Chapter 270: Fire Gym Battle (3)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Lavaridge Town – Gym]
Renewed with determination, Flannery declared in a confident tone, "Alright then! You're all I got left, let's make this count... Go, Blaziken!"
*Pop*
From a flash of light, her Blaziken materialized on the field, its powerful, muscular form radiating heat. Around its neck, a [Blazikenite] gleamed, catching the arena lights. It let out a challenging cry, plumes of smoke puffing from its wrists, "BLAZ!!"
Azure murmured, his grin widening upon seeing the Mega Stone, "Blaziken, huh? Alright then, if you're bringing the heat, I'll bring the storm. Crawdaunt, time to shine!"
*Pop*
He tossed his Poké Ball, and with a burst of crimson light, Crawdaunt emerged, its crimson shell gleaming, its large claws snapping menacingly. The air crackled with anticipation.
Sapphire commented from the stands, leaning forward intently as she murmured, "A Water-type to end it! Good choice against Fire, but Blaziken is also a Fighting-type… Crawdaunt is part Dark. That could be tricky."
Flannery commanded, wasting no time, "Blaziken, High Jump Kick!"
*Wooosh*
Blaziken shot forward, a blur of orange and white, its leg coiling back before launching a devastating kick. Azure countered, his voice steady, "Crawdaunt, Aqua Jet!"
*SPLASH*
Crawdaunt recoiled, then propelled itself forward with a burst of water, meeting Blaziken in a head-on collision. The two Pokémon slammed into each other, creating a shockwave that rippled through the arena.
*BOOM*
Crawdaunt's Aqua Jet landed, a direct hit, but Blaziken, despite the super effective damage, pushed through with its High Jump Kick, striking Crawdaunt hard. The hit, though, made it recoil in pain.
Sapphire observed, a hand to her chin as she mutters, "Impressive power from Crawdaunt! But Blaziken barely flinched!"
Azure narrowed his eyes. He could clearly see it was well-trained as he praised it, "That Blaziken is tougher than it looks, Flannery. But let's see how it handles this! Crawdaunt, Strong Style Crabhammer!"
Crawdaunt roared, its large pincer glowing with Water energy, and swung it in a wide arc towards Blaziken. Flannery shouted, her resolve burning as fiercely as her Pokémon, "Blaziken, Detect into Blaze Kick, let's turn up the heat!"
*Shii*
Blaziken's eyes glowed as it tilted sideways, avoiding the Crabhammer. Then it launched a Blaze Kick to its side, pushing it back as Blaziken recovered faster.
Flannery declared excitedly, touching the Key Stone on her Mega Ring, "Now, Blaziken, Mega Evolve!"
*SHIIII*
A brilliant column of light enveloped Blaziken, its form shifting, growing more powerful, more defined. Its flames intensified, its speed and attack skyrocketing.
Mega Blaziken let out a mighty roar, its power palpable, filling the arena, "BLAZ!!!"
Azure's confident grin didn't falter, but his eyes held a serious glint. He had anticipated a Mega Evolution from Flannery's ace, but the sheer force of Mega Blaziken was still formidable.
Flannery pressed her advantage, "Mega Blaziken, now! Sky Uppercut!"
*Zoooom*
The Mega Evolved Blaziken vanished in a blaze of speed, reappearing in front of Crawdaunt with terrifying swiftness. It launched a ferocious uppercut, powered by its newfound strength.
Azure commanded, his voice sharp, "Crawdaunt, Protect!"
*CLANG*
Crawdaunt reacted instantly, a shimmering green barrier flickering into existence just as Mega Blaziken's fist connected. The barrier held for a split second, splintering under the immense force, but it bought Crawdaunt vital time.
Azure ordered, seizing the opening, "Now, Crawdaunt, use Agile Style Night Slash!"
Crawdaunt, recovering from the impact, manifested a blade of dark energy on its pincer and swung it at Mega Blaziken. The attack was swift, a dark enery crescent arcing towards its opponent.
Seeing this, Azure calmly analyzed the situation as he pondered seriously, 'Facing a Mega Pokémon needs tactics. For now, I need to chip it down as much as possible, trade blows for blows.'
Flannery countered, her eyes gleaming, "Detect and Double Kick!"
*Wooosh*
Mega Blaziken twisted out of the way with incredible agility using Detect, then unleashed a Double Kick in quick succession. Each hit landed a super-effective hit against Crawdaunt's head as it recoiled in pain, backing off.
