Chapter 278: Normal Gym Battle (3)
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Petalburg City – Gym]
Azure took a deep breath and then exhaled. He called out, tossing his own Poké Ball, "Combusken, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Another flash of light, and his shiny Combusken, a vibrant, fiery crimson with golden highlights, landed lightly on the field. Its beady eyes locked onto Ambipom, a competitive spark igniting within them.
A [Black Belt] was tied neatly around its waist, a silent promise of enhanced fighting power. The referee's voice boomed, signaling the start of the intense confrontation, "Battle begins!"
*Wooosh*
Ambipom wasted no time, launching forward with deceptive speed. Norman commanded, "Ambipom, Fake Out!"
*CLAP*
The Normal-type Pokémon closed the distance in a blink, its tail-hand flashing out with incredible swiftness, aiming for Combusken's head. The Technician's ability immediately boosted the weak Fake Out, allowing it to land with a surprising thud, momentarily stunning Combusken and causing it to flinch.
*Thud*
It was a classic opening move, guaranteed damage, and a moment of vulnerability. Azure frowned. Though Combusken shook off the flinch quickly, that hit was harder than it should have been for a starting move.
He needed to be mindful of the Technician's ability. Every small hit would sting more than expected. Azure called, wanting to mitigate the incoming damage and boost his offense, "Combusken, use Bulk Up!"
*BULB*
Combusken roared, its body tensing as its muscles visibly swelled, a reddish aura flickering around it. Its Attack and Defense stats increased by +1 Stage, a critical move to prepare for Ambipom's rapid-fire attacks.
Norman countered, pressing his advantage, "Double Hit!"
*WOOOSH*
*SMACK*
Ambipom's tails blurred, one striking Combusken's chest, then the other lashing out at its side in quick succession. The Technician's ability once again provided a significant boost; each hit landed with a jarring impact.
Combusken grunted, taking the hits, but remaining stoic. The Bulk Up had helped, but Ambipom's raw power and boosted moves were no joke.
*Shiii*
As Combusken braced itself, Azure saw it – a subtle but distinct increase in its movements. A flicker of speed that wasn't there before. His shiny Combusken's hidden ability, Speed Boost, had activated.
Every turn, its speed would climb, making it progressively harder to hit. Azure commanded, realizing the potential of this newfound speed, "Combusken, use Detect!"
*Wooosh*
Ambipom, already winding up for another Double Hit, found its target suddenly elusive. Combusken blurred, sidestepping the first tail-strike with uncanny precision, then ducking under the second as if it had anticipated the attack an instant before.
The move landed in empty air. Norman's eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He murmured, "Speed Boost, huh? Very well then, challenger. Ambipom, Swift!"
*Wooosh*
A volley of sparkling, star-shaped projectiles shot from Ambipom's tails, unerring in their aim. Swift was a move that never missed.
Azure shouted, deciding to turn the hit into an opportunity, "Flame Charge!"
*Sssss*
Combusken roared, flames engulfing its small frame as it charged towards the incoming stars. The stars connected, burning their feathers slightly, but the fiery momentum carried them forward, building up speed and power.
*Booom*
The flames dissipated, but Combusken's body pulsed with increased energy. Its Speed Boost is activated again, and its movements are now significantly faster than when the battle began.
Norman pressed, adapting to Combusken's rising speed, "Ambipom, Aerial Ace!"
*Zooom*
Aerial Ace, like Swift, couldn't miss and benefited from Technician. Ambipom lunged, a flash of purple and white. It became a blur, darting past Combusken, then circling back for a quick, searing strike.
*Wooosh*
But Combusken, now truly fast, reacted with lightning reflexes. It pivoted, a hair's breadth away from the trajectory of Ambipom's attack, the tip of Ambipom's tail-hand merely grazing its side instead of landing a direct hit.
Azure felt a surge of pride. The dance of speed and power. Azure commanded, pressing his advantage, "Combusken, Double Kick!"
*SMACK*
Combusken blurred forward, its legs a powerful blur. The first kick slammed into Ambipom's midsection, followed by a swift second kick to its chest.
Ambipom grunted, stumbling back, the force of the blows rattling it. The [Black Belt] was clearly doing its job, enhancing Combusken's Fighting-type attacks.
