as it dissolved into a beam of red light.
Elesa's voice echoed smoothly across the amphitheater, carried by the arena's state-of-the-art acoustics: "You've got a sharp mind, Azure. Tricking me with that Illusion... truly avant-garde. But let's see how you handle a true tempest."
In the front-row spectator seats, Black pumped a fist in the air, his eyes wide with hyper-focused adrenaline. He shouted in an excited tone, "Come on, Azure! Don't let up! Show her the rhythm of victory!"
Next to him, White crossed her arms, though a small, supportive grin tugged at the corner of her lips. She said encouragingly, "He's got this, Black. Though... I hope his Zoroark isn't too worn out. That kind of stat stacking takes a heavy toll."
Right beside them, the atmosphere was a mix of chittering excitement and quiet amusement. Pikachu, sitting squarely on the armrest, pumped his front paws with a sharp "Pika-pika!"
Eevee bobbed its head in agreement, while Pichu (Mew) giggled softly, resting comfortably in a small pouch. Floating invisibly just behind them, Victini hummed a warm, victorious tune, while Meloetta crossed her musical-note arms, letting out a soft, huffing sigh that only echoed in the minds of those tuned to her telepathy.
Meloetta's telepathic voice huffed into Azure's mind, 'Honestly, does he always have to make things so dramatic? Though I suppose the fox put on a decent show.'
From the Arc Phone resting safely in the stands, Rotom's digital face popped up on the screen, chirping excitedly, "Bzzzt! Warning! Stat advantages are high, but type matchups are ruthless! Don't get zapped, Bzzzt!"
And drifting just beside the screen, Gengar materialized slightly to whisper, "Heh heh... let's see if the kid gets cooked like a toasted Poffin."
Azure stood on the challenger's podium, his expression calm, his eyes locked on the field. Zoroark stood opposite him, breathing heavily. Its dark fur was matted with sweat, its muscles trembling slightly from the strain of maintaining its boosted agility and offensive power (+2 Speed, +1 Attack, and sharpened Accuracy). Yet, the illusion fox's crimson eyes burned with fierce, unbroken defiance.
Elesa didn't wait long to apply the pressure. With a swift flick of her wrist, she tossed her next sphere as she declared, "Go, Wash Rotom!"
*Thwump*
The spherical, appliance-bound ghost materialized in a flash of amber energy, hovering effortlessly above the tile floor. As it settled, the heavy, metallic [Wise Glasses] perched on its casing glinted under the stadium lights, amplifying its special offensive prowess.
Azure commanded, his voice ringing with steady authority, "Let's set the rhythm! Zoroark, start us off! Confuse Ray!"
*FLASH*
Zoroark's eyes flashed with a disorienting, prismatic light, sending a wave of psychic static rippling toward the floating appliance. Elesa countered seamlessly, "Evasive maneuvers! Use Agility, then follow up with Hydro Pump!"
*Swoosh*
Rotom zipped upward with blinding speed, leaving a trail of blue afterimages as it completely avoided the spectral rays. With its own speed surging by +2 stages, Rotom spun mid-air, a massive torrent of pressurized water materializing around its core.
*SPLASH—BOOM*
A roaring geyser of water slammed directly into Zoroark before the fox could react, sending a cloud of steam billowing across the battlefield. Azure called out, refusing to cede momentum, "Zoroark, use your Ability Illusion-channeled Confuse Ray again! Catch it off, guard!"
Elesa's eyes narrowed playfully.
She quickly commanded, "Too predictable. Rotom, use Taunt!"
Rotom's screen flashed an aggressive, mocking red symbol. It darted forward, emitting a taunting electronic screech that struck Zoroark dead-center. The psychological barrier locked down the fox's mind, forcing it into a state of pure offense—disallowing any status moves or defensive tricks.
Elesa murmured, her gaze dropping to the wet floor, "Heh, gotcha. You better look down, Azure."
Azure's eyes widened.
The arena floor, previously dry, was soaked entirely from the runoff of Rotom's earlier Hydro Pump. A thin sheet of conductive water covered the entire battle zone. Realization hit like a physical blow.
Azure shouted, "Zoroark! Protect—!"
Elesa commanded, pointing forward, "Too late. Rotom, Thunder!"
*KRA—BOOOM*
Rotom unleashed a jagged, blinding pillar of yellow electricity.
It struck the water-logged floor, the current instantly dispersing and surging outward like a web of lightning. Bypassing Zoroark's physical Protect barrier entirely from beneath, the high-voltage surge enveloped the illusion fox!
*CRACK-ZAP*
A deafening shriek of thunder echoed through the stadium. When the blinding flash faded, Zoroark slumped forward, its eyes spinning in defeat before it collapsed onto the wet tiles. Zoroark is unable to battle.
A collective gasp echoed through the stands.
