Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 128: Normal Gym Battle [Bonus]

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Goldenrod City – Pokémon Center]

Azure Sky stretched, the Johto sun warm on his face. Goldenrod City bustled around him, a vibrant contrast to the quiet serenity of Ilex Forest he'd just traversed. Pikachu chirped on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek, while Eevee pawed playfully at his leg.

His team, a diverse mix of strength and strategy, was enjoying a well-deserved rest at the Pokémon Center. Azure murmured, taking in the towering Radio Tower and the bustling Trainer School, "Goldenrod City. Time to prepare for Whitney."

He knew Whitney, the Gym Leader infamous for her Normal-type Pokémon, and particularly, her Miltank. Stories of her Miltank's Rollout attack echoed throughout the region, a terror to unprepared trainers.

He'd spent hours strategizing, studying her team composition, and fine-tuning his own. He ruffled Pikachu's fur as he said confidently, "We've come this far, buddy. We can't back down now."

His team, nurtured over weeks of travel and battles, felt like an extension of himself. Each Pokémon had its own personality and fighting style.

Pupitar, the Rock/Ground type, was a powerhouse of raw strength, still evolving within its hardened shell. Misdreavus, the mischievous Ghost-type, was agile and unpredictable, a master of illusions and trickery.

Quagsire, the Water/Ground type, was a gentle giant, a sturdy tank with surprising offensive capabilities. Houndoom, the Dark/Fire type, was a fierce and loyal protector, its fiery aura reflecting its intense loyalty.

Flaaffy, the Electric type, was a cheerful burst of energy, always eager to show off her steadily growing Electric attacks. And Skarmory, the Steel/Flying type, was a graceful and resilient warrior, a shield against physical attacks and a master of aerial combat.

Floating above with its small wings was Celebi, yawning from waking up, "Bei…"

Azure chuckled at the Time Travel Pokémon's actions. Celebi, his newest traveling companion, as well as their team, an all-powerful healer, woke up from its pleasant nap, stretching its wings.

He visited the Training Field outside the city, dedicating the afternoon to fine-tuning his battle plan. He worked with Skarmory, honing its Steel Wing and Drill Peck attacks.

He practiced with Misdreavus, perfecting its Shadow Ball and Confuse Ray tactics. Pupitar benefited from the rigorous training, its sturdy shell absorbing incredible amounts of punishment.

That evening, as the city lights began to twinkle, Azure gathered his team in the Pokémon Center's lounge. He addressed them, his voice firm and confident, "Alright, team. Tomorrow, we face Whitney. She's tough, but we're tougher. Remember our training. Remember our bonds. We fight as one."

He looked at each of his Pokémon, meeting their eyes. He saw determination in Houndoom's fiery gaze, confidence in Skarmory's sharp eyes, and a glimmer of playful excitement in Misdreavus's.

/////

[Johto Region, Next Day, Goldenrod City – Gym]

The next morning, Azure stood before the Goldenrod Gym. The entrance was a kaleidoscope of pink and white, adorned with ribbons and bows. He swallowed, a mix of anticipation and nervousness swirling within him.

He took a deep breath, adjusted his backpack, and stepped inside. The Gym was as over-the-top as the exterior suggested. Pink walls, plush carpets, and giant inflatable Jigglypuffs decorated the space.

In the center of the arena, Whitney stood, a picture of girlish charm. She chirped, her voice high and sweet, "Welcome, challenger! I'm Whitney, the Pretty Girl Gym Leader! Get ready for a super-cute battle!"

Azure forced a smile. He replied nonchalantly, gazing at Whitney, "I'm Azure, and I'm here for the Normal Badge."

Whitney nodded, agreeing as she explained the rules. She said excitedly, "Excellent! Now, let's get down to business. The rules are simple: a 3-on-3 Pokémon battle. No substitutions once a Pokémon is knocked out. May the best trainer win!"

