Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 150: Steel Gym Battle (2) [Bonus]

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Olivine City – Gym]

*Thud*

Quagsire fell to the ground, fainting as it fought all it could as it activated Rain Dance. But Lucario showed no mercy.

It unleashed one final, devastating Aura Sphere, sending Quagsire crashing to the ground. The referee announced, "Quagsire is unable to battle! Lucario wins! Trainer Azure, please send your next Pokémon!"

Azure rushed to Quagsire's side, kneeling beside his fallen friend. He said softly, returning it to its Poké Ball, "You did great, Quagsire. Get some rest."

He stood up, his gaze fixed on Lucario. His expression turned serious, adjusting his thoughts as he plans, 'Okay… the Lucario threw me off. That Aura Pokémon just threw my plans out of order… and my team rotation.'

Azure flinched as one of his two remaining Pokémon, Pupitar, a Ground/Rock-type Pokémon, is weak to Fighting-type Pokémon. He knew he needed to change his strategy against Lucario.

The rain was still falling, bolstering the effectiveness of Water-type attacks. He had to capitalize on that as Quagsire set up the rain for him to make his next move once he saw Lucario on the battlefield.

He reached for another Poké Ball, his heart pounding in his chest. The only Pokémon that can take on Lucario as he yelled, hurling the Poke Ball into the air in a serious tone, "Gyarados, I choose you!"

*Pop*

"GYRAAAAAA!!!"

With a roar that echoed through the Gym, Shiny Gyarados emerged from its Poké Ball in a flash of crimson light. Its massive, serpentine body dominated the arena, its red scales gleaming in the rain.

Jasmine's eyes widened in surprise. She murmured, a hint of admiration in her voice, "A Shiny Gyarados!"

Azure commanded, his voice ringing with confidence, "Gyarados, use Waterfall!"

*SPLASH*

Gyarados roared again, its powerful tail churning the water around it. It surged forward, engulfed in a torrent of water, and slammed into Lucario with tremendous force.

*SLAM*

Lucario cried out in pain, staggering backward from the impact. The Waterfall attack was powerful, being a physical water-type move, and the rain amplified its power.

Lucario recoiled in pain as its eyes darted towards the Gyarados' wariness, which shone in the Aura Pokémon's eyes. But Azure continued the pressure as he commanded, "Gyarados, use Dragon Rage!"

*WOOOOSH*

Gyarados unleashed a torrent of draconic energy, a swirling vortex of purple flames hurtling towards Lucario. Jasmine remained unfazed against the attack and ordered, "Lucario, use Metal Claw to intercept!"

*Zoooom*

With incredible speed, Lucario charged forward, its claws glowing with metallic energy. It slashed through the Dragon Rage attack, dissipating the flames before they could reach it, eyeing Gyarados cautiously.

The two Pokémon clashed in the center of the battlefield, a whirlwind of scales and steel. Lucario, nimble and agile, danced around Gyarados's massive frame, striking with precise Metal Claws.

Gyarados retaliated with powerful Hydro Pumps, but Lucario dodged them with practiced ease. Jasmine called out, seizing an opportunity, "Lucario, quickly use Bone Rush to block the Hydro Pump!"

*SPLASH*

Lucario conjured a bone-like staff of pure energy and launched a flurry of strikes, blocking the Hydro Pump. Azure frowned as he observed the battle unfold with concern, 'That Lucario just loves to mess with my plans. It's insane. Attack and Speed power is concerning. Even in Rain Dance, Gyarados can't land a blow on that thing…'

Azure knew he had to change tactics. Jasmine yelled, desperate to regain control of the battle, "Lucario, use Thunder Punch!"

*Zzzz*

Sparks of electricity cackled in Lucario's fist as it rushed forward, intending to strike Gyarados. But just as it edges closer, Azure countered, "Roar!"

Gyarados eyes the Aura Pokémon, unleashing its mighty roar, "GYARAAA!!!"

Lucario was momentarily stunned as it was forced back into its Poke Ball, alarming Jasmine. Azure, on the other hand, frowned as he thought cautiously, 'That Lucario is going to be a pain dealing with it. With how it was dominating the battle and a Thunder Punch, I can't have Gyarados be taken out by a 4x super effective hit.'

