Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 144: Ghost Gym Battle (1) [Bonus]

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Days Later, Ecruteak City – Gym]

Azure Sky's boots crunched on the gravel path leading to the Ecruteak City Gym. The Johto region sun beat down on his face, a stark contrast to the shivery anticipation that ran down his spine.

Pikachu, perched comfortably on his shoulder, twitched its nose, sensing Azure's excitement. Eevee, nestled in his backpack, gave a soft, reassuring whimper. Celebi's eyes gleam with childish curiosity.

He'd been traveling through Johto for months now, forging new bonds and strengthening old ones. His team, a carefully curated mix of power and finesse, reflected his evolving style as a trainer.

Pupitar, a stoic powerhouse, lumbered behind him, kicking up small clouds of dust with each step it hopped. Weavile, a sleek shadow, occasionally darted ahead, scouting the path with its keen senses.

Misdreavus, a mischievous spirit, floated playfully around Azure's head, its ghostly energy a constant hum. Houndoom, a loyal and fearsome companion, padded silently beside him, its eyes burning with intensity.

Hitmontop, a whirling dervish of a Pokémon, practiced its spinning kicks, eager to unleash its unique brand of combat. And nestled securely in Azure's pocket, warm and content, was Togepi, recently hatched from an egg he'd received as a reward.

Azure's goal, like that of many trainers, was to conquer the Johto League. But this gym challenge, against Morty, the Ghost-type master of Ecruteak City, held a special significance.

Morty was renowned, not just for his powerful Pokémon, but for his spiritual connection to the world of ghosts, as he had traveled around Regions. He was a formidable opponent, one Azure knew would push him to his limits.

He'd deliberately waited for news of Morty's return. The Gym Leader had been away, reportedly on a job in another part of Johto.

The moment Azure had heard Morty was back in town, he'd packed his bags and set course for Ecruteak. As he reached the ornate entrance of the gym, adorned with swirling patterns of purple and black, Azure felt a grin spread across his face. He was ready.

*Thud*

He pushed open the heavy doors, the scent of incense and old wood filling his nostrils. The gym was dimly lit, with flickering lanterns casting long, dancing shadows on the polished wooden floor.

In the center of the arena, bathed in a single spotlight, stood Morty. Morty was a figure of quiet intensity. His short, blond hair framed a face etched with wisdom and a hint of melancholy.

His eyes, the color of purple, held a knowing gaze that seemed to pierce through Azure's very soul. He wore a simple, blue tracksuit, and his shadow seemed alive. Morty said, his voice a low, resonant hum, "Azure Sky. I have been expecting you. I felt your approach, even from a distance."

Azure stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. He grinned as he announced, "Morty. I've come to challenge you for the Fog Badge."

Morty's lips curved into a faint smile. He gazed directly at his azure eyes as he said, "I accept your challenge. I sense a strong spirit within you, young trainer. But the realm of ghosts is not easily mastered. Are you prepared to face the shadows?"

Azure replied, his voice ringing with confidence as he jabbed his thumb to his chest, "I am. I've trained hard, and I trust my Pokémon."

Morty said calmly, gesturing towards the battlefield with a slight grin, activating his Clairvoyance, "Very well. This will be a four-on-four battle. Let us see if your strength can withstand the ethereal power of my Pokémon, mister Champion."

*Click*

Just as he said that, a strange machine came out of the ground. There were 6 sockets in them as Azure placed the 4; he'll be choosing for this Gym Battle.

He had carefully considered his options and selected four Pokémon that he believed would give him the best chance of victory: Weavile, Hitmontop, Misdreavus, and Houndoom.

*Ding*

Finishing scanning, Morty checked his Rotom Phone. Smirking, he turned as a strange machine popped up for him, revealing 4 Pokémon of exact or tougher level for the Gym Challenge.

Pikachu, Eevee, Togepi, and Celebi took to the sidelines. Morty's eyes caught Celebi's attention with wide eyes as he muttered, "He managed to capture the Time Traveler Pokémon Celebi… his certainly no pushover or average trainer that's for sure. This will be an interesting battle…"

Smirking Morty shifted his focus onto the battlefield. The referee stepped forward, raising his hand, declaring, "Trainers, please send out your Pokémon!"

Morty's eyes gleamed with anticipation. He reached for a Poké Ball, its surface cool and smooth in his hand as he announced, "Gengar, show them the true meaning of fear!"

*Pop*

He hurled the Poké Ball into the air. With a flash of crimson light, Gengar materialized, its mischievous grin stretching across its wide face. Its red eyes gleamed with malevolent glee, and a dark aura radiated from its shadowy form.

Azure took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew Gengar was a formidable opponent – fast, powerful, and with a wide array of tricky moves.

He should know, as he owned one himself. But he needed to start strong, to establish dominance early.

He considered his options till he thought of Houndoom. He mentally smirked at the idea, 'Houndoom is perfect. Dealing with a Gengar is going to be tricky, but with Houndoom should be a good start.'

