Chapter 66: Ground Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Viridian City - Gym]
Continuing their Pokémon Battle, Giovanni takes note of Scizor evading Nidoqueen's attack as he thinks critically, 'There, it is another Pokémon not well known. From the reports that my Captain stole this, here is the Steel/Bug Type Scizor info. About it is scarce. But it does have one noticeable weakness to Fire.'
Giovanni challenged, glancing back when Scizor shot towards him. He chuckled as he commented upon gazing at the charging Scizor, "Scizor, quite a beautiful Pokémon if I say so myself."
*Swooosh*
*Pop*
In a second, Giovanni tossed another Poke Ball. Next, Nidoking appeared, blocking the attack on Giovanni as he acknowledged, "Impressive. Most people would think that to be a great trainer, you need powerful Pokémon, but you also need speed, strength, and skills of your own. Unfortunately, I already had my Pokémon out."
Giovanni's eyes narrowed as he observed the scene unfolding before him. Despite Scizor's attack being blocked, it showed Nidoking skid back a few inches as he summarized the Pincer Pokémon cautiously thought, 'He managed to move my Nidoking just by a few inches. That requires a very strong Attack Stat to do that, or a higher level. Unfortunately, this isn't your usual Gym Challenge.'
Scizor was far from defeated as its metallic body glistened with determination, and its fierce gaze remained unwavering. This was not a typical Pokémon.
Giovanni could feel the tense atmosphere with a sense of pressure. No sooner had Azure brought another Pokémon from its Poke Ball than he tossed it at Nidoqueen.
*Pop*
Appearing out in the open was Arcanine as Azure commanded, "Use Fire Blast! Metal Claw!"
*BRRRR*
*SHINNG*
Azure's Pokémon responded as Arcanine unleashed a powerful Fire Blast, taking the form of a star-shaped kanji letter at Nidoqueen. Scizor retaliated as it launched a Metal Claw at Nidoking, as Giovanni moved back as he commanded, "Mega Punch!"
*BOOOM*
The sounds of their attacks colliding could be heard as their Pokémon began fighting with each other. Each went blow for blow with the other as Azure and Giovanni each gave commands for their Pokémon to battle.
As they battled on, Giovanni couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement course through him. This unexpected turn of events only served to make the confrontation more thrilling as their Pokémon continued to battle.
Unfortunately, while Giovanni could use Ground-type moves, he couldn't afford to say it out loud because of his Pokémon. Despite being Ground-type, they can easily be harmed by each other's attacks if they use Earthquake, a Ground-type Pokémon's strongest move.
Fortunately, though, they had other means of targeting an opponent as he yelled, "Now! Both of you use Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
Nidoking and Nidoqueen's bodies briefly flash with yellow energy, and they slam their fists into the ground, creating glowing gold cracks that travel at the opponent and go under it, hurting it. Both were traveling towards… Scizor.
Scizor's eyes widened, detecting the incoming danger as the gold cracks travel to its location. Azure's eyes narrowed as he commanded, "Arcanine Extreme Speed! Scizor Mimic Extreme Speed!"
*Swoooosh*
Scizor immediately mimicked Arcanine's Extreme Speed as it became a red blur and used its wings to mid-dash away from the danger of Earth Power. While using the momentum, Arcanine and Scizor eyed the duo with narrowed expressions.
Nidoqueen and Nidoking's eyes darted around, trying to locate the two. Giovanni did the same, eyeing the arena where the two would emerge as Azure commanded, "Now! Dual Hyper Beam on Nidoking!"
Giovanni's eyes widened as he saw the blurs of Arcanine and Scizor already charged with a Hyper Beam. Both aimed at Nidoking, giving Giovanni a fraction to counter, "Protect!"
Nidoking activated Protect, crossing its arms to block the attack. Nidoqueen used Double Kick to avoid the attack, but Azure said, "Psych! Aim for the Queen boys!"