*Click*

Just as she said that, a strange machine came out of the ground. There were 6 sockets in them as Whitney explained cooly, "Put the Pokémon you want to use inside the sockets, and the number of Pokémon you wish to use. The Pokémon you want to use will not be exposed, but their strength will be measured. It's a new system that the Pokémon Association added to ensure the Gym Challenge is a challenge with new and experienced Trainers alike."

Azure nodded, having gone through this with Bugsy, his mind already racing, formulating his strategy. He had carefully considered his options and selected three Pokémon that he believed would give him the best chance of victory: Skarmory, Misdreavus, and Pupitar.

*Ding*

Finishing scanning, Whitney checked her Rotom Phone. Smirking, she turned as a strange machine popped up for him, revealing 3 Pokémon of exact or tougher level for the Gym Challenge.

Whitney gripped her Poke Ball, announcing in a determined tone, tossing a Pokéball into the air, "Alright then! Let's see if you've got what it takes! Go, Kangaskhan!"

*Pop*

A powerful Kangaskhan materialized onto the battlefield, its eyes glinting under the stadium lights, shining with determination. Azure calmly saw this being Whitney's Lv.36 Pokémon.

Azure met Whitney's gaze. He smirked, grasping at his Poke Ball from his belt, hurling it into the air declared, "Let's do this! Go! Skarmory, I choose you!"

*Pop*

Skarmory soared into the arena, its steel wings catching the light. It glared menacingly at Kangaskhan from above, "Skarr!"

Getting the first move, Azure ordered, "Tailwind!"

*Fwp*

*Wooosh*

Skarmory flaps its wings, creating a swirling whirlwind that gives itself more speed, granting priority. Whitney's eyes narrowed as she ordered, "Kangaskhan! Thunderbolt!"

*Zzzz*

Kangaskhan unleashed a powerful bolt of electricity towards Skarmory. Azure calmly countered, "Protect! Then, Stealth Rocks!"

*CLANG*

Blocking the Thunderbolt with a transparent barrier of Protect Skarmory focused on beginning its Stealth Rocks. Skarmory spins around in the air, forming a swirl of sand and jagged rocks around its body.

*PEW*

It then stops spinning, sending the rocks floating around the battlefield, where they disappear from view. Whitney blinked, confused by this setup as she thought, 'I know I heard from Bugsy that the Champion is attempting the Gym Challenges. But so far, his keeping his range from me! So annoying!'

*FWP*

But that was when Skarmory began to dive bomb down at Kangaskhan. Whitney commanded, her voice suddenly sharp, "Kangaskhan, use Mega Punch!"

Kangaskhan charged forward, its fist a blur of motion, aimed directly at Skarmory. Azure shouted, "Skarmory, use Steel Wing to block!"

*KLANG*

Skarmory met Kangaskhan's punch with reinforced wings of steel, diverting the force of the blow. Sparks flew as the two titans clashed.

But this was what Azure wanted as he yelled, "Now, use Toxic!"

*SPLASH*

Spitting out venomous toxins at Kangaskhan's face, it flinched, pushing Skarmory back as it flew to the skies. Kangaskhan began to wipe the poison sludge off its eyes.

Skarmory flies above as Azure yelled, "Now! Spikes!"

*Clang*

Skarmory spins its body rapidly, and multiple glowing, metallic red spikes come out of its body and fall onto the battlefield. The spikes sink into the ground when they land.

When they landed, it cemented Azure's strategy as he smirked, thinking to himself, 'And with this, the setup is complete. Time to pull the troll strats.'

Azure yelled, giving his Skarmory an order, "Skarmory! Whirlwind!"

*Fwp*

Skarmory flaps its wings, creating a strong gust of wind that blows the Kangaskhan away as it is returned into its Poke Ball forcibly. When that happened, it clicked for Whitney of what kind of strategy this was as she thought, concerned, 'Oh no, if he does that… then all my Pokémon will be badly poisoned before they get the chance to fight!'

*Pop*

Coming out of her Poke Ball next was Snorlax. It stepped onto the field confused, but then Azure's setups took their effect.

