Chapter 564: Electric Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Sunnyshore City – Gym]
Volkner commented, a genuine smile gracing his lips, "Alright, Azure, you've certainly brought the spark back to this gym!"
He adjusted his stance. Then he declared, hurling his next choice, "But let's see how you handle this! Go, Jolteon!"
*FWOOSH*
A streak of yellow lightning burst onto the field, coalescing into the lithe form of a Jolteon. Its electric fur bristled, and its keen eyes darted around the battlefield, already assessing the terrain. But as it appeared, a faint purple aura shimmered around its body.
It barked, a jolt of pain flashing across its face as the [Toxic Orb] it held activated, poisoning it instantly, "JOLTEON!"
*Ssssss*
The poison began to work, but almost immediately, the purple dissolved into a fierce, energetic aura. Jolteon's every muscle seemed to tighten, and its movements became even more fluid, almost impossibly fast. Its Hidden Ability, Quick Feet, had activated, boosting its already blinding speed by a staggering 50%!
Gengar's voice echoed in the battlefield, "Uh-oh, Volkner knows exactly what he's doing! That Jolteon's gonna be a blur!"
Azure's eyes narrowed instantly. He hadn't missed the tell-tale shimmer of the [Toxic Orb], nor the burst of energy that followed. He murmured, his mind already racing, "A potent combination."
Volkner wasn't just throwing out Pokémon; he was deploying carefully crafted strategies. He acknowledged aloud, "This battle's only going to get harder. Alright, Gastrodon, it's your turn! Show them what you're made of!"
*WHOOSH*
The large, blue form of his Shiny East Sea Gastrodon materialized onto the field, its shell gleaming under the lights. It let out a soft, confident cry as it settled onto the ground, its held item, [Leftovers], radiating a faint, restorative glow, "Gastroooodon! (Here I come to save the day!)"
Azure commanded urgently, keen to activate Gastrodon's Hidden Ability, Sand Force, which would boost its ground, rock, and steel-type attacks, "Gastrodon, start us off with Sandstorm!"
But Volkner was one step ahead. He commanded, "Jolteon, Trailblaze, full power!"
*ZAP*
In a flash, Jolteon vanished, leaving only a shimmering afterimage. It reappeared directly in front of Gastrodon, its body wreathed in green energy. Before Gastrodon could even fully brace itself, Jolteon slammed into it with a super-effective Grass-type attack.
*WHAM*
Gastrodon recoiled, a grunt of pain escaping its lips. The hit was hard, but its resilient form absorbed much of the impact. Immediately after, with a mighty heave, Gastrodon unleashed its own attack.
*FWOOOOSH*
Gusts of powerful wind erupted from Gastrodon, swirling rapidly into a violent vortex of sand and grit. The Sandstorm raged across the battlefield, buffeting both Pokémon and obscuring vision. The arena was plunged into a gritty, churning tempest.
Azure praised, seeing the Sandstorm take hold, "Excellent, Gastrodon!"
Now, its ground attacks would hit harder. Volkner wasn't deterred.
He commanded, "Jolteon, Shadow Ball! Through the storm!"
From within the swirling sands, a dark, viscous orb of spectral energy began to form in front of Jolteon. It launched forward, a silent, menacing projectile aimed squarely at the center of the Sandstorm where Gastrodon was presumed to be.
Azure shouted, a hint of his signature strategy in his voice, "Counter Shield Sandstorm, Gastrodon! Spin that storm!"
Gastrodon let out a guttural cry, its entire body beginning to rotate rapidly, "GROOOOAAAR! (On it boss!)"
The Sandstorm, already a chaotic force, intensified, transforming into a towering, spinning pillar of abrasive sand. The Shadow Ball, upon impact, was snagged by the powerful vortex and simply dissipated into the swirling grit, its energy harmlessly absorbed by the rotational defense.
Flint boomed, his eyes wide, witnessing the scene, "Impressive! A Counter Shield defense! Volkner, your move!"
Volkner's lips curled into a slight smirk. He said casually, "So, this is your Counter Shield? Good to know. Jolteon, rapid-fire Shadow Balls! Don't let up!"
*CRACKLE-CRACKLE-CRACKLE*
Jolteon, now a nearly invisible blur within the Sandstorm, began to unleash a barrage of Shadow Balls. One after another, they tore through the sandy winds, homing in on the spinning Gastrodon.
