Chapter 268: Fire Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Lavaridge Town – Gym]
The Hoenn sun, a benevolent orb in the vast azure sky, beat down upon Azure, with his Pikachu and Eevee, even as he nurtured a new, vibrant team for his Hoenn adventure. His current rotation of Pokémon, a testament to his discerning eye and varied strategies, all resting within their respective Poké Balls.
With him, her bright eyes mirroring the boundless Hoenn landscape, was Sapphire, his companion and student. She was a whirlwind of enthusiasm, diligently absorbing every lesson Azure offered, her own team steadily growing in strength and strategy.
Their departure from the hot springs prepared them for the battle ahead. Together, Azure and Sapphire paved their way through Lavaridge Town, a famed town for its soothing hot springs and, of course, its fiery Gym.
Sapphire's steps quickened as the distinctive steam plumes of Lavaridge Town Gym came into view. Her excitement was palpable as she exclaimed, "Lavaridge Town Gym! I can't wait, Master to win!"
Azure smiled, a gentle, knowing curve of his lips. He understood the thrill of a new Gym, the anticipation of a challenging battle. He advised, though his tone was warm, "Patience, Sapphire. One thing at a time. A good soak after a long journey isn't a bad idea, but the Gym Leader won't mind a challenge."
Flannery, already back in her element, met them at the entrance of her Gym, her fiery hair seeming to dance in the geothermal currents. She was a picture of renewed energy, her previous anxieties over Mt. Chimney replaced by her characteristic zeal for battle.
Her eyes widened seeing the two as she greeted, a wide grin splitting her face in an excited tone, "Azure, Sapphire! It's good to see you both again, and in one piece! Thanks again for your help back at Chimney. Now, a promise is a promise. Who's up first?"
Sapphire practically vibrated with eagerness as she raised her hand in an excited tone, "Me, Flannery! I'm ready!"
Flannery chuckled. She nodded her head, agreeing as she said coolly, "That's what I like to hear! Alright, Azure, you'll be the judge this time. Let's make it a three-on-three. Got it, Sapphire?"
Sapphire affirmed, her hand already hovering over her Poké Balls, "Got it!"
The Lavaridge Gym, though not as grand as some in Kanto, possessed a raw, earthy charm, its battleground a sandy arena punctuated by vents of steam. Flannery took her position, her eyes glinting with competitive spirit.
She paused for dramatic effect, then flung a Poké Ball in a determined tone, "Alright, my first partner will be… Torkoal! Show them the heat!"
*Pop*
A sturdy Torkoal materialized, its shell steaming, a low rumble emanating from its throat. Sapphire took a deep breath, channeling Azure's calm demeanor.
Grabbing a Poké Ball from her belt, she hurled it out in a determined tone, "Alright, Torkoal, let's see what you've got! Kirly, battle time!"
*Pop*
Her Gallade, Kirly, appeared with a flash of light, its sharp blades gleaming, its stance poised and ready. Flannery mused, a hint of respect in her voice, "Gallade, a Psychic/Fighting type? Not a bad choice. Torkoal, use Smog!"
*POOF*
Torkoal exhaled a thick cloud of toxic smog, attempting to obscure Kirly's vision. Sapphire commanded, her voice clear and strong, "Kirly, use Teleport to dodge, then counterattack with Psycho Cut!"
*Shiii*
Kirly vanished in a shimmer of psychic energy, reappearing instantly behind Torkoal, its blade glowing with psychic power. The attack landed squarely on Torkoal's back, eliciting a pained grunt.
*SHINNG*
Flannery wasn't fazed. Her gaze focused as she ordered, "Good move! But Torkoal's tough! Flamethrower, aim for the ground around Kirly!"
*Sssss*
Torkoal unleashed a torrent of fire, scorching the sand. Kirly, nimble, leaped back, avoiding the direct hit but feeling the intense heat.
Sapphire eyes narrowed as she urged fiercely in a determined voice, "Keep the pressure on, Kirly! Close Combat!"
Kirly charged, a whirlwind of precise, powerful strikes. Torkoal endured the barrage, its sturdy defense holding, but the damage was evident.
Flannery shouted, capitalizing on Kirly's proximity, "Torkoal, Body Slam!"
Torkoal heaved its heavy body forward, attempting to crush Kirly. But Sapphire grinned as she ordered, "Kirly, hold your ground and use Detect!"
