Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 145: Ghost Gym Battle (2)

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Ecruteak City – Gym]

The battle between the two continued as they eyed each other. But first, Morty chuckled, a low, melodious sound that sent a shiver down Azure's spine as he said, "Hahaha… Confidence is a valuable asset, Champion. But in this Gym, what you see is not always what is real. It's been a while since someone pushed me this far, but… Prepare yourself, for the dance of ghosts has begun!"

He tossed a Pokéball into the air as he called out excitedly, "Drifblim, show them the power of the skies!"

*Pop*

With a ghostly wail, a large, balloon-like Pokémon materialized. Drifblim, the evolved form of Drifloon, floated menacingly, its single, glowing yellow eye fixed on Azure.

Azure blinked as he grinned, clenching his Poke Ball tightly. Azure returned Morty's grin with a determined smile as he replied, "Hahaha! No kidding, Morty! You Gym Leaders must've been bored with hardly any challengers or recognition, but let's change that, shall we? Misdreavus, I choose you!"

*Pop*

He sent out his own Pokémon, a sleek, black orb with wisps of spectral purple energy emanating from its body. Misdreavus let out a playful cry, its red beads glowing in the dim light, "Misss~ (I'm here to... ruin your day!)"

Morty nodded, analyzing the Misdreavus as he commented on his Ghost Type with a smile on his face, "You've trained your Misdreavus well. I've also seen you use a Shiny Gengar before in your main team. Wish I had the chance to see them."

Azure blushed lightly at the compliments as Misdreavus puffed her small chest as he replied sheepishly, "Really? Glad to see a Ghost specialist like yourself complement my care of Ghost Types. But we should refocus on the battle ahead now."

Morty nodded as the Gym Referee announced in a clear voice, "Misdreavus versus Drifblim! Begin!"

Morty spoke first as he commanded, "Drifblim, use Gust!"

*Wooosh*

Drifblim's body glows light blue, and it becomes surrounded by a tornado. It then shoots the tornado at Misdreavus. The force of the wind was considerable, stirring up the mist and threatening to knock Misdreavus off balance.

Azure eyes focused, returning to battle, commanded, "Misdreavus, dodge Phantom Force and use Strong Style! Shadow Ball!"

*Fwp*

Misdreavus, with its superior speed and agility, easily evaded the brunt of the Gust as it opened a portal, phasing into another space. Morty grinned, seeing this as countered, "Oh, thanks for the Move. Personal fan of Phantom Force, right Drifblim?"

*Fwp*

Following Morty's command, Dirfblim escaped into another portal. Just as it left, Misdreavus appeared as it finished concentrating, gathering dark energy into a swirling orb that crackled with ghostly power.

But it noticed that Drifblim wasn't around anymore…

*Fwp*

But from behind it, Drifblim emerged, preparing to strike as Azure ordered, "Abort the Shadow Ball! Protect!"

Canceling its Shadow Ball Misdreavus casted Protect. And just in time, as Phantom Force struck the barrier… it phased through.

*SMACK*

Misdreavus wailed in pain as Azure's eyes widened. Morty smiled with his arms crossed as he thought, 'Seems like someone forgot that Phantom Force can bypass protective moves. I guess even the famous Move Tutor could forget a move or two effects.'

Misdreavus struck but was not out, glared hatefully at Drifblim. Azure bit his lip as he forgot that effect of Phantom Force, 'Shit! I forgot that Phantom Force can bypass protection moves! Seems like I'm slipping up…'

Taking control of the situation, Morty remained unfazed as he ordered, "Drifblim, use Ominous Wind!"

*Woooosh*

Drifblim recovered quickly and unleashed a chilling wind infused with ghost energy. The Ominous Wind buffeted Misdreavus, lowering her stats and causing her to shudder.

Azure countered as he commanded, "Misdreavus, use Confuse Ray!"

*Shiii*

Misdreavus focused its ghost energy, emitting a beam of light that enveloped Drifblim. The Ghost-type's power took hold, and Drifblim became confused, its movements erratic and disoriented.

Morty frowned slightly. Confusion was a tricky condition to deal with, especially for a Pokémon as reliant on precise movements as Drifblim.

Morty yelled, trying to command his Pokémon, "Drifblim, try to use Gust again!"

*Wooosh*

Drifblim, in its confused state, struggled to obey. It attempted to unleash another Gust, but the wind was weak and ineffective, and it ended up slamming against one of the Gym walls, much to Morty's disappointment.

