Chapter 277: Normal Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Petalburg City – Gym]
Azure didn't flinch. He knew just the partner to answer the call as he declared, "Let's show them our strength! Swampert, stand strong!"
*Pop*
*THUD*
His own Poké Ball burst open, and the massive Mud Fish Pokémon landed on the field with a ground-shaking thud. It bellowed a challenge, its wide paws planted firmly, its blue and orange hide seeming to gleam under the gym lights.
The Intimidate wave hit it, but Swampert merely shook its head with a grunt, its fighting spirit dampened only slightly. It gave a stern look wasn't nearly enough to make it back down.
Azure had chosen wisely; Swampert's bulk was a crucial tactical advantage. Azure spotted the familiar glint of a [Mystic Water] tied securely around Swampert's arm—his choice to amplify its already formidable Water-type attacks.
Norman's eyes narrowed, calculating. He'd expected a different Pokémon. He adjusted instantly as he uttered, "A Swampert. Smart. But my Staraptor is no mere bird! Close the distance! Use Close Combat!"
*Fwp*
Staraptor shrieked, tucking its wings and becoming a white and brown missile. It shot toward Swampert, its talons and beak gleaming, ready to unleash a barrage of powerful fighting moves at point-blank range.
They were fast, incredibly fast. But Azure and Swampert were faster.
Azure commanded, his voice cutting through the screech of the diving bird, "Now! Counter with Agile Style Muddy Water!"
*SPLASH*
Swampert didn't try to dodge. It braced itself, opened its mouth, and unleashed a torrent of thick, brown, churning water. It wasn't a clean stream but a devastating flood, wide enough to be impossible to evade at this range.
Staraptor, committed to its headlong dive, flew straight into the deluge. The Close Combat attack was drowned before it could begin.
*THUD*
The pressurized mud and water slammed into Staraptor with the force of a geyser, scouring its feathers and blinding it to ensure it stayed down. The bird cried out in pain and confusion as the attack hit its mark, its elegant dive turned into a tumbling, waterlogged crash.
It struggled to right itself, shaking its head, its wings heavy with mud. Azure pressed, seeing the opening, "Don't let up! Follow it up with an Ice Punch!"
Norman's composure cracked for a microsecond. But then returned as he ordered, "An Ice Punch? U-Turn, Staraptor!"
*FWP*
Due to being faster, Staraptor avoided the Ice Punch, barely missing its chest. Staraptor's wing glows yellow, and it hits Swampert with it. It then returns to its Poké Ball.
*Pop*
Seeing it returned safely, Azure stared, momentarily stunned. Norman had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for his Staraptor, preserving it, even while sacrificing a direct attack.
It was the move of a seasoned Gym Leader who understood the flow of battle and the value of his team. Azure's grin returned, wider now, laced with appreciation for his opponent's sharp thinking as he stated, "Clever, Norman! Very clever! You always keep a trick up your sleeve!"
Norman replied, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips, a testament to his pride in his quick thinking, "Thank you. But the battle is far from over. Show them your true grace, Sawsbuck!"
*Pop*
A new Poké Ball materialized in his hand, and he tossed it expertly onto the arena. From the burst of light, a graceful Sawsbuck emerged, its form vibrant and alive, adorned with the fresh, green leaves and delicate pink blossoms of its Spring Form.
It exuded an aura of serene strength, its antlers curving elegantly, its intelligent eyes calm yet focused. Attached to one of its antlers, almost imperceptibly, shimmered a [King's Rock], barely noticeable against the flowing foliage.
And as Sawsbuck settled elegantly, Azure felt a prickle of unease, a vague sense that something was amiss. He'd seen Sawsbuck's Spring Form before, but something about this specific Pokémon felt… different.
It carried itself with an unusual confidence, an almost mischievous twinkle in its eye. Its presence was less about raw power and more about subtle control.
Norman commanded, pressing the advantage of his newly introduced Pokémon, "Sawsbuck, Zen Headbutt!"
*Shiii*
Sawsbuck charged, its head glowing with psychic energy, its graceful movements betraying surprising speed. It moved with the fluidity of a dancer, closing the distance to Swampert effortlessly.
