Chapter 563: Electric Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Sunnyshore City – Gym]
A faint smirk played on Volkner's lips. Then he explained calmly, "Naturally. I'm excited to see if your reputation holds up. This will be a 6-vs-6 Pokémon Battle, Singles Format. Standard rules apply."
He gestured to a sleek, metallic scanner built into a pedestal beside him, stating, "Place your Rotom Phone here. It will scan your Pokémon and ensure a fair match, evening out levels to mine without revealing their identities."
*BZZZT*
Azure unclipped his Arc Phone, the device already floating near him, and placed it onto the scanner. A soft buzz emanated as a holographic display with six empty slots appeared. Azure took a deep breath, his mind racing through his extensive roster.
Volkner was an Electric-type master, known for speed, raw power, and clever tactical synergies, especially with the rain. Azure thought, a mental roll call of his available team, "Alright, everyone…"
He knew he needed offensive power, defensive bulk, speed, and strategic counters. First, a powerhouse: his Alpha Garchomp. Just the name conjured images of devastating speed and raw force.
Next, an Electric-type of his own, to counter Volkner's Electric Moves. For sheer defensive presence and a ground typing: Alpha Rhyperior. Its bulk and offensive capabilities were unparalleled.
A Pokémon for utility and type coverage, especially against Volkner's presumed Electric types in Rain: Gastrodon. The Shiny East Sea variant shimmered in his thoughts. For grass-type offense and status conditions, despite the potential weakness, Tangrowth. Its sheer physical bulk and offensive pressure were hard to ignore.
And finally, his secret weapon was a Pokémon whose sheer presence could turn the tide, a physical behemoth. Azure murmured, "And… Regigigas."
Azure felt a thrill of anticipation at the thought. Regigigas was a gamble, considering its Slow Start ability, but if it could activate its full potential, it would be unstoppable. And he learned a lot from Palmer, utilizing one effectively.
*DING*
Azure mentally confirmed his selection, and the holographic slots filled with images of their Poké Balls. A soft ding echoed as the scan completed.
From the nearby stands, Pikachu, Eevee, Rotom, Pichu (Mew), and Gengar found their seats. Pikachu and Eevee sat attentively, while Pichu nestled into Eevee's fur. Rotom hovered, its screen displaying anticipation. Gengar, however, floated casually, kicking her feet out.
Gengar's voice, surprisingly clear and vocal, drifted across the stadium, "Ooh, big risk, Boss? Hope you've got a plan for that Slow Start."
Volkner's eyes widened, his cool demeanor momentarily cracking. He asked, pointing a finger, "Did… did that Gengar just talk?"
His gaze flickered between Azure and the mischievous Pokémon. Azure merely smirked as he helplessly answered his baffled question, "She's a special Pokémon, Volkner. And yes, my Gengar can talk."
*CLAP*
Before Volkner could process that, Flint stepped onto the field. He clapped his hands together as he stated excitedly, "Alright, alright! Let's refocus, Volkner! You can interrogate Gengar later! I'm here to referee this match!"
Flint turned to face the audience, and then both trainers declared, "This is the final Gym Battle of the Sinnoh Challenge! Between the challenger, Azure Sky, and the Sunyshore Gym Leader, Volkner!"
A small robot arm extended from the scanner, presenting Azure with a carrier holding six Poké Balls, perfectly weighted and cooled for optimal performance. Beside it, a sleek Mega Glove with a Key Stone embedded in the center, which Azure smoothly slipped onto his left hand. A grin stretched across his face.
Flint raised his arm, stating, "Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"
Volkner, still slightly bewildered by the talking Gengar but quickly recollecting his focus, took a deep breath. He declared excitedly, "Very well! Let's see what you've got, Azure Sky! Go, Pelipper!"
*WHOOSH*
From Volkner's Poké Ball, a large Pelipper, a Water/Flying type, soared onto the field, its wide beak snapping open and shut. Azure noticed it held an item: a damp, glistening rock. [Damp Rock], he recognized. This meant one thing.
*SHHHHHH*
Almost instantly, the air grew heavy. Dark clouds swirled overhead, summoned by Pelipper's Hidden Ability Drizzle, which activated. Rain began to pour, drenching the arena's floor and reflecting the electric blue lights.
Azure's eyes widened slightly in mild surprise. He clenched his jaw, already adapting his strategy, muttering in an alarmed tone, "Pelipper with Hidden Ability Drizzle… and a [Damp Rock] for extended rain. Volkner starts with his weather setter. He's serious about this synergy with his Electric types."
Azure called out, picking his first Poké Ball, "My turn then! Tangrowth, let's go!"