*PEW*
At the most critical moment, both aimed their Hyper Beams at the Nidoqueen, which kicked back only to be the one fired at. Nidoqueen crossed its arms as both the beams collided against the Drill Pokémon…
*BOOOOM*
An explosion erupted, sending the Nidoqueen into the walls of the Gym fainted with its head down and body smoldering from the Hyper Beams. Giovanni recalled his Nidoqueen as he smirked, he said calmly, "That was quite an impressive tactic. It's a shame you aren't on my side. Someone with your cunning and calculating attitude would be an asset to Team Rocket. I doubt you'd join me so easily, so, how about this? If I win this altercation, you will join Team Rocket and fight by our side for the rest of your days. Like you said, we provide good support. Use Mega and Fire Punch!"
The Team Rocket leader stood tall and imposing, seemingly unfazed by the oncoming assault. Giovanni glanced at Azure.
Giovanni's words hung in the air, heavy with tension and humor, as his Nidoking clashed with Azure's Scizor and Arcanine in the background. Arcanine managed to dodge the Mega Punch in time, but…
*SMASH*
Scizor was caught off guard as Nidoking slammed its fiery fist at Pincer Pokémon, fainting. Azure simply grinned as he recalled his Scizor as it was taken down by Nidoking's Fire Punch, replying, "Funny. That's assuming that you'd win first. Use Overheat!"
*BRRR*
Arcanine's body turns red. It then releases a white fire with a red-orange flame spiraling around it from its mouth. The blast is most powerful when first used and becomes weaker when used repeatedly, as it was launched at Nidoking.
Giovanni countered by saying happily with a smirk, "Haha! That's what I look for in a lieutenant! Use Earthquake!"
*RMBL*
Nidoking stomps its foot against the ground, creating a powerful earthquake that shakes the surrounding area. The Earthquake landed on Arcanine, and the Overheat landed on Nidoking…
*THUD*
Both attacks landed on their respective targets. Nidoking fell first as Giovanni's eyes widened, seeing Arcanine still standing by a thread, 'What! His Arcanine… I can feel it through my Viridian Force that it stood still using Endure just to ensure his trainer wouldn't feel sad! Incredible!'
Azure, on the other smiled softly as he saw the text bubble pop up. He grabbed Arcanine's Poke Ball in the process.
[Arcanine toughed it so you wouldn't feel sad!]
Returning Arcanine, Azure prepared his next Pokémon as he tossed it out at the same time as Giovanni did, "Go! Dragonair/Dugtrio!"
*Pop*
Revealing their Pokémon, both commanded instantly, "Dragonair Surf! Dugtrio Sandstorm!"
*SPLASH*
*WOOOSH*
Dragonair easily defeated the Dugtrio as it sacrificed itself to perform the Sandstorm move, covering the arena. Instantly, Azure realized the danger as it saw the Dugtrio holding the Smooth Rock as he thought, 'Fuck! Giovanni intentionally allowed his Dugtrio to be sacrificed just so he could raise Sandstorm to help his other two Pokémon!'
[A Sandstorm appeared on the field!]
Noticing the pop-up text, he prepared for the worst, as in a Sandstorm. Any Pokémon that is not Rock-, Ground-, or Steel-type will be damaged for 1/16 of its maximum HP at the end of each turn. Not only that, but Rock-type Pokémon also have their Sp. Def raised by 50% in the Sandstorm.
Noticing Azure's concerned expression, the Team Rocket leader's smile broadened, and he released his next Pokémon, creating a large thud as Azure frowned, cursing mentally, 'Oh what the hell… of course the boss just had to have a Rhyperior! Of course!'
*Pop*
Rhyperior is a large, brownish-gray Pokémon with two horns: a larger one on its nose and a smaller one above it. The larger horn is divided into three sections by two thin, slanted rings, making the horn resemble a drill. Its hide is partially covered by orange, rocky plates on its head, shoulders, arms, waist, and knees, like that of the protector used to evolve it from Rhydon.
