Chapter 334: Water Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Sootopolis City – Gym]
*Shiii*
*Thud*
The shimmering vortex dissolved, depositing Azure Sky with a soft thud onto the crystalline streets of Sootopolis City. Pikachu, ever alert, chirped a greeting from its familiar perch on his shoulder, while Eevee, nestled among his spiky raven hair, yawned daintily before blinking open its intelligent eyes.
Gardevoir, the elegant architect of their instantaneous travel, offered a graceful bow before retreating into her Poké Ball, leaving the air humming with residual psychic energy. Azure thanked her happily, "Thanks for the ride, Gardevoir. Take a good rest."
After recalling her, Azure stretched, a deep breath filling his lungs with the crisp, clean air that carried the faint scent of salt and ancient stone. Sootopolis City.
He'd seen photographs, heard tales, but nothing truly prepared him for the breathtaking reality of a city carved into the heart of a massive, water-filled crater. Stark white buildings spiraled upwards, catching the sunlight in dazzling flashes, interconnected by intricate bridges and walkways that seemed to defy gravity.
The entire aesthetic hummed with a serene, almost mystical energy, a stark contrast to the usual bustling metropolises he was accustomed to. Azure murmured, his gaze sweeping across the magnificent vista, "Wow, Sootopolis is even more impressive in person, huh, guys?"
Pikachu nodded vigorously, tail twitching, while Eevee, as it peered down at the shimmering waters below, let out an excited little cry, "Vee! (Still looking good! I wonder if the water park is still open…?)"
Azure chuckled as he read his partner's thoughts, but he had a goal today. He navigated the winding paths, the sounds of distant waterfalls echoing pleasantly, until he arrived at the imposing entrance of the Sootopolis Gym.
Its architecture, too, spoke of ancient beauty and an undeniable power, fitting for a place dedicated to the mastery of Water-type Pokémon. Stepping inside, the mystic vibe intensified. The air was cool, damp, and thick with the scent of ozone and purified water.
Grand pillars rose to a vaulted ceiling, and intricate water features gurgled softly, creating a soothing symphony. Following the sound of voices, Azure eventually found himself overlooking a vast, circular battlefield, its pristine blue surface reflecting the subdued light from above, "The young man should be here soon, from what the twins said…"
There, observing the arena with an air of dignified expectation, stood two figures: Wallace, the current Gym Leader of Sootopolis, a man whose flamboyant attire was only outshone by his refined aura, and beside him, Juan, his former mentor and the previous Gym Leader, exuding an almost regal grace.
A smirk stretched across Azure's lips, a familiar thrill igniting in his chest. The anticipation of a challenging battle was a sensation he had learned to savor.
Both men turned, their expressions softening into warm smiles upon seeing him. Juan's voice, a smooth baritone, resonated through the cavernous space, "Azure, my boy! It truly is a pleasure to see you again."
Wallace, ever the showman, performed a slight, elegant bow as he greeted him, "Indeed, Azure. And allow me to reiterate our profound gratitude. Your assistance during the recent… unpleasantness with Team Magma and Aqua, and your crucial role in bringing Kyogre and Groudon to heel, was nothing short of miraculous. Sootopolis, and indeed all of Hoenn, owes you an immeasurable debt."
Azure waved a dismissive hand, rubbing the back of his head with a slight flush. His gaze, however, swept around the immaculate Gym once more as he said, impressed, "Ah, it was nothing, really. Just doing what needed to be done. Though I gotta say, I'm impressed. Sootopolis looks practically untouched. Most of the other major cities in Hoenn got trashed when Kyogre and Groudon were throwing their weight around."
Juan chuckled, a rich, knowing sound as he explained fondly, "Hahaha! It helps, my dear boy, that our city is nestled deep within a colossal crater. It acted as a natural shield, protecting us from the worst of the titans' elemental fury."
