Chapter 232: Fighting Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Dewford Town – Gym]
With Steven gone, Ruby and Azure began to explore Granite Cave together, searching for the Feebas or Milotic in the area. Inside Granite, the cool, damp air was a stark contrast to the sunny Dewford exterior.
Stalactites hung like fearsome teeth from the ceiling, and the echoing drips of water created a natural, rhythmic symphony. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and unseen minerals. They ventured deeper, their flashlights using they're phones, cutting swathes through the gloom. Zubat flitted in the higher crevices, and the occasional Aron rumbled past on its metallic legs.
The cave branched off in numerous directions, a labyrinth of passages and hidden chambers. Azure then turned to Ruby, who looked less than thrilled by the prospect of descending into a potentially muddy, watery abyss as he said calmly, "Ruby, you're with me. The deeper parts of the cave often hold underground lakes, and that's where we'll likely find what we're looking for."
Ruby sighed dramatically. But he replied, putting on a brave face in a passionate tone, "Oh, very well. But if I get my shoes ruined, you're buying me a new pair!"
Despite his theatrical complaint, a genuine curiosity tugged at him. He'd never actively searched for a Feebas before, and the idea of seeing one of the world's most beautiful Pokémon in its natural (albeit drab) habitat was undeniably appealing.
They began their descent, the path becoming narrower and steeper. The air grew heavier, and the distant sound of trickling water grew louder.
They passed by small, stagnant pools, but none held the shimmering schools of Feebas Ruby was hoping for. He cast his fishing Good Rod into a few of the larger, clearer pools, but only pulled up a few Tentacool and Magikarp.
Ruby, meanwhile, meticulously avoided any puddles, his flashlight beam meticulously scanning for anything remotely beautiful. Ruby grumbled at one point, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow, "Are you sure they're even in this part of the cave? It's all so… utilitarian."
Azure, ever patient, simply shook his head. He continued to scan the shadowy depths of each new pool they discovered, his experienced eyes missing nothing as he explained calmly, "Feebas are notoriously elusive. They prefer remote, undisturbed waters. We just need to keep searching."
They spent the next few hours in a methodical, almost meditative, search. They cast their lines into every promising patch of water they found – small subterranean lakes, narrow streams, and vast, shimmering pools.
Azure even deployed Corphish and Psyduck from their Poké Ball, having it scout the underwater terrain with its keen senses, hoping its aquatic instincts might give them an edge. Corphish diligently scuttled along the murky bottom, scaring up Wingull and Psyduck, but never the slender, drab form of a Feebas.
Ruby, for all his flamboyant nature, showed surprising persistence. He'd occasionally pause to admire the shimmer of water on his Nana's fur or comment on the pleasing aesthetic of a particular rock formation, but his focus remained sharp.
Ruby's patience was wearing thin, as occasionally they were attacked by Wild Pokémon. But Azure's Pokémon forced them back and defeated some in battle, gaining valuable experience in the process.
*Dip*
Casting another line after searching different pools in Granite Cave Ruby, sighed, reeling in his line from a particularly dark pool, "Still nothing… This is proving quite the challenge. Perhaps the legends of their rarity are not exaggerated."
Azure used his Metang to carefully shift a few large rocks, revealing a hidden crevice pool. He cast his line again, waiting.
He considered sending out Psyduck to use its Confusion to stir the waters, but resisted. Feebas were notoriously shy.
A heavy-handed approach wouldn't work. Azure said in a defeated tone, finally, reeling in his empty line, "It seems the Feebas of Granite Cave are too shy for us today. We've explored every viable pool. It might be time to concede defeat on this particular quest for now in Dewford Town."
He patted Metang's metallic shell, and the Pokémon hummed softly, acknowledging his Trainer's decision. Ruby sighed dramatically, but there was an underlying respect in his gaze as he said tiredly, "A wise decision. One must know when to gracefully withdraw. Perhaps their beauty is meant to remain elusive for a time."
He packed his rod with a flourish. He then asked curiously, calming down, "Shall we return to Dewford? I hear the local café has delightful berry muffins."
Hearing that Azure agreed. He said calmly, packing up his own Good Rod into his spatial backpack, "A fine idea, we could use a break. Let's check back on Sapphire first."
As they retraced their steps, the cool, damp air giving way to the warmer, humid air of the cave entrance, Azure's thoughts drifted. He hadn't found a Feebas, but the exploration with Ruby had been a good way to see a bit of Hoenn's unique landscapes.
And it had given him an idea, recalling this event. Azure said, making Ruby stop, "Ruby. I think I'll make a quick detour before we head to the café."
Raising an eyebrow, he asked curiously, "Oh? To where?"
Azure replied confidently, a glint in his eye as he used his Full Restore on his Pokémon, "The Dewford Gym. Might as well see what Brawly, the Fighting-type Gym Leader, is all about. And maybe… challenge him."
Ruby's eyes widened again. But sighed, knowing who he was talking to as he replied, waving his hand dismissively, "Already? Bold! Though I suppose for a Champion like yourself, that's just a warm-up. I'll wait outside then, perhaps polish my Pokémon."
