Chapter 292: Flying Gym Battle (1) [Bonus]
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Next Day, Fortree City – Gym]
The scent of pine and rich earth hung heavy in the air of Fortree City, a fragrance Azure had grown accustomed to over the past two days. Yet, the tranquility was merely the calm before the storm as he set his eyes on challenging the Gym.
The morning light dappled through the canopy of Fortree, painting shifting patterns on the polished floor of the Gym as Azure stepped inside. The building itself was an architectural marvel, seamlessly integrated into the towering trees, with open spaces and platforms suggesting the aerial prowess of its inhabitants.
Winona, the Fortree City Gym Leader, stood waiting for him, a figure of serene grace, her long, flowing hair and elegant attire evoking the freedom of a bird in flight. Winona greeted, her voice as gentle as a breeze, yet carrying an undercurrent of strength, "Azure Sky, the Indigo Champion…"
A polite, almost knowing smile played on her lips as she held up her Rotom Phone as she continued, "I must say, your reputation precedes you. And this… this certainly got the attention of many trainers in Hoenn."
Azure squinted at the screen. It was his post from two days ago, a rather audacious, attention-grabbing challenge he'd thrown out to the Hoenn region: "Champion Azure Sky is seeking strong opponents! Challengers welcome! High prize money of 500,000 Poke Dollars for any trainer who can defeat his team!"
A sheepish grin spread across Azure's face, a stark contrast to the fierce focus he usually displayed in battle. He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck, "Ah, that… that was just a little stunt, Gym Leader Winona. I just wanted to give my Pokémon some solid training before the next leg of our journey. You know how it is."
Winona chuckled, a melodious sound. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, met his as she declared, "Indeed, I do. A clever tactic, I'll grant you. And one that has certainly piqued my interest. To face the champion of Kanto and Johto… It's an honor. But an honor I relish. I believe a 5-vs-5 match would be fitting for such an esteemed guest."
Azure nodded, a flicker of his characteristic intensity returning. He grinned, accepting the challenge, "Five it is, then."
*Beep*
Winona pressed a button on her Rotom Phone. With a soft whirring sound, a sleek, futuristic machine emerged from the floor.
It featured six illuminated slots, designed to hold Poké Balls as she explained calmly, "This device will display the level of your chosen Pokémon, but not their names, ensuring a fair challenge against my team, which has been pre-selected for Ace Trainer battles of your caliber."
Azure stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over his team's Poké Balls, clipped to his belt. He considered his options carefully as he thought, 'Winona is a Flying-type specialist. Electric and Ice types are typically strong counters, but I couldn't rely on brute force alone. I needed versatility, bulk, and strategic depth.'
His fingers hovered, then selected. He chose the following Pokémon for they're utility and versatility for this battle: Dusknoir, Manectric, Metagross, Shelgon, and Milotic for this battle.
He placed the five chosen Poké Balls into the machine's slots with a determined expression. The device hummed, scanning each one, and then displayed their levels, obscured by a shimmering digital veil…
*Click*
A moment later, a pedestal rose beside Winona, revealing five Poké Balls – her chosen team, ready for battle. Winona's grin widened, a genuine expression of eagerness that mirrored Azure's own.
Their eyes locked, a silent affirmation of the competitive spirit that bound them. The air crackled with anticipation, not unlike the electricity Azure's Manectric was capable of wielding.
Winona declared, her voice now firm, authoritative, "Alright, Challenger! Let's see what the Champion of Indigo Plateau is truly made of!"
She took the first Poké Ball from her pedestal as she declared, hurling it with practiced ease, "Go, Skarmory!"
*Pop*
With a flash of red light and a metallic clang, a formidable Skarmory materialized on the battlefield. Its steel wings glinted under the Fortree canopy, its sharp talons digging into the soft earth.
A faint shimmer around its body indicated its held item: the [Rocky Helmet], a deterrent for physical attackers. Azure responded instantly, his voice clear and resonant as he hurled his choice, "Manectric, to battle!"
