Chapter 529: Ice Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Snowpoint City – Gym]
Azure stood on the frost-dusted floor of the Snowpoint Gym, his breath hitching in silver plumes. Beside him, Platinum Berlitz stood with her back straight, her expression a mask of noble stoicism that hid the roiling anxiety beneath.
They weren't just fighting for a badge; they were fighting for the right to pass, for the jurisdiction of Lake Acuity rested solely in the hands of the woman standing across the field. Candice called out, her voice ringing through the cavernous, ice-sculpted arena, "You've got that 'end of the world' look in your eyes, Azure!"
She didn't look bothered by the cold. In fact, she seemed to radiate a rhythmic energy, hopping from foot to foot as she added, "I know the stakes. I know why you're in a hurry. But in this Gym, we don't rush through the frost. We embrace it! If you want to reach Lake Acuity and our sacred Snowpoint Temple, you must show me a heat that can melt the coldest heart!"
Azure adjusted the collar of his jacket. Azure replied, his voice calm, grounded by the experience, "I don't plan on melting your ice, Candice. I plan on shattering the ice. We don't have time for a slow thaw."
Up in the stands, the group's spectators settled in. Maylene, the Veilstone Gym Leader and Candice's close friend, sat with her legs crossed, her Meditite and Riolu mimicking her disciplined posture. Beside them, Platinum sat with her hands folded in her lap, her eyes fixed on Azure.
But she wasn't alone in her observation. A shimmering, purple haze coalesced next to her, forming the mischievous, grinning shape of Gengar.
Gengar's voice echoed directly into Platinum's mind, a raspy, telepathic chuckle, "He's all business today, isn't he, Princess? Usually, he likes to play with his food. Not today. Today, he's the chef, and he's bringing the stove."
Platinum didn't flinch at the ghostly voice. She had grown accustomed to Azure's eccentric and powerful team. She pulled out a notebook, her eyes sharpening, "He has to be, Gengar. Every minute we spend here is a minute Team Galactic moves closer to the lakes. However, I intend to record every movement. Azure's command of the 'Styles' is something I must understand if I am to survive what's coming at the lake."
Candice pulled out her Rotom Phone, its screen glowing a pale blue. She declared, "Double Battle format! Four-on-four! Let's see what you're packing, Challenger!"
*Click*
A mechanical pedestal rose from Azure's side of the field. It featured six slots, designed to gauge the raw power levels of a trainer's party without revealing their identities to the opponent. Azure didn't hesitate.
He pulled four Poké Balls from his belt—the ones he had designated for this blitz.
*K-ching*
The machine scanned the spheres. High-frequency pings echoed through the gym as four icons lit up on the stadium's main monitor. They didn't show faces, only levels and status info as Azure observed his status screen.
|Name: Infernape (Flame Pokémon)
|Type: Fire/Fighting
|Tera: Fire
|Level: 45
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Fist/Flame Plate]/[Expert Belt]/[Punching Glove]
|Ability: Blaze EX (Activates upon command. Boosts Fire Moves by 100%)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Protect, Work Up, Bulk Up, Taunt, Slack Off, Torment, Swords Dance, Aura Sphere [A][S],Flame Wheel [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S],Double Kick[A][S], Fire Pledge [A][S], Blast Burn [A][S], Flare Blitz [A][S], Power-Up Punch[A][S], Drain Punch [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Dig [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], U-Turn [A][S], Feint [A][S], Grass Knot [A][S], Iron Tail [A][S], Close Combat [A][S] (IM),Mach Punch [A][S] (IM), Fake Out (EM) (0 Moves Left to learn)
|Name: Kleavor (Axe Pokémon)
|Type: Bug/Rock
|Tera: Bug
|Level: 42
|Held Item: [Stone/Insect Plate]/[Muscle Band]/[Scope Lens]
