Chapter 226: Rock Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Rustboro City – Gym]
Having recalled her Anorith, Roxanne picked her next choice. Her eyes hardened as she said calmly with an authoritative voice, "I see your title isn't just for show, Sky. But this next Pokémon will put you in a tough spot. Go, Golem!"
*Pop*
With a flash of crimson light, a massive, spherical Pokémon materialized on the battlefield. Golem, a Rock/Ground-type, its body composed of an outer shell of boulders, its four powerful arms folded imposingly, settled onto the ground with a low rumble.
Its presence was immense, radiating raw power and an almost impregnable defense. Azure's mind raced, quickly cycling through his options.
He quickly recalled Vulpix grinning cheekily, and he made his choice. Azure called out, releasing Grovyle in a burst of light, "Vulpix return! Alright, Grovyle, let's show them what we've got!"
*Pop*
Grovyle, sleek and emerald, green, landed lightly on the rocky terrain, its blades sharp and ready. It surveyed the behemoth Golem before it with a focused intensity, a stark contrast to Golem's unyielding bulk.
The crowd murmured, some wondering if Azure was underestimating Golem's power with a seemingly frail Grass-type. But Sapphire knew better as she thought, 'Speed and precision are his game. But against Golem, sure, it has the type advantage, but Grovyle isn't exactly known for its poor defenses…'
Roxanne noted, a hint of surprise in her voice, quickly replaced by a knowing smirk, "A Grovyle. A good choice against Golem's defense. Golem, use Defense Curl!"
*ROLL*
Golem pulled its boulder-like limbs inward, its rocky shell hardening further. A visible shimmer of energy rippled around its form, increasing its already formidable defense, curling up.
Azure commanded swiftly as he ordered, "Don't let it dig in, Grovyle! Quick Attack, aiming for the head!"
*Zoooom*
Grovyle was a blur of green, darting across the rocky field with incredible speed. Its lithe form wove through the stone obstacles, closing the distance to Golem in an instant. It slammed its head into Golem's hardened crown, a solid thud echoing throughout the whole gym.
*THUD*
Golem barely flinched, the attack seemingly absorbed by its amplified defense. Roxanne frowned mentally as she thought, 'He purposely hit it with a low-power move, but the quickest just to get rid of my Golem's SturdyAbility. I'll have to be wary now…'
Roxanne stated calmly, "As expected. Golem, Rock Blast!"
*PEW*
Golem roared, its arms extending. Several medium-sized rock materialsized in the air around it, then launched themselves at Grovyle with alarming speed.
Azure observed the scene, then shouted, eyes narrowed, arms crossed, "Grovyle, use your agility! Double Team!"
*Wooosh*
Grovyle shimmered, and suddenly, multiple spectral copies of the original appeared around it, scattering in different directions. The Rock Blast attacks slammed into thin air or harmlessly dissipated against the illusions.
Roxanne conceded, her eyes narrowing as she tried to track the real Grovyle, "Smart. But not enough! Golem, roll out! Use Rollout!"
*RMBL*
Golem tucked itself into a tight ball, its rocky shell gleaming, and began to spin rapidly. With a building rumble, it launched itself forward, a relentless, unstoppable boulder gaining momentum with every rotation.
The gym floor vibrated under the immense force. Azure warned, his voice urgent, "Grovyle, don't let it hit you! Lead it! Use Leaf Blade on the move!"
*Shiii*
Grovyle, the real one, darted just out of Golem's path, staying ahead of the colossal rolling mass. As Golem brushed past one of the stone pillars, Grovyle whipped its arm out, its leaf-blades glowing with emerald energy, and slashed across Golem's rocky hide.
*SHINNG*
The sound was like a scraping of diamond on stone, and a faint, thin line appeared on Golem's tough shell. Grovyle immediately leaped away, avoiding Golem's continuing momentum.