*Pop*

With a flash of light, Steelix materialized onto the battlefield. The massive, serpentine Pokémon was a sight to behold. Its metallic body gleamed under the gym lights, its jaws wide, revealing rows of sharp, menacing teeth. Its sheer size was intimidating.

Azure took a deep breath, his heart pounding. He knew Steelix was Jasmine's partner, her most trusted Pokémon.

He needed to start his counterattack. He needs to take the situation back as Rain Dance finally ended.

He reached for his own Poké Ball. He quickly recalled Gyarados as he yelled, throwing the Poké Ball into the air, "Thanks for the save, Gyarados! Return! Pupitar, I choose you!"

*Pop*

Pupitar appeared in a flash of light, landing on the ground with a thud. The Rock/Ground type Pokémon, resembling a small, armored larva, stood firm, its single eye focused intently on Steelix.

While considerably smaller than its opponent, Pupitar emanated an aura of determination eyes narrowing. Azure commanded, his voice clear and confident, "Pupitar, use Rock Throw!"

*RMBL*

Pupitar gathered energy, and with a grunt and headbutt, hurled several large rocks towards Steelix. The rocks came fast and hard as Jasmine countered calmly, "Steelix, use Iron Tail! Destroy those rocks!"

*Shinng*

*SMASH*

With incredible speed for its size, Steelix swung its massive tail, which glowed with a metallic sheen, deflecting the rocks with ease. The Iron Tail slammed into the ground, sending tremors through the battlefield.

Azure instructed, recognizing the power of Steelix's attack, "Quick, Pupitar, dodge and use Sandstorm!"

*Wooosh*

Pupitar nimbly dodged the Iron Tail, its small body surprisingly agile. As it dodged, it began to spin, kicking up a swirling vortex of sand that enveloped the battlefield.

The Sandstorm reduced visibility and made it harder for Steelix to track Pupitar's movements. Jasmine commanded, her voice cutting through the howling wind, "Steelix, use Screech!"

*VREEEEE*

Steelix unleashed a high-pitched screech that pierced the air, making Azure, Eevee, Celebi, and even Pikachu wince. The Screech echoed through the Gym, its purpose clear: to lower Pupitar's Defense.

Azure gritted his teeth. He knew he had to act fast as he ordered, "Pupitar, use Rock Slide while the Sandstorm covers your movements!"

*RMBL*

Taking advantage of the reduced visibility, Pupitar unleashed a barrage of rocks from above, sending them crashing down towards Steelix. Jasmine countered without hesitation, "Steelix, Earthquake!"

*RMBL*

Steelix slammed its tail into the ground again, unleashing a devastating Earthquake. The entire Gym shook violently, and the ground beneath Pupitar cracked.

The Rock Slide was disrupted, and Pupitar struggled to maintain its balance. Azure watched in dismay as the Earthquake tossed around Pupitar.

He knew Pupitar was strong, but Steelix was a force to be reckoned with, and the type disadvantage was hurting them. He yelled, "Pupitar, hang in there!!"

Pupitar stood tanking the Earthquake as it stared at the looming Steelix defiantly. Its eyes narrowed as it recalled a memory of training with Dragonite back at Pallet Town…

/////

[Flashback, Kanto Region, Pallet Town – Oak's Lab]

*BOOOM*

Dragonite's Ice Punch knocked back Pupitar as it was sent hurling into a nearby cliffside wall. It crashed into forming a crater with numerous other craters, seemingly to be their training ground for they're sparing matches.

*Thud*

Pupitar stood back up, panting as Dragonite crossed its arms, declaring, "Drooo. (That's enough training, young one. Let's go back and get you healed up.)"

Pupitar panted exhausted as it asked a question, seemingly looking down, "Pup… itar. (How are you and his main team this strong… how can I get this strong too to stand next to father…)"

Dragonite contemplated hearing Pupitar's question. It stood waiting before finally answering in a serious tone, "Drooo. Drag! Roawr… (Hmm… how to say this is by battling stronger foes and training hard. You'll one day encounter a strong foe or reach sufficient strength to stand next to us.)"

