Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 149: Steel Gym Battle (1)

~Third POV~

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

The salt-laced wind whipped Azure's hair across his face as he stood before the Olivine City Gym. The lighthouse, a sentinel against the crashing waves, stood tall beside it, a silent testament to the bond between Jasmine and her beloved Ampharos.

Azure remembered the sickly glow of the Pokémon, its energy drained, and the relief that washed over Jasmine's face when he'd helped her over her depression. That act of kindness had solidified their agreement: a Gym battle, a test not just of strength, but of the connection between Trainer and Pokémon.

Pikachu perched on his shoulder, its cheek pouches crackling with anticipation. Eevee, usually more reserved, nudged against his leg, its tail swishing nervously. Celebi chuckled, observing the scene excitedly.

Azure looked down at his belt for his current rotation against Jasmine, the Steel-Clad Defense Girl. His team – Pupitar, Quagsire, Houndoom, Gyarados, Steelix, and Heracross were ready.

They were a motley crew, gathered from various corners of the Johto region, each with their unique strengths and quirks. He'd spent yesterday meticulously training them, forging bonds built on trust and understanding.

Taking a deep breath, Azure pushed open the heavy doors of the Gym. He smirked as he muttered, "I'm ready."

*Thud*

The interior was brightly lit, the air thick with the scent of metal and exertion. Jasmine stood patiently on the other side of the battlefield, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the electric energy that crackled in the air.

She offered a small, respectful nod. She said, her voice gentle but firm, "Azure, welcome. I've been looking forward to this. I hope you're ready."

Azure replied, returning her nod with a playful grin, "As ready as I'll ever be, Jasmine."

Jasmine said calmly, gesturing towards the battlefield with a slight grin, being somewhat more confident and somewhat aggressive, "Hehe. This will be a four-on-four battle. Let's both go all out!"

*Click*

Just as she 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 six Pokémon that he believed would give him the best chance of victory: Pupitar, Quagsire, Gyarados, and Heracross.

*Ding*

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

Pikachu, Eevee, and Celebi took to the sidelines. Jasmine's eyes narrowed, showing more confidence and determination.

The referee, a young woman with neatly braided hair, stepped forward. She then announced, "This will be a four-on-four battle. The battle will be over when all four Pokémon on either side are unable to battle. Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"

Jasmine didn't hesitate. She reached for a Poké Ball, its polished surface gleaming under the gym lights as she hurled it into the air, "Scizor, let's go!"

*Pop*

With a flash of red light, the Steel/Bug type appeared, its metallic red body glinting menacingly. Its pincers clicked together, producing a sound like shears snapping.

Scizor was a formidable opponent, its Steel typing giving it incredible resilience and its Bug typing providing access to powerful offensive moves. Azure considered his options when he saw it was Scizor first.

He needed a Pokémon that could withstand Scizor's physical attacks and ideally exploit its weakness to Fire. But he didn't choose a Fire-type on his team.

His gaze landed on Heracross's Poke Ball, the Fighting/Bug type powerhouse, his choice to combat Scizor. Azure declared, throwing his own Poké Ball, "Heracross, I choose you!"

*Pop*

Heracross materialized, its blue exoskeleton shimmering. It let out a defiant roar, flexing its massive horn, "HERA! HERACROSS!"

While Heracross shared a Bug typing with Scizor, its Fighting typing gave it a crucial advantage in terms of attack power and potential coverage moves.

Jasmine commented, a slight smile playing on her lips as she made her move, "A bold choice. A Bug-type versus a Bug-type. Let's see how this plays out. Scizor, use Metal Claw!"

*Shinng*

Scizor lunged forward, its pincers glowing with metallic energy. It slashed at Heracross with incredible speed and force.

Azure smirked as he had his own experience in raising a Scizor. He saw the attack coming as he commanded, "Heracross, Endure! Then counter with Strong Style! Brick Break!"

