Chapter 42: Grass Gym Battle
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Celadon City – Celadon Store Department]
Later, on the day Azure, the group decided to visit the Celadon Store Department building to shop. While there, he had Pikachu perched over his shoulder while keeping his Pokémon in their Poke Balls.
Heading towards the towering building that loomed in the distance, its glass walls reflecting the bright cityscape. Azure thought as they approached the building, 'They should have everything we need. At least I hope so…'
The Celadon Department Store was a dizzying maze of floors, each dedicated to a different type of merchandise. The air hummed with the chatter of shoppers and the cheerful melodies of in-store advertisements.
Azure, with his Pikachu trailing behind him, made his way to the Trainer's Goods section, navigating through crowds of people and displays of various Pokémon-related items. The Trainer's Goods section was a haven for any aspiring Pokémon trainer.
Shelves were lined with Potions, Poke balls, TMs, and other essential items. An older woman with kind eyes stood behind the counter, ready to assist customers as she asked, smiling warmly, "Welcome! How can I help you today?"
Azure replied as he asked in a respectful tone, "Hi. I'm looking for an Ice Stone, if you have one."
The woman's smile faltered slightly, hearing this. She then replied in a sheepish tone, explaining, "An Ice Stone, you say? Those are quite rare. We only get them a few times a year. Let me check..."
She disappeared into the back room, leaving Azure and his Pokémon to wait anxiously. Pikachu fidgeted beside Azure. Azure reassured his partner and gently stroked his fur as he stated, "No worries, buddy. If we can't find one here, then the Seafoam Islands, we'll be bound to find one for Eevee."
The woman returned moments later, her face etched with disappointment. She sadly explained to him, "I'm afraid I have bad news. We're completely out of Ice Stones. We just sold the last one this morning."
Azure's heart sank. He had placed all his hopes on finding an Ice Stone here. He sighed out loud, understanding it wasn't going to be that easy, as he replied, "Sigh… It's fine, miss. If it's sold out, nothing I can do about it. Have a good day."
Nodding Azure began to leave the Trainer Section. But just as he was about to exit, someone spoke up, asking in a curious tone, "Young man, are you looking for an Ice Stone? I perhaps know someone who wishes to help you with that."
Azure paused as he turned to find the person. He turned to see a Gym Trainer blinking as he asked curiously, "Truly? Do you know someone who can help me with this situation?"
The Gym Trainer nodded as she politely requested him in a soft tone, "Of course. But Lady Erika wishes to discuss with you. If you would please follow me to the Celadon City Gym, if you would be so kind."
Azure's eyes narrowed slightly, but relaxed a bit as he agreed calmly, saying, "… very well. She was my next target in the Gym Challenges anyway. Best to see how I stack up against her."
The gym trainer's face twitched at his words as everyone in Celadon City worships her. She calmed down through gritted teeth, said bitterly, "Y-You don't say… well let me show you the way…"
Azure proceeded to let the Gym Trainer lead him to the Celadon City Gym. As she led him, Azure quickly formulated a plan in a serious tone with Pikachu looking ready to brawl, 'I don't understand why Erika is coming to me. I haven't done things to catch her attention, but if she asks for Eevee, then she'll be in for a nasty surprise.'
/////
[Kanto Region, Celadon City – Gym]
Azure, with his Pikachu over his shoulder, was at the entrance of the Celadon City Gym. The Gym Trainer left shortly after arriving at the entrance to prepare for him to enter, as she entered through another way out of his sight.
He took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The aroma of sweet herbs and blooming flowers wafted over him, instantly calming his nerves.
The gym was a veritable greenhouse, a lush garden filled with exotic plants and vibrant, fragrant blossoms. As he entered inside he was on guard instantly as he casually looked inside the gym.
