Chapter 447: Platinum's Rock Gym Battle
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Days later, Oreburgh City – Gym (Entrance)]
The morning sun, a gentle caress of golden light, spilled over the terracotta rooftops of Oreburgh City, painting the bustling streets in warm hues. The air thrummed with the distant rumble of the mining industry, a constant, earthy pulse beneath the lively chatter of trainers and townsfolk.
Stepping out from the imposing, carved stone entrance of the Oreburgh Grand Hotel, the small group cut a striking figure amidst the everyday commotion. Azure carried an aura of quiet confidence that belied his youth.
Perched comfortably on his shoulder, his Partner Pikachu, its cheeks sparking faintly with latent electricity, surveyed the scene with bright, intelligent eyes. A fluffy, cream-colored Eevee, ever-alert, nestled snugly on his head, its keen ears twitching at every sound.
And tucked discreetly into his jacket, a tiny, seemingly innocent Pichu (Mew) occasionally stirred, its soft snores vibrating just against Azure's chest. Azure took a quick check on his Status screen for the Pokémon he had trained the past 2 days to prepare against Roark.
|Name: Chimchar (Chimp Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Tera: Fire
|Level: 18
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Fist/Flame Plate]/[Expert Belt]/[Punching Glove]
|Ability: Blaze EX (Activates upon command. Boost Fire Moves by 100%)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Work Up, Taunt, Protect, Flame Wheel [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S], Power-Up Punch [A][S], Double Kick [A][S], Dig [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Fake Out (EM) (0 Moves Left to learn)
|Name: Riolu (Emanation Pokémon)
|Type: Fighting
|Tera: Fighting
|Level: 18
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Expert Belt]/[Fist Plate]/[Black Belt]/[Lucarionite]/[Lucarionite Z]
|Ability: Steadfast
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Endure, Foresight, Protect, Aura Sphere [A][S],Drain Punch [A][S], Counter [A][S], Bullet Punch [A][S], Metal Claw [A][S], Shadow Claw [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Detect (IM), Mind Reader (EM) (0 Moves Left to learn)
|Name: Rhyhorn [Alpha] (Spikes Pokémon)
|Type: Ground/Rock
|Tera: Ground
|Level: 19
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Rocky Helmet]/[Leftovers]/[Earth/Stone Plates]
|Ability: Rock Head
|Nature: Brave
|Moves: Protect, Sandstorm, Roar, Smack Down[A][S], Bulldoze[A][S], Dig [A][S], Counter [A][S], Horn Attack [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Dragon Rush [A][S] (IM), Rock Polish (IM), Metal Burst (IM), Rock Slide [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Togetic (Happiness Pokémon)
|Type: Fairy/Flying
|Tera: Normal
|Level: 21
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Scope Lens]/[King's Rock]/[Sky/Pixie Plate]
|Ability: Serene Grace
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Protect, Life Dew, Yawn, Work Up, Light Screen, Reflect, Air Slash [A][S], Air Cutter [A][S], Extrasensory [A][S], Ominous Wind [A][S], Ancient Power [A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Tri-Attack [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Fairy Wind [A][S] (IM), Future Sight [A][S] (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (1 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Gible [Alpha] (Land Shark Pokémon)
|Type: Dragon/Ground
|Tera: Dragon
|Level: 16
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Muscle Band]/[Draco/Earth Plate]/[Garchompite]/[Garchompite Z]
|Ability: Sand Veil
|Nature: Bashful
|Moves: Dragon Dance, Swords Dance, Protect, Twister [A][S], Sand Tomb [A][S], Bulldoze[A][S], Dig[A][S], Iron Head [A][S], Dragon Rage [A][S], Metal Claw [A][S], Bite [A][S], Sandstorm (IM), Dragon Breath [A][S] (IM), Outrage [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Magby (Live Coal Pokémon)
|Type: Fire
|Tera: Fire
|Level: 18
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Charcoal]/[Flame Plate]/[Wise Glasses]
|Ability: Flame Body
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Protect, Screech, Ember [A][S], Fire Punch [A][S], Flame Wheel [A][S], Fire Spin [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Clear Smog [A][S], Smog [A][S], Faint Attack [A][S], Barrier (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Elekid (Electric Pokémon)