Black yelled, leaping to his feet in disbelief, his eyes darting frantically across the field, "Whoa! The electric current traveled through the water?! The ground conduction bypassed the shield completely! What a brilliant strategy!"
White observed, shaking her head with a sympathetic grimace, "He let his guard down for a split second. Elesa is terrifyingly perceptive."
Gengar's cackle echoed from the stands, while Pikachu lowered his ears in shared disappointment, "Told ya."
Azure exhaled slowly, shaking his head at his own oversight.
He raised his Poké Ball, a warm, grateful smile gracing his features as he said proudly, "You fought brilliantly, Zoroark. Rest easy."
The red beam reclaimed the exhausted fox.
Azure reached to his belt, pulling out his next Poké Ball. Azure declared with a resolute smirk, "Time to turn the gravity of this match around. Go, Golett!"
*Thud*
The heavy automaton materialized, its stone-like body hitting the ground with a dull thud. Strapped securely to its massive, blocky fists were the specialized [Punching Glove] items, amplifying the raw kinetic force of its strikes.
Elesa ordered, "Wash Rotom, let's keep the pressure up! Hydro Pump!"
Azure countered, "Meet it head-on! Use Gravity!"
Rotom fired another roaring column of high-pressure water, while Golett slammed its heavy fists against the stage floor.
A dense, crushing wave of psychic gravity erupted across the stadium.
*SPLASH*
The Hydro Pump struck Golett square in the chest, dealing super-effective damage and sending stone chips flying. But in the exact same heartbeat…
*THWUMP*
… the crushing weight of the artificial gravity field locked onto Wash Rotom. The floating appliance was violently slammed downward, tethered to the floor as its Levitate ability was forcibly nullified.
Azure commanded, "Now! Use Block!"
*THUMP*
Golett stomped forward, generating a shimmering barrier of psychic energy that locked the surrounding terrain, trapping Rotom in place so it couldn't escape the grounded zone. It made for an easier target to hit.
Elesa smiled, unfazed. She commanded, "Trying to lock us down? Rotom, shed the appliance! Exit the Wash Form!"
*ZOOOM*
With a bright flash of light, the washing machine dissolved, and Rotom popped out in its default, nimble Electric/Ghost form, shedding the heavy, waterlogged casing entirely. Elesa directed, "Shadow Ball, rapid fire!"
*PEW-PEW-PEW-PEW*
Rotom conjured dark, malevolent orbs of spectral energy, firing them in rapid succession toward the grounded automaton. Elesa thought firmly, 'With this many choices and options, it'll overwhelm the Automaton Pokémon like Golett. Give it too many options, and it'll be overwhelmed.'
While Elesa's plan was sound mentally, Azure trained for this as he saw the incoming Shadow Balls and thought, 'With that many, it would be concerning for Golett to know what to do… fortunately, I have a counter for this. Thank you, Brock, for this idea.'
Azure smirked, raising a hand. He commanded in a confident tone, "I expected that. Golett, Counter Shield Gyro Ball!"
*Vreeeee—oooom*
Golett spun on its heel with astonishing torque, its body becoming a whirling dervish of steel. Instead of just taking the hits, the spinning kinetic force acted as a literal shield, deflecting the incoming Shadow Balls in a dazzling display of sparks and shattered dark energy without damaging it.
The entire audience erupted into cheers at the sheer defensive ingenuity. Elesa exclaimed in a shocked tone, "What! He deflected all of them?!"
Azure shouted, "Now, Block!"
*STIFF*
Golett locked eyes with the surprised Rotom, lifting its arm and pointing at it. Rotom was soon locked in place once more before it could maneuver away. Elesa's eyes widened slightly. She quickly ordered, "Quick! Return to the washing machine on the battlefield to restore your power!"
Azure murmured with a confident grin, "Too late! Golett, change your gravity. Strong Style Shadow Punch!"
Golett suddenly altered the localized gravity around its own body, drastically reducing its own mass to become incredibly fast. The heavy automaton suddenly moved with terrifying, bullet-like speed. A fist wreathed in dark, shadowy energy smashed forward with catastrophic force!
*CRASH—BOOM*
The punch connected with bone-rattling impact, sending Rotom flying across the arena to smash directly into the reinforced stadium wall. The ghost flickered wildly before its screen went dark. Rotom was unable to battle.
The crowd roared in sheer amazement. Black shouted, clutching his hair in sheer inspiration, his eyes practically sparkling at the battle, "He manipulated his own weight using Gravity?! That's incredible! He turned a defensive field condition into an offensive speed buff!"
White murmured, clutching her clipboard as she watched in awe, "He's completely unpredictable. And his Counter Shield managed to deflect all of those Shadow Balls too… I wonder if I could learn that for showbiz…"
Gengar muttered, "Not bad, kid. Not bad at all."
