Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 142: Vs Rival Ethan Gold [Bonus]

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Ecruteak City]

Seeing one of the pair who called out to him, Azure was confused. The first was the one who called out was Ethan Gold, the protagonist of the third arc of the story of Gold, Silver, and Crystal Arc.

Second was the person next to him was the Olivine City Gym Leader, Jasmine. Now he was surprised before he recalled something as he thought, 'Oh wait… didn't she come all the way over to her folks' Day Care showing Gold hatched Togepi. Right, that did happen, didn't it…'

Recalling that Jasmine was going to the Day Care originally, she was supposed to be trapped in Ecruteak City under the Masked Man's forces, attacking and destroying one of the Towers. But thanks to Azure's intervention, it never occurred, allowing Jasmine to safely travel to where the Day Care was located without issue.

But that wasn't all, though, as his attention returned to the present as Gold bluntly demanded, "Hey! Did you battle Silver? Then you know where he must be, right? Tell me where – Ack!"

Celebi wisely placed a sock in his mouth using Psychic. It chuckled, seeing Gold struggle to get it out as Azure helplessly sighed, apologizing, "Sorry, but Celebi tends to be a bit of a prankster. I sincerely apologize on its behalf."

Gold struggles to get the sock out as Jasmine laughs lightly at the scene, as she explains herself, "Apology accepted. But it seems like that Gold here was being too forward again, simply demanding someone instead of nicely asking you, Mister Champion… right?"

Gold shivered, looking at Jasmine's nice smile. He quickly apologized as he bowed his head down, seemingly not wanting to offend the Steel Gym Leader, "R-Right! I'm-m sorry for demanding you, sir!"

Even Gold's Aipom nervously bowed its head down. Jasmine smiled lightly, seeing Gold's reaction as Azure blinked, confused as he thought, 'The hell? The heck did Jasmine do to – oh! Right during this part, wasn't Gold training under the Day Care… oh. Oh! They used Jasmine as his sparing opponent, didn't they?'

Azure simply sent a look of pity at Gold for what he's gone through. Pikachu and Eevee merely chuckled at his predicament.

Clearing his throat, he checked Gold's Pokémon Team by viewing his belt. And he had to admit he was shocked seeing their levels and forms, as Gold had been successful in training under the Day Care Couple.

[Exbo (Typhlosion) Lv.40 Volcano Pokémon]

[Aibo (Aipom) Lv.30 Long Tail Pokémon]

[Sudobo (Sudowoodo) Lv.38 Imitation Pokémon]

[Togebo (Togepi) Lv.25 Spike Ball Pokémon]

[Sunbo (Sunflora) Lv.34 Sun Pokémon]

[Polibo (Politoed) Lv.36 Frog Pokémon]

Counting 6 in Gold's rotation, he continued as he said casually, "Silver, right? I've met him in my travels."

Gold's eyes widened, hearing this, as Azure continued to explain, but then asked Gold curiously, "I could tell you… But what would you, Gold, do with this information? And why should I tell you where he's located?"

Gold was stumped hearing this and growled. But then he smirked as he said confidently, issuing a challenge, "Why–you know what? You're right, so how about this? I challenge you to a 3v3 Pokémon battle! If I win, you tell all you know about Silver!"

Azure raised an eyebrow as he then asked curiously, "And if the off chance I win?"

Gold smirked as he jabbed a thumb at himself as he proclaimed confidently, "Heh. If you win… I'll hand over this Pokémon Egg!"

Gold's voice stopped him. He pulled out a Pokémon Egg from his bag, holding it up as he made his offer.

Jasmine's eyes widened seeing this as she held her tongue as she thought bitterly, 'Wait! You'll be trading that Egg, my folks give to him if he wins! I know Gold is decent, and that the current Champ is training a new team, but…'

Jasmine ultimately didn't intervene as the Pokémon Egg was handed down to Gold after completing his good work with her folks. That specific Egg came from her Togetic parents.

While she stayed at her old folks' place, her Togetic got busy and made another Egg while she trained Gold at her folks' request. She even helped train Gold as she saw how well he took care of the Togepi Egg, being healthy and happy as it could be.

The Egg's appearance looked like any other Pokémon Egg. But when he used [Observe] on it, he momentarily froze, seeing the name.