|Type: Electric
|Tera: Electric
|Level: 18
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Magnet]/[Zap Plate]/[Muscle Band]/[Punching Glove]
|Ability: Static
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Protect, Charge, Magnet Rise, Detect, Shock Wave [A][S],Thunder Shock [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Swift [A][S], Low Kick [A][S], Barrier (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Ralts (Feeling Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fairy
|Tera: Psychic
|Level: 18
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Twisted Spoon]/[Galladite]/[Fist/Mind Plate]
|Ability: Trace
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Protect, Teleport, Double Team, Reflect, Light Screen, Hypnosis, Dream Eater [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Disable (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Mean Look (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
|Name: Zoura (S) (Hisuian) [Alpha] (Spiteful Fox Pokémon)
|Type: Normal/Ghost
|Tera: Dark
|Level: 19
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Spell Tag]/[Silk Scarf]/[Blank/Spooky Plate]
|Ability: Illusion
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Protect, Torment, Curse, Pain Split, Slash [A][S], Shadow Sneak [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Swift[A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Snarl [A][S], Detect (IM), Night Daze [A][S] (IM), Bitter Malice [A][S] (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Porygon-Z (Virtual Pokémon)
|Type: Normal
|Tera: Normal
|Level: 23
|Gender: Genderless
|Held Item: [Blank Plate]/[Silk Scarf]/[Wise Glasses]
|Ability: Analytic (Adaptability/Download) (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Timid
|Moves: Protect, Conversion, Sharpen, Conversion 2, Teleport, Agility, Recover, Recycle, Lock-On, Gravity, Magnet Rise, Heal Block, Telekinesis, Barrier, Thunder Wave, Hyper Beam [A][S], Swift [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], Self-Destruct [A][S], Hidden Power [A][S], Discharge [A][S], Zap Cannon [A][S], Psybeam [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Psychic [A][S], Thunderbolt [A][S], Ice Beam [A][S], Tri Attack [A][S] (IM)
Azure grinned as he thought calmly, observing Chimchar's screen, 'Good thing I told Chimchar to hold its evolution back. I want it to unleash in a grand audience and neat surprise against Roark.'
Beside him walked Platinum Berlitz, her posture impeccably refined, her expensive attire a subtle declaration of her noble heritage. Her expression was one of focused determination, a blend of youthful curiosity and the serious resolve expected of a Berlitz heir.
A slightly more boisterous presence was Pearl, his spiky hair and energetic demeanor making him instantly noticeable. He practically bounced with excitement, his eyes darting everywhere, taking in every detail of the city. He wore a constant, enthusiastic grin, clearly thrilled to be part of such a grand adventure.
Trailing slightly behind them, Diamond ambled along, a picture of relaxed contentment. His hand instinctively went to the backpack slung over his shoulder, a silent testament to his love for food. He might have seemed a bit slow or distracted to the untrained eye, but beneath his easygoing exterior lay a sharp wit and surprising perceptiveness.
Pearl exclaimed, gesturing dramatically with one hand, "Ah, Oreburgh City! The smell of coal and progress! It truly invigorates the spirit!"
Piplup, Platinum's starter, piped up from her side in agreement, a cheerful, "Pip-lup! (Fool! Clearly it's the smell of my victory!)"
Platinum responded, her voice smooth and measured, "Indeed, Pearl. It is a city of industrious spirit. And our first challenge, the Oreburgh Gym, awaits us."
She looked towards Azure, a silent question in her gaze. Azure offered a small, reassuring smile, stating, "Take your time, Platinum. It's not just about winning; it's about learning and growing with your Pokémon."
His Pikachu nudged his cheek, a soft, encouraging, "Pika-Pika! (That's right!)"
Diamond, munching on a Poffin he'd pulled from his bag, chimed in with a muffled, "Yeah, take it slow, Lady. You'll do great."
