Chapter 477: Ghost Gym Battle (3)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Hearthome City – Gym]
Azure smiled, recalling his powerful Zoroark as he praised her, "You were magnificent, my friend. Rest now."
He gave a mental nod to his evolved Hisuian Zoroark, knowing it would be ready for future challenges. Two of Fantina's Pokémon were down, and Azure had only used two, both of whom had evolved mid-battle.
The battlefield buzzed with whispers and awe. Fantina let out a theatrical sigh, a hand to her chest as she exclaimed, "Oh, Azure, you know how to keep a Gym Leader on her toes! Two evolutions mid-battle! C'est magnifique! But I am not without my own surprises!"
She reached for her next Poké Ball, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she declared, "My next performer is ready to enchant you! Come, Mismagius!"
*SWIRL*
A Mismagius, elegant and ethereal, appeared with a graceful spin. Its pointed hat and flowing cloak gave it an almost witch-like appearance, and the three jewels around its neck glowed with faint, ominous light.
It held itself with pride, its [Wise Glasses] glinting. Azure, in turn, reached for his next Pokémon as he declared, "Alright, Gible! Your turn to shine!"
*Pop*
A small, land shark Pokémon, larger and more robust than an ordinary Gible due to its Alpha status, burst onto the field. Its [Muscle Band] was clearly visible, accentuating its already impressive power.
Gible let out a surprisingly deep growl, eager for battle, "Growl! (I'm ready! Be prepared to face the mighty Gible! Disciple of Dragonite-sama!)."
Pikachu chirped excitedly on Azure's shoulder, and Eevee barked in encouragement. Even the little Pichu (Mew) in his jacket stirred, peeking out with wide, curious eyes. Azure watched Mismagius carefully.
He remembered his own Mismagius from a past journey, a powerful and cunning Ghost-type that had been a cornerstone of one of his League-winning teams. He knew its tricks, its elegant yet deadly dance of illusions and psychic power.
This knowledge would be invaluable. Platinum observed as she hummed, "Mismagius, a formidable opponent indeed. Ghost-types are strong against Gible, but Azure's Gible has raw power on its side."
Azure commanded, "Gible, start strong! Dragon Rage!"
Gible roared, a torrent of draconic energy gathering in its mouth, "GRAAAAWL!"
*WHOOSH*
It launched a vibrant, volatile stream of blue-green flames towards Mismagius. Fantina merely smiled as she countered, "Mismagius, a graceful dodge, if you please!"
*SWISH*
With an almost imperceptible dodge, Mismagius shimmered, phasing slightly to the side, allowing the Dragon Rage to harmlessly pass by. Pearl exclaimed, disappointment in his voice, "Huh? It dodged!"
But Azure was already one step ahead as he ordered, "Gible, now! Turn around and jump! Keep a lock on with Dragon Rage!"
To Fantina's and Pearl's astonishment, Gible didn't just let the attack dissipate. It spun mid-air with incredible agility, its powerful body acting as a rudder, and propelled itself upwards, closing the distance to Mismagius.
The Dragon Rage, instead of fading, curved, remaining a continuous, active stream as Gible arched through the air, diving towards Mismagius like a draconic missile!
*ROOOOAR*
*WHOOSH*
Pearl shrieked, jumping up in startled surprise, "WHAT?! He can do that?! That's not how Dragon Rage usually works!"
Fantina's eyes widened in genuine surprise as she ordered, "Formidable! Such control! Mismagius, Psywave!"
Mismagius, startled by Gible's unorthodox maneuver, quickly focused. Its jewels glowed ominously, and a wave of raw psychic energy erupted from its body.
*PSI-BURST*
*CRACKLE*
The Psywave slammed into the active Dragon Rage. There was a violent POP! as the two energies clashed, and the Dragon Rage was forcibly dispersed. The psychic shockwave continued, striking Gible head-on.
*THWUMPPP*
Gible was sent plummeting to the ground, landing with a heavy THUD that echoed through the gym. Pearl cried out, gripping the railing, "Oh no, Gible!"
