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Chapter 335 - Chapter 335: Water Gym Battle (2) [Bonus]

Chapter 335: Water Gym Battle (2) [Bonus]

~Third POV~

[Hoenn Region, Sootopolis City – Gym]

Wallace recalled his fallen partner with a sigh of respect as he muttered, "That was… truly inspired, Azure. A brilliant use of kinetic energy and terrain."

Azure recalled Sceptile, giving the Grass-type a silent nod of thanks. He knew that the battle was far from over; Wallace still needed to equalize the score, and the rain from Drizzle was still active.

The steady drizzle finally faded, leaving the battlefield clear, though slick with residual water as the effects of Grassy Terrain ended. Wallace took a deep breath, his dramatic demeanor returning, but now underscored by serious focus as he declared, "Impressive, Azure. You truly are a master strategist. But now, it is time for true power. Behold, the Atrocious Pokémon!"

Wallace hurled his third Poké Ball, declaring, "Gyarados!"

*Pop*

The gigantic, fearsome Water/Flying-type materialized, its tail lashing the moisture on the ground. It held a polished [King's Rock], a silent promise of disruptive power.

Azure met the challenge with commensurate force as he hurled his next choice, "Salamence, show them our might!"

*Pop*

Azure's powerful Dragon/Flying-type roared as it unfurled its wings, the [Dragon Fang] clutched in its claws signaling its intent, "Graooo!!! (Bring it on!)"

Salamence winced as Gyarados' Intimidate ability activated, cutting Salamence's attack by -1 Stage. Both trainers immediately sought to assert aerial dominance using the remaining humidity in the air.

Azure ordered, "Salamence, Hurricane!"

Wallace countered, "Gyarados, meet it with your own Hurricane!"

*SWOOOOSH*

Two colossal vortexes of wind and water collided deafeningly mid-arena. The sheer force of the neutralizing attacks caused a violent expulsion of air…

*KA-BOOOM*

… scattering the last of the rain completely and leaving the battlefield exposed to the clear sky, though the ground beneath was now thoroughly soaked.

Azure seized the initiative as he ordered, "Salamence, Flamethrower!"

*Sssss*

A torrent of brilliant orange fire erupted from Salamence's mouth, aimed directly at the massive sea serpent. Wallace looked unconcerned as he countered, "Hyper Beam, Gyarados! Override that flame!"

*PEW*

Gyarados gathered colossal power, releasing a devastating, focused cannon of energy. Hyper Beam easily cut through the Flamethrower, surging toward Salamence.

Azure's eyes widened as he ordered, "Dodge, Salamence!"

*FWP*

Salamence banked hard, its reflexes honed by training, kicked in. The Hyper Beam missed narrowly, slamming into the ornate stone wall of the gym with a thunderous impact, sending debris scattering.

*BOOOM*

Azure winced, genuinely apologetic, said sheepishly about the damages, "Not again! I am so sorry about your wall, Wallace!"

Wallace merely waved a hand dismissively as it was a part of his plan replied, "A bit of stone is nothing compared to the thrill of this match, Azure. We continue!"

Gyarados was now locked in the mandatory recharge phase following the Hyper Beam. Azure knew this window was crucial. He seized the opportunity, ordering, "Salamence! Strong Style Air Slash!"

*Fwp*

*SHINNG*

Salamence whipped its tail, launching sharp crescent blades of slicing air. The air blades all aimed at the Gyarados…

But Wallace, fully aware of Hyper Beam's drawback, acted quickly and ordered, "Gather the debris! Block the Air Slash!"

*RMBL*

Gyarados, still momentarily paralyzed, swung its massive head, utilizing the powerful suction of its jaw to gather the stone fragments scattered by the Hyper Beam impact. The debris formed a crude, rapidly assembled shield that absorbed the Air Slash attack.

Azure pressed the aerial assault, seeing his attack failed to land, "Another Flamethrower Salamence!"

