Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

~Third POV~

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium, Stands]

From the stands, the Dex Holders blinked, seeing the clash of Machamp and Mismagius ended erupted a few giggled at the scene. Gold chuckled as he solemnly said, "That shit right there was funny as hell! But damn… that Machamp is going to have some major trust issues now…"

Crystal, Yellow, and Green raised an eyebrow, confused by Gold's words. Blue merely rolled his eyes as he disdainfully uttered, "Tch. That buffon let his Machamp get knocked out by Attract and a Psyshock. He lost his lead in the heat of the moment."

Silver nodded, agreeing with Blue's assessment as he added curiously, "Yeah. That Mismagius using Attract at the last second just saved the match between them from escalating. What a tricky ghost…"

The group nodded at this, agreeing with his words. Then Crystal spoke up as she asked curiously, "True. But now the match is 4 vs 3. But does Red have a Pokémon that can handle that Magical Pokémon?"

Blue and Green remained silent as the others pondered which Pokémon would be able to break through Mismagius' illusions. The two didn't need an answer…

*Riggle*

They could feel they're own Legendary Birds wiggle, signaling Red's next choice. Their eyes focused on the incoming battle ahead of them…

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

Azure stood at the ready with his Mismagius, managing to defeat Machamp unharmed held a determined expression. The battle had been a brutal, strategic dance.

Red had lost his Machamp, Arcanine, and Pika, his Pikachu. Azure had sacrificed his powerful Tyranitar and his tank Quagsire.

It was now 3 Pokémon to Azure's 4, with his Mismagius, a spectral phantom of purple energy, floating gracefully over the scorched earth. Red's voice cut through the stadium's din, sharp and clear as he said seriously, "You've improved, Azure. But experience isn't everything."

He raised his Fourth Poké Ball, the light from it seeming to pulse with a chilling cold. Red smirked as he declared, "Let's see you handle a legend!"

*Pop*

With a flash of blinding white light, the temperature in the stadium plummeted. A wave of cold air washed over the crowd, silencing them in an instant.

From the light emerged a creature of breathtaking majesty: Articuno. Its crystalline blue feathers shimmered, and its long, elegant tail flowed like a frozen river with its Held Item [Never-Melt Ice].

It let out a cry, a clear, piercing note that sounded like shattering ice, and the very air seemed to crackle around it, "Screeee!!!"

*Woooosh*

Azure's Mismagius recoiled, its shadowy form flickering as frost began to spiderweb across the ground at its base. The sheer pressure emanating from the Legendary Bird was immense.

Yet to Azure, he was used to battling legends during his journeys. But eyes concerned flickered before steeling his resolve against Red's Articuno as he mumbled, "I suppose it's been a while, Articuno. But I won't lose here…"

Steeling his willpower, Azure commanded, his voice tight, "Mismagius, on guard!"

Red ordered, thrusting his hand forward as he declared calmly, "Articuno, Ice Beam!"

*PEW*

Articuno opened its beak, and a razor-thin beam of absolute zero shot across the field. Mismagius, being a Ghost-type, had the unique ability to become intangible just in time to avoid the attack.

And Azure made sure to use that ability as he yelled, "Phase through it!"

*Wooosh*

Mismagius's form dissolved, the Ice Beam passing harmlessly through the space it had occupied just a moment before it reappeared a few feet to the left. But the attack had frozen a deep scar into the battlefield, a testament to its terrifying power.

They were completely on the defensive. Red taunted lightly, "You can't dodge forever!"

Azure knew he was right. Articuno's power was on another level.

He couldn't win a direct assault. He had to be smarter.

He had to change the flow of the battle. Taking in a deep breath, he ordered, "Mismagius, use Mystical Fire!"

*Sssss*

It was a gamble—a Fire-type move from a Ghost Pokémon. Mismagius chanted in a series of low, ethereal chimes, and wreaths of violet-tinged flame erupted around it.

The flames coiled like serpents before launching themselves at the legendary bird. Articuno tried to swerve, but the attack was too swift.

But just before they reached Articuno, Red ordered calmly, "Articuno! Agility!"

*Zoooom*

*Fwp*

Just as the mystical flames drew near, the Freeze Pokémon flapped its wings and, with a burst of power. In a second, just as the attack was about to hit, it disappeared out of sight, alarming Azure…

Mismagius was equally alarmed as it moved its head around to locate it. Azure did the same as he mumbled under his breath, "Where the heck is Articuno… where could it have possibly – "

His words died in his mouth as Articuno appeared behind Mismagius. Azure couldn't say a command as Red ordered swiftly, not allowing his advantage to escape, "Don't let it get another chance! Articuno, use Blizzard!"

