Chapter 670: Electric Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Unova Region, Next Day, Nimbasa City – Gym]
The air in Nimbasa City didn't just carry the scent of berries and popcorn; it vibrated. It was a city that never unplugged, a neon-drenched metropolis where the hum of the electric grid served as its heartbeat. At the center of this glowing hive stood the Nimbasa Gym—a structure that was less a building and more a monument to kinetic energy and high-speed thrills.
Azure stepped through the sliding glass doors, the cool, conditioned air hitting him like a physical wave. Beside him, Black was practically vibrating with secondhand excitement, despite having earned his own Bolt Badge only yesterday. White followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the facility with the practiced gaze of a businesswoman, though a hint of genuine wonder softened her expression.
Black shouted, his voice echoing off the high, metallic ceilings, "Remember! Elesa doesn't play around! She's fast—like, 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it' fast!"
White adjusted her cap, smiling. She observed the gym, stating, "Just try to keep your head on straight. The gym is… unconventional."
*Shhh-tink*
As if on cue, a high-pitched whirring sound filled the lobby. From the rafters, a sleek, neon-lit roller coaster car descended, gliding on magnetic rails with a soft sound. Seated within was none other than Elesa, the Shining Beauty herself.
Her yellow-and-black outfit shimmered under the spotlights, and her oversized headphones rested stylishly around her neck. Elesa said, her voice melodic yet carrying the authority of a seasoned leader, "Welcome to my stage."
She looked at Azure, a playful smirk dancing on her lips as she said teasingly, "You're the one who kept me waiting yesterday. I was beginning to think you'd developed a sudden fear of heights—or electricity."
Azure offered a calm, steady smile as he explained himself, "I had some business to attend to with White and something else... But I'm here now."
Elesa replied, gesturing to the complex network of tracks twisting through the gym's interior, "Good/ To reach the battlefield, you'll have to navigate the ride. Use the floor buttons to change the route. It's a test of timing—much like a battle."
She turned her gaze to Black and White. She said casually, "You two, hop in the front car. You'll have the best seats in the house for the show."
*CLACK-WHIRR*
As Black and White were whisked away with a collective shout of surprise—mostly from Black, who was cheering at the top of his lungs—Azure began his ascent. The gym was a labyrinth of vertical loops and sharp turns. Each time he stepped on a pressure plate, the magnetic rails shifted with a heavy CLACK-WHIRR, rerouting the cars.
Eventually, Azure reached the central platform, a wide, elevated stage suspended over a sea of glowing blue tiles. Black and White were already seated in the designated spectator area, which was strangely integrated into the ride's terminal.
But they weren't alone.
Azure's personal entourage—an eclectic mix of Pokémon that would make any researcher's jaw drop—hopped out of their hiding spots to join the spectators. Pikachu and Eevee took the prime spots on the railing, while the Pichu (Mew) curled up in a spare seat.
Victini's voice echoed in Azure's mind, the small Victory Pokémon hovering invisibly near the rafters, seeing a Gym for the first time: 'This looks fun! Fun! Fun!! I'll give you all the luck I've got, Azure!'
Meloetta, also invisible, crossed her arms as she floated beside Victini. She chimed in—this one more melodic, tinged with a classic tsundere edge, 'As if he needs luck. He'd better not lose after making us wait in that stuffy jacket all morning. It's not like I care if he wins, but a loss would be embarrassing for us too!'
Gengar cackled aloud, appearing briefly as a purple shadow before settling under Black's seat, startling him in the process as she said, "Keke… I hope someone gets shocked. It makes for such a lovely expression."
Rotom chirped, darting out of Azure's Arc Phone to circle the arena in an excited tone, "Zzt-zzt! Scanning field conditions! Humidity: low! Voltage: high! Probability of excitement: 100%!"
Elesa stood at the opposite end of the platform. She pulled out her Rotom Phone, and a holographic scanner projected into the air between them.
*Click*
Six empty slots glowed. Elesa announced, "A three-on-three battle. Standard League rules apply. Let's see what you're made of, Azure Sky."