While Victini cheered happily, floating up and down with delight, 'Whoooa! That was so… COOOL~'
Elesa smiled, her competitive fire burning brighter than ever. She stepped forward, her hand resting on her final sphere. She declared in a resolute tone, "Impressive, Azure. You really know how to flip a battle on its head. But let's see how you handle my masterpiece. Come forth... my Electric Queen!"
*Kachunk*
The sphere opened to reveal a serpentine, multi-limbed creature with glowing yellow patterns and an eerie, toothy grin—an Elektross, clutching the unique [Elektrossite] on its sleek, aquatic tail. Yet, because the Gravity field was still active, the serpentine Pokémon was forced to slither awkwardly onto the floor, unable to float.
Black and White blinked in unison from the stands.
Black tilted his head, his hyper-focused brain momentarily stalling as he asked, "Wait... that's her ace? An Eelektross? But it has no limbs—!"
White pointed toward the shimmering Mega Stone. She quickly told him in a concerned tone, "Shh! Look at its accessory!"
Black eyes followed and widened, muttering, "Mega Stone…"
Elesa raised her hands, touching the metallic Mega Headphones resting over her blonde hair, revealing her Key Stone. She declared excitedly, "You might have grounded my queen, Azure, but true royalty transcends limitations. Now, my Electric Queen… reveal your full power! MEGA EVOLUTION!!"
With a swift, dramatic pose, Elesa pressed her Key Stone. A blinding cascade of prismatic energy erupted from the Elektrossite, enveloping the serpentine Pokémon in a swirling vortex of mega-evolutionary power….
*FLASH*
When the light cleared, Mega Elektross stood taller, its markings glowing with a terrifying, high-voltage intensity, its new ability—Elevate—pulsing to life, granting it absolute immunity to Ground-type moves and a latent bloodlust to boost its highest stat upon a knockout.
Elesa commanded, feeling empowered in a determined tone, "Let's take the initiative! Mega Elektross, use Liquidation!"
*ZOOOOM*
Before Azure could even issue a command, Mega Elektross moved with horrifying, blinding velocity. The serpentine behemoth surged forward like a missile of pure water and electricity, slamming directly into Golett.
*CRASH*
Golett was launched clean across the arena, smashing into the opposite wall with a sickening thud before sliding to the ground, motionless. Azure eyes widened as he saw Golett was unable to battle.
A low, triumphant roar echoed from Mega Elektross as the final waves of the Gravity field finally dissipated: "ELLLLLKKKK!!!"
*SHIIII*
Thanks to its Elevate ability, the roar sent a terrifying shockwave through the air, boosting its already devastating Attack stat by another stage (+1). Azure stared in momentary shock at the sheer, overwhelming speed of the counterattack.
He recalled Golett with a soft sigh. He said proudly to Golett, "You fought heroically, buddy. Rest well."
He stepped up to the edge of the trainer's box, his hand resting on his final sphere. He drew a deep breath as he thought, 'It all came down to this.'
Clenching his last Poké Ball tightly, Azure smirked. Azure tossed the final sphere, declaring, "Show them the rhythm of the finale, Cinccino!"
*Whoosh*
Cinccino materialized with a graceful twirl, her silky, multi-layered scarf trailing behind her. Clutched securely in her tail was the [Loaded Dice] item, ensuring her multi-hit moves would strike with maximum consistency.
Elesa ordered, her eyes sharp, "Mega Elektross, Thunder Fang!"
*ZOOOM*
Mega Elektross lunged forward, its fangs crackling with lethal, jagged volts of yellow lightning, aiming straight for Cinccino's throat. Yet Azure remained calm under the pressure of the incoming attack.
Azure called out, "Cinccino, use Safeguard!"
*Shiiii*
Just as the electric fangs came down to clamp over the chinchilla Pokémon, a shimmering, protective veil of psychic energy rippled into existence. But strangely, the moment Mega Elektross's jaws closed...
*Slip*
… the attack completely slipped off her silky fur, the elemental energy sliding harmlessly away as the bite missed entirely.
Elesa's smile faltered for a fraction of a second, her eyebrows knitting in bewilderment as she thought, 'What? My Electric Queen's attack missed?'
Azure smirked, a proud glint in his eye. Mentally, he thanked the meticulous grooming routine. Cinccino's luxurious fur was naturally coated in a specialized, secreted oil—one that repelled elemental attacks and slippery substances, making physical contact with energy-imbued strikes nearly impossible.
Azure commanded, "Now, counterattack! Strong Style Rock Blast!"
Cinccino spun gracefully, conjuring a cluster of jagged stone spheres. Channeling her Technician ability to maximize her striking power, she unleashed the rocks directly into Mega Elektross's face!