[Pokémon Egg (Togepi (F))]

With dots showing on it as Azure paused, seeing what was offered, curiosity piqued as he asked curiously, "You're offering such a rare Pokémon Egg if I win? No take-backs?"

Gold declared confidently, his posture straight and proud, jabbing his thumb to his chest, "Yes. If you can defeat me, it's yours. And I, Ethan Gold, never go back on my word. If I go back on my word, I'm a Magikarp!"

Azure nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he agreed, "Very well. I accept this Pokémon Battle. We'll do this at the Pokémon Center Battlefield, okay?"

Gold nodded as Azure led them to the Pokémon Center. He smirked, feeling confident in winning against Gold and letting his Pokémon gain experience.

/////

[Johto Region, Ecruteak City, Pokémon Center – Battlefield]

The trio arrived at the Pokémon Center Battlefield. Azure's amusement deepened. Soul Silver.

The enigmatic rival he'd crossed paths with several times, a figure shrouded in cold ambition, as he asked Gold, "Information on Silver, huh? And you think you can beat me for it?"

Gold retorted, his competitive spirit burning bright, "I know I can!"

Azure chuckled. He gently set Eevee down, reassuringly patting Pikachu's head, and Celebi floated near Jasmine's side, seeing the match as he said calmly, "Alright, Gold. I haven't had a good battle in a while. Let's see what you've got. Pikachu, stay with Eevee and Celebi to watch. This looks like it'll be fun."

They moved to an open space near the Battlefield, the air thick with anticipation. Pikachu crackled with anticipation, a spark zapping from its cheek, while Eevee let out a soft, excited yelp. Celebi was chilling as Jasmine wondered who Celebi was.

Gold tossed a Poké Ball into the air, releasing his Politoed as he said, "Don't underestimate me, Azure! I've been training hard! Let's go! Polibo!"

*Pop*

Materializing out of the Poke Ball was the Frog Pokémon Politoed. It clapped its hands and jumped happily, "Poli! Politoed!"

Azure returned the challenge with a confident smirk, selecting his own Pokémon. He reached for a Poké Ball and swiftly unleashed his choice, "Then let's see what you've got, Gold! Heracross, I choose you!"

*Pop*

Heracross landed with a thud, its massive horn gleaming in the sun. The Bug/Fighting-type Pokémon let out a mighty roar, ready to face the challenge, "Hera! HERACROSS!!"

The stage was set. The air crackled with tension.

Gold smirked as he made the first move, commanding, "Politoed, use Hydro Pump!"

*Splash*

With a powerful launch, Politoed unleashed a torrent of water. The Hydro Pump, aimed directly at Heracross, was a formidable attack, carrying immense force.

Azure reacted instantly. He swiftly ordered, "Heracross, use Megahorn to counter!"

Heracross braced itself, its massive horn glowing with a brilliant, concentrated energy. It charged, meeting the Hydro Pump head-on.

*SPLAT*

The Megahorn sliced through the water jet with terrifying precision, dissipating the attack before it could land a direct hit. The remaining spray splashed against Heracross, hardly fazing the powerful Pokémon.

Gold's eyes widened slightly. He hadn't expected Azure to counter so effectively.

His eyes narrowed, adjusting his cap as he muttered under his breath, "He's tougher than I thought..."

Azure pressed his advantage. He calmly ordered, "Heracross, now! Arm Thrust!"

*Wooosh*

Heracross didn't hesitate. It charged forward, delivering a rapid barrage of powerful punches at Politoed.

*SMACK*

*SMACK*

Each strike landed with a resounding crack, leaving visible marks on the water-type Pokémon. Politoed, overwhelmed by the sheer speed and force of the Arm Thrust, struggled to defend itself.

Gold yelled, desperately trying to regain the upper hand, "Politoed, hang in there! Use Ice Beam!"

*Pew*

Politoed, battered but defiant, unleashed a freezing beam of ice. The Ice Beam shot through the air, aiming to freeze Heracross in its tracks.

Azure anticipated the move. He swiftly ordered as Heracross follows his words, "Heracross, tank it with Protect and use Agile Style! Close Combat!"

*CLANG*

Heracross, agile despite its size, deftly tanked the Ice Beam with Protect, forming a transparent barrier, the freezing energy attacking the barrier. Seizing the opportunity, it lunged forward at frightening speed.

