Chapter 524: Steel Gym Battle (3)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Canalave City – Gym]
Rotom chirped excitedly, buzzing around the statue referee's head, "Rooooo! And there you have it, folks! Mega Lucario goes down! A shocking turn of events, even for our veteran challenger!"
Gengar added, waving a spectral hand dramatically, "Shocking indeed, Rotom! But fear not! Boss always has a trick or two up his sleeve, doesn't he, statue? Don't you dare pretend you're not on the edge of your seat!"
Byron watched, a bead of sweat trickling down his brow. He knew Azure's reputation, knew that even with his back against the wall, the young trainer was far from defeated, thought, 'He still didn't use those Z-Moves yet, the ones he's famed for whenever his back against the wall…'
Pearl shouted from the stands, gripping the railing, "Azure, what's your next move?!"
Diamond added, his eyes wide, "He's got this!"
Platinum simply watched, a faint smile playing on her lips, a silent confidence in her bodyguard, 'You got this, my knight!'
With a deep breath, Azure reached for his fifth Poké Ball. He grinned, shouting, "Gallade, it's your turn!"
*POP*
A flash of white light, and then, with an almost ethereal grace, Gallade materialized on the arena floor. Its pristine white body, sharp emerald blades on its elbows, and a gaze of unwavering focus instantly commanded attention.
*VROOOOM*
As it landed, a ripple of psychic energy emanated from it, coalescing into a magnificent, shimmering giantpsychic spoon. It was enormous, easily matching Gallade's height, and it pulsed with an inner light, wielded like a finely crafted sword.
The spoon was no ordinary construct; it hummed with the properties of both Reflect and Light Screen, giving it the extraordinary ability to reflect all moves aimed at it. The Sinnoh Dex Holders' eyes widened seeing Gallade's psychic spoon and thought, 'The 'Full Counter' Technique!'
Gallade declared, its psychic spoon resting against its shoulder, an aura of calm power surrounding it, "Galla! (En guard!)"
Byron's eyes widened, a flicker of apprehension crossing his face as he muttered, "A psychic spoon? I've never seen anything like it! Goodra, stay steady!"
Rotom announced, zooming around, "And Boss unveils his fifth! Gallade, the Blade of Gallantry, has entered the fray! And check out that spoon! Is it for eating, or… oh, it's for battling! My scanner is going wild!"
Gengar chuckled, seeing the spoon commenting mischievously, "Looks like someone brought their finest cutlery to this fight. Get ready, Byron; looks like Gallade's about to serve up some serious pain!"
The battle continued. Byron, seeing Goodra's depleted state, decided to play it safe and ordered, "Goodra, use Life Dew!"
Goodra began to glow, attempting to restore its health. But before the healing could fully take effect, Gallade's eyes flashed.
*DING*
Azure commanded, "Gallade, Disable!"
A wave of psychic energy shot forth, washing over Goodra. The healing glow flickered, then vanished. Goodra staggered, its movements becoming sluggish as the ability to use Life Dew was temporarily sealed.
Byron gritted his teeth and roared, "Damn! Disable! You're not getting any easier!"
Forced into the offensive, he narrowed his eyes as he commanded, "Alright, Goodra! Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
Goodra roared, gathering draconic energy in its maw. A vibrant, multi-colored beam of pure dragonic power erupted, streaking towards Gallade. The attack was devastating, easily capable of overwhelming most opponents.
But Azure had anticipated this. He grinned, commanding, "Full Counter, Gallade!"
Gallade's eyes sharpened. With a fluid, almost dismissive motion, it brought its massive psychic spoon-blade down in a clean, vertical slash…
*WHOOSH*
The spoon vibrated, a shimmering barrier of psychic energy expanding from its surface just as Dragon Pulse made contact. Instead of being absorbed, the powerful beam bent, twisted, and then, with a shocking CRACKLE, it rebounded.
*CRACKLE*
The Dragon Pulse, still glowing with its potent energy, shot back towards its origin point, moving with the same speed and force it had been fired with. Byron's jaw dropped yelled, "What?! It reflected it?!"