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Sharpness (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Protect, Detect, Agility, Double Team, Focus Energy, Roost, Swords Dance, Smack Down [A][S],Rock Slide [A][S], X-Scissor [A][S], Bug Buzz [A][S], Silver Wind [A][S], U-Turn [A][S], Fury Cutter [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Air Slash [A][S], Slash [A][S], Cross Poison [A][S], Psycho Cut [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Razor Wind [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Brutal Swing [A][S], Knock Off [A][S], Stone Axe [A][S] (IM), Counter (EM) (1 Moves to learn)
|Name: Magmortar (Blast Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Tera: Fire
|Level: 41
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Flame Plate]/[Wise Glasses]
|Ability: Flame Body
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Protect, Detect, Teleport, Screech, Will-O-Wisp, Confuse Ray, Smokescreen, Ember [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Flame Wheel [A][S], Fire Spin [A][S], Flame Charge [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S], Lava Plume [A][S], Fire Blast [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Mach Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Mega Punch [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Clear Smog [A][S], Smog [A][S], Faint Attack [A][S], Acid Spray [A][S], Low Kick [A][S], Barrier (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Rotom (Plasma Pokémon) [It can talk now]
|Type: Electric/Ghost (Fire/Grass/Flying/Ice/Water)
|Tera: Stellar
|Level: 40
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Wise Glasses]/[Zap/Legends Plate]
|Ability: Levitate (Form Change: Changes into its other Rotom Forms: Heat, Wash, Frost, Fan, and Mow Rotoms)
|Nature: Naughty
|Moves: Protect, Charge, Confuse Ray, Thunder Wave, Double Team, Agility, Reflect, Light Screen, Parting Shot, Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, Eerie Impulse, Substitute, Nasty Plot, Thunderbolt [A][S], Parabolic Charge [A][S],Discharge [A][S], Shock Wave [A][S], Electro Ball [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Astonish [A][S], Hex [A][S], Uproar [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Hydro Pump [A][S] (IM), Blizzard [A][S] (IM), Air Slash [A][S] (IM), Overheat [A][S] (IM),Thunder Shock [A][S] (IM) (1 Moves left to learn)
Once he was done, he saw Candice's side. On Candice's side, four Poké Balls materialized in a specialized rack, and she tapped the Key Stone pinned to her lapel, a silent promise of the power she held in reserve.
Candice shouted, grabbing two balls, "The stage is set! Show me your spirit! Ninetales! Cloyster! Let's go!"
*POP*
In a burst of white light and shimmering frost, the two Pokémon appeared. The Alolan Ninetales was a vision of ethereal beauty, its flowing, pale-blue fur shimmering like aurora borealis with its held item [Icy Rock]. Beside it, a massive Cloyster snapped its jagged shell shut, its dark eyes peering out with icy malice, with its held item [King's Rock].
Immediately, the air in the Gym changed.
*WHOOOOOOOSH*
A violent, freezing wind erupted from Ninetales. The Hidden Ability of Ninetales Snow Warning kicked in instantly.
Large, jagged flakes of snow began to fall, whipped into a frenzy by the Gym's internal ventilation. The "Hail" buffeted the field, creating a veil of white.
Azure didn't blink. He took two balls from his belt.
He hurled them as he declared, "Rotom, Magmortar—front and center!"
*POP*
Rotom emerged first, cackling as it zipped through the falling snow, its orange plasma body glowing defiantly against the white. It wore a pair of [Wise Glasses] perched precariously on its face, the lenses gleaming with analytical light.
Besides it, the floor seemed to groan as Magmortar materialized. The sheer heat radiating from the blast-furnace Pokémon caused the falling snow to vanish into steam before it could even touch its yellow-and-red hide. In its hand, it gripped a piece of [Charcoal], the item pulsing with an inner, volcanic ember.
Maylene noted from the stands, her eyes narrowing, "His starting up a heat-and-spark combo. Aggressive."
Platinum whispered, leaning forward, "It's more than that. Look at the positioning. He's already accounting for the Cloyster's physical bulk."
Gengar cackled, her eyes glowing red, "Oh, this is going to be delicious. Watch the fox, Princess. She's fast, but Azure's 'little lightbulb' is faster."