*BOOOOM*

When Whitney was forced to switch to another Pokémon, small explosions went off under their feet, hurting them. Not only that the Stealth Rocks from earlier activate as the rocks around it rise into the air, glow white, and crush the opponent.

Snorlax recoiled in pain as Azure yelled, "Toxic!"

*SPLASH*

Skarmory dive bombed, spitting out purple sludge from its mouth, and landed on Snorlax's eyes, intending further damage. But Whitney smirked as she yelled, "Grab that tin can Snorlax with Fire Punch!"

*SMASH*

Skarmory was caught immediately as it got close to Snorlax's fist encased in fire, activating Fire Punch. Azure's eyes widened in shock as he realized in a serious tone, "The Immunity Ability. Your Snorlax is immune to poison."

Whitney smirked as she nodded her head, continuing her attack, "Bingo! Flamethrower!"

*Ssss*

Skarmory cried out in pain as it was attacked by Snorlax's flamethrower. Azure's eyes narrowed as he ordered, "Skarmory! Roar!"

Skarmory turned its head towards Snorlax, roaring, "SKARRRR!!!"

Whitney's eyes narrowed as Snorlax was forcibly retreated into her Poke Ball around her belt. As this happened, Whitney tried to analyze the situation rashly, 'Damn it! He also taught that birdbrain Roar, too!! Does he intend to forcibly switch my Pokémon, dealing chip damage!'

*Pop*

In a red beam of light, Snorlax was forcibly recalled. And in its place was Kangaskhan, looking a bit wary from the Toxic, but unfortunately activated Azure's trap as it was recalled back.

*BOOOOOM*

Kangaskhan was hit by small explosions that went off under their feet, hurting them. Not only that the Stealth Rocks from earlier activate as the rocks around it rise into the air, glow white, and crush the opponent.

Kangaskhan recoiled in pain as Azure yelled, "Now, Strong Style! Drill Peck!"

*Sheeee*

Skarmory's beak spins like a drill as it spun, launching a rapid series of powerful strikes with its beak toward Kangaskhan. It was a flurry of relentless aggression after being hit by Snorlax's Flamethrower, settling to take its aggression on Kangaskhan.

*PECK*

*PECK*

Whitney cried seeing her Pokémon getting hurt as she ordered, "Kangaskhan, get out of the way!"

But it was too late. The attacks struck true, throwing Kangaskhan back and leaving it visibly weakened by the attacks and poison it's been accumulating.

Whitney commanded, desperate to turn the tide, "Kangaskhan! Dizzy Punch!"

Kangaskhan charged in again, but the earlier damage had slowed it down. Azure yelled, "Skarmory! Strong Style! Steel Wing!"

*SHINNG*

Skarmory angled its body, deflecting the Dizzy Punch, before unleashing its final attack. It was an overpowering metal slash from Steel Wing that caused Kangaskhan to faint from over damage.

Whitney sighed, retrieving her Pokémon. She pouted, annoyed at Skarmory puffing its chest out as she declared, "Okay, okay! You're tougher than you look! Go, Snorlax! Show them what a real Pokémon looks like!"

*Pop*

A colossal Snorlax lumbered onto the field, its sheer size dwarfing Skarmory. But once again was hit by an entry hazard.

*BOOOM*

Being inflicted with damage, Snorlax growled being annoyed by Skarmory's dirty tactics. But this time, Azure shouted, recalling his steel bird, "Skarmory, return!"

He knew Skarmory was at a disadvantage against Snorlax's sheer bulk. He pulled out his second choice as he declared, "Misdreavus, you're up!"

*Pop*

Misdreavus materialized, floating ethereally in the air. Whitney commanded, "Snorlax, use Rollout!"

Snorlax waddled forward, attempting to crush Misdreavus as it jumped up. Curling its body, it became a wrecking ball as it rolled over to Misdreavus' direction.

Azure's eyes narrowed as he ordered, "Go up! Then use Mean Look!"