*FWOOSH-BOOOM*
The Dragon Pulse slammed into H-Goodra. A pained roar escaped the Dragon-type as it was engulfed in its own attack, sending it skidding back, its remaining health dipping dangerously low.
Pearl yelled, remembering a previous Gym match, "He did it again! Just like against Maylene's Infernape!"
Platinum nodded, a look of impressed awe on her face, and uttered, "The 'Full Counter'… It's a brilliant application of Gallade's unique psychic medium. It doesn't just block; it redirects with equal force!"
Rotom buzzed excitedly, commenting, "A perfect Full Counter! Dragon Pulse, meet Dragon Pulse! The statue is speechless, folks! Absolutely speechless!"
Gengar cackled, stated in a mocking tone of voice, "That's what you get for throwing special attacks at our boy's Gallade, Byron! Didn't you read the fine print?"
Seeing that special attacks were clearly a losing strategy, Byron shifted tactics and barked, "Goodra! Get in close! Iron Tail!"
*Wooosh*
With a guttural roar, Goodra covered its powerful tail in shimmering steel, lunging forward with surprising speed. The metallic clang of the Iron Tail was meant to crush.
Azure commanded, "Block it with your spoon, Gallade!"
*CLANG*
The psychic spoon, despite its ethereal nature, met the steel-hardened tail with surprising solidity. Sparks flew, not of metal, but of psychic energy, as Gallade braced itself, deflecting the blow with its massive implement.
*TMP*
The force of the impact made Gallade skid back slightly, but it held its ground. Byron urged, hoping to overwhelm, "Goodra, keep the pressure!"
Goodra pressed its advantage, coiling its body and attempting another Iron Tail. But it was too close.
Azure's voice cut through the air, "Now, Gallade! Hypnosis!"
*FLASH*
Gallade's eyes glowed with a soft, mesmerizing light. A spiral of purple energy pulsed outwards, enveloping the charging Goodra. The Dragon-type's movements faltered, its eyes growing heavy, its powerful body swaying.
*THUD*
Within moments, its large form collapsed onto the arena floor, a soft snore escaping its snout. Goodra was fast asleep. Rotom proclaimed triumphantly, "Goodra is asleep! A perfect setup for Boss!"
Gengar sneered playfully, mischievously commenting, "This is it, Byron! Looks like your Goodra's taking a much-needed nap!"
*BANG*
Byron slammed his shovel into the ground as he shouted, "Goodra, wake up!"
But it was no use. Goodra was left defenseless.
Azure instructed, "Gallade, Swords Dance!"
Gallade's body flared with a brilliant white aura. The emerald blades on its wrists shone brighter, and its psychic spoon pulsed with surging power. Energy swirled around it, amplifying its physical might.
*WHOOSH-WHOOSH*
The aura settled, leaving Gallade radiating an even more potent battle-readiness. Its Attack stat had been boosted by two stages.
Platinum noted, adjusting her sight, "An excellent strategic move! Boosting its attack while Goodra is incapacitated!"
Azure commanded, his voice sharp and clear, "Now, end this, Gallade! Strong Style Sacred Sword!"
Gallade lunged forward, its psychic spoon transforming into a blade of pure, concentrated energy. It moved with blinding speed, weaving around Goodra's inert form. The critical element here was avoiding direct contact with Goodra's sticky goo, preventing the activation of its Gooey ability, which would lower Gallade's speed.
Gallade's psychic spoon, a construct of pure psychic energy, allowed it to deliver the attack without touching Goodra's body…
*SWISH*
With a clean, powerful strike, Gallade plunged its glowing spoon-blade deep into Goodra's form. The attack, empowered by Swords Dance, bypassed all Goodra's natural defenses. A thunderous CRACK! echoed through the arena!
*CRACK*
Goodra let out a short, gurgling cry, its eyes snapping open for a brief instant, filled with shock, before rolling back into its head. Its body slumped, defeated. The viscous dragon slid forward, coming to a halt just inches from Gallade, its form reverting to a state of unconsciousness.