Dragonite chuckled, pointing her claw at her chest as it declared proudly, "Droo! (Heh. I didn't get this strong in a day, brat! I've become strong thanks to our Trainer, and fighting against stronger foes, never backing down! You need guts and sheer willpower to pull through!)"

Pupitar stood in awe, listening to big sis Dragonite's words. It hopped over to get healed by the healing crew as it thought determined, 'I'll one day get there! I'll become even stronger to be at my father's side! I'll be the great Sand Tyrant Tyranitar!'

/////

[Present, Johto Region, Olivine City – Gym]

Returning to the present, Azure had one trick to defeat Steelix. Raising the Z-Crystal Groundium Z.

Azure yelled out loud, getting Pupitar's attention as he gave a command in a serious tone, "I have a plan to defeat Steelix, Pupitar! But can you hold on!"

Pupitar's eyes hardened as it cried as Azure readied his Z-Power Ring, "PUP!!! (AYE, SIR!)"

Jasmine's eyes narrowed, seeing Azure performing a small dance, baffled. She shook her head as she ordered, "No matter what you do, we'll win this round. Steelix! Iron Head!"

*Woooosh*

Steelix lunged forward, its head shining as it rushed towards Pupitar. With Azure still preparing, it lunged forward with a Strong Style Headbutt with its battle cry, "PUP! ITAR!! (I WON'T LOSE!!)"

*BOOOOOM*

Both collided head-on strikes as a shockwave was made from collision. Steelix remained determined, and Pupitar refused to back down as Azure finished yelling, "NOW! GO! Z-MOVE! TECTONIC RAGE!!!"

*Shiii*

Filled with power, Azure strikes a series of poses to build Z-Power. Pupitar then stomps the ground, causing a fissure to open underneath the opponent, who then proceeds to fall in alarming Jasmine, "No! Steelix!"

*RMBL*

Pupitar burrows underground and rushes at Steelix before sending them flying with a full-force tackle. Afterward, Pupitar emerges from underground, and the fissure closes.

*THUD*

Steelix fell to the ground as Pupitar used Earthquake as a catalyst to perform the Z-Move with a Base Power of 180. Pupitar grinned, seeing Steelix not waking up as the referee announced, "Steelix is unable to battle! Winner Pupitar!"

Recalling her Steelix, she thanked it in a soft tone, then shifted her gaze to them in a serious tone, "Thank you for fighting Steelix. And Azure… that technique you used… It's a Z-Move from the Alola Region, correct?"

Azure grinned, seeing that Jasmine was aware of the Z-Moves. He smugly said with his arms crossed, showing a tired expression, "Yup! I went to Alola a year back to collect all the Z-Moves. But we're getting distracted here, let's return to the battle."

Jasmine giggled with a serious glint in her eyes, holding her final Pokémon as she confidently said in a determined voice, "Hehehe… true. I suppose this will be where your Gym Challenge ends. Let's do this! Come! Lucario!"

*Pop*

Lucario emerged from its Poke Ball in a battle-ready stance. Azure, seeing Pupitar's tired stance, asked carefully, "Think you can draw out any energy from Lucario, buddy?"

Pupitar nodded with a smug grin, expressing its determination. Azure smirked as he stayed in, as he said, "I'm staying in with Pupitar."

Jasmine nodded as the battle commenced. She ordered, "Lucario! Aura Sphere!"

Lucario began to charge an Aura Sphere in its paws. Azure decisively commanded, "Use Protect!"

*CLANG*

Casting a transparent barrier, it blocked the Aura Sphere Lucario launched. But it only bought him little time as Jasmine ordered, "Now! Extreme Speed and Metal Claw!"

*Zoooom*

Lucario vanished as it used Extreme Speed to be unseeable to the naked eye. With Protect fading, Azure countered, "Dig!"

*SHINNG*

*RMBL*

Pupitar managed to avoid another attack by digging into the ground, as Lucario pounced with a Metal Claw. Pupitar managed to avoid the attack as Lucario was now on high alert from the Hard Shell Pokémon.