*WHOOSH*
A massive, vine-covered Pokémon with piercing yellow eyes emerged. Tangrowth roared, its long, thick vines writhing with power. Azure had given it its preferred item: [Leftovers] for passive recovery. The rain would power up its Water-type moves, but also make it vulnerable to Flying-type attacks.
Gengar mused aloud, her voice carrying over the rain, "Pelipper? A flying type first? That's a bold move. Unless…"
Rotom's screen flashed as it explained in a worried tone, "Analysis: Pelipper's primary function here is likely weather control and a potential pivot. However, its Flying-type STAB moves will be super-effective against Tangrowth, further boosted by the rain if it learns Hurricane."
Volkner smirked, clearly anticipating Azure's reaction. He ordered, "Pelipper, let's begin with Hurricane!"
*SSHWIIIIRL*
Pelipper flapped its massive wings, creating a powerful vortex of wind and water. The hurricane-force gusts tore through the arena, heading straight for Tangrowth.
Azure commanded, opting for an immediate offensive, "Tangrowth, Shock Wave!"
*CRACKLE*
Tangrowth's vines sparked with electricity, lashing out with a concentrated bolt of energy. But the gusting Hurricane met it head-on…
*WHOOSH-FZZZT*
The powerful winds distorted the trajectory of the Shock Wave, scattering its electrical energy harmlessly into the rain-soaked floor. The Hurricane, however, continued its path, slamming into Tangrowth with full force.
*THWACK*
Tangrowth cried out in pain, a super-effective hit during the rain, intensifying the damage. It stumbled back, its sturdy form momentarily rattled.
Flint observed with a smirk, commenting, "Just like a Gym Leader! Using an attacking move as defense! Clever, Volkner!"
Azure gritted his teeth. Volkner was already showing his tactical depth. Azure emphasized the 'Strong Style' to boost the power, hoping to break through, and ordered, "Tangrowth, Strong Style Shock Wave, again!"
*CRACKLE-BOOM*
Tangrowth put all its might into generating an even more potent electrical blast. Pelipper, true to form, responded instantly.
Volkner ordered, expecting the same outcome, "Hurricane, Pelipper!"
*SSHWIIIIRL*
Another powerful cyclone erupted, aiming to deflect Tangrowth's enhanced attack…
*WHOOSH-FZZZT*
The Strong Style Shock Wave was partially dispersed, but Azure had read Volkner's pattern. Azure barked, seizing the opening, "Now, Agile Style Shock Wave, quick succession!"
As Pelipper used Hurricane for the second time, its midsection was exposed, momentarily vulnerable. Tangrowth, with surprising agility for its size, unleashed a lightning-fast, weaker but incredibly swift Shock Wave from a different vine, the electricity arcing past the dissipating Hurricane.
*ZAP*
The Agile Style Shock Wave found its mark, slamming into Pelipper's side with a clear, direct hit. Pelipper squawked, momentarily losing altitude.
Azure praised, "Excellent! Now, Power Whip!"
*CRACK-THWACK*
Tangrowth's vines, now crackling with raw Grass energy, lashed out like monstrous whips. With a mighty hit, they slammed down onto Pelipper, driving the Water bird to the ground. Before it could recover, Azure issued another command. "Wrap! Don't let it escape!"
Tangrowth's vines immediately coiled around the grounded Pelipper, tightening their grip, ensuring it couldn't take flight and escape. Pelipper struggled, but Tangrowth's hold was immense.
Volkner's eyes narrowed, a glint of defiance in them. He commanded, "Pelipper, Blizzard! Full power!"
*HISSSSSS*
From within Tangrowth's constricting grasp, a frigid blast of ice and snow erupted from Pelipper's beak. The rain-soaked air around them rapidly crystallized, and a torrent of icy shards blasted outwards.
*K-CHOMP*
Tangrowth, being a Grass-type, was incredibly susceptible to Ice attacks. The Blizzard struck with devastating force, the super-effective hit amplified by the sheer power. Tangrowth let out a pained roar as its vines stiffened, turning white with frost. It was frozen solid, the attack sending it careening backward, slamming hard onto the ground. Flint declared, his voice cutting through the sound of the rain, "Tangrowth is unable to battle!"
The sheer power of the Blizzard had not only frozen Tangrowth but also incapacitated it entirely, allowing the stunned Pelipper to shake off the remaining ice and fly freely into the air once more. Azure sighed, a wisp of vapor escaping his lips in the now cold arena.
He recalled the Vine Pokémon, a silent apology for misjudging its durability against such a fierce Ice-type attack, with light praise, "You fought well, Tangrowth. Return. Volkner's good. Really good."
He reached for another Poké Ball. He needed speed, and he needed power that could hit hard and fast.
He declared, hurling his Poké Ball, "Electivire, let's go!"