Wallace, however, stepped forward, his expression losing some of its characteristic theatricality, replaced by a rare seriousness as he asked, "Still, Azure… speaking of Groudon and Kyogre, and the aftermath… how are you feeling? We heard… about Maxie and Archie. And you now have custody of those two colossal forces."
Azure's casual demeanor faltered, his eyes darkening for a fleeting moment. He solemnly nodded, recalling the vivid, unsettling events.
The air still tasted of ozone and primal power when he thought of it. He and Steven had battled valiantly against Maxie and Archie, both leaders tragically corrupted by the oppressive influence of the Red and Blue Orbs.
The ancient artifacts had twisted their very beings, empowering their Pokémon with an unnatural, dark vitality, and ultimately, consuming them. He remembered the chilling sight of their bodies, not falling in defeat, but crumbling to dust, their forms decaying under the sheer, raw, and uncontrollable primal energy that Kyogre and Groudon had imbued within them.
It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of wielding power that exceeds human comprehension. He shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips as he replied, "It was… rough. But I have them under control. Really. I'm not dead, am I?"
He offered a weak smile, a silent testament to the inner turmoil the memory still stirred. But he responded casually, "Steven checked up on me a few days ago at the Mossdeep City Pokémon Center. Gave me a thumbs up after a thorough once-over. Seems I'm not suddenly going to combust into primal energy myself."
Seeing his casual, almost flippant expression, both Wallace and Juan involuntarily sagged with relief. The implications of what Azure had endured, and the immense power he now contained, were staggering.
Wallace breathed, a hand pressed to his chest as he said calmly, "Excellent, excellent news. A burden such as that… It's unimaginable."
Juan added with a deep nod, his eyes piercing and thoughtful, "Indeed. We are all greatly relieved, Azure."
Azure nodded, shifting his weight. Now that the solemn discussion was concluded, the battle hunger returned full force. He glanced pointedly at Wallace as he asked, "Right, then. If you're both feeling better about my… continued existence, I have a request regarding our Gym Battle, Wallace."
Wallace raised an elegant eyebrow, intrigued, and asked, "Oh? Do tell, dear Azure."
Azure stated, his voice firm, his gaze holding an undeniable challenge, "I'd like to use your Main Team for this match. I'm still on my journey, still pushing my limits. And frankly, I want to test my strength against someone of your caliber. More specifically…"
Taking a deep breath, staring at Wallace as he continued, a glint in his eye, "I want to see how I stack up against Steven. He's the Hoenn Champion, after all, but you managed to beat him in the past for the title. You're a former Champion yourself, Wallace. I want to use this battle as a benchmark. To see how strong I am, compared to Steven Stone, the Hoenn Champion."
Wallace's smile returned, a genuine, appreciative one. The competitive fire was clearly alive and well within Azure, a trait he admired as he replied, "An intriguing proposition, Azure. And one I shall readily accept!"
He paused, a thoughtful finger tapping his chin as he continued, "However, I must warn you. Ever since retiring from the role of Champion to return to my beloved Gym, my main team… while still formidable, perhaps isn't quite as sharp, as finely honed as they once were during my reign. The rigors of champion-level training are quite… specific. Nonetheless, I shall give my absolute all to defeat you, Azure. Expect nothing less than a full, elegant assault!"
Juan chuckled good-naturedly, stepping forward towards the edge of the battlefield. As he declared, "Splendid! This promises to be a most captivating display of skill and power. I shall have the distinct honor of officiating this match. Let it be known then, that this shall be a full-on, six-on-six Pokémon Battle between Azure Sky and Wallace, the Gym Leader of Sootopolis City! Are both trainers ready?"
Both trainers nodded, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Azure already had his battle plan meticulously laid out in his mind, his chosen team comprising: Sceptile, Metagross, Salamence, Manectric, Gardevoir, and the powerhouse, Alpha Slaking.
Each is a master of its own domain, each a testament to his years of dedicated training and deep bond with his partners. With that, Pikachu and Eevee both went to the sidelines, prepared for another awe-inspiring battle.
