Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Blackthorn City – Gym]

The battle between the two continued. Clair lost 3 of her Pokémon: Dragonair, Gyarados, and Charizard, while Azure's Houndoom, Quagsire, and Ampharos still had 5 Pokémon left… this left a sting in Clair's pride.

Clair bit out, her voice tight as she grasped her forth Pokémon tightly in fury, "You are skilled, I'll grant you that. But you haven't seen true power yet. Kingdra, let's go!"

*Pop*

From its Poké Ball, a majestic Kingdra emerged, its serpentine body glowing with an aquatic grace. Its eyes, sharp and intelligent, fixed on Houndoom. Azure noticed its held item [Choice Specs] on it.

*Bdmp*

Azure's heart raced, knowing that in games, it would allow a Pokémon to gain a 50% boost to its Sp. Atk, but at the cost of locking into one move. But Azure thought worriedly, 'It locks only one move to gain the 50% boost per battle or entry in. Sadly, though in reality, it can still use its other moves, it just won't receive the boost, but one move can change the outcome in any battle from experience.'

This would be a critical moment. Azure, fully understanding the unspoken challenge and the emotional weight behind it, remained composed.

He reached for a Poké Ball, his fingers brushing against its smooth surface. He smiled as he said confidently, "Houndoom, return. You fought well. Mismagius, you're up!"

*Pop*

With a flash of light, Mismagius materialized gracefully onto the field. Its flowing, purple body seemed to absorb the ambient light, its three red jewels glowing ominously. It let out a soft, echoing cry, a sound that was both ethereal and a little spooky, "Mis~"

The air in the gym grew colder, thick with anticipation. It was Mismagius, a Ghost type, against Kingdra, a Water/Dragon.

It was an unusual encounter, but Azure had his reasons. Clair scoffed, a hint of disdain in her voice, but her eyes narrowed, searching for Azure's hidden strategy, "A Ghost-type against Kingdra? Kingdra, start with Dragon Pulse!"

*PEW*

Kingdra roared, gathering draconic energy in its mouth. Its eyes locked in on the Magical Pokémon thanks to its ability Sniper, keeping track of it. A shimmering, multi-colored beam of pure power erupted, hurtling towards Mismagius more powerfully than usual thanks to its [Choice Specs].

Azure smirked as he commanded calmly, "Mismagius, evade and use Will-O-Wisp!"

*Ssss*

Mismagius shimmered, dissolving into a wispy form just as the Dragon Pulse tore through its previous position, tearing through the battlefield. It reappeared behind Kingdra, ghostly flames flickering around its hands.

With a flick of its wrist, a small, malevolent ball of fire shot out, striking Kingdra. The majestic Dragon Pokémon recoiled in pain, a faint purple glow appearing on its flank – it was burned from the hit.

Clair's eyes widened slightly as she thought, 'A status condition so early!'

Her eyes narrowed as she barked, frustration simmering, "Kingdra, Aqua Jet, quick!"

*Splash*

Kingdra, despite the burn, launched itself forward, cloaked in a veil of water, moving with incredible speed towards Mismagius. Azure countered, his voice sharp, "Shadow Ball, Mismagius! Point blank!"

Mismagius unleashed a dark orb of spectral energy. It slammed into Kingdra just as the Water-type closed the distance, the impact sending ripples across its aqueous shield, breaking with an explosion occurring from the collision.

*BOOM*

Kingdra was pushed back, but its Aqua Jet still managed to clip Mismagius, dealing a glancing blow. Clair pressed, refusing to let up, "Now, Kingdra, Hydro Pump!"

*SPLASH*

Kingdra opened its maw, a torrent of high-pressure water erupting towards the still-recovering Mismagius. But Azure anticipated as he grinned, ordering, "Now! Agile Style! Future Sight Mismagius!"