*FWP*

Articuno ascended, beating its massive wings. The sky above the stadium, previously clear, began to swirl with dark clouds.

*WOOOSH*

A furious, howling wind whipped through the arena, and a maelstrom of ice and snow erupted, converging on Mismagius's position. Azure yelled desperately, "Mismagius, Protect!"

*CRACK*

A faint green barrier shimmered around the ghost Pokémon, but the sheer force of the Blizzard was overwhelming. The shield cracked like glass, then shattered.

The vortex of ice shards slammed into Mismagius. It held on for a moment, its form flickering violently, but Red ordered, "Now! U-Turn!"

*SMACK*

Articuno's wings glow yellow, and it hits Mismagius with them. Mismagius attempted to use Destiny Bond to drag Articuno down with it before letting out a final, faint chime and fainting completely.

*Pop*

But by then U-Turn effect was activated as Articuno glowed. It then returns to its Poké Ball, avoiding the Destiny Bond effects entirely. The referee declared, seeing the results, "Mismagius is unable to battle! Both Trainers choose your next Pokémon!"

/////

[Johto Region, Whirl Islands – Southern Isle]

In the Whirl Islands in the Southern Isle, a person was watching the match with genuine interest. Inside a man-made chamber made to shelter a person, along with a built-in farm for self-replenishment.

Watching the battle on his Rotom TV revealed that it was Lance Wataru. He viewed the match with interest as he was busy with his Berry Farm, muttering, "So that's how far you've grown, Azure. Red. Both of you are truly incredible…"

Lance, isolating himself from the rest of the world to reflect on his actions, briefly smiled, seeing his two enemies going all out. He could see that their growth was well beyond what he was capable of in the past.

*Splash*

Watering the plants with his Dragonite nearby, helping him along with his other draconic-based Pokémon, he smiled peacefully. He couldn't help but shake his head helplessly as he uttered, "And to think I did all of that to forcibly capture Lugia with my underhanded tactic those years ago… only to be proven wrong seeing Ho-Oh choose Azure himself to be its partner and friend. And the same with Red earning Articuno's trust…"

Lance helplessly chuckles to himself, reflecting on his actions. Splashing some water on the berries, he smiled comfortably as he muttered, "I suppose taking this time to relax does soothe me a bit. And to think I wanted a world only with Elite Trainers… Sky and Yellow's words do ring true; coexistence with Pokémon is possible…"

Lance and his Pokémon observed the match as they worked. A smile eventually crept to his face, seeing them battle…

/////

[Kanto Region, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

Azure frowned lightly as he recalled Mismagius as he said calmly to his Pokémon, then to Red, "Thanks, girl, for helping me out. Now then… I guess you did learn a thing or two from my battles with Green and Blue, huh, Red?"

Red smirked as he grabbed his cap, adjusting it as he replied casually, "You can say that, yeah. Gotta say your battles are quite inspirational, couldn't help but get a few ideas that'll work against you."

Azure helplessly chuckles at his predicament. Both were now down to their last 3 Pokémon left in the match as Red retreated his Articuno using U-Turn to avoid a Destiny Bond, as both their eyes looked to the side.

The giant screen above them displayed the grim reality of the fight: three faded-out Poké Balls on Azure's side, and three on Red's. The battle had been a brutal, strategic dance between the two was tough.

Azure had countered with the raw power of his team, trading blows until they had arrived at this deadlock. Three Pokémon each.

The turning point of the championship. Red raised a Poké Ball, his voice cutting through the din in a serious tone, "The tide turns now, Azure! Go, Poli!"

*Pop*

With a flash of light, a formidable Poliwrath burst forth, its muscular arms flexed and its spiraled belly seeming to hypnotize. It landed with a heavy thud, pounding its fists together in a clear challenge.

A Water and Fighting type, Poli was a powerhouse of pure physical prowess. On its wrist is its Held Item [Muscle Band].

Azure smiled, seeing Poli again. It was a genuine smile, one of respect for his rival and love for the challenge.

He looked at Pikachu, then Eevee, giving them a reassuring nod before reaching for his own Poké Ball. Azure said seriously, more to himself than anyone, "It's time to change the tempo. Scizor, let's go!"