*Sssss*

The fire bore down on Gyarados. This time, Wallace planned that stung, but was strategically sound as he ordered, "Gyarados, ignore the pain! Use this chance to use Dragon Dance!"

*Shiii*

Gyarados endured the full force of the Flamethrower, its tough hide smoking slightly. The attack was painful, but the execution of Dragon Dance provided a critical boost to both its Attack power and its Speed by +1 Stage.

Azure frowned seeing this, but couldn't stop now as he thought, 'Damn… no burn to inflict. Gotta play this carefully…'

Wallace's voice cracked with intensity, "Now, Gyarados! Ice Fang!"

*Zooom*

The boosted Ice-type attack was delivered with brutal force. Since Gyarados had elevated speed and attack, the move scored a direct, crushing strike on Salamence's wing with a devastating crunch…

*CRUNCH*

… The super-effective damage sent the Dragon-type spiraling, crashing heavily into the soaked ground. But Wallace didn't let up as he ordered fiercely, adding pressure, "Keep the pressure! Ice Fang, repeatedly!"

*CRUNCH*

*CRUNCH*

Thanks to the Dragon Dance boosts, Gyarados moved with blinding speed, a terrifying blur of serpentine rage. It repeatedly hammered Salamence with consecutive, boosted Ice Fangs, inflicting severe, rapidly mounting damage that Azure had not accounted for.

Azure roared, trying to break the momentum, "Salamence, disrupt the rhythm! Strong Style Twister!"

*FWP*

*SWOOOOSH*

Salamence struggled, forcing a massive vortex of dragon energy from its mouth as it flapped its wings towards Gyarados. The swirling Twister enveloped Gyarados, momentarily trapping the serpentine creature.

Wallace commanded, "Aqua Tail! Put out the winds!"

*SPLASH*

Gyarados thrashed violently, its tail slamming with water-enhanced force. The powerful Aqua Tail shattered the Twister's stability, allowing Gyarados to break free, immediately resuming its brutal Ice Fang assault.

*Zooom*

Just as Gyarados lunged, Azure revealed the secret weapon he'd been saving. He roared fiercely, "Thunder Fang, Salamence! Now!"

*ZAP*

A wicked bolt of yellow energy crackled around Salamence's jaws. It reared up, intercepting the incoming Ice Fang with a devastating super-effective electric attack…

*CHOMP*

… The Thunder Fang landed perfectly on Gyarados's scale-covered neck, interrupting the Ice Fang assault and sending a jolt of severe pain through the Atrocious Pokémon. Its eyes dilated as it roared, "GRYAAAA!!!"

Gyarados stumbled back, shaking the shock off, clearly hurt. Azure pressed his advantage as he continued, "Strong Style Thunder Fang!"

Wallace was ready now, countered, "Aqua Tail, block them!"

*ZAP*

*BAM*

*SPLASH*

Gyarados used its massive tail to deflect the subsequent electric strikes, the water move nullifying the electrical energy before it could connect. The tension was palpable. Both trainers were determined to end this section of the match with one final exchange of power between them.

Azure needed to be hit with electricity, and Wallace needed the disruption of Ice Fang's secondary effect. Both clenched they're fists, awaiting one of them to make the first mistake to seize an opportunity.

Azure roared, "Thunder Fang!"

Wallace countered, "Ice Fang, crush it!"

The two colossal dragons vaulted toward each other, jaws wide. Wallace's decision to tank the Flamethrower for the Dragon Dance boost paid off…

*Wooosh*

… Gyarados's superior speed allowed it to connect first. The Ice Fang slammed into Salamence's shoulder, forcing the dragon's body to twist and its own Thunder Fang to miss wildly...

*CRUNCH*

The [King's Rock], held tightly by Gyarados, ensured the secondary effect. Salamence cried out, immobilized in the most crucial moment.

Juan announced, the word echoing Azure's sudden realization of defeat, "It flinched!"