Azure knew Golem's defense was paramount, but relentless, swift attacks could find cracks. Azure urged, pointing as he ordered, "Again, Grovyle! Keep moving! Focus on those weak points!"
*Zoooom*
Grovyle zipped around the gym, an emerald streak against the grey rock. Golem, though powerful, was slow to change direction while rolling.
*SHINNG*
Every time it passed near a pillar or an outcrop, Grovyle would unleash a quick, precise Leaf Blade, leaving another faint mark on Golem's surface. The cumulative damage was small, but it was there, shaving off bits of Golem's formidable resolve as the battle continued.
Roxanne finally commanded, her brow furrowed, "Golem, stop the Rollout!"
The continuous attacks, though minor, were frustrating her strategy. She ordered calmly, "Regain your bearings, then use Magnitude!"
*THUD*
Golem slowly unwound itself, shaking its bulk as it came to a halt. Its eyes, small and determined, were fixed on Grovyle.
Azure saw his window. He grinned as he ordered, "Now, Grovyle, before it can launch Magnitude! Energy Ball, full power!"
*Shiii*
Magnitude was powerful, but it required a moment to charge, and it affected the entire field, meaning Grovyle couldn't hide behind illusions without taking the hit. Grovyle hunched low, a vibrant green orb of condensed natural energy forming between its hands, alarming Roxanne.
She gritted her teeth as she yelled, her voice losing its calm edge for the first time, "Stone Edge, Golem! Protect yourself!"
*RMBL*
Golem roared, and sharp, jagged stones erupted from the ground around it, creating a makeshift barrier. Roxanne assumed Grovyle's attack would be blocked…
But she failed to realize the orb was within Grovyle's hands, and slyly grinned. Azure slyly grinned as he ordered, "Syce! Grovyle eats the Energy Ball as planned!"
Sapphire and Roxanne's eyes widened, witnessing the action as they thought, startled, 'WHAT?! HE CAN DO THAT!!'
*Gulp*
Grovyle trusted Azure's words without fail as it ate the Energy Ball in one gulp. When it did so, its eyes shot open as its Overgrow ability activated, giving Grovyle a powerful green aura as it cried out, empowered, "GROVVV!! (I FEEL THE POWERRRR!!!)"
Azure grinned, seeing their stunned expressions, "Now! Aim an Energy Ball!"
*PEW*
A vibrant green ball of energy appeared instantly in Grovyle's hands, slyly grinning at the stuck Golem. Having powered up, it launched the orb with incredible speed, a glowing projectile hurtling towards Golem.
*BOOOOM*
The Energy Ball slammed into the Stone Edge wall, exploding in a burst of green light and showering the arena with rock fragments. The force of the explosion sent both Pokémon reeling slightly.
As the dust settled, Golem stood firm, though cracks were now visible on its stone plating where the Energy Ball had struck along its body. Grovyle, too, was winded, breathing heavily, but still agile, slyly grinning at its empowered attack.
Roxanne admitted, a hint of respect in her voice, "Impressive! But Golem is resilient! Golem, let's show them your true power! Hammer Arm!"
*THUD*
Golem lumbered forward, its arms glowing with raw power as it prepared a devastating strike. A direct hit from this would be catastrophic for Grovyle.
Azure countered, knowing this was the moment, "Grovyle, evasive maneuvers! Don't let it touch you! Then, end it with Strong Style! Leaf Blade!"
*ZOOOOM*
Grovyle, with a burst of renewed energy, danced around Golem's slow, powerful swings. It dodged left, then right, then leaped high over a sweeping Hammer Arm, its movements fluid and precise. Golem tried to track down where Grovyle was, but...
*SHINNG*
… Grovyle upper cutted Golem as its leafy blades sharpened as it slashed upward. Golem roared in pain, its massive form shaking violently under the relentless assault, "GOOOO!!! (IT HURTS!!)"
Roxanne shouted, her voice laced with desperation, "Golem, hang in there!"