*Shiii*

Mismagius' eyes glowed an ominous purple hue. Just as the high-pressure Hydro Pump was about to collide against the Magical Pokémon…

*Swf*

… It was then sucked into a wormhole created by Mismagius appearing in front of it. Clair's eyes widened in shock as she shouted, "What?! Where did – "

*Swf*

*SPLASH*

It didn't take long for the Future Sight attack to return behind Kingdra as its own Hydro Pump attack was redirected. The Dragon Pokémon's eyes widened as it recoiled in pain from its own attack, "Kiiii!!"

Clair's eyes widened as she gritted her teeth, seeing her Kingdra get sent flying by its attack. She thought bitterly, 'He redirected the attack! By using Future Sight instead of sending his attack into the future, he used my attack right back at me!'

Azure gazed at Mismagius as the Magical Pokémon turned to his gaze. They then nodded as Mismagius acted without his command. Just pure trust in each other.

*SMASH*

But not only that, Mismagius suddenly slammed into Kingdra as it used Pain Split. No commands were needed as they trusted each other. Mismagius regained some health while Kingdra panted, having its health split.

Seeing this, Clair quickly shouted, thinking fast, "Kingdra, Dive! Get into the lava!"

*Shiii*

Kingdra, with remarkable agility, plunged its head into the sturdy arena floor, its body glowing lightly, following swiftly until it disappeared completely. Clair's strategy was sound; Dive would keep Kingdra safe from Mismagius' moves and allow it to strike from below with a powerful Water-type move using the terrain to its advantage.

Azure frowned, anticipating the next move. He quickly said cautiously, "Mismagius, prepare for a surfacing attack! Use Power Gem!"

The ground beneath Mismagius began to rumble. Kingdra was moving rapidly, unseen within the lava, unhindered thanks to its Dragon typing.

Mismagius began charging glittering, diamond-like projectiles from its body, sending them scattering across the arena floor, hoping to hit the submerged Kingdra. Azure's eyes narrowed as he muttered, "… we missed."

*SPLASH*

Suddenly, a geyser of water erupted directly beneath Mismagius, Kingdra surging upwards, cloaked in an even fiercer Aqua Jet. Azure's eyes widened as he thought, 'It was too fast to give a command!'

*SLAM*

Kingdra slammed into Mismagius with devastating force. The Magical Pokémon cried out, staggering back, its ethereal glow flickering violently.

Azure urged, his concern evident as he yelled, "Agile Style! Dazzling Gleam!"

Mismagius, though reeling, gathered its remaining strength. Mismagius's body becomes surrounded by a field of rainbow-colored energy, which expands outwards and hits the opponent.

*Shiii*

Clair frowned, seeing the attack coming at them. She quickly reacted, "Trying to bait us? Not a chance! Kingdra, Hydro Pump!"

*SPLASH*

Kingdra, still close to Mismagius, wasted no time unleashing another Hydro Pump. The high-pressure water beam hit the rainbow-colored Dazzling Gleam as it pushed itself away from the incoming Fairy-type move.

Managing to avoid getting attacked, Kingdra almost landed on the ground…

*Shiii*

… Till it was caught in a veil of psychic energy. Alarmed Kingdra looked up to see Mismagius give a cute wink as it cried out, "Mis~ (Aw… did ya miss me? Here let me return the favor Dragon-chan~)"

*BAM*

*BAM*

*BAM*

Mismagius then proceeds to slam the Dragon Pokémon around on the floor like a rag doll, smacking it to the ground. Kingdra tried to break free, but the second it tried, Mismagius let go intentionally, as this made the Kingdra slip out.

*Shiii*

But then began to get bombarded with a Dazzling Gleam point-blank range. Kingdra then fell to the floor, fainting after that as Mismagius chuckled, "Mis! Mis~ (Gengar-Sensei was right! There is a certain joy in watching these worms squirm~)"

Clair's expression was a thundercloud. She recalled Kingdra, her hand trembling slightly as her team was getting destroyed by him.

She looked at Azure, her eyes blazing with an emotion beyond simple rivalry. Her voice was laced with bitter accusation, "You... you always were good at exploiting weaknesses, weren't you, Azure Sky?"

The unspoken 'just like you exploited Lance's' hung heavy in the air. Azure met her gaze calmly, a silent acknowledgment of her pain, but also a silent refusal to be swayed from his path ahead. He was a trainer, and he had a job to do.