Azure seized the opportunity as he commanded, "Now, Misdreavus! Pain Split!"

*SLAM*

Misdreavus slams its body into the opponent. Then, a beam of energy comes out of the healthier Pokémon, transferring its health to the weaker Pokémon.

Misdreavus levitated happily using its hair to clean its mouth in a ladylike manner, "Mis! Misdreavus! (Mmm… yummy.)"

Drifblim, on the other hand, recoiled in pain, having its HP stolen, "Drif! (YOU BITCH! THAT HURT!)"

Misdreavus chuckled in its pain, giving it the middle finger, "Mis~ (Bite me!)"

That further enraged the Dirfblim in its confused state as Azure chuckled at their interaction, 'Yup. She's been influenced too much by Gengar. I could only worry now when Misdreavus evolves into Mismagius.'

Returning to the battle, Azure declared seriously with narrowed eyes, "Misdreavus. Use Strong Style! Shadow Ball!"

*Shiii*

Misdreavus began to charge up a large Shadow Ball at Drifblim. Morty's eyes narrowed as he commanded, "Use Protect!"

Unfortunately for him, while he could see the future, the concept of chance and luck existed. Drifblim was too confused and didn't listen as Misdreavus mocked the Blimp Pokémon with useless chatter. By then, it was too late…

*BOOOM*

Misdreavus unleashed another devastating Shadow Ball, striking Drifblim while it was still reeling from its confusion. The attack was too much for the Blimp Pokémon.

Drifblim let out a final, mournful wail before collapsing to the ground, defeated, "Drif…!! (You cheating ghost!)"

*Thud*

Landing on the ground, fainting, Misdreavus smiled smugly at this. The referee announced out loud, "Drifblim is unable to battle! Misdreavus wins!"

Morty recalled his fallen Pokémon with a sigh. He collected his final Poke Ball as he said, impressed, "Impressive, Azure. You anticipated my strategy and exploited Drifblim's weaknesses. But this is the finale for you."

Recalling his Misdreavus Azure held his last Pokémon as he replied confidently, "Agreed. Time to end this."

Morty smiled, a slow, knowing expression. Morty raised his hand, a Poké Ball in his grasp as he said calmly, "Prepare yourself, Azure. This battle will test not only your Pokémon's strength, but also the strength of your spirit. Show them the depths, Jellicent!"

*Pop*

With a flash of light, a massive, jellyfish-like Pokémon materialized on Morty's side of the field. Jellicent loomed, its bulbous body pulsating with an eerie luminescence, its fronds trailing like ghostly tendrils.

Azure's mind raced. He knew Jellicent was a formidable opponent, a Water/Ghost type with high defenses and the ability to cripple opponents with debilitating status conditions.

He needed to choose his counter carefully. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the energy of his team, feeling their eagerness, their trust in him.

His gaze snapped open, his decision made. Azure shouted, throwing his Poké Ball, "Weavile, let's go!"

*Pop*

In a burst of icy energy, Weavile materialized, landing gracefully on the field. Its sharp claws glinted in the dim light, its piercing red eyes fixed on Jellicent.

Morty raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He'd likely expected a different choice.

Weavile was a Dark/Ice type, boasting incredible speed and attack power. Its Dark typing would give it an advantage against Jellicent's Ghost typing, but its Ice typing would make it resistant to Jellicent's Water-type moves.

Morty said, his voice laced with intrigue, eyeing his Weavile, "A bold choice, Azure. But will it be enough? Jellicent, use Water Pulse!"

*SPLASH*

Jellicent shuddered, and a swirling sphere of water condensed in front of it, crackling with energy. Weavile stood at the ready, seeing the male Jellicent's attack.

The sphere launched towards Weavile with frightening speed. Azure commanded, "Weavile, Agility! Dodge it and get in close!"

*Zoooom*

Weavile, true to its name, exploded into motion, blurring across the battlefield. The Water Pulse slammed into the ground where Weavile had been standing, sending shards of ice flying.

Weavile closed the distance in an instant, its claws extended, ready to strike. Azure yelled, "Now, Ice Shard!"

*Pew*

Weavile unleashed a barrage of icy shards, pelting Jellicent with a flurry of sharp projectiles. The shards struck true, dealing significant damage, but Jellicent barely flinched, its thick blubber absorbing the impact.

Morty countered, his voice calm and collected, "Jellicent, use Shadow Ball!"