Wallace declared, striking a dramatic pose, "With pleasure, Juan!"
Azure grinned as he yelled, "Ready when you are!"
Pikachu chittered excitedly on his shoulder, sensing the impending thrill of battle as it moved to the stands. Eevee, too, was wide awake, its ears perked, observing the scene with keen interest, siding with Pikachu.
With both trainers standing at their respective marks, the air crackled with palpable tension. They reached for their Poké Balls simultaneously, a silent agreement passing between them.
Wallace called out, his arm sweeping in an arc as he hurled his Poké Ball, "My chosen vanguard! Step forth and dazzle!"
*Pop*
It burst open with a flash of light, materializing a magnificent, colossal Pokémon as Wallace declared, "Walrein, my dear! Take the stage!"
*Thud*
The immense Walrein roared, its thick, blubbery body radiating an aura of immense power and resilience. Its tusks glinted under the arena lights, and its thick fur seemed to almost shimmer with an icy sheen. It settled heavily onto the battlefield, its chosen held item, a [Leftovers], subtly visible in its grasp.
Azure, in turn, mirrored the motion, his arm whipping forward with practiced precision as he declared, "Alright, big guy! Slaking, time to show them what an Alpha can do!"
*Pop*
A crimson beam erupted from the Poké Ball, coalescing into an even more massive form. Azure's Alpha Slaking materialized with a guttural roar that vibrated through the very foundations of the Gym.
*THUD*
This wasn't just a large Slaking; it was a titan, its fur a darker, more primal shade, its muscles rippling with untamed power. Its eyes, normally languid, held a fierce, awakened gleam. Around its wrist, a [Chesto Berry] was secured, a subtle hint at Azure's strategic foresight.
Juan's voice boomed, cutting through the sudden silence, "Trainers, choose your first moves! Let the battle… begin!"
The command was a spark to tinder. The immense Walrein let out a challenging bellow, while Azure's Alpha Slaking merely blinked, a lazy yet intimidating grin spreading across its massive face.
The stage was set. The clash of champions, old and new, began!
Azure wasted no time. His voice cut through the cavern, sharp and commanding, instantly erasing Slaking's lazy demeanor, "Slaking! Strong Style Giga Impact! Full power!"
*RMBL*
The moment the command registered, Slaking's posture shifted from slothful to savage. The heated glare that replaced its bored gaze was enough to briefly stun Wallace…
*BOOOM*
In a miraculous demonstration of speed that belied its size and species, the Alpha Pokémon blitzed across the field. An energy dome of purple formed, initiating the Giga Impact Move to its fullest potential.
Wallace's instincts—the sharp reflexes honed by years as a Champion—kicked in instantly. He countered, "Walrein! Brace yourself! Counter with Ice Beam!"
*PEW*
A thick, swirling beam of freezing energy blasted toward the charging Alpha. But Slaking didn't flinch. It powered through the Ice Beam with minimal effort; the icy attack merely formed a thin, rapidly shattering glaze over its massive arm.
*CRASH*
The Giga Impact landed with the force of a falling meteor slamming down. Walrein cried out, the impact shaking the entire foundation of the gym and sending a violent shockwave radiating through the water.
*RMBL*
… Walrein skidded back, managing to stop before hitting the wall, but a deep, throbbing bruise was already forming on its thick hide. Then, just as quickly, Slaking's power vanished...
Its eyes glazed over, and it lumbered back to its original spot, collapsing to the ground, exhausted by the stress of the attack. Truant.
Juan, ever the professional, merely chuckled softly. He had seen powerful attacks, but the sheer raw force of that Alpha Pokémon was staggering. He watched his former student, curious how he would exploit the opening.
Wallace regained his focus as his eyes narrowed, 'Slaking is vulnerable now thanks to its Truant. Time to make my counterattack!'
Wallace regained his momentum as he ordered fiercely, "Now, Walrein! Ice Beam, again! Don't hold back!"