*CRACK*
Then, with a final, shuddering crack, Golem's rocky shell fractured, and a cascade of small stones crumbled from its body. The mighty Golem teetered for a moment, then collapsed onto the rocky arena floor with a resounding thump, its eyes swirling into K.O. spirals.
*THUMP*
Golem was unable to battle. Azure with 3 Pokémon, and Roxanne has only 1 left. A cheer erupted from the small crowd.
Pikachu zapped with excitement on Azure's shoulder, and Eevee barked approvingly. Azure felt a surge of pride. Grovyle had performed magnificently, pushing itself to its limits.
Azure praised, walking forward to meet his partner, "You were incredible, Grovyle."
Grovyle leaned into his touch, exhausted but radiating satisfaction. He returned Grovyle to its Poké Ball, knowing it needed rest.
Sapphire's eyes widened seeing the battle. Chic and Rono paid close attention as she thought, seeing Azure's battle style, 'He trusted his Pokémon completely, and in return, Grovyle, once Treecko, a Pokémon he barely had for a few days… trusted him fully. Even against a stronger foe, Grovyle trusted him fully to win. Amazing…'
Roxanne recalled her Golem, a thoughtful expression on her face. She said, her voice regaining its composure, "You certainly know how to handle a Rock-type."
Azure rubbed the back of his head as he nonchalantly replied, shrugging his shoulders, "Yeah. I had some experience raising a Larvitar to a Tyranitar. So, I know my way around Rock Types, Roxanne."
She looked at the Poké Ball in her hand, then fixed her gaze on Azure, a challenging glint in her eyes. Roxanne sighed, a flicker of admiration in her eyes as she said confidently, "Very well. Still truly impressive, Azure. You've outmaneuvered me on two counts. But now… for my ace."
A palpable shift in the air. Roxanne took a deep breath, her gaze hardening. She tossed her final Pokémon, declaring loudly, "The one that embodies the ancient power of rock types. Come forth, Aerodactyl!"
*Pop*
A roar echoed through the gym as a magnificent creature with leathery wings and a powerful, toothy maw descended from the skylight. Aerodactyl, a primal Rock/Flying type, its body ancient and imposing, landed with a thud that shook the arena.
*THUD*
Its fierce eyes scanned the field, assessing its opponent. The sheer presence of the Fossil Pokémon was overwhelming.
From the stands, Sapphire's eyes widened, seeing this as well as her Pokémon. She thought, stunned, 'She had something like this! If she used Aerodactyl against me in our first match…'
Sapphire frowned as she realized she wouldn't have won easily. But shook her head as she thought bitterly, '… No, I would've lost if Roxanne used that first. Rono and Chic wouldn't have the means to combat this, but Azure doesn't have any flying-type Pokémon except for Metang… will he use that to win? I mean, he got to the right in this situation?'
Sapphire-eyed Azure from the stands, curious about his game plan against the Aerodactyl. Azure's eyes narrowed as he pondered, 'Aerodactyl is fast, powerful, and its Rock/Flying typing made it neutral to Grass and vulnerable to Water, Electric, Ice, and Steel. I've used Vulpix and Grovyle, not optimal choices except for one Pokémon left…'
Roxanne's voice boomed with renewed confidence. She boasted confidently, declaring, gazing at Azure's reaction, "This is the true power of the earth's past! What Pokémon will you choose to face my Aerodactyl, Azure? Choose carefully, for this is where the badge is truly earned!"
Azure's hand hovered over his Poké Balls. His fingers brushed against one ball, a faint smile touching his lips as he thought maliciously, 'It was risky. It was unconventional. But damn, it would be funny as hell to see her smug expression go down against a mere Psyduck–no! The Alpha Psyduck!'
But it was also his wildcard, the Pokémon he knew had hidden depths. Pikachu and Eevee, watching intently from the sidelines, sensed the gravity of the moment. They trusted Azure, even when his choices seemed baffling.
