Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium, Stands]

Witnessing the finals match, the Dex Holders Blue, Green, Silver, Gold, Crystal, and Yellow all watched intensely at the incoming battle ahead. Green snickered lightly as she said mischievously, "Oh? So, when did Red start to copy Azure's Pokémon now?"

Blue chuckled at the jab Green was making as he examined Red's Arcanine, nodding in approval as he stated, "No idea, but then again, Red did need to change his strategy against him. What else than train a Pokémon he previously trained himself to understand his strength and weaknesses."

Green nodded as Gold muttered, seeing the battle between the two beginning to intensify, grinning smugly, "Those just began, and you can feel this pressure from them… They're both fighting at a higher level, so it's impressive."

Silver nodded, agreeing with Gold's assessment, as he added, crossing his arms, holding his Shiny Larvitar, eyes gleaming at the match excitedly, "Yeah… you can just tell from their eyes they're both excited about this. Finally, having an opponent to go all out against as they see which one falls to each other's tricks."

The group nodded in agreement at Silver's words as all eyes focused on them. Their gaze is intense, viewing the battle between the two…

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

Both Trainers eyed each other cautiously as Red made his move, ordering, "Arcanine! Roar!"

Arcanine took in a deep breath, but Azure countered, "Now! Baton Pass!"

Thanks to its +2 Speed, using Agility Scizor had higher priority outspeeding Arcanine to perform a Baton Pass. Raising its claw, it smirked as it was taken back to Azure's side, as Red's Arcanine Roar missed.

It dematerialized into a ball of shimmering energy, a glowing spectral 'baton' left hanging in the air for a split second. The Roar passed harmlessly through the space it once occupied as Red grew a bit concerned.

Red lightly frowned, fully focused on the battle in front of him as he thought cautiously, 'Tch. Seems like I failed to use Roar in time to get rid of its stat boosts. But depending on what he chooses next, I might have to switch in soon…'

With Scizor being recalled, Azure had to think who to send out as he cautiously thought, 'Too close. If Scizor had been a bit slower, I would've lost the perk of granting my next Pokémon +2 Attack and Speed. Scizor is good at battling, but even I don't want to give Red any advantages, including Type Match-ups… the better question would be who to send next…'

For a split second, Azure considered which Pokémon to handle the speedy Arcanine. He considered his options before ultimately settling on his choice. In the same moment, another Poké Ball on Azure's belt popped open.

*POP*

*THUD*

The ground trembled. A colossal shadow fell over the battlefield as Tyranitar returned to the battlefield, its roar a guttural, earth-shattering bellow that dwarfed Arcanine's, "Graooo!! (THE KING HAS RETURNED!!)"

*Shiii*

The spectral baton of energy shot from the air and slammed into the Armor Pokémon's chest. The red aura of Swords Dance and the shimmering glow of Agility enveloped Tyranitar's massive form.

*Woooosh*

Its already terrifying presence magnified tenfold. A vicious sandstorm immediately began to whip around the stadium, kicked up by its Sand Stream ability, chipping away at Arcanine's health.

The crowd was stunned into a momentary silence, which then erupted into a frenzy of shock and awe. On the screens, the commentators were shouting over each other.

Red stared, his fists clenched. Instead of facing Scizor, he was now facing a Tyranitar with doubled Attack and doubled Speed, a pseudo-legendary Pokémon turned into an unstoppable juggernaut.

On Azure's shoulder, Pikachu's cheeks sparked triumphantly, "Pika! (Go get'em!)"

Eevee let out a soft, confident cry, "Bui! (That's our boy!)"

Azure looked across the swirling sand at his opponent, his expression now serious. He smirked as he said smugly, "Your move, Red."

Red simply grinned at the challenge as he ordered swiftly, "Alright, you asked for it! Arcanine! Do it again! Roar!"

Arcanine took in a deep breath as it began to repeat putting Tyranitar away. But Azure, this time, was prepared as he ordered, "Not today! Taunt!"

Tyranitar grinned smugly as it roared at Arcanine, pulling its eye down, sticking its tongue out, childishly taunting it, "Groaa? Argh! (Ha! Only a coward like you fights dirty. Come and fight against me, puny mutt!)"

Arcanine, caught by Tyranitar's Taunt, halted its move as it growled hatefully at it. Red expression shifted to concern as he thought, 'Damn it! He locked me with Arcanine, not using its Roar. What to do here…'

Red's eyes narrowed behind his cap. He knew the sandstorm would slowly chip away at his Arcanine's stamina.