*ZAP-POW*
With a burst of electrical energy, his powerful Electivire materialized on the field, its twin tails crackling with blue electricity. It wore its [Muscle Band], ready to boost its already impressive physical attacks.
Volkner immediately noticed Electivire. He smirked as he said confidently in a proud voice, "An Electivire! And likely with Motor Drive, I presume? You've come prepared to counter me, Azure? Honestly, I'm flattered."
Azure nodded, a challenging glint in his eyes.
Volkner's Pelipper was still in the air, recovering. Volkner commanded, intending to deal a quick hit and then switch out, "Pelipper, U-Turn!"
Azure countered, knowing Electivire's superior speed could make the difference there, "Electivire, Agile Style Thunder!"
*THUMPH*
Pelipper lunged forward, but Electivire was faster…
*CRACKLE-BOOM*
A massive bolt of lightning, swift and precise due to the Agile Style, erupted from Electivire's tails. It struck Pelipper head-on before it could execute its U-Turn. Pelipper screamed, its body convulsing from the shock, and then spiraled out of the sky, landing heavily and unmoving on the arena floor.
*Thud*
Flint announced, "Pelipper is unable to battle! Electivire wins!"
Volkner returned his fainted Pelipper, a thoughtful expression on his face. Then he muttered calmly, "Impressive speed, Azure. And yes, Motor Drive. Electric attacks are useless against it. Smart."
He looked at Electivire, then back at Azure. Grabbing his next choice from his belt, he declared, "But let's see how you handle this. Go, Raichu!"
*POP-ZIPP*
From Volkner's next Poké Ball, a sleek, agile Raichu, Volkner's partner, zipped onto the field. Its cheeks crackled with an eager energy, and Azure immediately noticed its [Normal Gem], sparkling faintly.
Gengar exclaimed, sitting up in her stand, "Ooh, Raichu! Volkner's signature partner! This is where it gets serious, Boss! Raichu is lightning fast!"
Rotom's screen displayed Raichu's stats, highlighting its high speed chimed, "Warning: Raichu's Speed stat is exceptionally high. [Normal Gem] indicates a potential Fake Out or Extreme Speed opener."
Volkner wasted no time ordering, "Raichu, Fake Out!"
*WHAM*
Raichu zipped forward, a blur of motion. Its paw, glowing with Normal-type energy boosted by the Normal Gem, struck Electivire's chest before the larger Pokémon could react. The [Normal Gem] shimmered and then vanished, consumed by the powerful attack.
*THUMP*
Electivire flinched, reeling from the sudden, powerful blow. Volkner pressed his advantage, "Now, Extreme Speed!"
*WHOOSH*
Raichu became a golden streak, rocketing towards Electivire before it could fully recover from the flinch.
Azure commanded, hoping to intercept with speed, "Electivire, Agile Style Fire Punch!"
*FWOOSH*
Electivire's fist burst into flames, swinging a swift punch. But Raichu was simply too fast. It dodged the Fire Punch with an impossible swerve, seemingly just a hair's breadth from impact. Volkner called, pushing Raichu's speed even further, "Agility, Raichu!"
*ZIPP-ZIPP-ZIPP*
Raichu performed a series of rapid, almost invisible movements, its speed stat skyrocketing even higher. It was now a veritable blur.
Azure tried, aiming for a hit, ordering, "Ice Punch!"
Electivire's free arm glowed with ice, swinging a powerful blow. But Raichu dodged again, a phantom in the rain.
Volkner's voice was filled with confidence, "Extreme Speed, again!"
*WHAM—KRRSSSHH*
Raichu slammed into Electivire's side with incredible force, the impact echoing through the arena. Electivire was sent skidding backward, crashing into one of the perimeter walls with a loud crash of metal and sparks.
Azure's eyes narrowed. Raichu's speed was terrifying.
He decided to try a wider-area attack, ordering, "Electivire, Earthquake!"
*CRUMBLE*
Electivire stomped one massive foot, shaking the entire arena. Cracks spiderwebbed across the floor towards Raichu.
Volkner ordered, "Magnet Rise, Raichu!"
*ZING*
Raichu glowed with a faint blue aura, effortlessly lifting itself off the ground, hovering above the tremors. It then began to run along the very walls of the arena, circling Electivire at dizzying speeds.
Volkner pressed on, "Mega Kick, using that speed!"
Raichu launched itself from the wall, a coiling ball of pure momentum, intent on delivering a devastating kick.
Azure yelled, pushing for an instant escape, "Electivire, use Teleport, now!"
*ZIPP—Whoosh*
Electivire vanished just as Raichu's kick sliced through the air where it had been. It reappeared a few feet away, disoriented but safe. However, Raichu's momentum was too great, and its speed too high. It didn't miss by much.