*Pop*
Another flash, and Manectric appeared, a blur of yellow fur and electric energy. Its mane crackled, and its eyes glowed with fierce determination. Azure felt the familiar weight of the [Magnet] held securely in its paws, enhancing its Electric-type moves.
The battle arena, a wide, open space perfect for aerial combat, stretched before them. The tension was palpable.
Azure commanded, confident in his Electric-type's speed and power against a Flying/Steel-type opponent, "Manectric, start us off with a Thunderbolt!"
*Zzzz*
Manectric surged forward, a streak of yellow lightning. From its body, a concentrated bolt of crackling electricity erupted, streaking across the arena, aimed directly at Skarmory. The air hummed with raw power.
This was a classic, devastating opening, usually guaranteed to inflict significant damage. But Winona simply smiled as she countered, "Skarmory, Steel Wing!"
*SHINNG*
In a move of startling agility, Skarmory didn't attempt to dodge. Instead, it folded its massive steel wings, crossing them in front of its body, the metallic surfaces shining. As Manectric's Thunderbolt struck, Azure watched, a knot forming in his stomach.
*Woosh*
The electricity, instead of arcing and exploding as expected, seemed to flow over Skarmory's wings. A faint, almost imperceptible tremor ran through the ground beneath the Steel Bird Pokémon.
Like a perfectly positioned lightning rod, Skarmory absorbed the electric current, directing it harmlessly into the earth. There was no explosion, no super-effective burst of energy. Just a dissipation, an almost elegant neutralization of the attack.
Azure's eyes widened, a cold wave washing over him. He knew that move. He knew that exact strategy.
A memory flashed through his mind – the Tenth Pokémon League Tournament. The finals, against Blue. His own Skarmory, facing Blue's mighty Zapdos.
Azure had ordered his Skarmory to use Steel Wing defensively, to ground the legendary bird's Electric attacks, turning a potential weakness into a surprising strength. It had been a stroke of genius, a moment that had stunned the crowd and analysts alike.
And now, Winona's Skarmory had just done the same thing to his Manectric. Winona's gentle voice cut through Azure's dawning disbelief, "Such an impressive tactic, wasn't it, Azure?"
She said smugly, a hint of admiration in her tone as she continued, "When I reviewed your Kanto League matches, that maneuver against Blue's Zapdos… it was simply brilliant. I couldn't help but obtain that strategy for myself. And I made sure all my Flying-type Pokémon mastered it."
A bead of sweat trickled down Azure's temple as he thought, startled, 'All her Flying-type Pokémon?'
The implications crashed down on him with the force of a Hyper Beam. This wasn't just a clever counter for Skarmory.
This meant that every single Flying-type on Winona's team would be immune to his Electric-type attacks. His primary offensive strategy against Flying-types, his powerful Manectric, was effectively rendered useless.
Winona, seeing his momentary lapse, pressed her advantage as she ordered, "Now, Skarmory! Drill Peck!"
*Sheee*
Skarmory, having safely grounded Manectric's attack, unfolded its wings and launched itself into the air, a metallic arrow. Its beak glowed, sharpening, as it spun and dove with incredible speed, aiming for Manectric.
Azure snapped, shaking off his surprise, "Manectric, quick, Agility, then avoid!"
*Zooom*
Manectric, despite the sudden setback of its Thunderbolt, responded with its characteristic speed. Its body shimmered, its movements accelerating, attempting to weave out of Skarmory's path.
*Wooosh*
Fortunately for Manectric, its time training under Gravity showed its worth. It evaded the attack with a narrow margin for error as its fur glowed red, activating its Lightning Rod Ability, increasing its Special Attack by +1, and having its fur brush against the air, creating friction, storing electricity.
He managed to avoid the attack, but Azure's mind raced. He had chosen Manectric specifically to capitalize on Skarmory's Flying-type.
