Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium, Stands]

The Dex Holders in the stands had they're eyes widened seeing the battle between Blue and Azure intensified. Gold couldn't help but utter in shock, "What the hell…?!! That Dragonite fucking destroyed the arena!!"

Crystal and Yellow gulped, seeing the damage up close. Silver had a trickle of sweat beading down his face as he muttered in disbelief, "This is unbelievable… I find it hard to believe… A move like that exists, or someone that can block a horde of Meteor showers like nothing… those two are amazing…"

Crystal, Gold, and Yellow could slowly nod, understanding this. Yellow muttered, holding Chu-Chu tightly, fondly said, "Blue-Sensei. He has grown strong, as expected of Blue-Sensei, but Azure's own Pokémon are strong…"

Green nodded her head, seemingly calm outside but startled inside. She couldn't help but add in a stunned tone, "Yeah… but that just means Azure is finally getting serious now. Both are playing at such a high level that I find it hard to believe that they still have tricks and plans this far in the tournament…"

Red, on the other hand, calmly observed the battle between Azure and Blue. He couldn't help but grin excitedly, eyes gleaming in yearning as he thought, 'Oi! Oi! You two got even stronger than before! Don't leave me behind as I want to battle you both head-on!'

The Dex Holders watched in anticipation of the match. All eyes were on the two as the battle between Mega Houndoom and Blue's Tyranitar stared each other off, awaiting their Trainers' orders…

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

In the battlefield stood the fierce Tyranitar with its held item [Muscle Band] wrapped around its head and the defiant Mega Houndoom. Both glared at each other, intently awaiting their Trainer's commands…

*Woooosh*

The sandstorm swirled around the battlefield thanks to Blue's Tyranitar's Sand Stream Ability, granting it a buff. And at the same time, the harsh sunlight of Houndoom's Sunny Day faded in the process.

Azure made the first move. He ordered swiftly, "Houndoom, Dark Pulse!"

*PEW*

Mega Houndoom lowered its head and unleashed a sinister wave of dark, pulsing rings. The attack shot through the swirling sand, slamming into Tyranitar's chest.

*BOOM*

The behemoth grunted, taking a step back, but it remained standing, weathering the hit with its incredible natural bulk. Adding the weather condition of a Sandstorm, Tyranitar, being a Rock/Dark Type, gains the benefit of having its Sp. Def raised by 50% for the duration of the Sandstorm.

Managing to survive Mega Houndoom's +2 Sp. Attack! Blue yelled fiercely, "Pathetic! It's our turn! Tyranitar, Stone Edge!"

*RMBL*

Tyranitar roared, stomping its foot. The ground in front of it cracked and splintered as razor-sharp pillars of glowing blue rock erupted from the earth, racing towards Mega Houndoom.

Azure's eyes narrowed as he commanded, "Dodge it with Double Team!"

*Wooosh*

Mega Houndoom, now boasting incredible speed, blurred to the side as afterimages appeared. The stone pillars shot past, hitting one of the afterimages, missing it, and shattering against the stadium wall.

The sandstorm, however, continued to chip away at its health. Azure knew a direct assault was risky, as he thought, 'I needed to cripple that Tyranitar! Lower its power!'

Azure swiftly gave the command, "Houndoom, use Will-O-Wisp!"

*Sssss*

A trio of eerie, purple-blue flames winked into existence around Mega Houndoom's maw, glaring intently at its target. With a flick of its head, it sent them dancing through the sandstorm towards Tyranitar.

Blue was ready. He swiftly countered, "Don't let it connect! Protect!"

*CLANG*

Tyranitar quickly protected itself with a transparent barrier, blocking the Will-O-Wisp from affecting it not getting burned. Tyranitar growled at the Mega Houndoom as Azure ordered, "Houndoom use Toxic!"

*SPLAT*

Mega Houndoom splattered Tyranitar in the eyes with poison sludge. It growled in contempt as Blue ordered, "Tyranitar! Rush in with an Earth Power!"