The earlier battle with Magmortar's Thunder Punch and Mega Blaziken's attacks proved too much for it. Crawdaunt staggered, its movements slowing, before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
*Thud*
Sapphire eyes widened as her jaw dropped, and she muttered in disbelief, "Crawdaunt is unable to battle! Mega Blaziken wins! Wow… just like that?"
She watched as Azure calmly recalled Crawdaunt to its Poké Ball, a flicker of respect in its eyes for Flannery's strength. Azure nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face as he said casually, "You and your Mega Blaziken are truly powerful, Flannery. That was an excellent display of speed and raw power."
He gave her a genuine smile. But he then said calmly, looking at her, "But a Champion always has a backup plan."
Flannery beamed, accepting the compliment with a proud dip of her head as she said proudly, "Thank you! I knew a single Pokémon wouldn't be enough to take down one of yours. But my Blaziken is raring to go!"
Azure said excitedly, his eyes scanning his remaining Poké Balls, "Alright, then…"
He had planned for this if he ever fought a Gym Leader's Mega Pokémon. Adjusting to change was always something Trainers needed to be prepared for.
Azure's smile remained, a testament to his calm under pressure. He had just the Pokémon in mind for this initial clash.
He called out, "Shelgon, I choose you!"
*Pop*
From Azure's Poké Ball materialized Shelgon, a pristine white, heavily armored dragon Pokémon. It was a picture of sturdy defense, its shell incredibly resistant to damage.
Azure knew that Shelgon, despite not being fully evolved, possessed formidable resilience. And if not a valuable Pokémon, he needed to chip away at Blaziken's stamina.
Flannery chuckled, a spark in her eyes as she declared resolutely, "A bold choice against my ace! But boldness won't save you from this! Blaziken Bulk Up!"
Mega Blaziken's muscles bulged as it increased its Attack and Defense Stage by +1. Azure's expression remained composed, though his eyes narrowed slightly as he thought, 'I expected her to attack, not set up. Not only that, but its Speed Boost ability would continuously raise its Speed by +1 for a few seconds. Not good.'
Flannery's immediate deployment showed her seriousness. But Azure stuck to his plan as he ordered, "Shelgon, get ready! Iron Defense!"
*Shii*
Shelgon braced itself, its already formidable shell hardening further, a metallic sheen appearing across its white armor. Flannery barked excitedly, "Too slow! Mega Blaziken, hit'em with a Blaze Kick!"
*Zoooom*
With a burst of speed that seemed to warp the air, Mega Blaziken launched itself forward, its leg wreathed in roaring flames. It moved with incredible agility, closing the distance in the blink of an eye.
Azure commanded, his voice sharp, "Shelgon, Protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier briefly materialized around Shelgon, deflecting the initial impact of Mega Blaziken's fiery kick. But the force of the attack was tremendous, rattling Shelgon...
Before Shelgon could recover, Mega Blaziken was already moving, retracting its leg for another, even fiercer assault. Flannery roared, "Sky Uppercut!"
*Wooosh*
*BASH*
Mega Blaziken leaped, its fist punching skyward, imbued with intense Fighting-type energy. The blow landed squarely on Shelgon's armored underside, an area not fully covered by the fleeting Protect.
*CRACK*
A deafening crack echoed through the gym. Shelgon cried out, its sturdy form momentarily lifted off the ground before crashing back down, a small tremor running through the arena floor.
*THUD*
Its eyes swirled, and its shell, while incredibly tough, showed a visible dent. It struggled to rise, but after a valiant effort, it finally collapsed, unable to continue.
Another one of Azure's Pokémon has fallen to Mega Blaziken. Azure remained unperturbed, a small, resolute smile playing on his lips.
He recalled Shelgon, gently patting its Poké Ball as he said proudly, "You did well, Shelgon. Rest now. You showed your strength."
He fully expected such power from a Gym Leader's ace, especially one that had Mega Evolved. But shifting his gaze to Mega Blaziken, he noticed it panting tiredly from the constant fights as he thought, 'All according to plan. Constant usage of moves and the tax of Mega Evolution would over exhaust Mega Blaziken over time.'