Now, that advantage was completely negated. Manectric's primary offensive moves were Electric. While it knew a few physical moves, like Crunch, its Special Attack was far superior.
Against Skarmory's high physical defense and the looming threat of the [Rocky Helmet] if Manectric tried a physical attack, continuing this fight seemed futile. Winona had expertly turned his own genius against him.
He had to adapt, and quickly. Azure clenched his jaw. This was a deeper challenge than he had anticipated. His carefully constructed plan for facing a Flying-type gym had just been thrown entirely out of whack.
He took a slow, deliberate breath, his mind already racing. This was exactly the kind of challenge he craved in Hoenn. This was why he'd left Kanto.
Azure conceded calmly, a genuine grin slowly spreading across his face despite his predicament, "Well played, Winona. Truly well played. I stand corrected."
Manectric, sensing its trainer's renewed focus, shook its head, ready for new orders. Winona commanded, pressing her advantage, "Skarmory, another Steel Wing!"
Azure ordered sharply, "Manectric, dodge! Keep moving! Agility!"
*Zooom*
Manectric, an electric blue blur, flashed into motion. It zipped across the arena, narrowly avoiding Skarmory's lunging Steel Wing. The agility increased its speed dramatically, making it a difficult target…
*Zzzz*
As it moved, a subtle hum began to emanate from its body, its electrical aura growing more pronounced. Azure was relying on Manectric's unique biology and its ability, Lightning Rod, steadily increasing its power.
The prompt description of friction from the atmosphere generating electricity as it moved using Agility was a bold interpretation of its species' inherent electrical properties, and Azure was taking full advantage.
*Wooosh*
With every rapid burst of movement, every turn, every friction against the air, Manectric was generating and storing static electricity, its special attack quietly yet steadily increasing. Each step steadily increases its Special Attack Stat.
Skarmory continued its aerial assault, dive-bombing and slashing with its wings, but Manectric's enhanced speed made it untouchable. Each near miss, each gust of wind disturbed by Skarmory's powerful wings, each particle of dust disturbed, seemed to feed Manectric's inherent electrical absorption, its special attack stat climbing higher.
*Zzzzz*
The air around Manectric began to shimmer, faint blue arcs of electricity sparking visibly around its mane. Azure grinned as he thought, 'Just about right… with its Special Attack at +6 to the max… this match is ours.'
Winona urged, her brow furrowing slightly as she observed Manectric's unusual movements, "Keep up the pressure, Skarmory! Don't let it get comfortable!"
She understood Azure was up to something, but the precise nature of it wasn't immediately clear. It wasn't attacking, merely dodging and accelerating.
Azure's grin returned, a confident, predatory gleam in his eyes. Manectric's Special Attack was reaching its zenith.
The [Magnet] it held was glowing faintly, saturated with power. He stared at Winona, then back at his partner, a silent communication passing between them.
Azure's voice boomed, cutting through the whirring of Skarmory's wings and the electrical hum of his Pokémon, "Now, Manectric! Electric Terrain!"
*ZAP*
This wasn't an attack aimed at Skarmory. This was a transformation of the battlefield itself as a flash of shining light erupted.
Manectric let out a mighty roar, a guttural sound that seemed to vibrate the very air. With an explosive burst, it discharged all the stored electrical energy. It didn't send a focused bolt, but rather an omnidirectional surge.
Brilliant blue energy cascaded from its body, not upwards, but downwards and outwards, spreading across the entire wooden floor of the arena. The light was blinding for a moment, and when it subsided, the arena floor was no longer just wood; it was an active conduit.
*Zzzz*
Faint, blue electrical currents rippled visibly across the surface, giving off a constant, low-frequency hum. The entire field was now supercharged, an Electric Terrain.
Winona's eyes widened, and her elegant brow furrowed deeply, a genuine frown replacing her earlier composed amusement. Her previous strategy, the lightning rod maneuver, relied entirely on directing electricity into the ground to neutralize it.
