Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 122: Bug Gym Battle [Bonus]

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Nighttime, Azalea Town – Slowpoke Well]

Meanwhile, Gold and Maizie arrive at Kurt's house and immediately realize something is out of the ordinary as the water will not turn on. Kurt arrives at the Slowpoke Well and is surprised that all of the Team Rocket Grunts have been bound and gagged, "What?!"

Maizie happily approaches her grandfather, but Kurt simply berates her for disobeying his instructions in a worried tone, "Bad girl! How many times have I told you to stay off that mountain?!"

She sincerely apologizes to him, "I'm s… sorry…"

This prompts Kurt to relent, stating in a calm tone, patting her head, "Well… It's all right. I'm just glad you're safe. You're going to take good care of your new Pokémon, aren't you? Pokémon have scary sides… but if you treat them well, they're very loyal."

Gold asks Kurt what transpired here in a confused tone, "Did you pile up the Team Rocket thugs?"

Kurt confirms that they were in this state when he arrived in a confused tone, "No. They were like that when I got here."

*Tmp*

Gold senses a presence approaching them as he yells, "Who's there?!"

But relaxes when he discovers it is only Bugsy. Bugsy informs Gold why he came to the Slowpoke Well in a confused tone, "It's me… Bugsy! I've been following reports of Team Rocket sightings in the Azalea Town area as I've just arrived… but I didn't expect this! Did you do this, by chance, Gold...?"

Bugsy asked Gold whether he was responsible for this. Gold denies this, prompting Bugsy to wonder who was responsible, "Then who…?"

*Tmp*

As if answering that question, they heard steps. All eyes turned to see Azure waking up from his nap behind the well as he yawns, "Ahhh… man, that was a good nap. It's a shame that Slowpoke rejected the offer, though… Oh? Seems like it's nighttime."

All eyes gazed at Azure as he waved casually at them with Pikachu and Eevee waking up from their nap, "Oh? It seems like my call has finally gone through. Hello again, Bugsy, glad to see ya again."

Bugsy blinked as he asked Azure calmly, seeing his nonchalant tone, "Hello again, Azure. But are you the one who did this? I've just arrived, hearing the news."

Azure nodded shamelessly, stretching his limbs as he explained his current situation, "Yeah. While I was looking, I asked one of the Slowpokes, a Shiny one, to join my team, but got firmly rejected when it used Yawn on us, which took us for a little nap. I had some help dealing with the Team Rocket goons with a kid taming an Ursaring."

Gold eyes perked up, hearing that understanding who helped him. Bugsy thanks Azure for his assistance.

Maizie expresses her sympathy for the Slowpoke, as Gold uses Aibo to make the Slowpoke yawn. As the Slowpoke opens its mouth, water comes rushing out from the well, as Gold reveals that this was part of his plan, based on a legend that the yawn of a Slowpoke brings water.

*SPLOOSH*

Gold then heads to Azalea Town Pokémon Center to rest up for the night, as he thinks to himself, wondering whether Silver could have been responsible for the apprehension of Team Rocket, since Ursaring claw marks were found at the scene. Gold wonders what Silver's ulterior motive is, commenting that it will be exciting to find out what his true goal is.

Meanwhile, with Bugsy calling the local police, he spoke to Azure in a thankful tone, "As the Gym Leader of Azalea Town, Azure, I humbly thank you for helping my Town. If there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask."

Azure smirked as he raised his Poke Ball, getting Bugsy off guard as he said calmly, "Good. I hope you can provide me with a Pokémon Battle with my new team."

Bugsy blinked, hearing this as he grinned, nodding his head in a confident tone, "With your new team, huh? Since you've been this patient waiting for me, I'll battle you after Team Rocket is detained."

Azure smirked as he helped detain the Team Rocket Grunts. Bugsy gazed at Azure, shaking in excitement as he thought, 'Ah! I get to meet my idol for helping my Scyther evolve into an evolution form Scizor! Not only that, but my Yanma also evolved thanks to him and Prof. Oak for the discovery of a new evolution form, adding Yanmega to my team. I can't wait to challenge his new team and hopefully awesome Bug Type Pokémon!'