Azure ordered, hoping to slow the graceful deer Pokémon and land a hit, "Swampert, try to deflect it with Mud Shot!"
*THUD*
Swampert stomped its foot, sending a glob of viscous mud flying at Sawsbuck. But Sawsbuck was too quick, deftly sidestepping the attack before slamming its glowing forehead directly into Swampert's chest.
*BAM*
The impact was solid, but more critically, a wave of disorienting energy washed over Swampert. The Mud Fish Pokémon winced, momentarily dazed, its movements sluggish upon impact.
It tried to shake off the effect, but it couldn't. It had flinched.
Norman pressed, his voice unwavering, sensing an opportunity, "Again, Sawsbuck! Headbutt!"
Before Swampert could fully recover, Sawsbuck was already upon it again, its headbutting horn connecting with a dull thud against Swampert's side.
*BAM*
Another wave of disorientation. Swampert stumbled, genuinely flustered this time. It tried to retaliate with a powerful Earthquake, stamping its foot, but its concentration was broken from the flinch.
Its attempt to unleash the ground-shaking attack faltered, and it merely swayed, unable to execute the move. Azure's brow furrowed as he muttered, "A flinch? Again?"
He knew Zen Headbutt had a chance to flinch, and King's Rock boosted that; however, he cautiously thought, '… but two in a row, with a different move like Headbutt having also flinched… that was statistically improbable. Unless…'
Norman continued, his voice calm, almost serene, as if simply enjoying the predictable ballet of his Pokémon's strategy, "Sawsbuck, once more! Headbutt followed by an Energy Ball!!"
Sawsbuck bounded forward, its head slamming into Swampert's head this time, a precise, calculated strike.
*CRACK*
Swampert reeled, its vision swimming, its mighty body finally overwhelmed by the relentless, disorienting assault. It tried to retaliate but then flinched again.
This left Swawbuck opening its mouth at close range, revealing its Energy Ball. By then, Azure muttered, "So that's it…"
*BOOOOM*
The Energy Ball was launched point-blank as it exploded upon Swampert. It let out a pained cry, its powerful body slowly collapsing onto one knee, then agonizingly, to the ground. Its eyes glazed over, unable to continue.
*Thud*
The referee declared, raising his flag towards Norman, "Swampert is unable to battle! Norman's Sawsbuck wins!"
Azure returned Swampert to its Poké Ball, a respectful, apologetic pat on the Ball as he muttered fondly, "You did great, Swampert. Get some much-needed rest."
He looked up at Sawsbuck, then at Norman, a dawning realization spreading across his face, connecting all the subtle cues. Norman's subtle smile, the King's Rock's faint shimmer, the repeated, improbable flinches… it all clicked into place with a clear, resonant understanding.
Azure murmured, his voice low, a mix of frustration at being outmaneuvered and grudging admiration for his opponent's cunning, "Serene Grace… Your Sawsbuck has Serene Grace Hidden Ability, doesn't it, Norman? Doubling the flinch chance from King's Rock and Zen Headbutt. That's a nasty combination, sir. A truly brilliant one."
The Hidden Ability, a rare trait for Sawsbuck, had caught him completely off guard, allowing Sawsbuck to maintain a relentless, crippling assault. He had underestimated this graceful Pokémon, falling prey to a strategy as elegant as it was infuriatingly effective.
Norman merely inclined his head, a silent acknowledgment of Azure's quick deduction with a simple nod. Azure mentally thought, 'Okay… the flinching tactic. How do I get myself out of this situation…'
He looked down at the Poké Balls on his belt, his mind already racing, calculating, and determining which of his remaining partners would be able to withstand the graceful, yet relentless flinching strategy of Norman's Sawsbuck.
Azure took a deep breath as he looked at his options. He was thinking cautiously, 'Okay… how to deal with flinching strategy. It showed physical head-to-head isn't going to cut it here. So… Combusken and Shelgon are out. Manetric too, considering Grass resists Electric, which leaves me with Metagross, but it's too soon…'
As Azure gazes at his lineup against Norman, his eyes dart towards one Poke Ball remaining. He thought resolutely, 'Although I guess it's a good as any for Slaking Training with Truant to be the key victory here. It'll lose its element of surprise, but it'll get rid of that flinching deer. Go time.'
