Chapter 25: Water Gym Battle
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Days Later, Cerulean City – Gym]
Finally, the day arrived when Azure felt they were ready to challenge the Cerulean City Gym. He gathered his team, excitement and anticipation filling the air.
He checked his Arc Phone and his Pokémon stats. He was damn proud of how much they improved given the several days given.
|Name: Partner Pikachu
|Type: Electric
|Level: 24
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Light Ball]
|Ability: Lightning Rod (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Hasty
|Moves: Thunder Shock [A][S], Quick Attack [A], Double Team, Agility, Thunder Wave, Electro Ball [A], Iron Tail [A], Feint, Spark, Zippy Zap, Floaty Float, Splishy Splash, Pika Papow, Surf (HM), Volt Tackle (EM), Wish (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
|Name: Dratini (Dragon Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon
|Level: 21
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Dragon Fang]
|Ability: Marvel Scale (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Wrap, Leer, Twister [S], Dragon Tail [A], Thunder Wave, Dragon Rage, Iron Tail [A], Protect, Agility, Surf (HM), Extreme Speed (IM), Dragon Dance (EM) (5 Moves to Learn)
|Name: Growlithe (Puppy Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Level: 21
|Held Item: [Eviolite]
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Flash Fire
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Ember [A], Leer, Howl, Bite [S], Flame Wheel [S], Helping Hand, Agility, Iron Tail, Protect (TM), Raging Fury (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (6 Moves left to learn)
Azure smiled, seeing how much his Pokémon team improved, finally given the chance to excel in move training. He also made sure that his Pokémon had one move, Agile Style, as shown in bold in his Arc Phone.
Not only that, Growlithe managed to learn the move Iron Tail, finally having a different type of move for extra coverage. However, his proudest achievement was finally having his Partner Pikachu learn the Partner Moves, but he had to forget Tail Whip for Agility.
Azure was proud to see his team forming into an unstoppable force. He said, his voice resolute, "Alright, team. We've trained hard, and we're ready to face Misty. Remember to trust in yourselves, support each other, and most importantly, have fun!"
They set off towards Cerulean City, their steps filled with purpose. As they walked, Azure reviewed their strategy for the Gym battle.
He knew Misty specialized in water types, so Pikachu's electric attacks would be crucial. Growlithe's fire attacks could also be effective against some of Misty's Pokémon, if only to make chip damage while holding strong, thanks to his Eviolite.
Dratini's powerful moves could push Misty and her Pokémon. Feeling he has prepared himself, he steeled his nerves, entering inside determined to win the Cascade Badge.
Reaching the Cerulean City Gym, Azure adjusted his worn cap, the Cerulean City Gym looming large before him. Azure took a deep breath and pushed open the doors, viewing the gym inside.
The familiar scent of chlorine hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the earthy aroma of Route 24 and 25, where he'd spent the last few days honing his team. The interior was a vast aquatic arena, with a large pool of water dominating the center.
From the sidelines, Red was waving, keeping an eye on the match between the two trainers. Not only him, but also a small crowd of people from Cerulean City, adding to the pressure he'll be facing.
The journey to Cerulean City had been eventful, to say the least. The chaotic scramble through Mt. Moon with Red and Misty against Team Rocket still felt like a fever dream. He shuddered slightly, remembering the Muk, the claustrophobic tunnels, and the grimy faces of the Rocket grunts.
The escape to Misty's mansion had been a welcome reprieve, a temporary haven of luxury and strategic planning. He'd learned a lot working with Red and Misty, strategizing against Team Rocket.
But while they trained together, Azure had focused on strengthening his team, preparing for this very moment: his gym challenge against Misty. He knew Misty was taking this battle seriously.
It was a far cry from the usual gym challenge, where leaders often held back, testing a trainer's basic competence. Misty intended to push his limits.
Misty stood on the far side, her fiery orange hair pulled back in a ponytail, her expression a mixture of anticipation and amusement. She called out, her voice echoing slightly in the vast space, "Welcome, Azure. I see you brought your whole team. Good. Because I'm not holding back."
Azure replied, a determined glint in his eyes. He stepped forward, his Pokémon flanking him, ready for the challenge, "I wouldn't expect you to. I've been looking forward to this, Misty."
Misty grinned as the referee, Maid of hers, came up, announcing the rules in a neutral tone but showing a bit of bias with Misty, "This is a three-on-two match between Mistress Misty of Cerulean Gym and the Challenger Azure Sky from Viridian City. The match will last until one side's Pokémon is defeated. Let the match begin!"