Azure's eyes widened, recognizing the devastating cost of that single missed turn. Wallace seized the advantage commanded, "Dragon Tail, Gyarados! End this!"

*WHIP*

Gyarados swung its powerful tail, charged with Dragon energy, connecting with the staggering Salamence. The attack was swift, forceful, and final…

*SMACK*

… Salamence was hurled across the arena, skidding across the water-slicked floor until it lay still, unable to continue. Juan declared, adjusting the score, "Salamence is unable to battle! The score is 2 – 2!"

Azure recalled Salamence with a heavy heart, offering a silent apology for not predicting the critical flinch. Wallace's Gyarados, despite taking a devastating Thunder Fang, roared in triumph, its Dragon Dance boosts making it an absolute monster, "GRAYYYY!!! (Victory for Gyarados!!)"

Azure thought, wiping rain from his face that wasn't there, 'This is the strength of a former Champion, Wallace wasn't kidding. If this is him being rusty, Steven Stone is going to be a nightmare.'

The atmosphere had changed from aggressive to majestic. Azure had Sceptile in reserve, but facing a boosted Gyarados, he needed something that could withstand or overpower it entirely to make a difference.

Wallace praised, his voice carrying genuine respect as he eyed Azure, "You have pushed my Gyarados to its limit, Azure… But could you defeat me without your Manectric for assurance? Show me the strength that won both Regions."

Azure felt a surge of energy, the thrill of the ultimate high-stakes match. He reached for a sleek, metallic Poké Ball, the weight of the formidable Pokémon inside comforting as he replied casually, "Very well, Wallace. You asked to see my power. You will see my foundation."

He hurled the metallic sphere high into the air as he declared confidently, "Metagross, I choose you!"

*Pop*

With a sound like grinding steel, the massive, four-legged Psychic/Steel-type appeared, its silver body gleaming, eyes cold and focused with its held item [Expert Belt]. Metagross, a core member of Azure's main Hoenn team, landed with an earth-shattering thud, instantly establishing an aura of immovable defense.

*THUD*

It was a perfect strategic choice: resistant to Dragon, resistant to Ice, and immune to the Poison-type moves Gyarados might use. Not only that a powerhouse he could utilize for his bulk.

Wallace smiled, appreciating the calculated move as he announced, "A magnificent choice, Azure. But there is one more who must grace this arena before the curtain falls. Return, Gyarados."

Gyarados, having delivered a masterful performance, dissolved back into its Poké Ball. But Azure grinned as he ordered, "Now! Agile Style Pursuit!"

*Zoooom*

Metagross dashed impossibly fast as Wallace recalled Gyarados. At the last second, one of Metagross' arms coated in Dark Type energy smacked Gyarados, instantly knocking it out from its prior damage and double damage of Pursuit.

*THUD*

Gyarados fainted on the spot as Juan announced clearly, "Gyarados is unable to battle! The score is now 3 – 2!"

Wallace paused at this, gathering himself as he recalled his Gyarados. He thought cautiously, 'He certainly doesn't allow any opponent the opportunity to get a chance in. Even when retreating from such an aggressive battle style…'

Wallace merely offered a kind smile as Azure knew whatever came next would be Wallace's true signature piece. Wallace announced dramatically, tossing his Poké Ball, "The greatest beauty lies in the most challenging moments! Milotic, let the audience witness your elegance!"

*Pop*

The field was instantly blessed by the presence of the Tender Pokémon. Milotic, long, graceful, and possessing an ethereal beauty, slithered onto the damp arena, its scales shimmering like opals.

It had its held item [Flame Orb] as it activated its Marvel Scale ability, boosting its defense. It was the ultimate defensive and special attacking counter, a Pokémon known for its debilitating recovery and powerful special Water attacks.

Juan took a deep breath as he announced proudly, "Azure Sky's Metagross vs Wallace's Milotic! Begin!"

Azure knew he couldn't hit Milotic with brute force alone, especially a Wallace-trained one. He had to be surgical as he ordered, "Metagross, Agility!"