Azure reached for his Poké Ball as he declared, "Houndoom, I choose you!"

*Pop*

With another flash of light, Houndoom materialized on the battlefield! Its powerful frame was sleek and muscular, its black fur gleaming in the dim light. Flames danced around its horns and tail, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding area with its Held Item around its neck [Charcoal].

Houndoom let out a ferocious howl, its fiery breath scorching the air, daring Gengar to approach, "Awooo!!!"

Morty frowned lightly, seeing a Houndoom, but slowly smiled. Azure commanded, his voice sharp and decisive, "Houndoom, use Flamethrower!"

*Sssss*

Houndoom unleashed a torrent of searing flames, a blazing inferno that roared towards Gengar. The intensity of the heat was palpable, even from across the battlefield.

Morty remained unfazed at this. He'd seen the attack as he declared casually, "Gengar, Shadow Ball!"

*Pew*

Gengar's hands glowed with an eerie purple energy, coalescing into a dark, pulsating orb. With a swift motion, it hurled the Shadow Ball towards the oncoming flames. The two attacks collided in a burst of energy, creating a shockwave that rattled the very foundations of the gym.

*BOOOM*

The Flamethrower was extinguished, but the Shadow Ball continued hurtling towards Houndoom, albeit with diminished force. Azure shouted, anticipating the Shadow Ball's trajectory, "Houndoom, dodge it and use Nasty Plot!"

*Wooosh*

Houndoom proved to be faster than its bulk implied. It nimbly sidestepped the Shadow Ball, narrowly avoiding the ghostly projectile.

Its eyes then dilated upon activating Nasty Plot, boosting its Sp. Attack by +2 Stages. It chuckled evilly at Gengar, "Kekekeke…"

Seeing the chance, Azure ordered, "Now! Agile Style! Dark Pulse!"

*Pew*

With a guttural growl, it unleashed a wave of dark energy, a powerful Dark Pulse that slammed into Gengar. The Ghost-type Pokémon was struck full-on, reeling from the impact.

*SLAM*

Skidding across the battlefield, Morty commanded, his voice calm and precise, "Gengar, use Disable!"

Gengar's eyes glowed with a swirling, hypnotic energy. It locked its gaze onto Houndoom as it flinched, growling at Gengar.

Azure gritted his teeth. His eyes narrowed as Gengar's Disable just nullified Houndoom's Dark Pulse, one of its stronger Sp. Attacks that are highly effective against Ghosts.

He had to act fast. Azure commanded seriously extending his arm out, "Houndoom, use Smog! Cover the battlefield!"

*Pooof*

Houndoom unleashed a dense cloud of poisonous smog, filling the arena with thick, choking fumes. The smog obscured visibility, making it difficult for both Pokémon to see clearly.

More importantly, it disrupted Gengar's focus as its eyes tried to locate Houndoom. But Morty simply grinned as he said, "Gengar Icy Wind to blow it away, followed by a Focus Blast to the right."

*Woooosh*

A sudden breeze of cold air appeared, clearing the smog in the area. Azure's eyes widen in surprise as Houndoom is revealed, as Morty suggested. Gengar puts its hands together and creates a blue ball of energy.

*PEW*

*BOOOOM*

And Gengar launched at Houndoom as it cries in pain, "Awoooo!!!"

*THUD*

Houndoom fainted from there as Gengar grinned, putting up a peace sign, "Gengar! Gen! (Heh! I win – ack!)"

But then came a sudden twist as Gengar suddenly collapsed. Morty frowned as he thought, realizing the problem, 'Destiny Bond. He taught his Houndoom Destiny Bond, ensuring neutral destruction no matter the odds. Didn't see that coming…'

He hadn't anticipated this tactic. Houndoom's Smog was a clever way to hide from Gengar, and him not see that Houndoom used Destiny Bond at that moment.

The referee raised his hand. He then declared in a neutral tone, "Houndoom is unable to battle! But Gengar has also fainted due to Destiny Bond!"

Azure sighed, recalling Houndoom to its Poké Ball. He had won the first exchange, but at a cost losing his Houndoom.

He had lost one of his strongest Pokémon. He smiled as he thanked his Pokémon, "Thanks for taking the hit, Houndoom. Take some rest."

Morty recalled Gengar, a flicker of respect in his eyes. He grinned lightly as he said cooly, "A valiant effort, Champion. But the night is still young."

Azure nodded, agreeing, but then thought seriously against Morty, 'Fighting against someone who can see the future… How do I battle against someone like him? The only reason I won against Sabrina was by surprise, using Dark Types and jumping her. But Morty… this required a new approach against his Clairvoyance.'

Azure reached for another Poké Ball, contemplating his next choice. Azure knew he had to adapt his strategy.

The battle had just begun, and he had three more Pokémon to use. Morty smiled as he hurled his next choice, "Let's continue, shall we? Go! Sableye!"