Jasmine nodded slowly as she commented, "The power of Psychic-type moves is not to be underestimated, especially against a Dragon-type."
Platinum's brow furrowed as she added, "That Psywave was perfectly timed. It not only stopped the attack but incapacitated Gible for a moment."
Azure remained calm as he asked, "Gible, you alright?"
Gible shook its head, letting out a defiant GRAAAWL as it pushed itself up, spitting out a bit of dust. Its Alpha resilience was evident.
Azure's voice was clear and confident as he commanded, "Good! Now, Gible, spin! Dragon Rage, Counter Shield!"
Gible, recovering quickly, began to spin rapidly, its short legs churning like a drill into the ground. As it spun, it unleashed another Dragon Rage.
*WHOOSH*
But this time, the draconic fire didn't just shoot forward; it rotated around Gible's body, forming a turbulent, fiery vortex – a Counter Shield of raw draconic energy. The heat radiating from it was intense, making the air shimmer.
Fantina's smile returned as she exclaimed confidently, "Ah, the famous Counter Shield! I've seen it used in past battle videos, but never quite like this! Mismagius, Psywave again! Break its defense!"
Mismagius concentrated, and another powerful Psywave surged forward. The psychic energy slammed into the spinning vortex of Dragon Rage.
*CRACKLE*
There was a tremendous struggle of forces, sparks of energy flying. The Counter Shield vibrated violently, but held, deflecting the Psywave's direct impact. However, some of the psychic energy managed to slip through the gaps, still grazing Mismagius itself.
*ZAP*
Mismagius recoiled, letting out a faint misgiving of surprise, having taken damage from its own deflected attack. Pearl roared, overjoyed, "It got hit!"
Fantina quickly ordered, "Mismagius, don't let it recover! Magical Leaf!"
Mismagius, recovering its composure, unleashed a flurry of glowing, razor-sharp leaves. Magical Leaves sliced through the air, impacting the spinning Counter Shield.
*SWISH-SWISH*
*RUSTLE-CLANG*
While the leaves were deflected and unable to penetrate the fiery barrier, their sheer number and force successfully disrupted Gible's spin. The Counter Shield, deprived of its rotational momentum, began to flicker and dissipate.
Fantina clapped her hands, a triumphant grin on her face as she exclaimed, "Magnifique! I believe I've learned everything there is to know about your Counter Shield, Azure! It's truly a marvel!"
Azure chuckled, a small, knowing smile on his face as he replied, "Is that so? Then let's see how well you've learned it! Gible, Dragon Rage, again!"
Gible, though its Counter Shield had been broken, was still fired up, "GRAAAWL! (I'm all fired up!!)"
It gathered another burst of Dragon Rage, ready to unleash it. Fantina's eyes narrowed as she ordered, "No more surprises anymore! Mismagius, Dark Pulse, full power!"
*FWOOSH-PULSE*
Mismagius's jewels glowed with malevolent energy, and it unleashed a powerful wave of dark, pulsing aura. Azure's command was sharp, his strategy unfolding, "Gible, Counter Shield! Now!"
With incredible speed, Gible began to spin anew, the Dragon Rage already forming around it. The fiery vortex of the Counter Shield instantly reformed, just as Dark Pulse bore down on it…
*BOOM*
The collision was spectacular, a concussive blast of dark and fiery energy. The stadium lights flickered. Platinum gasped, her eyes wide, "It reformed the Counter Shield so quickly! He truly trained that Gible to mastery!"
Pearl pointed out, worriedly for Gible, "Yes, but Dark Pulse is incredibly strong!"
Fantina nodded, a confident smile returning to her face as she commanded, "Indeed it is! Mismagius, Psywave! Finish it!"
Mismagius, despite having expended a lot of energy, mustered another powerful Psywave, aiming to shatter the Counter Shield once and for all.