*Pop*

His own Pokémon materialized in a flash of crimson steel. Scizor stood poised, its metallic pincers raised and its yellow eyes gleaming with predatory focus. Its sleek, aerodynamic body was a stark contrast to Poliwrath's bulky frame.

It was speed and precision against brute force. DJ Mary's voice boomed across the stadium speakers, excitedly exclaimed, "A bold choice, Azure! Both types have neutral damage to each other, but each attack they dish out could still cause immense trouble! Red has the initiative!"

As if hearing the command, Red thrust his arm forward. Red declared seriously, "Poli, Dynamic Punch, full force!"

*Shiii*

Poliwrath's body glowed with a volatile orange energy as it charged, its fist becoming a comet of pure fighting spirit. The move was inaccurate but devastating if it connected, guaranteeing confusion.

Azure's eyes narrowed as he thought cautiously, gritting his teeth, 'No way I'm allowing Red to control the pace of battle.'

Azure countered seriously, extending his arm out, "Scizor, sidestep with Agility and use Bullet Punch!"

*Wooosh*

Scizor became a red blur. It pivoted on one leg with impossible grace, letting the glowing fist of the Dynamic Punch sail harmlessly past its head using Agility.

*BAM*

*BAM*

*BAM*

Before Poliwrath could even recover its balance, Scizor closed the distance. Its pincer flashed, glowing with a steely light. A rapid-fire trio of priority strikes hammered into Poliwrath's midsection, each blow sounding like a blacksmith's hammer on an anvil with each hit.

Poliwrath grunted, stumbling back, but Red was unfazed. Red smirked as he countered, "Tank it, Poli! Use that opening! Vital Throw!"

*BAM*

While still reeling, Poliwrath planted its feet as it took the hit from Scizor. Before Scizor could continue, it allowed Scizor that hit with an attack, then grabbed Scizor and threw it to the ground hard.

*BOOOM*

Scizor bounced off the ground, being hit as its head shook. Scizor recoiled in pain, feeling the force behind Poliwrath's strength.

Azure frowned as Scizor got back up, refusing to give up. Azure was pondering to himself, 'Red's Poli certainly gotten stronger. Just like my Arcanine and Dragonite. This won't be an easy battle for Scizor to do.'

Just as Scizor got up, Red took the opportunity to attack fiercely, ordering, "Don't let it get the chance, Poli! Hydro Pump!"

*SPLASH*

Poli opened its mouth, gaping wide. A colossal, high-pressure jet of water erupted forth, a churning vortex aimed directly at the close-range Scizor.

Seeing this, Azure commanded swiftly, "Agility, now!"

*Zooom*

Scizor's wings buzzed, and it shot upwards, but the sheer size of the Hydro Pump was too much to evade completely. The torrent clipped its side, sending it spiraling through the air unstably, heading to the ground.

*THUD*

It landed hard, skidding across the dirt, its metallic shell soaked and steaming under the hot lights. Scizor took the moment to bite down on its Held Item [Leftovers] to recover some of its health.

Azure frowned as his eyes narrowed cautiously, thinking, 'The damage had been done. Despite Sp. Atk being Poli's weakest stats area, it was scarily powerful with that wide Hydro Pump. Truly Red leveled up from before…'

A hint of concern and caution showed on Azure's expression facing Red. Meanwhile, DJ Mary yelled through the speakers, "A solid hit from Poliwrath! Scizor is looking rattled! This could be the opening Red was waiting for!"

Red saw it too. He didn't let a chance like this go as he ordered, "Don't let it breathe, Poli! Liquidation!"

*SPLASH*

Poliwrath leaped high into the air, its heavy body poised to crush Scizor beneath it as it was coated in water using Liquidation, intending to slam hard against Scizor. Azure knew this was the moment as Scizor got a flashback of yesterday before the match…

////

[Kanto Region, Flashback, Yesterday, Indigo Plateau – Trainer's Village]

Before the match with Red began, Azure carefully picked 3 Poke Balls that he believed could help him win the battle for tomorrow. Azure grinned, rubbing his partner's head, "Ok, with this line-up, we'll be able to win! Quagsire for the tank. Tyranitar for offense. Mismagius for tricks. And you, buddy, for assurance."

Pikachu cried happily, rubbing its face on its hand, "Pika!"