Azure tapped his own device, selecting his trio. The scanner beeped three times as he chose his 3 for this battle: CINCCINO. GOLETT. ZOROARK.
|Name: Zoroark (Illusion Fox Pokémon)
|Type: Dark
|Tera: Dark
|Level: 40
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Wise Glasses]
|Ability: Illusion (Telepathy)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Protect, Leer, Torment, Hone Claws, Scary Face, Fake Tears, Taunt, Agility, Imprison, Pain Split, Nasty Plot, Confuse Ray, Pursuit [A][S], Knock Off [A][S], Faint Attack [A][S], Foul Play [A][S], Sucker Punch [A][S], Dark Pulse [A][S], Snarl [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Fury Swipes [A][S], Extrasensory [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Psychic [A][S], Cut [A][S] (HM), Detect (IM), Night Slash [A][S] (IM), Night Daze [A][S] (EM) (0 move left to learn)
|Name: Golett (S) (Automaton Pokémon)
|Type: Ground/Ghost
|Tera: Ground
|Level: 40
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Punching Glove]
|Ability: Iron Fist
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Protect, Iron Defense, Defense Curl, Curse, Telekinesis, Gravity, Block, Astonish [A][S], Night Shade [A][S], Mud-Slap [A][S], Bulldoze [A][S], Stomping Tantrum [A][S], Phantom Force [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Shadow Punch [A][S], Mega Punch [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Ice Punch [A][S], Drain Punch [A][S], Dynamic Punch [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Heavy Slam [A][S], Rollout [A][S], Gyro Ball [A][S], Magic Coat (IM) (0 move left to learn)
|Name: Cinccino (Scarf Pokémon)
|Type: Normal
|Tera: Normal
|Level: 40
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Loaded Dice]
|Ability: Technician
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Protect, Growl, Helping Hand, Tickle, Encore, Baby-Doll Eyes, Sing, Charm, Attract, After You, Tail Whip, Safeguard, Batton Pass, Slam [A][S], Double-Slap [A][S], Swift [A][S], Echoed Voice [A][S], Return [A][S], Super Fang [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Triple Axel [A][S], Bullet Seed [A][S], Rock Blast [A][S], Wake-Up Slap [A][S], Trailblaze [A][S], Tail Slap [A][S] (IM), Tidy Up (EM) (0 move left to learn)
Azure smirked, knowing his team lineup, checking their status screens. Then he returned to Elesa, who had her eyes narrowed with interest, stating, "Let's see if they can keep up with the current!"
Two Emolga glided down from the ceiling, carrying a silver tray. Three Ultra Balls rested there, reflecting the gym's neon lights. Elesa took them with an eager grin, her posture shifting from high-fashion model to elite combatant. She teased, tossing a ball up and catching it, "You know, most trainers are terrified of my Zebstrika. They say it's like fighting a lightning bolt with legs. Are you sure you're ready?"
Azure replied with a confident expression, "I've survived worse than a static shock, Elesa. Let's get started."
Elesa grinned hearing that as she replied in an excited tone, "Fine then! Let's turn up the volume! Zebstrika, take the stage!"
*CRACKLE-SNAP*
With a flash of white light, the large, striped equine Pokémon appeared. It stamped its hooves, sparks flying from its mane. A faint, red aura pulsed around it—the sign of a held [Life Orb]. The sound of its electricity filled the room.
Azure reached for a Poké Ball. He had a sly grin as he declared, "I'm counting on you. Excadrill, let's go!"
*POP*
The ball popped open, and a sleek, bipedal mole Pokémon with massive steel claws emerged. To any observer—including Elesa—the Pokémon was wearing a '[Muscle Band]' around its forehead.
However, it was Azure's Zoroark. The 'Muscle Band' was an illusion covering a pair of [Wise Glasses], and the 'Excadrill' was a masterpiece of deceptive projection in order to lull Elesa into a surprise.
Elesa laughed, seeing that Excadrill knew her strategy against Ground/Steel Type. She exclaimed boldly, "An Excadrill? Ground-type versus Electric. Classic. But don't think Type Advantage will save you here!"
Azure remained calm as he began by commanding, "We'll see. Zo—I mean, Excadrill! Use Pursuit!"
*Shiii*
Azure watched as his Pokémon blurred. This wasn't just a standard attack. Azure had Zoroark begin setting up the Counter Status Condition.
The 'Excadrill' lunged forward, dark energy coating its claws. Elesa commanded, "Zebstrika, don't let it get close! Trailblaze!"
*THUD*
Zebstrika's body glowed with a vibrant green light. It charged, its hooves tearing across the platform. The two Pokémon collided with a dull THUD, but the Trailblaze gave Zebstrika a sudden burst of speed. Its muscles rippled as its speed stat rose.
Elesa cried, "Again! Trailblaze!"
Zebstrika anticipated the next move, lunging with a green strike. But Azure smirked. By using Pursuit earlier, he had activated a 'Counter Status'—a tactical maneuver where his Pokémon was primed to react to the opponent's momentum.