Norman called, hoping to capitalize on Combusken's weight, "Ambipom, Low Kick!"
*Wooosh*
Ambipom lunged downwards, aiming for Combusken's leg. But Combusken, now moving with surprising agility, flowed with the attack. It leapt, twisting its body in mid-air, allowing Ambipom's kick to pass harmlessly beneath it. Its Speed Boost was making a tangible difference, turning near misses into full evasions.
Azure roared, recognizing the critical moment, "Now, end this with Double Kick!"
Combusken landed, its leg instantly wreathed in roaring, fighting-type energy. It launched itself forward, a fiery projectile aimed directly at a momentarily off-balance Ambipom. The speed it had accumulated from both Speed Boost and Flame Charge made the attack almost impossible to track.
Ambipom widened its eyes, attempting to dodge, but Combusken was too fast, too relentless. The powerful kick connected with a resounding CRACK sound twice, sending Norman's Ambipom skidding across the arena floor…
*CRACK*
*CRACK*
*Thud*
… a dizzy spiral in its eyes before it landed with a thud, unconscious. The referee declared, "Ambipom is unable to battle! Combusken wins!"
A moment of stunned silence hung in the air, then a triumphant roar erupted from Combusken, a sound of pure power and exhilaration. Its body began to glow, a brilliant, blinding white light enveloping it.
*SHIII*
Azure watched, a wide smile spreading across his face, knowing this was the moment. The light intensified, stretching Combusken's form, extending its legs, sharpening its features. The fiery crest on its head grew more prominent, its arms becoming powerful, muscular limbs.
When the light faded, standing where Combusken once stood was a majestic Blaziken. Taller, more imposing, with powerful punches and kicks, its fiery crest now a formidable blaze.
Its eyes, still holding that competitive spark, now burned with seasoned determination. It let out a powerful, confident roar, its new form ready to face any challenge, "BLAZIKEN!!! (I'M READY FOR ROUND 3!!!)"
Azure smirked, seeing his Pokémon evolve as he checked his Arc Phone. He smiled, seeing that it gained the inherited Move Blaze Kick. He praised Blaziken proudly, "Congrats on evolving Blaziken! We're one step closer to earning Norman's Badge!"
Blaziken nodded with a confident grin. Norman smiled as he congratulated the duo, taking out his next Poké Ball, "Good. You've used this chance to evolve your Pokémon in this Gym Battle. But you haven't won yet! Staraptor to the air!"
*Pop*
With a flash of light, a powerful avian Pokémon materialized, its sharp talons extending as it let out a ferocious cry. Staraptor, a formidable Flying/Normal type, circled once above the arena before landing gracefully before Norman.
A subtle shimmer around its feet indicated the presence of its held item, a [Life Orb], boosting its attack power at the cost of its own health. As it settled, an invisible wave of pressure emanated from it as its Intimidate ability took effect, momentarily making Azure feel a slight dip in his confidence before he shook it off.
Azure wasted no time, shaking it off as he thought about analyzing the situation, 'Okay, other than the attack drop, we're still good. His Staraptor can't take one more hit after its prior battle with Manetric. We have a good chance to take it out.'
The tension in the arena was palpable as the two mighty Pokémon faced off. Norman commanded, his voice sharp and decisive, wasting no time, "Staraptor, start things off with Whirlwind!"
*FWP*
*WOOOOSH*
Before Blaziken could even register the command, Staraptor flapped its mighty wings, generating a powerful vortex of wind that swirled directly towards Azure's Pokémon. The force was immense, catching Blaziken completely off guard.
The Fire/Fighting type dug its heels in, struggling against the gale, but the sheer power of Whirlwind was undeniable. It wasn't an attack, but a forced switch, and Blaziken was swept back into its Poké Ball with an indignant flash of light.
Azure gritted his teeth as he thought, 'A smart move on Norman's part.'
*Pop*
Norman wanted to disrupt his initial strategy. He watched as a random Poké Ball on his belt automatically opened, and with another flash, Manectric burst onto the field, its electric mane bristling, its tail crackling with energy.
Azure exclaimed, surprised but quickly regaining his composure, "Manectric!"