*RMBL*

Tyranitar charged forward, stomping its foot on the ground as it launched itself forward with the stone pillar from using Earth Power. As it lunged forward, Azure countered, "Houndoom! Strong Style Flamethrower!"

*Sssss*

Mega Houndoom unleashed a stream of fire directed at Tyranitar. It endured the hit, growling at the burn it received, but Blue continued by following up, "Charge ahead! Use Crunch to hold it down!"

*CRUNCH*

The Flamethrower's fire now clung to Tyranitar's rocky hide, and it bellowed in frustration as the burn took hold, sapping its strength… but its charge didn't stop, however. The Crunch slammed into Mega Houndoom, who yelped as the powerful jaws clamped down.

Seeing the dire situation, Azure countered fiercely, "Houndoom! Pain Split, then switch into Agile Style Iron Tail!"

*SWAT*

Mega Houndoom pushed its body against Tyranitar, activating Pain Split, and at the same time, swatted its face, forcing it to back off. Tyranitar let go of the attack, feeling its energy drained as it growled, "Graoooo!!!"

Both broke away, panting heavily. Mega Houndoom was injured from the powerful attack but regained some health in the process, and Tyranitar was now suffering from a burn that would halve the power of its physical moves.

The crowd was roaring, captivated by the high-level exchange. Blue snarled, a fierce grin on his face as he ordered, "You've weakened its attack, but you're in range now! Tyranitar! End it with an Earthquake!"

At the same time, Azure countered, making a huge gamble, "I was counting on it! Houndoom! Strong Style! Overheat!"

*RMBL*

Tyranitar reared up and slammed its feet down with cataclysmic force as the ground beneath it shook. The entire battlefield buckled and shook, a powerful shockwave racing towards Mega Houndoom as it took its stance.

*SSSS*

Simultaneously, Mega Houndoom opened its jaws wide, gathering all of its internal fire. An immense, swirling vortex of searing flame erupted forth, a blast so intense it momentarily evaporated the sandstorm in its path.

*BOOOOM*

The two elemental forces met in the center of the stadium. A deafening explosion of fire and earth rocked the arena.

*POOOOOF*

A plume of dust and smoke blotted out the view. On Azure's shoulders, Pikachu watched with wide, tense eyes as did Eevee standing by his side.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, as the dust began to settle, the forms of both Pokémon were revealed.

Tyranitar was on one knee, its body flickering with the embers of the burn, before it finally slumped forward, its massive body crashing to the ground. Across the field, Mega Houndoom stood for a single, triumphant second before the exertion of Overheat and the damage it had sustained overwhelmed it.

*THUD*

Its Mega Evolved form flickered and dissolved, and the regular Houndoom collapsed, unable to battle. The referee declared, raising both flags, "Both Tyranitar and Houndoom are unable to battle! This round is a draw!"

/////

[Hoenn Region, Litteroot Town – Birch's Lab]

"Both Tyranitar and Houndoom are unable to battle! This round is a draw!"

Inside Littleroot Town in the Hoenn Region, a young girl was watching the battle between Blue and Azure intensify to a draw. The girl exclaimed excitedly, "A draw?! After such an intensive battle, that's how they ended up! SO COOL~"

The girl, seemingly wearing jungle-woman attire, grinned eagerly with long nails and sharp fangs grinned excitedly seeing the match on a Rotom TV. Next to her was Aron, chirping excitedly, "Arrron!!"

Stopping herself, she spoke to Aron, revealing his nickname as she declared proudly, "Heh! No worries, Rono! Someday, we'll become the greatest Master Pokémon Trainer! Just like our idol Azure Sky!!"

She blushed lightly just thinking of the chance of having her fangirl moment. But then a new voice echoed out, revealing it to be Prof. Birch as he yelled, "SAPPHIRE! Have you seen my Rotom Phone at?! I need it for research!!"

The girl, revealed to be Sapphire, cheekily grinned for once focused her attention on the Pokémon. Match replied, "No idea, Dad! I'm busy watching the Indigo League Pokémon Match of my dream idol against Blue Oak!!"