Azure shouted, "Now!"
*Swoosh*
'Excadrill' didn't flinch. As Zebstrika moved in for the Trailblaze, the Illusionist pivoted with impossible grace, catching the zebra's momentum and shoving it aside. Zebstrika quickly balanced itself.
Before Zebstrika could recover, Azure called out the next move, "Excadrill! Agile Style: Hidden Power!"
*PEW-PEW-PEW-PEW*
The 'Excadrill' clapped its claws together. Multiple spheres of shimmering energy formed instantly. Because it was the Agile Style, the execution was blistering.
*BOOOM—CRASH*
Zebstrika, bolstered by its earlier Trailblaze, became a blur of black and white. It zig-zagged across the platform, the energy spheres exploding behind it in puffs of smoke, missing them every time.
Elesa shouted, "Too slow! Flame Charge!"
*Hisss*
Zebstrika became a literal fireball, its speed increasing even further as it circled the arena. The heat radiated outward, making the air shimmer. But Azure predicted, as he said calmly, "Detect."
*Swooosh*
'Excadrill' folded its arms. Just as the flaming zebra was about to make impact, the mole Pokémon shifted an inch to the left. The fireball missed by a hair's breadth, the wind of the passage ruffling the 'Excadrill's' fur—or rather, the illusion of fur.
But Elesa was relentless, following up: "Up high! Double Kick!"
Zebstrika leaped into the air, its powerful rear legs snapping out like whips!
*WHAM*
The first kick landed on 'Excadrill's' shoulder…
*WHAM*
The second landed on its chest. But again, the Counter Status Condition flared. Azure ordered, "Retaliate with Cut!"
*SHING—CLANG*
As Zebstrika's hooves made contact, 'Excadrill' ignored the pain, its claws glowing with a sharp, silver light. It slashed upward, catching Zebstrika across the flank. Both Pokémon skidded back, breathing heavily.
Up in the stands, Black was leaning so far over the rail he was nearly falling as he commented, impressed, "Whoa! Did you see that? Azure's 'Excadrill' is moving way differently than a normal one! It's like it knows where Zebstrika is going before Elesa even says anything!"
White nodded, her brow furrowed as she commented, "Yeah. But is it just me, or did Excadrill tank those attacks too well…"
Pikachu cheered, "Pika-pika! (Go get 'em!)"
Meloetta huffed, though her eyes were glued to the battle as she commented, 'I suppose his timing isn't completely terrible. But he's taking too many hits.'
Gengar grinned, his red eyes glowing as she said, "Just wait for the punchline, little singer. The joke is about to get good."
Back on the field, Azure decided to ramp up the pressure.
He commanded, "Hone Claws!"
*SHRING-SHRING*
'Excadrill' began sharpening its talons against one another, a metallic sound echoing through the gym. Its focus sharpened, its physical prowess rising.
Elesa pointed a finger forward, her pose dramatic, declaring, "I won't give you time to set up! Zebstrika, finish this! Flame Charge one more time!"
*HISSS*
Zebstrika roared, a sound like a crack of thunder. It transformed into a streak of orange flame, moving so fast it left afterimages on the track.
Azure's eyes narrowed, awaiting the right moment till finally ordered, "Now. Strong Style: Night Slash!"
The 'Excadrill' didn't move until the very last second. Suddenly, a massive aura of dark, purple-black energy erupted from its claws. The air around the Pokémon seemed to thicken, the weight of the "Strong Style" slowing the movement but tripling the impact power of its moves…
*CRUNCH*
The dark blade met the flaming charge. The impact sent a shockwave through the platform, causing the roller coaster tracks to rattle. Zebstrika's eyes went wide as its momentum was stopped cold. The dark energy carved through the flames, slamming the Electric-type into the ground with a devastating force.
Elesa cried out, "Zebstrika!"
The zebra Pokémon struggled, its legs shaking. It was heavily damaged, the [Life Orb's] recoil adding to the exhaustion.
Azure said firmly, his voice dropping an octave, grinning slyly, "Now! Let's show them who you really are. Pain Split!"
Elesa froze. She exclaimed, "Wait… Excadrill can't learn—"
*ZAP*
The 'Excadrill' didn't use a Ground-type move. Instead, a ghostly green tether of energy erupted from its chest, linking to the struggling Zebstrika. The zebra's remaining vitality was forcibly drained, flowing back into Azure's Pokémon.