*PEW*
The ensuing Ice Beam struck true, locking onto the prone Slaking. The Alpha Pokémon grunted slightly, but the pain barely registered on its face. It had phenomenal defensive stats, even without moving.
Azure merely smiled. He then ordered, "Good hit, Wallace! But now, Rest!"
Slaking obeyed, closing its eyes. The massive body immediately began snoring deeply, its natural regenerative ability instantly restoring the health lost from the Ice Beam, thanks to the sleeping status condition.
Wallace frowned as he thought cautiously, raising an eyebrow, 'Resting is a smart move, but still a gamble to leave your opponent options to attack.'
But Wallace wasn't going to let this chance slip by him. He ordered, "Very well. Walrein, Body Slam! Crush it before it wakes!"
*Wooosh*
Walrein roared and lumbered forward, preparing to crush the slumbering giant. Azure's smile widened into a grin—a dangerous sign Wallace knew well.
*YAWN*
As Walrein was mid-charge, poised for the attack, the prone Slaking shifted slightly. Even in its deep sleep, the Alpha Pokémon yawned, and a massive, shimmering sphere of air—a 'yawn bubble'—left its mouth and drifted rapidly toward the approaching Walrein.
*POP*
The bubble struck Walrein just as it was about to execute Body Slam. Instantly, the Walrein's eyes drooped, and before it could collapse onto Slaking, it crashed heavily onto the ground, utterly asleep.
*Thud*
Juan gasped. Wallace stared, completely taken aback.
Azure proudly explained to the stunned duo, "While training, I've found a way to make Truant viable and useful to us. During its Truant state, if Slaking is already under the Sleep Status condition, the forced inactivity allows it to generate a field effect. It's a passive, area-of-effect Yawn. I tested this with Norman; he was just as shocked."
Wallace shook his head, a genuine look of awe replacing his concern as he murmured, "Weaponizing Truant… incredible. Most trainers try to negate that ability; you made it a tactical asset."
But the time for astonishment was over. The Slaking's [Chesto Berry] dissolved in its mouth, curing the Sleep status instantly.
Slaking stretched, awake and fully invigorated. Azure called triumphantly, "Slaking's free action! End this quickly! Mega Punch!"
*Zoooom*
The Alpha Slaking surged forward again with terrifying, silent speed. Walrein, defenseless and asleep, never stood a chance…
*BOOOOM*
… The Mega Punch was a crushing blow that slammed Walrein directly into the polished stone wall, instantly forming a smoking crater. Juan raised his hand, his voice thick with surprise, declared, "Walrein is unable to battle! The victory goes to Slaking!"
Wallace recalled Walrein, his expression now one of deep concentration as he thought cautiously, 'Azure's tactical creativity is far beyond what I expected from a regional champion. A 6-0 result seemed suddenly very real…'
Wallace commented, retrieving his next Poké Ball with a sly smile, "You've certainly proven that your Champion status is earned. But now, let us introduce true strategy."
Quickly, Azure recalled his Slaking as he smiled, switching to his next Pokémon as he said calmly, "Return Slaking! Now with Walrein out, time to switch!"
Azure reached for a specialized Poké Ball specifically meant against Wallace's Team as he declared, "Manectric, let the show begin!"
*Pop*
With a flash of cobalt light. Azure's Manectric materialized, its electric blue mane bristling, the silver [Magnet] around its neck humming, amplifying its innate charge.
Wallace's gaze was sharp, analyzing the Electric-type choice—a clear attempt at a type of advantage against the anticipated Water-types as he thought, 'So he came prepared. Time to show him a lesson.'
He drew a heavy, ornate Poké Ball, encrusted with crystals as he whispered, "Swampert, it is time."
*Pop*
From the flash, the bulky form of Swampert appeared, planting its feet firmly on the stone platform. The ground beneath it subtly absorbed the seismic force of its arrival, and the reflective glimmer of a [Swampertite] Mega Stone on its shoulder was unmistakable.