It closed its eyes as Jasmine ordered calmly, "Track it down with your Aura!"

Lucario focused on the aura within the ground beneath its feet, seeing an image of Pupitar digging. It tilted its direction where it was as Jasmine declared, "Now, Lucario! Hit'em with an Aura Sphere!"

*Shiii*

Lucario began to build up power as Azure frowned. He quickly thought, 'Tch. Aura is such a counter pain. But I know its weakness quite well.'

Smirking Azure quickly ordered, yelling out loud, "Use Screech!"

Pupitar let out an irritating yell from beneath the ground, distorting the air, "PUPITAR!!!"

Lucario flinched as the Screech messed with its Aura, losing its location. Azure smirked as he thought seriously, 'The aura works differently here than in the anime. Here, Aura in Pokémon Adventures is explained as a wave that can be picked up by people just like sound. Certain Pokémon and humans can pick up this sound, allowing them to see and sense the Auras of others. However, because Aura is the same as sound, it can be interrupted by anything that cuts the airspace, such as Screech being the perfect counter to Aura users!'

Jasmine was alarmed seeing Lucario dart around searching for Pupitar, losing focus thanks to Screech. She bit her lips as she made a decisive move, "There! Use Aura Sphere beneath the ground to force it out!"

*BOOOM*

Launching the Aura Sphere beneath its feet, it exploded upon contact as Lucario managed to jump high into the air. A smoke cloud emerged from the aftermath of the explosion as Jasmine thought cautiously, 'Did we get him? Please tell me we got him…'

*BOOOM*

Pupitar emerged from the same spot as Jasmine's eyes widened in alarm as she thought, 'It never moved! It was at the same spot!'

Pupitar launched itself into the air, seeing that Lucario had finished preparing a beam attack. Azure yelled, "Now! Hyper Beam!"

*PEW*

Unleashing a Hyper Beam, it aimed at Lucario, seemingly defenseless in mid-air. But what happened next shocked Azure as Jasmine ordered, "Now! Use Aura Sphere to surf up that Hyper Beam!"

*Swf*

Lucario summoned an Aura Sphere as it surfed up the Hyper Beam, shocking Pupitar and Azure. Lucario grinned as it thrusted the Aura Sphere, blasting Pupitar into the ground.

*THUD*

Pupitar fainted on the spot as Azure's expression froze in disbelief as he thought, stunned, 'What the hell… did she just pull a Goku on me! How – '

Recalling Pupitar, it clicked how Jasmine ordered Lucario to ride his Hyper Beam. He couldn't help but ask bluntly, "I must ask. Did you by chance copy that from me during the Ninth Pokémon League Tournament?"

Lucario landed safely, and Jasmine lightly smiled as she explained honestly, "Yeah… I had my Pokémon watch the previous matches to see which tactics would work. And Lucario happened to like that stunt with a trainer in the previous rounds."

Azure blinked as he held a Gyarados Poke Ball. He chuckled shamelessly, muttering, "Well, I'll be damned. You pushed me far, but…"

Azure noticed Lucario panting, showing its exhaustion. He smirked as he hurled his final Pokémon. "… your Lucario seems about tired. Let's see if you can stop this next… Let's go! Gyarados!"

*Pop*

The Shiny Gyarados returned to the battlefield, its eyes narrowing at Lucario. The Aura Pokémon prepared its battle stance. No words were said between the two trainers as their Pokémon lunged forward.

Gyarados, with its immense size and power, charged at Lucario, attempting to crush it with its massive jaws. Lucario, agile and nimble, dodged the attack, its eyes glowing with sheer determination.

It retaliated with a flurry of close combat strikes, each blow resonating with the power of its fighting spirit. Azure watched, his heart pounding in his chest.

He knew this was it – the climax of the battle. He had to make the right choice, the right move. He observed Lucario's movements, noting its fighting style.

After a brief period of observation, Azure made his decision. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the keystone embedded in his glove, its surface glowing with an inner rainbow light.

Finally, he decided to go all out. He shouted, his voice ringing with determination, "Gyarados, let's show them the true meaning of power! Mega Evolve!"

