Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Cianwood City – Gym]

Azure managing to defeat Chuck's Poliwrath left the fighting-type Gym Leader with 4 Pokémon remaining. But Chuck defeated his Skarmory first, as it left him with Hitmontop to clean up against his Poliwrath.

Now, Chuck, more determined, reached for his next Pokémon from his belt. He stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Azure's Pokémon as he said, hurling his next choice, "Show me what kind of spirit you've cultivated. Now, Breloom!"

*Pop*

With a flash of green light, Chuck's first Pokémon materialized on the battlefield. Breloom, a bipedal Pokémon resembling a mushroom, stood firm, its long arms ending in seed-like projectiles.

It exuded an aura of aggressive energy, its cap bobbing with impatience. Azure surveyed Breloom, noting its agility and its potential with status-inflicting moves. He raised an eyebrow as he muttered, "Flair? Breloom isn't what I call a Pokémon that has flair, but why – Oh that son of a bitch!"

But when he saw a purple orb around its neck, it was its Held Item [Toxic Orb]. Azure went wide-eyed as he saw the description of the item. He bit his lip as Chuck grinned, seeing Azure's expression as he realized what it was.

[Item: Toxic Orb

Rarity Item: A

Type: Held Item

Description: An item to be held by a Pokémon. It's a bizarre orb that exudes toxins when touched and will badly poison the holder during battle.]

Once Azure saw this, he quickly realized what Breloom's ability was as he murmured to himself in disbelief, "That motherfucker… his Breloom has the Poison Heal ability. This is gonna be a very annoying match."

He knew this wouldn't be an easy start. But he gazed at his Hitmontop as he thought calmly of the situation, 'But still I have my Hitmontop in good condition. Not only that, but it also has +2 Speed from its match against Poliwrath as it used Rapid Spin to get some distance away from it. But still… I gotta take this Mushroom Pokémon down!'

Hitmontop was a whirlwind of concentrated power, poised in its fighting stance and ready. Its determination was palpable, its stoic expression betraying none of the anticipation pulsing within.

Azure commanded, his voice clear and decisive, "Hitmontop! Rolling Kick!"

*Zoooom*

Hitmontop sprang into action, its legs blurring as it spun towards Breloom. It was a mesmerizing display of speed and precision practiced to perfection, a living top aiming for a perfect strike.

Adding onto its +2 Speed thanks to battling Poliwrath, getting the chance, Hitmontop came zooming at Breloom. The centrifugal force generated by its rapid rotation made its kick incredibly potent.

Breloom, however, was no stranger to swift opponents. It narrowed its eyes as Chuck responded, his voice booming, "Breloom, dodge with Double Team and then counter with Mach Punch!!!"

*Wooosh*

Breloom moved with surprising speed, its mushroom cap tilting as it sidestepped Hitmontop's initial assault. As Hitmontop spun past, its eyes widened, seeing multiple after-images of the Mushroom Pokémon, increasing its evasiveness.

Hitmontop's eyes became alert, trying to find Breloom among the fakes surrounding it. But then…

*SMASH*

… Breloom's fist shot out, a blur of focused energy aimed at the smaller Pokémon extending its arms like rubber. The sound of impact echoed through the gym as Mach Punch connected with Hitmontop's side.

Skidding across the field, wiping the wound off its face, Hitmontop staggered slightly, but its training held. It quickly righted itself, its arms spinning in a defensive posture. Despite the hit, its resolve remained unshaken.

Azure observed the exchange, his mind already analyzing the data. Breloom's speed was impressive, but Hitmontop's defensive stance had minimized the damage.

But that wasn't his concern; it was Breloom's Toxic Heal Strat that was an issue. His eyes narrowed as he thought, 'Okay, need a plan to get rid of that Toxic Orb. That thing is gonna live if I can… Eureka! I have a plan!'

Regaining his confidence, having a plan, Azure quickly ordered, "Good job, Hitmontop! Now, let's counter. Use Triple Kick!"

Hitmontop understood. It gathered its energy, its legs moving in a rhythmic pattern. Then, in a rapid succession of strikes, it unleashed a flurry of kicks, a quick jab…

*SMASH*

…a powerful sweep…

*BASH*

…and finally, a devastating upward kick.

*BOOOM*

Each kick was delivered with increasing force, building momentum with every movement. Breloom's eyes widened as the rapid-fire assault rained down upon it without mercy.

*SMACK*

While it managed to block the initial two kicks with its arms, the third, a powerful upward strike, caught it flush. The force of the Triple Kick sent Breloom spinning into the air, its mushroom cap wobbling precariously.

Chuck grinned, unfazed. He complemented Azure's Pokémon as he ordered swiftly, "Impressive, Hitmontop! But you'll need more than that to take down my Breloom. Breloom, use Spore!"