*CLANG*

Heracross braced itself, the Metal Claw connecting with a clang. The attack stung, but Heracross held its ground, absorbing the impact.

With a roar, it retaliated, its fist enveloped in orange energy. Brick Break smashed into Scizor, the force of the blow visibly staggering the Steel-type.

*SMASH*

Jasmine called out, "Scizor, quick, use Agility!"

*Wooosh*

Scizor, recovering quickly, channeled its energy into Agility. It moved with blinding speed, dodging Heracross' subsequent attacks.

The battlefield became a blur of red and blue. Azure shouted, "Heracross, don't let it outmaneuver you! Use Arm Thrust, aiming for a direct hit!"

Heracross, focusing its energy, unleashed a flurry of punches, each strike imbued with Fighting-type power intending to hit. It anticipated Scizor's movements, predicting its trajectory with surprising accuracy.

*SMACK*

One of the punches connected, sending Scizor stumbling backward. Jasmine commanded, urgency in her voice, "Scizor, use Iron Head!"

*Shinng*

Scizor, reeling from the blow, charged forward, its head glowing with metallic energy. It slammed into Heracross with the full force of its momentum.

*SMASH*

Azure yelled, seizing the opportunity, "Heracross, use Counter!"

Heracross, already prepared, absorbed Scizor's attack. It channeled the force of the impact back at Scizor, magnifying the power of the blow.

*BOOOM*

The resulting explosion sent Scizor flying, crashing into the wall of the Gym. Scizor lay on the ground, its metallic body harmed, and yet it struggled to stand.

Jasmine sighed a breath of relief, seeing her Scizor could continue refocusing her attention on the battle at hand, 'Whew… thank goodness that Scizor can still fight. But still, to think the Champion is using a new team and can still push us. Amazing.'

Regaining her focus, Jasmine commanded, her voice sharp, "Scizor, regain your focus. Use Agility!"

*Wooosh*

Scizor shook off the effects of Counter and began to glow. Its movements became noticeably faster, almost blurring before the naked eye.

Azure muttered under his breath as he thought quickly analyzing the situation, 'Damn. Jasmine's Scizor's speed was already impressive; now it was going to be a real challenge to keep up.'

Seeing the change, Azure quickly shifted tactics as he declared, "Heracross, don't let it get away! Use Pin Missile!"

*Pew*

*Pew*

Heracross responded instantly, unleashing a barrage of sharp, needle-like projectiles from its horn. The Pin Missiles zipped across the battlefield, targeting Scizor with pinpoint accuracy, intending to hurt.

Scizor, now significantly faster, dodged and weaved through the incoming projectiles with ease. Only a few of the Pin Missiles managed to land, inflicting minimal damage.

Jasmine grinned as she yelled, "Now! Aerial Ace!"

Azure's eyes widened, but it was too late to react. Scizor charged forward again, its claws glowing with an outlined light blue glow intensity, and it swiped. This time, it was much faster, making it difficult for Heracross to react.

*Shinng*

The Aerial Ace connected, slicing across Heracross's exoskeleton. Heracross was sent hurling as it cried in pain, "Hera!"

*Thud*

Azure flinched, seeing Heracross faint. Jasmine smirked as he recalled his Heracross in a thankful tone, "You've done great, Heracross, get some good rest. Okay… being put on the losing end isn't ideal, but…"

Azure smirked as he quickly got the right Pokémon for the job. He smirked as he hurled it to the field in a determined tone, "Let's go! Quagsire!"

*Pop*

With another flash of light, Quagsire materialized on the battlefield. It wobbled slightly, its perpetually cheerful expression seemingly unaffected by the intense atmosphere.

Azure commanded, hoping to get the first strike, "Quagsire, Agile Style! Mud Shot!"

*Splat*

Quagsire obliged, launching a glob of mud at Scizor. The mud splattered against Scizor's carapace, dealing a decent amount of damage.

Jasmine countered, her voice calm and controlled, "Scizor, use Fury Cutter!"