The hide of Rhyperior's armor has a mysterious substance. It has blade-like protrusions on its elbows and has holes in the palms of its hands, which work as cannons or guns. It has three blunt, gray fingers on each hand, two gray toes on each foot, and a club-like tail. Its eyes have red irises with what appears to be two thick, rectangular rocks above each one, resembling heavy eyebrows.
Azure sighed as he asked in a tired tone at Giovanni, surprising him, "Sigh… seriously? A Rhyperior?"
Giovanni chuckled, seeing Azure genuinely unfazed by his Pokémon, asked curiously, "Oh? Do you already know this Pokémon? That's surprising, as I'm the only one who managed to unlock Rhydon's final form. But coming from you, it makes one curious how you knew?"
Azure revealed a cheeky grin as a thought occurred to him as he asked childishly, "I know many things, Giovanni. While we're on the topic of your bet, I want a favor from you if I win for which I'll know I can kick your ass."
Giovanni paused, hearing this as he chuckled humorously at the deal as he said calmly, placing his hands into his pocket, "Heh. Very well, then I'm a man of my word, if you win, to which I very much doubt. After all, I'm the Strongest Trainer, remember? Rhyperior Hyper Beam!"
*PEW*
Rhyperior unleashed a powerful Hyper Beam as Azure countered, "Agility to avoid! And attack with Strong Style! Surf!"
*Swooosh*
Gracefully avoiding the Hyper Beam, Rhyperior stood still as the Surf move hit it. Despite being a Ground/Rock-type Pokémon, it shrugged off the Water-type move without flinching as Dragonair's eyes widened.
Azure, however, knew the reason why as he thought seriously as Dragonair took damage from the Sandstorm, 'I was hoping it didn't have its natural ability… Solid Rock. The ability to reduce the damage taken from super effective attacks by 25%. And with the Sandstorm raging on further, Giovanni deliberately made this a stall match against that monster.'
Giovanni smirked, seeing Rhyperior recharged as he commanded, "Now. Rock Blast! Take that Dragon down!"
*RMBL*
Rhyperior lifted its arms, pointing at Dragonair as Azure switched between Dragonair to Gengar in a few seconds, moving out of the way, "Dragonair Agility to evade and come to me! Gengar, you're up!"
*Pop*
*Swooosh*
Managing to avoid the incoming Dragonair, Dragonair was recalled back as Azure brought out Gengar. Azure commanded, "Gengar Mean Look!"
*Shiii*
Taking the chance to stop Giovanni's Pokémon in its tracks without switching in, he commanded calmly, "Rock Slide."
*RMBL*
Slamming its hands into the ground, Rhyperior unleashed a volley of rocks aimed at Gengar as Azure said, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
Creating a transparent barrier in time, protected Gengar as Azure commanded, "Quick use Substitute!"
*Poof*
Creating an energy clone of Substitute but taking a quarter of Gengar's health with it, Giovanni reacted, "Now Stone Edge."
*RMBL*
Rhyperior causes pointed light blue rock pillars to appear out of the ground and rush towards the Gengar. The Substitute nodded as it jumped ahead, taking the hit, giving Azure enough time to command, "Now! Perish Song!"
Repeating the same tactic as Gengar showed to be in pain unleashed Perish Song as Rhyperior flinched with Giovanni announcing, "Now! Rock Wrecker!"
Rhyperior puts its hands together, and small chunks of gray stones come out of the holes on Rhyperior's hands and form together into a large gray rock with a red aura around it. The red aura then fades, and Rhyperior throws the rock at the exhausted Gengar, unable to dodge.
*SMASH*
Azure flinched, seeing that his Gengar was one shot into the Gym walls after it finished Perish Song. Recalling his Gengar, he thought critically of his situation, 'With Rhyperior using Rock Wrecker done, Rhyperior will become tired out for a while after the attack is used. Meaning I have one free shot at it to wear it down.'