Platinum nodded, a flicker of appreciation in her eyes. The journey had only just begun, but she was already finding an unexpected rhythm with her new companions, even if they were far from the traditional bodyguards and assistants she was accustomed to; she couldn't deny the genuine excitement and camaraderie they brought.
The trek through Oreburgh City was a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds. Miners in hard hats emerged from the depths of the Oreburgh Mine, their faces smudged with coal dust, while children chased after Geodudes and Budew in the plazas.
The air grew cooler, carrying the scent of damp earth and stone, as they drew closer to their destination…
/////
[Sinnoh Region, Oreburgh City – Gym]
The Oreburgh Gym stood distinctively apart from the surrounding buildings, a testament to the raw, unrefined power it housed. Crafted entirely from rough-hewn stone, it appeared more like a natural rock formation than a man-made structure.
*Thump*
*Thump*
Its entrance was a gaping maw, leading into a dimly lit interior that echoed with the faint, rhythmic thump-thump-thump of mining equipment from deep within. As they stepped inside, a hush fell over Pearl's usual boisterous chatter.
The Gym was indeed narrow, stretching back into the gloom, a cavernous space carved directly into the bedrock. Two distinct paths lay before them: a raised, almost cliff-like walkway that clung to one side of the cavern wall, and a middle path, a rough-hewn dirt and gravel track that plunged straight through a series of challenging Gym Trainers.
At the very end, illuminated by natural light filtering from above, a figure stood atop a raised hill of rock and rubble – Roark, the Gym Leader, a serious young man with a miner's helmet perched on his head.
Pearl whispered, his voice hushed in the echoing space, "Whoa... this place is intense! You can practically feel the rock energy pulsating!"
Platinum observed, her eyes scanning the challenging middle path as she commented, "It certainly has a unique sense of grandeur."
Her Piplup, usually so confident, let out a small, nervous cry as it hadn't encountered a Gym quite like this before, "Pip?"
Before Platinum could take a step forward, a sudden voice boomed from the side, accompanied by a quick flash of a Poké Ball, "Hold it right there, challengers! You won't get to Roark without going through me first!"
A burly Trainer, whose uniform was smudged with what looked like actual coal dust, stepped onto the middle path, his Geodude rolling out in front of him, its stony fists clenched. Pearl, ever the enthusiastic coach, immediately leaned towards Platinum, "Alright, Platinum! Remember what we practiced! You'll want to use Piplup's Water-type moves to exploit the Geodude's weakness, but be careful of its –"
However, Azure's voice cut in, calm but firm, stopping Pearl mid-sentence, "Pearl. No coaching."
Pearl's mouth snapped shut, a look of confusion on his face as he argued, "Huh? But... she's new to this! She needs all the advice she can get!"
Azure replied, his gaze unwavering as he explained calmly, "Precisely. She needs to learn this her own way. If she wants that badge, and if Piplup is truly to regain its confidence, then she needs to make mistakes, realize them, and find the solutions herself. That's how true growth happens."
Platinum, who had been listening intently, turned to Azure. Her initial surprise gave way to a thoughtful expression, then a decisive nod as she stated, "Azure is right, Pearl. This is my challenge, and Piplup's. We must face it on our own terms and solve any problems that we face."
She looked at her Piplup, who chirped a more resolute, "Pip-lup!"
Pearl stammered, still trying to process, "But... but..."
Diamond, who had been quietly observing, placed a hand on Pearl's shoulder, shaking his head gently as he said calmly, "Trust in Lady, Pearl. She'll figure it out."
Seeing the resolve in Platinum's eyes and the quiet assurance from Diamond, Pearl finally relented, though a pout still tugged at his lips as he uttered, "Alright, fine! But that doesn't mean I can't cheer for you!"
Just as Pearl finished his declaration, a resonant, metallic voice echoed through the cavern, seeming to emanate from a large, ancient-looking statue of a pickaxe embedded in the wall spoke, "Spectators are permitted, young Trainers, so long as no coaching or interference occurs during a Gym Challenge. Those who wish to observe the battles may take the raised path to the designated viewing area."
