Chapter 333: Psychic Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Mossdeep City – Gym]
The battle raged on, demanding every ounce of tactical genius from the seasoned champion. The Mossdeep Gym was silent save for the clash of elemental power, the triumphant squeak of Pikachu finally managing to secure a ketchup-drenched popcorn, the hums of Eevee enjoying its mustard-drenched popcorn, and the quiet, fierce determination in Azure's eyes.
Azure's smirk widened. This was more like it. He challenged, reaching for his Poké Balls, "3 Pokémon left, huh? Bring it on!"
With a flourish, Azure sent out his carefully chosen partners as he yelled, "Gardevoir, battle stance!"
*Pop*
A radiant, lovely Gardevoir, its green hair-like growths glistening, materialized onto the battlefield, a faint psychic aura shimmering around it. It held a [Twisted Spoon], enhancing its Psychic attacks.
Beside it, Milotic, a serpentine marvel of beauty, was its partner, already recovered using Recover to restore its health. A faint red glow pulsed around its [Flame Orb], activating its Marvel Scale ability, boosting its already impressive Defense.
Across the field, Tate launched his own Poké Balls, "Gallade, prepare for battle!"
*Pop*
Tate's Gallade appeared, a blade-wielding knight in Pokémon form, holding a [Galladite] that hinted at its latent power. Already out at the ready was Liza's Bronzong floated into existence, its ancient, metallic form rotating slowly, a [Rocky Helmet] strapped to its sturdy frame.
Azure wasted no time. He went on ordering a series of commands, "Gardevoir, Shadow Ball on Bronzong! Milotic, Aqua Ring!"
*PEW*
Gardevoir's hands glowed with dark energy, launching a swirling orb of shadows towards Bronzong. Milotic, meanwhile, shimmered with a gentle blue light, forming a ring of water around its body, a regenerative tactic to slowly restore its health.
Tate and Liza, however, were equally swift as they launched they're counterattack, "Bronzong, Grass Knot on Milotic! Gallade, Teleport, then Leaf Blade!"
*Rmbl*
Liza's Bronzong spun, conjuring thick, glowing green ropes of energy that wrapped around Milotic, binding it tightly. The super-effective Grass-type attack caused Milotic to flinch, its elegant form momentarily struggling…
*Swf*
… Gallade, a blur of motion, vanished with Teleport, reappearing directly above Milotic, its arm-blades glowing ominously. It aimed for a critical strike with Leaf Blade…
*SHINNG*
Milotic cried in pain from the super-effective hit. Azure's eyes narrowed. Tate and Liza weren't just attacking; they were predicting, focusing on Milotic as the setup threat.
He had to think fast. Thinking quickly, he commanded sternly, "Milotic, Strong Style Blizzard!"
But Gardevoir's eyes glowed using its Hidden Ability Telepathy as it listened to Azure's mental commands, 'Gardevoir, use Hidden Power on Bronzong! And use Teleport to avoid its attacks. Hit and run tactics.'
*Woooosh*
Milotic let out a resounding cry, and a furious gale of ice and snow erupted from its mouth, instantly freezing the Grass Knot binds holding it, shattering them. While it might have taken some damage, it was now free…
*CRACK*
Simultaneously, Gardevoir, thanks to its Hidden Ability Telepathy, flawlessly understood Azure's mental command. It didn't need to verbally respond; its focus sharpened. A brilliant, multi-colored orb of energy formed between its hands, a Hidden Power attack custom-tuned for maximum impact.
*BOOM*
It streaked towards Bronzong, designed to land for super-effective damage regardless of Bronzong's type, a highly specialized technique Azure had painstakingly developed. Bronzong, reeling from the unexpected blow, shifted its focus, its bell-like body rotating as it prepared a Flash Cannon…
*Swf*
But Gardevoir was already gone, vanishing with a graceful Teleport, reappearing moments later to unleash another Hidden Power…
*BOOM*
This pattern repeated. Gardevoir, using Teleport to evade Bronzong's sluggish retaliations, relentlessly pounded it with pinpoint Hidden Power attacks, forcing the steel-psychic Pokémon back with internal concussions.
Meanwhile, Milotic was still struggling against Gallade. The Bladesman's Teleport made it incredibly elusive, weaving around Milotic's surprisingly nimble attempts to strike.