Candice commanded, throwing her arm out, "Ninetales, let's set the mood! Aurora Veil! Cloyster, get your defenses up with Aqua Ring!"
Ninetales let out a haunting, melodic cry, "Awoooooooo!"
*Flash*
A shimmering curtain of multicolored light descended over Candice's side of the field, a physical manifestation of the aurora. It was a powerful barrier that would halve the damage of any incoming attacks. Simultaneously, Cloyster began to glow with a watery veil, rings of life-giving moisture swirling around its shell.
*Bloop-shhhhhhh*
The Aqua Ring was active, promising to heal Cloyster's wounds every passing second as the battle progressed. Platinum observed, her brow furrowing, "They're digging in. The Aurora Veil combined with the Hail... It's a defensive fortress. Azure will have a difficult time breaking through that damage reduction."
Gengar whispered cryptically, commenting, "He doesn't need to break it. He just needs to make it irrelevant."
Azure's eyes tracked the shimmering veil as his brow furrowed. Ninetales' Aurora Veil was a significant hurdle, protecting both Pokémon. Cloyster's Aqua Ring would make it harder to take down.
He knew Candice's style. She wasn't just stalling; she was preparing.
Just as Azure was formulating his counter, Candice's next command sliced through the hail-laden air, confirming his fears, "Cloyster, Shell Smash!"
*CRACK*
The mighty bivalve Pokémon roared, its shell hardening, then cracking with raw power. A visible aura of energy surged around it as its Attack, Special Attack, and Speed skyrocketed, boosting by +2 whole stages.
But the trade-off was immediate: its Defense and Special Defense visibly plummeted, leaving it vulnerable, yet terrifyingly powerful. Azure breathed, a flicker of genuine concern crossing his face, "Shell Smash!"
Platinum yelled, leaping to her feet, "Shell Smash! Candice is going for a sweep! Cloyster's going to be incredibly fast and powerful now!"
Maylene murmured, admiration in her tone, "That's a bold move! It pays off if you can outspeed your opponent."
Gengar's voice boomed, urgency in her tone, "Boss, you gotta hit it hard now! Before it crushes your team!"
Azure's mind raced, processing the complex permutations of Candice's strategy. Cloyster, now a glass cannon, was poised to sweep. Ninetales' Aurora Veil provided crucial cover. He glanced at his Pokémon.
Azure muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing, "Okay, team. We can't let Cloyster get away with that."
He knew he had to act swiftly and decisively. A Shell Smash-boosted Cloyster, even behind an Aurora Veil, was a devastating threat. If it landed a hit, it could be game over for one of his Pokémon.
His gaze flickered between Rotom and Magmortar. He needed to neutralize Cloyster's threat immediately, then chip away at Ninetales. Attacking directly through Aurora Veil and Aqua Ring would be slow, allowing Cloyster to inflict damage.
He needed to strip away its power. Azure commanded, "Rotom, use Will-O-Wisp on Cloyster! Magmortar, Strong Style Clear Smog on Cloyster!"
Rotom zipped forward, its plasma body leaving a faint electrical trail. With incredible speed, it conjured a ball of spectral fire, an eerie blue flame that shimmered in the icy air. It cried, launching the Will-O-Wisp towards Cloyster, "Oi! Clamshell, eat this!"
*FWOOSH*
The ghostly flame struck Cloyster squarely. A wisp of smoke curled off its shell, and a pale, flickering burn mark appeared. The mighty Pokémon flinched, its powerful shell momentarily trembling. The burn status inflicted on it.
Platinum cheered, pumping a fist in the air, "Yes! Will-O-Wisp! Cloyster is burned! That'll halve its physical attack!"
Gengar exclaimed, applauding with immaterial hands, "Good thinking, Boss! That takes a huge chunk out of its Shell Smash!"
But Azure wasn't done. Magmortar, moving with a deliberate, powerful motion, raised one of its cannon arms. The air around it grew heavy, thick with heat. A sickly green, acrid cloud began to coalesce at the muzzle of its arm cannon.