Volkner quickly adjusted, "Mega Punch!"
*BAM*
Raichu spun around, its fist connecting with Electivire's chest before Electivire could fully regain its bearings from using the move Teleport. The larger Pokémon grunted and pushed back once more. Gengar observed, her eyes following Raichu's insane speed, "Boss's in a tricky spot. If Electivire goes close, it's going to get hit. If it tries to attack from far away, Raichu's too fast to connect."
Rotom added in a concerned tone, "Data confirms Gengar's assessment. Raichu's Agility boost, combined with Magnet Rise, renders it exceptionally evasive to most conventional attacks. A new strategy is required."
Azure nodded, thinking furiously. Raichu was a blur. He needed to slow it down or trap it. The Magnet Rise suggested a Ground-type move was out. Speed wasn't going to win this head-on. Azure ordered, "Electivire, Magnet Rise!"
Electivire's arms, which had been retracted, glowed with a faint energy as it lifted itself slightly off the ground, mirroring Raichu's evasion type. Volkner, seeing Electivire prepare, saw an opening. Volkner commanded, "Extreme Speed, Raichu! Now!"
*WHOOOOSH*
Raichu, sensing an opportunity, lunged forward with unbelievable speed, closing the distance in a fraction of a second. It was a direct, inescapable charge.
Azure's eyes flashed. This was it.
He ordered, "Delta Shield, Electivire, now!"
*SNAPPED*
As Raichu slammed into Electivire, Electivire's body glowed with a powerful psychic energy. Rather than absorbing the hit, a swirling, transparent barrier appeared into existence around Electivire, pushing Raichu outwards but not letting it escape.
The Delta Shield, a combined Light Screen and Reflect, shimmered, incredibly resilient. Raichu was trapped in a small, tight circle, with Electivire right in front of it. There was no room to maneuver, no room to run.
Azure commanded, his voice firm, "Now, Electivire! Flurry of Ice Punches!"
*FWOOSH-FWOOSH-FWOOSH*
Electivire's fists became a rapid-fire blur of icy blows, hammering into the confined Raichu. The small Electric-type tried to dart around to use Mega Punch, but it was utterly overpowered and slammed repeatedly by the ice attacks.
*CRACK-CRACK-CRACK*
Raichu cried out, taking hit after hit within the Delta Shield. It was barely able to retaliate within the small space.
Volkner roared, desperation creeping into his voice, "Iron Tail, Raichu!"
*CLANG*
Raichu, with a burst of defiant energy, managed to counter one of Electivire's incoming Ice Punches with a glowing Iron Tail. The two attacks met, generating a metallic reverberation within the shield.
Volkner bellowed, knowing this was its last chance, "Hyper Beam, Raichu!"
Azure's eyes widened. A Hyper Beam at this range, inside the Delta Shield, would be devastating. And if Electivire used another psychic move, it would lose focus on the Delta Shield, causing it to collapse. It was too close to get away.
Azure shouted, putting everything into one final, desperate clash, "Electivire, go all in!! Giga Impact!"
*KRRRRRRSSSHHHHH*
Raichu unleashed a terrifying, orange-glowing beam of raw energy. Simultaneously, Electivire, still holding the Delta Shield, glowed with a purplish aura as it prepared its own powerful Normal-type attack.
*KABOOOM*
The two colossal attacks, Hyper Beam and Giga Impact, collided within the Delta Shield, creating a blinding explosion of light and force. The sheer concussive power rippled outwards, causing the very structure of the Gym to shudder. The rain, which had been falling steadily, instantly evaporated in the intense heat, leaving the air thick with steam and smoke.
*PSSSHT*
Both trainers, their faces tense, watched the chaotic maelstrom within the collapsing Delta Shield. Eventually, with a soft sound, the barrier dissolved. The smoke began to clear, slowly, revealing the aftermath. Electivire stood, barely, its body singed and sparking erratically, before slumping to one knee, its eyes swirling. Opposite it, Raichu lay on the ground, unmoving, its body scorched and still.
Silence descended upon the arena, broken only by the faint drip-drip of residual water from the ceiling. Flint raised both his hands and declared, "Both Electivire and Raichu are unable to battle! Double knockout!"
Azure let out a long, slow breath. He walked over to Electivire, gently recalling it, praising his efforts, "You were incredible, Electivire. Rest now."
Volkner, his jaw tight, also recalled his Raichu as he whispered in a thankful tone, "You fought admirably, Raichu. Thank you."
He looked at Azure with new profound respect in his eyes, shadowed by a fierce determination. He stated in a calm tone, "Well, Azure. That was quite the opening. Two Pokémon down for both of us."
Both trainers now stood, having lost two Pokémon each, with four remaining on each side. The true battle had just begun.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!