*Zooom*

Scizor shot forward, its pincers glowing with energy. It unleashed a barrage of rapid strikes, each blow increasing in power. Quagsire endured the assault, its Water/Ground typing offering some resistance, but the repeated blows still stung.

Azure yelled, seeing an opening, "Quagsire, use Strong Style! Earthquake!"

He had been waiting for Scizor to get close enough. And once Scizor got close, was when Quagsire grinned.

*RMBL*

Quagsire slammed its feet into the ground, unleashing a powerful tremor that shook the entire arena. The Earthquake struck Scizor with full force, its Ground-type attack devastating AoE damage.

Scizor staggered, its normally sturdy legs buckling beneath it. Jasmine asked, her brow furrowed with concern, "Scizor, can you continue?"

Scizor struggled to its feet, but its movements were sluggish and labored. It was clear it had taken significant damage as it knelt, fainting.

*Thud*

The referee announced calmly, "Scizor is unable to battle! Quagsire wins!"

Azure pumped his fist in the air, relief washing over him. He cheered, patting his teammate affectionately, "Good job, Quagsire!"

Quagsire responded with a happy wiggle and salute, "Quag!"

Jasmine returned Scizor to its Poké Ball, a hint of frustration flickering across her face. She admitted while pulling out another Poke Ball, "Not a very good start for me, but that was a good strategy, Azure. Alright, let's see how you handle this!"

She tossed the Poké Ball into the air. His eyes narrowed, awaiting what her next choice of Pokemon...

*Pop*

In a flash of light, a small, bipedal Pokémon with twin jaws erupting from the back of its head appeared. Mawile was a deceptively cute creature, but Azure knew its steel and fairy typing made it a formidable opponent.

Azure considered his options. He needed a Pokémon that could resist Mawile's potential Fairy-type attacks and deliver a strong counter-attack.

But he sees the fire in Quagsire's eyes, lifting its hands ready to throw down. Trusting his Pokémon instinct, he said confidently, "We're staying in. Ain't that right Quagsire!"

Quagsire did a mock punch, confidently cried out, "Quag!"

Despite its seemingly indifferent attitude, Azure knew Quagsire was a reliable and powerful battler. The referee announced, blowing her whistle, "Quagsire against Mawile! Let the battle begin!"

Jasmine made the first move. She ordered, "Mawile, use Iron Head!"

Mawile, surprisingly agile for its size, launched itself towards Quagsire, its head glowing with a metallic sheen. Azure remained calm.

He knew Quagsire's strengths. He countered, "Quagsire, use Mud Shot!"

*SPLAT*

Quagsire, without a hint of urgency, opened its mouth and fired a glob of hardened mud at Mawile. The Mud Shot struck Mawile head-on, disrupting its Iron Head attack and sending it stumbling back.

Skidding back, Jasmine asked, her concern evident, "Mawile, are you alright?"

Mawile shook its head, seemingly unaffected by the impact. Releieved Jasmine commanded, "Mawile, use Play Rough!"

*Zooom*

Mawile charged again, this time surrounded by a swirling aura of playful energy. Azure knew Play Rough could deal significant damage, especially to a Pokémon like Quagsire, as he thought, 'Since she's taking this much trouble coming to us… she might have a plan if we use Earthquake. In that case…'

Grinning slyly, he shouted, his voice ringing with authority, "Quagsire, Agile Style Earthquake! Disrupt the attack!"

*RMBL*

Quagsire slammed its stubby feet into the ground, unleashing a powerful earthquake that shook the entire gym. The ground beneath Mawile's feet buckled and cracked, disrupting its balance and stopping its Play Rough attack in its tracks.

Mawile struggled to maintain its footing, overwhelmed by the force of the Earthquake. Azure saw his chance as he ordered, "Strong Style! Mud Shot!"