Misty tossed a Poké Ball into the air. She then said in a serious tone, "Alright then. Let's see what you've got!"
*Pop*
He expected the usual Goldeen and Staryu, perhaps a Horsea. But when Misty released her Pokémon, Azure felt a surge of surprise, quickly followed by a rush of excitement as he thought excitedly, 'This was it. She is taking me seriously if she's bringing out her Starmie at the start with her Lv.25 Starmie.'
Starmie is an echinoderm Pokémon that resembles two violet starfish with faceted skin and five appendages each. The front starfish has a golden formation in the center. In the center of the golden casing is its red jewel core, an exterior organ that can glow in seven colors and has developed to resemble a cut precious stone. The second starfish is semi-attached to the back of the first and can spin 360 degrees.
The mysterious starfish-shaped Pokémon appeared, radiating an otherworldly aura. Starmie was a dual-type Water and Psychic Pokémon known for its speed, power, and diverse move pool.
Azure asked, a grin spreading across his face, holding onto a Poke Ball, "You're not holding back, are you, Misty?"
She replied, her voice ringing with confidence, gazing down at Azure, "Of course not. I wouldn't insult you by underestimating you."
Azure nodded, releasing Pikachu with a flourish. He declared, his voice filled with conviction, "Pikachu, I choose you!"
Pikachu leaped from his shoulder, landing on the platform with a determined squeak. Electricity crackled around its cheeks, a vibrant display of its pent-up energy.
It cried, ready for the fight, "Pika!"
Azure nodded as the referee said the battle started. Azure commanded, "Pikachu, start with Zippy Zap!"
Pikachu grinned as it coated itself in electricity, grinning eagerly, wanting, as he thought, 'It's finally time to test the fruits of my training!'
*ZOOOM*
Pikachu shot forward with blinding speed, leaving a trail of electricity in its wake. The attack slammed into Starmie, momentarily disrupting its composure as it cried out, "Hiya?!!"
Seeing a gold clash of aura, Misty narrows her eyes, analyzing the situation, 'That golden glow! A critical hit! I must take the situation back!'
Misty quickly commanded in a serious tone, eyes narrowed to focus on the battle, "Starmie Water Gun, then Rapid Speed to catch up against Pikachu's speed!"
*SPLASH*
Starmie retaliated with a swift Water Gun, but Pikachu dodged with ease, its agility honed through countless hours of training using Double Team to confuse the enemy. Starmie jumped into the pool and began to spin rapidly, creating a vortex of water around itself, dragging anything near it inside.
The whirlpool intensified, picking up speed and power. The attack was aimed directly at Pikachu, threatening to sweep it off the platform.
Azure narrowed his eyes as he thought seriously, 'No. I can't let Misty turn this into an underwater battle time for our counterattack!'
Azure slyly grinned and shouted, anticipating the attack, "Pikachu, Floaty Float!"
This move brought a stunned look, seeing Pikachu begin to float in the air with a flying-type aura. Misty's eyes widened, stunned, noticing the color of Flying Type aura in disbelief, and thought, 'What! How can an electric-type like Pikachu learn a flying-type move? It seems like Azure took his time training his Pikachu seriously…'
From the stands, the crowd was in awe of the scene. But none more so than Red, with Pika out, looking stunned as he thought, 'Those moves… can Pika learn them because they look so powerful!'
Red grinned at the idea while Pika paid close attention to the Gym Battle. Pika wanted to learn more of those moves as if it felt something clicked instinctively for it.
Returning to the battle, Pikachu leaped into the air, defying gravity with its nimble movements. It soared above the swirling water, momentarily escaping the vortex. As it descended, it unleashed a powerful Floaty Fall, slamming into Starmie from above.
*SMASH*
The impact staggered Starmie, disrupting its Rapid Spin attack. The whirlpool dissipated, leaving Starmie vulnerable as Azure commanded, "Now, Pikachu, Splishy Splash!"
*Zzzzz*
Pikachu unleashed a wave of pure water energy, amplified by its electric power. The attack crashed into Starmie, sending it reeling backward.
Misty's eyes widened as she narrowed, seeing the aura veil around Pikachu as he did his Splishy Splash, as she thought, stunned, 'He even knows water-type moves? Seems like he took his training seriously against Team Rocket. Good.'
Misty smirked but commanded, her voice urgent, "Starmie, Recover and use Psychic!"