*Swf*
*Shinng*
Gallade countered with more Leaf Blades, each strike enhanced by its Sharpness ability, which boosted the power of its 'slicing' moves by a staggering 50%. Azure frowned, noting the damage racking up on Milotic as he thought bitterly, 'Gallade wasn't just fast; it was deadly precise…'
*BOOM*
The relentless assault on Bronzong eventually paid off. With a final, crushing Hidden Power, Gardevoir's psychic focus shattered Bronzong's defenses.
*THUD*
The metallic Pokémon staggered, then plummeted to the ground with a resounding clang, swirling into its Poké Ball. The referee declared, "Bronzong is unable to battle!"
Liza, though disappointed, remained stoic. But the victory was bittersweet.
*SHINNG*
At the very same moment, with a final, devastating Leaf Blade, Gallade brought Milotic to its knees...
*Thud*
The elegant Tender Pokémon, water-type, cried out, its [Flame Orb] still pulsing, before collapsing, swirling back into its Poké Ball. The referee, seeing Milotic fall, declared bluntly, "Milotic is unable to battle!"
The field fell silent. Only Gardevoir and Gallade remained, eyeing each other across the arena, a tense standoff…
*Shiii*
The effects of Psychic Terrain finally ended, leaving a normal battlefield. Azure had exchanged one Pokémon for one, but Gardevoir, though unharmed, was now facing a formidable opponent alone.
However, he knew the shift in balance would change again when Liza grabbed her last Poké Ball. Liza declared calmly, "The end is near for this battle. It's time we go all out! Come forth, Gardevoir!"
*Pop*
Liza's Gardevoir appeared, her grace mirroring Azure's own, a [Gardevoirite] stone glowing faintly around her neck. Standing beside it was Tate's Gallade, a valiant warrior Pokémon, with a [Galladite] stone embedded in its arm guard.
Feeling the pressure rising, Azure grinned. He reached for his last Poke Ball as he praised, his voice firm, "Gardevoir, you were magnificent. But now, let's show them what we're truly capable of. Sceptile, I choose you!"
*Pop*
On Azure's side, Gardevoir stood ready, her elegant form shimmering, a [Twisted Spoon] clutched delicately in her hand, amplifying her psychic abilities. Beside her, Sceptile appeared, radiating a primal energy, a [Sceptilite] stone gleaming on its green scarf, a promise of hidden power.
The air thrummed with latent power. The very ground seemed to vibrate with the anticipation of what was to come.
Tate commanded, his voice sharp, "Gallade, Psychic!"
Liza echoed, her voice a calm counterpoint, "Gardevoir, Psychic!"
*SHIII*
Two waves of concentrated psychic energy surged across the field, converging on Azure's Pokémon. The force of the attack was immense, raw mental power manifesting as visible pressure.
*BAM*
Sceptile braced himself, skidding slightly on the dark stone, his expression tight but determined. Gardevoir, ever graceful, crossed her arms, creating a shimmering psychic barrier that absorbed the brunt of the assault, though she too was pushed back a few inches.
Even with the [Twisted Spoon], the combined attack was potent. Azure's eyes narrowed, a mental command firm in his mind as he ordered, "Sceptile, Quick Attack on Gallade! Gardevoir, Shadow Ball on Liza's Gardevoir!"
*Zooom*
Sceptile exploded forward, a green blur streaking across the arena, leaving phantom afterimages in its wake. Gallade, anticipating the move, met Sceptile's charge head-on with a glowing Leaf Blade…
*CLANG*
… Steel met razor-sharp grass as their attacks clashed, sparks of green and psychic energy flying. The two warrior Pokémon were locked in a furious close-quarters duel, a whirlwind of speed and precision.
*Pew*
Meanwhile, Azure's Gardevoir gathered dark energy, forming a swirling Shadow Ball. But before she could unleash it…
*Swf*
… Liza's Gardevoir vanished in a shimmer, reappearing a few feet to the side with a swift Teleport, causing the Shadow Ball to harmlessly dissipate where she had been standing moments before.
Azure muttered under his breath, watching his attacks fail to land crippling blows, "Things aren't looking too good for us yet…"
His opponents were sharp, their coordination seamless. From the stands, Pikachu and Eevee were on the edge of their seats, popcorn forgotten for a moment.
Pikachu squeaked, a worried electricity sparking in his cheeks, "Pi! Pika! (Come on you two! We believe in you!)"
Eevee whimpered softly, "Bui! (You got this!)"
Tate and Liza pressed their advantage.
Tate ordered, "Gallade, Aerial Ace!"