*Crack*
As the health transferred, the illusion began to shimmer and crack like broken glass. The bulky, metallic form of Excadrill dissolved into wisps of dark smoke, revealing a tall, bipedal fox with a voluminous crimson mane and a mischievous crimson orb tied into its hair with its held item [Wise Glasses].
Zoroark stood on the field, cackling with a dark, melodic rhythm. He looked at Elesa and performed a mocking, theatrical bow. Elesa gasped, her grip tightening on her remaining Poké Balls, exclaiming, "A Zoroark?! The [Muscle Band]—no, those are [Wise Glasses]! You tricked me from the very first second!"
Azure said casually with a shrug, "A trainer's greatest weapon isn't always power, Elesa. It's information. And you were operating on the wrong data."
Gengar rolled around in the shadows, clutching her stomach as she said excitedly, "Kekekeke! Look at her face! She thought she was fighting a mole! Classic!"
Victini cheered, raising her fists into the air, joining Gengar, 'That was amazing! The way the illusion just… POPPED!'
Meloetta looked away, a small blush on her cheeks as she admitted, 'Hmph. A cheap trick. But… I guess it worked.'
Elesa's shock lasted only a moment before a fierce, competitive fire lit up her eyes. She adjusted her headphones, a sharp grin returning as she said in a determined tone, with a grin that wished pain, "So that's how it's going to be? Fine. Tricky or not, my Zebstrika isn't down yet! Double Kick, go!"
Zebstrika, though weakened by the Pain Split, lunged forward with desperate speed. Zoroark moved like liquid, dodging the first kick with a graceful side-step. The second kick came in fast, aiming for his head.
Azure commanded, "Agility!"
*Swooosh*
Zoroark didn't just move; he accelerated. Using the Counter Status once more, he channeled the momentum of Zebstrika's miss into a burst of pure speed. He became a blur, his Speed stat jumping by +2 stages instantly.
Elesa shouted, "Quick Attack!"
Zebstrika struck—a flash of white…
*Zooom*
It finally connected, slamming into Zoroark's side!
Azure countered, "Detect!"
Zoroark didn't take the full force. He rolled with the punch, his body shimmering with a protective blue light that negated the worst of the impact. He landed on all fours, his red eyes glowing in the dark gym.
Azure grinned as he commanded in an excited tone, "Let's end this first round, Elesa. Confuse Ray!"
*ZAP*
Zoroark flicked his wrist, and a sinister, flickering orb of ghostly light shot out. It hit Zebstrika square in the forehead. The zebra's eyes began to spin, its movements becoming erratic and stumbling.
Elesa called, "Zebstrika, snap out of it!"
*SMACK*
… but it was too late. Zebstrika struck itself in confusion!
Azure followed up, "Dark Pulse!"
*PEW—SLAM*
Zoroark threw his hands forward, unleashing a spiraling wave of dark, hateful energy. It buffeted Zebstrika, pinning it in place. Azure raised a hand as he barked, "And the finisher! Strong Style: Night Daze!"
*HOWWWWWL*
Zoroark let out a guttural howl. The ground beneath him cracked as he slammed his palms into the platform. A massive shockwave of crimson and black energy exploded outward, a literal curtain of darkness that swallowed the arena.
*BOOM*
The force was so great that the spectators in the stands had to shield their eyes. When the light faded, Zebstrika was pinned against the far wall of the gym, unconscious. Zebstrika is unable to battle.
The gym went silent for a heartbeat before Black erupted into cheers. He shouted excitedly, "AWESOME! That Night Daze was huge! Did you see the crater?!"
White was busy typing notes into her notebook as she said proudly, "The way he switched from the illusion to the Strong Style Night Daze… It's a terrifying combination. He completely controlled the flow of the battle."
Elesa recalled her Zebstrika, her hand lingering on the Poké Ball for a moment. She looked up at Azure, her expression no longer playful, but deeply respectful. She said, her voice carrying over the hum of the gym, "You're not like the other trainers who come through here. That was a masterclass in deception and timing. But remember… I still have two Pokémon left. And the stage is just starting to heat up."
Azure nodded, Zoroark returning to his side, the fox Pokémon's eyes flashing with anticipation. Both grinned as Azure replied firmly, "I'm counting on it, Elesa. Let's see what else you've got in your setlist."
The neon lights of the gym pulsed faster, the electricity in the air growing so thick it felt like it would ignite. The battle for the Bolt Badge was only just beginning.
/////
A/n: Hope you like the chapter!