He knew Manectric was fast, but it had just entered the battle, unprepared. Norman, ever the tactician, pressed his advantage without a moment's hesitation in a stern voice, "Now, Staraptor! Give it everything you've got! Brave Bird!"
*FWP*
*WOOOSH*
Staraptor wasted no time, tucking its wings and rocketing forward, cloaked in a brilliant blue aura. It was a full-power, reckless charge meant to inflict maximum damage, and unfortunately, Manectric had just arrived, finding itself directly in the path of the devastating attack.
*THUD*
There was a sickening thud as Staraptor slammed into Manectric. The Electric-type cried out, a jolt of pain visibly rippling through its body as the [Life Orb] further amplified the impact.
Manectric skidded backward, its paws carving grooves into the concrete, its fur ruffled and singed. The recoil from Brave Bird also struck Staraptor, causing it to flinch noticeably, a wince of pain crossing its avian features.
*Thud*
Using its remaining energy, it fell to the ground, suffering from the recoil of Brave Bird and its prior battle with Manetric. The battle, barely begun, had already taken a brutal turn.
The Referee declared, seeing the fainted Staraptor in a clear voice, "Staraptor is unable to battle! Manetric wins!"
Azure's eyes narrowed as he thought bitterly, 'That was a low blow, man…'
Norman was playing aggressively. He called out, his voice tinged with concern, "Manectric, are you alright?!"
Manectric, though clearly hurt, let out a defiant snarl, shaking its head vigorously, "Bark! (Hurt but okay, boss!)"
Its electric mane sparked with renewed vigor, a faint static charge crackling around Staraptor. Azure sighed a breath of relief, but turned towards Norman, eyes narrowed as he thought cautiously, 'Whew… that's good to hear, but now… what does this man have else planned after losing 4 of his Pokémon…'
Norman announced, raising a Poké Ball high, "Kangaskhan, battle time!"
*Pop*
With a flash of red light, a magnificent Kangaskhan materialized on the field, its powerful, muscular frame radiating an aura of maternal strength. The smaller Joey, nestled safely in its pouch, looked out with curious, bright eyes.
A faint shimmer around Kangaskhan's wrist indicated its Held Item: a [Kangaskhanite]. Azure returned Norman's gaze, a spark of strategic calculation igniting in his mind.
Kangaskhan was a formidable Normal-type, known for its incredible physical power and resilience. But when he noticed its wrist, his expression darkened, 'Right… in the games of Pokémon Emerald, he had a Kangaskhan in his rematch Gym Battles. This is going to be an interesting experience…'
The two Pokémon faced each other across the expanse of the arena, one a symbol of raw, protective power, the other a conduit of crackling, untamed energy. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent prelude to the storm that was about to break.
Norman commanded, his voice ringing with authority as he raised his Mega Ring, "It's time Kangaskhan… Mega Evolve!"
He touched the Key Stone on his wrist, and a brilliant, blinding light enveloped Kangaskhan. The Pokémon roared, its form shifting, growing larger, more defined.
*SHIII*
Its fur darkened in places, and a fierce, almost primal energy pulsed around it. The baby in its pouch also seemed to grow, its eyes now glowing with an intense, unified power.
This was Mega Kangaskhan, its Parental Bond ability now active, allowing it to strike twice with every attack. Azure's eyes narrowed, acknowledging the immediate threat as he muttered, "Mega Kangaskhan is a colossal force. This isn't going to be easy…"
Norman bellowed, wasting no time, "Now, Kangaskhan! Earthquake!"
*RMBL*
Mega Kangaskhan stamped its immense foot, and the entire arena floor buckled, a seismic wave erupting outward. The ground beneath Manectric's paws split and cracked, earth and debris flying skyward. Before Manectric could fully react, the first shockwave slammed into it…
*RMBL*
…. Then, immediately, the second, more powerful tremor followed, a testament to Parental Bond. Manectric cried out, an electric yelp of pain, as it was lifted off its feet, slammed back down, and then jolted by the ensuing aftershocks.
*Thud*
Dust plumed high into the air, obscuring the vision of the trainers. But it became clear as the Azure expression faded, seeing the defeated Manetric lying on the ground, fainted from the double Earthquake.
The Referee saw the fainted Lightning Pokémon and declared in a clear voice, "Manetric is unable to battle! Challenger, please send your next Pokémon!"