From the corner of his eyes, he reached for a piece of paper as he took it up to read the 'Eevee Reconstruction' project paper, as he read out loud with a raised eyebrow, "Eevee is a very rare Pokémon possessing the ability to evolve into any of three highly distinct, advanced Pokémon forms. If an Eevee can be reconstructed so that it can transform rapidly between all three of those forms…"
Just as Azure was about to finish, at the far end, on a raised platform, sat Erika, serene and composed, meditating amidst a circle of her followers, said, "… then it will serve as a very powerful weapon. Most impressive, you captured an Eevee. Most impressive."
Azure felt his blood run cold hearing that. His eyes narrowed as he played dumb, coldly replying, "… I have no idea what you're talking about, miss."
Her fans narrowed their eyes as they tried to get close to him to make him bow, "Hey, is that how you – ack!"
*Pop*
Dragonair appeared when one of her followers got too close to Azure. A low growl and glare scared them off being protective of her trainer, "Dra…."
Erika calmly analyzes the Dragonair being protective of Azure as she mentally smiles, seeing such a strong bond. But she cuts to the chase as she says calmly, revealing the Rainbow Badge, "I heard that you plan to challenge me to a Pokémon Battle… With this badge as the prize… if you hand over your Eevee."
*Pop*
Growlithe was released with a sharp glare, along with Pikachu sparks showing on his cheeks as Azure said harshly, "Yeah… no. I don't care if you're a Gym Leader or a princess. Anyone who tries to ask for my Pokémon. Fuck off and keep your stinking badge."
Her fans gasped at such foul words from their Lady Erika. Yet Erika simply smiled, seeing his actions spoke louder than his words, as she thought, reassured, 'I see he cares a lot about his Pokémon. Misty and Brock said good things, although… they didn't mention he had such a foul mouth. Let's rectify that first.'
*Pop*
Coming out from Erika's side revealed a Victreebell, Tangela, and Vileplume on her end as Erika said softly, her voice like the gentle rustling of leaves, "Very well then, if you won't accept the badge that way, then we'll do it in a battle. I'm prepared unless, of course, you're afraid?"
The battle arena shifted, the platform expanding to accommodate the larger format. Erika released her Pokémon. Tangela, a mass of blue vines, positioned itself in the center. To its left stood Victreebell, its gaping maw promising a swift and acidic demise. And to Tangela's right, Vileplume exuded a sweet, cloying fragrance as it stood proudly.
Azure's Pokémon Dragonair, Pikachu, and Growlithe were at the front, prepared for battle ahead. Eevee in her Poke Ball watched as he whispered to him in a calm tone, "No worries, Eevee. You can leave this to them handling Gym Matches, just so happens to be our specialty at this point."
His Pokémon cried out equally determined, "Dra! Pika! Arf!"
Erika smiled faintly as she announced the match, surprising him with her knowledge, "Very well. Let us begin... with a triple battle, Unova style."
Azure blinked, surprised. He'd read about triple battles, a more complex format where three Pokémon battled simultaneously, allowing for intricate strategies and field positioning.
He had never participated in one himself, only focusing on single and double battles during his journey thus far. He swallowed, trying to maintain his composure. This was unexpected, but he wouldn't back down.
He glanced at his team. They looked back at him, trusting and ready.
With a determined cry, Pikachu leaped forward, landing squarely in the center position. Growlithe stalked to the left, his movements flicking nervously. Dragonair, with its inherent grace, moved to the right, its scales shimmering in the soft light.
Eevee, despite its obvious apprehension, obeyed Azure's command, staying behind him, its large eyes wide with anticipation. The first move began as Erika commanded, "Tangela, use Bind on the Pikachu in the center. Victreebell, use Razor Leaf aimed at the Growlithe! Vileplume, use Sleep Powder aimed at the Dragonair!"
Tangela surged forward, its vines lashing out with surprising speed, attempting to ensnare Bolt. From the left, Victreebell launched a volley of Razor Leaf, sharp as knives, heading towards Growlithe.