He held up the chosen Poké Ball, a glint in his eye. With a flourish, he tossed the ball, declaring smugly grinning, "Alright, buddy. This is it. Show them what you've got. Psyduck, let's go!"
*Pop*
A collective gasp rippled through the audience. Sapphire's mouth was agape along with her Pokémon as she thought, baffled, 'Out of all the Pokémon… you send a Psyduck! Against an Aerodactyl?!'
Roxanne blinked, then a baffled expression crossed her face. She asked, her tone was not mocking, but genuine surprise and concern, "Psyduck? Are you certain, Azure? Aerodactyl is a formidable opponent. Psyduck… is not typically known for its combat prowess against such powerhouses."
Psyduck materialized on the field, looking around in its usual dazed state, its head throbbing. It murmured, "Psy…ai… ai…?"
Psyduck looked utterly confused as it took in the massive, roaring Aerodactyl. The Fossil Pokémon scoffed arrogantly and cried out, "Aerrro! (Seriously? They sent a duck against the Mighty Aerodactyl! The audacity!)"
Azure simply smiled, unperturbed. He replied casually as Psyduck tilted its head, "I'm very certain, Roxanne. Psyduck may seem… confused, but I trust it completely. It has a hidden power, and I believe in it."
Roxanne shrugged, still looking perplexed. She continued as she declared, "Very well. Don't say I didn't warn you. Aerodactyl, use Giga Impact!"
*FWP*
Aerodactyl roared, its body glowing with orange energy as it launched itself at Psyduck, a living meteor. The attack was devastatingly powerful, leaving the user immobile after use, but if it hit, it would likely be a one-shot knockout.
Azure commanded urgently, "Psyduck! Water Pulse, then dive!"
*SPLASH*
Psyduck, despite its confusion, instinctively obeyed. A stream of water shot from its beak, striking Aerodactyl's chest mid-charge.
*Wooosh*
It wasn't enough to stop the attack, but it bought Psyduck a fraction of a second. Before Aerodactyl could connect, Psyduck, surprisingly agile, ducked under the attack, narrowly avoiding the full force of the Giga Impact.
*THUD*
Aerodactyl crashed into the ground behind it, leaving a small crater. The crowd gasped as Sapphire thought wide-eyed, 'It dodged that?!'
Roxanne's eyes widened slightly. After processing what occurred, she muttered, "It… dodged Giga Impact? That's… unexpected."
Aerodactyl, momentarily stunned and immobile from its attack, struggled to right itself. Azure seized the opening, "Now, Psyduck! Strong Style! Water Pulse!"
*SPLASH*
Psyduck's bill glowed, and a swirling sphere of water materialized, pulsing with energy. It launched forward, impacting Aerodactyl squarely.
The ancient Pokémon screeched, visibly reeling from the super-effective hit. The Water Pulse also had a 20% chance to confuse, and for a moment, Aerodactyl looked visibly disoriented.
Roxanne's eyes widened in realization. Roxanne yelled, trying to break its confusion, "Aerodactyl, snap out of it! Use Aerial Ace!"
Aerodactyl shook its head, its confusion clearing, and launched itself into the air, becoming a blur of motion. Aerial Ace was an attack that never missed.
*FWP*
Seeing the incoming attack, Azure knew this was the moment as he ordered, "Psyduck, focus! Psychic!"
Psyduck's head began to throb intensely. It pressed its webbed hands to its temples, a low groan escaping its bill, "Psy… ai!!"
*Ripple*
Its eyes, usually vacant, shimmered with a faint blue light. The pain of the headache intensified, and the air around Psyduck began to ripple.
Aerodactyl descended, claws extended, aiming for a swift end. Azure's voice was firm, trusting, "Now, Psyduck!"