The voice paused, then added with a hint of amusement, "It would save you the trouble of battling through our enthusiastic Gym Trainers."
Pearl's eyes lit up, and he immediately pointed to the raised path as he declared, "Look, Dia! We can still watch! Come on!"
Diamond nodded, already pulling out another Poffin as he replied cheerfully, "Sounds good to me."
As they began to move towards the raised path, Pearl turned back to Azure and Platinum, giving them a thumbs-up, encouraging them, "Good luck, you two! Go get 'em!"
Azure gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, while Platinum offered a polite, confident smile. The two friends then began their ascent, navigating the narrow, winding walkway, their voices and footfalls echoing softly in the vast space.
From their vantage point, Diamond and Pearl had a panoramic view of the battlefield below. The middle path, which had looked daunting from the entrance, now unfolded like a strategic chessboard. Roark, at the far end, remained still, a patient sentinel.
Azure and Platinum, side-by-side, are advancing. The first Trainer, the one who had so loudly challenged them, stood ready. They soon got to work battling rows and rows of Trainers in the middle. They began to mow them down.
Pearl exclaimed from above, eyes wide, "Incredible speed! He barely gave the Machop a chance to react!"
Diamond murmured, enjoying his Poffin, "Azure's battles are always like that. He anticipates everything. And Lady is doing well too!"
One by one, the Gym Trainers fell. Platinum, growing more confident with each victory, started developing her own strategies, switching between Piplup and her Ponyta, observing her opponents.
She made a few missteps, but quickly adjusted, proving her ability translated surprisingly well into battle instincts. Azure, meanwhile, was a whirlwind of efficiency. His Chimchar was a blur of quick attacks and fiery strikes, his Riolu a master of agile defense and powerful Aura Sphere.
Each of his Pokémon, even the smaller ones like Elekid and Magby, displayed an astounding level of training and battle prowess, dispatching opponents with a minimum of fuss. By the time the two reached the elevated platform where Roark stood, they had not only defeated every single intermediate Trainer, but had done so with a remarkable display of skill and teamwork.
Platinum's face was flushed with exertion and triumph, her Piplup chirping proudly by her side. Azure, however, looked as serene as when he had first entered, his Pikachu still nestled on his shoulder, Eevee on his head, and Pichu (Mew) soundly asleep in his jacket throughout the chaos.
Roark, a serious young man with a miner's helmet perched on his head and a pickaxe by his side, watched them approach, a faint smile touching his lips as he praised the two, "Well, well. It's not often I see challengers clear out my entire team of Trainers before reaching me. My congratulations to you both. You display a noteworthy resolve."
He gave a particular nod towards Platinum, adding, "Especially you, young lady. Your Piplup seems quite spirited now."
Platinum replied, bowing slightly, "Thank you, Gym Leader Roark."
Roark said curiously, turning his gaze fully to them, "Alright then. Which of you will face me first in the Gym Match?"
Azure stepped forward slightly as he stated calmly, "Gym Leader Roark, if you don't mind, I'd like to allow Platinum the first opportunity. I believe facing you first will be a vital step for her growth."
Roark considered this, then nodded as he explained the rules in a clear voice, "A noble sentiment. Very well. The rules are simple: a single match, two Pokémon per Trainer. No substitutions mid-battle once a Pokémon is knocked out, unless specified by a move or ability. Do you accept?"
Platinum declared, her voice ringing with determination, "I accept!"
Roark's eyes gleamed with the thrill of battle. He reached for a Poké Ball as he declared, "Excellent! Then let us begin! My first Pokémon is... Cranidos!"
*Pop*
A powerful, blue-headed dinosaur-like Pokémon materialized on the field, its thick skull already looking ready for impact. It roared, stomping its feet, "CRANI! DOS!!"