Taking a deep breath, he reached for one of his Poké Balls as he hurled it out, declaring in a resolute tone, "Alright! It's your time to shine! Go, Slaking!"
*Pop*
*THUD*
A colossal figure burst forth from its Poké Ball, landing with a soft thud that vibrated through the arena floor. Slaking, massive and calm, surveyed its opponent with sleepy, intelligent eyes. Around its neck, a silken scarf glowed faintly, the [Silk Scarf], boosting its Normal-type attacks.
Its formidable bulk and deceptive speed made it a force to be reckoned with, but its infamous Truant ability, forcing it to loaf around every other turn, was a constant strategic puzzle for most trainers.
Norman's eyes widened briefly as he saw Azure's Alpha Slaking in awe, "Amazing… you have an Alpha Slaking. I wonder how you trained it, is the better question…"
The referee declared, his voice echoing through the Gym, "Now then... Let the battle begin!"
Sawsbuck was the first to move, a blur of green and brown. Norman commanded, "Sawsbuck, Headbutt!"
*Wooosh*
The seasonal deer Pokémon charged, its hardened head glowing with energy. Slaking, despite its size, reacted surprisingly quickly, but the Headbutt landed with a solid thud against its stomach.
*THUD*
Slaking staggered back, a dazed look on its face. The [King's Rock], combined with Serene Grace, had done its job – Slaking flinched, unable to act.
Norman, praised with a sly grin, ordered, "Excellent! Now, Zen Headbutt!"
*BAM*
Before Slaking could fully recover, Sawsbuck was upon it again, its antlers glowing with psychic energy. Another powerful blow, another flinch.
Slaking was taking hits, unable to retaliate, caught in a dizzying loop of stuns. Azure watched, calm and unperturbed.
He knew Norman's strategy was sound, especially against a Pokémon like Slaking. Most trainers would be panicking, recalling their Pokémon or trying a desperate counter. But Azure simply observed, allowing the flinching to continue, his plan already in motion, allowing the damage to stack.
Norman pressed, sensing an opening, "Sawsbuck, Headbutt again!"
*BAM*
Another flinch. Another solid hit.
Slaking was starting to look genuinely battered, its immense HP slowly draining away. Norman, though outwardly focused, held a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
He knew Azure's reputation as he couldn't help but ponder curiously, 'Why is he letting Slaking take so much damage without a response? Was he underestimating Sawsbuck, or was there something deeper at play?'
Azure finally chose his moment. He called out happily, his voice clear and firm, "Slaking! Use Rest!"
Norman's eyes widened fractionally, a single eyebrow arching in surprise as he thought, baffled, 'Rest? To fall asleep and recover HP? But that would leave Slaking even more vulnerable on its Truant turn.'
He himself had trained a Slaking or two in his career, and the Truant ability was always a double-edged sword, a high-risk, high-reward proposition as he thought, 'To willingly induce sleep on top of Truant seemed… ill-advised, bordering on reckless. Perhaps I thought too highly of the Indigo Champion…'
Norman commanded, eager to capitalize on what seemed like a grave misstep, "Sawsbuck, don't let up! Double Kick!"
*Wooosh*
Sawsbuck agilely sprang forward, antlers lowered, ready to deliver a barrage of powerful kicks. But as Slaking settled down, its massive body hitting the ground with a soft thump as it fell asleep, something unexpected happened.
*Thump*
*Bbbbbl*
From Slaking's nostrils, not the typical Zzzzs, but small, ethereal bubbles began to float upwards. These weren't ordinary bubbles; they shimmered with a soft, purplish light, drifting lazily through the air, expanding slightly as they rose.
They were like silent, drifting yawns made manifest. Norman's eyes, initially focused on Sawsbuck's charge, widened in genuine shock.
He knew the Yawn move, of course, but for Slaking to use it while it was asleep, and seemingly as a consequence of its Truant state. That was a new one for him.
One of the purplish bubbles, almost as if guided by an unseen force, drifted directly towards the charging Sawsbuck. It popped gently against Sawsbuck's nose, releasing a faint puff of lavender mist.