Clair's face was a mask of disbelief and rising fury. 4 of her prized Dragon-types had fallen. Her hand was shaking with suppressed rage. She hissed, her voice barely a whisper, "You may be skilled, Azure Sky… but you have no idea what you've truly done."

Her eyes briefly flickered to Pikachu, Celebi, and Eevee, who stood protectively near Azure, before settling back on him. Clair took a deep breath, forcing herself to compose as she growled, "Fine… You've proven your skill. But this is far from over. Prepare yourself. You will face my true power... Fly Dragonite, show him no mercy!"

*Pop*

A colossal Dragonite, a pillar of draconic might, descended from above, its immense wings beating the air, creating powerful gusts that swept across the arena.

Wrapped around its neck was its held item, the [Dragon Fang]. Its roar shook the very foundations of the Gym, "Drooooo!!!"

Clair inhaled sharply, her body trembling slightly. 4 of her Pokémon were down, and Azure hadn't lost one yet. The bitter taste of defeat was familiar, but this felt different.

Each setback fueled the anger she harbored, sharpening her resolve. And now staring at Azure's calm expression as he thought, 'I'll show you! I'll break that calm façade you wear with my overwhelming might!'

Azure gazed at the Dragonite and merely sighed. Recognizing the threat, he said calmly, "You fought bravely, Mismagius. Pupitar, let's go!"

*Pop*

Pupitar emerged from its Poké Ball, its rocky body unwavering. It was the smallest Pokémon remaining, a stark contrast to the imposing Dragonite.

But Azure knew its potential. He had personally raised and trained Pupitar, confident in its strengths. Clair sneered as she said coldly, "Pupitar? You expect to defeat my Dragonite with that… pebble?"

Pupitar took offense to that as it growled. Azure said calmly, trusting his Pokémon, "Don't underestimate Pupitar, Clair. It's stronger than it looks."

Clair scoffed as she ordered, "Hmph! Dragonite, Dragon Claw!"

*Zoooom*

Dragonite lunged forward, its claws glowing with draconic energy. It was a swift, devastating attack aimed at ending the battle quickly.

Azure smirked as he countered, "Pupitar, Protect!"

*CLANG*

A shimmering green shield enveloped Pupitar, deflecting the Dragon Claw. The force of the impact shook the Protect Barrier, but it held.

Azure took the offensive as he ordered, "Pupitar! Strong Style! Rock Slide!"

*RMBL*

Pupitar unleashed a barrage of rocks, sending them hurtling towards Dragonite from above, leaving no time to evade. Dragonite deftly dodged the attack with relative ease as it looked down on Pupitar, "Droo!! (Tch. Stupid pebble!)"

Pupitar's eyes narrowed, hearing that disrespect. But Clair commanded, her voice echoing with urgency, "Dragonite, Hyper Beam!"

Dragonite gathered energy, a blinding light forming in its mouth. The Hyper Beam was a powerful attack, but it left the user vulnerable afterward.

Azure yelled, knowing his only chance was to avoid the Hyper Beam, ordered, "Pupitar, dig underground!"

*RMBL*

Pupitar burrowed into the ground just as the Hyper Beam was unleashed. The beam blasted into the arena, leaving a crater where Pupitar had stood moments before…

*BOOOM*

The force of the attack shook the stadium, sending dust and debris flying. Azure held his breath, waiting for the dust to settle.

He knew that Dragonite would be vulnerable after using such a powerful move. It was Pupitar's chance to strike.

The dust cleared, revealing Dragonite panting heavily, momentarily immobilized by the Hyper Beam recoil. Azure commanded at full strength, "Now, Pupitar! Emerge and use Strong Style Body Slam!"

*BOOOM*

*SLAM*

Pupitar burst from the ground directly below Dragonite, creating a powerful shockwave that shattered the stone arena. Dragonite shrieked as the ground buckled and swayed, disrupting its balance as it was slammed into the air by Body Slam.