Azure's hand went to a Poké Ball at his side. With a determined expression, he called out, "Golduck, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Another flash, and his serene Golduck materialized. Golduck's eyes, usually half-closed in contemplation, now held a sharp focus, observing its powerful opponent. It knew the stakes at hand.
Flannery acknowledged, then her smile widened into a fierce grin, but a glint of caution appeared in her eyes, "Golduck again, huh? Not bad! But we're not going to make this easy for you, Champion!!"
Azure's expression remained calm, a slight tilt of his head indicating his careful observation as he ordered, "Golduck, use Water Pulse!"
*SPLASH*
Golduck responded instantly, gathering shimmering blue energy into a sphere of water between its hands. With a grunt, it launched the pulse, which spun and twisted through the air towards Mega Blaziken.
Flannery commanded, her voice ringing with confidence, "Agility!"
*Wooosh*
Mega Blaziken blurred. The Water Pulse, seemingly on target, passed through the space where the Fire/Fighting type had been a split second before…
*Wooosh*
It reappeared a few feet to the left, its speed already noticeably higher. Sapphire exclaimed, stunned, "Incredible! It moved so fast!"
Azure countered, his strategy unfolding, "Golduck, don't let up! Follow with Tera Blast!"
*Pew*
Golduck's beak glowed with normal energy, and a beam shot forth. But Flannery roared, "Blaze Kick!"
*Wooosh*
Mega Blaziken, now a whirlwind of motion, launched itself forward, its leg wreathed in roaring flame. It didn't attempt to dodge the Tera Blast completely but instead moved with such incredible velocity that it managed to angle its approach, taking a glancing blow to its shoulder rather than a direct hit.
The energy dissipated harmlessly against its blazing form, and it continued its charge, faster than before. By then, it was close enough that Flannery ordered, "Now, Blaziken! Sky Uppercut!"
The Mega Blaziken closed the distance in a terrifying burst of speed, its fist glowing with fighting energy. Golduck, caught slightly off balance from its previous attack, tried to react, its eyes widening.
Azure called out, hoping to throw Blaziken off, "Psychic!"
*Shiii*
A wave of psychic energy emanated from Golduck, but Mega Blaziken was simply too fast. Before the Psychic could fully take hold, the Sky Uppercut connected with brutal force, sending Golduck reeling backward.
*SMASH*
Sapphire winced as she muttered, seeing the battle, "That was a direct hit! Blaziken's Speed Boost is making it impossible to keep up!"
Golduck shook its head, clearly stunned but resilient. It steadied itself, its webbed feet sinking slightly into the sandy ground of the battlefield.
Flannery cheered with an excited grin as she ordered, "Excellent, Blaziken! Keep the pressure on! Fire Punch!"
*Sssss*
Mega Blaziken was a fiery blur. It zig-zagged across the field, making it difficult for Golduck to anticipate its movements, its speed growing with every passing moment.
Golduck tried to pivot, to defend, but the attacks came too quickly. Azure ordered, hoping to utilize Golduck's raw power, "Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
Golduck managed to unleash a powerful jet of water, forcing Mega Blaziken to once again use Detect, vanishing and reappearing with startling agility. The Hydro Pump gouged a furrow in the ground where Blaziken had been.
Flannery grinned, her eyes glinting with excitement as she wiped some sweat off her head, muttering, "Another close one! Your Golduck is strong, Azure, but my Blaziken is just too swift! Blaziken, finish this with Thunder Punch!"
*Zzzzz*
Mega Blaziken was now almost invisible in its speed, a living comet. It became a blue of pure electricity, hurtling towards Golduck with devastating force.
The air crackled, and the ground trembled as it reeled its Thunder Punch. Azure took a deep breath as he commanded sharply, "Golduck, Haze!"
*POOOF*
Golduck is no longer trying to dodge, summoning black smoke from its mouth. Flannery's eyes widened, realizing what this meant, but it was too late as Mega Blaziken's Speed Boost had reached critical mass.
Golduck knew that this time, there was no escaping, but grinned smugly at the incoming Thunder Punch as its Haze connected…
*SMASH*
… The Thunder Punch connected with a thunderous explosion of thunder and force, slamming its face. A blinding flash engulfed Golduck, followed by a shower of sparks that rained down on the battlefield.
*THUD*
When the smoke cleared, Golduck lay motionless on the ground, a faint swirl of steam rising from its body. Its eyes were swirls, indicating it was unable to continue, but it smiled smugly at the end, accepting its role.