Juan lowered his hand as he declared loudly, "Manectric vs Swampert! Begin!"
Azure realized the item choice immediately as he thought critically, 'Wallace wasn't just bringing out a tank; he was signaling readiness for maximum power. Moreover, while Manectric had the raw speed advantage, it was facing a dual Ground/Water type. Electric attacks are useless. This was a grave miscalculation on my part…'
Azure called out, already moving the return switch on the Poké Ball, "Manectric, return!"
He needed to switch out to Sceptile or perhaps even his own Metagross against Wallace's Swampert. But Wallace was already in motion as he slyly ordered, "Do not allow the retreat, Swampert! Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
Swampert roared, slamming a massive foot down. The battlefield vibrated violently, and a jagged, heavy pillar of mud and stone erupted directly in front of Azure…
*BOOM*
The pillar slammed into the descending Poké Ball mid-air, deflecting it violently and sending it tumbling back into Azure's hand. Azure frowned, the strategic block catching him entirely off guard as he thought cautiously, 'A Gym Leader might allow a challenger to switch; a Champion, or former Champion, never allows a tactical disadvantage to be negated easily…'
Wallace noted, entirely unperturbed by the intensity of the block, "You are locked in, Azure. Now, what is your next move?"
Azure quickly pocketed the deflected ball. He was forced to fight this matchup, relying on the sheer power and speed Manectric possessed, hoping to inflict crucial damage before being overwhelmed.
He took a deep breath before exhaling as he thought, 'Best make use that I can out of this situation…'
After collecting his thoughts together, he issued his command, "Manectric! Don't let the surprise shake you! Iron Tail! Aim for the head!"
*Zooom*
Manectric surged forward, its tail glowing steel-gray, rigid with focused power. Wallace simply smirked as he countered, "A bold physical attack against our defense. Swampert, counter with Ice Punch!"
*CLANG*
The two Pokémon met in an explosion of energy. Manectric's tail whipped down with crushing force, intending to break through Swampert's defenses, but Swampert's fist, encased in a shimmering, freezing glove of ice, intercepted the blow…
*BOOOM*
The impact sent a shockwave across the water surrounding the arena. Azure narrowed his eyes, impressed by Wallace's anticipation.
Azure ordered, "Tera Blast! Full power!"
*PEW*
Manectric gathered a swirling ball of non-type-specific celestial energy, firing it directly at Swampert's chest. Azure was relying on Manectric's high Sp. Attack stat to do some damage against Wallace's Swampert.
However, the former Champion countered proudly, "Hydro Pump! Match the force!"
*SPLASH*
Swampert unleashed a torrent of pressurized water that collided mid-air with the Tera Blast. The resulting steam and spray obscured the center of the battlefield, the cacophony a testament to the sheer power being deployed…
*BOOOM*
Both attacks canceled each other out in an explosion of Normal and Water-type energy. Neither attack seemed to achieve dominance.
The moment the steam cleared, Azure saw the opportunity as he roared, "Now! Agile Style Iron Tail, relentless assault!"
*Zooom*
Manectric accelerated, attempting to utilize its superior speed to circle the bulky Swampert and catch it off balance. Wallace said calmly, his voice quiet but commanding, "Not so fast, Azure! Swampert, use Foresight!"
*Snap*
Swampert's usually dull eyes flashed with a sudden, unnerving clarity, instantaneously eliminating any evasive maneuvers Manectric might attempt. It saw the exact trajectory of the incoming attack moments before Manectric launched it.
Wallace ordered, "Ice Punch, solid hook!"
*WOOOSH*
Manectric brought its glowing steel tail down, but Swampert, instead of blocking, shifted its weight barely an inch, allowing the tail to whistle past its shoulder. The next instant, the Ice Punch connected—not with Manectric's body, but directly across its face and jaw.
