Compared to the previous two Pokémon, Kage's Charmeleon looked far more imposing.
Charmeleon, male, Flame Pokémon, evolved from Torchic, ability Blaze, nature Hasty (↑ Speed, ↓ Defense), epic aptitude, potential Quasi–Elite Four, current power Elite-Mid.
"Elite-Mid, huh... Even with type advantage, this is a water battlefield. Charmeleon's movement will be hindered, and it's a step below Grovyle in raw power. Besides, Grovyle's Mega Drain has already nearly restored itself to peak condition. The odds aren't bad," Mark thought quietly as he glanced at the stats of the opposing Charmeleon in his system.
"End this quickly! Charmeleon, use Flamethrower!"
A stream of fire shot toward Grovyle.
"Grovyle, use Pound on the water surface!"
Grovyle slammed the water with its Pound move, sending a massive wave into the air like a wall of water. The oncoming Flamethrower was blocked completely.
"Kage, remember what you just said? You've got type advantage, but we've got field advantage! Grovyle, keep using Pound on the water surface!"
As Grovyle repeatedly struck the water, the whole battlefield began to churn with waves. Splashes flew toward both Pokémon's platforms. Grovyle, being unfazed by water, stayed calm, but Charmeleon was thrown off balance, forced to dodge side to side to avoid being drenched.
"Charmeleon, use Flame Wheel! Surround yourself!"
Charmeleon wrapped itself in flames, forming a fiery vortex.
Mark's eyes lit up. Water does beat fire, but fire can evaporate water too! These waves weren't true Water-type attacks, and before they could touch Charmeleon, the intense heat of the Flame Wheel vaporized them.
"Hmph! Let me show you my strategy! Charmeleon, use Feint Attack!"
Within the fiery vortex, Charmeleon launched a terrifying Feint Attack. Combined with the swirling flames, it transformed into a massive fire dragon's head, grotesque and menacing. Even the resolute Grovyle flinched at the sight, its speed drastically reduced by fear.
Mark was stunned. Kage's tactic was masterful—turning the Flame Wheel into both defense and offense. If this move were used in a contest, it would surely score astronomically!
The battle's momentum suddenly shifted. Grovyle's biggest asset—its speed—was nearly nullified.
"Charmeleon, use Dragon Rage!"
Kage pressed his advantage. Water waves might block fire moves, but Dragon Rage would hit hard regardless. Charmeleon now acted as a stationary cannon inside the flame vortex. Grovyle, with its speed crippled, struggled to dodge the attack. It barely escaped the first hit, but the second struck directly, causing significant damage.
"Using Flame Wheel to defend, Feint Attack to distract, and Dragon Rage as the main offense—this isn't reckless bravery in water battles, but a carefully crafted strategy. Kage, I underestimated you! Today's lesson teaches me that my easy victories have made me complacent, leaving me vulnerable now. I must thank you for this wake-up call. But even now, I'm not willing to give up! Since I can't rely on speed to hit-and-run anymore, I'll face you head-on! Grovyle, leap straight into that flame vortex and use Razor Leaf!"
Mark shouted, and without hesitation, Grovyle obeyed. Passive defense wasn't its style—it charged forward, blade leaves at the ready.
"What?! Are you crazy?! Sending a Grass-type right into a fire attack?! If you want to die, then fine—I won't hold back! Charmeleon, use Slash!"
The clash of claws and leaves rang out from within the vortex. Charmeleon's sharp claws struck first, knocking Grovyle out of the flame, sparks flying off its body. But Grovyle's eyes stayed fierce—it pushed through the pain and charged again, slicing heavily into Charmeleon's body. This time, it was Charmeleon that was flung out of the vortex!
"Sister, how long has it been since we saw such an intense battle at the gym?" Violet asked.
"Can't even remember," Daisy replied. "Both are far stronger than us—even stronger than Misty! Pallet Town... what a bizarre place! Talented trainers are popping up everywhere. I hope Misty grows stronger soon!"
"Grovyle, use Razor Leaf to slice the platform!"
Taking her words as encouragement, Grovyle swung its blade, cutting the floating platform in two! Both Charmeleon and Grovyle lost footing and plunged into the water. The Flame Wheel vortex dissipated instantly.
Underwater, Charmeleon could barely move, desperate to shield the flames at its tail—the only thing keeping it alive from drowning. Grovyle, though limited underwater, had far more room to maneuver. It hit Charmeleon with three successive Pounds, dealing heavy damage.
"Grovyle, enough! Jump onto the other platform—and pull Charmeleon up too!"
Mark wasn't cruel enough to let Charmeleon stay trapped and drown.
On the new platform, Charmeleon panted heavily, badly injured but still defiant. Grovyle, too, bore burn marks from the fiery battle. Both were nearing their limits—one decisive strike could end it all.
"Fool! If you'd left Charmeleon alone, you'd have won! But I'm not grateful—I'll win this! Charmeleon, use Dragon Rage!"
"Quick Attack!" Mark barked, ordering Grovyle to strike before the attack could launch.
Dragon Rage fired, but Grovyle's Quick Attack struck first, landing a solid hit. Already on the brink, Charmeleon collapsed, its last strength drained as it fell unconscious.
"How could this be?! Wasn't Grovyle slowed down?!" Kage exclaimed, disbelieving.
"Quick Attack channels the body's energy to the optimal point in an instant, propelling it at lightning speed. It has nothing to do with a Pokémon's base speed—it's a priority move!" Mark explained.
"Hmph! I lost this time... but I'll beat you next time!" Kage gritted his teeth.
"Tch! Mark still has a third Pokémon! Obviously stronger than you—what's the act for?" Lily sneered.
"Hmph! You wouldn't understand without a trainer's spirit! Anyway, I admit defeat this time—I give up the Cerulean Gym badge!" Kage recalled Charmeleon, turning his back without another word.
Mark immediately rushed to support the barely-conscious Grovyle.
"This is the first time it's been so badly hurt since debuting. We underestimated them. We'll reflect properly once we're back," Mark reassured Grovyle.
"Chamo..." Grovyle barely nodded in agreement.
Mark withdrew Grovyle into its Poké Ball to rest, then turned to the three sisters. "Sorry... can we postpone the gym challenge by three days? Grovyle needs treatment and rest."
Daisy shook her head, pulling out a blue badge from her pocket. "No need. We've already seen your strength. We're not a match for you. Take this gym badge."
"Is that alright? Taking the badge without another battle?"
"Come on! Why be so fussy? Do you need to teach us a lesson before you feel satisfied? Besides, who said there wasn't a battle? That fight was so intense it got my blood pumping!" Peony laughed.
"Alright then! I'll accept this badge—thank you! Also... what about that earlier promise?"
"Already prepared for you! Here—this is the TM for Scald!" Violet handed over a disc-like item.
"This Scald is one-time use, so be careful!" Daisy warned.
"Alright, thank you so much! I'll head to the Pokémon Center now to get Grovyle treated—so, I'll be on my way," Mark bowed to the sisters and ran toward the Pokémon Center.
--------------------
T/N:
Check out my Patreon
[email protected]/FictionalRealms784 - (Replace '@' with 'a')
for 5 Advanced Chapters absolutely FREE—or unlock 35 Advanced Chapters
--------------------