Chapter 53: Poison Gym Battle (2)
~Third POV~
[Kanto Region, Fuchsia City – Gym]
Returning to the battle against Janine managed to take down two of Azure's Pokémon, leaving him with Pikachu, Eevee, Scizor, and Dragonair. While Janine, in return, was left with 3 Pokémon remaining, as she lost her Weezing and Ariados.
Janine, despite her youth, possessed an aura of calm confidence. Her ninja garb, a sleek purple and black, accentuated her sharp eyes and determined expression.
She held a Poké Ball, her expression unwavering. Janine said, her voice surprisingly steady as she said, "You've proven yourself a worthy challenger, Azure. But my father's legacy is not easily taken. Prepare yourself."
Azure nodded, his determination burning bright. They had already traded Pokémon, each carefully selecting their counters. Azure had lost Arcanine to Janine's powerful Ariados, and his Haunter to Janine's Weezing.
Janine shouted, throwing her Poké Ball, "Crobat, let's go!"
*Pop*
A massive, purple bat-like Pokémon with piercing red eyes materialized on the battlefield, its wings stirring up a gust of wind. Crobat screeched, its fangs glinting in the dim light, "Kekeke!!!"
Azure, seeing Crobat, narrowed his eyes, clenching his next choice. Azure responded in a serious tone, "It's your time to shine, buddy. Scizor, your turn!"
*Pop*
With a metallic clang, Scizor appeared, its red, insectoid body and formidable pincers gleaming. The click of metal against metal echoed in the gym.
Janine's eyes widened slightly. She said, her voice laced with curiosity, "I've never seen a Pokémon like that before."
Azure smirked inwardly. He knew the advantages his Scizor held. The dual Bug/Steel typing was rare, almost unheard of in Kanto. It granted immunity to Poison-type attacks, a significant advantage against a Gym specializing in Poison-types. Moreover, the Steel type was not officially recognized yet.
Azure commanded, hoping to catch Janine off guard, "Scizor, Fury Cutter!"
*Shinng*
Scizor launched forward, its pincers glowing with white energy. It slashed at Crobat, the attack landing with a sharp crack.
*CRACK*
Crobat recoiled, but quickly recovered, its speed a key asset. Janine countered, "Crobat, Tailwind!"
*Swoooosh*
Crobat whips up a turbulent whirlwind that gives itself more speed. In the process, Crobat became a blur, darting towards Scizor with incredible speed. It slammed into Scizor, knocking it back slightly.
Azure shouted, adjusting his strategy, "Scizor, Metal Claw!"
*Shinng*
Scizor's pincers became coated with a shimmering metal sheen. It retaliated, striking Crobat with a powerful Metal Claw. The attack landed squarely, and Crobat cried out in pain, "Kekee!!"
Janine commanded, gritting her teeth, "Crobat, use Air Slash!"
Crobat flapped its wings with tremendous force, launching a blade of compressed air at Scizor. The Air Slash hit Scizor, dealing significant damage to it.
Azure knew he couldn't rely solely on brute force. Crobat's speed and agility were giving Scizor a hard time.
He needed to exploit Scizor's unique typing and attack pattern to turn the tide. Azure instructed, "Scizor, focus on defense! Use Protect!"
*Shiii*
Scizor braced itself, a shimmering green barrier appearing around its body. Crobat's next Air Slash slammed against the Protect shield, but it held firm, preventing any damage as he commanded, "Now use Roost!"
Scizor's body starts to glow brightly, regaining some of its health. Seeing this startled Janine urging her voice rose, urging, "Don't let up, Crobat! Keep attacking!"
Crobat unleashed a barrage of Air Slashes, each one hammering against Scizor's Protect shield, but Azure was waiting for an opening. Azure instructed, "Now, Scizor, use Iron Defense!"
*Shiii*
With Janine pressuring him with constant attacks, she didn't notice that Azure was setting up. Scizor began to harden its body as a shiny steel shield appeared, increasing its defenses, its pincers clicking together as it moved.
With each pirouette, its defense power surged. Janine realized what Azure was doing, "Crobat, stop it with Poison Fang!"
Crobat dove toward Scizor, its fangs glowing purple. It lunged, attempting to deliver a poisonous bite.
However, Azure shouted slyly, grinning, "Intercept with Bullet Punch!"
*Swooosh*
*SMASH*
Scizor, faster than it seemed, unleashed a rapid-fire series of punches with its metallic pincers. The Bullet Punch slammed into Crobat, interrupting its attack and sending it tumbling back.