*THUD*
Kirly's eyes flashed, and it braced itself, sensing the incoming attack and artfully sidestepping at the last moment, leaving Torkoal to slam into the ground.
Sapphire allowed herself a small, triumphant smile as she finished it off, "Now, Kirly, finish it with Drain Punch!"
*SMACK*
Kirly delivered a final, powerful punch, draining Torkoal's remaining energy. Torkoal slumped, defeated.
Azure announced, his voice neutral, but his eyes held a glimmer of pride, "Torkoal is unable to battle! Kirly wins!"
Flannery said defeatedly, recalling her Pokémon with a sigh, "Sigh… Return, Torkoal. You fought well. Alright, my next partner is… Magcargo!"
*Pop*
A fiery Magcargo, its shell made of magma, emerged, radiating intense heat. Sapphire said proudly, recalling Kirly as she threw her next Poké Ball, "Kirly, you did amazing, but you're tired. You earned a rest. Chic, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
With a flash, her Chic the Blaziken appeared, its fighting spirit blazing. Grinning Sapphire ordered, "Chic, use Double Kick!"
*Zooom*
Lunging forward to prepare a Double Kick, Flannery's eyes hardened. She countered, "Magcargo, Smog again, then Lava Plume!"
*Pooof*
Magcargo spewed a cloud of smog, followed by a surge of superheated lava. Chic, though agile, found itself caught between the two.
The smog obscured its vision, and a splash of lava singed its feathers. Sapphire cried out, concern etched on her face, "Chic, are you alright?!"
Chic shook its head, letting out a determined cry, "BLAZ!!"
Sapphire nodded, understanding her Pokémon's cry. She grinned as she ordered, "Alright, Chic, let's go all in! Use Blaze Kick!"
*Woooosh*
Blaziken, now brimming with newfound strength, charged with incredible speed, its leg wreathed in intense fire. It slammed into Magcargo with a devastating Blaze Kick, sending the Lava Pokémon skidding across the arena.
*THUD*
Flannery gritted her teeth as she ordered, "Magcargo, Gyro Ball! Spin and hit it!"
*Wooosh*
Magcargo curled into a ball and spun rapidly, attempting to strike Chic. But Sapphire countered as she ordered, "Dodge and use Sky Uppercut!"
*Wooosh*
Blaziken deftly sidestepped the spinning shell, then connected with a powerful Sky Uppercut, sending Magcargo flying momentarily before it crashed back down, dazed. But Sapphire didn't let up as she ordered, "Now, Chic, Overheat!"
*Sssss*
Chic unleashed a devastating blast of fire, engulfing Magcargo. The sheer power of the attack was too much.
Magcargo shimmered and collapsed. Azure declared neutrally, "Magcargo is unable to battle! Chic wins!"
Flannery recalled Magcargo, a genuine smile now on her face. She praised Sapphire using her last Poke Ball, "Incredible! You're just like what the other Gym Leaders say about you! You're getting strong, Sapphire. Alright, my final partner is… my ace! Rapidash!"
*Pop*
A majestic Rapidash, its fiery mane and tail blazing with vibrant energy, galloped onto the field, whinnying its challenge. Sapphire ordered, pushing her Chic to its limits, "Rapidash, huh? Chic, you're on fire, literally! Let's keep going! Use Brave Bird!"
*ZOOOM*
Blaziken launched itself into the air, wreathed in a fiery-blue aura, diving towards Rapidash with fierce, determined glare. Flannery countered, her own Pokémon charging with equal ferocity, a blazing comet of fire, "Rapidash, Flare Blitz!"
*SSSSS*
*BOOOM*
The two Fire-type Pokémon collided in a spectacular explosion of flames and force. The impact shook the arena. When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were struggling to stand, battered and exhausted.
Sapphire urged, her voice hoarse, "Chic! Blaze Kick one more time!"
Flannery shot back, hoping for a final, decisive strike, "Rapidash, Mega Horn!"
Blaziken, fueled by sheer will, delivered another powerful Blaze Kick. Rapidash, equally determined, charged with its horn glowing…
*BAM*
The two attacks connected simultaneously. Blaziken's kick sent Rapidash stumbling, but Rapidash's horn struck Blaziken's side.
*Thud*
Both swayed, then fell to their knees. After a moment of tense silence, both Pokémon collapsed, making the two look stunned.