Returning her attention to the Rotom TV, Sapphire shook in excitement. She thought happily, witnessing their battle, 'Now this is what Pokémon battle is all about! I wonder how my idol would deal with Blue Oak!!'

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

The stadium erupted. A double knockout in the first round of the semi-finals.

Azure recalled his faithful Houndoom to its Poké Ball, whispering in a quiet, soft voice, "Thank you, girl."

Across the field, Blue did the same, his confident smirk gone, replaced by a look of grudging respect. Blue called out, grabbing his next Poké Ball, "Not bad, Sky... but the time for games is over, for I shall win!"

Azure met his intense gaze, a determined fire in his own eyes. On his shoulder, Pikachu sparked its cheeks, and Eevee gave a small, determined expression from his side.

Azure reached for his next Pokémon from his belt. He looked down as he thought, quickly forming a plan, '3 down and 3 left. Skarmory is at half power, and Eevee is at full. But Blue's Scizor is also at full strength and still has his Charizard… which means it's time to bring out my final Pokémon I haven't chosen yet.'

Azure slowly smiled as he felt his heart race and shook excitedly. Blue grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt with a flourish, enlarging it with a sharp tap as he declared seriously, "Go! Show them your power, Charizard!"

*Pop*

With a flash of red light, a colossal, winged reptile materialized, letting out a ground-shaking roar that sent a blast of heated air across the field. Its orange scales seemed to smolder under the stadium lights, and the flame on its tail burned with ferocious intensity. Charizard.

Azure's expression didn't waver. Azure reached for his own Poké Ball as he declared, "Your turn, my friend. Let's cool things down, Blastoise!"

*Pop*

The Pokémon that emerged was Charizard's antithesis. A bipedal tortoise of immense size, its blue-shelled body was a fortress, and the twin water cannons protruding from its carapace gleamed with latent power.

*Thud*

Blastoise stomped a foot, the sound echoing like a drumbeat, unflinching before Charizard's fiery presence. Around its neck was the held item, Leftovers for health recovery, useful for long-lasting fights.

A murmur went through the crowd. A classic, elemental showdown.

Fire against Water. On paper, Azure had a distinct advantage. Blue scoffed, though his eyes were sharp, calculating as he ordered, "Hmph. Predictable! Charizard, take to the skies! Dragon Dance!"

*Fwp*

Charizard beat its powerful wings, ascending in a spiral of orange and blue. As it circled high above, a draconic aura flared around it, sharpening its movements and heightening its power by +1 Attack and Speed.

Azure's eyes narrowed as he saw Blue's Charizard avoiding direct combat as he muttered to himself, "He's boosting his speed and attack, trying to negate the type disadvantage with sheer force. Not a bad plan…"

Pikachu chirped in agreement from his shoulder. But Azure grinned as he ordered, "We won't let him! Blastoise, use Aqua Jet, to follow that Charizard!"

*SPLASH*

Blastoise, coated in water of Aqua Jet, rises into the air, flying after Charizard in the sky. The Flame Pokémon's eyes narrowed as Blastoise was charging straight at it.

Blue commanded instantly, seeing Blastoise going after it, declared, "Charizard! Clash head-on! Thunder Punch!"

*Zzzz*

Charizard's fists were coated in electricity as it dived down, intending to meet Blastoise in a head-on confrontation. Azure's eyes narrowed as he countered, "Blastoise counter it with an Ice Punch using your momentum!"

*CRACKLE*

Blastoise coated its fists with ice as it reeled itself back, intending to clash with Charizard for a head-on fist fight. Both fists of electricity and ice collided, sending sparks and ice particles all over the battlefield.

Both backed off as Charizard flapped its wings into the air, and Blastoise free-falling to the ground, but their eyes were targeted at each other. Azure swiftly commanded, "Blastoise! Go after it with Hydro Pump and slam into it with a Skull Bash!"

*Click*

Readjusting its cannons on its lower part of its shell, Blastoise grinned. It was suddenly propelling itself upward to Charizard like a rocket, and in the process…

*SPLASH*

… Blastoise's body is coated in a silver aura as it prepares its head, intending to slam into Charizard. However, Blue was quick, recognizing the move, swiftly ordered, "Dodge using Smokescreen!"