*SHIII*
The blue light around Psyduck intensified, flaring outwards. At the very last moment, as Aerodactyl's claws were inches away, a wave of raw psychic energy erupted from Psyduck outward. It was a chaotic, powerful burst of uncontrolled Psychic power, born from its headache.
*BOOOM*
The psychic wave slammed into Aerodactyl, not just deflecting its Aerial Ace but sending the massive Pokémon careening backwards. It crashed into the arena wall with a deafening impact of a BOOMING sound.
Aerodactyl cried out in pain, its body trembling, "ARRRG!! (THE FUCK?!)"
Roxanne exclaimed, shocked, "What was that?!"
Azure casually explained, his voice low with pride at his Duck Pokémon, "Psyduck's latent psychic abilities. It's often triggered by extreme pain or stress, like headaches. It's unrefined, but incredibly potent."
Roxanne's eyes twitched, hearing that as she thought rhetorically, 'Of course I know that! I mean, it's usually in short bursts… but not throwing a freaking Aerodactyl into the wall, managing to damage it!'
Aerodactyl, though powerful, was battered. The Giga Impact recoil, the Water Pulse, and now this raw psychic burst had taken their toll.
It struggled to rise, its wings drooping. Roxanne desperately commanded, hoping for paralysis, "Aerodactyl, Dragon Breath!"
*PEW*
Aerodactyl snarled, a foul-smelling stream of green energy erupting from its mouth. Azure saw its weakened state and seized it. He ordered swiftly, "Dodge left, then end it! Strong Style! Water Pulse!"
*Wooosh*
Psyduck, still clutching its head, but with a new determination in its shimmering eyes, shuffled clumsily to the left, narrowly avoiding the Dragon Breath. Then, it inhaled deeply, its entire body glowing faintly with a more organized surge of water-type energy…
*SPLASH*
This wasn't just a regular Water Pulse; this was a full-fledged, powerful Strong Style Water Pulse. A colossal, high-pressure jet of water erupted from Psyduck's bill, a veritable geyser. The torrent of water slammed into the already weakened Aerodactyl with terrifying force.
*THUD*
The ancient Pokémon shrieked, caught in the powerful stream, then was lifted off its feet and slammed mercilessly against the far wall of the gym. The impact was violent, and when the water subsided, Aerodactyl lay motionless, its eyes spiraling.
A moment of stunned silence hung in the air, then the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Sapphire eyes widened, joining along, muttered, "So strong…"
Roxanne stood frozen for a moment, then a slow, genuine smile spread across her face. She walked towards Azure, her eyes gleaming with respect as she said, truly impressed, "Azure… that was… incredible, I have never seen a Psyduck used with such tactical brilliance, nor witnessed such raw potential. You truly understand your Pokémon, even their hidden strengths."
She extended her hand, holding a gleaming, multi-faceted stone and his rewards as she declared calmly, "The Stone Badge is yours, Azure. You've earned it, and then some with your other rewards."
[Item: Stone 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, Rock-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Rock Tomb
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Rock Tomb].]
After examining his items and gaining the reward money into his account, he put them away in his bag, but his [Sub-Space] for safekeeping. He replied happily to Roxanne, "Thank you, Roxanne. It was an honor. Your Aerodactyl was truly magnificent."
Psyduck, still a little dazed, looked at its webbed hands, then up at Azure, a flicker of understanding in its usually vacant eyes. It let out a triumphant, if still slightly confused, cry, "Psy-ay! (I did it!)."
Azure knelt and gently patted Psyduck's head. He praised his Duck Pokémon proudly, "You were amazing, buddy. Truly amazing."
Pikachu and Eevee rushed over, nuzzling Psyduck, sharing in its victory. Psyduck did a peace sign happily after winning its first Gym Battle.
After that, Azure soon followed the open door that Roxanne left. But before he left, Sapphire called out, stopping him, "Hold on! Let me study under you, master!"
Azure's brain shot-circuited as he thought, 'Huh?'
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!