/////

[Johto Region, Nighttime, Azalea Town – Gym]

Azure Sky, a name whispered with respect in some corners of the Pokémon training world, took a deep breath of the crisp Johto air. The scent of blooming azaleas hung heavy, a fitting fragrance for the quaint town he now found himself in.

His journey had been long and arduous, a tapestry woven with victories and humbling defeats, each thread adding to the richness of his experience. Beside him, Pikachu, his ever-loyal partner, twitched its nose, its bright yellow fur practically glowing in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.

Perched on Azure's shoulder, Eevee, ever curious, tilted its head, its large, expressive eyes scanning the surroundings. These two were more than just Pokémon; they were his closest companions, his protectors, and his unwavering support.

His team, a carefully curated collection of diverse strengths and personalities, was nestled safely within their Poké Balls. Azure knew which to choose for the upcoming battle.

Azalea Town was his current destination, a pit stop on his quest to conquer the Johto League. The local Gym Leader, Bugsy, was renowned for his expertise with Bug-type Pokémon.

Azure knew this battle wouldn't be a walk in the park. Bugsy was a trainer known for his strategic thinking and surprising tactics.

He knew that knowledge was just as powerful as raw strength in the world of Pokémon battles. Azure felt the familiar adrenaline coursing through his veins, the thrill of the challenge sharpening his senses.

He was ready. Azure stood in front of the gates of Bugsy's Gym as he muttered, "Alright… time to game on."

*Click*

The Gym doors were open, and the battle awaited. Azure didn't hesitate. He adjusted his signature cap, offered a reassuring pat to Pikachu and Eevee, and strode purposefully towards the Gym.

The Gym was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Bug-catching nets and insect specimens adorned the walls, creating an atmosphere that was both fascinating and slightly unsettling.

In the center of the arena, bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights, stood Bugsy. He was younger than Azure had expected, perhaps only a few years his senior.

He sported messy purple hair, an oversized bug catcher net perched on his shoulder, and a wide, enthusiastic grin that spread across his face. He looked every bit the Bug-type enthusiast.

Bugsy's voice was surprisingly deep for his age as he said happily, "Welcome, challenger! I've heard tales of your skill, Azure. I'm excited to see if they're true!"

Azure returned the grin. Adjusting his cap, he greeted Bugsy in a respectful tone, "The pleasure is all mine, Bugsy. I've been looking forward to this battle."

Bugsy nodded, agreeing as he explained the rules he saying excitedly, "Excellent! Now, let's get down to business. The rules are simple: a 3-on-3 Pokémon battle. No substitutions once a Pokémon is knocked out. May the best trainer win!"

*Click*

Just as he said that, a strange machine came out of the ground. There were 6 sockets in them as Bugsy explained cooly twirling his bug catcher net, "Put the Pokémon you want to use inside the sockets, and the number of Pokémon you wish to use. The Pokémon you want to use will not be exposed, but their strength will be measured. It's a new system that the Pokémon Association added to ensure the Gym Challenge is a challenge with new and experienced Trainers alike."

Azure surprised nodded, his mind already racing, formulating his strategy. He had carefully considered his options and selected three Pokémon that he believed would give him the best chance of victory: Quagsire, Flaaffy, and Houndoom.

*Ding*

Finishing scanning, Bugsy checked his Rotom Phone. Smirking, he turned as a strange machine popped up for him, revealing 3 Pokémon of exact or tougher level for the Gym Challenge as Bugsy gripped his Poke Ball, announcing, "All must be equal to hone a true trainer! Let's begin!"

Azure stepped forward, releasing the first of his chosen Pokémon. Hurling his Poke Ball, he called out his first Pokémon in a confident tone, "Alright, Quagsire, let's go!"

*Pop*

The Water-Ground type materialized on the battlefield with a contented, "Quag! (My body is ready, chief!)"

Its usually sleepy eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of excitement as it sized up the opponent. Bugsy mirrored his action, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he hurled his Poke Ball, "Alright, let's start with you, Pinsir!"

*Pop*

The Stag Beetle Pokémon materialized with a snap, its massive pincers clacking ominously. Azure commanded, initiating the battle, "Quagsire, Agile Style! Mud Shot!"

*SPLAT*

Quagsire launched a barrage of mud pellets towards Pinsir, gaining the first-move advantage. Bugsy called out, "Pinsir, dodge it and use Vice Grip!"