Rotom announced, a dramatic pause before its victory cry, "H-Goodra is down! Gallade wins! Byron is down to his last Pokémon!"
Gengar floated menacingly towards the statue referee, poking it with a spectral finger, and added, "See that, blockhead? That's how you take down a Dragon-type! With style, poise, and a giant spoon!"
Byron let out a sigh, then a wry chuckle, shaking his head as he said, "Impressive. Truly impressive. Goodra, return."
He recalled his fallen partner as he stated, "But it's not over yet. My ace is waiting!"
With a determined glint in his eye, Byron reached for his final Poké Ball, declaring, "Metagross, now's your time to shine!"
*WHOOSH*
A massive, four-legged Steel/Psychic-type Pokémon appeared on the field, its metallic body gleaming, its four powerful arms ending in sharp claws. It floated slightly above the ground, its red eye staring down at Gallade with unwavering intensity. Metagross, also holding a [Metagrossite].
Byron declared, gripping his Key Stone-imbued shovel, "Metagross! It's time to unleash our full power! Respond to my heart, Metagross! Mega Evolve!"
*FLASH*
A brilliant flash of light erupted from Byron's shovel, connecting with Metagross. The colossal Pokémon began to glow, its form distorting, expanding, and reforming. Its body grew larger, its four legs merging into a singular, more streamlined form, and new, powerful arms erupted from its sides.
Its iconic 'X' on its face darkened, and sharp, metallic spikes protruded from various points. The transformation was swift, powerful, and utterly breathtaking. Mega Metagross roared, its new ability, Tough Claws, radiating a menacing aura of amplified physical power, "METAAAAAAAA!!!"
The spectators gasped. Pearl exclaimed, "Mega Evolution!"
Platinum stated, her voice tinged with respect, "Byron's Mega Metagross is a force to be reckoned with."
Azure, however, remained expressionless. He reached for his Omni Ring, the Mega Evolution Insignia pulsing faintly. His earlier Mega Evolution of Lucario had indeed drained a significant amount of his energy, but his Omni Ring, a unique artifact, provided a virtually limitless wellspring of power for Mega Evolution.
He had plenty to spare.
Azure said calmly, his voice quiet but firm, "Gallade… Let's show them our true strength. Mega Evolve!"
*FLASH*
The Mega Evolution Insignia on Azure's Omni Ring flared to life, a blinding beam of light connecting with Gallade. A ripple of shock went through the crowd as Dia exclaimed, "Azure had already used Mega Evolution with Lucario! How could he possibly Mega Evolve another Pokémon so soon?"
*WHIRLLL*
Gallade, bathed in the radiant light, began its own transformation. Its body elongated, becoming even more agile and streamlined. The emerald blades on its elbows grew longer and sharper, and its head crest flared into a much more pronounced, helmet-like structure. But the most striking change was its psychic spoons…
*VROOOOM*
Where there had been one, now two magnificent, shimmering psychic spoons materialized, one in each hand, forming a pair of devastating dual-wielded blades.
Mega Gallade stood tall, its new ability, Inner Focus, allowing it complete mental clarity against any intimidating effects.
Pearl yelled, utterly floored, "No way! He can Mega Evolve twice in one battle?!"
Dia's eyes were wide as saucers as he whispered, "Azure is… amazing!"
Platinum, usually composed, had a genuine look of astonishment on her face, exclaimed in disbelief, "To Mega Evolve two different Pokémon in the same battle… It's unheard of! Azure's connection with his Pokémon, and perhaps his unique energy reserves, must be extraordinary! He's gotta be drained..."
Byron stared, his jaw hanging open. Frustration, mixed with a healthy dose of awe, washed over him. He knew what a single psychic spoon could do.
Two? Dual-wielded?
This was going to be a nightmare as he uttered, "Two… two spoons?!"
Rotom, momentarily speechless, finally burst back to life, buzzing frantically, "Unbelievable! Boss Mega Evolves Gallade! An unprecedented double Mega Evolution in a single gym battle! The statue… is… vibrating… with… shock!"