The Steel-type attack was neutral effective against Crobat, dealing a significant blow. It flew up again, eyes narrowing at Scizor as the Pincer Pokémon made a mocking gesture with its claws to come get him.
Janine's eyes widened in surprise. She muttered in a serious tone, "Another move I've never seen before! You're full of surprises, Azure."
Azure pressed his advantage and started to go on the offensive, "Scizor, Fury Cutter, keep the pressure!"
Scizor unleashed a relentless barrage of Fury Cutter attacks, each strike growing in power as it continued to connect. Crobat struggled to defend, its movements becoming sluggish as it tried to attack back, but with Scizor's exoskeleton being maxed out on defense simply bounced off its body.
Seeing the danger, Janine quickly ordered, "Crobat, dodge it, use Confuse Ray!"
*Shiii*
Crobat, despite its exhaustion, unleashed a beam of strange light from its eyes. The Confuse Ray struck Scizor, its mind becoming scrambled.
Scizor swayed, its movements erratic. It lashed out with a wild Fury Cutter, striking the ground instead of its target as Janine commanded, "Now, Crobat, Air Slash, one more time!"
*Shinng*
Crobat seized the opportunity and launched another Air Slash, this time connecting with the confused Scizor. The attack landed with full force, sending Scizor crashing to the ground.
Azure felt a surge of frustration. The confusion had thrown a wrench into his strategy.
He knew he needed to snap Scizor out of it quickly. Azure called out, his voice firm, hoping to break Scizor's confusion, "Scizor, focus! Remember your training! Fight through the confusion!"
Scizor, hearing Azure's voice, struggled to regain its composure. It shook its head, battling against the disorienting effects of the Confuse Ray.
Janine declared, sensing victory, commanding her Crobat, "Crobat, end this with a Cross Poison!"
Crobat summoned its remaining strength and charged at Azure's Scizor, ready to end it all. With perfect timing, Azure called out, "Now use Quick Attack Agile Style and end it with a Bullet Punch!"
*Swooosh*
In that last moment, Scizor's eyes shone with determination as it side-stepped away from the incoming Crobat using the Quick Attack Agile style. Janine was shocked that Azure shouted Scizor, managing to break through the confusion.
While now close to Crobat eyes widening in disbelief Scizor cocked his claw at the ready to end the match. With a cocky grin Scizor landed a Bullet Punch straight at Crobat's face sending it flying to the walls of the Gym as golden aura flared indicating a critical hit.
*BOOOM*
Janine exclaimed in shock, "WHAT?!"
In an instant, Scizor unleashed a blindingly fast Bullet Punch, its pincers striking Crobat with incredible force. The attack landed squarely, and a flash of light engulfed Crobat, landing on the wall.
When the light subsided, Crobat lay motionless on the ground, defeated. Janine stared at her fallen Pokémon in disbelief.
She had been so close to victory, but Azure's belief in his Pokémon and Scizor's resilience had turned the tables. The ninja referee announced equally stunned, "Crobat is unable to battle-e."
Janine recalled Crobat, her expression a mix of disappointment and respect, "You fought well, Crobat. Take a good rest."
She paused, looking at Azure, taking a deep breath, and grabbing another one of her Pokeballs. Janine said in a serious tone, "I may have underestimated you, Azure. You and your Pokémon are stronger than I thought. But I won't go down that easily… Venomoth, your turn!"
She threw the Pokeball in the air, and a Poison Moth Pokémon appeared. Seeing the Pokémon that is Lv.39, her strongest, Azure knows that he has to pull out all the stops to defeat it.
He looked at Scizor, asking curiously, "Scizor, you wanna stay in?"
Scizor grinned, lifting its claw into the air and pounding its chest with the other, "Sci? Scizor! (Nah! I'm in this fight! Let me stay, coach!)"
Understanding Scizor's tone, he nodded, allowing his Pokémon to stay in the field. Janine smirked, her eyes gleaming with competitive spirit as she said, "Venomoth, show him the power of poison!"
Scizor, a Bug and Steel-type Pokémon with menacing pincers, stood ready, its metallic body gleaming under the artificial lights of the gym. Venomoth, a moth-like Pokémon with large, powder-covered wings, unleashed a cloud of Sleep Powder.
Azure commanded quickly with the Tailwind still active, "Scizor, Quick Attack, dodge the powder!"
*Swoosh*
Scizor moved with incredible speed, its body a blur of metal as it darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the debilitating powder. It closed the distance between them in an instant, aiming a powerful Wing Attack at Venomoth.
Janine countered swiftly, "Venomoth, Psychic! Then Quiver Dance!"