*Poof*

As Breloom descended, its red cap glowed. Tiny, shimmering spores began to drift from it, spreading across the arena floor, aiming directly at Hitmontop.

Spore was a debilitating move, capable of putting any Pokémon to sleep. But Azure grinned, given the chance, "Now! Use Agile Style! Thief!"

*Wooosh*

Instantly, Hitmontop lunged forward, slamming Breloom with a Dark-type move despite it not being super effective. But it did its job as it robbed the [Toxic Orb] from Breloom as it felt the force of the attack.

*Thud*

Landing down onto the ground, Hitmontop flinched as it was poisoned, holding the Toxic Orb in its hand. Chuck, seeing this, nodded as he thought, 'Oh? So, he took away my healing tactic. Not only that by allowing Hitmontop to be poisoned, he also effectively picked his poison of status effect, eliminating any chance of Spore landing Sleep and Paralysis. And his so smugly grinning… let's rain on his parade.'

Azure grinned as he found a way out of Breloom's Toxic Heal ability. But that was instantly ruined as Chuck ordered sternly, "Breloom! Toxic on yourself!"

*Splash*

Breloom shot up purple sludge from its mouth onto its mushroom head. It grinned smugly as it made a mocking gesture towards the two, "Bre! Breloom! (So what? I got to poison myself fools!)"

Azure's eyes narrowed as they twitched, annoyed by this. Chuck merely grinned as he made a plan that if Toxic Orb was taken, then he would have his Pokémon learn Toxic to poison itself, gaining the healing buff of its Poison Heal ability.

Chuck called out, his grin widening as he ordered, "Breloom! Sky Uppercut!"

*Boing*

Breloom, now back on its feet and feeling the sting of Hitmontop's kicks, focused its energy. Its right fist glowed with a vibrant blue, gathering immense power. It then leaped into the air, its fist aimed directly at Hitmontop.

Sky Uppercut was a powerful move, designed to hit airborne opponents with devastating force. Azure knew Hitmontop's reliance on its spinning could make it vulnerable to aerial attacks.

He had to think fast. He quickly countered, "Hitmontop, use Counter!"

Hitmontop understood. Instead of dodging, it planted its feet firmly, its arms held in a defensive stance. As Breloom's Sky Uppercut descended, Hitmontop braced itself for the impact.

*BOOOOM*

The impact was tremendous, a thunderous clash of power. Breloom's fist slammed into Hitmontop's guard, sending a jarring shockwave through the arena…

*SNAP*

… However, Hitmontop had timed its move perfectly. The energy of Breloom's powerful attack was absorbed and then reflected with amplified force.

*BOOOM*

Reflecting the move with Counter Breloom, caught off guard by the sudden surge of power, was thrown backward, its body slamming onto the arena floor with a grunt. It skidded back across the battlefield, eyes wary of Hitmontop.

The impact of the Counter was significant. Breloom struggled to get back on its feet, its mushroom cap drooping, even its Toxic Heal ability is trying to catch up to quickly recover it in time.

It was visibly shaken. Hitmontop was poisoned but never relented in the slightest, solely focused on the battle in front of it. Chuck urged, a hint of concern in his voice, "Breloom, get up!"

Breloom, despite its dazed state, managed to push itself up, but it was weakened. Azure, sensing a shift in momentum, seized the moment.

He grinned, getting the opening he needed. Azure saw his opportunity as he ordered, "Hitmontop, finish it! Use Aerial Ace!"

*Zoooom*

This time, Hitmontop launched itself into the air with incredible agility. It soared towards the weakened Breloom, its body a blur of determined motion as its arms and legs shone a white color, activating Aerial Ace.

With Technician, the Base Power of Aerial Ace increased from 60 straight to 90. The final kick was a powerful, arcing strike, delivered with the accumulated force of their earlier exchanges.

*SHINNG*

Breloom, too slow and too weakened to react, was hit squarely by the Aerial Ace. It was sent tumbling across the arena, its energy completely depleted. And being 4x weak to Flying Types didn't help its case, even with Toxic Heal Tactic.

*Thud*

With a final, faint tremor, Breloom collapsed, unable to continue. The referee announced out loud, "Breloom is unable to battle!"

Azure let out a relieved sigh, a small smile gracing his lips. He turned to Hitmontop, who stood proudly, its legs firmly planted.

He praised, giving a thumbs-up, "You did great, Hitmontop!"

Hitmontop responded with a determined nod, giving a fist pump, "Hit! Hitmontop! (You got it, boss!! I'm all fired up!!!)"

Azure chuckled, being able to translate his Pokémon's words or intent. Chuck, though surprised, maintained his confident demeanor.