The cloud, dense and potent, sailed through the air, seemingly unaffected by the Aurora Veil, before engulfing Cloyster.
It roared, unleashing the Strong Style Clear Smog, "MAG-MOR-TAR!"
*PSSSHHH*
The stench of chemicals filled the air. For a moment, Cloyster remained shrouded, its form obscured. Then, as the smog dissipated, the vibrant, surging aura of power that had surrounded Cloyster vanished.
Its muscles seemed to relax, its previously hyper-focused gaze replaced by a momentary confusion. The Shell Smash boosts were gone, erased by the Clear Smog.
Platinum shrieked, her jaw dropping, "No way! Clear Smog! It removed all of Cloyster's stat boosts!"
Maylene exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise and respect, "That's ingenious! Azure not only burned it to reduce its attack, but then removed its boosts entirely! Cloyster is back to square one!"
Gengar burst into a loud, echoing laugh, "HAHAHA! Oh, that's hilarious! Candice looked so confident, and Boss just poofed all her plans away!"
Candice's expression, momentarily shocked, quickly hardened. Her Shell Smash strategy had been expertly dismantled in a single turn. She had set up her defenses and then prepared her sweeper, only for Azure to negate both the offensive boost and add a status condition.
He hadn't bothered with direct attacks through Aurora Veil; he'd gone straight for the threat. Candice admitted, a hint of grudging respect in her voice, "Impressive. A swift and decisive counter. But this battle is far from over!"
The hail continued to fall, tiny shards of ice pelting the Pokémon, inflicting minor chip damage. Rotom and Magmortar, unaffected by the burn on Cloyster, stood ready, knowing the battle was only beginning.
Cloyster, now burned and stripped of its boosts, visibly wavered, the Aqua Ring around it doing its best to counteract the steady drain of the burn. Alolan Ninetales, still protected by Aurora Veil, looked ready to unleash its icy fury.
Azure felt a surge of satisfaction, quickly quelled by the knowledge that the battle had just begun. He had bought himself time, neutralizing Candice's immediate threat. Now, he had to capitalize on her reset state and the damage he'd inflicted.
However, I wasn't celebrating yet. He knew Candice was a formidable trainer. He could see the steely resolve return to her eyes as she focused.
Candice commanded, her voice regaining its confident edge, "Cloyster, don't let that get to you! Icicle Spears towards Rotom! Ninetales, Blizzard, target Magmortar and Rotom!"
Cloyster, despite the burning, let out a defiant cry, "CLOYSTER!! (Eat this!)"
*CRACKLE-CRACKLE*
Shards of ice formed around its shell and launched with incredible speed. Each shot was rapidly released, 5 spears of ice.
*CHOOOM*
The first ice spear, propelled with the power of Skill Link, struck Rotom. Rotom recoiled, but the Wise Glasses absorbed some of the impact. Then, another spear, and another, connecting seemingly instantaneously.
*Crackle—SMASH—Crackle*
Five hits in rapid succession, thanks to Skill Link, each one chipping away at Rotom's health!
Rotom cried out, its electrical aura flickering, "BZZZT! ZZZZT! OOF!"
Azure urged, "Rotom, stay strong!"
And then, the flinching.
*TWITCH*
Rotom shuddered, its eyes momentarily glazed over.
It had been flinched by the [King's Rock]!
Platinum gasped, her previous excitement turning to worry, "Oh no! Cloyster's [King's Rock]! Combined with Skill Link, it's a constant flinch threat!"
Gengar grumbled, her form shimmering with annoyance, "Tsk! That's the problem with multi-hit moves and [King's Rock] princess. Each hit has a chance to flinch! That's just dirty."
Before Rotom could fully recover, Ninetales unleashed its own devastating Blizzard attack, "Awoooo!"
*WHOOSH-WHOOSH-WHOOSH*
A massive blizzard erupted from its form, swirling with razor-sharp ice crystals and a bitter cold, all-encompassing wave of destruction. Magmortar roared, trying to brace itself, "MORT-AAAAR! (Hold on tight, my dude!)"