*PSI-BLAST*
The Psywave tore into the fiery Dragon Rage shield…
*CRACKLE*
*SHATTER*
This time, the psychic force was too much. The Counter Shield exploded into a shower of sparks and smoke. But what Fantina didn't account for was the persistent nature of Azure's Dragon Rage.
Even as the shield collapsed, the raw, uncontained energy of the attack was still active, still surging forward. Before Mismagius could register its victory over the shield, the full, unadulterated force of Gible's Dragon Rage slammed into it.
*BOOOOOM*
There was no time to dodge, no time to deflect. Mismagius cried out, a high-pitched shriek, as the draconic energy engulfed it.
*THWUMP*
The elegant Ghost-type Pokémon was thrown backward, crashing into the gym wall with a sickening THWUMP, then sliding limply to the floor. Its [Wise Glasses] had fallen off, and its jewels had lost their glow.
A roar erupted from the stands! Pearl was beside himself, jumping up and down, hooting with joy. Diamond, abandoning his cream puff, clapped enthusiastically.
Platinum offered a rare, genuine smile, her eyes shining with admiration. Jasmine simply smiled, a proud light in her eyes.
Azure rushed forward, scooping up the triumphant Alpha Gible. He praised, rubbing its head, "You were incredible, Gible! Phenomenal!"
Gible cheered, nuzzling into Azure's chest, radiating exhilaration, "GRAAAWL! GRAAAWL! (Of course! It is expected from Dragonite-sama!)"
*FLASH*
Then, a faint shimmer began around Gible. The light intensified, enveloping the Alpha Pokémon in a dazzling display. Its form began to stretch and lengthen, its head becoming more streamlined, its fins growing into sharp, powerful blades.
The [Muscle Band] seemed to shimmer with the evolving energy. Pearl shouted, his voice hoarse, "It's... it's evolving again!"
Pikachu jumped up and down on Azure's shoulder, squeaking in excitement. Eevee let out a joyful Eievui! and even the little Pichu (Mew) in Azure's jacket popped its head out, its tiny eyes wide with wonder at the spectacle.
The light pulsed one final time, then receded, revealing a larger, more menacing, yet still undeniably proud Pokémon. Its body was now covered in blue scales, its head adorned with a sharp, horn-like fin.
It was Gabite, the Cave Pokémon, and its alpha energy hummed around it like a battle aura. It roared, a sound deeper and more powerful than its Gible form, "GABIIIIIITE! (Yes! I've finally evolved!)"
It looked up at Azure, its intelligent eyes gleaming with a new level of confidence and power. Azure grinned, placing his newly evolved Alpha Gabite down praising his Gabite, "Well done, Gabite. Well done."
He knelt, giving his partner a firm, congratulatory pat. He quickly checked Gabite's status info of his Pokémon latest evolution.
[Gabite the Cave Pokémon. Gabite is a fierce and predatory Pokémon known for its scales, which are believed to have medicinal properties and the ability to heal most illnesses, even those thought to be incurable. Gabite has short, extremely sharp teeth, like its pre-evolved form, Gible, and is known to actively dig to expand its nest.
The protrusions on Gabite's head allow it to emit ultrasound waves, which can be used for navigating through pitch-dark caves. Gabite is also a very territorial creature and will fight back against enemies to protect its home.
Gabite is passionate about shiny objects, such as gems, treasures, and even Carbink, and it hoards a collection of them in its nest. When it sees Sableye trying to take Carbink as food, Gabite jealously attacks the Sableye.
Despite its aggressive demeanor, giving Gabite a sparkly item such as a glass bead can turn it docile. It predominantly lives in mountainous regions and can survive in both snowy and arid temperatures.]
Azure, seeing his status screen, mentally hummed to himself as he thought, 'Hmm… no changes other than a level up. But still good.'
Azure, after his Gabite secured the third knockout, opted for a strategic recall. He stated, his third powerful Pokémon now back in its Poké Ball, "Return, Gabite."
Fantina praised, a genuine smile on her face, even as three of her Pokémon lay defeated, "Fantastique! Truly, your Pokémon are magnificent, mon ami! But the dance is not over yet! Let us see what other surprises you have."
