Ash didn't hesitate.
"Poliwag, let's go."
Poliwag splashed into the pool, spinning once before facing Staryu. Unlike Pidgey, it didn't look overwhelmed. This was familiar ground.
Maya nodded slightly. "Now it's about timing."
"Staryu, Swift!" Misty ordered.
Sharp points of light scattered across the surface.
"Dive!" Ash said.
Poliwag slipped under just in time. The attacks burst harmlessly above the water.
"Bubble!" Ash called as Poliwag resurfaced closer.
A stream of bubbles struck Staryu, forcing it backward. Its spin faltered.
Misty narrowed her eyes. "Recover!"
A faint glow surrounded Staryu as it steadied itself.
Ash didn't raise his voice. "Again."
Poliwag attacked once more, bubbles popping against Staryu's gem. Water churned as the two Pokémon circled, neither gaining ground easily.
Maya leaned closer to the edge. "It's working. Don't let it reset."
"Keep pressure," Ash said. "Bubble!"
The third attack hit cleanly. Staryu wobbled, its spin slowing before it dropped toward the water.
The referee's signal flashed.
"Staryu is unable to battle."
Ash exhaled, shoulders loosening just slightly.
Misty recalled Staryu without comment. She reached for another Poké Ball, expression unreadable.
"Alright," she said. "Let's turn it up."
She threw.
The water erupted.
Starmie rose from the pool, larger, faster, its central gem glowing brightly as it spun into position.
Poliwag froze.
"Starmie, Water Gun!" Misty ordered instantly.
The blast hit Poliwag head-on, sending it tumbling across the pool.
"Poliwag, hold on!" Ash called.
The current carried it backward. When the light flashed again, the outcome was clear.
Poliwag was out.
Silence settled over the Gym.
Ash stood with only one Poké Ball left in his hand.
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T/N:
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