*Pop*
Azure revealed his Dragonair, appearing again as she took some chip damage from the Sandstorm. After that, the battle became cat and mouse as Giovanni used Rhyperior to chase, as Dragonair was given chip damage throughout the battle, avoiding it.
However, as the battle continued its course, Giovanni demonstrated his ability as a Gym Leader, commanding his Rhyperior using Rock Slide, managing to damage Dragonair. Azure, at times, winced seeing his Dragonair bear the damage, just stalling till the Rhyperior finally fainted…
*THUD*
Eventually, Rhyperior goes down as the Sandstorm fades, as he said confidently, his voice filled with confidence, "Congrats, you've managed to defeat 5 of my main Pokémon. With you having 4 left, 3 with that barely standing Arcanine. You surely feel confident to face me with my partner left."
Azure expression turned serious as he replied, having Dragonair prepared for battle as he said calmly, "No. I would rather be cautious of your partner. Despite the info I had on you, Giovanni began with a Weedle into a Beedrill as your partner. Most would scoff seeing Beedrill as weak, but not me… your partner would determine if I win or lose."
*Pop*
A hush fell over the gym as Giovanni brought his last Pokémon. The Poison Bee Pokémon Beedrill.
Beedrill is an insect Pokémon that mostly resembles a bipedal, yellow wasp; however, it only has four legs instead of six and lacks pigment pits. Beedrill's head is round with a slightly pointed mouth, large, red eyes, and black antennae with a sharp bend in the middle. Its forelegs are tipped with long, conical stingers.
It stands on its other two legs, which are long, segmented, and insectoid in shape. Beedrill has two pairs of rounded, veined wings and another stinger on its yellow-and-black striped abdomen. The abdominal stinger contains Beedrill's most potent poison.
The final clash was at hand. Azure recalled Dragonair as Giovanni said, his voice devoid of emotion, "So, it comes down to this. Your partner Pokémon against mine."
Azure knelt beside Pikachu, his hand resting on its head, feeling the familiar static energy crackle beneath his fingertips. He whispered, his voice filled with determination, "We can do this, Pikachu. Out of everyone in the team, you're the only one who's in top shape to take care of Giovanni's Beedrill. We've come too far to give up now."
Pikachu responded with a confident cry, "Pika!"
Its tail is sparking with electricity. Giovanni commanded seriously, "Beedrill, use Poison Sting!"
*Pew*
Beedrill launched a volley of poisonous stingers towards Pikachu, each carrying a potentially debilitating toxin. Azure reacted instantly, "Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
*Zooom*
Pikachu, a blur of yellow, dodged the incoming projectiles, its speed honed from countless battles. It darted around the battlefield, a streak of lightning against the backdrop of the rocky terrain.
Giovanni commanded, eyes narrowed, "Beedrill, follow it! Use Pin Missile!"
*Pew*
Beedrill unleashed a barrage of sharp, pointed projectiles, each aimed with deadly accuracy. Pikachu weaved and dodged; its agility pushed to its limit.
Some of the missiles grazed its fur, but Pikachu pressed on, its focus unwavering. Azure yelled, seizing the opportunity, "Pikachu, Zippy Zap!"
*Zoooom*
Pikachu, with a burst of electricity at high speed, attempts to tackle Beedrill. Giovanni, seeing this, counters, "Double Team!"
*Swooosh*
Narrowly avoiding a critical hit, Beedrill vanished, showing multiple afterimages in its place. Azure was shocked seeing multiple Beedrills as Giovanni smirked, "Now! Go Beedrill!"
As multiple Beedrills are all after Pikachu, attempting a close-quarters combat. Azure eyes narrowed as he slightly panics, trying to find the real one in a worried tone, 'Damn! There's nothing I can do if I can't find where the real one is! Huh…?'
That was when he noticed below the Beedrills as his eyes widened as he thought with Pikachu using Agility to avoid the X-Scissors, 'Wait, shadow!! Only the real one has a shadow!'