He couldn't afford a long, drawn-out fight. But he also couldn't let his other Pokémon get walled by Tyranitar as he thought cautiously, 'Since I can't use any of my debuff moves, it'll be a risk for my Pokémon to battle it. If that's the case…'

Red resolved his will as his eyes hardened. He swiftly ordered, having a plan, "Arcanine, don't let it set the pace! Use Extreme Speed!"

*Zoooom*

Faster than the eye could follow, Arcanine became a streak of orange and white light, rocketing across the field. It slammed into Tyranitar with incredible force before the larger Pokémon could even brace itself.

*BAM*

Tyranitar grunted, taking a step back, but stood firm. The attack was fast, but not particularly effective against its rocky hide.

Yet Azure remained highly cautious. Azure called out over the howling wind, "Impressive speed! But it'll take more than that! Tyranitar, Stone Edge!"

*RMBL*

Tyranitar stomped its foot, and jagged, glowing blue pillars of rock erupted from the ground, racing towards Arcanine. Red was ready as he roared, "Dodge it with Agility!"

*Zoooom*

Arcanine moved with breathtaking agility, weaving between the deadly stone spears as they burst from the earth around it. One almost grazed its flank, but it managed to evade the full brunt of the attack.

The sandstorm, however, did not miss, its gritty winds lashing at Arcanine's form. Azure analyzed the situation as he muttered, "He's too fast for a direct assault! Red is counting on that speed. His biding his time till the effects of Taunt are over…"

He looked at his rival, seeing the cogs turning in Red's mind. Red knew he was on a clock till the effects of Taunt were over.

But a nagging feeling was weighing over his head as he thought cautiously, 'But… is that all Red is planning here?'

However, Azure didn't have time to consider what Red's plans were. Red yelled, his voice cutting through the storm, "We'll break through that defense! Arcanine, full power! Flare Blitz!"

*Sssss*

Arcanine roared, its body becoming enveloped in brilliant, searing flames. It transformed into a living comet, a blazing inferno that scorched the very ground it crossed.

The heat washed over the entire stadium as it charged head-on toward the unmoving Tyranitar. However, Azure didn't flinch or wait for his chance as he ordered, "Tyranitar! Brace yourself and use Strong Style Crunch!"

Tyranitar lowered its head, its jaw crackling with dark energy. It wouldn't evade. It would meet power with power.

*BOOOOM*

The collision was cataclysmic. A blinding explosion of fire and shadow rocked the stadium as Flare Blitz met Tyranitar's armored body.

The crowd gasped as Tyranitar was thrown back several feet, a deep scorch mark on its chest plate, smoke rising from its hide. Azure's eyes narrowed as he thought, 'Damn it… so that was his plan!! Red was banking on the chance of a Burn condition on Tyranitar. Well played!'

But it was still standing. Through the smoke, Azure saw his opening.

Tyranitar had endured, although it now harbored the Burn condition. Arcanine, however, was reeling, heavily damaged by the recoil of its devastating attack and weakened further by the unrelenting sand.

Yet Azure didn't let this opportunity slip as he commanded, "Now!"

*CRUNCH*

Tyranitar lunged forward, its powerful jaws, still glowing with dark energy, clamping down on the exhausted Arcanine. The sound of the Crunch attack was sickeningly loud as Arcanine flailed from the pain, "ARF!!!"

*THUMP*

Before it can recover, Tyranitar pins it to the ground, biting it down harder with Crunch. As Arcanine thrashes about, trying to get away, Azure ordered, "End it, Tyranitar! STRONG STYLE EARTHQUAKE!!"

Tyranitar complied as it slammed its foot down over Arcanine's body. Then came the loud THUD, followed by the RUMBLE from the Earthquake attack…

*THUD*

Arcanine recoiled in pain, taking the hit from Tyranitar's foot, stomping it down. Then the shockwaves as Arcanine took the Strong Style Earthquake at point-blank range…

*RMBL*

… When Tyranitar slams its foot down into the ground above Red's Arcanine, it releases pulses of energy that erupt from its foot for a moment. A crack then travels along the ground and towards the downed Arcanine, taking the full brunt of the attack.

*Thud*

Arcanine gave a faint whimper and collapsed, its fiery aura extinguishing as it fainted. The referee's flag shot up on Azure's side as he declared, "Arcanine is unable to battle! Tyranitar wins the first round!"

The crowd erupted. Azure had taken the first victory.