It struggled to maintain its balance as it was attacked. But now, given the chance, its eyes glared disdainfully at Pupitar's smug grin. But…

*ZOOOM*

Dragonite grabbed hold of Pupitar with an Ice Punch, growling at it, "Grr… Drooo!!"

*BOOOM*

It dived bombed using Pupitar to create a crater in the battlefield as it began to wail down upon the Hard Shell Pokémon. It began to punch at Pupitar as it took the attacks, enduring the pain being inflicted.

*BAM*

*SMACK*

*SMASH*

Azure knew that Pupitar wouldn't be able to withstand another hit if this continued, as he clenched his fist. Azure gritted his teeth.

He had pushed Pupitar too hard. He had underestimated Clair's emotional strength and the power that fueled her Pokémon.

He closed his eyes, ready to recall Pupitar and concede the match… But seeing his Pokémon determined glare, Azure knew what to do.

His eyes narrowed as he ordered, trusting his Pupitar, "Hyper Beam!!"

*PEW*

Pupitar unleashed a Hyper Beam, and Dragonite backed off as it stood in place. Defiant as it glared daggers at Dragonite.

Cracks were shown on its body, and it was in pain. And yet defiant, refusing to fall, giving its battle cry, "PUP!!! ITAR!!!! (I WON'T GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT!!!)"

*Shiii*

Then, something unexpected happened. A surge of energy coursed through Pupitar's body. A blinding white light enveloped it, obscuring it from view.

Azure shielded his eyes, Pikachu, Celebi, and Eevee huddling closer to him, sensing the change in the air. When the light subsided, Pupitar was gone…

*THUD*

In its place stood a towering behemoth, a creature of immense power and primal fury. It is a large, bipedal, dinosaurian Pokémon with a green, armor-like hide covering its body.

It has two pairs of pointed teeth: one in the upper jaw and one in the lower. Several spikes of varying sizes protrude from the back of its head, neck, and shoulders.

Both sides of its chest, the center of its back, and its knees have two triangular holes. There is a gray, diamond-shaped patch of scales covering its belly and a smaller one on its back. It has three claws on its feet and hands. A ring of spikes surrounds the tip of its tail.

Azure and Clair's eyes widened, seeing the evolved form of Pupitar. Azure grinned proudly, declaring his new Pokémon name, "Pupitar, you evolved into Tyranitar!"

*Woooosh*

Tyranitar roared as it activated its new ability, Sand Stream roaring out loud, "Groaaa!! Raaaa!!! (I'm back and more powerful than ever!)"

*THUD*

Taking a step forward caused the battlefield to rumble in Tyranitar, the Armor Pokémon's presence. The sandstorm appeared by its command as it grinned smugly at the stunned Dragonite and Clair.

The Evolution had been triggered by the near-death experience, by the immense pressure of the attack, and by the unwavering bond between Azure and his Pokémon. It was a testament to their shared journey, their shared struggles, and their unwavering trust in each other that it finally evolved into the Pseudo-Legendary of Johto.

Clair gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. She muttered, "It…it evolved?!"

Azure stared at Tyranitar, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never seen Pupitar evolve before, and the sudden transformation was both exhilarating and terrifying.

He could feel the raw power emanating from the newly evolved Pokémon, the untamed energy that thrummed through its very being. He took a deep breath, regaining his composure.

He knew he had to act quickly. The evolution had given them an advantage, but Dragonite was still a formidable opponent.

Tyranitar gazed at Azure's eyes and nodded with a smug grin as it tied its [Muscle Band] around its neck like a bandana that fell from its evolution. This made Azure calm as they're bond, even when it evolved, still recognized him as someone important in its heart.

Tyranitar is a powerful Pokémon with an insolent nature, uncaring of others. It is extremely strong, and its thick, rocky hide gives it good resistance to all forms of attack. But Tyranitar cared for its trainer, Azure.

It recalled how he found him and formed a strong family with his other Pokémon. It recalled its guidance in its prior stages. It recalled the fond memories it made and the warmth of being with his team. The first encounter of the very battle it was in flashed in Tyranitar's mind, eyeing the Dragonite in front of it.