Pointing at the real Beedrill, Azure ordered quickly as he said, "Pikachu! Third one on the right! That's the real one! Pika Papow!"
*Zzzz*
Pikachu turned following Azure's words as it unleashed a massive surge of electricity, a blinding flash that engulfed Beedrill. Azure thought confidently, 'This move is a guaranteed hit, bypassing accuracy checks. Let's see your Beedrill get out of this, Giovanni!'
However, Giovanni remained calm and ordered, shattering Azure's confidence in Pika Papow's guaranteed hit, "Beedrill Pin Missile away from Pikachu to reflect the electricity and break through it with a Twineedle."
*Pew*
Beedrill shot a few sharp projectiles, acting as a lightning rod, away from the Poison Bee Pokémon, safely deflecting the Pika Papow, much to Azure's shock. But now left in the air, Beedrill attempted to jab Pikachu twice with its stingers.
But at that moment, Azure yelled, "Now! Protect!"
*CLANG*
In the last second, Pikachu managed to protect itself with Protect as the stingers attacked the barrier. But Azure continued the pressure as Beedrill backed off, "Now! Use Electro Ball Pikachu!"
*Swooosh*
Tossing a ball of electricity at Giovanni's Beedrill, he swiftly countered, "Protect."
*CLANG*
The Electro Ball collided, but Beedrill was protected by the transparent barrier as Pikachu landed safely on the ground. Its cheeks were sparkling with electricity at the ready as the two Pokémon clashed, a whirlwind of speed and power.
Beedrill, fueled by its venomous rage, attacked relentlessly, its stingers a constant threat. Pikachu, fueled by its bond with Azure and its unwavering determination, defended with every ounce of its strength.
Each attack landed with bone-jarring force. Pikachu was bruised, battered, and visibly tiring, but it refused to yield. Giovanni watched with a cold, analytical gaze, his face betraying nothing.
Azure knew they were nearing their limit. He had to take a risk, a desperate gamble, as he said, his voice barely audible above the chaos, "Pikachu… It's time for the final gamble. An all-or-nothing attack.
Pikachu looked at Azure, its eyes filled with trust and determination. It nodded once, a silent acknowledgment.
Giovanni, on the other hand, looked at how Beedrill was faring and then at Azure as he thought in a confused tone, 'Why do I get this agitated when I face this boy. What is it about facing him that I lose control? Why does this battle make me feel so alive now that I feel excited for our battle? This excitement I felt a long time ago…'
Azure closed his eyes, focusing his energy, visualizing the bond he shared with Pikachu, the friendship, the countless battles fought side-by-side. He channeled his emotions, his hopes, and his dreams into his partner Pokémon, as it was shown a blue, azure-like aura veiling him and Pikachu.
Unaware of him, a text-screen pop-up shows him reacting to Azure's emotions. It read as follows, with him being unaware…
[Ding!]
[User has subconsciously activated Bond Phenomenon!]
[Temporarily unlocking Partner Pikachu's latent potential!]
*Zzzzz*
A surge of energy flowed between them, a powerful connection that transcended the physical realm. Pikachu began to glow with an intense, golden light.
Its fur bristled with electricity, its power amplified beyond its normal limits. Azure commanded, his voice ringing with newfound confidence, "Now, Pikachu! Let's end this! Volt Tackle!"
*BOOOOM*
Pikachu roared; a sound filled with pure, unadulterated energy. It charged forward, engulfed in a sphere of crackling electricity, a living lightning bolt aimed directly at Beedrill.
Giovanni's eyes widened in surprise as he thought, recalling his emotion and memory, he felt battling Azure, 'That's it. Now I remember. I knew I felt this way before… this sense of excitement. This burning passion that makes my blood race through my veins… counting on my Pokémon, believing in my Pokémon. I was once like this boy…'
He had underestimated the bond between trainer and Pokémon, the power of their connection, as he thought to himself, reflecting, 'I once loved Pokémon above all else. When did it all change? When did I see Pokémon as anything but tools for business… perhaps I could've been this child.'