*SMASH*

Heracross unleashed a flurry of devastating blows, channeling its inner fighting spirit into a relentless assault. Close Combat, a technique that maximized both attack and speed, was a whirlwind of punches and kicks that left Politoed reeling.

Politoed, weakened and exhausted, finally succumbed to the relentless attacks. With a final gasp, it fainted, collapsing onto the dusty ground.

*Thud*

Jasmine is acting as referee, saw the battle as she answered neutrally, "Politoed is unable to battle! Heracross wins!"

Pikachu chirped excitedly, echoing Jasmine's announcement. Eevee nodded her head, barking happily, and Celebi clapped its hands.

Gold recalled his fallen Pokémon, his face a mixture of frustration and determination. He grabbed another Poké Ball as he declared defiantly, "Okay, so you're good. But this is just the beginning! Sudobo, I choose you!"

*Pop*

With a flash of light, the imitation tree Pokémon materialized, its rocky body and expressive face ready for battle. Azure, in response, recalled Heracross as he said proudly, "Good work, buddy. Take a good rest."

Heracross nodded as it was recalled, allowing Azure to choose a Pokémon known for its raw power and imposing presence. He hurled his next choice in an excited tone, "Ursaring, I choose you!"

*Pop*

The burly Bear Pokémon emerged, letting out a deafening roar that echoed through the trees. Its thick fur bristled, and its eyes locked onto Sudowoodo with predatory focus, "Gra! Ursa!!"

Gold calmed his breathing, maintaining focus as he commanded, "Alright, Sudowoodo, use Rock Throw!"

*RMBL*

Sudowoodo, despite its tree-like appearance, was a master of Rock-type moves. It slammed its rocky hands against the ground, sending a barrage of boulders hurtling towards Ursaring.

Azure remained calm. He calmly ordered viewing Gold's experience, "Ursaring, intercept with Ice Punch!"

*SMASH*

With surprising speed for its size, Ursaring charged forward, its arm glowing with powerful ice energy. It smashed the incoming rocks to pieces with brutal efficiency, the force of the impact shaking the ground.

Fragments of rock sprayed outwards, narrowly missing Gold. Gold yelled, shielding his face in a panic, "Whoa there! Okay, okay! Maybe I underestimated you a bit. Sudowoodo, use Mimic!"

Sudowoodo's eyes widened, and it began to glow, attempting to copy Ursaring's Ice Punch. Azure chuckled, seeing Gold's inexperience showing, "That's your strategy? That's cute. Ursaring, don't give it a chance! Use Strong Style! Slash!"

*Shinng*

Before Sudowoodo could fully master the Mimic technique, Ursaring closed the distance with terrifying speed. Its claws extended, becoming razor-sharp, and it unleashed a furious barrage of slashes across Sudowoodo's rocky body.

*Shinng*

*Shinng*

Sudowoodo cried out in pain, its rocky surface cracking and crumbling under the relentless assault. The copied Ice Punch fizzled out, leaving it vulnerable to being attacked.

Gold yelled in desperation, "Sudowoodo, no!"

Azure pressed his advantage. He calmly said, "Finish it with a final Slash, Ursaring!"

*SHINNG*

With a final, decisive strike, Ursaring's claws ripped across Sudowoodo's chest. The rock-type Pokémon fell to the ground, defeated.

Jasmine calmly declared, her voice ringing with authority, seeing Gold's Pokémon state, "Sudowoodo is unable to battle! Ursaring wins!"

Gold recalled his fainted Pokémon, a frown creasing his features. He grabbed another Poké Ball, showing his stubbornness as he declared, "Urgh! Alright, Azure, you got me on that one! But this isn't over yet!"

Azure returned Ursaring to its Poké Ball, giving praise for her hard work, "Good work, gal. You earned a rest."

Turning back to Gold, he called out with a sly grin, holding Pupitar's Poke Ball, "Alright, Gold, let's see what you've got. I'm just getting warmed up!"

The air crackled with electricity as Pikachu cheered from the sidelines, eager for the next round as the battle intensified in Ecruteak City. Eevee was the same, seeing the battle along with Celebi, looking genuinely interested in the battle.

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 150 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!