Platinum took a deep breath, steeling herself. She reached for her own Poké Ball, but then hesitated. She remembered Azure's earlier words about making her own choices. So, instead, she gently patted her Piplup, declaring, "Piplup, let's do this! Show them what you're made of!"
Piplup cried, waddling onto the field, its confidence radiating, "Pip-lup! (You're going down mongrel!)"
A small, blue, teardrop-shaped accessory, the [Mystic Water], was clearly visible, clutched in its wing. Platinum had specifically requested it, hoping to boost her partner's Water-type attacks.
Roark observed, nodding his head, finally commanding, "A Piplup and a Cranidos. An interesting type matchup. Let's see how you handle it. Cranidos, start us off with Shock Wave!"
*ZZZZT*
Cranidos lowered its head and charged, not with a physical tackle but with a visible wave of pure electric energy crackling around its body. It shot out a bolt of electricity straight at Piplup!
Platinum commanded, her eyes wide, "Piplup, dodge it!"
*WHUMP*
But the Shock Wave was fast and unavoidable, a guaranteed hit. The electric current slammed into Piplup, sending a jolt through its small body.
It stumbled backwards, clearly hurt by the super-effective attack. Its confidence wavered. Piplup cried out in pain, a sharp, miserable "Pip-lup-LUP!"
Pearl gasped from the stands, "Oh no!"
Diamond murmured, wincing, "That was rough."
Roark, however, showed no mercy as he grabbed another Poké Ball and yelled, "Excellent, Cranidos! Now, return! Onix, you're up!"
*Pop*
Cranidos was recalled, and in its place, a massive, serpentine Pokémon made of rock burst forth. Onix, a truly formidable sight, coiled itself on the field, its stony body rumbling, "ROOOOAAAR!"
Platinum exclaimed, realizing the shift in momentum, "Oh no, Onix!"
Roark commanded, capitalizing on Piplup's weakened state, "Onix, use Double-Edge!"
*WHOOSH*
Onix surged forward, its massive body glowing with power, preparing for a devastating charge. Platinum cried, reacting quickly, "Piplup, no! Return!"
But it was too late. Onix was too fast.
Roark added, a keen strategist, "And while you're at it, Onix, set up Stealth Rock!"
*CRUNCH*
As Onix slammed into Piplup, the impact was severe. Piplup cried out again, a pained cry, "Pip-lup-AAAARGH!"
It was sent skidding across the ground, barely conscious. Simultaneously, sharp, jagged rocks materialized and began to orbit the battlefield, a constant threat to any Pokémon entering the fray.
Roark pressed forward, not allowing Platinum any respite, "Now, Onix, a finishing Slam attack!"
*Zoooom*
Onix reared its head, then brought its massive body down like a hammer. But Platinum shouted, intercepting the attack with a desperate mid-air switch, "Ponyta, go!"
*Pop*
A burst of red light, and her Ponyta with its fiery mane and tail, took the brunt of the attack in Piplup's place.
*BOOOOM*
Ponyta cried out, stumbling under the powerful blow. It was a tough hit. Onix's Slam was incredibly powerful… it landed a critical hit.
*Thud*
The fiery horse Pokémon tried to stand, its legs trembling, but the critical hit damage from the Slam attack was too much. Ponyta whinnied weakly, its body collapsing onto the ground, swirling stars above its head.
The Gym referee announced, "Ponyta is unable to battle!"
Platinum cried, rushing to her fallen partner, "Oh, Ponyta!"
She knelt, cradling its head, her face etched with concern. She recalled Ponyta with a heavy heart.
With one Pokémon down and Piplup badly damaged, things looked grim. Pearl muttered, clutching his head, "This is not looking good."
Diamond reminded him, though even he looked a little worried now, "But Lady has her other Pokémon…"
Platinum stood, her resolve hardening. She had to do this for Piplup, for Ponyta, for herself, as she declared, "Piplup, let's go again! We can do this!"
Piplup, though still wounded, chirped weakly, finding a spark of courage from its trainer, "Pip-lup!"