Azure nodded but then paused as he asked curiously, "Say, Ruby? Would you need a free ride out of Dewford? You can travel with us for a bit till we reach the next city."
Ruby paused, hearing the offer as he gazed at Azure. He took the moment to think of his choice, 'Right… I need to leave Dewford soon. But I can't take the usual transport unless my father finds me… do I really have the choice following him and Sapphire…'
Ruby weighed the options of either dealing with Azure and Sapphire, or would he rather take his chances alone at sea with his father after him. He shivered at the idea as he responded resolutely, "Very well! I'll graciously take your offer!"
Azure offered a small smile as Ruby followed him to the Gym, a simple, sturdy building near the shoreline. As he pushed open the heavy doors, a burst of shouts and excited cheers reached him.
He stepped inside, and the scene before him made him pause. In the center of the sand-filled arena, a muscular, tanned man with a surf-bro vibe, presumably Brawly, was extending his hand to none other than Sapphire.
In Brawly's palm sat a glistening Knuckle Badge. Brawly laughed, his voice booming as he said out loud, "That's one tough battle, Sapphire! You and your Combuskin truly showed the spirit of Dewford! You've earned this Knuckle Badge!"
Sapphire, flushed with exertion but beaming with pride, carefully took the badge. She says excitedly, shaking his hand, "Thank you, Brawly! You and your Hariyama were super strong! But we held on!"
She looked up, her eyes sparkling, and then she saw Azure and Ruby standing in the doorway. She smugly grins, "Look! I got my second badge!"
Ruby frowned as he whistled embarrassingly, not getting a Ribbon for himself. Azure's face softened. His quiet praise was more meaningful than any loud cheer, "I see that, Sapphire. Congratulations. Excellent work."
Brawly, noticing the new arrival, turned. His eyes narrowed slightly in recognition as he said happily, "Azure Sky! I've heard lots of things about you from Bruno and Red!"
He extended a hand, his grip firm. He smiled challengingly at him as he said cooly, "Brawly, Dewford Gym Leader. Glad to have a legend visit us!"
Azure said cooly, shaking his hand as he congratulated Sapphire on her victory, "The pleasure is mine, Brawly. Congratulations on a good battle, Sapphire. You seem to have found your footing quickly."
Sapphire declared proudly, adjusting the badge on her belt, "I learned from the best! So, you're here to challenge him, too, Master?"
Azure nodded as he calmly explained himself, "That's the plan. If you're ready, Brawly?"
Brawly grinned, his muscles flexing. He took to his side as he smiled smugly, "Always ready for a good challenge, especially from a Champ! Prepare yourself! This isn't Kanto nor Johto! Welcome to the Hoenn Region! This will be a 3-on-3 Pokémon Battle!!"
The Gym battle began shortly after, the arena cleared of any lingering sand from Sapphire's earlier bout. Brawly stood on one side, exuding a rough, powerful aura, while Azure stood opposite, calm and collected, his Poké Balls ready.
Brawly brought his Rotom Phone was activated, signaling a machine near Azure. Sapphire and Ruby took to the stands, watching the battle. Ruby looked confused, seeing the scene unfamiliar to him till…
*Click*
*Rmbl*
Just as he said that, a strange machine came out of the ground. The strange machine opened and came near Azure. There were 6 sockets in them as Azure placed the 3; he'll be choosing for this Gym Battle.
He had carefully considered his options and selected 3 Pokémon that he believed would give him the best chance of victory: Grovyle, Corphish, and Kirlia.
*Ding*
Finishing scanning, Brawly checked his Rotom Phone. Smirking, he turned as a strange machine popped up from the sand beside him, split, revealing 3 Pokémon of exact or tougher level for the Gym Challenge.
Sapphire, perched on the stands, was practically vibrating with excitement. Her idol, her master, the living legend, was about to take to the stage.
Ruby, for all his feigned disinterest in the rough-and-tumble of Pokémon battles, covertly adjusted his glasses, a flicker of genuine curiosity in his eyes. Sapphire took notice of him as she said boredly, "Why the heck are you here? Don't you hate these things?"
Ruby calmly replied, eyeing the match intensely, dismissively waving his hand, "He said he'll offer a free ride out of here, and I took it. Is they're anything wrong with that?"
Sapphire frowned, hearing this, but ultimately allowed, since it was Azure's decision. It would reflect poorly on her if she refused, as it might result in losing him as her mentor during this journey.
Meanwhile, Ruby focused on Azure's match intensely. He'd heard the whispers, seen the old League footage back in Johto. He wanted to see if the Indigo Champions could truly start from scratch and still dominate.
The gym floor was a simple, sturdy mat, designed for impact. Brawly grinned, his laid-back persona momentarily giving way to a focused intensity as he said excitedly, "Alright, Azure! I've heard the legends, but here in Hoenn, we fight with heart and skill! Ready?"
Azure gave a calm, reassuring nod. His voice, though soft, carried the weight of countless victories, "Ready when you are, Brawly."