Its eyes narrowed and knew to trust him fully in this battle as it roared, "Raoooo!!! (Let's fight together!!!)"

Hearing Tyranitar's powerful roar, Azure grinned as their bond solidified, knowing their partner proudly. Azure commanded, his voice resonating with newfound confidence, "Tyranitar, let's do this! Strong Style! Stone Edge!"

Tyranitar roared, its voice a thunderous sound that echoed through the gym. It slammed its massive fists into the ground, summoning a barrage of jagged rocks that erupted from the earth and hurtled towards Dragonite.

*RMBL*

Dragonite, caught off guard by the sudden attack, struggled to evade the incoming barrage. Some of the rocks struck its wings, hindering its mobility.

Clair yelled, desperation coloring her voice, "Dragonite, use Dragon Claw!"

*CLANG*

Dragonite lunged forward, its claws wreathed in draconic energy, aiming for Tyranitar's chest. But Tyranitar was too powerful, too resilient. It barely flinched as Dragonite's claws scraped against its armored hide.

Dragonite's eyes widened as Tyranitar grinned smugly. Tyranitar roared again, its eyes fixed on Dragonite, "Raaaaao!! (Who's the pebble now!)"

*RMBL*

It unleashed another Stone Edge attack, this time with even greater force. The rocks slammed into Dragonite, sending it crashing to the ground.

*Thud*

The Dragonite lay motionless, its breathing shallow. But it stood back as the two looked at each other with Clair ordering, "RAIN DANCE!!"

*RMBL*

Dragonite starts with Rain Dance to make the battle more favorable to it in the showdown. As the rain comes down, the two Pokémon simply stand there…

*RMBL*

Then, the rumble of the rain clouds, the two roar and commence their final fight… the clash of Johto and Kanto Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon began. Both Trainers began to issue orders as their respective Pokémon followed instinctively, beginning they're clash.

"DROOOO!!!"

"GRAOOOO!!!!"

*Shinng*

Dragonite uses multiple Dragon Claws in desperation, but it tries to slash Tyranitar's head with its final strike…

*Wooosh*

The Armor Pokémon tilts it at the last second, making Dragonite miss and leaving it vulnerable. Tyranitar then uses Crunch on Dragonite's neck, and the Dragon-type begins to bleed…

*CRUNCH*

In agony, it uses Hurricane, flapping its wings, which surrounds the two Pokémon in wind, trapping them within...

*WOOOSH*

Tyranitar then grabs hold of Dragonite's wings and uses Strong Style Rock Slide as it summons boulders, landing down on Dragonite's back…

*Swf*

*RMBL*

*BASH*

Dragonite recoils in pain, being bashed in the head with multiple boulders along with harming its wings in the process. Blood began to come out from the hits, but Dragonite comes back and begins to bash Tyranitar's head multiple times, causing it to bleed heavily just above its left eye from multiple Ice Punches…

*BASH*

*CRACK*

*SMASH*

… Yet Tyranitar then lets out a roar and, with all its strength, uses a Strong Style Headbutt aimed at the head of Dragonite as the Dragon Pokémon is launched away from the force, landing away with a closed eye that's covered in blood, but the bleeding stops after a few seconds.

*BOOOM*

As the two Pokémon try to get up from their injuries, Tyranitar gets up much faster thanks to its training battling against Azure's Dragonite using Ice Punch when it was a Pupitar. It learned to take hits and hit them back much fiercer.

*THUD*

It stood up to take up the fight as Dragonite recoiled from the Armor Pokémon's Headbutt with the power to destroy mountains. Tyranitar grinned smugly as it used this as his opportunity to attack…

*WOOOSH*

With Dragonite recoiling in pain, Tyranitar unleashed Sandstorm along with its Sand Stream Ability. The rain ceased as the grains of sand and dust settled upon the battlefield once again as Tyranitar lunges forward…

*Tmp*

As Dragonite gets up, Tyranitar grabs its throat. Dragonite tries to use Flamethrower, but Tyranitar uses both hands to grip Dragonite's neck, causing it to choke back, and the attack is stopped in its tracks.