Azure roared, his voice cutting through the din of the storm, "Gastrodon, Counter Shield Muddy Water! Create a water tornado, now!"
With another powerful bellow, Gastrodon began to unleash torrents of muddy water from its mouth, combining it with its spinning Sandstorm. The result was a monstrous, hybrid vortex – a swirling pillar of gritty, dark water and sand that spun with incredible force.
*SPLASH—WHIRL*
The incoming Shadow Balls struck the watery, sandy tornado, each one dissolving into harmless wisps of energy as the defensive maelstrom absorbed them. Gastrodon's strategy was clear: the massive, spinning water-sand tornado made it impossible for Jolteon to get close, effectively creating a barrier.
Yet, with a sly intention, Gastrodon left a small, deliberate opening at the very bottom of its body, almost an invitation. It was slow, yes, but it was cunning, baiting an opponent to strike where it could retaliate.
The continuous barrage of Shadow Balls and Gastrodon's countermeasures sent plumes of thick, gritty steam and mud high into the air, completely obscuring the battlefield. The entire arena was now a churning miasma of smoke and mist; visibility was reduced to zero as the battle progressed.
Rotom buzzed excitedly from Azure's phone, its digital eyes glowing, "Excellent! The field is completely clouded! Perfect tactical advantage!"
Volkner, however, remained unfazed. He commanded, sensing the opening, "Jolteon, jump above the smoke! Shadow Ball, straight down!"
*WHOOSH-ZAP*
A sudden, powerful leap, propelled by its Quick Feet, allowed Jolteon to burst from the top of the smoke cloud, high into the air. It hung there for a split second, a silhouette against the gym's bright lights, before forming another potent Shadow Ball and firing it downwards, aiming for the heart of the obscured storm.
Azure's eyes, however, had been tracking the almost imperceptible air currents. He bellowed, "Gastrodon, now! Earthquake!"
*THOOOOOM*
With a mighty roar, Gastrodon slammed its body onto the ground, unleashing a devastating Ground-type attack. The entire battlefield shuddered violently. A colossal fissure ripped through the earth, sending shockwaves rocketing upwards. Jolteon, mid-air and unprepared for a ground-based attack from below, was caught squarely in the seismic blast.
*CRASH—THUD*
The force of the Earthquake propelled Jolteon upwards with incredible speed, slamming it headfirst into the reinforced ceiling of the gym with a sickening fall. It bounced off, a limp, yellow form tumbling back down through the dissipating smoke and sand.
*THUD*
Jolteon landed with a soft, defeated thud on the ground, twitching once before lying perfectly still, the purple sheen of its poison fading into a dull, grey pallor. The damage from the super-effective Trailblaze, the persistent chip damage from the Sandstorm, and now the direct hit from Earthquake had proven too much.
Flint announced, raising his hand, "Jolteon is unable to battle! Gastrodon wins! Azure takes the lead!"
A small cheer erupted from the stands. Pikachu pumped a tiny fist. Eevee barked happily. Even Gengar let out a pleased, spooky laugh, commenting, "Heh, Volkner wasn't expecting that one!"
Azure let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Volkner returned his Jolteon, a genuine smile now gracing his face as he said happily, "Remarkable, Azure. I never thought I'd be the first to send out most of my Pokémon in this battle. You truly possess a unique blend of power and cunning."
He paused, a glint in his eye as he reached for another Poké Ball. He says in a thankful tone of voice, "And speaking of unique… Azure, I've heard many stories about you, not least of which involved your hand in reviving and rediscovering some of the ancient Pokémon from the Hisui region."
He held up the Poké Ball. Volkner grinned as he declared, "It seems only fair I introduce you to one of my own."
*WHOOSH*
The ball opened, revealing not the familiar red-and-white of a Kanto Electrode, but a distinctively different form. A green-and-red sphere with a wooden cap surged onto the field, crackling with raw, untamed energy.
Its [Loaded Dice] held item was clearly visible. It shrieked, bouncing erratically, "ELEC-ELECTRODE!"
Azure's eyes widened, a flicker of genuine alarm crossing his face. He gasped in concern, "Hisuian Electrode!"
This wasn't just any Pokémon; it was a Grass/Electric-type, a dual typing that came with incredible speed and power, especially with its chosen held item enhancing multi-hit moves.