Having picked 4 of his choices, he turned towards one on his belt. Eevee, Celebi, and Marshadow were observing from his bed, seeing his lineup.

Azure then looked at Scizor in its Poke Ball as he said calmly, surprising it, "And you, Scizor, are member number 5 for this match."

*Pop*

Materalizing out from its Poké Ball came Scizor. It looked surprised as it pointed its Pincers at itself, which Azure explained casually, "Yes, you. I'll need you against Red as I thought of either adding Arcanine or Dragonite. But…"

Placing a hand over its shoulder, Azure calmly said with an eager grin, "… between them, you have a higher drive to win against Red. You've trained hard since the last tournament against him, losing. It's time to see your drive in action, old friend."

Scizor's eyes widened, hearing that, as it lost against Red in the Ninth Pokémon League, it stung its pride. Ever since then, it has trained harder to ensure it would never lose again to Red or anyone ever again.

Azure could see the fire in Scizor's eyes, ignited with burning determination and resolution in them. He grinned as he said, raising his fist up, "Then we work as one to take down Red Scizor! Let's do this on the grand stage!"

*Clang*

Raising its pincer to the air, fist bumping to Azure's fist, it cried out happily, "Sci! Scizor! (For honor and glory!)"

/////

[Kanto Region, Present, Indigo Plateau – Stadium]

Scizor was hurt, but its spirit was far from broken. It's memories of the flashback fueling its willpower as it gave a fierce battle cry, "SCIZOR!!! (I WON'T FALTER AGAIN?!!)"

Their eyes met briefly as they smirked with Azure, thinking proudly with his arms crossed, 'Sorry, Red, but… the reason I chose Scizor for this match is for one simple reason. Ever since losing to you, he trained and fought harder than most to reach where he is today… the burning drive to win against just one of your Pokémon… to reclaim his honor.'

Both nodded as they grinned, being in sync with each other, as this was the turning point he had hoped for. Azure ordered grinning excitedly, "Scizor, I know you have the strength! Meet it head-on! Agile Style! X-Scissor!"

Pushing itself up, Scizor's pincers snapped open, glowing with a vibrant, sickly green energy in Agile Style, changing X-Scissor Base Power of 80 to 60, only to be enhanced by its Technician Ability into 90 Base Power. Ignoring the shadow of the descending Poliwrath, it shot forward like a bullet.

*ZOOOOM*

Instead of dodging, it angled itself directly into the path of its opponent. The crowd gasped seeing this just as Poliwrath was about to make impact, Scizor crossed its glowing claws, preparing to attack!

*SHINNG*

With a powerful cry that was a screech of metal on metal, it unleashed the enhanced Bug-type attack colliding head on. The two Pokémon collided in a blinding explosion of green energy and displaced water.

*BOOOM*

For a moment, all was silent, the trainers and the crowd holding a collective breath. As the dust settled...

*Thud*

... Poliwrath was on its back, thrown clear from the center of the impact. Its eyes were swirls. It had fainted.

Scizor stood over it, panting heavily. Its metallic body was dented and scorched from the Liquidation and the collision, but it stood tall, raising its pincer into the air.

It had turned the match around. A deafening roar erupted from the stands. The scoreboard updated: 3 Pokémon remained for Azure, while Red was down to his last two, with one showing Articuno.

Red gritted his teeth, a flicker of frustration crossing his face before being replaced by that familiar, burning determination. He recalled Poli with quiet words of thanks, "You fought well, Poli. Get a good rest."

Red murmured before looking back at Azure, his eyes blazing. He grabbed his next Poké Ball as he declared, "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."

Azure gave a respectful nod as Scizor remained on the field, prepared. The momentum had shifted. The pressure was now squarely on Red's shoulders.

He reached for his fifth Pokémon, his expression hardening into a mask of pure focus. Red roared, hurling his Poké Ball high, "Then let's see how you handle this! Saur, let's go!"

*Pop*

The ground trembled slightly as the colossal Venusaur materialized with its Held Item [Miracle Seed]. 'Saur' was a legend, a veteran of countless battles. The massive flower on its back seemed to drink in the stadium lights, and its ancient, wise eyes fixed on Azure's side of the field.

On that side stood Scizor, its metallic red armor scratched. It panted, the steam from its breath visible in the cool air.

It had just triumphed in a hard-fought battle but was running on fumes. Azure's mind raced with what to do.

The type matchup was a mixed bag, but an exhausted Scizor against a fresh, powerhouse Venusaur was a losing proposition. Still, he had to try.