He walked over to Breloom, gently patting its mushroom cap. He said softly, recalling it, "Good effort, my friend."

He then turned back to Azure, a spark of respect in his eyes. Chuck said excitedly, "You've got spirit, kid. That Hitmontop is a formidable fighter. Alright, that was two down. But the fight's far from over. Let's see how you handle this!"

Chuck returned Breloom to its Poké Ball and stepped back. He grinned, picking his next Pokémon as he hurled it out and declared, "My next Pokémon… be prepared, boy! Machamp, I choose you!"

*Pop*

With a guttural roar, a hulking figure materialized from behind Chuck. Machamp, the Superpower Pokémon, stood seven feet tall, larger than the average Machamp at 5'03, its four powerful arms rippling with muscle. Its expression was one of unwavering focus, its dark eyes fixed on Azure.

The sheer power emanating from it was undeniable. The battle began as Chuck ordered swiftly, "Machamp. Bullet Punch x4."

*BOOOOM*

All four of Machamp's arms reacted instantly before it even thought. For a single second, all four of Machamp's fists punched for about 500 punches a second, all aimed at Hitmontop as it immediately soared into the nearby Gym wall…

*BANG*

… Hitmontop crashed landed into the wall, forming a deep crater, already bruised and harmed from the sheer strength of the Superpower Pokémon, and fainted. Machamp grinned smugly, crossing its arms as Azure's eyes widened in concern, and muttered, "So fast! I barely had time to give a command!"

The referee announced out loud, "Hitmontop is unable to battle!"

Azure quickly recalled Hitmontop, thanking it proudly, "Thanks for the good work, buddy. Take a good rest."

Recalling Hitmontop, Azure was left with a dilemma as he looked at Machamp. He gazed at his belt as he quickly thought, 'That Machamp is bad news. It'll floor my whole team – no sweep them if I don't deal with it now. I originally planned Skarmory to set up to deal chip damage as long as possible, but…'

Seeing the situation, Azure took a deep breath and exhaled. Azure's mind worked swiftly. Machamp, four arms, devastating punching power, as he thought, 'A confrontation with Heracross, while potentially successful with the right strategy, could also be incredibly risky. Ampharos's electric attacks would be good, but Machamp's speed and power could potentially overwhelm it before it could unleash a decisive blow…'

His gaze fell upon Mismagius, the Magical Pokémon shimmering with an almost mischievous aura, veiling it. Its Ghost typing offered a significant advantage against a pure Fighting-type like Machamp.

Chuck's Machamp would be unable to touch Mismagius with its Fighting-type attacks, but he also considered that it also knew the move Foresight. Furthermore, Mismagius's natural speed and access to moves like Confuse Ray and Perish Song could sow chaos within Chuck's ranks.

But not only that, Azure also thought it had one edge over Chuck, 'Not only that… Misdreavus's evolution isn't well known yet… not everyone can tell what type a Pokémon is just by a simple glance. After all, the Pokedex was invented just for that.'

Having the element of surprise and knowledge on his side, Azure felt confident in the next course of action. He knew which Pokémon to get. Azure called out, his voice clear, "Mismagius! It's your turn!"

*Pop*

The spectral Pokémon ascended gracefully, its body flowing like wisps of smoke. It settled mid-air, its floating body adorned with a distinctive hat-like structure, and two long tendrils trailing behind.

Its eyes, glowing with an inner light, fixed on the imposing Machamp. Chuck's eyes narrowed as he remained cautious, 'Never seen this one before… but I can't fear the unknown without knowing what I'm dealing with.'

Chuck let out a hearty laugh. He gestured towards his Pokémon as he ordered, "Machamp, show them your power! Dynamic Punch!"

*Shiii*

Machamp's four arms blurred into motion. It lunged forward, a whirlwind of fists aimed directly at Mismagius. The sheer speed and power of the attack were breathtaking. The ground beneath Azure seemed to shudder with the force of Machamp's charge.

*RMBL*

But Mismagius was a creature of the ethereal. As Machamp's devastating punch hurtled towards it, Mismagius simply phased through the attack. Machamp's fists passed harmlessly through the spectral form, unable to connect with anything tangible.

A flicker of surprise crossed Machamp's face, a rare break in its focused intensity. This made Chuck serious as he thought, 'It was a Ghost type then – '

Before Chuck could give out a command, Azure seized his chance, "Mismagius! Hypnosis!"

*Shiii*

Mismagius releases a spiraling ring of psychic energy from its eyes at Machamp, putting it to sleep. Caught off guard, Chuck frowned as Azure gained momentum, "Perfect! Now Mismagius! Use Mean Look! Followed by Perish Song!"