Azure replied, his hand moving towards a Poké Ball from his belt, "Indeed… Rotom, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
With a flash of crimson light, Azure's Rotom materialized, its plasma body crackling with latent energy. It hovered playfully, its single, glowing eye blinking mischievously as the [Wise Glasses] perched smartly on its non-existent nose.
Fantina, intrigued, brought out her final Pokémon as she declared excitedly, "Drifblim, to the stage!"
*Pop*
A majestic Drifblim, larger than average, floated gracefully into the arena. Its purple body emitted a faint, unsettling glow, and as it appeared, a tiny [Flame Orb] dropped into its spiritual 'hand,' instantly inflicting a burn.
*HISSSSSS*
The Drifblim shivered, but the pain was quickly replaced by a surge of power. Fantina declared, "Magnifique! My Drifblim's Hidden Ability, Flare Boost, is now active! Its special attacks will be much, much stronger!"
Azure's expression remained calm, yet a slight smirk played on his lips as he ordered, "Rotom, let's start this with a bang! Discharge Counter Shield!"
Rotom cried, its body sparking intensely, "RO-TOM!"
*ZZZZZZZZAP*
It whirled in a tight aerial circle, generating a powerful electric field around itself. The electric energy wasn't just defensive; a torrent of blue lightning erupted outwards, forming a rapidly spinning spiral of raw electricity. It was a fusion of offensive and defensive tactics that Azure had perfected.
Fantina's eyes widened as she murmured, "Mon Dieu! A direct hit!"
The Discharge Counter Shield slammed directly into Drifblim!
*CRACKLE-CRACKLE*
*CRACKLE*
A visible wave of electricity coursed through the Ghost/Flying type, causing it to flinch dramatically. Its body spasmed, and a faint blue glow enveloped it—it was paralyzed from the attack!
Fantina commanded, not missing a beat, "Drifblim, quickly, use Psychic to blow the electricity away!"
*WHOOSH*
Drifblim, though paralyzed, mustered its mental energy. A powerful psychic wave pulsed from its body, creating a localized gust that swirled and pushed the crackling electricity away, dissipating the remnants of Rotom's Counter Shield.
Fantina smiled as she explained, "A clever tactic, mon ami, but the Counter Shield has perhaps outgrown its usefulness against my Drifblim's mental might!"
Azure's gaze sharpened, undeterred as he muttered, "Let's see about that."
Fantina announced, thrusting her arm forward, "Now, Drifblim! A Will-O-Wisp! Then, use Psychic to control it!"
*FWOOSH*
Drifblim conjured a ball of ghostly blue fire, vibrant and eerie. Then, with a focused glint in its eyes, it manipulated the flame with its psychic powers.
*WHIRL-WHIRL*
The Will-O-Wisp didn't fly at Rotom; instead, it began to orbit Drifblim, rapidly spreading and intertwining with Drifblim's psychic energy. The ghostly flame coalesced, forming a swirling, defensive vortex of blue fire around Drifblim.
Fantina declared triumphantly, "A Counter Shield of my own, mon ami! But this is far more artistic, no? Call it… my 'Counter Counter Shield'!"
From the stands, Pearl gasped, "Whoa! Fantina's got one too!"
Diamond mumbled, "But it's made of fire. That's… different."
Azure ordered, his voice unwavering, "Rotom, try to break through with a Strong Style Discharge!"
Rotom zipped forward, unleashing another burst of electricity, "RO-TOM!"
*ZAP*
The blue lightning slammed into the swirling wall of ghostly fire…
*CRACKLE-CLANG*
But instead of dissipating the shield, the electricity seemed to be absorbed, deflecting harmlessly off the ethereal barrier. The flames pulsed, seemingly growing stronger with the deflected energy.
Fantina gave a knowing smirk as she explained boastfully, "Ah-ha! You see, mon ami? My 'Counter Counter Shield' is a masterpiece! Forged from Will-O-Wisp, it absorbs your electric attacks, strengthening its ghostly flames. And with Drifblim's Psychic, it will last far, far longer than a simple electric barrier!"