*SPLAT*

Quagsire fired another glob of mud, this time highly concentrated, targeting Mawile's face. Blinded and disoriented, Mawile tried to recover by standing up.

But Azure seized the moment as he ordered, "Now! Liquidation!"

*SMASH*

Quagsire's hands and feet become covered in water, and it hits the Mawile with them, throwing its hands. Being blinded and disoriented, Quagsire landed some serious blows till Mawile finally fainted.

*Thud*

The referee announced as Mawile fell fainting on the ground, "Mawile is unable to battle! Quagsire wins!"

Jasmine retrieved Mawile, her expression thoughtful. She returned Mawile to its Poké Ball, offering it words of encouragement, "Impressive, Azure. Your Quagsire is stronger than I anticipated. You did well, Mawile. Get some rest."

Azure sighed a breath of relief as Quagsire panted, showing signs of exhaustion. He grinned, seeing how much Quagsire's pushing itself as he thought, 'Thanks, buddy. But now the score is 2v3, with things are going. Let's see what she has next.'

She then drew another Poké Ball. Her eyes were gleaming with anticipation, drawing his attention and concern. She called out, tossing a Poké Ball into the air, "You pushed me far, Azure. Let me return the favor. Lucario, stand by for battle!"

*Pop*

With a flash of light, the Aura Pokémon materialized on the battlefield. Lucario stood tall and proud, its steely blue fur shimmering under the Gym's lights.

Its piercing red eyes seemed to assess Azure with an almost unnerving intelligence. As for Azure, he almost choked seeing Lucario as he thought, panicked, 'The hell! Where the heck did she even get a Lucario?!'

Azure took a deep breath, his mind racing through his options. He needed to choose carefully, to start with a Pokémon that could exploit Lucario's weaknesses while minimizing its own.

But seeing Quagsire panting, he took in a deep breath. He was Azure's answer to Jasmine's lead, a strategic pick designed to capitalize on Lucario's vulnerability to Ground-type moves.

The referee announced, raising his hand and then bringing it down sharply, "Quagsire versus Lucario! Let the battle begin!"

Jasmine made the first move. She ordered, "Lucario, use Metal Claw!"

*Zoooom*

*Shinng*

Lucario moved with surprising speed, its paws glowing with a metallic sheen. It lunged forward, aiming a swift and powerful blow at Quagsire.

Azure countered, his voice calm and collected, "Quagsire, use Protect!"

*CLANG*

A shimmering green barrier materialized around Quagsire, deflecting Lucario's Metal Claw with ease. The attack bounced harmlessly off the protective shield, leaving Lucario momentarily vulnerable.

Azure commanded, seizing the moment, "Now, Quagsire! Earthquake!"

*RMBL*

Quagsire slammed its stubby feet into the ground, unleashing a powerful Earthquake that shook the entire battlefield. The ground cracked and buckled beneath Lucario's feet, disrupting its balance and sending tremors throughout its body.

Lucario staggered, struggling to maintain its footing. It recoiled in pain as the Earthquake's super-effective power coursed through its body.

Jasmine, however, remained unfazed. She shouted, her voice filled with encouragement, "Lucario, hang in there! Use Aura Sphere!"

*Shiii*

Despite the pain, Lucario gathered its strength and focused its aura. A ball of shimmering aura energy formed in its paws, crackling with immense power…

*PEW*

It launched the Aura Sphere towards Quagsire, and a direct hit was guaranteed. Azure knew that another Protect would be futile; Lucario would be able to strike him.

So, he prepared the hit as he ordered, setting up, "Quagsire, use Rain Dance!"

*RMBL*

Quagsire responded instantly, summoning a downpour of rain that filled the Gym. The rain obscured the battlefield, making it difficult for Lucario to track Quagsire's movements. But Lucario's attack hit its mark.

*BOOOM*

The Aura Sphere struck Quagsire, even while Rain Dance was in effect. Quagsire landed on the Gym walls as it plopped down, no longer getting back up...

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 250 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!