*Wooosh*

Pinsir nimbly hopped to the side and charged towards Quagsire, its pincers glowing with power. The strong grip was used on Quagsire, dealing a hefty amount of damage, making Azure's Pokémon flinch in pain.

Azure countered calmly, encouraging his Pokémon as he ordered, "Quagsire, hang in there! Use Earthquake!"

*RMBL*

Quagsire braced itself and unleashed a powerful tremor that shook the entire arena. Pinsir was caught off guard and took the full brunt of the ground-type attack.

Pinsir reeled back, stunned for a moment before regaining composure. However, Azure didn't relent as he commanded, "Now! Recover!"

*Shiii*

A green light covered Quagsire as the wounds from earlier healed. Bugsy's eyes narrowed, seeing this as he thought, 'Oh, the tank of his team. This is gonna be bad if I allow him to continue. Gotta hit him hard and fast.'

Bugsy knew he had to play smart. He ordered swiftly, "Pinsir, use Seismic Toss!"

*Wooosh*

Pinsir, using its immense strength, grabbed Quagsire and flipped through the air with the Water-Ground Pokémon. The two crashed to the ground, resulting in a huge blow to both Pokémon.

*BOOOM*

Quagsire struggled to get up. The battle had already taken a toll.

Azure knew he had to make a quick decision. He ordered quickly, "Quagsire, give it all you've got! Strong Style! Earthquake!"

*RMBL*

Quagsire, with a final burst of energy, slammed its feet down, unleashed another Earthquake. Pinsir, already weakened, couldn't withstand a second-earth-shattering ground-type attack and fell, fainting.

Bugsy recalled Pinsir, a slight frown furrowing his brow. Grabbing another Poke Ball from his belt, he said in a serious tone, "Not a bad start, Azure! But let's see how you handle this. Go, Heracross!"

*Pop*

The Single Horn Pokémon appeared, flexing its powerful arms. Azure knew Heracross was a formidable opponent, its Fighting-type moves a dangerous threat to his team.

Not only that, Azure noticed Quagsire's panting as he thought concernedly for his Water Fish Pokémon, 'Not only that, but his also been battling non-stop today, battling Team Rocket, Silver's Ursaring, and now Gym Leader Pokémon, gaining valuable experience. Best to give him some rest.'

Azure called out, recalling Quagsire to its Poké Ball, grabbing his next choice, "Flaaffy, your turn!"

He needed a Pokémon with much-needed experience, and Flaaffy, with its Electric typing, was the perfect choice. Despite being a new member, Flaaffy hasn't had much chance to shine battling Trainers, so Azure chose her to give much-needed experience.

And a Pokémon learning under his Pikachu wasn't one to be made weak. Flaaffy bounced onto the field, its fluffy wool crackling with static electricity. It chirped excitedly, eager to prove its worth, "Flaaffy! Flaf!"

Azure smirked as he ordered, "Flaaffy, use Thunder Wave!"

*Zzzz*

Flaffy released a wave of paralyzing electricity, catching Heracross off guard. The Single Horn Pokémon staggered, paralyzed.

Bugsy's eyes narrowed, seeing this as he shouted, "Heracross, break free and use Arm Thrust!"

*SMACK*

Heracross, despite being paralyzed, managed to shake off the effects and launched a flurry of blows with its arms. Flaaffy was struck multiple times, its fluffy wool providing little protection against the powerful Fighting-type move, and it was pushed back.

Azure remained calm as he countered, "Flaaffy, use Cotton Spore!"

*Poof*

Flaaffy released a cloud of soft, fluffy spores that enveloped Heracross, drastically reducing its speed. The cotton caught it, stuck in its tracks, reducing Heracross's travel speed, and struggling to move.

Azure smirked, seeing Heracross' movement being halted. Bugsy commanded, observing the battle between the two Pokémon from afar, "Heracross, Protect!"

Azure commanded, watching Flaaffy build up an electric charge, "Flaaffy, use Agility to back away and hit'em with a Thunderbolt!"

*Swooosh*

Moving back with Agility, increasing Flaaffy's speed, it began to charge up. Heracross, having been halted, shook from being paralyzed as it couldn't avoid Flaaffy's Thunderbolt attack.