Gengar roared with laughter. A booming spectral sound commented, "Oh, you beautiful boy! Two spoons, Byron! Double the reflection, double the pain! You are not ready for this! Let Gallade cook!!"
Mega Metagross and Mega Gallade, two titans of power, stepped forward, their gazes locked...
*Crackle*
The air crackled with raw energy. This was the final clash.
Metagross, with its enhanced Tough Claws, made the first move. Byron roared, "Metagross, Brutal Swing!"
*WOOOSH*
Its powerful arms glowed with dark energy. Mega Metagross spun rapidly, its metallic body becoming a blur of destructive force, launching itself towards Mega Gallade with incredible speed.
Azure commanded calmly, "Gallade, sidestep!"
*Wooosh*
Mega Gallade, its Inner Focus keeping it perfectly aware of its surroundings, reacted with impossible agility. It blurred, a white and green streak, sidestepping the Brutal Swing with such ease that it almost appeared dismissive.
The attack whipped past it, leaving only a faint tremor in the air. Azure then followed up, "Now, Gallade, Night Slash!"
Mega Gallade darted forward, its dual Psychic spoons glowing with dark energy, becoming extensions of its blades. It aimed for Metagross's vulnerable joints.
Byron quickly countered, "Metagross, Protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green barrier instantly sprang up around Mega Metagross, shielding it from the incoming attack. Mega Gallade's Night Slash struck the Protect barrier, dissipating harmlessly against its temporary invincibility.
Byron muttered, "Good try, but Protect will keep us safe."
But Azure was already thinking ahead as he ordered, "Gallade, Fury Cutter!"
Without missing a beat, Mega Gallade changed its attack. The dual spoons began to glow with a sharp, insectoid energy. Its blades sliced repeatedly!
*SWISH-SWISH-SWISH*
Each cut grew stronger. The Protect barrier, already weakened, flickered…
*CRACKLE-SMASH*
With a final, powerful smash, one of Mega Gallade's Fury Cutter slashes broke through the fading Protect, scoring a direct hit on Mega Metagross's metallic hide. A visible dent, a scrape mark, appeared on Metagross's arm.
Pearl yelled, astonished, "It broke through Protect!"
Platinum explained in disbelief, her eyes wide with understanding, "The consecutive nature of Fury Cutter must've allowed it to overwhelm the barrier."
Gengar cheered as she stated happily, "That's some serious cutting power! Even a wall like Metagross can't handle that forever!"
Azure pressed the offensive as he commanded, "Gallade, keep the pressure! Agile Style Night Slash!"
Mega Gallade struck again, its spoons flashing with dark energy. Byron quickly countered, "Metagross, Iron Head!"
Metagross glowed, its head charging forward, hoping to intercept Gallade's attack!
*CLANG*
The two attacks met head-on in a burst of sparks and psychic energy. The force behind Mega Gallade's Night Slash, boosted by its prior Fury Cutter, was immense. It pushed through Metagross's Iron Head, grazing the Steel-type's skull. Byron called out, attempting to create separation, "Metagross, Agility! Dodge it and counter!"
Metagross surged with speed, its movements becoming a blur as it attempted to weave away from Gallade's relentless assault. Azure's voice was like a whip, commanding, "Aerial Ace, Gallade!"
*Zoooom*
Mega Gallade vanished, transforming into a white-green blur. It struck the air, then reappeared behind Metagross, delivering a swift, powerful kick that seemed to ignore Metagross's increased speed.
*BAM*
Aerial Ace, a guaranteed hit!
The blow sent Metagross careening slightly off balance. Azure then followed up, "Now, Night Slash!"
*ZOOOOM*
Mega Gallade was on it instantly, its spoons flashing towards Metagross's back. But Metagross, recovering quickly, managed another burst of Agility, narrowly dodging the full force of the attack, which only scraped its side.
Byron commanded, seizing the momentary opening, "Metagross, Shadow Ball!"
*Shhh-hhh*
A sphere of dark, spectral energy formed between Metagross's four arms, quickly expanding before being hurled at Mega Gallade. Azure roared, expecting it, "Full Counter, Gallade!"