*Shiii*

Metagross glowed blue, rapidly increasing its speed to match Milotic's surprisingly quick form. Wallace, at the same time, ordered, "Milotic Aqua Ring!"

*Splash*

Rings of water veiled around Milotic, already prepared to counter its Burn Status Condition as both Trainers locked they're eyes. Wallace ordered, "Milotic, use Hydro Pump!"

*SPLASH*

A massive stream of high-pressure water erupted from Milotic's beautiful face, aimed directly at Metagross. Azure commanded, "Metagross! Strong Style Bullet Punch! Meet it head on!"

Metagross lunged, followed as its claws coated in a metal sheen…

*Zooom*

Metagross fired its metallic arm forward, utilizing the priority of Bullet Punch. The strike, though only neutrally effective, hit the Hydro Pump head-on, effectively deflecting its trajectory upward, where the water harmlessly showered the gym ceiling.

But it didn't stop as Metagross got close, reeling its metallic arm as it bashes into Milotic, "Metaaa!! (Eat this fishy!!)"

*BASH*

Milotic was slammed hard as it slid across the field, but managed to halt its momentum by slamming its tail. Wallace's eyes narrowed, ordered, "Recover!"

*Shiii*

Milotic, having used its Hydro Pump as both offense and defense, now settled into a defensive posture, restoring a large portion of its health in a veil of green light. It cried out happily, being healed, "Milllooo!! (You horrendous metallic crab!! You're even worse than that stone-loving man!!)"

Azure eyes hardened as he mused to himself in a serious voice, "This will be a long one. He wants to stall me out."

Realizing Wallace's plan, Azure decided to go for raw power to break through Milotic's defense, "Metagross! Strong Style Thuner Punch!"

*Zzzzz*

Metagross rocketed across the field, its four metallic limbs swinging down in a devastating, physically strong attack charged with electricity. Wallace's eyes narrowed as he thought slyly, 'Charging straight in is good, but… he forgets the environment his in. In the water, no matter how shallow or very little there is… It's my domain.'

Wallace grinned as he countered, "Ice Beam, target the legs!"

*PEW*

Milotic fired a precise, focused Ice Beam. It didn't aim for Metagross's body, but the wet floor directly beneath its feet. The area instantly froze, trapping Metagross's forward momentum just before the Thunder Punch could connect.

*KRACKLE*

Metagross stopped short, its lower legs cemented to the icy floor. It was vulnerable to attacks as Azure's eyes widened as he thought, 'Damn it! I've been so focused on his Pokémon, I've barely paid attention to the environment around me!'

Wallace grinned as he ordered, "Now, Milotic, use Confuse Ray!"

*Shiii*

A strange, unsettling light emanated from Milotic's scales, washing over the immobilized Metagross. The massive Steel/Psychic-type shook its body, suddenly erratic—it was severely confused.

Azure frowned at the situation as he urged, knowing the risk of confusion, "Break free, Metagross! Use Zen Headbutt!"

*Shiii*

Metagross gathered its psychic power, aiming for the beautiful serpent. But the confusion overwhelmed the massive Pokémon; it swung its head wildly, slamming the super-dense cranium into the icy ground instead.

*BAM*

[Metagross hit itself with Confusion!]

The critical self-inflicted damage chipped away at its massive health bar. Wallace pressed the advantage as he ordered, "Marvelous! Milotic, use Dragon Dance!"

*Wooosh*

A viscous, dark purple aura veiled around Milotic, steadily stacking its Attack and Speed by +1 Stage. Azure felt concern as he thought, 'I've gotta think quickly or else Wallace is going to sweep me… that's it! If it worked for Iris in the anime…'

Realization hit Azure as he smirked, ordered, causing Wallace to blink, "Metagross! Hit your head to the ground with Zen Headbutt!!"

Hearing Azure's voice, Metagross' head glowed with psychic power as it roared, "Metaa!! (What you say!)"