*POOOF*

Charizard unleashed black smoke from its mouth and, with its newly enhanced speed, managed to sidestep away from the incoming Blastoise. As they dodged, their eyes locked to each other, both determined to fight to the end as the smokescreen cleared.

*Wooosh*

Managing to avoid the attack, Blue swiftly ordered, "Charizard! Rock Slide!"

*Swf*

Charizard raised its claw as multiple white rings of energy appeared above and around the Stadium ceiling. Then from those while rings…

*RMBL*

… boulders then fall and rain over Blastoise's direction. However, Azure swiftly countered the situation, "Blastoise! Use Agile Style Whirlpool!"

*SPLASH*

Blastoise halted its attacks as it opened its mouth it releasing a whirlpool from its mouth, managing to block the incoming boulders. Then it raises its arms, holding the whirlpool containing the boulders, tossing it towards Blue's Charizard!

*Wooosh*

Charizard's eyes narrowed, seeing the incoming Whirlpool containing boulders inside as Blastoise free-falls to the ground. Blue's eyes narrowed as he swiftly ordered, "Charizard! Quick use Dig!"

*RMBL*

Charizard dived bomb down to the ground as it used Dig, surprising Azure. Effectively dodging the attack as Charizard dived down into the earth dodged the attack as Blastoise withdrew into its shell for protection.

*THUD*

Blastoise landed safely, being tucked into its shell that absorbed the impact. And at the same time, Charizard managed to dig underneath it, landing the first hit as it came out from the ground underneath Blastoise.

*BASH*

*Fwp*

Having attacked Blastoise's under shell, it flapped its wings, taking to the sky. Blastoise came out from its shell, taking a few bites from Leftover to recover some health as it glared hatefully at it in the sky.

Given the chance as Charizard escapes to the sky, Azure ordered, "Blastoise! Strong Style! Hydro Pump, full power!"

*SPLASH*

Blastoise braced itself, the cannons on its back retracting slightly before blasting two gargantuan jets of water into the air. The streams twisted together, a high-pressure drill aimed at the airborne Charizard.

Blue commanded instantly, seeing the incoming Hydro Pump, "Dodge and use Flamethrower on the field!"

*Wooosh*

With its newly enhanced speed, Charizard banked sharply, the Hydro Pump narrowly missing it and dissipating into a fine mist. Tilting its head down, Charizard unleashed a torrent of fire, not at Blastoise, but at the battlefield below.

*Sssss*

The battlefield sizzled, turning the water from Blastoise's water attacks that fell to the ground, evaporating it and creating a massive cloud of steam that billowed upwards, obscuring the battlefield. Azure's eyes widened, realizing Blue's plan as he muttered, surprised, "A smokescreen of steam! Clever."

He couldn't see Charizard, but he could feel the heat. Unable to see Azure ordered, "Blastoise, standby! Use Withdraw to bolster your defense and Aqua Ring!"

Blastoise tucked its limbs and head slightly into its shell, the hard carapace glowing with defensive energy. Azure tried to see where Charizard was, through the smokescreen from the burned area.

Before Blastoise could use Aqua Ring, its instincts flared, detecting danger as its limbs and head shot out by instinct. Moments later, a shadow dove from the steam cloud as Blue roared, "Now! Thunder Punch!"

*SMASH*

Charizard's fist crackled with a blinding yellow electricity, a devastating surprise attack. It slammed its electrified fist into Blastoise's head.

Being a Water-type, Blastoise was critically vulnerable. The shock was immense, and the mighty Pokémon staggered back, groaning in pain, "Blastoiseee!!"

The crowd gasped, seeing the display. Azure called out, concern lacing his voice, "Blastoise, are you alright?"

Blastoise responded with a determined grunt, shaking its head to clear it, "Blast! Blastoise! (I'm good, boss!)"

Azure sighed in relief, then turned to face Blue's Charizard. His gaze hardened as he ordered, "Good. Use Ice Beam on the ground! Create our battlefield!"