But now, the ground itself was charged. Transferring an Electric-type attack there would be like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.
Her brilliant counter had been brilliantly countered. The playing field had been utterly redefined to match Manectric's terrain.
Azure watched her reaction, a sense of triumph swelling within him. He hadn't just found an answer; he had nullified her entire defensive paradigm.
Manectric, its Special Attack maximized from its Agility and Lightning Rod combined, stood in the center of its electrified domain, an apex predator in its element. The [Magnet] it held now pulsed with a vibrant, inner glow.
Azure called out, his voice laced with the thrill of the battle, "These change things, don't they, Winona? Now, Manectric! Strong Style Rising Voltage!"
*CRACKLE*
With a thunderous crackle, Manectric releases a series of upwards-rising lightning bolts from its body at Skarmory. The Rising Voltage was not just a powerful Electric-type attack; it was a special one, turning Skarmory into a living lightning rod attracted to the bolts of unrestrained electricity.
The Electric Terrain amplified its power, the charged ground propelling it with even greater force. Skarmory, still reeling from the sudden transformation of the battlefield, tried to react, swooping upwards to evade.
But bolts were too fast, too empowered by their environment. Its movements were like lightning itself.
The armored bird barely managed to pull up, but Manectric, guiding the bolts with its Lightning Rod ability, arced upwards, catching Skarmory mid-aerial climb. The impact was deafening.
*BOOOOM*
When the bolts reach Skarmory, they slam into it with the force of a supercharged freight train. The hit was devastating in efficacy as the bolts combined into a pillar of electricity, damaging the Skarmory. If used while Electric Terrain is active, the attack's power is increased.
*ZAP*
A shower of sparks erupted from Skarmory's metallic body, not just from the impact, but from the raw electrical energy tearing through its internal systems. Skarmory cried out, a metallic screech of pain, its form momentarily frozen, overwhelmed.
*Fwp*
Skarmory floundered in the air, its powerful wings twitching erratically. And then...
*Thud*
… with a heavy thud, it plummeted to the ground, landing with a clatter and a cloud of dust. It lay motionless, its usually piercing red eyes glazed over, fainted.
Winona stood silent for a moment, her expression a mix of surprise and grudging respect. She looked from her downed Skarmory to the still-crackling Manectric, then finally to Azure, a slow, genuine smile returning to her face.
Retrieving Skarmory's Poke Ball, she said softly but with a clear voice, returning her Pokémon, "Incredible. Absolutely incredible. To turn my own strategy against me, and then to nullify its very foundation with such foresight… You truly are a League Champion."
Azure nodded, a sense of quiet satisfaction filling him. Manectric, its aura slowly dimming as the Electric Terrain faded, let out a triumphant bark, "Bark!"
Azure smiled lightly but knew this was far from over as Winona brought out her next Poké Ball with a focused expression. She coolly says, hurling her next choice, "But I won't let you win this easily! Go, Tropius!"
*Pop*
A colossal, grass-type Pokémon materialized onto the battlefield, its long neck adorned with a cluster of fruit. Azure recognized the Pokémon immediately, as he knew Sapphire herself owned one.
Tropius, with its immense size and flying capabilities, was a formidable opponent. As Winona's Pokémon took its position, Azure noticed something even more concerning around its neck.
Tropius held an item, [Sitrus Berry], a well-known item that restored a small portion of HP. But before Azure could even utter a command, Winona's voice cut through the charged atmosphere, "Tropius, Whirlwind!"
*FWP*
*WOOOOSH*
A sudden gust of wind erupted from Tropius, catching Azure completely off guard. He hadn't expected such an immediate, sweeping attack, designed to disrupt and force a switch as Electric Terrain faded.