*SMACK*
The Electric-type cried out, stunned by the freezing impact and the surprise of the hit, its speed momentarily negated by the Foresight. Manectric stumbled backward, shaking its head to clear the sudden, cold pain.
Wallace knew the exact moment to press the advantage. He smirked as he thought, 'That mistake, Azure… is going to cost you this match.'
This was the strategy Azure had feared: capitalizing on a single mistake with devastating efficiency. Wallace ordered in a zesty voice, "Finish it now! Earthquake!"
*Wooosh*
Before Manectric could recover its footing, Swampert lunged, its reflexes shocking considering its size. It seized Manectric's rear tail in its massive, powerful hand, preventing any attempt at escape or flight…
*THUD*
… Swampert then executed a powerful, brutal slam, driving the Electric-type headfirst into the crystalline stone. Immediately, Swampert lifted its other foot and stomped down with titanic force, unleashing a localized, concentrated Earthquake!
*RMBL*
The ground beneath Manectric shattered. The immense seismic shock, coupled with the head-slam, was instantaneous. Manectric's charge dissolved; its eyes rolled back, and it lay still in the jagged crater, fainted.
Juan raised his hand immediately as he said neutrally, "Manectric is unable to battle! Swampert is the winner!"
A single, decisive move had crushed a powerful member of Azure's team. Azure frowned deeply, recalling his fallen partner.
It wasn't just the type disadvantage; it was the superior spatial awareness and tactical application of Foresight that had left him vulnerable. Wallace had promised his team wasn't as strong as before, but the raw power and precise execution felt absolutely Champion-caliber.
Azure thought grimly, rubbing the Manectric's Poké Ball, 'If this is his baseline… then Steven Stone's strength is truly immense.'
The battle between the new and old Champions began, and both had lost 1 Pokémon each from each side. 5 Pokémon for each side remained as the battle between the two intensified, already thinking counter strategies…
Wallace grinned as he recalled Swampert preparing a switch. Both trainers eyed each other, grinning, waiting to see how this match would end between them.
Wallace slyly smiled as he stated, his tone respectful, not gloating, "Azure, that was a momentary lapse in judgment. Never allow yourself to enter a fight you cannot win, and never telegraph your intent to retreat to a practiced opponent. That Earth Power was simply a formality."
Azure nodded, recovering his composure instantly. This was the level of complexity he had craved when he battled Wallace seriously.
He looked at Juan, who merely offered a slight, knowing smile. Azure declared, "Swampert has proven its strength, but we are not done yet. Wallace, prepare yourself. My next partner is built for speed and power."
Azure reached for a specialized Poké Ball, the one reserved for his premier fighting force, and hurled it onto the field as he declared, "Sceptile, standby for battle!"
*Pop*
With a burst of emerald light, the agile Grass-type Pokémon materialized, its leafy blades sharp and ready. A faint green glow enveloped it, a side effect of the [Miracle Seed] it held, bolstering its affinity for Grass energy.
Wallace answered instantly, throwing his own specialized ball into the air, "Pelipper, the rain starts now!"
*Pop*
*Rmbl*
The large Water and Flying-type bird appeared, and immediately, its ability, Drizzle, took effect. The soft, ambient mist of Sootopolis Gym intensified, turning into a steady, heavy rainfall that lashed the arena, boosting the power of all Water-type moves by fifty percent as it carried its Held Item [Damp Rock].
The field was set for the Gym Leader's advantage. Juan raised his hand high, then slashed it down with dramatic flair, "Begin!"
Azure wasted no time, shouting, "Sceptile! Grassy Terrain!"
*Shiii*
Sceptile slammed its foot down, and in an instant, a vibrant, dense layer of luminous green energy spread across the solid platforms and even seemed to float slightly above the churning water. The Grassy Terrain was established, providing a natural cushion of healing and a substantial boost to Sceptile's powers.
Wallace commanded, aiming for a strategic switch-out while getting damage in, "Pelipper, U-Turn!"