And being one of the fastest Pokémon around, it would be difficult to counter. Azure knew that with its High Speed and high Special Attack, it was a danger to him. Then the realization dawned on him as he mentally cursed, 'Fuck! Half my team is weak to Grass types!'
Azure commanded, hoping to buy time and restore some health to his tired Pokémon, "Gastrodon, Recover!"
…but it was too late. H-Electrode blurred.
*ZAP*
It was gone and then reappeared directly in front of Gastrodon, moving with such incredible speed that it appeared to teleport. Volkner's voice was sharp as he commanded in a confident tone, "Chloroblast!"
*CRACKLE*
A massive, condensed ball of vibrant green energy formed instantly in front of H-Electrode. It fired at point-blank range, a super-powerful Grass-type burst.
*BOOOOM*
Gastrodon, still reeling from the previous battle and attempting to use the move Recover, had no chance. The Chloroblast struck with devastating force, a direct hit to its vulnerable Grass-weak body. It cried out, a pained gurgle, collapsing onto the ground, utterly defeated, "Graooo!! (Nani?!)"
*Thud*
Flint announced, though he sounded slightly surprised by the sudden, brutal knockout, "Gastrodon is unable to battle! Hisuian Electrode wins!"
Azure returned Gastrodon, a concerned frown on his face as he whispered, "You fought well, Gastrodon. Get some rest."
He looked at the panting H-Electrode, its wooden cap twitching with residual energy. He muttered in concern, "That speed… and the power. This is going to be tough."
He reached for his next Poké Ball. Hurling his next choice, he declared, "Alright, Rhyperior! It's your turn!"
*CRASH*
*THUD*
The mighty Alpha Rhyperior, a colossal figure of rock and muscle, materialized onto the field with a resounding landing. Its hide was tough as granite, and its [Rocky Helmet] gleamed menacingly.
The lingering Sandstorm, though fading, was still active, shrouding the arena in a fine mist of grit and subtly boosting Rhyperior's Rock-type defenses. Rotom analyzed critically, "Rhyperior, Alpha-sized, Rock-type, excellent against H-Electrode's Electric attacks, but its Grass-type attacks are a major threat!"
Gengar noted with a subtle nod, "Volkner's H-Electrode is seriously fast, kid! But your Rhyperior's got the bulk!"
Volkner smiled. He declared, "Let's test that bulk! H-Electrode, Bullet Seed!"
*RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT-TAT*
H-Electrode unleashed a rapid-fire volley of green seeds. Thanks to its [Loaded Dice], all five struck Rhyperior with stinging force.
*CRACK-CRACK-CRACK-CRACK-CRACK*
Rhyperior grunted, the seeds peppering its massive frame. It held its ground, but the super-effective damage was noticeable.
Azure commanded, seeing the multiple hits, "Rhyperior, Protect!"
*FWOOSH*
A shimmering green barrier instantly formed around Rhyperior, just as H-Electrode prepared for another barrage. It deflected the subsequent Bullet Seeds harmlessly without any further damage.
Azure shouted, his voice echoing with renewed determination, "Now, Strong Style Earthquake!"
He knew Rhyperior wouldn't outspeed H-Electrode, so a powerful, area-of-effect attack was its best bet. Rhyperior slammed its colossal fists into the ground, unleashing an even more powerful version of the Earthquake that had felled Jolteon.
*THOOOOOM*
The entire battlefield buckled and groaned under the immense force, fissures racing outwards. But Volkner ordered calmly, "H-Electrode, leap!"
*ZAP*
With incredible agility, H-Electrode sprang high into the air, a green blur against the backdrop of the gym lights, easily avoiding the ground-shaking attack. It hung suspended for a moment, a mischievous grin on its wooden face.
Volkner pressed his advantage, "Energy Ball!"
*WHOOSH*
A compact sphere of concentrated green energy formed in front of H-Electrode and hurtled downwards, striking the colossal Rhyperior with brute force!
*BOOM*
Rhyperior roared in pain as the super-effective Grass-type attack slammed into its chest, sending a tremor through its massive body. It stumbled back, leaving deep gouges in the battlefield.
Azure countered, hoping to catch the swift Pokémon before it could land, "Rhyperior, Rock Blast at the airborne H-Electrode!"
*CRACK—CRACK—CRACK*
Rhyperior, despite its injuries, retaliated, firing a volley of jagged rocks upwards. They streaked towards the still-airborne H-Electrode.