*Zzzzz*

Tyranitar then bends over and begins to charge electricity around its body. Azure looked surprised as he thought, 'Did… did Tyranitar just learned Thunderbolt mid-battle?!'

*ZZZZZZ*

Tyranitar's spikes then turn yellow as it fires its Strong Style Thunderbolt, focused into a condensed beam of electricity aimed point-blank at the startled Dragonite. The beam made contact, throwing Dragonite into the nearby Gym wall…

*BOOOOM*

… causing Dragonite to explode upon contact with the Thunderbolt. As the sandstorm ends and the dust is extinguished, Tyranitar yells out a triumphant roar, "RAOOO!!!!! (I've always wanted to do big bro Pikachu move once…)"

Dragonite lay on the ground, no longer able to battle. It had been defeated as Clair looked on in a disbelief expression on her face.

Silence descended upon the gym, broken only by the heavy breathing of Tyranitar. Azure stared at his newly evolved Pokémon, a mixture of awe and gratitude washing over him as he ran over, hugging his Armor Pokémon, "We did it, Tyranitar! You showed that Dragon Pokémon, whose real boss is!"

Tyranitar grinned, hugging Azure back happily, winning an important battle, "Graooo! (Yes! Victory for Tyranitar!)"

He had won, not just because of Tyranitar's power, but because of the bond they shared, a bond that had been forged in the fires of countless battles. Clair stood frozen, her face pale with shock at what had happened.

She had lost. She had poured all her anger and frustration into the battle, but it hadn't been enough. As she recalled her fainted Dragonite, a single tear escaped her eye, but she quickly brushed it away.

She approached Azure, her expression unreadable. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a badge, TM, and monetary reward, a shimmering emblem shaped like a rising dragon, as she said, her voice barely a whisper, "The Rising Badge…. You have earned it."

[Item: Rising Badge

Rarity Item: A+

Type: Key Item

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, Dragon-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]

[Item: TM Dragon Breath

Rarity Item: -

Type: Technical Machine

Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [Dragon Breath].]

Azure accepted the rewards, his fingers brushing against hers. He could feel the tremor in her hand, the residue of her pain, and her unwavering resolve.

He replied, his voice filled with respect, "Thank you, Gym Leader Clair."

He knew that winning the battle hadn't changed anything. It hadn't brought Lance back. It hadn't erased the pain of the past.

But perhaps, it had opened a small window for understanding, a tiny crack in the wall of resentment that separated them. He recalled Tyranitar to its Pokéball, then turned to face Clair as he said softly, "I know you have questions about Lance. I am willing to answer them, to the best of my ability."

Clair hesitated for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the floor. Finally, she looked up, her emerald eyes filled with a mix of sadness and curiosity.

Clair said hesitantly, her voice trembling slightly, looking at him, "Tell me… Tell me what happened to my cousin."

Azure nodded, knowing that the journey toward healing had just begun. He knew that there were no easy answers, no simple solutions. But he was willing to provide her with some answers she might be seeking.

He looked at his team, at Pikachu and Eevee, at Celebi hovering silently behind them. He knew that together, they could face any challenge, any pain, any darkness.

Because that was what it meant to be a Pokémon Trainer, to be a friend, to be a champion. It meant standing up for what you believed in, even when it was difficult, even when it hurt. And it meant offering hope, even in the face of despair.

Eventually, Azure walked out of the Blackthorn City Gym, the Rising Badge clutched firmly in his hand, the setting sun cast long shadows behind him. The victory felt bittersweet.

He had overcome Clair's formidable Dragon-types, channeled her raw frustration into a challenging battle, and faced the painful truth of his past actions head-on... and yet still followed his one true path...

... The path to becoming the Pokémon Master.

/////

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

On a side note, how did you guys like the battle with Clair? Was it good or bad?

Did you guys like the match between the two Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, how they went all out, getting bloody at the end with Tyranitar ending it Godzilla style? I figured to use Thunderbolt to end it as a homage to Larvitar admiring Azure's Pokémon, wanting to try it once it evolved into a Tyranitar.