Chapter 293: Flying Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Fortree City – Gym]
The battle between the two was tense, with Azure's Dusknoir facing off against Winona's Tropius, healing tactic using [Sitrus Berry] and its Hidden Ability Harvest. A deadly combo that Azure's facing off against.
But Winona didn't give Azure the chance to think of a counter. Winona commanded, her voice ringing with renewed vigor, "Tropius, Air Slash!"
*SHINNG*
Tropius's wings glowed, and it flapped them with immense force, sending forth blades of compressed air that sliced through the arena towards Dusknoir. Azure knew Air Slash was a strong STAB move, and while Flying-type attacks were neutral against Ghost-types, it would still deal significant damage.
Azure countered, knowing a direct hit might be too much for Dusknoir without a super-effective counter, "Dusknoir, protect yourself! Use Ice Punch!"
*CACKLE*
Dusknoir moved, its ghostly fist crackling with icy energy, a shimmering blue aura forming around it. It lashed out, but the Air Slash was swift…
*Shinng*
One of the ethereal blades struck Dusknoir's shoulder, causing it to reel slightly, a groan escaping its form. However, its Ice Punch, while not connecting with the primary target, created a temporary ice shield, deflecting some of the subsequent blades.
Azure noted the damage: moderate, but not critical. Dusknoir's resilience, backed by its high defense and special defense stats, held.
Azure's mind raced, trying to find a win condition in the situation his in. Direct damage was proving inefficient.
Tropius was Grass/Flying, meaning Fire, Ice, Electric, and Rock were super effective against it. Dusknoir, with its Ghost and Fighting (via elemental punches) moves, didn't have a super-effective STAB to deal any extra damage.
Ice Punch was effective against Flying, a good option, but Tropius still regenerated its berry, making it hard to land any real damage. This was a battle of attrition, and with Harvest, Tropius had the upper hand in that regard.
Azure mused to himself as he tried to think of a way out of the situation, 'I need a way to out-damage its healing, or negate the healing altogether. Knock Off would remove the berry, but then Harvest would just bring it back. The key is to inflict damage faster than it can heal itself. Status conditions…'
An idea sparked in his head. Azure commanded, "Dusknoir, Will-O-Wisp!"
*Sssss*
Dusknoir's eye glowed with an eerie orange light, and a malevolent purple flame launched from its ghostly palm, enveloping Tropius. The leafy Pokémon shrieked, a surprised cry echoing through the gym, as its broad leaves began to char at the edges.
Winona frowned, clearly recognizing the threat. Burn halved the afflicted Pokémon's physical attack and inflicted residual damage each turn.
She gritted her teeth, ordering, "Tropius, shake it off! Use Synthesis!"
*Shiii*
With the Burn damage ticking, Tropius basked in the sunlight filtering through the dome, absorbing energy to heal itself. Synthesis, a powerful Grass-type healing move, boosted by the bright light, restored a significant portion of its health.
However, the burn continued its slow, insidious work. Azure watched, calm and collected despite the seesaw battle, as he thought cautiously, 'Synthesis is powerful, but it's still a move. It takes a turn. And the burn damage is constant. I could switch… But Dusknoir's Mean Look had Tropius trapped. If I switched Dusknoir out, Tropius would be free. No, Dusknoir had to stay.'
His plan was forming till he had an idea. Then he quickly ordered with fierce determination, "Dusknoir! Curse!"
*Shiiii*
Tropius' eyes widened as it started suffering from intense pain and became unable to move, feeling its HP being drained. Winona's eyes narrowed as she saw Azure's Dusknoir was pierced by a ghostly nail as she thought cautiously, 'Curse… that's one way to make my Pokémon lose health. But his also sacrificing half of his Pokémon's health.'
Witnessing this, Winona frowned, seeing him find a way out of her strategy. Azure didn't let up as he ordered, "Dusknoir, another Fire Punch!"
*Sssss*
Dusknoir darted forward, its fiery fist connecting once more. Tropius grunted, the burn now a persistent agony…
*BAM*
The combined damage from Fire Punch and the burn was visible, but still, the [Sitrus Berry] had just regenerated, and Tropius was still standing firm. But flinched from the pain of the Curse placed on it.
She grits her teeth as she presses on, "Tropius, Leaf Storm!"
*WOOOSH*
A torrent of razor-sharp leaves, far more potent than Razor Leaf, erupted from Tropius, swirling into a furious green vortex that converged on Dusknoir. Azure knew Leaf Storm was a terrifying Grass-type attack, even if it dropped Tropius's Special Attack afterward.
But he quickly ordered, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
Casting a protective barrier, Dusknoir managed to hold off the Leaf Storm. It protected Dusknoir, but Azure ordered, his voice cutting through the roar of the attack, "Dusknoir, use Telekinesis to dodge, then strike with Ice Punch!"