*Swooosh*

Avoiding the Rollout Misdreavus levitated herself up to avoid the attack being airborne. Its eyes glowed an ominous red as it stared at Snorlax, stiffening up now, unable to switch out of this battle.

Whitney called out, eyes narrowed, "Snorlax, use Rest!"

*THUD*

Snorlax groaned and immediately fell asleep, beginning its recovery process. As it slumped down peacefully, sleeping Azure ordered, "Misdreavus, now's our chance to counterattack! Use Nightmare!"

Misdreavus grins cheekily as it waves its hair arms, and black energy comes out of its body and surrounds the sleeping Snorlax, giving it nightmares. Learning from Gengar-Sensei, Misdreavus used Lloyd's facial expressions to traumatize Whitney's Snorlax as it moved around seemingly in panic, causing her to express concern.

Whitney tried to get her Snorlax to react as she yelled, "No! Snorlax, wake up quickly! If you win, you'll get your favorite Snorlax snacks!"

*THUD*

Hearing her words, Snorlax's eyes shot wide open. Azure and Misdreavus were shocked by this as Whitney smirked, ordering, "Yes! Crunch!"

*CRUNCH*

At a surprisingly fast speed, Snorlax crunched on Misdreavus as it screeched in pain. The damage was too much, and Misdreavus fainted.

Azure sighed, recalling Misdreavus. He stared intently at Snorlax, "You did great, Misdreavus. Rest up. Pupitar, I choose you!"

*Pop*

Pupitar emerged, its rocky shell gleaming under the arena lights. Pupitar stood ready, eyes narrowed at Snorlax as Azure ordered, "Pupitar. Strong Style… Headbutt."

*BOOOM*

Pupitar hurled itself at Snorlax, headbutting it into its stomach, dealing significant damage as it propelled itself using compressed gas. Snorlax recoiled from the pain as Whitney winced, seeing her Snorlax be lifted–

*SMASH*

Whitney's eyes widened in disbelief as her Snorlax was simply tossed into the Gym walls seemingly effortlessly as Pupitar roared, "PUP!! ITAR!!! (BRING IT ON!!!)"

Azure smirked, seeing Whitney's disbelief as he thought, recalling Pupitar's bio, 'I wouldn't underestimate my boy Whitney. Pupitar's have enough brute force alone to knock down mountains, so knocking a Snorlax wasn't that hard.'

Snorlax, still confused about how the small Pokémon tossed it effortlessly into the wall, stumbled uncertainly, but managed to get its bearings together. Whitney ordered, "Snorlax, use rollout!"

*THUD*

Snorlax curled into a ball and began to spin, picking up speed as it rolled towards Pupitar, intending to squash over it. Azure commanded, knowing this was a risky move, "Pupitar, Iron Defense! Then Dragon Dance!"

Pupitar braced itself as Snorlax slammed into it, with little damage thanks to its shell shining thanks to its Iron Defence. And followed with purple energy of Dragon Dance as it halted Snorlax's Rollout in its tracks.

Whitney's eyes widened in disbelief as she thought, startled seeing her trademark Rollout be stopped, 'Nani! He stopped Rollout out of sheer force! Is the Champion's new team just that monstrously strong, or is it just that Pupitar is absurdly strong? Hax! I call hax!!'

Azure smiled as he ordered, "Strong Style! Earthquake!"

*RMBL*

But as the impact subsided, Pupitar slammed its feet into the ground, unleashing a powerful earthquake. The ground shook violently, disrupting Snorlax's Rollout and throwing it off balance.

Snorlax, already weakened, couldn't withstand the force of the earthquake. The attack threw Snorlax back, leaving a crater, and the Pokémon fainted, unable to battle.

Whitney looked shocked. She returned Snorlax to its Pokéball, her face flushed, "Oh no! Snorlax! Fine! It's time to get serious! Go, Miltank!"

*Pop*

The infamous Miltank pranced onto the field, its eyes gleaming with determination. Azure felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach.