Chuck frowned deeply, seeing that his Machamp could only be trapped. Mismagius sang loudly, and black waves of energy came out of its mouth, hurting itself and making crimson static appear over the opponent, hurting them as well.

Chuck frowned, recognizing the move. Perish Song was a dangerous gambit. If a Pokémon heard the song, it would faint after three turns unless it switched out.

Chuck said, his voice laced with a hint of grudging respect, "Perish Song, eh? A bold move, boy. But my Machamp is a veteran! Machamp, wake up! Use Foresight!"

*Thud*

Machamp finally woke up from its nap as its eyes glinted. It glowed, releasing a pulse of energy from its body, undoing any illusions and being able to hit Ghost Types.

The first turn passed. Machamp was still on its feet, but the Perish Song's effect was undeniable. The faint aura around it pulsed ominously.

Azure exchanged a glance with Mismagius. It had done its job. Now, it was up to the rest of his team to capitalize on the situation.

He knew he couldn't keep Mismagius out on the field indefinitely. Especially not against a trainer like Chuck, who would undoubtedly have powerful answers to a Ghost-type and the effects of Perish Song active.

Azure commanded, "Mismagius, retreat!"

He needed to bring in a Pokémon that could finish Machamp off before the Perish Song took hold, or one that could hold off Machamp's power. He considered Heracross, its Bug/Fighting typing, making it strong against Machamp, but its fire weakness was a concern, as Machamp could learn Fire Punch.

Ampharos, however… Ampharos, with its Electric typing, and moves it would stall. And its speed, while not fast, was the same speed as Machamp, meaning Speed Ties were enough for Azure to accept the risk.

He quickly recalled Mismagius into its Poke Ball. He took one from his belt, hurling it to the battlefield, "Return Mismagius! Now, Ampharos, your turn!"

*Pop*

With a surge of crackling electricity, Ampharos appeared on the battlefield, its tail lamp glowing brightly. It surveyed the scene, its large body radiating raw power.

Machamp, under the effect of Perish Song, was now facing a new threat. Chuck sternly ordered, "Machamp! Go all in! Dynamic Punch!"

*Shiii*

All four of Machamp's arms shone thanks to its No Guard ability, guaranteeing a direct hit. But Azure anticipated this time, prepared as he yelled, "Protect!"

*CLANG*

Just in time, Ampharos projected the transparent barrier successfully defending itself from Machamp's volley of punches aimed at it. The second turn passed. Machamp was visibly struggling.

Gaining the chance with Azure ordered with the battle of speed tie, "Now! Flash!"

*Shiii*

A bright flash of light blinded the Machamp and Chuck momentarily. Machamp stared its vision blurry directly at Ampharos after the effects of Protect wore off.

Machamp struggled to see as it wiped its eyes with Chuck ordering rashly, "GO! DYNAMIC PUNCH MACHAMP!!"

Machamp followed its trainer's commands as it rushed forward with its No Guard activated, intending to land the attack. But thanks to Flash, Machamp wasn't the only one momentarily blinded.

As Chuck's vision returned to normal. By then, his eyes widened seeing Ampharos no longer there as his head searched around, "No! It's not there, then where the hell did the Light Pokémon…"

Then he looked up. Chuck's eyes widened. He hadn't anticipated Ampharos's after using Flash to use Magnet Rise to casually fly up, avoiding Machamp's attack entirely.

Azure smirked as he sighed a breath of relief as he thought calmly, 'Whew… too close. I was fortunate that Chuck was also paying close attention. Flash not only momentarily blinded Machamp but also the Trainer, not seeing Ampharos trick before it was too late.'

The third turn. The Perish Song's effect reached its zenith. Machamp, caught in Ampharos's trick, trembled violently. Its eyes rolled back.

With a final, shuddering gasp, the hulking Pokémon collapsed onto the arena floor, defeated. The Perish Song had sealed its fate.

*THUD*

A stunned silence fell over the arena for a moment, broken only by the crackling of Ampharos's electric energy. Chuck stared at his fallen Machamp, a mixture of shock and grudging admiration on his face.

He walked over and gently patted his Pokémon's head, murmuring words of encouragement. Then, he straightened up, his gaze returning to Azure, a new intensity in his eyes. Chuck said, a slow, genuine smile spreading across his face, "Well. That was… unexpected. Your Mismagius, your Ampharos… and your strategy. You didn't just rely on brute force, did you? You used status effects, and you anticipated my moves. That's the mark of a good trainer."

Azure grinned at these words but also knew he had to be extremely cautious against the Gym Leader, whose roaring fists do the talking. He gulped as Chuck reached for his next Pokémon for his choice…

/////

A/N: Reach 100 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!