Manectric, despite its speed, was caught in the vortex. Azure felt a familiar tug as his Pokémon was forcibly recalled into its Poké Ball, replaced by another, a random selection from his team…
*Pop*
The wind subsided, revealing a new participant on Azure's side of the field. Dusknoir, its spectral form exuding an aura of quiet menace, stood ready. It's a held item, a [Spell Tag] that hints at its affinity for Ghost-type moves.
This was an unexpected turn, but Azure's mind was already racing, calculating probabilities and counter-strategies. Winona, capitalizing on the forced switch, pressed her advantage, issuing her command, "Tropius, Razor Leaf!"
*Shinng*
A barrage of sharp leaves flew from Tropius towards Dusknoir. Azure, however, had anticipated a potential follow-up as he countered, "Dusknoir, Telekinesis!"
*Shiii*
Instead of dodging, Dusknoir's eerie glow intensified. The leaves, just before impact, suddenly halted in mid-air, suspended by an invisible force.
Dusknoir, with its Gripper-like appendages, seemed to manipulate the very air around the leaves, rendering them harmless. The spectral Pokémon's unique ability to control objects with its mind was a perfect counter to the projectile attack.
Winona's brow furrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing her serene features as she thought bitterly, 'His not that easy to catch him off guard again. Better to switch him out for someone else.'
Winona conceded as she countered, clenching her fist, "Clever… But I can try that again! Tropius, Whirlwind!"
This time, Azure was ready. The moment Tropius began to stir the air, he issued two rapid-fire commands, "Dusknoir, Disable that Whirlwind! Then use Mean Look!"
*Shiii*
Dusknoir's eye glowed brighter. A wave of oppressive energy washed over Tropius, and the leafy Pokémon flinched, its movements seizing up momentarily.
It tried to conjure the swirling winds again, but the ability failed to manifest, as if its mind had simply forgotten how. Then, Dusknoir's eye locked onto Tropius, an invisible tether forming between them, binding the Flying-type to the field.
Tropius shuddered, now unable to escape the battle, even if Winona desired it. Azure allowed himself a small, inward nod of satisfaction as he thought, 'No more forced switches. Now, to do some damage.'
Azure saw his opening as he ordered, "Dusknoir, Fire Punch!"
*SMASH*
The fire fist, imbued with fire energy, slammed into Tropius's torso. The large Pokémon staggered, its HP visibly decreasing…
*GULP*
But then, a faint glimmer of green appeared around Tropius. It bit down on its [Sitrus Berry]. Azure tensed, expecting the HP to replenish slightly.
But then, to Azure's utter astonishment, a new [Sitrus Berry]regrew on Tropius's body, shimmering into existence in the exact spot the previous one had been. It was immediate, almost magical.
Azure's brow furrowed, his strategic mind racing as he thought quickly, eyes widening in realization, 'It… it just grew another one? That's… Harvest! This was not a normal Tropius. This was a problem.'
He realized Tropius possessed its Hidden Ability, Harvest, allowing it to regrow a consumed berry, guaranteed in harsh sunlight, but with a fifty percent chance in any other weather. He narrowed his eyes at the new problem.
Winona saw the dawning realization on Azure's face, the slight frown that creased his brow. Her grin returned, wider and more confident than before as she stated bluntly, "Ah, you noticed, Azure! My Tropius is a resilient partner. This battle won't be easy. Not against a healing, berry-spawning Tropius with Harvest and a [Sitrus Berry]!"
Azure's eyes narrowed, the easy confidence he usually exuded now laced with a challenging glint. This wasn't merely a Gym Battle; it was a puzzle, a test of adaptability against an unexpected, formidable ability. The stakes had just been raised.
Dusknoir hovered patiently, its mean look still firmly latched onto Tropius. Tropius, in turn, recovered from the Fire Punch, the new [Sitrus Berry], a defiant glint in the morning sunlight present.
Its previous attempt at Razor Leaf had been blocked, and Whirlwind Disabled. What would Winona do next?
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get the Bonus Chapter!