Chapter 269: Fire Gym Battle (2) [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Lavaridge Town – Gym]
Flannery's eyes gleamed. She picked her next Pokémon as she declared, "Alright then! Prepare for the flames of Lavaridge! Go, Arcanine!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light, a magnificent Arcanine materialized on the field. Its fur, a vibrant orange and cream, seemed to glow in the gym's ambient light with its held item [Charcoal] around its neck. Its black stripes rippled as it let out a powerful bark, a challenge, exuding an aura of speed and raw power.
Its gaze, intelligent and fierce, was fixed on Azure. Azure, seeing it recalled his own Arcanine back at Kanto in Oak's Lab as he thought fondly, 'Wonder how the big guy is doing... hope his being well taken care of...'
Sapphire, ever the keen observer, whispered to herself in awe, "Wow, Arcanine! It's so fast and strong! What will Master choose?"
Seeing Arcanine appear, he chuckled softly as he recalled his Crawdaunt, "Haha… that surely brings back some memories. But first, Crawdaunt return. You've done enough. We need to let the newbies test they're might."
Azure, unperturbed, reached for a Poké Ball. He tossed the ball high as he said casually, "Arcanine is indeed a splendid Pokémon, Flannery. But let's see how it fares against this… Shelgon, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Another flash of light, and a robust, armored Pokémon appeared. Shelgon with its Held Item [Dragon Fang].
Its body was encased in a tough, bone-like shell, dull white and incredibly dense. It looked like a living tank, unyielding and formidable. It landed with a heavy thud, its small, determined eyes meeting Arcanine's fiery gaze.
*Thud*
Sapphire's eyes widened further. She murmured, then quickly corrected herself, remembering her type matchups silently said, "Shelgon? But… Arcanine is a Fire-type! Its moves won't be super-effective. But still, Arcanine is so fast, and Shelgon is… well, it's a tank, but it's not exactly known for speed."
Her internal monologue was a whirlwind of analysis, a perfect reflection of her learning process. She muttered, staring at the battle intently, "But Master must have a plan. He always does in battles..."
Flannery, too, raised an eyebrow. She couldn't help but mutter then into her commands, "Shelgon, eh? A sturdy choice. But my Arcanine is no ordinary Fire-type. It moves like the wind and hits like a volcano! Arcanine, start with an Extreme Speed!"
*ZOOOM*
Arcanine vanished in a blur of orange and black. Its speed was astonishing, leaving an afterimage that seemed to shimmer with heat. In an instant, it reappeared directly in front of Shelgon, slamming into the Dragon Pokémon with incredible force.
*THUD*
A resounding thud echoed through the gym. Shelgon was shoved back a few feet, its heavy body skidding across the floor, but it remained upright, its shell showing no visible signs of damage.
Azure's expression remained calm as he ordered, "Shelgon! Dragon Dance!"
*Shinng*
Before Arcanine could follow up, Shelgon glowed with a faint purple-red light, increasing its Attack and Speed by +1 Stage. But Flannery grinned as she ordered, "Don't think we'll let you power up! Flame Charge!"
*Ssss*
Arcanine lunged forward, its body coated in fire, rushing ahead. But Azure countered calmly, "Shelgon! Protect!"
*CLANG*
Before Arcanine attacked, Shelgon veiled itself in green light, forming a transparent barrier just as Arcanine lunged again, this time with a powerful Flame Charge. The fiery impact connected with the Protect shield, dissipating harmlessly against its surface.
Sapphire breathed, impressed as she analyzed learning Azure's fighting style, "Smart. Protect to block the follow-up! He's trying to get a read on Arcanine's attack power."
Flannery grinned, her eyes sparkling with competitive fire. She lightly praised as she commanded, "Not bad! But Protect won't last forever! Arcanine, keep the pressure on with Flamethrower!"
*SSSSS*
Arcanine inhaled deeply, then unleashed a scorching torrent of flames. The Flamethrower was immense, a river of fire that engulfed Shelgon.
Heat radiated through the gym, causing the air to crackle. Sapphire winced as she muttered, "Oh no! That's a powerful Flamethrower! Is Shelgon okay?"
When the flames finally receded, Shelgon stood resilient, its shell slightly singed, but otherwise remained intact. It let out a gruff grunt, shaking its head, looking more annoyed than hurt from the attack.
Sapphire exclaimed, her awe growing as she muttered, "Incredible! Shelgon took that like it was nothing! It's so tough!"
Azure's eyes narrowed slightly, noting the minor singe marks. He said calmly, commanding, "Very impressive power, Flannery. But Shelgon's defenses are not easily broken. Shelgon, Strong Style Dragon Breath!"