Venomoth's eyes glowed with psychic energy, and Scizor faltered mid-attack, caught in an invisible force. The Wing Attack faltered, losing its momentum as Venomoth danced as red aura veiled it, increasing its Sp. Attack, Sp. Def, and speed.
Azure was quickly alarmed as he yelled, recognizing the danger, "Scizor, break free! Use Quick Attack Strong Style to break out!"
Scizor gritted its mandibles, battling against the psychic hold. With a surge of willpower, it started to summon a powerful Normal Type Aura from within, expanding enough to be released from Psychic's hold, breaking out and backing away.
Janine commanded, seizing the opportunity, "Venomoth, finish it with Sludge Bomb!"
Venomoth unleashed a ball of concentrated sludge, a vile concoction of poisonous toxins, aimed directly at Scizor. Azure's heart pounded in his chest as he mentally thought, 'This is our only chance! Time to earn victory!'
Azure then gave his command, surprising Janine by his bold declaration, "Scizor! Use Agility to push through her Sludge Bomb and attack with a Wing Attack!"
Scizor eyed Azure for a moment before lunging forward in a burst of speed. Janine was surprised by this as her eyes narrowed in a stunned tone, thinking, 'Nani! Is he willing to sacrifice his Pokémon being poisoned just to go after my Venomoth?! Then I'll show him his ignorance!'
Feeling a bit frustrated at Azure's choice, Janine added, "Use Toxic! Show it the horrors of Poison Pokémon Venomoth!"
*Splash*
Venomoth followed Janine's orders perfectly, splashing Scizor with Toxic after it charged through the Sludge Bomb. The attack exploded on impact, splattering the arena floor with noxious slime.
But to Janine's shock, the poison that she was proud of, taught to her by Koga, meant nothing in front of Scizor as it charged forward ahead. Scizor opened its wings, its metallic body shimmering with a silver sheen, mitigating the impact of the attack.
*SMACK*
Slamming a Wing Attack over Venomoth cried out in pain. But before it could be tossed over, Scizor gripped its pincers tightly at Venomoth's thorax, giving it pain, cried, "Veeee!! Venomoth!"
Gripping on tight, Scizor raised one of its claws as it landed a Strong Style Bullet Punch, "Sci! Scizor!"
*SMASH*
*THUD*
Slamming the Venomoth in the face towards the ground, Scizor created a crater. The Venomoth fainted shortly after getting slugged as Azure congratulated Scizor, "Nice going, Scizor! 10/10 for dramatic finish!"
Scizor raised its pincers happily, trying to give a thumbs up, "Sci! Scizor!"
The gym held its breath as Venomoth followed up with another Psychic attack, trying to subdue Scizor with the incredible force, but Scizor stood strong and was able to finish its dance with a final yell.
The ninja referee announced, breaking the silence, "Venomoth is unable to battle! Scizor wins!"
Janine recalled Venomoth to its Poké Ball, her expression unreadable. Azure let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.
He was down to four Pokémon, Janine still had one left, but Azure knew he had the momentum. Janine said, a hint of respect in her voice, placing her hand behind her back, revealing a Pokémon that Azure didn't see, "You're a strong trainer, Azure. But this battle is far from over…"
She glanced at her final Pokémon through the transparent Poke Ball with a nod expressing a serious expression on its face. Janine smirked as she revealed her last Pokémon, "… Let's end this battle. Go! Nidoqueen!"
*Pop*
*THUD*
Revealing her last Pokémon to be a Nidoqueen. Nidoqueen is a large, bipedal blue mammalian Pokémon with distinct reptilian features. Its body is encased with extremely hard scales that serve as excellent protection from any attack and stand up when Nidoqueen is excited or provoked. It has a blunt snout, narrow brown eyes, and large ears with brown insides.
There is a small horn on its forehead, a single spine on each ear, and a line of toxic spikes running down its back. Each hand has three short claws, and each foot has two claws. Its lower jaw, the front of its abdomen, and two plates on its chest are cream-colored. It has a thick, powerful tail.
She threw her last Poké Ball into the air, and a towering Nidoqueen emerged, its blue hide gleaming with latent power. Janine commanded, "Nidoqueen, let's show them what we're made of!"
Azure scanned Nidoqueen with his eyes narrowed. He knew Nidoqueen was a powerful Pokémon, capable of dishing out massive damage with its diverse move pool.
But he also knew that Janine, like her father, likely had a strategy in mind.
Azure shouted, hoping that the Scizor would be able to go up against the poison-type Nidoqueen, "Scizor, let's go!"
Scizor nodded as the match continued, thinking he had the advantage. His eyes widened as he was proven wrong.