Volkner, however, had a surprise. He countered with a smug expression, "H-Electrode, Counter Shield Gyro Ball!"
Azure blinked, a jolt of surprise running through him. Volkner had heard of his techniques! He had adapted them!
*WHOOSH*
H-Electrode, still spinning from its aerial maneuver, began to rotate even more intensely, its body becoming a miniature, green-and-red vortex. The incoming Rock Blasts struck its spinning form, but instead of damaging it, they were caught in the powerful centrifugal force.
*WHIZZ*
The rocks were deflected, not randomly, but with precision. Each Rock Blast was sent hurtling right back at Rhyperior, a taste of its own medicine!
*CRACK-CRACK-CRACK*
Rhyperior roared in pain as its own attacks, imbued with H-Electrode's rotational energy, slammed back into it. The surprise attack, combined with the earlier hits, forced the Alpha Pokémon to stagger back, cornered against the gym wall.
Gengar snickered, "Heh, Volkner's copying your homework, kid!"
Rotom buzzed, astonished by the scene, "Unbelievable! Volkner has adapted Azure's Counter Shield technique! He must have heard about your Delta Shield and Full Counter techniques from the other Gym Leaders!"
As Rhyperior struggled, the faint Sandstorm finally dissipated, leaving the arena clear but leaving Rhyperior more exposed. Volkner commanded, seeing his opportunity, "Now, H-Electrode, finish it with another Chloroblast!"
*CRACKLE*
Another concentrated blast of green energy erupted from H-Electrode, moving too fast for Rhyperior to dodge. Azure roared, hoping to at least restart the field for his next Pokémon, even if it meant sacrificing Rhyperior, "Rhyperior, Sandstorm, one last time!"
*FWOOOOSH*
Rhyperior, with a final, valiant effort, managed to summon another Sandstorm, restarting the gritty tempest across the field. But it was too late to protect itself from the incoming Chloroblast.
*BOOOOM—THUD*
The attack struck Rhyperior squarely. The massive Pokémon cried out, its immense body sent flying against the gym wall with a sickening fall. It sagged to the ground, unconscious, the red glow from its eyes fading.
Flint confirmed, his voice laced with regret for the fallen giant, "Rhyperior is unable to battle! Hisuian Electrode wins!"
Azure recalled Rhyperior, a grim look on his face as he thanked it, "Thank you, Rhyperior. You did well, especially for restarting the battlefield. Get some rest."
He gazed at the now panting H-Electrode. It was clearly at the edge of defeat, its rapid movements now slightly sluggish despite its unyielding spirit.
Rotom warned in a worried tone, "H-Electrode is barely holding on, Azure. One strong hit could finish it."
A determined glint entered Azure's eyes. He declared, hurling his next choice, "Then let's give it that hit, Rotom. Alright, Garchomp! It's showtime!"
*POP*
A massive, dark blue Alpha Garchomp, its scales glinting under the lights, burst onto the field and roared, "GAROAAAAAR!"
Its [Garchomite] held item was clearly visible. Immediately, its ability, Sand Veil, activated, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the swirling grit of the freshly restarted Sandstorm, almost disappearing.
Azure wasted no time. He gripped the Omni Ring, the Mega Evolution Emblem pulsing with intense light.
He declared, raising his wrist into the air, "Garchomp, Mega Evolve!"
*WHOOSH*
A blinding pillar of light erupted from Garchomp, tearing through the Sandstorm. The light was so intense that it briefly illuminated the churning vortex, silhouetting the powerful transformation within.
Volkner frowned at the surge of power, muttering, "Mega Evolution!"
He could see the brilliant light, but the thick Sandstorm, now intensified by Garchomp's presence, blocked the full view of its new form. He sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice, and uttered, "Clever, Azure, hiding its form in the Sandstorm. But I won't let that deter me. H-Electrode, Screech!"
*SKREEEEEEECH*
H-Electrode, despite its exhaustion, let out a piercing, high-frequency wail that cut through the Sandstorm, designed to shatter defenses. The sound itself seemed to warp the air around Mega Garchomp.
*CRACK*
A faint, visible ripple of energy hit Mega Garchomp, lowering its formidable defenses by two stages. Azure roared, seizing the moment, and declared, "Now, Garchomp, Strong Style Dragon Claw!"