*PEW*
A shimmering, azure-colored breath erupted from Shelgon's mouth, surging towards Arcanine. The Dragon Breath, while not a super-effective attack, was potent.
*BOOM*
Arcanine, still recovering from its powerful Flamethrower, was caught off guard, taking the full brunt of the attack. It staggered back, a faint purple glow momentarily flickering around it – a sign of paralysis.
Sapphire cheered. She looked at Azure, who simply maintained his calm demeanor, a slight smirk playing on his lips as she muttered, "Oh! Arcanine is paralyzed! A lucky break! Or… was it planned?"
Flannery's eyes widened. She grit her teeth as she commanded, "Paralysis! Clever! Arcanine, shake it off! Use Flare Blitz!"
*SSSSS*
Arcanine, despite the paralysis, surged forward, engulfing itself in a blazing aura. The Flare Blitz was a desperate, all-or-nothing attack, promising immense damage but also recoil. It launched itself at the unmoving Shelgon.
This time, Azure didn't call for Protect. He calmly ordered, "Shelgon, dodge it with Dragon Dance! Then Strong Style Dragon Claw!"
*Wooosh*
Arcanine, a living fireball, attempted to slam into Shelgon. But at the last moment, Shelgon performed Dragon Dance, twirling its body, and managed to avoid the force of the impact that was tremendous, sending tremors through the floor as Arcanine landed on the ground.
*BOOOM*
A cloud of smoke and steam erupted as the Fire-type Pokémon connected with the ground. A small crater formed where Shelgon had been standing.
When the smoke cleared, Arcanine was panting, its fiery aura fading, clearly having taken significant recoil damage. Shelgon, however, remained safe as it dodged, but its eyes still held a determined gleam.
It roared, its small claws glowing with draconic energy. Azure commanded, his voice sharp and clear, "Now, Shelgon!"
*Wooosh*
With a speed that belied its bulky appearance, Shelgon lunged forward, its glowing claws extended. It wasn't the speed of Arcanine, but a powerful, surging momentum built from its heavy mass.
*SHINNG*
It connected with Arcanine's side, the Dragon Claw tearing through its fur with a sickening rip. Arcanine cried out in pain, staggering sideways, its magnificent form trembling.
The paralysis flickered again, causing it to stumble. Flannery, though concerned for Arcanine, was clearly impressed as she said calmly, "Arcanine, can you keep going? Use Extreme Speed again! One last push!"
Arcanine, demonstrating incredible will, gathered its remaining strength. It attempted to activate Extreme Speed, but the paralysis, compounded by the damage from Flare Blitz and Dragon Claw, proved too much.
Its movements became jerky, uncoordinated. It struggled, then collapsed onto its side, whimpering softly.
*Thud*
A moment later, its eyes glazed over, and it was unable to battle as it fainted on the spot. Flannery rushed to her Pokémon's side, kneeling beside it, her expression a mix of concern and admiration.
She gently stroked Arcanine's fur. She looked up at Azure, a genuine smile gracing her lips as she said calmly, "You fought well, my fiery friend. You fought very well. That Shelgon… its defense is something else. And your strategy, letting it dodge at the last second to deliver a devastating counter. Brilliant."
Azure walked over to Shelgon, patting its sturdy shell as he praised his Endurance Pokémon fondly, "You were magnificent, Shelgon. A true testament to resilience."
Shelgon grunted contentedly, flexing its claws. Pikachu and Eevee both cheered from the sidelines happily that their comrade is victorious, but Sapphire thought conflicted, 'Master's complete trust in his Pokémon is unbelievable… will I ever reach that level of synergy with my own team though…'
Azure turned to Flannery, complimenting her Arcanine, "Your Arcanine is a powerful Pokémon, Flannery. Its speed and fiery spirit are truly remarkable."
Recalling her Arcanine taking back her position, she said happily, rubbing the back of her head, blushing at the compliment, "Aww, thanks. Still kicking your ass though. But the battle is still on, and I have 2 Pokémon left!"
Azure nodded, returning to his position. Flannery looked at her two choices left, smirking as she picked her third Pokémon.
Flannery announced, tossing her Poké Ball as she declared, "Then let's turn up the heat! Go, Torkoal!"
*Pop*
A flash of red light and a puff of smoke materialized a large, tortoise-like Pokémon with a shell resembling a furnace. It had a determined, almost stubborn, expression, "Torkoal! (I'm ready, my lady!)"
*Shiii*
Instantly, the air around Torkoal shimmered. The heat intensified, not just from the natural thermal vents but from the Pokémon itself.
This was Drought, Torkoal's powerful Ability, which supercharged all Fire-type moves and weakened Water-type attacks. Flannery's strategy was clear: overwhelm Azure with heat while empowering her Fire Type Pokémon.