*PEW*

Ignoring the flying threat for a moment, Blastoise aimed its mouth downward and fired a beam of pure cold. The scorched, steaming water was instantly coated in a sheet of slick, treacherous ice.

*Thud*

Charizard, landing to steady itself after the punch, slipped, its claws finding no purchase. Azure commanded, "Now, Rapid Spin while aiming up!"

*Zoooom*

Blastoise withdrew into its shell and began to spin at a dizzying speed, a blue-and-brown whirlwind careening across the ice. The momentum built until, with a final command from Azure, it launched itself into the air like a cannonball, directly at the off-balance Charizard, regaining its standing.

*BOOOM*

The impact was thunderous. Charizard was sent flying, but Blue ordered coldly, "End it, Charizard! Seismic Toss!"

*Snap*

Charizard's eyes widened, hearing his voice as it flaps its wings, unleashing a roar, "Char! CHARIZARD!!!!"

*THUD*

Slamming its foot down, halting its momentum, it then dashed forward, grabbing the surprised Blastoise by its shell. The determined glint in its eyes shone as it caught the Blastoise, rose into the air, and threw them into the ground.

*BOOOM*

Blastoise roared in pain, being tossed, "Blas!!"

But Blue didn't allow Blastoise the chance to counterattack as he ordered, "Now! Charizard! Thunder Punch!"

*Zzzz*

Sparks ignited on Charizard's claws as it lunged down, flapping its wings, dive-bombing to gain momentum to get its strike. However, Azure was quick to react, "Protect now, Blastoise!"

*CLANG*

Blastoise's eyes snapped open, conjuring the transparent barrier of Protect in time, blocking Charizard's attack. But with its shell on the ground, it left little time to flip itself over as Blue roared, "Again, Charizard! Thunder Punch!"

Sparks of electricity shone on its claws, intending to give another devastating punch to the Shellfish Pokémon. Yet Azure countered as Blastoise readjusted itself, "Now! Agile Style! Flip Turn!"

/////

[Galar Region, Isle of Armor – Master Dojo]

Meanwhile, within the Galar Region, on a secluded island named the Isle of Armor, a former champion was watching the match with genuine interest as he heard from his Rotom TV in his dojo, "Now! Agile Style! Flip Turn!"

The former Champion leaned a bit closer with a raised eyebrow as he uttered, childishly leaning his back against the couch, "Oh? I didn't realize this kid was using one of our Dojo's exclusive moves, such as the Flip Turn?"

The former Champion was revealed to be Mustard, a former Fighting-type Gym Leader and Champion of Galar. In the past, Mustard used to be a Fighting-type Gym Leader.

He became the Galar League Champion soon after a heated battle with Opal about 50 years before the events of Sword and Shield, a position which he managed to hold for 18 years, longer than any other League Champion before or since.

Mustard retired from the Galar League entirely and traveled around the world until he bought an unnamed island off the coast of Galar and named it the Isle of Armor, setting up his Master Dojo there to teach people about Pokémon battles.

One of his students was Leon, who would go on to become a Champion himself one day as well, despite failing to finish Mustard's training due to his horrible sense of direction preventing him from finding the Towers of Two Fists.

But currently, he observed the battles of Azure thus far as he muttered critically, eyeing his battling style in a cheeky voice, "Strong and Agile Style, huh? I wonder if a previous student of mine taught him the moves Grassy Glide and Flip Turn. Hmm… Nah. I'm curious what he does now as his out of tricks."

Mustard curiously immediately dismisses his moves being used as he chills, seeing the match. Grabbing a handful of Popcorn from a bowl nearby, he chowed down, seeing the upcoming match between the two reach its peak…

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

*SMACK*

Withdrawing into its shell, Blastoise flips its shell just in time to smack Charizard in the face, forcing it back. But in doing so, Blastoise was suddenly switched in for another of Azure's Pokémon in its place as Charizard recoiled from the hit, staggering back.

*Wooosh*

Azure swiftly ordered, bringing out Eevee, "Eevee! Quick Attack!"

No words were needed as Blue ordered swiftly, "Charizard! Fly now!"