He gave a nod to his powerhouse Pokémon, who stood panting but triumphant amidst the swirling sand. But Azure thought worriedly, 'Damn… Red was banking on Flare Blitz to burn my Tyranitar. This will be extremely dangerous from this point onward, with Burn…'

Red calmly recalled his loyal partner, a whisper, "Thank you."

He put Arcanine's Poké Ball before clipping it back to his belt. He looked up, his burning gaze meeting Azure's.

The loss hadn't discouraged him; it had only sharpened his focus. This was just the opening move in a grand chess match.

Reaching for his next Pokémon, a grim, determined smile finally touched Red's lips as he thought excitedly, 'Alright. The warm-up is over. Time for the real battle to begin.'

A silent agreement was passed between them. No words were needed. Red's arm shot out, his motion sharp and practiced as he declared, "Let's go, Pika!"

*Pop*

Hurling his Poke Ball with practice came out a familiar, high-pitched cry, and Red's own Pikachu landed on the field. This was Pika, Red's Pikachu, a flash of yellow lightning that had ended countless battles along with its Held Item [Light Ball].

It was the same size as Azure's Pikachu, leaner, built for pure, unadulterated speed. Azure's smile widened as he mumbled, "So he sent Pika against my Tyranitar, huh? It improved a lot the last time I battled it…"

While analyzing Red's Pika, the crowd murmured, anticipating a swift and brutal display of power from the pseudo-legendary. The size difference was comical—a mountain facing off against a spark.

But Azure knew better than to underestimate it. Azure gave his command, "Tyranitar! Agile Style! Stone Edge!"

*RMBL*

Tyranitar stomped a foot, and jagged, glowing pillars of rock erupted from the ground, hurtling toward the tiny yellow target. It was a move designed to corner and crush.

But Red was 'The Fighter' for a reason. His expertise wasn't just in power, but in flawless execution as he ordered, "Pika, Agility, now!"

*Zoooom*

Red's Pikachu became a blur. It didn't just dodge the Stone Edges; it weaved between them as if they were moving in slow motion, using the emerging pillars as springboards. In seconds, he had closed the immense distance between them, a golden streak against the green canvas of Tyranitar's body.

Azure realized, a flicker of concern crossing his face, "He's too close!"

Tyranitar was a fortress, but a fortress could be scaled. He quickly ordered, "Shake him off! Use Dark Pulse!"

Tyranitar roared in frustration, trying to dislodge the nimble Pokémon now scrambling up its back. Rings of dark energy began to form around it, but Pika was too fast, too close, working his way up toward the behemoth's head.

Red saw his opening. His command was cold and precise, "Now, Pika! Iron Tail."

*Shiiii*

Pika's tail glowed, hardening into a metallic, shimmering blade. Leaping from Tyranitar's shoulder, it spun in mid-air, a perfectly executed rotation that put all of its momentum and weight into the blow.

The Iron Tail struck the back of Tyranitar's neck, a vulnerable spot not covered by its thickest armor. Then…

*CRACK*

… The sound was a sickeningly sharp CRACK sound. Tyranitar's roar was cut short, replaced by a groan of pain. And in the process, the effects of the Sandstorm ended...

*Thud*

The titan's legs buckled as it could no longer endure, as the Burn damage chipped away. It swayed for a moment, its eyes glazing over, before crashing to the battlefield with a ground-shaking thud that silenced the entire stadium.

A swirl of energy signaled its faintness, followed by silence. Then, an eruption of disbelief and awe from the crowd.

Azure stood motionless for a beat, his hand still outstretched. He slowly lowered it, his smile completely gone, replaced by a look of grim focus.

He recalled Tyranitar in a flash of red light, the weight of the loss settling in his gut. It wasn't just a loss; it was a demolition.

Red and Pika hadn't just won this round; they had dismantled his powerhouse with a surgeon's precision. Red didn't cheer. He simply gave Pika a nod of approval.

The Pikachu landed softly on the ground, its breathing steady, its gaze already locked on Azure, ready for the next opponent, "Pika! (Bring it on!)"

Azure took a deep breath, the excited sparks from his own Pikachu's cheeks now feeling more like a warning. He had underestimated Red's growth.

The 'Fighter' had spent the last 3 years honing his skills, turning his Pokémon into instruments of strategic perfection, as Azure thought seriously, 'This wasn't just a rematch. This was a whole new battle.'

A slow, determined smile crept back onto Azure's face as he thought excitedly, as the Sandstorm finally faded away, 'This was exactly the challenge I had hoped for. Let's see how far we can push each other!'