*Pop*
Sawsbuck faltered mid-stride, its eyes glazing over. Its powerful Double Kick attack never landed. Instead, its legs buckled, and the magnificent deer Pokémon collapsed onto the arena floor, its chest rising and falling in the deep, rhythmic sleep of a Yawn-induced slumber.
A gasp escaped Norman's lips. His mind raced, piecing together the impossible as he thought, stunned, 'Truant. Slaking was known for loafing around, unable to move every other turn. But Azure… Azure hadn't simply accepted Truant's limitation. He had weaponized it.'
By having Slaking use Rest, he had not only recovered HP, but he had turned Slaking's mandatory "loafing" into an active, offensive maneuver. Those yawning bubbles… this was a specific, ingenious training method, a trick to channel the energy of Slaking's forced inaction into a delayed, area-of-effect Yawn.
It was a strategy Norman, for all his experience training with Slaking, had never even conceived. Norman murmured, his voice laced with a mixture of disbelief and profound respect, "Incredible…"
Azure, his face glowing with quiet satisfaction, didn't hesitate. His Slaking lay peacefully asleep, but it was anything but helpless.
He commanded, his voice ringing with authority, "Now, Slaking! Sleep Talk!"
*Twitch*
Slaking stirred, its massive arm twitching. Still deeply asleep, its body moved with an uncanny, practiced grace.
The [Silk Scarf] around its neck pulsed with energy. Without opening its eyes, Slaking reared back, its colossal fist drawing power from its slumbering mind.
Azure roared, "Mega Punch!"
*BOOOOM*
The air shimmered around Slaking's fist as it unleashed a devastating blow. The Mega Punch, amplified by the [Silk Scarf], connected with the sleeping Sawsbuck with a thunderous impact that echoed through the Gym.
Sawsbuck cried out, a muffled groan of pain even when it's asleep. The force of the attack lifted it clean off the ground for a moment before it crashed back down, unmoving.
*Thud*
A swirl of stars appeared over its head, and then, slowly, they faded. The referee declared, his voice still a little shaken by the unexpected turn of events, "Sawsbuck is unable to battle! Gym Leader Norman, send out your next Pokémon!"
Norman stood silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on his fallen Sawsbuck, then on the still-sleeping, victorious Slaking. He let out a slow, deliberate breath, a wide smile finally breaking across his face as he praised, "Remarkable. Truly remarkable."
He returned Sawsbuck to its Poké Ball, a gentle sadness in his eyes for his partner, but also immense pride. Then, he turned over to Azure, as he said, surprised, "That was… a revelation. To turn Truant, an ability so often seen as a hindrance, into such a potent and unexpected weapon. Your strategic thinking and your bond with your Pokémon are truly exceptional."
Azure modestly accepted the praise, sharing a quiet, knowing look with his slumbering Slaking as he said calmly, "Yeah. I didn't even know if there was a way to use his ability effectively. But here we are!"
Norman helplessly chuckled, hearing that genuinely interested in learning the method of Azure's Truant ability worked to induce Yawn's effects. But kept to himself as he reached for his next Pokémon, as he declared, "True. But this isn't over yet… Ambipom, show them what you're made of!"
*Pop*
Norman is tossing a Poké Ball into the air. With a flash of white light, a nimble, purple-furred Pokémon with two long, prehensile tails appeared, its intelligent eyes gleaming. It wore a faint smile, its tails twitching with contained energy.
Around one of its tails, a [Muscle Band] glinted, a subtle hint of its offensive capabilities. Azure, an experienced trainer, immediately recognized the tell-tale sign of a powerful Normal-type, and the way Ambipom held itself suggested an innate agility.
Azure quickly recalled Slaking as he called out, mirroring Norman's action, "You did well, Slaking Return! Shelgon, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
*Thud*
His own Poké Ball soared, releasing the imposing, shell-encased Dragon-type. Shelgon landed with a heavy thud, its ivory armor gleaming, a low growl rumbling in its throat. A [Dragon Fang], nestled securely in its mouth, radiated a faint, ancient energy, boosting its draconic attacks. It was a sturdy choice, meant to absorb hits and retaliate with powerful Dragon-type moves.
The referee announced, his voice cutting through the silent tension, "Battle, begin!"
Norman commanded, wasting no time, "Ambipom, start with Fake Out!"