Rotom, still reeling from the Icicle Spear assault and flinch, had little time to react. Rotom cried out, "Ah, krabby baskets…"
*CRASH-BOOM*
*WHIRRRRRR*
The blizzard slammed into both of Azure's Pokémon. Magmortar staggered, its fiery body crackling as ice crystals embedded themselves into its skin. Rotom was flung backward, its electrical energy sputtering wildly.
The Hail continued to fall, adding small, stinging damage to both. Azure called out, his voice filled with concern, "Magmortar, Rotom! Are you alright?"
He could see the toll the attacks were taking. He knew his Pokémon were tough, but Candice's initial assault was potent, especially Cloyster's relentless barrage. Magmortar shook its head, fire blazing anew in its eyes, defying the cold.
It let out a challenging growl, "Mort! Mortar! (I'm good.)"
Rotom, though bruised, bravely floated back into position, its Will-O-Wisp still burning on Cloyster. Candice praised, then narrowed her eyes, "Good, you're tough! But you won't last long in this Hail and under Cloyster's continuous assault!"
Azure knew she was right. Cloyster, even burned and with its Shell Smash reset, was still a huge threat. It had Aqua Ring healing, Aurora Veil protection, and now the terrifying [King's Rock] + Skill Link combo, making it a flinching machine with multi-hit moves like Icicle Spears or Rock Blast.
Rotom was particularly vulnerable to physical Ice attacks. Azure murmured, his eyes scanning the battlefield, searching for an opening, "Rotom, we need to deal with that flinching threat! Magmortar, keep the pressure on Ninetales! Agile Style Flame Charge on Ninetales!"
Magmortar roared its agreement, "MORT-AAR! (ON IT!)"
*WHOOSH-ZOOOOOOM*
It ignited its body, becoming a living projectile of fire, boosting its speed as it shot across the icy arena. The Agile Style attack was lightning fast, leaving a trail of scorching heat in its wake. Candice gasped, "NINE-TALES!"
*BOOOM*
Magmortar slammed into her Alolan Ninetales. The impact was explosive, sending sparks of fire and ice flying. Ninetales cried out, its elegant form recoiling from the searing heat, its white fur singed slightly.
Azure praised, issuing orders, "Excellent, Magmortar! Now, Rotom! Strong Style Thunder Wave on Cloyster! Then, Agile Style Shadow Ball on Ninetales!"
Rotom, though still wary of Cloyster, pulsed with determination, "Zzzzt! Time for some payback, you oversized seashell!"
*BZZZT*
A powerful wave of crackling electricity, slow but undeniable due to Strong Style, surged from its body towards Cloyster. The Thunder Wave hit its mark, enveloping Cloyster in a blue electrical current.
Candice cried, as her Pokémon let out a pained shriek, "CLOYSTER!?"
*ZZZZZZZT*
Cloyster was paralyzed! Its movement became jerky, its shell rattling.
Platinum cheered, punching the air, "YES! That paralysis will help with the flinching! And it might completely stop some of Cloyster's attacks!"
Gengar nodded, a wide, predatory grin spreading across her face, and added, "Hee hee hee! Cripple the sweeper!"
*WHIZZ—WHOOOSH*
With Cloyster momentarily stunned, Rotom seized the opportunity. It zipped towards Ninetales, a swirling orb of dark, spectral energy forming in its grasp. The Agile Style Shadow Ball shot forth, fast and precise, slamming into Ninetales' side.
*THWUMP*
Ninetales winced, its protective Aurora Veil absorbing some of the damage. But the attack still left a chill on its already singed fur.
Candice commanded, trying to maintain her offensive momentum, "Ninetales, use Dazzling Gleam! Cloyster, try another Icicle Spears on Rotom!"