Azure said calmly, his voice carrying clearly across the field, "Impressive, Red. Truly."

He reached for his next Poké Ball. He threw the ball high into the air as he declared, "But this game isn't over yet! Quagsire, take the stage!"

*Pop*

His Poké Ball sailed in a graceful arc, releasing not a creature of lightning or fire, but a stout, bipedal Pokémon with a vacant, almost dopey expression. A Quagsire with its held item [Mystic Water].

The crowd was baffled by Azure's choice against the speedy Pikachu. But for a few Ace Trainers, they understood the choice made for it.

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium, Stands]

From the stands, the Dex Holders observed Azure and Red's next choice for the second match. Green with a strained smile, he muttered, seeing Quagsire again, "Oh… he had to pick Quagsire to go against Red's Pika, huh…?"

Hearing this, Yellow, holding Chu-Chu, tilting her head, asked in a confused tone, "Huh? Is there anything special about Sky's Quagsire? He simply looks like a cute goofball to me, so why the tense caution, guys?"

Crystal had a strained smile, twitching when Yellow said that, as she mumbled to herself, "Try to battle it and you'll see…"

But from Blue's point of view, though, placing a hand under his chin, he muttered casually, adding to the conversation, explaining, "But it's a good choice in Azure's case. His Quagsire counters his trio power. Its Ground Typing nullifies Pika's Electric Moves. Its bulk and Water Absorb Ability nullify Red's Poliwrath Power and Water Moves. And with its coverage of Ice and Ground Type moves, his Saur would be cautious against it… that Pokémon is the perfect counter to Red's lineup…"

Seeing Blue's point, they nodded in agreement, realizing this. Silver also added in a serious tone as his Shiny Larvitar flailed happily at the match, "Not only that his Quagsire's Water Absorb ability going to be difficult to counter. All it would really need is to splash itself with water to regain health, and with the move Recover… It's simply a nightmare to battle in a match of attrition."

The group nodded seriously at this as Green mumbles, recalling her match with Blasty against Quagsire, bitterly agreed, "… Yeah. The last thing anyone needs is a battle of attrition against Quagsire, as it can heal itself with the Water or Recover move. Especially in an intense match such as the finals."

Blue nodded his head, agreeing with Green's words as he said casually, "True. But Red has his Saur Grass Type moves, which are 4x weak to Quagsire. It'll depend on who strikes first afterwards, but still the risk of losing Saur is there..."

Those who didn't battle Quagsire soon understood the dire situation Red was placed in as Yellow muttered worriedly, "Oh no… please get out of this, Red…"

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

Returning to the battle, Red's eyes narrowed as he thought cautiously, 'Quagsire. A Water/Ground-type Pokémon that perfectly counters Pika's Electric Moves. This isn't a fight to recklessly charge into. But if we can damage first…'

Red remained cautious against Azure's Pokémon. Azure took the first move as he ordered swiftly, "Quagsire! Earthquake!"

At the same time, Red countered, "Pika! Double Team!"

*RMBL*

Quagsire slammed its tail onto the ground, sending a big shockwave traveling across the battlefield. But Pika was quick, as it left afterimages using Double Team to avoid the attack entirely.

Red then followed up, "Now! Magnet Rise!"

*Zzzz*

Pika glowed with electricity as it levitated into the air. Azure gazed at the flying Pika in the sky as he ordered, "Quagsire. Bring that mouse down… Strong Style! Blizzard!"

*WOOOOSH*

Quagsire sends a strong blizzard from its body at the levitating Pika in the sky. Red's eyes widened, feeling the chill alarm as he thought, 'This cold wind! It's almost certainly weaker than Articuno's own Blizzard! We can't get hit!'

Red, alarmed, quickly ordered, "Pika! Fake Out!"

*SLAP*

Pika claps its hands together, and a beam of energy comes out of them and hits Quagsire, causing it to flinch. But in the process, interrupted by the Blizzard move as Azure's eyes narrowed as he muttered, "So he blocked it. Even dealt some damage, but Red can't keep flying in the air forever."

Azure slowly grinned as he ordered, "Quagsire! Set up Stealth Rock!"

Red's eyes widened as Quagsire materialized rocks surrounding its body. It then flew them into the air, but before they turned invisible, Red quickly countered, "Pika! Thunderbolt on them now!"

*Zzzz*

Pika unleashed a series of powerful Thunderbolts as it attempted to destroy them. But Azure grinned as he thought, 'And we got'em folks!'