And from the right, Vileplume unleashed a cloud of Sleep Powder, drifting towards Dragonair. Azure commanded without hesitation, "Pikachu, Quick Attack to dodge the Bind! Growlithe, Ember, to intercept the Razor Leaf! Dragonair, use Twister to blow that powder away!"
*Wooosh*
Pikachu reacted instantly, a yellow blur as it zipped to the side, narrowly avoiding Tangela's grasping vines. Growlithe unleashed a stream of Ember, the flames meeting the Razor Leaf in mid-air, creating a shower of sparks and dissipating both attacks.
Dragonair, with a flick of its tail, activated Twister, blowing away the Sleep Powder not in its direction. Erika said, her expression betraying a hint of surprise, "Impressive. You are adapting quickly."
The battle continued, a whirlwind of attacks and counterattacks. Azure quickly realized the limitations of his initial strategy. The individual Pokémon were being isolated, making them vulnerable to concentrated attacks.
He needed to coordinate their moves, utilizing the wider field to his advantage. Azure snapped as he commanded, "Growlithe, use Ember Strong Style to obscure the arena in a dust cloud smokescreen! Pikachu, use Discharge to exploit the confusion! Dragonair Thunder Wave!"
*Poof*
*Zzzz*
Growlithe unleashed a powerful fire attack at the ground, creating a thick cloud of dust that acted as their smokescreen. The cloud engulfed the battlefield and obscured visibility. In the ensuing chaos, Pikachu charged up a powerful Discharge, the electricity crackling around its cheeks.
Dragonair moved to the sky, unleashing bolts of electricity in the hopes of striking Erika's Grass-type Pokémon. The move engulfed the entire arena, striking Tangela in the center and sending shockwaves toward Victreebell and Vileplume.
Observing the situation, Erika whispered, "Now use your Sleep and Stun Powder…"
Tangela staggered, momentarily paralyzed by the electric shock. Victreebell and Vileplume were also stunned, their attacks faltering.
Azure ordered, seizing the opportunity, making a counterattack, "Now, Dragonair, use Twister directed towards the weakened Tangela! Growlithe, use Strong Style Ember to strike the exposed Victreebell!"
Dragonair unleashed a swirling vortex of wind, slamming into the weakened Tangela. The Twister and Discharge combined force proved too much, and Tangela fainted, collapsing to the ground.
Growlithe followed up with a powerful Ember, engulfing the stunned Victreebell in searing flames. The Grass/Poison-type Pokémon cried out in pain before succumbing to the searing heat and falling to the ground as well.
Now it was three against one, Azure's team facing only Vileplume. But Vileplume was still a formidable opponent, its powerful petals capable of unleashing devastating attacks. Erika commanded calmly, "Vileplume, use Petal Dance!"
*Wooosh*
Vileplume unleashed a flurry of razor-sharp petals, swirling around the arena in a deadly dance. Azure remained confused, noticing Erika's calm demeanor as he had a feeling something was off, as he thought, 'One would think they would care about their Pokémon conditions or show something on her face. And yet she remains calm – what?'
*Thud*
That was when he noticed his Pikachu and Growlithe had fallen asleep. Dragonair blue scales showed signs of being paralyzed as he thought, alarmed, 'Paralyze and Sleep! When did she give her command–unless it was when Growlithe made that smokescreen, she launched her Powder attack!'
Figuring out that Erika swiftly commanded her Pokémon to use Sleep and Stun Powder with everyone's vision blocked by the dust cloud, he realized too late to see the spores activating their effects. The petals rained down on all of them, inflicting heavy damage in the process.
Azure realized he needed to end the battle quickly. His Pokémon were weakened, and Vileplume's Petal Dance was taking its toll.
Erika sees that Pikachu and Growlithe were still asleep as she proceeded with her next plan calmly, 'Perfect. Another Petal Dance should deal with the Pikachu, and I'll use Sleep Powder when that Puppy Pokémon starts to show signs of waking up. Now – what!'