But Azure announced calmly, making his ruling in a calm voice, "Both Pokémon are unable to battle! But with Sapphire having 2 Pokémon remaining, she wins by technicality! The winner of this match is Sapphire Birch!"
Sapphire paused before she grinned happily, as she rushed to Chic's side, recalling it with a grateful smile as she said in a proud voice, "You were amazing, Chic! Absolutely incredible! We won our Lava Badge!!"
Flannery, though her ace hadn't won, looked genuinely impressed. She held out a shimmering, orange badge and rewards as she said proudly, "That was a fantastic battle, Sapphire! Your Kirly and your Chic are truly powerful. You earned this. The Heat Badge is yours! And along with a cash prize and the TM Overheat!"
Sapphire's hand trembled as she took the items, her face alight with triumph as she said in a thankful tone, "Thank you, Flannery! Thank you so much!"
After she was done, Flannery turned towards Azure with an eager expression on her face as she said excitedly, "And no worries, I didn't forget you, Azure! After a short recess to have my Pokémon recover, I'll go all out to defeat you!!"
Azure simply nodded with a confident smirk as he said bluntly, "Good. It wouldn't be fun defeating an opponent who doesn't give they're all. At the very least, though, don't go easy on me for taking your kiss."
Flannery blushed red, hearing that as she roared defiantly, "I THOUGHT WE AGREED TO NEVER SPEAK OF THAT AGAIN?!!"
Azure stuck his tongue out teasingly as Flannery grit her teeth in shame and embarrassment, recalling that event, muttering curses, "Idoit playboy motherfucker Kantonian…"
With that, Azure and Sapphire waited in a waiting room for Flannery to heal her Pokémon and her attitude of Azure bringing up the first kiss debacle back at Mt. Chimney, focusing on the battle ahead. Sapphire, meanwhile, shook in excitement, seeing her mentor battle, willing to learn his battle styles in the process…
/////
[Hoenn Region, Meanwhile, Lavaridge Town]
Meanwhile, as Azure and Sapphire waited for his match, Archie, the Team Leader of Team Aqua, frowned deeply, seeing no changes in Lavaridge Town. He secluded himself in a private booked hotel room.
He turned on his Rotom Phone with Team Aqua's emblem as he heard the news of Amber saying nervously, "I-I'm sorry Archie… w-we failed in our task to halt the Volcano Activity at Mt. Chimney…"
Archie's eyes hardened as he glared intensely at Amber, making him flinch. He finally responded in a disappointed tone, "… Failed? Did I hear that right? How did our secret covert mission fail, Amber…"
Amber gulped, hearing his tone and angry expression. Amber began to carefully explain the situation, causing Archie's brows to furrow as he muttered coldly, "… I see. You lost to a Gym Leader you ambushed, a brat on a journey, and a Champion from another region… Even with numbers… You failed."
Amber looked down in shame and fear, seeing Archie's furious expression. But he calmly exhaled as he muttered coldly, "Fine. If we can't freeze the Volcano Activity at Mt. Chimney, we'll have to find another way, but for now, keep everything down low. With your appearance, making any moves would be dangerous for us. Do I make myself clear?"
Amber nodded feverishly under Archie's intense gaze. He replied fearfully, "Of course, Lord Archie! We'll keep everything on the down low for now!"
*Beep*
Ending the call right then and there, Archie sighed, rubbing his temples. Gazing upon the outside of his hotel room, he muttered coldly, "Sigh… for now, halting the Volcano activity to awaken Kyogre would have to be shelved. If we had destabilized the balance, it would surely awaken it, but now…"
*SLAM*
Slamming his fist onto the table, Archie growled in disdain as he muttered hatefully, veins pulsing out from his head, "… now I must wait. With the Gym Leader noticing and aware of our activities, we can't use Mt. Chimney to halt its activities. We need to lie low till the enemy lowers their guard, but mark my words…"
His eyes glared hatefully at Lavaridge Town as he began to leave, muttering, "… those who stand in Team Aqua's way… shall be drowned to death…"
/////
[Hoenn Region, Later, Lavaridge Town – Gym]
After a brief recess where Sapphire celebrated her victory and healed her Pokémon, it was Azure's turn. Pikachu and Eevee took to the Sapphire side on the stands, viewing the battle as they cheered they're Trainer on.