*Fwp*
Pelipper tucked its wings and dive-bombed Sceptile with surprising speed. However, Azure's counter was already prepared, a move often utilized to reset his team's momentum.
Grinning, he countered, "Dragon Dance, Sceptile!"
*Wooosh*
Instead of meeting the attack, Sceptile performed a rapid, fluid series of motions, creating an illusion of wind and momentum that allowed it to twist violently out of Pelipper's path as its Attack and Speed stage increased by +1.
The U-Turn sliced harmlessly through the air where Sceptile had been a moment before. Pelipper, fulfilling the nature of U-Turn, vanished in a red blast of light, returning to Wallace's waiting hand.
*Wooosh*
Just as it tried to switch, Azure grinned slyly, countering, "Now, Pursuit!"
*Zoooom*
Sceptile, having predicted the switch, darted forward, its speed amplified by the residual momentum of the Dragon Dance. A dark, focused strike slammed into the retreating aura of Pelipper, hitting the Pokémon just as it was recalled...
*SMACK*
Pelipper cried in pain from the Pursuit. The move dealt double damage for striking a switching target.
Wallace frowned, clutching Pelipper's Poké Ball momentarily. His rain setter had taken immediate, painful damage before even completing its main task.
Wallace conceded, reaching for a new Ball as he declared, "Impressive prediction. But now, let's test the speed of the swirling star! Starmie!"
*Pop*
A brilliant, geometric star Pokémon erupted from the light, spinning rapidly in the rain. Starmie, holding an [Expert Belt], was fast, powerful, and now fully benefited from the Drizzle, its Water-type attacks surging.
Azure's expression sobered as he quickly thought cautiously, 'Starmie is a high-speed sweeper, capable of matching Sceptile's inherent quickness. Only a 5-point stat difference in speed could be troublesome…'
Seeing the danger, Azure ordered accordingly to combat the Starmie, "Sceptile, don't let up! Grassy Glide!"
*Zoooom*
Sceptile launched itself across the Grassy Terrain. The move, boosted by the terrain and granted priority due to the field condition, shot forward like a green missile.
Wallace countered, his voice crisp, "Starmie, Gravity!"
*THMP*
Starmie pulsed with intense psychic power, generating a staggering gravitational field meant to pin Sceptile to the ground, stripping away its mobility and potentially its priority due to the sheer force pressing down on it. At least that was the plan…
*SMACK*
The Grassy Glide slammed into Starmie's central core gem with stunning force, eliciting a cry of pain from Starmie, "Hiyaaaah?! (NANI?!)"
*BAM*
Starmie skidded across the battlefield, jumping from the force of the impact. It's [Expert Belt] shimmered momentarily, confirming the super-effective hit was painful but not devastating, as Starmie was a dual Water/Psychic type.
But the real shock came when Sceptile landed. It touched down, not with a bone-jarring impact, but with controlled stability.
*Tmp*
It merely stood there, the immense gravitational force wrapping around it like a stiff breeze, completely failing to pin the mighty Pokémon. Wallace's eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise as he murmured, "It shrugged off Gravity? How?!!"
Azure smirked, glancing back at his enthusiastic partners as he lightly explained, "My team doesn't just train in standard settings, Wallace. Every one of them—from Sceptile to Slaking—has endured intense Gravity Training. Simple manipulation of gravitational force is barely a warm-up for them now."
Wallace's pleasant composure dissolved, replaced by a serious focus as he thought cautiously, 'This guy is playing a different game. To have his Pokémon train under Gravity…'
He dismissed those thoughts as he focused on the battle. Wallace commanded, "Then we eliminate the target! Starmie, Camouflage! Disappear!"
*Woooosh*
Starmie began to spin wildly, its translucent body integrating perfectly with the surrounding rainfall and the deep blue of the pool. It vanished entirely, leaving Azure unable to assess whether the move had changed its typing to Grass (due to the terrain) or Water (due to the overriding rain).