*Pop*

He tossed the Poké Ball into the air, and with a flash of light, Sableye materialized on the battlefield. The Dark/Ghost-type Pokémon perched on a rock, its gem-like eyes gleaming in the dim light.

Azure considered his options. Sableye was a tricky opponent.

Its Ghost/Dark typing made it immune to both Normal and Fighting-type moves, a significant advantage against many physical attackers. He needed to be strategic as he didn't have a Fairy-type on his rotation.

He paused as that line of thinking crossed his mind, as he mentally thought, 'Right… gotta change that. I don't have a Fairy Pokémon on my current team or boxes except for Togepi. I'll change that once I get a suitable Fairy Type.'

Shaking his head, he returned to the battle ahead. Taking a deep breath, Azure reached for a Poké Ball as he hurled it out, declaring, "Alright, Hitmontop! Let's go!"

*Pop*

Hitmontop, the Fighting-type Pokémon known for its spinning kick attacks, emerged onto the battlefield. Its unique stance, balancing upside down on its head, was a testament to its agility and control along with its Held Item [Black Belt].

Morty raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He had expected Azure to choose a Pokémon capable of directly countering Sableye's typing, as he thinks, baffled, 'I didn't see this coming… Hitmontop seemed like an odd choice, given Sableye's immunity to Fighting-type attacks. But what does he have planned…'

Shaking his head, Morty returned to the battle as he commanded, "Sableye, rush in with a Shadow Claw!"

*Zoooom*

Sableye vanished into the shadows, reappearing instantly behind Hitmontop, its claws glowing with dark energy. It slashed at Hitmontop's back, a powerful strike that would cripple most opponents.

*SMACK*

But something unexpected happened. As Sableye materialized, a faint shimmering aura surrounded Hitmontop as its eyes glowed light blue. It then releases a large light blue force field from its body that expands all around, revealing any invisible objects as Hitmontop casually blocked the swipe.

The attack, instead of landing a devastating blow, seemed to have been perfectly blocked in that moment. Morty's eyes widened in astonishment as he muttered, stunned, "What? How did you make – "

Azure smirked. This was the key to his strategy.

He had spent days training Hitmontop, honing its innate abilities. He taught Hitmontop the move Foresight and to be actively used first when fighting Ghost-type Pokémon as per the training command.

When Foresight is used, if the user's accuracy stat stage is less than the target's evasion stat stage, both stat stages will be treated as zero during accuracy checks against the target. This effect remains until the target switches out, but the effect may be passed via Baton Pass.

Foresight also removes the Ghost type's immunity to Fighting-type and Normal-type moves for any moves used against the target. Not only that, but Foresight has an accuracy of 100%!

Azure smirked as he ordered confidently, surprising Morty, "Hitmontop, use Foresight! Keep that Ghost close!"

*Shiii*

Hitmontop, still balanced on its head, pulsed with a faint, ethereal light. The aura surrounding it intensified, dispelling the shadowy veil that had concealed Sableye in the light.

Morty's confusion deepened. He also knew the effects of the move to a degree. Foresight was a Normal-type move that revealed the location of Ghost-type Pokémon and allowed Normal and Fighting-type moves to hit them.

Knowing this, Morty couldn't help but ponder deeply in a confused tone, 'But Sableye was already visible! Why would Azure waste a turn using Foresight – '

That was when it clicked in his head. He soon realized his mistake.

Foresight not only revealed the location of Ghost-type Pokémon but also negated their immunity to Fighting-type attacks. Sableye was no longer shielded from Hitmontop's power as Morty smiled as he said, "Amazing! That's what I like to see. Now show us what you got, Azure."

Azure grinned as he yelled, issuing his command, "Hitmontop! Hit'm with a Strong Style! Rolling Kick!"

*Zooom*

Hitmontop grinned as it flipped into its Beyblade form and spun. Hitmontop kicks the Sableye sides with its legs as it spins.

*SMACK*

Sableye, caught completely off guard, had no time to react. The Rolling Kick connected with a resounding thud, sending it crashing to the ground.

Sableye struggled to get up, its gem-like eyes glazed over. It was knocked out.

Morty was stunned seeing this as he quickly used Clairvoyance to know how his Pokémon was taken out in one hit. His eyes narrowed as he realized the answer, muttering, "It has a Technician ability. Using the 60 Base Power Rolling Kick with Technician boosted it to 90 Base Power with STAB along with his Black Belt. With Hitmontop's superior speed… my Sableye stood no chance."

The air crackled with tension. Morty recalled his defeated Sableye, his expression unreadable. He conceded, retrieving another Poké Ball, slightly smiling, "Impressive, Champion. You have done your homework, but do not think you have won. This is only the beginning."

Azure smirked, recalling his Hitmontop as he replied excitedly, "No kidding. But my Pokémon are ready for the challenge!"

Both grinned as the Gym Match continued. Both reached for their next Pokémon to continue the battle…

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 200 to get a Bonus Chapter!