Liza commanded, her voice calm as frost, "Gardevoir, Ice Beam!"
*Zoooom*
Gallade vanished and reappeared, striking with incredible speed and precision. Sceptile, however, was equally swift following its trail. But Azure called out, "Sceptile, Agile Style Aerial Ace, counter his attack!"
*Zooom*
*CLANG*
The two Pokémon became blurs, their Aerial Aces meeting in mid-air, a rapid-fire exchange of blows that created a dazzling display of combat. Neither could gain a definitive advantage, locked in a dynamic duel.
*PEW*
At the same time, Liza's Gardevoir unleashed a frigid Ice Beam, a spear of shimmering frost aimed directly at Azure's Gardevoir. Azure's eyes flashed with an idea countered, "Gardevoir, Telekinesis! Divert it!"
*Swf*
Azure's Gardevoir extended a hand, her eyes glowing emerald green. A visible ripple of psychic force radiated from her, catching the Ice Beam mid-flight…
*BANG*
… With a strained grunt of effort, Azure's Gardevoir twisted the beam's trajectory, sending it soaring harmlessly past her, crashing into the arena wall far behind them with a spray of ice shards. The attack missed entirely.
The twins watched, their serene expressions faltering slightly. Tate murmured, a hint of surprise in his voice, "They… they move as one."
Liza nodded, seeing the synchronization of Azure's Pokémon, and calmly stated, "Azure's Pokémon are perfectly synced with each other."
Azure allowed himself a small, proud smile. He remembered them as a tiny Ralts and an energetic Treecko. He'd watched them grow up together, training side-by-side, sharing meals, and even comforting each other after tough losses.
Their bond wasn't just born of battle, but of shared history and unwavering friendship. Their synergy was the culmination of countless hours of practice, understanding, and trust between each other.
Tate and Liza exchanged a look. A new, resolute glint entered their eyes. In unison, they raised their left arms, revealing gleaming Mega Rings on their wrists.
Tate declared, his voice resonating with newfound power, "Very well, Azure…"
Liza finished, her eyes fixed on him, "We shall hold nothing back!"
*SHIII*
Brilliant streams of light erupted from the Mega Rings, connecting with the [Galladite] and [Gardevoirite] stones on their Pokémon. Gallade and Liza's Gardevoir were enveloped in swirling vortexes of energy encased within a shell of Evolution…
Gallade's blades grew sharper, his armor more defined, his aura radiating intense fighting spirit. Liza's Gardevoir's gown unfurled, becoming more elaborate, her psychic power surging, her expression becoming one of serene, overwhelming might…
*CRACK*
They had Mega Evolved into Mega Gallade and Mega Gardevoir.
Azure felt a jolt of concern. Two Mega Evolved Pokémon.
His own Sceptile had a [Sceptilite], but he could only activate one Mega Evolution at a time. He was at a distinct disadvantage.
His mind raced, calculating odds and formulating a counter-strategy. He had cultivated a deep bond with each of his Pokémon, allowing them to communicate complex battle plans with subtle glances and shifts in body language.
This was a critical moment he was placed in. He met Sceptile's gaze, a knowing look passing between them.
Azure declared, raising his own hand, his Mega Glove glinting, "Left with no choice then! Sceptile, Mega Evolve!"
*SHIII*
The Mega Stone on Sceptile's Scarf pulsed, responding to Azure's will, drawing forth the raw power within. Encased within a rainbow light of Mgea Evolution Sceptile's form began to change.
A helix of emerald and crimson energy enveloped the Forest Pokémon. His tail elongated, tipped with a spiky, tree-like structure, and powerful wings, almost draconic in appearance, sprouted from his back…
*CRACK*
Emerging out of the shell of Mega Evolution, Mega Sceptile emerged. Its speed and power surged, an untamed force radiating from Mega Sceptile, "Sceee!! (It's go time!)"
The battle renewed, the intensity climbing to a fever pitch. Liza commanded, pointing with an elegant hand, "Gardevoir, Moonblast on Mega Sceptile!"
*SHIII*
A sphere of pure fairy energy, shimmering with ethereal light, began to coalesce in Mega Gardevoir's hands, aimed directly at the newly transformed Mega Sceptile. But Azure had anticipated this.
Azure shouted, his voice cutting through the roar of power, "Gardevoir, Disable!"