*BOOOM*

Miltank took the entry hazard damage of Spikes and Stealth Rock, bombarding it. Miltank mooed, annoyed at the staring daggers at Azure, "Mooo!! (You are courting death!!)"

His eyes narrowed as he adjusted his cap, shadowing his eyes as he thought, 'Ah fuck… why did this thing have to bring so many bad memories of my Gold or Crystal Run. No… This was it. The moment of truth. Time to kick that cow's ass for the boys back home on Earth.'

Staring at his Pupitar and Miltank, he frowned, noticing that this Miltank was Lv.40, the same level as his Skarmory. Knowing this, Azure shouted, recalling Pupitar, "Pupitar return. Skarmory, I need your help!"

*Pop*

Skarmory emerged, ready to fight. Whitney commanded, her voice laced with confidence, eyes narrowing at Skarmory, "Miltank, use Rollout!"

*THUD*

Miltank curled into a ball and began to spin, its speed increasing rapidly. Azure quickly thought, seeing Miltank, 'I need to chip it down as much as I can. With its Milk Drink move, it'll only recover over time, best to weaken it now with Toxic.'

*Fwp*

Skydiving, flapping its wings, Azure yelled, "Skarmory, use Steel Wing! Deflect it!"

Skarmory braced itself, preparing to meet Miltank's Rollout head-on. The impact was deafening.

*KLANG*

Skarmory was thrown back but managed to withstand the attack. Azure added, "Now! Skarmory! Toxic!"

*Splat*

Skarmory spat out toxic purple sludge at Miltank. But Whitney commanded, pressing her advantage, being aware of this strategy, "Miltank, Rollout again! Turn right!"

*Swooosh*

Miltank charged once more, its Rollout gaining momentum as it avoided the Toxic. Azure frowned, seeing Toxic miss as he shouted, hoping to disrupt the attack. "Skarmory, use Drill Peck! Aim for its center!"

*Fwp*

Skarmory launched itself forward, using Drill Peck to attack Miltank. Skarmory successfully contacted its attack, slowing down Miltank slightly.

Whitney smirked as she shouted, "Miltank, use Ice Beam!"

*PEW*

Miltank shot a beam of ice at Skarmory, causing it to get hit and, worse, freeze caught with a Freezing status condition. Azure bit his lips, seeing this as he cursed mentally, 'Fuck!! She has Ice Beam on this thing?! AND SHE GETS THE FREEZE?!! It's the stomp flinches all over again...!!'

Frustrated at his own mistake, Azure yelled, despite hoping that his Pokémon would break out soon, "Skarmory, stay strong. You can do this! Get out with Steel Wing!!"

He knew that Miltank's rollout would be devastating. The longer it continues, the more dangerous it'll be for Skarmory, as it is now stuck on the ground level, being frozen by the Milk Cow Pokémon.

Whitney commanded, pressing her advantage with an eager grin on her face, "Miltank, Rollout again!"

*Thud*

Skarmory, frozen by Miltank, could only stare defenseless as the pink ball of doom loomed over it, as Miltank drew closer. Miltank slammed into Skarmory with fearsome power, knocking it out.

*SMASH*

Azure, recalling his Pokémon, turned to Pupitar and said, "I apologize for this, but you can do this!"

*Pop*

Pupitar emerged once more. Its eyes narrowed at Miltank as Whitney gazed at the Hard Shell Pokémon with cautious thought, 'Best beat this Pokémon as quickly as possible. It halted my Snorlax while it was doing Rollout. The sooner the better.'

Whitney commanded, pressing her advantage, "Miltank, Rollout again!"

*THUD*

Miltank charged towards Pupitar, Azure commanded, knowing this was a risky move, "Pupitar, Iron Defense! Use Strong Style! Earthquake!"

*CLANG*

Pupitar braced itself using Iron Defense to harden its shell as Miltank slammed into it, with minimal damage. But as the impact subsided and with all its strength, Pupitar slammed into the ground, unleashing a powerful earthquake.