However, as he reflected, Beedrill gazed into Giovanni's eyes as it cried out, "Drirrr! Beedrill!!!"
Giovanni, sensing Beedrill's determination. His partner Pokémon Beedrill hasn't given up, as it made him think proudly, 'My Beedrill hasn't given up yet. Why the hell am I standing there when I should be battling!'
Giovanni slyly smirked as he yelled excitedly as the battle reached its climax, "Alright, kid, it's time for the final battle! Beedrill, brace yourself! Use Giga Impact!"
Beedrill launched a final, desperate attack fueled by its countless battle experiences and trust with its Trainer. Beedrill flies into the sky, and its body becomes surrounded by orange streaks…
*Shiii*
Purple energy then appears from the top of the streaks and envelops Beedrill's body. Beedrill then flies into Pikachu as it attempts to defeat it. The result was a clash between Normal and Electric Type Energy filling the room.
The result created a dust smokescreen covering the battlefield. Both waited as the clash continued till…
*Zzzzz*
Pikachu's Volt Tackle slammed into Beedrill with devastating force. The Bug-type Pokémon was engulfed in a blinding explosion of electricity, its body convulsing violently. With a final, agonizing shriek, Beedrill collapsed, defeated.
*Thud*
The golden light surrounding Pikachu faded, leaving the Pokémon panting and exhausted but victorious. A stunned silence fell over the gym.
Azure rushed to Pikachu's side, his heart pounding with relief and gratitude. He scooped up his partner Pokémon, holding it close as he whispered, his voice choked with emotion, "You did it, Pikachu. We did it!"
Feeding Pikachu an Oran Berry, Pikachu cried out happily, "Cha~"
Giovanni slowly approached; his expression unreadable. He stopped before Azure, his gaze intense as he said calmly, handing him his reward, "Impressive. You possess a bond with your Pokémon that is rarely seen. You have earned the Earth Badge along with your rewards and our bet."
Azure grabbed hold of 2 TM's, the Earth Badge, and a personal communicator. He grinned as he checked them with Giovanni, having him 9600 Poke Dollars in the process.
[Item: TM Fissure
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Fissure].]
[Item: TM Earthquake
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Earthquake].]
[Item: Earth 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, Ground-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: Team Rocket Communicator
Rarity Item: A+
Type: Key Item
Description: A personalized communicator that's able to talk to Giovanni. However, it's a single use and once used, it'll self-destruct upon using the item up.]
Azure obtains the items and Pokémon, putting them in a safe place. Azure accepted the badge, his hand trembling slightly as the Earth Badge, a simple, unassuming emblem that represented much more than just a victory.
It represented the culmination of Azure's journey, the strength of his bonds, and the power of unwavering determination. He had faced Giovanni, the enigmatic Gym Leader, the master of Ground-type Pokémon, and Team Rocket's Leader he had emerged victorious against him.
He had proven himself worthy. As he turned to leave the Viridian Gym, Azure knew that his journey was far from over. He still had a long way to go, more challenges to face, and new bonds to forge.
But he also knew that he had the strength, the courage, and the unwavering support of his Pokémon by his side. And with them, he could face anything. The azure sky above seemed to mirror the vast expanse of his future, full of endless possibilities.
His adventure was just beginning. Clenching his fist, he smiled as he mumbled, feeling somewhat exhausted, "Finally with this… It's almost time to face the Pokémon League. With a few days left, I should increase my Pokémon level the much as I can. The grand stage is just waiting for us up ahead!"
/////
A/N: So, how did you like the fight with Giovanni? I had some ideas on his personality similar to Origins Giovanni, seeing Azure draw out his fighting spirit in such a close match, along with using Bond Phenomenon.
Hopefully, this full, fast-paced battle was to your liking in this long chapter. Otherwise, have a good day, everyone!