*STARE*
Before the Moonblast could fully form, Azure's Gardevoir, with a burst of psychic speed, slid gracefully in front of Mega Sceptile. Her eyes glowed with fierce determination as she unleashed a wave of psychic energy that struck Mega Gardevoir.
*Poof*
The Moonblast faltered, its nascent power dissolving, and Liza's Gardevoir froze for a crucial second, unable to complete her attack. Azure swiftly followed up, "Now, Gardevoir, lock her with Imprison!"
*SHIII*
Azure's Gardevoir extended both hands, and a shimmering, almost invisible force field, crackling with psychic energy, surged around Liza's Mega Gardevoir. The field pulsed, locking down the Pschic/Fairy-type's known moves, trapping her in a psychic cage of her own limitations.
Liza's Mega Gardevoir struggled, gritting her teeth, furious at being so comprehensively crippled. Liza felt equally frustrated as she thought bitterly, 'Damn it! With his Gardevoir using Imprison, he locked me out of moves my Pokémon could learn because they're both the same species! What move can I even use…?'
Tate, seeing his partner's Pokémon incapacitated, reacted instantly, "Gallade, Aerial Ace on Azure's Gardevoir!"
*Zooom*
Mega Gallade, a blur of motion, lunged towards Azure's Gardevoir, blades extended. But Mega Sceptile, now a force of nature, intercepted as Azure commanded, his voice vibrating with power, "Sceptile, intercept with Aerial Ace!"
*Zooom*
*CLANG*
Mega Sceptile met Mega Gallade's charge with his own enhanced Aerial Ace, their attacks colliding with a deafening clang. The two Mega Pokémon locked in a furious exchange, their speeds blurring, neither able to break through the other's defense.
Tate and Liza exchanged another glance, a new sense of grudging respect dawning in their eyes. Azure's Pokémon, even without their own Mega Evolution for Gardevoir, were displaying an unparalleled level of teamwork, effectively neutralizing their dual threat with relative ease.
The Imprison was holding, Liza's Mega Gardevoir still locked out of her offensive capabilities. Azure sensed the shift in momentum, recognizing the golden opportunity as he ordered, "Now, Sceptile, combination attack! Leap into the air, Strong Style Energy Ball!! We're gonna give this everything we got!!"
*Wooosh*
Mega Sceptile, with a powerful thrust of his legs, launched himself skyward, his form becoming a verdant missile…
*SHIII*
… As Mega Sceptile ascended, a vibrant green orb of energy began to form between its hands, rapidly expanding, drawing power from the surrounding air. Azure's voice boomed as he added, "Gardevoir, Thunderbolt! Direct hit on Sceptile!"
A gasp escaped Tate and Liza as they thought, stunned and startled, 'A Thunderbolt, aimed at his own Pokémon?!'
Unaware of both of them, it was a reckless, genius move on Azure's part. Azure's Gardevoir unleashed a powerful bolt of electric energy, arcing through the air, heading straight for Mega Sceptile…
*ZAP*
… As the electricity crackled around Mega Sceptile, a powerful ability inherent to his Mega Evolution activated: Lightning Rod. The electric charge was not a bane, but a boon. The Thunderbolt was absorbed, not harming Sceptile, but nourishing it, causing its special attack to surge and the Energy Ball he was charging to swell to an even more monstrous size, crackling with absorbed electric power.
Azure cried, his voice filled with exhilaration, raising his fist into the air, "Unleash it, Sceptile! Strong Style Energy Ball!"
*PEW*
Mega Sceptile hurled the colossal, green-patterned Energy Ball downwards. It descended with terrifying speed, a veritable meteor of raw energy, aimed squarely at both Mega Gallade and the Imprisoned Mega Gardevoir.
Tate and Liza, despite the odds, refused to yield. Even with its moves locked, Mega Gardevoir still possessed an innate, raw power.
Tate looked at Mega Gallade, a silent command passing between them. The same with Liza and Mega Gardevoir as they yelled, "Gallade, use Psycho Cut, the strongest you can muster! Gardevoir use Hyper Beam!"
*PEW*
With a surge of desperation, Mega Gardevoir released a concentrated Hyper Beam, a torrent of orange energy blasting from her chest. Simultaneously, Mega Gallade, breaking off his Aerial Ace duel with Mega Sceptile, channeled all his psychic might into a formidable Psycho Cut, a blade of pure mental force.