*SMACK*
Ambipom zipped forward, blurring across the field. Before Shelgon could react, one of Ambipom's tails delivered a swift, concussive smack to Shelgon's armored face.
The Dragon-type recoiled, momentarily flinching, the force of the blow surprising it. Norman pressed, capitalizing on the temporary stun, "Now, Aerial Ace!"
*Zoooom*
Ambipom launched itself into the air, moving with impossible speed, executing a series of rapid, unblockable strikes from various angles. Each hit landed with surprising force against Shelgon's formidable defense.
Azure's brow furrowed, observing the damage. It was more than expected for a neutral attack against a bulky Dragon-type.
Azure called out, urging his partner to retaliate, "Dragon Breath, Shelgon!"
*PEW*
Shaking off the flinch, Shelgon roared, unleashing a potent stream of green energy. Ambipom, however, was too quick, deftly sidestepping the attack with a practiced ease, its movements fluid and precise.
Norman commanded, increasing the pressure, "Excellent, Ambipom! Follow up with Quick Attack!"
*Zooom*
Another burst of speed, another series of rapid-fire strikes. Azure noticed something peculiar as he thought, 'While Fake Out and Aerial Ace had hit hard, the Quick Attack, despite being a priority move, seemed to register less impact than the previous two. It was still fast, but the damage output felt inconsistent.'
Norman urged, "Keep the pressure on with Acrobatics!"
*Woooosh*
Ambipom soared again, executing a dazzling aerial display of flips and dives, each movement ending with a powerful, bare-knuckled strike from its tails. The attacks landed with sickening thuds, and Shelgon let out a pained roar, its armor showing faint cracks.
Azure mused, his mind racing at the scene occurring, "That was significantly more powerful than Quick Attack. And more powerful than Aerial Ace was initially…"
Then it clicked. A sudden flash of insight, like a jolt of electricity, as he thought, 'Wait… Technician!'
The consistency of the high damage on those specific moves was the key. Azure cursed himself internally.
He was familiar with the ability, knew its insidious potential, yet he'd been so focused on Shelgon's bulk and Ambipom's speed that he'd missed the tell-tale signs until it was almost too late.
He needed to change strategies, to bring in a Pokémon that could either outspeed or tank the Technician-boosted barrage, or hit Ambipom with super-effective moves before it could build momentum.
But before he could even vocalize a new command, Norman ended it swiftly, brutally, "End it, Ambipom! Quick Attack, then a final Ice Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Ambipom, moving with a ferocity that defied its playful appearance, darted in, a blur of purple. It struck Shelgon with another precise Quick Attack, the impact rattling the Dragon-type to its core…
*BOOOM*
Before Shelgon could recover, Ambipom spun into a powerful, acrobatic Ice Punch, a devastating strike that sent the Dragon-type tumbling. There was a final, pained cry, and Shelgon lay still, its armor cracked, eyes swirling.
*Thud*
The referee declared, raising a flag towards Norman, "Shelgon is unable to battle! Ambipom wins!"
Azure returned Shelgon to its Poké Ball, a pang of regret for its momentary lapse in judgment. He patted the ball as he said proudly, "You did well, Shelgon. Rest up."
Norman simply nodded, his expression unreadable. Ambipom, despite its victory, had a serious look in its eyes, its tails twitching as if ready for the next challenge.
Azure took a deep breath, his initial excitement now tempered by the sting of defeat but also sharpened by a newfound resolve. Norman was indeed a formidable opponent, his Ambipom a masterclass in exploiting an ability.
It was an invaluable lesson, a reminder to never underestimate any opponent, no matter how familiar the abilities. Azure admitted, a genuine smile returning to his face, albeit a slightly grimmer one, "Impressive, Norman. Ambipom is exceptionally well-trained. My apologies for underestimating it."
He clutched another Poké Ball as he uttered calmly, "But this battle is far from over."
Norman merely grinned at that. Azure had to choose which Pokémon to leave to combat Ambipom as his eyes lay on one for the job…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!
Note: Azure's Slaking Truant Ability is the one based on the Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Games. Truant can additionally inflict the Yawning/Sleep status condition on all surrounding enemies when the Pokémon with the Ability Truant is asleep/Sleep Status Condition.