*RMBL*

The ground shook violently, disrupting Miltank's Rollout and throwing it off balance. Once it was out of its Rollout phase, jumping into the air, Azure ordered, "NOW! Headbutt!"

*Swooosh*

*SMACK*

Pupitar propelled itself as it landed at Miltank's head, performing its Headbutt move. The Miltank was sent flying, recoiling from the pain as it was tossed into the crater by Snorlax, battling against Pupitar.

*SMASH*

Miltank, already weakened, couldn't withstand the force of the earthquake and Headbutt from Pupitar. The attack threw Miltank back, panting, but not giving up.

But Whitney grinned as she ordered, "NOW USE MILK DRINK!!"

*Pop*

Conjuring a glass of milk using its Normal Type energy, Miltank grinned as it gulped it down while taunting Pupitar, "Moooo!! (Ah… time to open a glass of milk and a can of whoop your ass!)"

But Azure grinned as he anticipated placing a Z-Crystal into his Z-Power Ring. Entering the Z-Crystal Groundium-Z as Azure strikes a series of poses to build Z-Power.

Having built enough Azure, grinned as he declared fueling Pupitar with Z-Power glowing in a golden aura, "Nah. We win this! Now! Z-Move! TECTONIC RAGE!!"

*RMBL*

Pupitar then stomps the ground, causing a fissure to open underneath Miltank, who then proceeds to fall in. Whitney's eyes widened in shock as she yelled, "No! Miltank!"

*RMBL*

Pupitar burrows underground and rushes at Miltank before sending them flying with a full-force tackle, in the process glowing a golden aura, getting a critical hit. Miltank recoiled in pain as it flew out of the ground and flopped onto the ground, forming a crater around it.

*BOOOM*

Afterward, Pupitar emerges from underground, and the fissure closes. Pupitar had a smug grin on its face as it taunted Miltank, "Pup! (Ha! Victory for Pupitar!)"

Miltank in the crater fainted, unable to battle. Whitney stared at her fallen Miltank in disbelief. The silence was deafening.

She whispered, her voice barely audible, "No way..."

Then, she looked up at Azure, a reluctant smile on her face. She bitterly says, "Okay, okay! You win! You're really strong!"

She walked over to him and presented him with the Plain Badge and rewards for winning the Badge in a bitter tone, "Grr… Here. You earned it."

Azure took the badge, TM's, and reward money of 3000 Poke Dollars, a wave of relief washing over him. He had done it. He had defeated Whitney.

[Item: Plain Badge

Rarity Item: A+

Type: Key Item

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, Normal-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]

[Item: TM Attract

Rarity Item: -

Type: Technical Machine

Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Attract].]

Azure smiled as he nodded his head and said, his voice filled with gratitude, "Thank you. It was a tough battle."

Whitney sighed. She pouted at Azure heatedly as she said challengingly, "Yeah, well, don't think you're the only one who can beat me! I'll be ready for you next time! And that last move was a cheap shot and you know it!!"

Azure smiled. He replied nonchalantly, grinning shrugging his shoulders, "I look forward to it. And I'm sorry, but it's not my fault you didn't use Protect."

Whitney opened her mouth to say something. But she froze, realizing she could've tried to block only to yell in frustration, "FUCK!!"

Azure chuckled at her reaction as he left the Goldenrod Gym, Pikachu leaped from his shoulder, and nuzzled his cheek. Eevee barked excitedly, circling his feet. He looked back at the Gym, then at the badge in his hand.

He had overcome a major hurdle, a challenge that had tested his skills and his team's strength. He had proven that with hard work, dedication, and unwavering trust in his Pokémon, anything was possible.

The journey was far from over, but he was ready. He had the Plain Badge, a symbol of his victory, and a renewed sense of purpose. The Johto Region held many more challenges, and he was ready to face them, together with his loyal team.

The sun seemed to shine brighter, and the city felt more alive than ever before. Azure's journey had just begun.

/////

A/N: Reach the new goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!