Flannery, invigorated by the earlier display, approached Azure with a keen glint in her eyes as she declared, "Alright, Azure, your turn! After that kiss comment, I'm even more fired up to kick your ass! How about a four-on-four battle? Standard rules!"
Azure nodded, a confident grin playing on his lips as he said calmly, "Four-on-four sounds perfect, Flannery."
*Click*
Just as he said that, a strange machine came out of the ground. There were 6 sockets in them as Flannery explained coolly, "Put the Pokémon you want to use inside the sockets, and the number of Pokémon you wish to use. The Pokémon you want to use will not be exposed, but their strength will be measured."
Azure nodded, having gone through this before, his mind already racing, formulating his strategy. His mind instantly ran through his diverse team, weighing options, considering type matchups, and thinking of synergistic strategies.
He had a deep bench, and picking just four was a delightful challenge. He had carefully considered his options and had selected 4 Pokémon that he believed would give him the best chances of victory against Flannery: Crawdaunt, Shelgon, Golduck, and Ninetales.
*Ding*
Finishing scanning, Flannery checked her Rotom Phone. Smirking, she turned as a strange machine popped up for him, revealing 4 Pokémon of exact or tougher level for the Gym Challenge.
Flannery, without hesitation, tossed her first Poké Ball high into the air as she declared proudly, "My opening act! Magmortar, let's go!"
*Pop*
The powerful Magmortar, its arms ending in blazing cannons, appeared with a roar, radiating immense heat. Azure met its gaze, then reached for a Poké Ball on his belt, grabbing it.
With a flick of his wrist, he sent out his first choice as he said calmly, hurling it into the air, "Magmortar, a strong start. But I've got just the Pokémon for you. Crawdaunt, show them your power!"
*Pop*
With a splash of light, Crawdaunt materialized, its claws snapping, its dark red shell gleaming. Its Water/Dark typing was a clear advantage against the pure Fire-type Magmortar.
Flannery acknowledged, though her smile remained as she said confidently, "Crawdaunt, huh? A smart choice! But Magmortar's speed is deceptive! Thunder Punch!"
*Zzzzz*
Magmortar, despite its bulky appearance, moved with surprising agility, its right arm blazing with electric energy as it charged. Azure commanded, his voice calm and clear, "Crawdaunt, counter with Crabhammer!"
*SMASH*
Crawdaunt met the charge head-on, its mighty claw glowing and enlarging. The Thunder Punch struck Crawdaunt's shell, but the Water/Dark-type shrugged off the super-effective hit with its natural bulk.
*SMASH*
Simultaneously, Crawdaunt's Crabhammer slammed into Magmortar's chest with incredible force, a direct hit to its core. Magmortar reeled back, groaning.
Azure pressed his advantage, "Don't let up, Crawdaunt! Aqua Jet!"
*SPLASH*
Crawdaunt surged forward, encased in a column of water, moving with blinding speed towards the recovering Magmortar. Flannery roared, desperate to turn the tide, "Magmortar, Fire Blast, full power!"
*SSSSS*
Magmortar unleashed a massive, character-shaped flame, a last-ditch effort. But Crawdaunt's Aqua Jet was faster as it curved out of the way and…
*SPLASH*
… It crashed into Magmortar before the Fire Blast could fully reach it, the water-elemental attack impacting with devastating power. Magmortar cried out, a high-pitched shriek, and then collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
*THUD*
Sapphire declared to herself, with a slight nod of approval to his Pokémon, "Magmortar is unable to battle! Crawdaunt wins!"
Flannery recalled Magmortar, a rueful grin on her face. She turned to him with an excited grin as she praised him, "Wow, that was fast! Crawdaunt is incredibly powerful, Azure! No wonder you're a champ."
Azure dismissively waved his hand as he rubbed Crawdaunt's shell, happily said, "Maybe, but it's thanks to my own Pokémon's hard work that they've won. But the battle isn't over yet, right?"
Flannery merely grinned, preparing her next choice. The match between them is 3 vs. 4, but Azure could see that Flannery was merely getting fired up as he prepared for what she had in store for him.
But meanwhile, Sapphire looks at the battle with a surprising mixed expression as she thought, 'So this is Flannery going all out, huh… just seeing them battle when compared to my own… how would I win if I were in Master's place…'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!