Azure eyes narrowed till he finally ordered calmly, "Stay alert, Sceptile! Use Magical Leaf to seek it out! It can't hide forever!!"
*Fwp*
Sceptile summoned a torrent of glowing green leaves, self-guided projectiles that never missed their target, regardless of the target's visual presence. The leaves darted unerringly toward the pool's swirling center.
Wallace snapped, "Blizzard!"
*Woooosh*
A sudden, fierce gale of sub-zero wind erupted from the invisible Starmie. The Magical Leaves were encased in ice mid-flight, shattering into sparkling fragments before reaching their intended mark. Worse, the residual Blizzard slammed into Sceptile, chilling the Grass-type to the core…
*Shiii*
However, the Grassy Terrain pulsed, and Sceptile's lost health was rapidly replenished. Azure knew the healing wouldn't last forever, but it bought crucial time.
Eevee squeaked from the sidelines, pointing high, "Bui! (There!)"
*Wooosh*
The movement had revealed Starmie's hiding spot: it had used the gravitational dampening effects of the rain to position itself high in the air, utilizing the vast, misty ceiling for cover. Azure grinned as he yelled, "Strong Style Leafage, straight up!"
*Shinng*
Sceptile unleashed a whirlwind of leaves as they were heading towards Starmie's location. But Wallace countered, "Blizzard, focus fire!"
*Woooosh*
A concentrated bolt of green energy shot skyward, meeting the powerful stream of freezing wind head-on. The clash was violent, creating a blinding cloud of steam and smoke as the temperature extremes collided.
*BOOM*
Starmie attempted to use the cover, preparing to flee and re-enter Camouflage. But Sceptile was already gone…
*Zoooom*
Out of the smoking cloud, a green blur soared upward. Sceptile had leaped with extraordinary height, an Energy Ball glowing fiercely in its hand, perfectly aimed. It was meters away from Starmie before Wallace could react…
*BOOOOM*
Sceptile twisted mid-air, channeling its collected energy into a focused strike aimed directly at Starmie's central crystal. The contact was deafening, sending Starmie plummeting toward the water in a massive, chaotic splash…
*SPLASH*
The crystal flashed violently red—a critical hit that had nearly depleted its core energy. Wallace inhaled sharply, recognizing the game-ending opportunity ordered, "Starmie! Ice Beam, while it's still airborne!"
*PEW*
Sceptile was at the peak of its jump, completely exposed with no platform to push from. A thick, concentrated stream of icy energy rocketed toward the immobile Grass-type.
Azure's eyes shone with predatory excitement as he countered, "Energy Ball! Use it to ride the beam!"
*Shiii*
The command stunned everyone. Sceptile leaped using the ceiling with its feet, then lunged downward as its hands began to form the small Energy Ball. Falling downward allowed it to slightly shift its momentum as it lunged downward.
*Zoooom*
Then, as the Ice Beam traveled directly beneath it, Sceptile performed an acrobatic maneuver—it used the smooth, frozen surface of the powerful Ice Beam as a launching ramp as Sceptile used its Energy Ball…
*Sheeee*
… Sceptile skated atop the frozen energy for a split second using the Energy Ball formed, gathering immense momentum, before leaping off the Ice Beam and firing a massive, final Energy Ball, augmented by the Grassy Terrain and the [Miracle Seed].
*BOOOM*
… The attack landed cleanly as Sceptile stepped back from the explosion of Energy Ball. Wallace watched, aghast, as the attack struck the already weakened Starmie core, which had just begun to surface.
Starmie's light flickered once, then died out, sinking silently beneath the rain-lashed water on the floor. Juan sounded the declaration with reverence. "Starmie is unable to battle! Sceptile is victorious!"
/////
A/N: Hey guys, the author here for a quick tip. What do you guys think the next Gamer Path should be next out of consideration? I'm thinking of doing the Pokémon World again, but this time Anime Version with Ash, or any suggestions from you guys?
Reach the goal of 50 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!