*FWP*

Just in the nick of time, Charizard flapped its wings to avoid a brown blur almost slamming into it. It quickly grabbed its held item, waiting for this moment as Azure's eyes narrowed, 'It held the Sitrus Berry for this long! Not on my watch!'

Azure ordered as Charizard flew up, almost eating the [Sitrus Berry], "Eevee! Mimic Fly and use Agile Style Covet!"

*ZOOOM*

Immediately, Eevee used Mimic to copy Fly as it lunged at great speed and used Covet as it slammed against Charizard. Eevee waves one of its paws at Charizard, stealing their held item and eating the [Sitrus Berry].

*GULP*

Eevee gulped the [Sitrus Berry] as it happily cried out, "Bui! (So good – Ack!)"

*Shiii*

But as it got close to Charizard, it grabbed Eevee in flight. A noticeable red aura veiled Charizard, indicating its ability is about to activate, having nearly reached its health threshold for it to activate, glaring at Eevee.

Grabbing Eevee as they were in the air, Blue ordered, "Charizard! Fire Punch!"

*Sssss*

Charizard creates an orange flame between its hands and grabs it, engulfing its hand in fire. It then proceeds to punch Eevee with its reeling fists. But Azure countered as he yelled out loud, "Eevee! Confusion!"

*Shiii*

Using Confusion at the last second, Eevee's eyes shone a light blue, temporarily controlling Charizard's claws. Using its psychic power of Confusion, it managed to alter the trajectory of Fire Punch.

*WOOOSH*

Avoiding any serious damage on time, Eevee barked, "Eevow!!"

*SHIII*

Managing to get itself out of Charizard's grasp, its Confusion turns into a sphere of energy that surrounds itself, managing to keep itself afloat while forcing Charizard to back off from the energy sphere. Charizard, seeing this, backed off immediately.

*Fwp*

Flapping its wings away from Eevee. Its eyes glared as it roared, "CHARRR!!!"

*BOOOOM*

A booming red aura veiled Charizard as its tail of fire intensified greatly. Charizard reached its ability Blaze in its full glory.

Azure frowned, seeing this, as Blue smirked as he muttered, "Finally, partner… time to unleash your power!"

Blue wasted no time. He ordered his Charizard fiercely, "Charizard! Show them what real power is! Flamethrower!"

*Sssss*

Charizard inhaled deeply, its throat glowing like a furnace. With a mighty bellow, it unleashed a torrent of searing fire that raced across the sky, turning the air to shimmering heat heading towards Eevee's direction.

Azure commanded, his voice sharp and precise, "Eevee! Return to ground!"

*Swoosh*

Using its confusion, it pulled itself down to ground level, avoiding the Flamethrower from the sky landing on the ground. But Blue was persistent as he ordered, "Charizard! Keep going after that Eevee!"

*Sssss*

Charizard breathed out Flamethrower while having the air superiority as the searing flames raced across the battlefield. Azure commanded swiftly, "Eevee, dodge and use Agile Style Quick Attack!"

*Zoooom*

Like a russet blur, Eevee shot to the left. The jet of flame scorched the ground where it had stood just a second before.

Eevee moved with impossible speed, a low-slung missile of fur and determination. It weaved under the intensive firepower Charizard was producing.

Blue's eyes narrowed, seeing the exhaustion showing on Charizard's expression as Eevee dodged its attacks. Blue scoffed as he ordered, "Charizard, take to the sky! End it with Dragon Claw!"

*FWP*

With a powerful downbeat of its wings, Charizard launched itself into the air, climbing high above the battlefield to the sky. It dove steeply, its claws glowing with an eerie, draconic green energy.

DJ Mary shouted through the speakers, "He's too fast in the air!"

Azure was unfazed. This was exactly what he'd anticipated as he countered, "Eevee, use Double Team!"

*Wooosh*

Eevee's body shimmered, and in an instant, the field was flooded with a dozen identical copies of itself, all scattering in different directions. Charizard roared in frustration, its dive faltering as it tried to pinpoint the real target among the sea of illusions.