Azure smiled, seeing Red fall for his trap, destroying the stealth rocks, giving himself a chance to counterattack Pika in the air. Azure swiftly ordered, "Quagsire! Follow that mouse with Strong Style! Waterfall!"

*SPLASH*

Quagsire grinned as it released a stream of water into the air from its mouth. The water can stay in the air long enough for Quagsire to swim across the top of it as well. The water began to turn into a column rising into the sky.

Quagsire swims up the column in a fast spiraling motion. Just as Pika finished dealing with the stealth rocks, Red roared quickly, "Pika! Quickly use Agility to get away from there!"

Pika was confused by the request, but by then it was too late, as it saw Quagsire. Azure ordered swiftly, "Quagsire! Strong Style! Dive into Whirlpool!"

*SPLASH*

Quagsire's body glows as it uses Dive to dive into the water it made using Waterfall, and its eyes glow white. Then, it spins around and rises to the surface. As it goes above the water, the whirlpool turns into a cyclone, trapping Pika inside.

Red eyes widened with clenched fists in concern as he thought bitterly, 'He caught Pika in a trap! I didn't expect his Quagsire to have a way to reach Pika using the water produced by Waterfall, then shifting to dive inside of it, followed by Whirlpool rising into the air!'

Red, feeling the pressure, swiftly ordered urgency in his voice, "Damn it! Pika! Use Discharge to destroy the Whirlpool!"

*Zzzzz*

Pika began to charge up electricity as it tried to unleash its Discharge. But Azure wasn't gonna allow that to happen as he countered, "No way, Red! I'm not allowing you an out! Quagsire! Strong Style Liquidation!"

*SPLASH*

Just as Pika was about to unleash its Discharge, Quagsire appeared in front of it, startling the Mouse Pokémon. Quagsire creates a sword of water in between its hands…

*SHINNG*

… it then proceeds to slash Pika with the sword constructed by Liquidation. Pika recoiled in pain, but it didn't stop there…

*SHINNG*

*SHINNG*

Quagsire unleashed a relentless assault against Pika trapped within the Whirlpool. With Quagsire trapping Pika in the whirlpool, it was in its natural element, naturally swimming the whirlpool with ease, with each encounter, slashing at Pika with no means of counterattack as it tried to get out for air.

*SHINNG*

Red gritted his teeth as his fist clenched tightly, seeing this as he thought bitterly, 'Water Types have the best advantage when they're in their element. With them battling inside the Whirlpool, I can't even have Pika switched out normally or with Volt Switch. Damn it, he has me cornered here! Not only that...'

*Shiii*

Red could see that Quagsire's body glowed a faint green light as it swam inside the whirlpool made of water. He gritted his teeth, eyes narrowed as he thought cautiously, '... It's recovering to max health thanks to its Water Absorb Ability in the whirlpool. Any damage Pika has done is already gone as it's back to top health.'

Realizing Azure's strategy, Red could only helplessly see his Pokémon getting beaten within the Whirlpool. Azure remained calm but was careful as he thought cautiously, 'Taking away Pika's mobility is key to victory here. With Quagsire's slow speed and its Fake Out move, there wasn't a good way to take it down. But when I distracted it with Stealth Rocks, it forced Red's hand, allowing me the opportunity to catch him off guard. Unfortunately, he wouldn't fall to this again, now being aware… but once was enough.'

*SPLASH*

*THUD*

After battling, Quagsire ended the effects of Whirlpool by slamming Pika to the ground with a makeshift Liquidation baseball bat. Pika fainted on the spot, wet as Quagsire dispersed its water bat with a satisfied grin, "Quaggg… (Ah… nothing makes me gladder than beating the shit out of someone in the water.)"

The referee, seeing Pika faint, made his call as he declared, "Pikachu is unable to battle! Quagsire is the winner! Trainer Red, please call your next Pokémon!"

Red recalled his Pika as he said, thankfully, "Good work, buddy."

Returning Pika into its Poke Ball, Red's eyes darted towards Quagsire as he thought to himself, his hand at his belt, 'That Quagsire is no joke. Sending Saur would be helpful, but with its Ground and Ice moves, no. The same for Poli nullifying his Water Moves… Plus, I've seen Green's battle to know that Pokémon is his Johto's Team Tank.'

Red slyly grinned as he thought, looking down at his belt, 'If that's the case, time to send in my new guy. Taking out his Pokémon is a priority.'

Despite Red's situation being a 4 vs. 5 situation, his eyes burned ever brighter to win. Red was filled with determination to win against the odds, as was Azure, not letting Red get an inch closer to him.

/////

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