A small, leafy sprig hung from Torkoal's mouth—its [White Herb] held item, ready to negate any stat reductions. Sapphire gasped as she muttered, "Whoa! She's starting with Drought! That's smart, supercharging her Fire-types right away!"
Azure merely smiled, a glint of challenge in his eyes. He recalled Shelgon picking another Poké Ball from his belt, saying coolly, "Return Shelgon, you did a good job out there. A good strategy, Flannery. But I've got just the Pokémon to cool things down a bit. Come on out, Golduck!"
*Pop*
With a flourish practiced swing, Azure sent out his chosen Pokémon. A sleek, blue, bipedal duck-like Pokémon with a red gem embedded in its forehead materialized, its webbed hands twitching expectantly.
With its arms crossed, Golduck cried out confidently, "Golduck! (It's my time to shine! Gotta show the boss who's number 1!)"
*Shiii*
As Golduck appeared, a subtle shift occurred in the environment as its gem intensified a red glow. The intense shimmering heat from Torkoal's Drought ability seemed to waver, then diminish, replaced by a more neutral atmosphere.
Sapphire, watching keenly, furrowed her brow. She mumbled to herself, then her eyes widened in realization, "Wait… what just happened? Oh that's right! Golduck has Cloud Nine! It nullifies weather effects! So even though Torkoal has Drought, it's not active right now! That's brilliant, Master!"
Her voice was filled with a mix of awe and understanding. Flannery, too, registered the change with serious caution.
Her grin didn't falter, but a flicker of respect, and perhaps a touch of exasperation, crossed her features as she said boldly, "Clever! Just as expected, Indigo Champion! I should have known you'd have a counter ready. Taking away Torkoal's sun… that's a bold move! But don't think that's enough to win this!"
Azure responded, his voice calm but firm as he commanded, "Wouldn't dream of it, Flannery. Golduck, use Surf!"
*SPLASH*
Golduck sprang into action, its webbed hands glowing with a shimmering, highly condensed water. It cupped its hands, and a torrent of steaming water erupted, arcing directly towards Torkoal.
Flannery commanded instantly, "Torkoal, Protect!"
*CLANG*
Torkoal, despite its bulky appearance, reacted swiftly. A translucent green barrier shimmered into existence just as the Surf attack crashed into it.
The water splashed harmlessly against the shield, dissipating into steam, but the force of the impact still caused a tremor in the barrier. Sapphire commented, watching the exchange intently, "Good call, Flannery! Torkoal's slow, so getting Protect up was crucial there. Now, Master's got to think of something else."
Flannery pressed her advantage, knowing Protect would only last so long, "Alright, Torkoal, follow up with Lava Plume!"
*POOOF*
The heat within Torkoal's shell intensified, and it let out a guttural rumble. From its shell's vents, a geyser of molten, orange-red lava erupted, forming a deadly plume that arced through the air towards Golduck.
The attack carried with it the chance of a burn, a painful status condition that would slowly whittle away Golduck's health. Azure ordered, his voice unwavering, "Golduck, dodge and then use Agile Style Water Pulse!"
*Woosh*
Golduck, relying on its greater agility, gracefully sidestepped the slower-moving Lava Plume. The molten spray hissed as it impacted the ground, leaving smoking craters.
As it moved, it focused its mind, and a sphere of pulsating, disorienting water coalesced between its hands. It launched the water sphere, which spun with hypnotic energy, directly at Torkoal.
*SPLASH*
The Water Pulse struck Torkoal squarely on its shell. Torkoal recoiled, its body momentarily shuddering from the impact.
More importantly, the disorienting energy of Water Pulse had its effect. Torkoal shook its head, looking momentarily dazed, its eyes swirling slightly.
Sapphire exclaimed as she saw the effects of Water Pulse, "It's confused! Water Pulse has a chance to confuse! That's awesome!"
Flannery gritted her teeth as she ordered, "Torkoal, snap out of it! Use Curse!"
She aimed to boost Torkoal's defensive and offensive capabilities, sacrificing some speed, which it already lacked. Torkoal tried to comply, but its confusion made it difficult.
It swayed, then stumbled, eventually crashing headfirst into the ground, dealing damage to itself. The attempt at Curse failed.
Azure saw his opening as he ordered, "Golduck, a Strong Style Hydro Pump!"
Golduck's eyes glowed with intense focus. It gathered an immense volume of water, channeling it into a high-pressure jet…
*SPLASH*
The sheer force of the attack was palpable, tearing through the air before slamming into Torkoal. Torkoal cried out in pain as the Hydro Pump slammed into its already recovering form, "Torkoal, koal!"
The force was tremendous, pushing it back several feet. The shell, usually so resilient, visibly steamed from the impact, and the ground beneath it cracked.