*Shiii*
After recovering, Starmie unleashed a wave of psychic energy aimed at incapacitating Pikachu. But Azure was ready as he thought, 'Now, finally, our final technique we created, Pikachu!'
Pikachu looked at Azure with a nod, grinning excitedly. Azure roared, channeling his focus and determination into the attack, "Pikachu, use Pika Papow!"
*KABOOOOM*
Pikachu glowed with intense energy. Electricity crackled and danced around its body as it charged with an extreme amount of energy. His form became a blur of yellow lightning, a concentrated force of pure electric power.
The ensuing explosion of electric power crashed into Starmie with the force of a thunderbolt. The force of the attack was devastating. Starmie, heavily damaged and unable to withstand the onslaught, fainted, collapsing into the water.
A hush fell over the gym. The crowd gasped in amazement at the raw power of the attack. Misty's eyes widened in surprise, but a hint of admiration crept into her expression. She said, retrieving Starmie's Poke Ball, "Impressive, Azure. But it's not over yet. Lapras, it's your turn."
*Pop*
Lapras moved forward, its serene demeanor unwavering. Lapras is a marine reptilian Pokémon that resembles a plesiosaur. It has a blue hide with darker blue spots and a cream-colored underside.
It has large brown eyes, a short horn on its forehead, and tightly curled ears. It has a long neck and four flippers. The foremost flippers are larger than the hind flippers. On its back is a heavy, gray shell covered in blunt knobs.
Azure recalled Pikachu, showering it with praise in a thankful tone, "You were amazing, Pikachu. Take a good rest."
Pikachu nodded, panting tiredly after using Pika Papow as Azure thought, recalling him into his Poke Ball, 'You did okay, partner. Get as much rest as you can because we might need you as a last resort. Lapras huh… Lv 25, Female, Water/Ice Type... great, the two types that counter my other two Pokemon.'
He turned to face Lapras and reached for another Poke Ball. He tossed out his Poke Ball, calling out, "Growlithe, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Growlithe bounded onto the platform, eager to prove its mettle. Its fiery eyes locked onto Lapras, fire ignited from its mouth with anticipation, and it growled.
Azure commanded, "Use Ember!"
*Brrr*
Growlithe unleashed a volley of fire at Lapras. Lapras calmly endured the attack as Misty countered coolly, "Lapras, use Water Pulse!"
*SPLASH*
Lapras unleashed a sphere of compressed water that struck Growlithe on the side. The super-effective hit staggered Growlithe, leaving it vulnerable.
Misty was surprised seeing this as she thought, confused, 'What? I thought for sure that Water Pulse would be enough. Guess I shouldn't underestimate his Fire Type Pokémon that much.'
Unaware that Growlithe only stood thanks to the Eviolite necklace dangling around his neck, he breathed out, fire eyes determined to fight, "BARK!"
Azure commanded, recognizing the chance to counterattack, "Growlithe! Use Agility, Flame Charge, and Iron Tail!"
*Swooosh*
The ground beneath the Puppy Pokémon shook as it rushed forward with surprising Agility and in that moment rushed forward. With a defiant roar, Growlithe launched itself forward, igniting itself on fire using Flame Wheel.
*Swooosh*
The small ball of fire from Growlithe grew. Misty's eyes narrowed, realizing the ability in a serious tone, 'Flash Fire. When hit by a Fire-type move, it powers up Fire-type moves by 50% of their strengths. Since Growlithe used Flame Charge, he is using his own fire to gain the boost. Not bad but…'
Misty's eyes narrowed as she countered, "Ice Beam!"
*PEW*
The ice beam hit the fire, freezing them in place as the aura around Growlithe Flash Fire glowed a fiery red aura as its tail turned a shiny gray. The fire vanished as Growlithe pushed through, landing an Iron Tail, "Raoooar!!"
*SMASH*
Landing a direct hit onto Lapras' head momentarily flinching her. Reaching his point, Misty frowned, and thought, 'Damn it! That Puppy Pokémon recklessly pushed through the Ice Beam just to willingly trade blows!'
Realizing the danger of allowing Growlithe could seriously damage Lapras. Misty made her call in a swift tone, "Hydro Pump!"
Drawing in a concentrated ball of water, Azure commanded, "Growlithe! Raging Fury! Go All OUT!!!"
*SPLASH*
*BRRRR*
Both Pokémon launched their attacks respectfully, creating a powerful clash between fire and water. Growlithe bites furiously at Lapras' neck, making her flinch from the pain, not letting go.