Ninetales, recovering its composure, gathered glittering light around itself…
*SHINE—SHINE*
A blinding flash erupted, spewing forth a torrent of sparkling, fairy energy towards Magmortar and Rotom. The Dazzling Gleam hit, a flurry of tiny, impactful bursts. Magmortar grunted, its [Charcoal] protecting it slightly, but Rotom cried out again, feeling the fairy energy resonate with its ghost typing.
Cloyster, still paralyzed, shuddered, "C-c-c-loyster… (D-damn it…)"
It struggled but could only twitch. It was fully paralyzed!
Azure exclaimed, a wave of relief washing over him, "The paralysis worked! Rotom! Change form—Heat! Use Eerie Impulse!"
Rotom's eyes glowed bright red. It didn't have an appliance nearby, but Azure's Rotom was special; it carried the essence of its forms within its spiritual core. With a Zap-vroooom, Rotom's shape shifted, swelling into the bulky, oven-like Heat Form.
Moving with the unnatural speed of the Hisuian Agile Style, Rotom didn't wait for the Blizzard to settle. It emitted a terrifying, high-pitched wave of discordant energy!
*SKREEEEEE*
The Eerie Impulse hit the Alolan Ninetales, sharply dropping its Special Attack. The Blizzard, which had been a roaring gale, suddenly weakened into a mere flurry. Azure roared, "Now, Magmortar! Shake it off! Strong Style, Flamethrower on Ninetales!"
Magmortar roared, a sound like a volcanic eruption. It forced its body to move through the flinch, the Charcoal around its neck glowing white-hot. It channeled every ounce of its frustration into its cannons.
*KA-THOOM*
A pillar of concentrated, white-orange flame erupted. Because it was delivered in the Strong Style, the move was slower, but the sheer volume of fire was terrifying. It acted like a thermal lance, cutting through the Aurora Veil and the falling hail.
Candice screamed, "Ninetales, dodge!"
But the Ninetales was caught in the middle of a move. The Flamethrower slammed into it with the force of a freight train.
*FZZZZT-BOOM*
Steam exploded upward as the fire met the ice-type's body. The Alolan Ninetales was tossed backward, its beautiful fur scorched. The Aurora Veil flickered and shattered like glass.
Gengar hollered, pumping a ghostly fist, "One down! Burn the fox! Cook the clam!"
Candice shouted, "Not yet!"
She was sweating now, despite the cold, as she added, "Ninetales is still standing! Use Dazzling Gleam! Cloyster, Icicle Spear again, focus on Rotom!"
*FLASH*
The Ninetales, struggling to its feet, let out a burst of blinding pink light. The Dazzling Gleam washed over the field, searing the eyes of both Magmortar and Rotom. Meanwhile, Cloyster tried to launch another volley of ice.
*Zzzzzt*
It can't move because it's paralyzed. Azure took a deep breath, scanning the field. The Alolan Ninetales was weak, but its Snow Warning was still active, and the hail was chipping away at its team's health.
Cloyster was burned, which mitigated its physical damage, but those Icicle Spears were all about the flinch chance, not the raw power. He looked at Magmortar.
The big Pokémon was steaming, its skin glowing with a dull red heat. Then he looked at Rotom, who was vibrating with static. Then he had an idea as he looked at Candice, declaring, "You're good, Candice. Really good. But I've fought through the worst the world had to offer!! Magmortar, use Lava Plume! Rotom, use Discharge! Surround the field!"
Candice's eyes went wide as she exclaimed, "A dual-area attack? In this weather?"
Azure yelled, "Do it!"
Magmortar slammed its cannons into the icy floor!
*CRACK-SHATTER*
*RUMBLE*
A wave of molten earth and fire surged outward from Magmortar in a 360-degree circle. Simultaneously, Rotom-Heat unleashed a massive, jagged web of yellow electricity, screeched, "One hot clam and fox! ORDER UP!!"
*BZZZZZT-CRACKLE*
The fire and lightning met, creating a chaotic storm of elemental energy. The hail vaporized instantly. The steam became so thick that for a moment, the entire Gym was blinded.