Mega Gallade, with its dual spoons, swung them in a cross-slash!
*CRACKLE*
The Shadow Ball, a special attack, was caught in the reflective psychic field created by the spoons. It bounced back with astonishing speed, slamming directly into Mega Metagross's chest!
*THUD*
Mega Metagross recoiled, a low groan escaping it as the spectral energy exploded against its tough hide, dealing significant damage.
Pearl shouted, punching the air, "Reflected again!"
Platinum remarked, thoroughly impressed, "The versatility of that technique of Azure's is truly astounding."
But Azure didn't let up, ordering, "And at the same time, Gallade, Teleport!"
Before Metagross could recover from its own reflected attack, Mega Gallade shimmered, then vanished!
*FOOSH*
It reappeared directly behind Metagross. Its arms and spoon glowed an eerily viridian green color...
*SWISH*
A Fury Cutter landed.
*FOOSH*
Vanish.
*FOOSH*
Reappearing to the side, another Fury Cutter.
*SWISH-FOOSH*
Vanish.
*FOOSH-SWISH*
Reappearing from above, a critical hit Fury Cutter strikes with pinpoint precision. The arena was filled with the sounds of teleportation and repeated, sharp slashes. Mega Gallade moved like a phantom, relentlessly assailing Mega Metagross from all angles, each Fury Cutter building in power.
Some of the blows struck critically, dealing notable chunks of damage to the already weakened Metagross. Mega Metagross bellowed in frustration, attempting to lock onto its elusive opponent, but Mega Gallade was too swift, too unpredictable.
It began to glow, preparing a counterattack, charging its fists for a powerful Brutal Swing. Azure, however, anticipated this counter, "Night Slash, Gallade!"
Mega Gallade reappeared, its spoons glowing, and initiated a powerful Night Slash just as Metagross began its swing.
Byron, desperate, urged, "Metagross, counter with Brutal Swing!"
*CLANG-CLANG*
The two powerful Pokémon met in a chaotic struggle. Mega Metagross's Brutal Swing, a whirlwind of metallic force, clashed against Mega Gallade's precise, dark-energy-infused slashes. It was a brutal test of strength and skill.
Metagross's Tough Claws ability made its attack lethal, but Gallade's Inner Focus allowed it to remain perfectly composed. Mega Gallade, however, predicted Metagross's movements...
*Whooosh*
With a slight adjustment, it subtly dodged the full impact of the Brutal Swing, weaving its body just enough to avoid a direct hit. Instead of being swept away, its dual spoons continued to land Night Slashes, one after another, finding the chinks in Metagross's armor, inflicting damage with every precise cut.
*SWISH-SWISH-SWISH*
The struggle was brief but intense…
*CRACK*
Then, with a final, resounding CRACK! that echoed through the gym, Mega Gallade put all its force into one last Night Slash. It sliced through Metagross's defenses, a brilliant flash of dark energy erupting.
Mega Metagross roared, a sound of agony and defeat. Its powerful form staggered, then sagged, its enhanced parts receding. The light around it faded, and it reverted to its original form, collapsing onto the arena floor, unconscious.
*THUD*
The gym fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted into thunderous applause. The statue referee, miraculously, seemed to vibrate with a faint, almost imperceptible tremor. "Metagross is unable to battle! The winner is Azure!"
Rotom zoomed in victorious circles around the statue as it stated happily, "YES! The boss takes the Ace Gym Match! An incredible display of skill and strategy! The statue referee is practically dancing!"
Gengar floated down, patting the statue's head, stating, "I knew you had it in you, buddy! You can clap, I swear!"
Byron, though defeated, had a wide, genuine smile on his face. He walked over to Azure, hand outstretched, stating proudly, "Azure, that was… magnificent! Your Gallade is truly extraordinary. And a double Mega Evolution? You truly live up to your reputation, Ace Trainer!"
Azure smiled, recalling his triumphant Gallade replied, "Thank you, Byron. Your Goodra and Metagross were incredibly tough opponents."