*SHIIII*

A surge of energy erupted from the keystone, engulfing Gyarados in a blinding light. The magnificent serpent roared as its form began to transform, its scales shifting and reshaping, its power swelling to unimaginable levels.

When the light subsided, Mega Gyarados stood before them, its body now even more immense, its jaws lined with razor-sharp teeth, and its eyes burning with primal energy, glaring at Lucario. Jasmine and Lucario both eyes widened as they thought, 'W-what is this?!!'

*Shiver*

They felt a shiver run down their spines as Mega Gyarados eyed Lucario as it felt the malicious anger radiating from it. Even Jasmine's eyes widened in surprise and awe, seeing the Mega Gyarados as she said, a hint of excitement in her voice, "So, you were saving that for the end? Lucario, we can't back down now! Use Aura Sphere!"

Lucario, despite its surprise, obeyed its trainer's command, unleashing a massive aura sphere at Mega Gyarados, who could not dodge in time. The sphere was more powerful than anything it had thrown so far. The impact was immense, sending shockwaves throughout the arena.

*BOOOM*

Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring the battlefield. Azure held his breath, unsure if Gyarados could withstand the attack. But then he received a text box as he grinned with renewed determination.

[Gyarados toughed it so you wouldn't feel sad!]

As the dust settled, Mega Gyarados emerged, its body battered but its spirit unbroken as it glared at the Aura Pokémon. Azure commanded, his voice filled with conviction, "Mega Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!"

Mega Gyarados roared, gathering a massive amount of water within its maw, "GYA! AARRR!! (I'M FIRING MY WATER LAZER!!!)"

*SPLASH*

The water swirled and compressed, forming a concentrated blast of immense power. With a final, earth-shattering roar, Mega Gyarados unleashed the Hydro Pump, a torrent of water so powerful it could carve mountains.

*SPLAT*

The Hydro Pump slammed into Lucario with unstoppable force. The fighting-type Pokémon was overwhelmed by the sheer power of the attack, its defenses shattered.

*THUD*

Lucario was sent flying backward, crashing against the arena wall with a resounding thud. It lay motionless, its eyes closed, defeated.

Silence fell over the arena. The referee, her voice trembling with excitement, raised her hand, making the call, "Lucario is unable to battle! Shiny Gyarados wins! Therefore, Azure is the winner!"

Azure let out a triumphant shout, his heart filled with joy and relief. He ran towards Mega Gyarados, patting its massive head, "Thanks for fighting hard, Gyarados! I couldn't have done it without you!"

*Shiii*

Gyarados reverted to its normal form, grinning happily, enjoying the rush of Mega Evolution and victory. As Jasmine walked towards Azure, she gave him a warm smile. She said, extending her hand, "That was an incredible battle, Azure. You and your Pokémon are truly remarkable."

Azure smiled, shaking her hand firmly. He replied happily, enjoying the rush of the battle, "Thank you, Jasmine. You and Lucario were amazing as well. You pushed us to our limits… I still have much to learn."

Jasmine chuckled at his words as she brought out the rewards in a soft tone, "Haha… I suppose so. Here's your reward and the Mineral Badge!"

Obtaining the reward, Azure smiled as he held the items. He smirked, content, obtaining and earning the items.

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

[Item: TM Iron Tail

Rarity Item: -

Type: Technical Machine

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

Having won, Jasmine finally asked curiously as Azure recalled Gyarados, "So… what was that you and Gyarados did? I've never heard of a Gyarados evolving again! Is your only one can what was it… Mega Evolve?"

Pikachu perched on his shoulder, Celebi floated taking the other side of his shoulder, and Eevee peeked out from his backpack. He turned to Jasmine as he sheepishly said, "Sort of. But can you keep what happened a secret? I don't want to spread this just yet… I want to surprise the world during this Pokémon League Tournament, okay?"

Jasmine laughed as she bobbed her head, keeping the secret as thanks for helping her, Amphy. Smiling at this Azure, sighed a breath of relief…

/////

A/N: So, how did you guys like the battle with Jasmine? Should the MC use Mega Evolution often in Gym Matches or only when his backed into a corner?