*WHOOSH*
The temperature in the room skyrocketed. The ice on the floor began to melt into puddles. Maylene cried, shielding her eyes, "I can't see!"
Gengar whispered, her eyes glowing, "But I can! I see the patterns. The boss is using the steam as a conductor!"
Through the mist, Azure's voice rang out, cold and commanding, "Magmortar, Strong Style, Flamethrower on Cloyster! Rotom, Agile Style, Shadow Ball on Ninetales!"
Azure wasn't playing by the standard rules of exchange.
He was forcing the tempo. Magmortar gathered every remaining ember in its body. Its entire frame turned a brilliant, blinding white…
*HIIIIIIIIIN*
The sound of charging energy echoed like a jet engine. And then…
*BOOOOOOOOM*
A massive sphere of pure, incandescent white fire roared through the steam. Cloyster, slowed by its burn and trapped in its Aqua Ring, had nowhere to go. The Flamethrower slammed into the shell.
*KRA-KOOM*
The explosion sent a shockwave through the Gym that rattled the windows. The shell protection—none of it mattered against a point-blank Strong Style Flamethrower from a Magmortar holding [Charcoal].
*Zip-zap-flicker*
On the other side of the smoke, Rotom-Heat moved like a blur. It appeared directly in front of the Alolan Ninetales, a swirling orb of ghostly purple energy already formed between its oven-mitt hands.
*Thrum-THUMP*
The Shadow Ball hit the Ninetales square in the chest. Because it was Agile Style, the impact was followed immediately by a second, smaller Discharge. And soon…
The steam began to clear. As the mist settled, the scene was one of total devastation. The ice rink was a mess of slush and scorched earth.
The Alolan Ninetales was slumped on the ground, its eyes swirled into a faint. Beside it, the Cloyster lay on its back, its shell charred black, steam still rising from the gaps in its armor. The stone statue's voice boomed, "Ninetales and Cloyster are unable to battle! Azure Sky wins the first round!"
The Gym fell silent for a heartbeat, save for the heavy breathing of Magmortar and the crackle of Rotom's electricity. They both fist-bumped as they said in a dramatic tone, "Magmo (We cooked). We cooked."
Maylene breathed, "Whoa. He just... he just deleted them."
Platinum let out a sigh she hadn't realized she was holding. Azure wiped a bead of sweat—and melted frost—from his forehead. He looked at his two Pokémon. They were tired. The hail and the Icicle Spears had taken their toll.
Azure said softly, "You guys did great. But we're only halfway there."
Candice was staring at her fallen Pokémon, a look of genuine shock on her face. Then, slowly, a wide, manic grin spread across her lips.
She recalled her Pokémon in two streaks of red light. She shouted, her excitement vibrating through the air, "Azure! That was amazing! You totally melted my opening! I haven't felt heat like that in Snowpoint since... well, ever!"
She reached for the remaining two Poke Balls on her belt. The air in the Gym began to chill again, though the hail was gone for now as she declared, "But don't think it's over! You haven't seen my real aces yet!"
Azure stood his ground, his hand hovering over the Poke Balls of Infernape and Kleavor. He could feel the weight of the week ahead, the shadow of Team Galactic, and the silent plea of the Lake Guardians.
Azure said boldly, his voice dropping into a register of sheer determination, "Bring it, Candice! I've got a world to save, and you're the only thing standing in my way."
Gengar drifted closer to Platinum, her grin wider than ever as she said, "He's in the zone now, Lady P. When Boss gets that look in his eyes... well, even the gods of Sinnoh should probably start taking notes."
Platinum nodded, her eyes reflecting the flickering embers of the battlefield, and muttered, "The first two are down. But now the real battle begins."
The sound of the Gym's clock ticked—tock, tock, tock—a reminder that while the first round was won, the war for Sinnoh was just heating up. Azure adjusted his stance, Magmortar and Rotom-Heat readying themselves for the next wave, as the Snowpoint Gym prepared for a clash that would be remembered long after the ice had refrozen.
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A/N: Hope you like the chapter!