Blue yelled, aborting Dragon Claw in a determined voice, "It doesn't matter! Use Fire Spin and catch them all!"

*Sssss*

Charizard swooped low, unleashing a swirling vortex of fire that began to close in, incinerating the Eevee copies one by one. But this gave Azure the chance as he shouted excitedly, "Now's our chance! While it's focused! Eevee, Strong Style! Veevee Volley!"

The real Eevee, who had used the chaos to get directly beneath the low-flying Charizard, stopped dead. Eeevee grinned as its body glowed with a golden-white energy. Eevee's eyes locked onto Charizard.

*ZOOOOM*

Eevee, hearing this, lunged at Charizard, filled with a golden aura, veiling it as it fearlessly charged towards the Flame Pokémon. Blue's eyes went wide seeing this, "What?!"

Azure commanded, "Jump and strike!"

Using its powerful hind legs, Eevee leaped into the air, a feat of shocking athleticism. Eevee spun like a drill, its Veevee Volley aimed directly at Charizard's exposed chest. Eevee was too close for Charizard to dodge…

*BOOOOM*

… Eevee managed to land its hit as both were engulfed by a golden explosion, as a cloud of smoke filled the battlefield. It could be heard that the force of the impact sent Charizard flying, damaging its tough scales, drawing a roar of genuine pain from the Flame Pokémon, "Char! CHARIZARD – "

*THUD*

Charizard tumbled to the ground from the impact, lying defeated. Meanwhile, Eevee landed nimbly on its feet, happily tiptoeing over the unconscious Charizard as if owning its territory proudly.

The crowd was utterly silent for a moment, then erupted into a thunderous, disbelieving cheer. Blue didn't flinch seeing this outcome.

He simply recalled his Charizard in a flash of red light. He said calmly, "You fought well. Get some rest."

He looked at Azure, his expression turned serious as he said calmly, "Not bad. You forced me to my final Pokémon…"

Blue gazes at his final Pokémon Scizor's Poke Ball that's fully healthy as he thought calmly, '3v1 huh? It sounds bad, but this is quite good. Azure's Pokémon are all exhausted from battling Charizard, while my Scizor has its full strength.'

Blue closed his eyes, clenching his first Pokémon Poke Ball tightly. Blue slowly opened his eyes with a determined glint as he declared, "We'll fight to the very end. Scizor! Let's turn this fight around!"

*Pop*

He threw his Poké Ball, and with a flash of crimson light, a Scizor materialized on the field. Its metallic body gleamed under the stadium lights, its pincers, large enough to crush steel beams, snapped menacingly. It radiated power and cold, calculated lethality.

Azure's eyes narrowed as he noticed his Eevee's condition. Eevee's long ears drooped, its fluffy collar was matted with dust, and it was panting heavily from the exhaustion it'd sustained fighting Blue's Charizard.

His eyes met Eevee's. In them, he didn't see weakness; he saw unwavering loyalty and a fighting spirit that burned brighter than any Charizard's flame.

They had been through everything together from the beginning of Kanto, Alola, and Johto. Eevee was more than a team member; she was family.

Blue commanded, eager for the finish, the match quickly, "Scizor, let's end this quickly. Bullet Punch!"

*Zoooom*

Like a scarlet bolt of lightning, Scizor shot forward, its fist glowing with metallic energy. The priority move was too fast for a tired Pokémon to dodge.

Azure yelled calmly and precisely, "Eevee! Detect!"

*Shiii*

Eevee's eyes briefly shine yellow-orange and emit a trailing blue spark of energy, and it dodges Scizor's Bullet Punch. As it dodges, its body flashes yellow-orange.

*Woooosh*

Narrowly dodging the attack, Eevee was now close to Scizor. Blue's expression faltered for a second as he swiftly ordered, "Tougher than you look. But it won't happen again. Scizor, X-Scissor!"

*Shiii*

Scizor's pincers crossed and glowed with a sickly green light as it charged again. Azure commanded, "Now! Eevee, Quick Attack!"