*Swooosh*
*Brrr*
*SMASH*
Nidoqueen lunged forward with a brutal Fire Punch, powered by its hidden ability, Sheer Force, which eliminated the secondary effects of its moves in exchange for increased power. But what caught Azure's attention was the necklace around its neck, and curse, seeing the held item Life Orb further amplifying Nidoqueen's power.
*THUD*
Scizor, caught off guard, was sent flying, fainting instantly. Azure felt a surge of adrenaline. He recalled Scizor, his heart heavy with guilt.
He had underestimated Janine. He had underestimated Nidoqueen. Choosing his next Pokémon, he knew that it needed to be taken down, tossing his partner out, "Pikachu, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Pikachu with sparks at the ready as he commanded, hoping to strike first, ordered, "Pikachu use Surf!"
*SPLASH*
Pikachu summoned a wave of water at Nidoqueen, surprising Janine, seeing Pikachu perform a water-type move. But anticipating the attack, she commanded, "Nidoqueen! Earthquake!"
*RMBL*
Nidoqueen slammed the ground with Earthquake. The ground trembled, throwing Pikachu off balance, and the water attack fizzled harmlessly.
Not allowing the comfort of retaliating, Nidoqueen lunged forward, reeling its fist. Nidoqueen followed up with another attack of Mega Punch, and Pikachu, despite his best efforts, was knocked out in a single hit.
*BAM*
Azure's breath caught in his throat. He looked at his remaining Pokémon; now only Dragonair and Eevee remained. He knew they were both full of energy, but he gazed at the Nidoqueen that was wrecking his team like it was nothing.
He looked at Eevee and Dragonair, having determined expressions on their faces. Azure nodded, taking in a deep breath, choosing his next Pokémon carefully, "Dragonair, I choose you!"
*Pop*
Dragonair appeared, flying gracefully above. Her eyes narrowed as the match continued, as he commanded, "Dragonair Strong Style Dragon Tail!"
*Shiii*
Dragon aura veiled around Dragonair's tail as she swiped her attack at Nidoqueen. Janine countered, "Ice Punch!"
*BOOOOM*
Both attacks collided as Nidoqueen's Ice Punch and Dragonair's, resulting in a shockwave forming between the two. Both glared, determinedly trying to overpower each other through sheer force of will.
In the end, both backed off as Janine and Azure commanded at the same time, "Use Ice Beam/Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
*BOOOM*
Another clash between the two began, locked in a beam struggle with Nidoqueen's Ice Beam shown in pure light blue and Dragonair's Dragon Pulse multicolored dragon-shaped beam. Both attacks collided, trying to overcome each other.
Both Janine and Azure held their breath, seeing the clash between the two. In that moment, the Ice Beam began to overpower the Dragon Pulse as Janine thought eagerly, 'There! Our moment to strike is – '
But her train of thought was cut short as Azure said confidently, "Dragonair! Extreme Speed!"
*Woooosh*
Vanishing in a blue blur, the Ice Beam collided with the Dragon Pulse, freezing the beam in place. But Janine panicked as she thought, looking at the battlefield, 'What! He had another Pokémon that knew Extreme Speed! Where is – '
*BOOOOM*
Slamming down, the Nidoqueen was hit from above as Dragonair appeared out of thin air, glaring down at the Drill Pokémon. Nidoqueen's eyes shot wide open as both commanded at the same time, "Ice Beam/Hyper Beam!"
*BOOOOOM*
Both beams collided as they traded beams for beams. The resulting clash between the two created a smokescreen as the two trainers waited patiently for the results. When the dust finally settled, it revealed a burnt Nidoqueen glaring at Dragonair, who had her sides frozen by the Ice Beam.
Azure bit his lips as Janine took advantage, "Ice Punch!"
*SMASH*
Slamming a right hook, Ice Punch Dragonair was sent flying, slumping down at Azure's feet in front of him. Nidoqueen snorted with a dismissive cry, "Nido…"
Only Eevee remained in his hand. He recalled Dragonair thanking her for her help, "Thanks, Dragonair, you did well. Leave it all up to her."
Azure felt a wave of despair wash over him. His team, his friends, were falling one by one against that Nidoqueen.
He looked at Eevee in her transparent Poke Ball, its eyes filled with determination. He knew he couldn't let it down.
Grasping his final Poke Ball, he said to Eevee in a determined tone, "I'm glad you're my last Pokémon. I'm counting on you, Eevee!"
*Pop*
Tossing out his last Pokémon, he remained determined to the very end as Eevee came out with a determined battle cry, "Eeveow!!"