*BASH*

Slamming its head to the ground, Metagross' eyes regained their clarity, surprising the spectators as it roared happily, "Meta!! (I can't believe that worked…)"

Wallace blinked but smiled as he noted, enjoying the mental battle, "You avoided the debilitating status of Confusion through brute force. Not a bad plan, but you still have us to deal with! Milotic, Scald!"

*SPLASH*

Milotic released a stream of boiling water. But regaining control, Azure grinned as he countered, "Meteor Mash, Metagross! Push through!"

*Zoooom*

Metagross roared in psychic frustration, shaking off the worst of the fog. It charged forward, its body enveloped in metallic energy…

*SPLASH*

… It took the Scald head-on, but because it was a Steel-type, the damage was manageable, and mercifully, it did not suffer a burn. The attack spurred the Iron Leg Pokémon forward, raising its metal arm in the air…

*CLANG*

The Meteor Mash connected with a devastating sound, hitting Milotic hard. Wallace's serpent cried out, but its Marvel Scale ability held, and the attack did not fell it. Crucially, the Meteor Mash provided a critical boost to Metagross's Attack power.

Metagross was boosted and aware. Wallace knew he needed to slow Metagross down as he frowned, ordering, "Milotic, Mirror Coat!"

Milotic is prepared to reflect any special attack at double the power. Azure recognized the shift, continuing his assault, "No special attacks! Just pure brute force!! Use Strong Style Iron Head, Metagross! Drive it back!"

Metagross shook its head, recovering from the confusion. It successfully lunged forward this time; its will focused on the command. It slammed its metallic head into Milotic with ferocious power.

*BASH*

The resistant damage, coupled with the previous Meteor Mash, finally proved too much for Milotic's defenses. Milotic recoiled as it let out a soft, mournful cry of pain, "Miloooo!!! (Damn you, metallic crab!)"

Slithering around the ice, it glared hatefully at Metagross as it replied, "Meta! Metagross! (Hmph! Try it, Magikarp face!)"

Milotic's eyes glared hatefully at those words. But both Trainers grinned as the battle would be intense, yet Azure looked up at the vast, crystalline ceiling, the image of Steven Stone's powerful Metagross flashing in his mind as he murmured, "If Wallace is this good...then the Hoenn Champion is operating on a plane entirely different from what I've faced before. My battle has truly just begun."

The battle between the two was tense. Azure's Metagross in one end damaged and Wallace's Ace Milotic was equally as hurt from the battle occurring between them by the damage done to the surroundings of the Gym.

Wallace, ever the graceful aggressor, made the next move, ordered, "Milotic, begin with a Hydro Pump!"

*SPLASH*

Milotic responded instantly, its elegant head lifting as a torrent of incredibly pressurized water erupted from its mouth, aimed directly at the unmoving Metagross. The sheer power of the attack caused small geysers to ripple through the arena's surface.

Azure commanded, his voice sharp and precise, "Quickly, Metagross! Use Agility, then Magnet Rise!"

*Zooom*

Metagross, despite its immense bulk, moved with astonishing speed. Its legs blurred with Agility, and just as the Hydro Pump was about to hit, it launched itself into the air, sparks crackling around its body as Magnet Rise negated gravity's pull…

*Zzzz*

*Wooosh*

The powerful stream of water crashed harmlessly where it had just stood, sending a spray showering across the arena. Azure pressed, seizing the opening, "Now, Metagross! Strong Style Thunder Punch!"

*Zooom*

Metagross shot forward, a blue-white electrical charge crackling around its massive fist. It closed the distance to Milotic with surprising swiftness, delivering a devastating Thunder Punch directly to Milotic's midsection as it briefly broke the field's surface.

*ZAP*

*SMASH*

A sharp crackle and a flash of light marked the impact, briefly stunning the Water-type Pokémon. Milotic recoiled, a pained hiss escaping its elegant form, but its Marvel Scale ability softened the blow, allowing it to recover quickly.