*Zoooom*

Fueled by adrenaline, Eevee ducked under the deadly pincers with a burst of speed it shouldn't have possessed, the tips of the X-Scissor grazing the fur on her back. Eevee zipped past Scizor, creating distance.

Blue snarled eyes narrowed, growing impatient as he ordered, "You're just delaying the inevitable! Scizor! Metal Claw!"

Scizor lunged forward against Eevee, its claws sparking. But Azure countered, "Eevee, use Double Team!"

*Wooosh*

As Scizor lunged, Eevee began to glow, and in an instant, the field was filled with a dozen illusory copies of the small Pokémon, all panting, all looking just as exhausted as the real one. Scizor slashed through one, then another, the images vanishing into pixels of light.

Azure closed his eyes as he thought, 'This was it.'

The strategy was desperate, a one-in-a-million shot he and Eevee had practiced for just such a moment. Azure said, his voice ringing with newfound power, "Eevee, time to test out your abilities. Strong Style! Ember!"

*Ssss*

Eevee conjured a small ball of fire from its mouth as Blue raised an eyebrow, seeing this as he thought cautiously, 'That's what his betting on? I'll admit that – wait…'

*BANG*

A loud banging sound was heard as Scizor recoiled from a sharp pain in its stomach. But then its eyes widened as Eevee launched a small, condensed fireball, breaking the sound barrier...

*BOOOOOM*

… and next Scizor was engulfed by an explosion upon contact, as the small, condensed fireball exploded. Azure smirked as he thought proudly, 'Blue, I would like to present the Ember Sky Special Mach Only is complete. This shares the same concept as I used for Razro Leaf, but instead uses Ember in a form of a fireball and with a bonus of exploding at the end. It is a fireball after all. Not only that…'

*BANG*

*BOOOOOM*

*BANG*

*BOOOOOM*

Eevee was rapidly firing those Embers at Scizor, boosted by its ability Adaptability, granting Pokémon to increase their STAB from 1.5 to 2. Meaning a Strong Style Ember Base power of 50 with Eevee's Ability and STAB equals a 100 Base Power Ember attack…

*BOOOOM*

With the final Ember shot, Scizor was finally taken down. And it didn't help that its 4x Weakness to fire wasn't helpful in its situation.

*THUD*

The stadium erupted in cheers. Azure let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding as the referee declared, with Scizor fainting on the ground, "Scizor is unable to battle! The winner is Azure Sky!"

The stadium erupted, shattering the stunned silence with a thunderous wave of sound. The cheers were deafening, a mix of disbelief and roaring appreciation for a highly intense Pokémon battle.

Azure stood frozen for a moment, then a wide, genuine smile broke across his face. Blue walked across the field, his expression calm. He said respectfully, recalling his Scizor, "I completely underestimated your Pokémon Sky. You fought strongly."

Azure smirked, an equal respect in his gaze. He slyly grinned as he said proudly, "Thank you, Blue. You were a tough opponent who kept me on my toes. You truly become a strong Trainer, you've become."

Blue scoffed at this but slyly smirked at the comment. As the crowd continued its jubilant roar, Azure recalled his tired Eevee as he turned to leave.

The Semi-Finals with Blue were nerve-racking as it was challenging. But then, within the crowd, as Azure gazed at his final opponent, he grinned slyly, shaking in excitement, said, "I can't wait for our rematch, Red… you'll be my greatest challenge yet. Let's see how far you improved since last time…"

Azure adjusted his cap, shadowing his face. But everyone can see he was smiling, already thinking of a way to defeat Red, as Red eyed him back, thinking of his plan as he muttered to himself, "Sorry, Azure, but this time… this time I'm the one winning this rematch. You'll be the one to worry soon…"

The Tenth Pokémon League Tournament was far from over, and the challenges ahead would be even greater. The long-awaited rematch would soon be occurring…

/////

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

On a side note, how did you guys like the battle between Blue vs. the MC? Hopefully, I depicted Blue in a good light, doing his very best against the MC.

But no worries, the next and final opponent is Fire Red, the rematch the two have been waiting for is finally going to go down. I just hope it would be just as good or better when they first battled...