Brawly was shaking in excitement for this match since hearing from his friend Bruno about his skills. Brawly declared, his arm sweeping forward, "Then let's get this show on the road! Hitmontop, show 'em why we're the best!"
*Pop*
A Pokémon, balanced precariously on its head, spun onto the field with a dizzying velocity. Hitmontop, a master of dynamic kicks and unpredictable movements, immediately began its signature inverted spin, a whirlwind of limbs and martial arts prowess.
Azure remained unperturbed. His hand went to a particular Poké Ball, his fingers tracing the smooth surface as he declared, "Kirlia, let's go."
*Pop*
A flash of light, and the graceful, humanoid form of Kirlia materialized, her green hair swaying, her red horn-like appendages glowing faintly. She regarded the spinning Hitmontop with an ethereal calm, her large eyes reflecting the rapid rotation.
Brawly mused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, in an excited tone, "A Kirlia, huh? Bold choice against a Fighting-type! Super effective, yeah, but total glass canons. Hitmontop, Triple Kick, let's see some fancy footwork!"
*Wooosh*
Hitmontop ceased its spinning, launching itself forward with astonishing speed. Its legs became a blur, aiming a rapid succession of kicks at Kirlia.
The air shimmered around the Fighting Pokémon, each strike aimed with precision. Azure commanded, his voice clear and resonant, "Kirlia, Confusion sphere!"
*CLANG*
Kirlia's eyes glowed intensely. A transparent, shimmering sphere of psychic energy erupted around her just as Hitmontop's first kick connected. The blow vibrated against the barrier, but Kirlia remained steadfast, untouched.
*CLANG*
The second and third kicks also harmlessly rebounded. Brawly conceded, but his grin returned, "Impressive! But can it attack? Hitmontop, use Rapid Spin!"
*Zoooom*
Hitmontop retracted its legs, tucking them in tightly, and began to spin horizontally, transforming into a living, high-speed top, hurtling towards Kirlia. This maneuver was designed to break through defenses and inflict continuous damage.
Azure slyly grinned, seeing Hitmontop. He thought confidently, seeing it in action, 'I have to say he trained his Hitmontop pretty good. But unfortunately for Brawly, he isn't the only one to have trained a Hitmontop. I know how they work and their weaknesses!'
Azure's strategy was fluid, adapting to Brawly's offensive as he ordered calmly, "Kirlia, teleport behind it, then use Agile Style, Draining Kiss!"
*Swf*
Just as Hitmontop was about to make contact, Kirlia vanished in a flash of light, reappearing directly behind the spinning Fighting Pokémon. Without hesitation, she extended her small, delicate hands.
*Chu*
A soft, pink energy flowed from her palms, forming the shape of a kiss that gently touched Hitmontop's back. The effect was instantaneous.
*Shiii*
Hitmontop, caught mid-spin, faltered. The drain of energy was evident as its vibrant colors seemed to dull for a moment, and some of Kirlia's stamina from the barrier effort rapidly replenished.
Brawly exclaimed, caught off guard by the Fairy-type move, "What?! Draining Kiss?! Hitmontop, get out of there, use Counter!"
Hitmontop, groggy from the Draining Kiss, tried to regain its balance, its eyes narrowing as it prepared for a retaliatory strike, fueled by the damage it had just taken. But Azure didn't allow it the chance.
Crossing his arms, Azure stated calmly to his Kirlia, "Don't give it the chance, Kirlia! Confusion, full power Strong Style!"
*SHIII*
Kirlia's horns pulsed with brilliant blue light, and a massive wave of raw psychic energy erupted from her, slamming into Hitmontop with devastating force. Hitmontop, already disoriented and weakened, was lifted off its feet, its spinning motion utterly disrupted in the process.
*BOOOM*
It crashed back down onto the mat, eyes swirling. Azure smirked as he earned a win, meaning the match would now be 2-on-3.
Sapphire clapped vigorously, her face alight with admiration. She roared excitedly, "Yes! Master is amazing!"
Ruby merely adjusted his glasses again, a silent acknowledgment of the strategic finesse displayed. But that was when Sapphire asked, surprised, "Wait… when do you start wearing glasses?"
Ruby froze as he swiftly put away his glasses, realizing he had been found out. He asked embarrassingly, "What glasses?"
Sapphire pouted as Ruby, but let it go. Ruby was nearsighted, and he had a pair of glasses to correct this, though he was originally too vain when it came to wear them often. But in this situation looked at the battle, examining it intently.
Returning to the battlefield, Brawly, however, was already recalling his Hitmontop. He reached for his next Poké Ball as he said cheerfully, "You're good, Azure. Very good. Didn't expect a Champion to have such a powerful Kirlia this early in the journey! But our battle is just beginning!"
Azure grinned, hearing this. He smirked, prepared for the challenges ahead…
/////
A/N: Here's an extra chapter for today. On a sidenote, the MC rotation has been updated. Also, thanks, guys, for your thoughts about the earlier update and recommendation for the story.
Otherwise, try to reach the goal of 100 PS to get the Bonus Chapter!