But Lapras aimed her Hydro Pump, overpowering the Raging Fury, allowing Growlithe to take a direct hit. The Hydro Pump hit Growlithe directly, dealing a critical hit, heavily damaging it, and sending it crashing to the ground.
While on the ground, Growlithe humbly faints. It was unable to battle.
Azure recalled his Puppy Pokémon in a somber tone, thanking it, "Thanks, Growlithe, you did all you could."
He gazed at Lapras after the clash as the Transport Pokémon looked seemingly tired as it recoiled from the bite marks on Lapras' neck. He thought cautiously, 'Guess my Growlithe managed to exhaust some of Lapras' stamina in the clash and deal some damage. Good work, buddy. Leave this to the others.'
Adjusting his cap, he brought out his next Pokémon as he said in a determined tone, "Don't let his efforts be wasted. Dratini, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Dratini slithered onto the battlefield, ready to battle and obey its trainer. Dratini was determined, seeing how Growlithe managed to weaken the enemy as Azure thought calmly of the situation, 'I must save Pikachu for last against Lapras. My only option was to send Dratini out, hoping to chip away at her health or defeat her. Both of which are a challenge due to Lapras' high HP Stats. This won't be easy.'
Azure commanded, "Dratini, use Dragon Tail!"
Dratini charged at Lapras with a powerful Dragon Tail. While Lapras was able to block the attack with its hard shell, it was sent flying to the side of the battlefield.
It would surely leave a bruise and take time to recover. Misty's eyes narrowed as she shouted, "Lapras, use Ice Beam!"
*Shiii*
Lapras wasted no time and unleashed a powerful Ice Beam focused directly at Dratini. Azure commanded, "Dratini, use Twister!"
*SWOOOSH*
Dratini summoned a large twister from her tail and unleashed it. The twister was able to block the Ice Beam, greatly reducing its power while also giving Dratini a chance to get closer.
Azure commanded, "Dratini, use Dragon Rage!"
*Brrr*
Dratini launched a powerful fireball of Dragon Rage directed at Lapras. Misty countered easily, "Sparkling Aria Lapras!"
*Woooo*
Lapras began to sing lightly, forming orbs of water above their heads. Lapras then throws the orb and bursts into multiple bubbles that are fired Dratini dousing the Dragon Rage easily.
*SPLASH*
Dratini was hit by the attack, forcing it back away from Lapras. Azure frowned as Misty grinned, giving a command, "Now! End this with an Ice Beam Lapras!"
*Shiii*
Lapras unleashed an Ice Beam heading straight toward Dratini. But Azure remained calm as he said calmly, "Extreme Speed."
*SWOOOOSH*
Once, a Dratini was about to be hit by Ice Beam. And in a fraction of a second, it vanished, becoming a blur, startling Misty as she thought, concerned, 'What! That Dratini knows Extreme Speed! No, that doesn't matter. Where is – '
Before she got the chance to retaliate, Dratini was above Lapras, her eyes determined. Azure responded next, "Iron Tail!"
*Shinng*
*CLANG*
Slamming her tail over Lapras' head, she was struck over the head. Misty's eyes widened as she commanded, "Quick! Use Icy Wind to stop it – What!"
Despite giving her command, Lapras head was swaying back and forth, being struck in the head momentarily flinched. Not only that, an aura veiled Lapras, lowering her defense by another stage, startling Misty.
Seeing the chance, Azure commanded, "Now! Dragon Tail!"
*SMASH*
Dratini ended the match, dealing massive damage to Lapras with the enhanced boost of Dragon Fang for her Dragon-Type moves, finally enough to deal massive damage to Lapras as her head slumps down. Lapras then faints after the attacks to the head and defense debuffs.
The maid referee spoke up in a startled tone, announcing the winner, "Lapras is unable to battle! Dratini wins, Azure wins!"
The entire crowd got up and applauded Azure for winning the battle against Misty. Misty came to his side and shook his hand. She declared happily, "You were really strong, Azure! Here, take a Cascade Badge as proof! Along with your rewards, winning the Cerulean Gym, you earned it!"
Azure held the TM and Cascade Badge in hand, smiling. Not only that, but he also gained a decent 2100 Poke Dollars from Misty.
[Item: Cascade Badge
Rarity Item: A+
Type: Badge
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, Water-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and control Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Bubblebeam
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Bubblebeam].]
Azure smirked, having won his Cascade Badge, as he thought happily, 'That's two badges down. 6 more to go!'