*Shiii*
Dusknoir shimmered, using its psychic power to subtly shift its position, narrowly avoiding the concentrated force of the Leaf Storm. Without missing a beat, its icy fist shot forward, a solid blow landing squarely on Tropius's side.
*BASH*
The Flying-type cried out, the super-effective Ice Punch doing more damage than the previous Fire Punches. This time, the burn damage was more pronounced, and the [Sitrus Berry] had just been consumed.
The new one flickered into existence, but Tropius still looked visibly more worn down. And then came the Curse effects as it cried in pain.
Azure's tactic was working. Burn damage plus a strong super-effective hit was starting to outpace the combined healing of Harvest and Synthesis. Adding Curse into the mix and taking down Tropius would be easy.
But Dusknoir was getting low on health and stamina. He couldn't afford to let it fade without a clear path forward.
Azure's eyes narrowed as he thought of his plan for victory carefully, 'Tropius is trapped by Mean Look. If I switch Dusknoir out, Tropius remains trapped. Dusknoir has done what it can: inflicted burn, landed strong Ice Punches, placed a Curse, and trapped Tropius.'
Azure looked at his belt, considering his options. He needed raw power, a Pokémon that could end this quickly.
However, his gaze shifted to Dusknoir's determined expression. Both their eyes met as Pikachu and Eevee stood by the sidelines, cheering for their fellow friend, "Pika! Pika! Bui! Eeveow! (Fight! Fight! Win!)"
Azure's cap shadowed his eyes, but he grinned brilliantly as he ordered, trusting his Pokémon with renewed determination, "Let's fight on Dusknoir!"
Dusknoir nodded, raising its fist, eye narrowed with a cry, "Dusk! (Right Captain!)"
Winona slyly grinned, seeing they're actions as she commanded, "Your fighting spirit is commendable, but this isn't over! Tropius! Energy Ball!"
*Shiii*
Tropius began to charge a sphere of life energy, preparing Energy Ball. But Azure grinned as he commanded, his voice ringing with renewed authority, "Now's our chance! Sucker and Fire Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Dusknoir surged forward, a whirlwind of darkness and fire as it lunged. Its arms blazed with intense heat, and the other condensed darkness as with priority speed using Sucker Punch, it rushed in, slamming its fist onto Tropius' neck.
*SMACK*
Halting the Energy Ball attack, it reeled its other fist and attacked with a Fire Punch. It launched a devastating punch towards Tropius…
*SSSS*
The sheer power and speed of the attack were breathtaking. Tropius, still reeling from the burn and previous Ice Punch, tried to react, but it was too slow thanks to Curse, causing it to flinch, recoiling from the pain…
*BOOOM*
Dusknoir's Fire Punch slammed into its side with an explosive force. The super-effective fire attack, combined with the continuous burn and Curse damage, proved too overwhelming for Tropius to recover.
Tropius let out a pained cry, its leafy wings drooping, its form wobbling precariously. The [Sitrus Berry], even if it regrew, wouldn't be enough.
Winona gasped, her voice edged with concern, "Tropius, no!"
*THUD*
Tropius staggered, its eyes losing focus, before it slumped to the ground with a heavy thud, unconscious. A moment of stunned silence hung in the air, broken only by the crackle of Blaziken's flames.
Azure let out a slow breath as he thought, eyeing the Tropius warily of the battle he had endured, 'That had been a far more challenging fight than I had anticipated. Harvest had made Tropius a true wall…'
Winona looked at her fallen partner, a sigh escaping her lips. But then, a respectful smile returned to her face as she returned Tropius to its Poké Ball, said respectfully, "Remarkable, Azure. You adapted to Tropius's Harvest ability with incredible swiftness and precision. Burning, cursing, and then leveraging Dusknoir's power was a masterstroke. You've certainly earned that victory."
Azure nodded, a genuine smile now gracing his face as he praised her Tropius, "Your Tropius was incredibly resilient, Leader. Its Harvest ability kept me on my toes. If it had been any other Pokémon, I would've been in real danger."
Winona agreed, her gaze now resolute as she grabbed her next choice, "Indeed… But a trainer of your caliber deserves a full challenge. This battle is not over yet! But the sky has many speeds. Go, Swellow!"
*Pop*
With a swift, elegant toss, Winona sent out her next Pokémon: a magnificent Swellow, its plumage a striking shade, hinting at its Shiny nature. Azure blinked, a flicker of admiration crossing his face.
A Shiny Swellow was a rare sight indeed. He also noticed the [Flame Orb] clutched in its talons, which immediately activated, burning the Swellow but raising its Guts ability dramatically.