Torkoal was clearly hurting, but its sheer bulk kept it standing. Sapphire gasped, commenting, "Master hits so hard! But Torkoal is so tough!"
Flannery shouted desperately, urging her partner on, "Don't give up, Torkoal! Use Flamethrower!"
*Ssssss*
Despite the damage and its lingering confusion, Torkoal managed to steady itself. A fierce roar erupted from its throat, and a searing stream of intense, orange flames burst forth from its mouth, aimed at Golduck.
The attack was powerful, fueled by Torkoal's inherent Fire-type energy. But Azure commanded, changing tactics, "Golduck, quick, Psychic!"
He knew Golduck couldn't afford to take too many direct hits from Torkoal's powerful Fire attacks. Even if it wasn't effective, taking no damage is preferable, no matter how small the chance it may seem.
*Shiii*
Golduck's red gem on its forehead pulsed brightly, and its eyes glowed with an ethereal blue light. A potent wave of psychic energy erupted from its mind, directly intercepting the Flamethrower.
*BAM*
The two attacks collided in a brilliant display of clashing energy, the psychic force pushing against the fiery stream. The psychic energy then wrapped around Torkoal, lifting it slightly off the ground, causing it to grunt in surprise.
Azure's voice was sharp, "Now, slam it down!"
*THUD*
Golduck exerted its mental power, and Torkoal was unceremoniously slammed back onto the ground with a resounding thud. The impact sent a cloud of dust and small rocks flying. Torkoal groaned, clearly disoriented and taking more damage.
Its confusion flared again, and it staggered, bumping into one of the arena walls. Flannery cried, her concern evident, "Torkoal! Hang in there, partner! Use Eruption!"
This was Torkoal's signature move, a devastating Fire-type attack that grew stronger with its remaining health. But Torkoal was low on health and still confused.
It struggled to gather its energy, swaying precariously. Azure's voice boomed, sensing the end, "Golduck, finish it with Tera Blast!"
*Shiii*
Golduck's hands came together, a swirling orb of pure normal energy forming between them. The sphere crackled with raw power, growing larger and more unstable with each passing second.
As Torkoal, still dazed, tried to unleash its Eruption, a small puff of steam rising from its vents, Golduck launched its Tera Blast. The glowing orb shot forward like a cannonball, a silent, powerful projectile…
*BOOOM*
It impacted Torkoal directly on its chest, sending a shockwave through the arena. The sheer force of the Normal-type attack, combined with all the previous damage, proved too much for it to take. Torkoal's eyes rolled back, and it collapsed onto its back, its furnace-like shell hissing softly, completely unable to battle.
*Thud*
Pikachu and Eevee from the sidelines cheered for Golduck's victory as it gave them a thumbs up and a smug grin in return. Sapphire mutters in awe, "Amazing!! Torkoal is unable to battle! Golduck wins!"
Flannery, though defeated, approached her Torkoal with a gentle sadness, returning it to its Poké Ball as she said softly, "You fought well, Torkoal. You can take a rest now."
She then turned to Azure, a genuine, wide smile replacing her earlier determination as she said calmly, "Wow, Azure. Just… wow. That was an incredible battle! Torkoal rarely goes down that easily, even without the sun up. Your Golduck is incredibly powerful, and your strategy to negate Drought right from the start was brilliant. I knew you were good, but that was a masterclass."
Azure nodded, offering a small bow. He praised Flannery's Pokémon as he coolly said, "Your Torkoal is exceptionally resilient, Flannery. It took everything Golduck had to take it down. You've trained it with impressive dedication."
He returned Golduck to its Poké Ball, giving it a silent commendation. But it wasn't the end yet, as Flannery looked at her last Poké Ball with a determined expression, thought, 'I'm down to my last Pokémon… and he hasn't lost one since the battle started. Even if I'm a rookie Gym Leader and winning 150 Battles, I'm still lacking…'
Taking a moment to compose herself, she clenched the last Poké Ball tightly with renewed fire in her eyes as she muttered confidently, "Even so… it's time we show him the meaning of true firepower, right?"
*Riggle*
The Poke Ball she was clenching wiggled, signaling its eagerness to battle. With renewed determination, Flannery was going all out, gazing intently at Azure as he looked calm and composed throughout the battle, but seeing her expression made him raise an eyebrow, curious to see what she had in store for him…
But Sapphire, seeing such high high-intense battle, made a seed of doubt in her heart. She frowned lightly as she thought, 'Master is great and following his example is the best way to become the strongest trainer… but is it something to be proud of? Wouldn't I just… follow his own shadow?'
The second she thought of this… Sapphire suddenly felt she was losing her own path of becoming her own Trainer as she kept comparing her own skills to Azure's. Doubt and inferiority began to take root…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!