She gestured grandly as she commanded, "Now, Drifblim, show him its true power! Throw the 'Counter Counter Shield'!"
*WHOOSH*
*FWOOSH*
The swirling vortex of blue fire detached itself from Drifblim, rushing towards Rotom like a hungry, spectral storm. It enveloped Rotom, trapping it within the eerie, flaming circle. Rotom whirred in alarm, struggling against the confines of the fiery shield, "RO-TOM!? NANI?!"
Drifblim, seizing the opportunity, floated gracefully towards the trapped Rotom. Its two arm-like appendages reached out, gently, almost mockingly, grabbing Rotom's plasma cheeks.
Fantina commanded, a mischievous glint in her eye, "Now, Drifblim, Hypnosis!"
*SWIRL*
Drifblim's eyes glowed with a hypnotic light, and a swirling pattern of purple energy pulsed from them, directed squarely at Rotom. The ghostly flames of the 'Counter Counter Shield' seemed to amplify the effect, casting an eerie glow on the scene.
Pearl cried out, his hands clapped over his mouth exclaiming, "Oh no, Rotom's going to fall asleep!"
Jasmine, however, watched Azure closely. A small smile played on her lips. She knew Azure often had a trick up his sleeve.
Azure, calm as ever, didn't panic. He declared, his voice cutting through the tension, "Not so fast, Fantina! My Rotom has a secret! Form Change! Fan Rotom!"
*WHIRRRR*
A sudden surge of energy erupted from Rotom. Its plasma body flickered, its shape morphing with incredible speed. In a dazzling display, the phantom-like appliance transformed, its lower half elongating and forming into a powerful fan, blades rapidly spinning…
*WOOOSH*
The 'Counter Counter Shield' that had trapped it was violently disrupted by the sudden shift in mass and the powerful air currents. Fantina exclaimed, genuinely surprised, "Mon Dieu! It can change forms?!!"
The newly formed Fan Rotom let out a triumphant cry, "RO-TOM-FAN! TIME TO BLOW THESE FLAMES OUT OF THE OVEN!"
Azure commanded, his eyes gleaming, "Now, Fan Rotom, Air Slash!"
*SWOOP*
*WHIPPLE*
The fan blades spun with incredible velocity, generating razor-sharp blades of wind that tore through the remnants of the 'Counter Counter Shield,' shattering the ethereal flames into wisps of smoke. The powerful gust then slammed into Drifblim, sending it reeling backward…
*WHOOSH-BAM*
Jasmine let out a small, satisfied chuckle. She murmured, "I knew it."
Platinum's eyes widened fractionally as she whispered, "A Form Change… and a swift counter-attack. Remarkable."
Fantina, however, was a seasoned Gym Leader. Her initial surprise quickly faded, replaced by fierce determination as she ordered, "Magnifique! But you underestimate my Drifblim, mon ami! Drifblim, Ominous Wind!"
*ROAR-GUST*
Drifblim, recovering quickly despite the hit, unleashed a torrent of dark, spectral wind. It roared through the arena, a powerful, chilling gale that tore through the air, completely obliterating Fan Rotom's incoming Air Slashes before they could land another hit.
Azure commanded, "Fan Rotom, stand your ground! Thunder Wave!"
*CRACKLE*
Fan Rotom shot a bolt of electrical energy towards Drifblim, aiming for another paralysis. Fantina barked, "Drifblim, counter with Will-O-Wisp!"
*FLASH*
*FWOOSH*
Drifblim conjured another blazing Will-O-Wisp, sending it directly into the path of the Thunder Wave. The two attacks collided in a brilliant flash explosion of light and crackling energy…
*KRA-BOOM*
A blinding flash enveloped the arena, obscuring both Pokémon. When the light cleared, Drifblim was already in motion…
*FWOOSH*
It instantly began generating another Will-O-Wisp, preparing its ghostly fire attack. Azure's voice was sharp, "Not this time, Fantina! Fan Rotom, Form Change into Heat Rotom! Confuse Ray!"