He had to chip away at Red's anchor. Azure commanded sharply, "Scizor, stay sharp! Aerial Ace, now!"

*Zoooom*

Ignoring its exhaustion, Scizor shot forward like a crimson missile. With the priority of its attack, it closed the distance before Saur could react, its claw glowed white, landing a slash against the Venusaur's thick hide.

*Shinng*

The metallic slash echoed through the stadium. Saur grunted, shaking its massive body as Scizor recoiled.

The damage was plenty, but it was something. Red wasn't about to give Scizor another chance as he ordered, "Saur, end it! Earthquake!"

*RMBL*

Saur lifts its front two legs into the air and slams them down into the ground. When it does, two pulses of energy erupt from its legs for a moment. A crack then travels along the ground and towards the opponent.

Azure yelled swiftly, "Dodge it, Scizor! Agility!"

*BAM*

Scizor tried, its metallic wings buzzing as it attempted to evade, but its fatigue betrayed it, feeling sluggish, taking the attacks from Poliwrath. The Earthquake struck as the ground under it began to shake violently.

*Thud*

The Bug/Steel Pokémon cried out, stumbling backward before its legs gave out. It crashed to the ground with a final, metallic clang, its light fading.

A hush fell over Azure's side of the crowd. He was down to two Pokémon. Azure said softly, recalling his fallen partner, "Scizor, you were incredible. Get a long rest."

He clipped the Poké Ball to his belt and took a deep breath. Eevee nuzzled his neck, a silent gesture of encouragement.

Red stood with his arms crossed. Red smiled softly as he said bluntly, "It's 2 to 2, Azure. Your reign is ending."

Azure met his gaze, the calm smile returning to his face. He gazed at Red with a fierce, determined look as he declared, "The battle isn't over until the last Pokémon falls, Red. And last I checked, I have 2 left to call upon!"

Azure stared at Red with a confident grin on his face as he thought, 'Red is bringing out one of his aces. It was only fitting I did the same.'

He looked down at the yellow Pokémon still perched on his shoulder, its cheeks already crackling with electricity. Azure chuckled as he asked casually, "What do you say, buddy? Ready to throw down?"

Pikachu cried, leaping from his shoulder onto the battlefield, landing with a spark of static electricity, "Pika-CHU! (I've been prepared for this!)"

The small yellow mouse stared up at the towering Venusaur, utterly fearless with its Held Item [Light Ball]. The crowd erupted once more, a mix of cheers and anxious murmurs.

But to most who didn't know at first, it seemed like the case of the classic partner, the first friend, was now on the field, facing impossible odds. But those who knew Azure personally and fought against his Pikachu showed serious expressions seeing this match-up.

Red remained confident, though a flicker of caution crossed his eyes. He knew this wasn't just any Pikachu.

Regaining his composure, he quickly ordered, "Saur, don't let it move! Energy Ball!"

Saur bellowed, as it began charging a ball of life energy from its mouth. Azure grinned as he countered, "Pikachu use Magnet Rise!"

*Zzzzz*

Pikachu's body becomes surrounded by yellow energy, and it raises itself off the ground. They anticipated Red launching an attack at them, but…

*GULP*

Their eyes narrowed as Saur ate the Energy Ball, and Red smirked, ordering smugly, "Now, Saur… Eat the Energy Ball!"

*Shiii*

By eating its own Energy Ball, it produced Saur's body glowed with Grass Type Energy overflowing its body, activating its Overgrow Ability. Azure's eyes narrowed as he commented casually, "I see that isn't the only thing you learned watching my battles, now have you, Red? At the rate this is going, I might just file a complaint."

Red smirked as he crossed his arms and replied shamelessly with a light shrug, "Yeah. Your idea using Energy Ball, then eating it for your Venusaur to activate its Overgrow Ability without getting it to a certain health? Way too useful not to get down for my Saur. And you can't file a complaint if I figured it out on my own, now can you?"

Azure helplessly chuckled, hearing that, but a glint of caution was in his eyes at Saur, telling him the dangers his about to face. And yet he felt excited all the same, battling a strong opponent that's powered up.

The stadium held its breath. The champion was on the ropes, his smallest Pokémon facing one of his opponent's strongest, powered up.

Azure and Pikachu stood as one, their gazes locked on Saur, ready to turn the tide of their long-awaited rematch. The final act had just begun.

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 200 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!