*Tmp*
Her eyes widened as Pikachu, Growlithe, and Dragonair's eyes narrowed as they stood up. And their status effect was being healed by their respective elemental auras of Fire, Electric, and Dragon. This left all stunned but Azure as he saw the text shown, only for his eyes to widen.
[Dragonair healed its Paralyze out of sheer determination, so you wouldn't worry!]
[Growlithe healed its Sleep out of sheer determination, so you wouldn't worry!]
[Pikachu healed its Sleep out of sheer determination, so you wouldn't worry!]
Azure smiled, seeing what this meant, being moved by their actions, thought, 'You guys… you're the best!'
Erika, on the other hand, quickly realized what occurred as she thought in a stunned tone of what she was witnessing, 'They… they healed their status conditions out of sheer determination for their Trainer! Just to not make him worry… what a truly strong bond they share!'
Returning the momentum of the battle, Azure adjusted his cap as he commanded the finisher with all three responding to his command, "Alright! Let's end this! Pikachu Electro Ball! Dragonair Hyper Beam! Growlithe Strong Style Ember!"
*BOOOM*
The poor Vileplume was hit from all sides, launched to the wall of the Gym, brushing past Erika's eyes, widening. The resounding boom left a crater on the wall, with Vileplume fainting from all three of their attacks.
Her fans paled seeing Lady Erika's Vileplume get defeated in a disheartened tone, "Ah! Lady Erika-a's Vileplume was… defeated…"
A hush fell over the arena. The smoke cleared, revealing the exhausted but triumphant figures of Azure's team. Erika smiled; her eyes filled with respect. She said, approaching Azure, "You are indeed quite a Trainer, as rumor has it, Azure Sky, of Viridian City. My apologies for testing you. Brock and Misty extolled your virtues, but one mustn't believe all that one hears. But I figured you knew already, did you?"
Azure revealed a light smile, adjusting his cap, recalling his tired Pokémon as he said in a nonchalant tone, "Damn and here I was thinking I was a good actor. When did I tip you off about my performance?"
Erika chuckled as she snapped her fingers. One of her Gym Trainers came with the rewards for winning the Gym and an Ice Stone, as Erika explains calmly, "When you spoke so highly of your Pokémon. Here's your reward for winning the Gym and the Ice Stone you wanted."
Azure was handed 5,440 Poke Dollars, TM Giga Drain, and the promised Ice Stone. He used [Observe] on them, smiling at the rewards he gained.
[Item: TM Giga Drain
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Giga Drain].]
[Item: Rainbow Badge
Rarity Item: A+
Type: Badge
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, Grass-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and control Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
[Item: Ice Stone
Rarity Item: S
Type: Evolution Stone
Description: A peculiar stone that can make certain species of Pokémon evolve. It has an unmistakable snowflake pattern. But once used will vanish upon consumption.]
Putting them away, Erika continues talking in a serious tone as he holds Eevee's Poke Ball, looking at her, "The Eevee you captured was an experimental subject for a… certain organization. Some months ago, we obtained these reports and learned of the 'Reconstructed Eevee' who escaped. Thanks to you, it is now safely in our care."
Azure remained silent as he said bluntly with disdain, "… you mean Team Rocket. That organization?"
Erika remains silent, hearing his words for a moment. She smiled as she nodded, explaining in a calm tone, "Correct. To have any hope of defeating them, we must learn about their technology, we need to understand their fighting strength, and most of all… we need an ethical trainer who possesses inner strength and compassion, a trainer like you."
Azure blushed, seeing Erika is a bit close as he muttered, rubbing the back of his head, "You don't need me to ask. They were my target from the very beginning, perfect targets for training."
Erika looked a bit surprised but laughed, hearing his response. Smiling kindly, she introduced him to her allies in a confident tone, "Then allow me to present you to the citizens of Celadon City who are allied with me in the battle against Team Rocket!!"
With that, Azure joined with the Celadon City alliance under Erika's command. For the next few days, Azure spent his time training in Celadon City…