Janine raised an eyebrow, seeing Azure's last Pokémon as she thought dismissively, 'His last Pokémon is an Eevee? I was expecting… more.'
Regaining his faith in his Pokémon, he adjusted his cap as he said calmly, "Ok, Eevee, we're turning this around."
Eevee grinned determinedly, equally as her trainer. Janine said with no emotion in her tone, "Let's end this Nidoqueen. Earthquake."
*RMBL*
Stomping her foot on the ground prepared to activate Earthquake, Eevee rushed forward as Azure commanded, "Baby Doll Eyes!"
Eevee looked extremely cute at the Nidoqueen, asking in Pokémon language, "Bui? (Would you really attack me?)"
Nidoqueen briefly paused, flinching at such a cute Eevee, "Tch…"
But a moment was all Azure needed as he said happily, "Now! Veevee Volley!"
*SMASH*
Rushing full speed ahead with a golden aura veiling Eevee, she landed a powerful strike at the Nidoqueen's stomach, recoiling in pain as she cutely says in Pokémon language, "Bui~ (I will~)"
Nidoqueen's eyes were infuriated by Eevee's words. Janine was dumbfounded, seeing that move work as Azure continued with the pressure shooting, "Now! Point-blank Strong Style Water Gun Eevee!"
Janine's eyes returned to the match as she thought confused, 'Water Gun? But Eevee can't learn – Nani!'
*SPLASH*
Releasing a concentrated stream of water from Eevee's mouth, her eyes briefly shone using Vaporeon's power. The concentrated splash of Water Gun in strong style landed a heavy blow to Nidoqueen, forcing her to take a step back.
Janine, returning to her senses, called out, "No! Use Mega Punch!"
*Swooosh*
Nidoqueen reeled her fist, attempting to attack Eevee. But due to water in her eyes, Eevee used Agility in the last second, avoiding the attack, granting Azure another attack, "Now! Use Mimic her Earthquake!"
Janine's eyes widened as the aura enveloped Eevee, revealing a ground color. Stomping her paws on the ground pushed Nidoqueen away with an Earthquake, "Buooo!!"
*RMBL*
Nidoqueen took her attack, taking the damage. Janine gritted her teeth as she commanded swiftly, "Nidoqueen use Double Kick!"
*Thud*
Nidoqueen's eyes narrowed as she lunged after Eevee. With one kick, she launched herself forward and with another twirled its tail, aimed directly at Eevee with a blueish aura enveloping its tail.
Eevee, seeing this, narrowed its eyes. Azure commanded, "Now! Use Confusion!"
*Shiii*
Janine's eyes widened seeing Eevee use Confusion to form a barrier sphere protecting her as she moved away. Nidoqueen's Double Kick was momentarily stopped, causing Janine's brain to scream in disbelief, 'How the heck is that Eevee using Confusion! Eevee can't even learn that move!'
*SHIII*
Unleashing a Confusion energy ball at Nidoqueen, the Drill Pokémon, taking hit after hit, finally fainted as it slumped down. Eevee roared cutely dominating the battle, "Eeeevow! Eevoooow!"
*Shiii*
In that moment, both paused, seeing Eevee beginning to glow. Azure smiled excitedly as he thought, 'Wait, does that mean she's finally…'
The light of evolution faded as Eevee finally evolved into her final form. A black sleek Pokémon with red eyes emerged as Umbreon roared out loud, "Arooow!!!"
Janine froze in disbelief, seeing her Nidoqueen defeated. Umbreon ran towards Azure as he thanked her in a happy tone, "We did it, Eevee! No… Umbreon! We won!"
Hugging her tightly, Umbreon licked his face, showing affection. Janine recalled her Pokémon as she thought in a conflicted tone, 'I… we lost…'
Azure looked at Janine, who stood across the battlefield, her expression unreadable. Snapping her fingers, one of the Ninjas brought the rewards, handing them to Azure as she said, her voice devoid of emotion, "… You fought well, challenger. Take your rewards and leave."
Azure received his reward of 6000 Poke Dollars from Janine. Not only that, but he also received the Soul Badge and TM Toxic as he left the Gym with a smug smile on his face, away from Janine.
[Item: TM Toxic
Rarity Item: -
Type: Technical Machine
Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Toxic].]
[Item: Soul 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, Poison-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and control Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]
Azure left the Gym, heading to the Pokémon Center to heal his Pokémon. Despite the harsh battle he managed to win, if just barely, against Janine, but also needs to improve against future battles ahead.
/////
A/N: So, how do you guys like this battle with Janine? Didn't expect her to use the Sheer Force Life Orb strat, huh?
Hopefully, you like the long battle! Have a nice day!