Azure recalled his Manetric as he praised his doggo in a proud tone, "You did good enough, buddy, take some rest. Now then…"
Azure's mind raced. He had anticipated a powerful opening, but the dual impact of Mega Kangaskhan's Earthquake was truly devastating.
He tried to quickly think of which Pokémon to send next as he thought worriedly, 'I have 3 left while Norman still has 2. But with that Mega Kangaskhan, it changes things because of its Parental Bond ability. But…'
Azure's eyes dart towards his 3 choices. His mind raced as he tried to pick a solution, '… I have only 3 choices. Slaking is no because it's asleep. Really should've given it a Chesto Berry… Metagross is a solid choice, and its Mega Evolution could offer a good counter. But I'm saving him for last when Norman brings out HIS last Pokémon. That leaves…'
He reached for a specific Ball on his own belt—one that felt warm to the touch, humming with a fierce, eager energy. Azure declared, "Alright! Let's show them our fire partner! Blaziken, I choose you!"
*Pop*
A flash of brilliant gold and red erupted onto the field. Azure's Shiny Blaziken stood tall, its feathers a stunning palette of vibrant gold instead of the standard red, with sharp white accents and intense blue eyes.
It cried, its voice a sharp, challenging call, "Blaziken! (My time has come!)"
The battle began without another word. Both blitz towards each other.
Norman ordered, "Kangaskhan, Fake Out!"
*CLAP*
Mega Kangaskhan and its child moved in perfect, terrifying synchronicity. They vanished in a blur of motion, reappearing directly in front of Blaziken.
The smaller one shot forward, delivering a sharp, stunning slap across Blaziken's face. The attack was too fast to avoid, designed to make the target flinch and buy a free moment.
But Azure was ready as he yelled, "Shake it off! Focus!"
Blaziken staggered back a step, its head snapping to the side from the force. But its eyes never lost their focus.
*Ssss*
The flames on its wrists flared brighter, angry and hot. Norman pressed his advantage, "Now, Dizzy Punch!"
The adult Kangaskhan's fist, glowing with a chaotic, swirling energy, rocketed toward Blaziken's chest. It was a brutal, straightforward attack meant to disorient and damage as the child followed its mother's example.
Azure shouted, "Agility with Blaze Kick!"
*Wooosh*
Blaziken was already moving. It used the momentum of Agility to stagger to pivot, its powerful golden leg swinging up to meet the incoming fist. Its foot erupted in a massive swirl of fire as it landed its attack.
*BOOOOM*
The collision was explosive—a concussive blast of fighting energy and searing flame that echoed through the gym. Both Pokémon were forced back a few paces, the air between them shimmering with heat.
And in that moment, Azure felt it—a familiar surge of energy from his partner. Speed Boost. Blaziken's hidden ability had activated.
It was faster now, its movements becoming a fraction sharper. Having used Agility, it was at +3 Speed and only steadily increasing.
Azure murmured, a strategic glint in his eye as he commanded, "It's begun… Now we dictate the pace. Blaziken, Bulk Up!"
*CRACK*
As Kangaskhan recovered from the clash, Blaziken clenched its fists, letting out a low growl as its muscles visibly swelled and hardened. Its Attack and Defense rose, making it an even more formidable physical opponent.
Norman saw the play. He couldn't allow that boost to go unanswered as he ordered, "You won't have time to set up! Kangaskhan, Sucker Punch!"
*Wooosh*
Mega Kangaskhan roared, its body leaning forward as it gathered dark, malicious energy. It was a move that would strike with devastating priority if Blaziken was attacking.
But Azure wasn't. He countered, "Jump! Bounce, now!"
*Boing*
It was a gamble. Sucker Punch would fail if the target wasn't using an attack move. Blaziken, reading its trainer's intent perfectly, launched itself into a soaring, vertical leap, high above the Kangaskhan's head.
*Wooosh*
The Sucker Punch whiffed harmlessly through the air where it had just been. Blaziken hung at the apex of its jump for a heartbeat, a golden avian silhouette against the gym's ceiling, before it descended like a meteor, one leg extended and glowing with devastating flying-type energy descending down...