*Zzzzz*

*CLANG*

A bolt of lightning crashed down from the ceiling of the Gym, striking Heracross squarely. The attack was devastating, but Heracross managed to form a transparent barrier blocking the attack in time.

Struggling to be in the battle, Azure called out, "Agile Style. Electroweb!"

*Pew*

Flaaffy creates an orange-yellow orb of electricity on its tail. Then, it flings the orb, which opens into a circular net of yellow electricity that can trap or slow down the opponent, protect the user from any damage, or serve as a springboard to boost the user.

On occasion, the net will shock the opponent. And in this case, trapped Heracross was stuck inside as it was shocked occasionally, "Hera!!"

*Zzzz*

Struggling to stay up, Heracross was attacked with an Electro Ball, ending their fight. It stood tall and proud… till it collapsed, defeated.

Bugsy looked genuinely surprised. He chuckled, preparing his final Pokémon as he said in an impressed tone, "Hahaha! Man, I didn't think battling your new team would be this crushing. Impressive, Azure! No wonder the rumors about you being strong are true, even with a new lineup. But I have a trick up my sleeve. Go, Yanmega!"

*Pop*

Hurling his final Poke Ball, it opened, revealing a new Pokémon, Yanmega. The dragonfly-like Pokémon zoomed onto the battlefield, its large, multifaceted eyes gleaming.

Yanmega was fast and powerful, a deadly combination. Azure blinked as he asked bluntly, seeing the Yanmega, "Huh… so you use the newly evolved form of Yanma. Congrats on evolving him."

Bugsy smirked, placing a thumb over his chest as Yanmega gazed at Azure intensely threateningly, "Yup! Ever since I heard you helped Oak teach the move Ancient Power to certain Pokémon, I had to get my Yanma to catch up! Adds more variety to my rotation of the team now that he has evolved into a Yanmega."

Azure nodded, smiling that his knowledge of evolving certain Pokémon with moves is spreading that even to Gym Leaders are amping their teams. He smirked as he recalled Flaaffy, giving it a grateful nod, grabbing his next Poke Ball, "Good to hear. But I won't go down that easily. Flaaffy return! Time to show him your hot stuff! Houndoom, let's go!"

*Pop*

Houndoom emerged from its Poké Ball, its red eyes glowing ominously in the dim light. It let out a menacing howl, its presence instantly changing the atmosphere of the arena, "Awoo!! (I'm ready!)"

Bugsy's eyes narrowed, seeing the fire-type Houndoom. He clenched his Bug Catcher tightly as he pointed at them, shouting, "Yanmega, use Air Slash!"

*Fwp*

*SHINNG*

Yanmega flapped its wings, creating a powerful gust of wind that sent razor-sharp blades of air hurtling towards Houndoom. Azure commanded, "Houndoom, dodge and use Flamethrower!"

*Wooosh*

*Sssss*

Houndoom nimbly dodged the Air Slash and unleashed a torrent of flames from its mouth. The Flamethrower engulfed Yanmega, but Bugsy smirked, ordering, "Swords Dance!"

Azure eyes narrowed as Yanmega spun around, as the swords appeared around it. Azure calmly analyzed the situation, seeing Yanmega took no damage as he thought slyly, smiling, impressed, 'Just like my Scizor use of Swords Dance. By rotating during the dance, it can repel most attacks, even fire, to avoid damage. No, his is different from my method… its wings are generating shockwaves that're repelling the fire when it uses Swords Dance. Clever.'

*Woooosh*

Yanmega grinned smugly, seeing its Attack power increased by +2 while repelling Houndoom's Flamethrower in the process. Houndoom looked shocked as Bugsy called out in a confident tone, "Yanmega, use Ancient Power!"

*RMBL*

The battle was tilting. Yanmega focused its energy and unleashed ancient power, summoning a barrage of rocky and ethereal energy towards Houndoom.

Azure's eyes narrowed as he commanded swiftly to Houndoom, "Houndoom, counter with Dark Pulse!"

*PEW*

Houndoom unleashed a wave of dark energy, colliding with the Ancient Power. The two attacks cancelled each other out, creating a shockwave that sent dust billowing through the arena.