Wallace's expression remained unperturbed as he ordered, "Milotic, Iron Tail!"

*WHIP*

Milotic, with a fierce surge of energy, whipped its magnificent tail, which glowed with a metallic sheen, aiming to strike Metagross on the face. Azure, seeing this countered, "Counter with Double Team!"

*Wooosh*

Metagross shimmered, creating several perfectly identical illusions of itself, confusing Milotic's aim. The Iron Tail sliced through empty air, dissipating one of the decoys.

Wallace smiled faintly, praising his opponent as he continued, "Clever, Azure. But illusions are no match for a true artist. Milotic, Twister!"

*SWOOOSH*

Milotic began to spin rapidly in the field, creating a powerful vortex that swept across the entire water battlefield. The powerful currents and wind tore through the Metagross illusions, one by one…

*Swooosh*

… The real Metagross, caught in the swirling maelstrom, struggled against the force. The Twister lifted the heavy Pokémon into the air, spiraling it upwards until, with a sickening crunch, it slammed into the unyielding stone ceiling of the Gym.

*CRUNCH*

A shower of dust and small debris rained down. Azure frowned, a ripple of concern crossing his features as he thought worryingly, 'That was a significant hit, courtesy of Wallace's ace. Damn, this is getting tough…'

He called out, his voice tinged with worry, "Metagross!"

Metagross's eyes shone as they met Azure's eyes to assure him it was fine. Reassured Azure ordered, his voice laced with urgency, aiming to retaliate with raw power, "Metagross, Hyper Beam, now!"

*PEW*

Metagross, shaking off the impact, its red eye glowing intensely, gathered immense energy. A massive, concentrated beam of raw power erupted from its core, streaking across the arena and slamming into Milotic with an explosive roar…

*KA-BOOOM*

… The sheer force of the Hyper Beam sent ripples throughout the water, and a cloud of steam billowed where Milotic had been struck. Wallace, however, remained impassive, a serene confidence radiating from him.

As the steam cleared, Milotic, though noticeably scathed and clearly having taken significant damage, was still upright within the field. And then, with an ethereal glow, its wounds began to mend.

*Shiii*

Wallace stated simply, a satisfied glint in his eye, "Recover."

Milotic's health surged, effectively negating the damage Metagross had inflicted. Azure gritted his teeth, a flicker of frustration crossing his face as he whispered, "That was an incredibly efficient counter."

Wallace, observing Azure's reaction, offered a small explanation with a sly smile, "Milotic learned that tactic during Juan's days as a Coordinator. In Pokémon Contests, it is paramount for a Pokémon to maintain a pristine appearance, no matter what phase of the competition. Healing moves like Recover aren't just for survival; they're for preserving beauty, for maintaining presence."

He gestured towards Juan, who nodded with a knowing smile as he continued, "My mentor taught us the importance of not just winning, but winning beautifully, masterfully."

Azure simply nodded but commanded, recognizing the need for consistent pressure, "Metagross, Agile Stype Metal Claw!"

*Zooom*

Metagross lunged, its metallic claws extended. Wallace countered, keeping the pressure on, "Milotic, Iron Tail!"

*CLANG*

The two Pokémon met in a blur of motion, steel clashing against steel-hard scales against each other. Metal Claw met Iron Tail in a series of rapid exchanges, each strike echoing through the arena…

*CLANG*

… Metagross's attacks landed, but Milotic's serpentine agility and strengthened defenses, thanks to Marvel Scale, allowed it to weave and block with expert precision. Slowly but surely, the exchange began to favor Milotic…

*CLANG*

… Its Iron Tail connected more often, its blows carrying greater weight, pushing Metagross back. The subtle gap difference between a Champion's honed team and a Gym Leader's still formidable but less intensely trained one was becoming apparent, yet it was Metagross struggling as it retreated, but…

*SWOOOSH*

… Milotic, seeing an opening, twirled once more, summoning another Twister. The swirling vortex erupted from the field, catching Metagross mid-retreat.