*HISS*
*SWIRL*
In another rapid transformation, Fan Rotom's fan blades retracted, and a powerful heating element, like a small, red furnace, emerged from its base. It was now Heat Rotom, radiating intense warmth. Before Drifblim could fully unleash its Will-O-Wisp, Heat Rotom's eye glowed…
*POW*
A disorienting beam of light shot out, striking Drifblim. Drifblim reeled back, its body swaying erratically. Small stars and question marks swirled around its head. It was confused by Rotom's Confuse Ray!
Azure smirked proudly, pressing his advantage, "Excellent! Rotom, revert to base form! Shadow Ball!"
*SNAP*
Heat Rotom's heating element retracted, and it returned to its original, appliance-like plasma form. It wasted no time, gathering dark energy into a wicked, purple orb. The Shadow Ball rocketed towards the confused Drifblim.
*BOOM*
The dark orb collided forcefully with Drifblim, causing it to cry out in pain. The damage from the attack, combined with the earlier paralysis and the constant burn from its own [Flame Orb], momentarily cleared its confusion.
Drifblim shook its head, letting out a pained moan, "Driff… (Owww… hurt me more, daddy…)"
*FREEZE*
Azure and Rotom both paused. They both heard exactly what the female Drifblim said as they thought, 'Ei oh! What?!'
Being momentarily stunned, Fantina took her chance as she urged, a hint of desperation in her tone, "Drifblim, quickly! Hypnosis!"
*SWIRL*
Drifblim, though battered, focused its eyes, attempting to put Rotom to sleep one last time. But Azure's Rotom was faster as he commanded, "Close range! Electro Ball!"
Rotom zipped forward with astonishing speed, closing the distance to Drifblim in a blink, "RO-TOM! (Yeah… no.)"
*ZAP*
A sphere of crackling electricity, supercharged from its speed, coalesced in front of it. It slammed into Drifblim from almost point-blank range, a visceral, powerful hit that shook the entire gym.
*CRACKLE*
*KABOOOM*
Drifblim shrieked, a high-pitched, ethereal cry, as the massive Electro Ball detonated against its body. Its ghostly form flickered violently, then finally, it dissipated, falling unconscious to the ground.
A stunned silence fell over the gym, quickly followed by a roar of applause. Pearl, who had been watching from the sidelines, practically fell out of his seat, "He won?! He won against Fantina's Drifblim!"
Fantina, though defeated, approached her fallen Drifblim with tenderness. She picked it up gently, cradling it. She whispered, a proud smile on her face, "You were magnificent, my dear Drifblim. You danced beautifully, until the very end."
She then turned to Azure, her expression shifting to one of genuine admiration as she declared, "Mon ami, your Rotom is truly a masterpiece of strategy and adaptability. To witness such fluid Form Changes, and to counter my 'Counter Counter Shield' with such brilliance… truly, you are an Ace Trainer in the making!"
She reached out, her hand holding a shimmering, dark badge—the Relic Badge as she exclaimed, "For your extraordinary skill and your dazzling performance, I present to you the Hearthome City Relic Badge!"
She placed it gently in Azure's outstretched hand. And on the other hand, a TM, as she added, "And as a token of my respect, this TM: Shadow Ball. May your journey continue to be filled with thrilling battles!"
[Item: Relic 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, Ghost-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
Azure already knew the TM Shadow Ball and tucked it away. He nodded, a genuine smile finally gracing his lips as he stated, "Thank you, Fantina. It was an honor."
As he clipped the Relic Badge to his collection, already glittering with trophies from past leagues and facilities, he could hear Pearl whooping from the stands, Diamond giving a rare cheer, and Platinum offering a nod of solemn approval. Even Jasmine clapped enthusiastically.
Azure turned as he returned to his group, and he muttered, "At least my team got a major upgrade. We'll rest and then head out to our next destination…"
/////
A/N: Thanks for the chapter!