*Shiii*
Meanwhile, a white aura veiled around Mega Blaziken as its eyes widened in shock. Due to encountering Haze, all its boosts that it had gained…
*Poof*
… have beenreset to zero once again.
Azure, with a serene smile on his face, recalled his Golduck as he said proudly, "You did wonderfully, Golduck. Rest now."
He stood up, facing Flannery, his confident grin still in place. He praised Flannery, "An impressive display, Flannery. Your Mega Blaziken's speed and your precise use of Detect were indeed formidable."
Flannery grinned, but her tone was uneasy as she said bluntly, "Thanks, but you did reset my Blaziken's stats to zero again. And there's your final Pokémon to consider, too…"
Azure simply nodded as he grinned, picking his last Poké Ball. With a swift, practiced motion, Azure tossed his chosen Poké Ball as he declared resolutely, "It's up to you, girl… Ninetales, I choose you!"
*Pop*
A graceful, nine-tailed fox Pokémon materialized on the field, its golden-blonde fur shimmering in the arena's ambient heat. Ninetales, a pure Fire-type, with an elegant bearing and intelligent crimson eyes.
Sapphire leaned forward, a thoughtful look on her face as she muttered, "Ninetales? That's an interesting choice against a Fire/Fighting type. It's got a good Special Defense, but Blaziken is so fast and hits so hard with its Fighting moves…"
Flannery chuckled, seeing Azure's last Pokémon choice as she commanded, "A bold move, Azure! Ninetales is a beautiful Pokémon, but Blaziken's got the power with its Fighting moves. Let's see how you counter that! Blaziken, Double Kick!"
*Zoooom*
Blaziken lunged forward, its leg wreathed in roaring fighting-type energy, aiming for Ninetales with incredible speed. It was a potent attack, as its Speed Boost ability helped gain +1 Speed stage.
Azure commanded, his voice calm and clear, "Ninetales, Confuse Ray!"
*Shiii*
Before Blaziken could connect, Ninetales let out a haunting, ethereal cry, a beam of unsettling light flashing from its eyes. The Confuse Ray struck Blaziken, and the powerful Pokémon faltered mid-stride, shaking its head as if disoriented.
Flannery exclaimed, a hint of surprise in her voice as she gritted her teeth, "What? Confused Ray? Blaziken, snap out of it! Focus! Use High Jump Kick!"
Blaziken, still slightly disoriented, tried to leap, but its movements were erratic. It wobbled, the confusion taking hold, and it missed its target, stumbling upon landing.
*THUD*
Failing the attack, it struck itself, dealing some damage. Sapphire clapped her hands as she cheered, "Good move, Master! Disruption before damage!"
Azure pressed, seizing the advantage, "Ninetales, Nasty Plot!"
Ninetales' eyes dilated as it chuckled maliciously, "Niiii…"
*Shiii*
Red aura veiled around itself as it gained a +2 Special Attack Stages. Flannery gritted her teeth with clenched fists and ordered, "A setup? Not gonna happen! Brave Bird!"
*Woooosh*
Mega Blaziken, now super-charged, launched itself forward like a fiery missile, wreathed in a devastating flying type energy. This was a direct, full-throttle assault, designed to obliterate any resistance.
Azure's eyes narrowed, but his composure held as he ordered calmly at the incoming Brave Bird, "Ninetales, Protect!"
*CLANG*
Ninetales, nimble and swift, shimmered, and a protective green barrier materialized just as Mega Blaziken crashed into it. The Protect shield absorbed the full force of the Brave Bird, deflecting the attack, though the sheer power of the blow sent Ninetales skidding back slightly.
Mega Blaziken, momentarily stunned by the failed attack, still glowed powerfully. The recoil damage from Brave Bird chipped away at its health, but its resolve was unwavering.
Flannery commanded, not letting up as she let the heat of the moment get to her, "Again, Blaziken, a powerful Blaze Kick!"
*Zoooom*
Mega Blaziken spun, its fiery leg arcing towards Ninetales. The moment to turn the tide appeared as Azure slyly grinned, 'This was it. She's still got a lot to learn to be a proper Gym Leader. Let's end this.'
Azure's voice boomed with sudden intensity as he voiced seriously, "Ninetales, brace yourself! Let it hit! Then, Strong Style Fire Blast!"