Azure roared, refusing to yield, "Metagross, break free! Hyper Beam!"

*PEW*

Trapped, Metagross channeled its power once more. A blinding Hyper Beam tore forth, not just aiming at Milotic, but directly into the heart of the Twister. The sheer force of the energy blast shattered the vortex, dissipating the water and wind with a thunderous roar.

The beam continued its trajectory, but Milotic, anticipating the attack, swiftly glided over the iced battlefield surface. Azure added, ensuring Metagross maintained its advantage of distance, "Magnet Rise, stay airborne!"

*Zzzzz*

Milotic, however, had already balanced itself, its eyes fixed on Metagross. Wallace commanded, "Hydro Pump!"

*SPLASH*

A fresh torrent of water erupted, narrow and precise, hurtling towards the levitating Metagross. Metagross, still recovering from its Hyper Beam, managed to execute an agile sidestep, dodging the worst of the blast.

Azure yelled, pulling out a new trick, "Now, Strong Style Tera Blast!"

*PEW*

Metagross, its body shimmering with a prismatic energy, unleashed a concentrated blast. This was no ordinary elemental attack; it pulsed with raw, amorphous power, impacting Milotic with a multi-faceted explosion of light and force.

*BOOOOM*

Milotic took the blast head-on, its scales rippling under the impact. The Tera Blast was potent, scoring another significant hit.

But Wallace smiled and said, "Recover, Milotic."

*Shiii*

Once again, the familiar healing glow enveloped Milotic, frustrating Azure's resilience. It was a stalemate, a battle of endurance that Milotic seemed designed to win.

Wallace pressed his advantage as he commanded, "Milotic, slide! Then Iron Tail, followed by Hydro Pump!"

Milotic slid on the ice of the arena. Moments later, it burst forth, launching itself at Metagross with a gleaming Iron Tail.

*Shinng*

Azure commanded, barely having time to react, "Double Team!"

*Wooosh*

Metagross created its illusions, but Milotic's elegant attack sliced through them with practiced ease, its true target already clear. However, just as Milotic was about to connect, Metagross made a daring move…

*GRAB*

With a burst of speed, it bypassed the Iron Tail, locking its powerful metallic claws around Milotic's body in a crushing grip. Azure grinned, seeing this as he ordered, "Now, flip it into the field, Metagross!"

*WHIP*

With a grunt of effort, Metagross hoisted Milotic out of the field, spinning it in mid-air before slamming the powerful Water-type back onto the hard stone of the battle arena with a resounding CRACK…

*CRACK*

Milotic thrashed, momentarily stunned. Azure shouted, putting everything into this final assault, "Finish it! Strong Style Hyper Beam!"

*PEW*

Metagross unleashed another devastating Hyper Beam, the most powerful it had unleashed. The energy surged towards Milotic, which was struggling to regain its composure on the dry, icy ground.

Wallace, seeing the inevitable, made a grim decision and ordered, "Milotic, Hydro Pump! Counter with everything you have!"

*SPLASH*

Milotic, with a final, desperate surge of energy, unleashed its own Hydro Pump, directly into the path of Metagross's Hyper Beam. The two titanic attacks collided in a deafening explosion of light, water, and raw power…

*KA-BOOOM*

*RMBL*

… The entire Gym vibrated, and a massive cloud of steam and spray engulfed the center of the arena. Pikachu and Eevee whimpered nervously from the sidelines, their eyes wide. Azure watched intently, his heart pounding.

When the smoke finally cleared and the water settled, a tense silence fell. Milotic, though clearly battered, with scales askew and panting heavily, was still defiantly floating in the water, its eyes fixed on Metagross, "Milooo… (Take that… stupid… metallic… psychic crab thing…)"

But Metagross, sprawled on the stone, its metallic body scorched and dented, its red eye dark, was motionless. Juan's voice, though calm, carried the finality of the declaration, "Metagross is unable to battle! Milotic wins!"

/////

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?

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