*THWACK-THWACK-THWACK-THWACK-THWACK-THWACK*
All six heavy rocks slammed home with brutal, rhythmic precision, each impact amplified by the Strong Style execution. The sheer concussive force battered Mega Elektross backward, forcing the massive serpentine Pokémon to screech and recoil from the relentless barrage.
Elesa called out, recovering her composure instantly, "Don't let up! Let's wrap this up with full-powered Discharge!"
*CRACKLE*
A massive sphere of crackling, white-hot electrical energy began to gather around Mega Elektross, threatening to engulf the entire stadium in a devastating wave of area-of-effect damage.
Azure looked at the impending doom, his mind racing: 'Her speed is too high... how do we break through before that Discharge fires?'
Cinccino turned her head back toward her trainer, offering a reassuring, confident wink. She raised her paw, striking a fierce, synchronized pose.
Azure's eyes widened, a grin breaking across his face. He reached to his belt, his thumb pressing against the central emblem of his custom Omni-Ring. A slot clicked open, and he slid the glittering [Normalium-Z] crystal firmly into place.
Azure shouted, "Let's show them the rhythm of our bond!"
*FLASH*
Azure raised his arm as golden Z-Power erupted around him in a blinding wave of light as he performed the movements. Cinccino mirrored his movements, her body glowing with a brilliant, fierce orange aura of pure Z-Power.
The entire stadium fell silent, the spectators watching in breathless awe as trainer and Pokémon moved in perfect, synchronized harmony. Azure roared, bringing his arm down, "Breakneck... BLITZ!"
*BOOOOM*
Cinccino surged forward at a speed that defied physics, transforming into a living comet of orange light. She utilized Slam as the physical vehicle for the ultimate Z-Move, hurtling directly toward Mega Elektross.
At that exact second, Mega Elektross unleashed its maximum-output Discharge. A catastrophic wave of electricity flooded the field!
*KRA—BOOM*
The lightning crashed over Cinccino—but true to her defense, her specially-oiled fur caused the electric torrent to slide harmlessly off her flanks as she cleaved straight through the energy like a bullet!
*CRASH*
The Z-Move slammed dead-center into Mega Elektross with the force of a falling meteor. A blinding shockwave of golden light and dust erupted across the entire arena, shaking the very foundations of Nimbasa City's stadium.
When the smoke finally cleared, the flat battlefield was a fractured, cratered wasteland. Mega Elektross flickered violently before reverting to its normal form, slamming heavily against the stadium wall, then sliding down, its eyes spiraling out.
Elektross was unable to battle, making Azure the winner. For a second, the stadium was dead silent. Then, the entire crowd erupted into deafening cheers, thunderous applause, and flashing camera lights.
Black roared, jumping up and down on his chair, pumping both fists, "Unbelievable! Did you see that?! The Z-Move broke right through the Discharge!"
White breathed, clapping her hands enthusiastically, a proud smile lighting up her face as she said, "He actually did it. He beat Elesa!"
In the front row, Pikachu bounded onto the armrest, letting out a joyful "Pika-pi!" Eevee cheered happily, while Mew clapped its tiny paws inside the pouch. Victini floated upward, doing a celebratory loop in the air, while Meloetta finally let out a genuine, approving smile and nod. Meloetta's telepathy hummed with a hint of warm pride, 'Well... I suppose he didn't embarrass us after all.'
Rotom's screen flashed green with hearts as it chimed excitedly, "Bzzzt! Victory! Absolute perfection, Bzzzt!"
And Gengar chuckled, crossing its shadowy arms as she commented, "Heh, not a bad finish for a human."
Azure let out a long, shaky breath, a wide grin spreading across his face as he recalled Cinccino, praising her deeply in his mind. Across the ruined battlefield, Elesa smiled warmly, recalling her Eelektross in a beam of red light.
She walked across the fractured tiles toward him, her footsteps echoing crisply. Elesa said, her voice carrying across the cheering stadium as she extended her hand, "That was a dazzling performance, Azure. You truly know how to conduct a masterpiece."
She handed over a gleaming, lightning-bolt-shaped badge, a heavy velvet pouch of prize money, and a pristine TM containing Volt Switch. Elesa declared with a wink, "You've earned the Bolt Badge. Wear it with pride."
Azure held his reward as he reviewed it…
[Item: Bolt Badge
Rarity Item: A+
Type: Badge
Description: A Gym Badge, commonly referred to as simply a badge, is an item that serves as proof of a Pokémon Trainer's victory in a battle against a Gym Leader at a Pokémon Gym. With this badge, Electric-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and control of Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Volt Switch
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Volt Switch].]
Azure took it in hand as he thanked Elesa, "Thank you, Gym Leader Elesa."
As Black and White bounded down the steps to join him on the field, cheering his name, Azure held the Bolt Badge up to the stadium lights, where it glittered with the bright, electric promise of his journey ahead.
/////
A/n: Hope you like the chapter!