Ninetales stood its ground, accepting the incoming Blaze Kick. The powerful Fire-type attack crashed into Ninetales…
*BOOOM*
The hit was solid, as Ninetales endured the blow. Sapphire cried out in concern, "Oh no! A direct hit!"
*Ssss*
But as the flames from Blaze Kick dissipated, a faint, golden aura shimmered around Ninetales. Its eyes flared with renewed power, and a low growl rumbled in its throat, "Grr… (I'll get you back, mongrel…)"
Sapphire suddenly realized, her eyes wide with understanding, "Flash Fire! Ninetales' ability! When it's hit by a Fire-type move, its own Fire-type moves get a massive power boost! Master planned this all along!"
Flannery's eyes widened in dawning horror. Realization settled in as she yelled, "No! Blaziken, get back!"
But it was too late. Ninetales, now radiating an intense heat, unleashed a cataclysmic Strong Style Fire Blast…
*SSSSSS*
… A torrent of white-hot, super-charged flames star kanji erupted from its mouth, engulfing Mega Blaziken. The roar of the fire filled the arena, obscuring everything in a blinding, searing fiery light as the Strong Style Fire Blast was unleashed.
The sheer power of the Flash Fire-boosted Fire Blast was devastating. Mega Blaziken, already weakened by the previous battles and exhaustion catching up to it, let out a pained cry that was quickly swallowed by the inferno.
*Thud*
When the flames finally receded, Mega Blaziken stood swaying for a moment, its form flickering, before collapsing with a crash, its Mega Evolution reverting as it fainted. The silence that followed was heavy…
… Only to be broken by the soft panting of Ninetales, whose immense attack had lowered its own Special Attack significantly, but the job was done, "Graooo! (Hmph! That's what you get, mongrel!)"
Sapphire leaped from her seat, cheering wildly as she congratulated him, "YES! Ninetales, you were amazing! Master, that was incredible!"
Flannery, though defeated, held a look of profound respect on her face. She returned her Blaziken to its Poké Ball, a fond smile gracing her lips as she said, "What an incredible battle! You're every bit the champion they say you are. That Flash Fire strategy was brilliant, completely caught me off guard! To intentionally take a hit like that… Well played."
Azure walked over to Ninetales, gently stroking its head as he said proudly, "Ninetales, you were magnificent. Take a good rest."
He returned it to its Poké Ball and approached Flannery, a genuine smile on his face as he commented, "You and Blaziken were formidable, Flannery. That Mega Evolution truly pushed us to our limits. Although, as a Fire Type expert, you do know that any Fire Attacks would've been useless against me, right?"
Flannery nodded, then reached into her pocket, pulling out a stylized badge shaped like a flame as she sheepishly replied, "Yeah… I was too caught up in the moment, rushing to defeat your team. It got my blood pumping ya know? But anyway, I hereby present you with the Heat Badge! You've earned it, Champion."
She placed the badge in Azure's outstretched hand. It was warm to the touch, a symbol of his victory and the fiery spirit he had overcome. Not only that, but he also received the reward money and TM Overheat.
[Item: Heat Badge
Rarity Item: A+
Type: Key Item
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, Fire-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Overheat
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Overheat].]
Azure said happily, clipping the badge to his growing collection, "Thank you, Flannery. It was an honor."
Sapphire rushed over, her face beaming as she congratulated him excitedly, saying, "Master, that was the coolest battle I've ever seen! The way you used Ninetales's ability was like a trap! I need to remember that for my own battles!"
Azure winked at her as he cheekily said to Sapphire, getting her attention, "That's what being a Trainer is all about, Sapphire. Knowing your partners, knowing your opponents, and always being ready to adapt."
He looked out towards the path leading away from Lavaridge. He asked curiously, "Next stop, the fifth Gym, but which one is the question? The one in Petalburg City or Fortree City, should we head next?"
Sapphire, listening to this, pondered deeply about her choices. With the Heat Badge secured and a wealth of new experience gained, all that was left was who's the next Gym Leader they should tackle next…
However, seeing they're battling, Sapphire looked down as she pondered deeply, 'Just seeing his battle… it makes me wonder… what's my own path? I started my Journey to become the very best… but is following Master truly the best choice?'
The more Sapphire thought of following Azure's path his shadow the less certain she became in deep thought. Azure caught her unfocused expression but didn't say anything as he had a gut feeling of what was coming…
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A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!