Azure's moment of admiration, however, granted Winona the opening she needed. She commanded, "Swellow, Tailwind!"
*Fwp*
*SWOOOSH*
The Shiny bird let out a piercing cry, and the air around it shimmered. A powerful, invisible current flowed through the arena, boosting the speed of Winona's remaining Pokémon, granting it priority.
Winona followed up, her voice sharp, "Now, U-Turn!"
*Wooosh*
Swellow, a shiny blur, shot forward with astonishing speed, a fiery meteor streaking across the arena. It slammed into Dusknoir with a powerful, burning impact, the force sending the Ghost-type reeling.
*BOOM*
The U-Turn was effective, boosted by Guts, and combined with Dusknoir's exhaustion from its grueling fight with Tropius, it was too much. Dusknoir cried out, its body flickering before it dispelled into faint, blue motes of light, returning to its Poké Ball.
Azure frowned as he had two Pokémon down, and Winona still had three, though her current one had inflicted damage on itself with the [Flame Orb]. But the Tailwind effect was still active, a strategic advantage for her.
He needed a Pokémon that could seize control of the tempo. Azure called, sending out his loyal Electric-type once more, "Manectric, back to battle!"
*Pop*
Manectric, its previous Whirlwind experience still fresh, narrowed its eyes, ready for retribution, "Awooo!! (Let me at them!)"
But Winona had anticipated his move. Swellow swiftly returned thanks to the U-Turn effect as she called out, "Gyarados, enter the fray!"
*Pop*
Gyarados appeared; its fearsome presence filled the space. Azure felt it, and so did Manectric. A palpable wave of intimidation washed over them. Manectric's hackles rose, its electric mane sparking defensively, but its effective Attack stat visibly dropped by one stage.
Azure frowned, realizing it was thanks to Gyarados' Intimidate. The intimidating Gyarados, holding its Held Item [Leftovers], roared into the arena, "GRAAA!!!"
Before Azure could even issue a defensive command, Winona pressed her advantage as she ordered, "Gyarados, Earthquake!"
*RMBL*
The arena rumbled. Gyarados, bolstered by the lingering effects of Tailwind, moved with unnatural speed, its massive tail slamming into the ground with devastating force.
*CRACK*
A fissure of raw energy tore across the arena floor, surging directly towards Manectric. Azure yelled, "Manectric, dodge!"
*BOOOM*
… But it was too late. The ground attack, amplified by Gyarados's power and the Tailwind speed, engulfed Manectric before it could even twitch. The sheer force was overwhelming...
There was a bright flash of light, a crackle of sparks, and Manectric was sent skidding back, its form limp and utterly defeated. Azure felt a chill as he saw his Manectric faint from the Earthquake.
*Shiver*
Azure felt a chill. Two of his Pokémon had fallen rapidly, and he hadn't even landed a single hit on Gyarados since it had appeared. Winona's strategy, her use of Whirlwind, U-Turn, Intimidate, and Tailwind, had completely thrown him off balance.
The winds of Fortree were indeed proving to be a formidable storm. He was down to 3 Pokémon, and facing a Gyarados that still had [Leftovers] healing it, and the lingering speed boost from Tailwind.
This battle was far from over, but the tides had certainly turned against him. However, he took a deep breath as he thought, 'Whew… she really put me in a corner now. Milotic, while powerful, can't deal any real lasting damage unless I'm willing to trade blow for blow. Then Shelgon can't reach it with possible ice moves. That means…'
Azure acknowledged, his hand already reaching for his own Poké Ball from his belt as he said calmly, "A formidable choice, Winona… But I believe I have the right Pokémon to meet your challenge."
He selected Metagross, its metallic shell gleaming under the dappled light. As he held the Poké Ball, a familiar weight settled in his palm as he declared, "It's time, friend… Metagross, I choose you!"
*Pop*
The massive, four-legged Pokémon materialized with a heavy thud, its psychic glow emanating a silent promise of dominance. The contrast was immediate: the fluid, serpentine grace of Gyarados against the rigid, unyielding form of Metagross.
Winona's eyes narrowed as she saw its held item [Metagrossite]. Winona commanded, "Gyarados, use Dragon Rage!"
*PEW*
Gyarados unleashed a concentrated blast of draconic energy, a searing beam of red that hurtled towards Metagross. Azure, however, was already anticipating, as with Tailwind still active.
*Booom*
Landed its hit with Metagross flinching from the hit, but he thought calmly, 'This is a battle of strategy, not just pure brute force here. Taking the first hit time to cancel their free-flying subscription.'
Grinning Azure ordered, "Metagross, use Gravity!"
*THUMP*
A wave of invisible force emanated from Metagross, rippling outwards across the battlefield. The normally airborne Gyarados, caught off guard by the sudden imposition of terrestrial laws, stumbled, its powerful tail beating against the suddenly unyielding air.