*CRUNCH*
The Bounce connected squarely on Mega Kangaskhan's back with a sickening crunch. The Normal-type Pokémon cried out in pain, buckling under the colossal force of the blow. The infant in front wailed in shared distress.
But Norman was a master of endurance; he commanded, his voice steady, "Endure it! Kangaskhan!"
Mega Kangaskhan, though grievously wounded, gritted its teeth and refused to fall. The Endure technique would allow it to hang on with 1 HP, no matter how powerful the attack it was hit by as it gritted its teeth.
Azure knew what was coming next. A classic, brutal combo. He yelled, but he was a fraction too late, "Blaziken, disengage!"
Norman's voice was a whip-crack of triumph, "Now! Reversal!"
Having endured the worst of the attack, Mega Kangaskhan and its child tapped into their last reserves of strength. Their bodies glowed with a white-hot energy—the lower their health, the more powerful this move became.
In its current state, Reversal was catastrophic. The adult swung around, its glowing fist connecting with Blaziken's torso in mid-air, while the infant delivered a simultaneous, amplified blow. The combined force was immense.
*BOOOOM*
Blaziken was hurled across the arena, skidding painfully across the wooden floor before coming to a stop on one knee. It was breathing heavily, one hand pressed against its chest where the Reversal had struck.
The fight was now even; both Pokémon were on their last legs. The dust settled. An eerie silence fell over the gym, broken only by the ragged breaths of the two combatants.
Both trainers knew the next move would decide it all. Blaziken was faster, its Speed Boost still active, but Kangaskhan's Double-Edge or another powerful move could easily connect first and end it.
Azure's mind raced as he tried to think of strategies as he cautiously thought, 'Norman would expect a direct attack. He would be ready for a Blaze Kick or another Bounce, and he'd have a counter… We needed to be unpredictable. We needed to use our speed not to attack first, but to create an opening…'
He locked eyes with his Blaziken across the field. He gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod toward the gym's high windows.
Blaziken's sharp eyes followed the glance for a microsecond, and it understood. Norman ordered, going for a powerful, guaranteed hit, "Kangaskhan! Let's finish this battle! Use Mega Punch!"
Mega Kangaskhan lunged forward, its fist reeling, shimmering with Normal energy. But Azure commanded as he countered, "Now, Blaziken! Agility! Not forward—up!"
*BOOM*
Instead of meeting the charge, Blaziken pushed off with its powerful legs, unleashing a burst of pure speed. It didn't run at Kangaskhan; it ran up the nearby wall, using its momentum and incredible agility to scale the vertical surface in three swift steps.
Kangaskhan's Mega Punch punched on empty air. Blaziken reached the top of the wall, kicked off, and executed a flawless backflip, soaring over the confused Kangaskhan's head. It was now behind the Normal-type, between it and its trainer.
Norman's eyes went wide as he yelled, "Behind you!"
Kangaskhan began to turn, but it was too slow, disoriented from the missed attack. Azure screamed, his voice raw with passion, "Blaziken! Give it everything you have! One final Blaze Kick!"
*Sssss*
Blaziken didn't need the encouragement. It poured all its remaining strength, all its fire, all its trust in its trainer into one last attack.
Its entire body seemed to become engulfed in a vortex of flame as it shot forward like a golden comet. The kick connected with Mega Kangaskhan's back with the force of a cannon shot, the ensuing inferno lighting up the entire gym.
*BOOOM*
The explosion of fire and light was followed by a deafening silence. The flames dissipated. Mega Kangaskhan swayed for a moment, the mega energy dissolving away, returning it to its normal form before it collapsed onto the floor, fainted.
*THUD*
The infant in its pouch gave a final, weary sigh before disappearing back into safety. On the other side of the field, Blaziken stood panting, its body covered in soot and scratches, its flames guttering weakly…
*Poof*
… till it finally puffed out. But it was still standing defiantly.
The battle was over. The referee checked both Pokémon before declaring, "Both Blaziken and Kangaskhan have fainted!"
Both Norman and Azure recalled they're Pokémon. They slyly smiled as they thanked they're Pokémon's efforts as they looked at each other.
Both expressed determination as Norman clenched his Final Pokémon. And Azure, the last one he hadn't revealed yet…
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!