*SHINNG*
The two attacks, Hyper Beam and Psycho Cut, converged, forming a combined offensive, surging upwards to meet Mega Sceptile's descending Energy Ball. The impact was cataclysmic…
*RMBL*
… A blinding flash of light erupted, followed by a deafening roar as the powers collided. The battlefield shuddered. For a tense moment, the three attacks were locked in a stalemate, struggling for dominance, pushing against each other with immense pressure.
Pikachu and Eevee were on their feet in the stands, shouting encouragement, popcorn long forgotten, "Pika!! Bui! (You can do this!!)"
Tate and Liza watched, their faces etched with grim determination. They were pouring every ounce of their will into their Pokémon, trying to push back the monstrous Energy Ball. But in their singular focus, they failed to notice Azure's Gardevoir.
Gardevoir looked at Azure for commands as he thought using his Gardevoir's ability Telepathy, 'Use Disable on both.'
*STARE*
With silent, focused intensity, Azure's Gardevoir unleashed a second, precisely aimed Disable. This time, it struck both Mega Gardevoir and Mega Gallade from behind, exploiting their tunnel vision.
For a bare few seconds, their bodies froze, their mental focus shattered, their attacks faltering. A few seconds…
That was all Mega Sceptile needed.
With their resistances momentarily nullified, the colossal Energy Ball powered through the weakened Hyper Beam and Psycho Cut. It smashed into both Mega Gardevoir and Mega Gallade with unparalleled force…
*KA-BOOOOM*
… A blinding explosion erupted, engulfing the battlefield in a thick, churning cloud of smoke and dust. The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the crackling of residual energy…
Pikachu and Eevee leaned forward, their hearts pounding. Azure stood transfixed, his gaze unwavering.
Slowly, agonizingly, the smoke began to subside, revealing the dark stone arena once more. Lying unconscious on the ground, their forms reverted to their original states, and were Gallade and Liza's Gardevoir.
The referee, composure regained, raised his flag as he declared, "Gallade and Gardevoir are unable to battle! Azure Sky and his Pokémon are the winners!"
A roar erupted from the stands, led by a jubilant Pikachu and Eevee, who threw their empty popcorn tub into the air in celebration. A wave of immense relief and pride washed over Azure and his Pokémon.
He rushed onto the field, Mega Sceptile having reverted to his regular form beside his elegant Gardevoir. Azure exclaimed, pulling both Sceptile and Gardevoir into a tight, proud hug, "You two were incredible!"
Sceptile let out a triumphant cry, bumping his head against Azure's chest, "Sceptil!! (Heh. It was nothing."
While Gardevoir leaned into the embrace, a soft, contented hum emanated from her, "Gaa… (No issues, Master.)"
Pikachu and Eevee, still chattering excitedly, raced down from the stands like furry yellow and brown missiles, leaping into the group hug. Pikachu managed to grab his ketchup bottles, shaking them vigorously in a mock celebration, while Eevee licked Azure's cheek, sharing their boundless joy with Sceptile and Gardevoir.
Azure groaned again, but this time, it was laced with pure affection. Tate and Liza approached, their expressions now calm, tinged with respect.
Tate began, extending his arm as he said in a calm tone, "That was an extraordinary battle. Your Pokémon's synchronicity and your strategic brilliance are truly commendable."
Liza, holding out a gleaming, hexagonal pin and other items, added, "You've more than earned this. The Mind Badge and the rewards for your victory."
Azure accepted the badge, its intricate design a fitting symbol of the mental and emotional battles he'd overcome. And he used [Observe] as he smiled at the items he obtained.
[Item: Mind 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, Psychic-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Calm Mind
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Calm Mind].]
Holding them tightly, Azure said proudly, a genuine smile gracing his lips, "Thank you. Your Mega Pokémon were truly formidable. You pushed us to our limits."
Tate admitted, glancing at his defeated Gallade in an honest voice, "We still have much to learn about our own combinations. But it was an honor to battle such a skilled Trainer. We wish you luck on your journey through Hoenn."
Azure nodded, securing the Mind Badge with the others. The scent of salt and pine drifted in through the open doors, a reminder of the vast journey ahead.
He had faced a unique challenge in Mossdeep, one that had tested not just his Pokémon's power, but their unbreakable bond and his own ingenuity. As he left the Gym, his two loyal partners on his shoulder and head once more, Azure felt a renewed surge of energy.
He smirked as he looked at the sky above. A smirk murmured to himself, "Badge number 7 done. Now… time to get Badge number 8!"
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 50 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!