*BOOOOOOM*
With an earth-shattering bellow, Mega Garchomp burst from the Sandstorm, its newly Mega-Evolved form revealed in all its terrifying glory. Its massive, bladed arms glowed with draconic energy, elongated and sharper than ever. It was a whirlwind of raw power, tearing towards the weakened H-Electrode.
But Volkner, having learned from Azure's own tactics, was prepared. He smirked as he commanded, "H-Electrode, copy Azure's move! Hide in the Sandstorm, deep in the middle! Self-Destruct!"
Azure's eyes widened in alarm exclaimed, "What?!"
*ZOOOOM*
H-Electrode, already glowing faintly from its exhaustion, now pulsed with an alarming intensity. Its wooden cap spun rapidly, and sparks erupted from its body. It didn't try to escape; instead, it blurred back into the deepest, most obscure part of the Sandstorm, intentionally blocking the view and ensuring Mega Garchomp would follow.
Azure screamed, "NO! GARCHOMP, PULL BACK, NOW!"
… but it was too late to stop. Mega Garchomp was already committed, its Dragon Claw swinging down…
*KABOOOOOM*
The blinding flash of the explosion was instantaneous, obliterating the Sandstorm in a single, devastating blast. A mushroom cloud of smoke, dust, and raw energy erupted from the center of the field, shaking the entire gym. The force of the Self-Destruct, at point-blank range, was unimaginable.
*Whooosh*
As the dust slowly, agonizingly settled, the battlefield was a cratered mess. Mega Garchomp stood amidst the debris, its powerful form battered and scorched. Its scales were cracked, and it was swaying precariously, breathing heavily, its glowing red eyes dimmed. The Self-Destruct had dealt massive damage, sacrificing H-Electrode to cripple Azure's most powerful attacker.
From the dissipating smoke, the faint shape of H-Electrode emerged, its wooden face cracked, but a smug, defiant smile etched upon it even in defeat. Then, it too collapsed, fainting.
Flint declared, his voice somber, "Hisuian Electrode is unable to battle!"
Volkner returned his H-Electrode, a proud smile on his face as he whispered, "You did brilliantly, my friend. Thank you for your hard work."
He looked at the heavily damaged Mega Garchomp, then back to Azure. He said calmly, "You're down to one Pokémon, Azure, and I have two remaining."
He reached for his fifth Poké Ball. Hurling out, he declared, "Let's keep the sparks flying! Go, Electivire!"
*ZAP*
A powerful Electivire, its twin tails crackling with electricity, appeared on the field. Its [Punching Glove] shimmered, ready for action.
Mega Garchomp, despite its dire state, tried one last desperate attack. It opened its mouth, power gathering.
Azure urged, hoping for a miracle, "Hyper Beam!"
*WHIRRRR*
A beam of pure energy began to form, but Electivire was too fast, and Volkner too cunning. Volkner commanded, "Electivire, Teleport into Ice Punch combo!"
*ZAP*
Electivire vanished in a flash of yellow light…
*FWOOSH*
It reappeared instantly, directly in front of the damaged Mega Garchomp, its fist already glowing with intense, super-effective ice energy…
*CRACK*
The Ice Punch slammed into Mega Garchomp's head before it could even fully unleash its Hyper Beam. The blow, super-effective and delivered with lightning speed, was too much. Mega Garchomp cried out, its eyes rolling back as it collapsed.
*THUD*
The Mega Evolution light faded, and it reverted to its normal Alpha Garchomp form, completely knocked out. Flint announced, his declaration sounding almost regretful, "Garchomp is unable to battle! Electivire wins! The Challenger is down to one Pokémon remaining!"
Azure recalled his Garchomp, his expression etched with concern as he whispered, "You were incredible, Garchomp. Get some rest now."
He looked across the field, his gaze locking with Volkner's. He only had one Pokémon left on his belt.
Azure was down to his last Pokémon. Volkner still had his powerful Electivire and one unknown Pokémon waiting in the wings. The air in the gym crackled, not just with electricity, but with an almost unbearable tension.
Pikachu whimpered from the stands. Eevee cried anxiously. Even Gengar was silent, her red eyes unblinking.
Gengar finally murmured, her voice uncharacteristically serious, "This is it, Boss... Your last shot at a comeback."
Azure took a deep, steadying breath. His hand went to the ancient, heavily detailed Master Ball still on his belt. His 'secret weapon.' He knew what he had to do. The final act of this electrifying battle was about to begin.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!