*CLASH*
As Piplup re-entered the field, the orbiting Stealth Rock shards immediately battered it. Piplup cried out, taking even more residual damage. It was panting heavily, barely able to stand, its blue feathers ruffled.
Roark commanded, aiming for the knockout, "Now, Onix, use Tackle!"
Platinum yelled, a fierce fire in her eyes, "Piplup, no! Don't give up! Use Water Gun, full power!"
*FWOOSH*
A powerful, focused stream of water erupted from Piplup's beak. It wasn't the sparkling Bubble Beam, but a direct, concentrated jet of water, amplified by its [Mystic Water], boosting its Water Type moves.
*SPLOOOSH*
The Water Gun slammed into Onix's rocky face, hitting it squarely. Onix roared, a deep, pained sound, its massive body shaking from the super-effective hit. The force of the attack was tremendous, far more than Platinum had ever seen Piplup produce…
*THUD*
The giant rock snake staggered, then slowly its immense form began to list, and then it crashed to the ground with a thunderous hit. Kicking up a cloud of dust and debris as it fainted.
The referee declared, "Onix is unable to battle!"
A collective gasp went through the Gym. Platinum stared, wide-eyed, then a triumphant grin spread across her face. "Yes! Piplup, you did it!"
Piplup, though exhausted and wounded, puffed out its chest, letting out a small, proud "Pip-lup!"
Roark, though having lost a Pokémon, gave a genuine smile as he said, "An impressive comeback, young lady. Your Piplup is stronger than it looks."
He recalled Onix. Then grabbed his other Poke Ball as he reminded her, "But the battle isn't over yet! Cranidos, return to the field!"
*Pop*
Cranidos reappeared, looking as formidable as before, ready to face the heavily damaged Piplup, "CRANI! (You're going down!)"
Roark ordered, "Cranidos, Double Team!"
*WHOOSH*
*WHOOSH*
*WHOOSH*
Cranidos moved with surprising agility, creating multiple illusory copies of itself. Suddenly, there were five Cranidos on the field, all identical, circling the weary Piplup. It was impossible to tell which was real.
Pearl groaned, his hands flying to his face, "Oh no, illusions! Piplup is so tired, how can it deal with that?!"
Diamond, his cheerful demeanor replaced by concern, shook his head muttering, "There doesn't seem to be any hope for Piplup to win this battle..."
Azure, however, watching from the sidelines, remained calm. A small, knowing smile played on his lips. He took a glance at Cranidos shadows from Double Team, seeing only one as he thought, 'It's pretty simple if you know where to look. But I'm not about to blurt out the answer she needs to find her own win condition.'
His eyes, fixed on Piplup, held a glimmer of anticipation. He thought, almost to himself, 'It's about to activate its ability…'
The familiar surge of power, the primal scream... he'd seen it countless times in battles across regions. Piplup, surrounded by the swirling illusions, was clearly overwhelmed. It wobbled on its feet, its breathing ragged.
The constant threat of the Stealth Rock fragments, the damage from Shock Wave, and the fight against Onix had taken their toll. It felt fear, a deep, unsettling fear that threatened to extinguish its fighting spirit.
But then, something shifted.
*SHIIII*
A faint blue glow enveloped Piplup. It wasn't the gentle shine of [Mystic Water], but an internal, furious surge of energy. Piplup's eyes, which had been clouded with exhaustion, suddenly snapped open, burning with a renewed, fierce determination.
Its small body trembled, not from weakness, but from an overflowing, untamed power. A guttural, defiant cry erupted from its throat – a mighty war cry, "PIIIIIIP-LUP-LUP-LUP-LUP-ROOOOOAR!"
The roar, amplified by its ability, seemed to shake the very foundations of the Gym, echoing off the stone walls. Pearl stammered, his jaw agape, "It's... its ability! Piplup's Torrent ability! It activated!"
Azure's smile widened as he whispered, "Now, Platinum. This is your chance."
Platinum, her eyes blazing with excitement and renewed hope, felt the surge of Piplup's power. She remembered Azure's words about making her own choices. And now, seeing Piplup's fierce response, she knew exactly what to do.