A swirling orb of dark energy formed in front of Jellicent, growing larger and more menacing with each passing second. The Shadow Ball launched towards Weavile, a projectile of pure negative energy.

*Pew*

Azure knew Weavile could withstand a direct hit. But he preferred no damage done as he yelled, "Weavile, Protect!"

*CLANG*

A shimmering barrier of energy materialized around Weavile, deflecting the Shadow Ball with a resounding thud. The Protect held, but Azure knew it wouldn't last forever as he shouted, "Weavile, use Agile Style Night Slash while it's reloading!"

*Shinng*

Weavile, seizing the opportunity, charged towards Jellicent, its claws crackling with dark-type energy. It unleashed a series of rapid slashes, each strike landing with precision and power.

*Shinng*

*Shinng*

Jellicent groaned, visibly weakened by the onslaught it took. Morty commanded, "Jellicent, Recover!"

*Shiiii*

Jellicent shuddered, and a soft, ethereal glow enveloped it. Its wounds began to close, its energy returning.

Azure gritted his teeth. He knew Morty was playing the long game, relying on Jellicent's endurance and healing abilities to wear down Weavile.

He needed to change his strategy. Azure yelled swiftly, "Weavile! Icy Wind! Slow it down!"

*Wooosh*

Weavile unleashed a blast of frigid air, sweeping across the battlefield. The Icy Wind enveloped Jellicent, chilling it to the bone and significantly reducing its speed by -1 Stage from the blue aura that veiled it.

Given the chance, Azure ordered, not allowing Jellicent to react, "Now, use Attract! Don't give it a chance to recover!"

Weavile cutely winked at the male Jellicent as a heart-shaped projectile shot at it. With its speed lowered, it couldn't dodge as it was hit.

*Poof*

Morty frowned, seeing his Jellicent eyes turned into hearts as he muttered, "Oh no… he fell in love. The worst kind of debuff where it leaves the heart in pain…"

Jellicent, ignoring its protection, got close to Weavile as it asked manly, "Jell! Jellicent! (Hello there, sweet chika!)"

However, Azure rained on its parade as he casually commanded, "Weavile end it with a Strong Style Night Slash!"

*Shinng*

Weavile, drawing on its remaining energy, charged once more, its claws crackling with dark energy. It unleashed another series of devastating Night Slashes, each strike tearing through Jellicent's defenses.

This time, Jellicent couldn't withstand the assault. With a final shudder, it collapsed, its ethereal glow fading into nothingness as Morety recalled it with the judge declaring, "Jellicent is unable to battle! Weavile and the challenger win!"

Azure pumped his fist in the air, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. Weavile had done it defeating Morty's Pokemon. He'd taken down Morty's Pokémon with a combination of speed, power, and strategic thinking.

Morty, however, remained unfazed. He simply nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes. Morty approached him, a genuine smile on his face as he said, "Congratulations, Azure. You have proven your skill and your bond with your Pokémon."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gleaming badge. He said calmly, "Take this, Champion. It is the Fog Badge, a symbol of your victory. And of course, your reward for winning against me."

Azure accepted the badge, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew this was just one step on his journey, but it was a significant one. He had proven himself worthy, not only as a trainer but as a friend and partner to his Pokémon.

[Item: Fog 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, Ghost-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]

[Item: TM Shadow Ball

Rarity Item: -

Type: Technical Machine

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

As he left the Ecruteak Gym, the setting sun casting long shadows behind him, Azure looked at Pikachu, Celebi, Togepi, and Eevee, their faces beaming with pride. He knew they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

Together, they would face the world, united by their bond and their unwavering determination. The Johto region was full of new mysteries to solve, and the adventure had just begun.

Just as Azure left, Morty smiled briefly as he wondered curiously, 'I have to say I wonder what this guy's future would be… what?!'

Morty's eyes briefly widened as he received visions appearing before him. The visions from his Clairvoyance showed Azure confronting three Legendary Birds of Fire, Thunder, and Ice in the grand big stage as he sweated…

Calming himself, clenching his head, he looked at Azure's figure leaving in the distance as he muttered in shock, "The heck…?! How does someone encounter not one, not two, but three legendary Pokemon? Seriously, who is the Champion to casually encounter Legendaries…?"

Morty pondered this himself, but ultimately didn't know the answer. Unaware of Azure, one of the Legendary Beasts of Johto, eyed him from afar. The first Trail of the Rainbow Hero would soon begin…!

/////

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