Winona's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise evident as she muttered, "A clever move. But Gyarados is not so easily grounded."
Azure replied playfully, a subtle smile playing on his lips, "Indeed. But it's just the beginning."
He raised his arm, the [Metagrossite] on Metagross's arm beginning to glow intensely from Azure's Key Stone embedded glive. He declared, "Metagross, Mega Evolve!"
*Shiii*
A blinding flash of light enveloped Metagross, its metallic form contorting and reshaping. The metallic plates shifted, the head grew more pronounced, and its overall size and bulk increased significantly. The psychic energy radiating from it intensified, forming a powerful, almost tangible aura.
The Mega Evolution had transformed Metagross into an even more imposing force, its Tough Claws ability now amplified to its full potential. Azure's voice was steady, resonating with newfound power, "Now, Metagross! Agile Style Thunder Punch!"
*Zzzz*
Mega Metagross's metallic fist crackled with electricity, a potent current surging through its amplified form. It lunged forward, closing the distance with surprising speed. Gyarados, still reeling from the effects of Gravity, struggled to evade…
*SMASH*
The punch landed with a deafening crackle, jolting Gyarados and sending a shockwave through its massive body. Winona ordered, recovering her composure, "Gyarados, retaliate with Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
Gyarados gathered its strength, a torrent of high-pressure water erupting from its maw. The blast was immense, capable of tearing through solid rock. But Mega Metagross, its defensive capabilities bolstered by its Mega Evolution, stood firm.
The water pressure seemed to barely affect its reinforced metallic hide. Azure grinned as he thought tactfully, 'The Tough Claws ability already making a significant difference, each punch infused with amplified power. Not even a highly trained Gyarados can avoid this encounter for long.'
Azure commanded, his voice unwavering, "Metagross! Thunder Punch!"
*SMASH*
The second Thunder Punch landed with even greater force, the electricity arcing around Gyarados's body. The Flying-type Pokémon roared in pain, its movements becoming sluggish as Tailwind finally ended.
The [Leftovers], while providing some passive recovery, were no match for the sustained onslaught. Winona admitted, her expression a mixture of appraisal and determination, "Impressive… But Gyarados has immense power. Crunch!"
*Zooom*
Despite its weakened state, Gyarados lunged forward, its massive jaws snapping shut with surprising speed. Azure knew that while Metagross was physically powerful, a direct hit from Gyarados's Crunch could still inflict significant damage.
But it was within his plans, as with the Gravity active, it was too slow. Azure countered, "Metagross, dodge and then use Psychic!"
*Wooosh*
With a swift, almost agile movement for its size, Metagross sidestepped the snapping jaws. As Gyarados overextended, Metagross unleashed a powerful psychic blast, the force of it slamming into Gyarados and sending it staggering back.
*BOOM*
The combination of Gravity, Mega Evolution, and the amplified power of Thunder Punch was systematically breaking down the formidable Water/Flying-type Pokémon. Seeing her Pokémon's state, Winona murmured, her voice tinged with sympathy, "Gyarados, you're doing your best. But it seems this battle is not in your favor today. I surrender this battle to you! Return."
With a final, defeated grunt, Gyarados was recalled into its Poké Ball. Azure sighed a breath of relief as the battle was now 2 vs 3.
Winona turned to Azure, a genuine smile now gracing her features as she stated coolly, "A truly remarkable display. Your strategy was impeccable. Gravity's effect on my Gyarados, followed by the raw power of your Mega Metagross… I haven't seen such a decisive counter in a long time."
A brief image of Steven flickered in Winona's mind. She smiled lightly, recalling Hoenn's Champion as she thought, 'At least his someone I can call our Region Champion. Instead of that… man.'
She almost growled or expressed frustration towards her fellow Gym Leader and Former Champion, Wallace. But she maintained her expression as Azure replied, "Yeah. You left me no choice against that Gyarados, forcing me to use Metagross to handle it. At the very least, you're very considerate with your Pokémon, allowing your Gyarados to surrender before it fainted."
Winona smiled fondly at his response as she prepared her next Poké Ball and replied fondly, "I know so. Pokémon are our partners, and if the battle is unwinnable at their expense, it's best to quit while you're ahead, don't you agree, Azure?"
Azure nodded his head, agreeing as he recalled Metagross as he thought cautiously, 'I need to have Mega Metagross around. Reserving his energy is key, as it'll go out mid-battle if he exhausts himself too much. Now, with her Shiny Swellow, she should have Altaria as her remaining Pokémon…'
Azure kept a level head as he prepared himself for what was to come, as the effects of Gravity faded when Metagross was returned. Winona merely grinned lightly, reaching for her next choice…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!