The fear was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating resolve.
Roark commanded, sending one of the illusory Cranidos charging towards Piplup, its head glowing with psychic energy, "Cranidos, Zen Headbutt!"
The real Cranidos was among them, its attack undeniable. Platinum roared, matching Piplup's newfound ferocity, "Piplup, use Water Pulse! Full power!"
The Torrent-boosted Water Pulse was not just a stream, but a swirling, chaotic sphere of concentrated water. It burst forth from Piplup, a vortex of blue energy that expanded rapidly, engulfing all the illusory Cranidos and, crucially, the real one.
*KABOOM*
The sheer power of the attack, combined with the [Mystic Water], was enough to overwhelm Cranidos…
*CRASH*
The real Cranidos, disoriented and confused by the Water Pulse, stumbled. Its head, still glowing from Zen Headbutt, suddenly slammed into the ground, then into a nearby pillar of rock.
*THUD*
*BANG*
The disorientation from the Water Pulse, combined with its own attack, caused it to lose control. It spun around, dazed, and then, with a final, desperate cry, "CRANI-DAAAAH! (I SHALL TAKE YOU DOWN-)"
*CRUNCH*
It slammed its head, not into Piplup, but into a solid rock wall. The illusions shimmered and dissolved. The real Cranidos lay motionless, stars swirling above its head.
The referee's voice boomed, confirming the impossible, "Cranidos is unable to battle!"
Silence. Then, a triumphant cry from the exhausted but victorious Piplup, "Pip-lup! (Hmph! As expected, of course!)"
Pearl leaped up and down, practically vibrating with excitement, exclaimed, "SHE DID IT! SHE WON! PLATINUM WON!"
Diamond, for once, forgot his Poffin, a wide, genuine smile spreading across his face. "Lady did it! Piplup was amazing!"
Platinum, breathless, rushed to Piplup, scooping up her little partner and hugging it tightly. She praised her partner, "Piplup, you were incredible! You really were!"
Piplup nuzzled into her, its confidence fully restored, a warm, happy radiance from its small form cried out, "Pip-lup-lup! (Of course!)"
Roark, after a moment of stunned silence, chuckled. He walked over, a broad grin on his face as he praised her, "Remarkable, truly remarkable! To leverage Torrent and Confusion like that... a truly inspired tactical move. You've earned this, Platinum Berlitz."
He pulled a small, circular badge, shaped like a lump of coal, from his pocket and TM as he declared, "For your excellent battle, and for the bond you share with your Pokémon, I present you with the Coal Badge, the official Gym Badge of Oreburgh City! And along with your TM Stealth Rock!"
He placed the TM and badge in Platinum's outstretched hand. It felt solid, weighty, a symbol of her first official victory. She looked at it, then at Piplup, a sense of profound accomplishment washing over her.
Azure approached with a quiet satisfied expression on his face, praising her efforts in a proud tone, "Well done, Platinum. You faced your challenge, made your choices, and emerged victorious."
Platinum looked up at them, a genuine smile replacing her usual reserved expression as she expressed her thanks, "Thank you, Azure. And thank you, Peral and Diamond, for the training and for everything."
She then turned her gaze towards Roark, her eyes twinkling with a hint of challenge as she stated, "Now, Gym Leader Roark. I believe it's Azure's turn. And something tells me, his battles are quite... illuminating."
Roark's grin widened as he eyed Azure with anticipation, and he stated, "Indeed. I look forward to it, Azure. Let's see what a three-time League Champion and Battle Frontier Conqueror truly brings to the Oreburgh Gym."
The unspoken challenge hung in the air, a thrilling prelude to the next battle. Azure grinned as he grabbed his Poke Balls, preparing to throw down.
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter! And on a side note what Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon should the Sinnoh Dex Holders have?
Also I've added Platinum's battles with some slight differences from the original as she had some coaching mid-battle but here with the MC's advice I wanted to show how she'd handle Gym Matches.