*Boom*

Both Pokémon were visibly cautious. However, Azure saw Yanmega move more swiftly than before as it clicked in his head, eyes narrowing as he muttered, "Speed Boost. I didn't see it before, but it's moving faster than before."

*Zooom*

Yanmega began to outpace Houndoom as it zoomed in the air, confidently alerting Houndoom of the Ogre Darner Pokémon. Bugsy ordered in a confident tone, "Yanmega, use Bug Buzz!"

*BUZZZZ*

Yanmega vibrated its wings at an incredibly high frequency, creating a deafening buzz that disoriented Houndoom. Azure countered swiftly, "Houndoom! Use Roar!"

Houndoom's eyes opened wide as it roared at Yanmega, "AWOOOO!!!!"

Bugsy's eyes widened, seeing Yanmega freeze, hearing Houndoom's roar. Azure smirked as he thought, 'Perfect. Roar makes its opponents cringe and lose their ability to fight. And when it's used by seasoned trainers like me, the effect is multiplied. Yanmega knows that it should fight, but its body is paralyzed by Houndoom's own Roar effects. Thankfully, I studied up on the Masked Man techniques on what to look out for and which ones to add to my arsenal.'

*THUD*

Falling to the ground, stiff, Bugsy quickly orders, "Yanmega! Quick, get up!"

However, paralyzed and cringing at being physically unable to fight Azure, made the most of this as he ordered, "Nasty Plot then Fire Spin on yourself, Houndoom! Then Strong Style! FIRE BLAST!!"

*Ssss*

Fire began to spin all around Houndoom as its eyes dilated, activating Nasty Plot. It cackled at the bug on the ground as it inhaled deeply, releasing a ball of yellow-orange fire from its mouth.

*SSSSS*

The ball of fire then turns into a 大-shaped flame that is fired at the opponent. Houndoom, fueled by adrenaline and a fierce determination, unleashed a searing blast of flames. The Fire Blast attack incinerated Yanmega in a loud boom of fire.

*BOOOOM*

The fire subsided as Bugsy stared in disbelief as Yanmega fell, defeated. He snapped out of his thoughts to give Azure a clap, "That was an amazing battle, Azure! You've earned this fair and square."

Azure smiled, returning Houndoom to its Poké Ball. He turned towards Bugsy as he replied happily, "Thank you, Bugsy. You were a worthy opponent."

Bugsy walked over to Azure, extending his hand. He gives the Hive Badge and rewards to Azure in a cheerful tone, "Congratulations, Azure. You've proven yourself a skilled trainer. Here, take this. It's the official badge of the Azalea Town Gym! And the TM U-Turn and cash entered into your account."

Azure took the Hive Badge, its smooth surface warm to the touch. He pinned it to his jacket with pride, another symbol of his progress, another milestone reached on his journey, and the TM U-Turn in his bag for safekeeping.

[Item: Hive 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, Bug-Type Moves are increased by 12.5%, and controlling Pokémon is easier for the Trainer to command.]

[Item: TM U-Turn

Rarity Item: -

Type: Technical Machine

Description: A Technical Machine used to grant memory knowledge of how to perform the move [U-Turn].]

As he left the Gym, Pikachu and Eevee jumped onto his shoulders, nuzzling against his cheek. He knew he couldn't have done it without them, without his entire team. They were the reason he pushed himself, the reason he strived to be the best.

The journey was far from over, but with each victory, with each challenge overcome, Azure felt himself growing stronger, more confident, and more ready to face whatever lay ahead. He grinned, having fun doing Gym Challenges as they push him to think outside the box, kinds of situations, or learn from the Gym Leader's skills.

The Johto League was waiting, and he was coming for it. As he headed to the Pokémon Center at the nighttime, he muttered seriously, "With this done, that means the Masked Man will go after Celebi next. Time to thwart some plans…"

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 250 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!

Other than that, how did you guys like the Gym Battle against Bugsy? I've decided to add the leveling system where the Gym Leaders can make the battles even between Gym Matches before every match, depending on what levels of the challenger's Pokémon, just so that the MC doesn't curb-stomp every Gym he goes to every Region.

And if you guys didn't notice, Azure also spread a bit of his knowledge of how to evolve certain Pokémon with Prof. Oak, so do expect some Pokémon that were originally at their final or second-stage forms to get their strongest forms like Yanmega.