With a flourish, Byron produced a small, silver badge shaped like a mining pickaxe and explained, "For your victory, I present you with the Mine Badge! And for your incredible skill, this TM for Flash Cannon!"
[Item: Mine 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, Steel-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: TM Flash Cannon
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Flash Cannon].]
Azure accepted the badge and the TM, his journey continuing forward. The immediate hurdle was cleared, but the greater threat still loomed heavily.
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Later, Canalave City]
Outside the gym, the group gathered; the victory was bittersweet against the backdrop of Team Galactic's looming threat. With the Mine Badge secured, their next course of action was clear. Azure began, looking at his friends as he said seriously, "Alright, Team Galactic intends to unleash that bomb at the three lakes. We need to split up for maximum coverage. Pearl, you'll head to Lake Valor."
Pearl nodded, his face serious, and agreed, "Got it, Azure! I'll make sure no Galactic Grunt lays a hand on Azelf!"
Azure continued eyeing Platinum, "My lady, you and I will go to Lake Acuity. It's the most remote and likely to be their primary target for a stealthy operation."
Platinum met his gaze, unwavering as she agreed, "Understood. We'll be ready for anything."
Azure turned to his youngest friend, stating, "And Diamond, you'll go to Lake Verity. We'll meet back as soon as we can."
Diamond gulped, but a firm nod of his head showed his determination. "Okay, Azure! I won't let you down!"
With their objectives set, Pearl gave a quick wave and headed off towards the eastern exit of Canalave City. Platinum and Azure made their way towards the northern route, their steps purposeful.
Diamond, however, found himself suddenly intercepted. A large hand clamped gently but firmly on his shoulder.
It was Byron, with a warm smile on his face. Byron said, his voice deep and kind, "Hold on a moment, Diamond!"
He gestured towards the docks as he added sternly, "Come with me; I have something to show you."
Curious, Diamond followed, Lax trotting faithfully beside him. Byron led him to a sturdy ship docked nearby, its sails unfurled.
He began as he stated bluntly, "Diamond, I've been watching you during Azure's battles and with your friends. Pearl has a natural intuition for predicting Pokémon attacks and a true battle sense. Platinum, of course, is exceptionally skilled and strategic. And Azure… well, he's Azure. An Ace Trainer with experience beyond his years."
Byron paused, looking at Diamond with an understanding gaze, stating, "You, my boy, have a wonderful heart. I've seen how affectionate your Shieldon is towards you, and your Munchlax is incredibly loyal. But I've also noticed… your 'battle-sense' isn't quite as honed as theirs. You're brilliant in other ways, but in the heat of a Pokémon battle, you still hesitate, still search for the right move."
Diamond looked down, a tinge of embarrassment coloring his cheeks, but he knew Byron was right. Byron quickly added, with a reassuring smile, "And that's perfectly fine! But given the threats you're facing, I believe you need a bit of a… crash course. I've arranged for a tutor for you. This ship will take you to a special place where you'll grind your training. Show this letter to the captain, and he'll take care of the rest."
He handed Diamond a sealed envelope. Diamond looked from the letter to the ship, then back at Byron as he asked, "But… what about Shieldon?"
Byron chuckled, kneeling slightly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out Shieldon's Poké Ball, stating, "Ah, that one. He's quite taken with you, isn't he? Consider him a gift, Diamond. His place is with you now. I've already spoken to him, and he's more than happy. Go on, give him a nickname."
Diamond's eyes lit up. He gently took the Poké Ball, a surge of warmth flowing through him. He murmured, looking at the sleeping Pokémon's icon, "Don… Yeah, Don! That's the perfect nickname!"
He gripped the Poké Ball tightly, a new determination in his eyes whispering, "Thank you, Byron! I won't let you down!"
With a final wave and a promise to meet again, Diamond, with his new partner Don by his side, boarded the ship. The gang was split, their paths diverging, but their purpose remained unified: to protect Sinnoh, to stop Team Galactic, and to face whatever incredible challenges lay ahead. The clock was ticking.
/////
A/N: Hope you like the chapter!