Chapter 491: Fighting Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Veilstone City – Gym]
The vibrant energy of the Veilstone City Gym thrummed with a renewed intensity. Moments ago, the roar of the crowd – a small but spirited group consisting of Azure, Pearl, Diamond, and their Pokémon – had celebrated Platinum Berlitz's hard-fought victory against Maylene, securing her a shimmering Combat Badge and the powerful TM for Drain Punch.
Now, the spotlight belonged to Azure Sky, the enigmatic 'Uncrowned Champion,' as he stood ready to face Maylene for his own Ace Gym Match. Pikachu, Azure's stalwart partner, chirped excitedly from his shoulder, ears twitching with anticipation. Eevee, ever-loyal, pulsed with focused energy atop his head, amber eyes fixed on the battle arena.
Tucked safely in his jacket pocket, Pichu (Mew) let out a tiny, almost imperceptible mewl of curiosity, sensing the heightened atmosphere. Platinum, clutching her newly acquired badge, joined Pearl and Diamond in the spectator stands, her expression a mix of awe and competitive analysis.
Maylene, the Sinnoh region's Fighting Type Gym Leader, a picture of focused determination in her fighting gi, stepped forward. She began, her voice clear and strong, "Azure Sky… The Uncrowned Champion. I've heard whispers of your prowess, your unique blend of tactical genius and raw strength. For this match, I wish to truly test your might. It will be a 6-v-6 Pokémon Battle."
A challenging grin spread across her face as she openly declared, "I want to see if your reputation holds."
Azure returned her grin, a confident glint in his oceanic eyes. The air crackled with a friendly yet undeniable rivalry as he replied casually, "Better be careful what you wish for, Maylene. You might get it."
*Bzzzzt*
Maylene chuckled, then tapped a button on her Rotom Phone. A sleek, metallic scanner rose from the ground on Azure's side of the field.
Six empty sockets gleamed, awaiting his chosen Pokémon. Maylene explained, "As per usual, Azure, please place your Poke Balls here. The scanner will register their strength without revealing their identities."
Azure nodded, reaching for his belt. His gaze swept over his assembled team in his mind, considering the fighting-type specialist before him. He made his choices, selecting a balanced and powerful lineup: Monferno, Hisuian Liligant,Togekiss, Gallade, Scyther, and Froslass. One by one, he placed their Poké Balls into the sockets.
"Beep… beep… BZZZT!"
The scanner hummed, assessing the Pokémon within. Azure smirked as he gazed at his Pokémon's status screen as he thought, 'We'd made some good progress in the week of training. So far, Scyther's my strongest at level 38. The rest are in the 33-36 level range. But with the training we'd gone through, it should be enough.'
|Name: Monferno (Playful Pokémon)
|Type: Fire/Fighting
|Tera: Fire
|Level: 35
|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, Slack Off, Torment, Swords Dance, Aura Sphere [A][S],Flame Wheel [A][S], Flamethrower [A][S],Power-Up Punch[A][S], Double Kick[A][S], Fire Pledge [A][S], Thunder Punch [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Dig [A][S], Tera Blast [A][S], U-Turn [A][S], Feint [A][S], Grass Knot [A][S], Mach Punch [A][S] (IM), Fake Out (EM) (1 Moves Left to learn)
|Name: Togekiss (Jubilee Pokémon)
|Type: Fairy/Flying
|Tera: Normal
|Level: 36
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Scope Lens]/[King's Rock]/[Sky/Pixie Plate]
|Ability: Serene Grace
|Nature: Modest
|Moves: Protect, Life Dew, Yawn, Work Up, Detect, Attract, Light Screen, Reflect, Thunder Wave, Air Cutter [A][S], Draining Kiss [A][S], Extreme Speed [A][S], Aura Sphere [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], Fly [A][S] (HM),Air Slash [A][S] (IM), Fairy Wind [A][S] (IM), Future Sight [A][S] (IM), Morning Sun (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
|Name: Scyther (Mantis Pokémon)
|Type: Bug/Flying
|Tera: Bug
|Level: 38
|Held Item: [Eviolite]/[Muscle Band]/[Scope Lens/Razor Claw]
|Gender: Male
|Ability: Steadfast (Hidden Ability)
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Detect, Agility, Double Team, Focus Energy, Roost, Swords Dance, Fury Cutter [A][S], X-Scissor [A][S], Bug Buzz [A][S], Silver Wind [A][S], U-Turn [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S],Air Slash [A][S],Wing Attack [A][S], Quick Attack [A][S], Slash [A][S], Razor Wind [A][S], Pursuit [A][S], Brutal Swing [A][S], Knock Off [A][S], Counter (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
|Name: Gallade (Blade Pokémon)
|Type: Psychic/Fighting
|Tera: Psychic
|Level: 35
|Gender: Male
|Held Item: [Twisted Spoon]/[Galladite]/[Fist/Mind Plate]
|Ability: Sharpness
|Nature: Adamant
|Moves: Protect, Teleport, Double Team, Reflect, Light Screen, Hypnosis, Telekinesis, Swords Dance, Dream Eater [A][S], Future Sight [A][S], Confusion [A][S], Psyshock [A][S], Power Up-Punch [A][S], Psycho Cut [A][S], Sacred Sword [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Fury Cutter [A][S], Night Slash [A][S], Leaf Blade [A][S], Aqua Cutter [A][S], Slash[A][S] (IM), Magical Leaf [A][S] (IM), Disable (IM), Destiny Bond (IM), Mean Look (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
|Name: Froslass (Snow Land Pokémon)
|Type: Ice/Ghost
|Tera: Ice
|Level: 34
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Never-Melt Ice]/[Froslassite]/[Icicle/Spooky Plate]
|Ability: Snow Cloak
|Nature: Serious
|Moves: Protect, Hail, Reflect, Light Screen, Confuse Ray, Double-Team, Haze, Will-O-Wisp, Pain Split, Blizzard [A][S], Powder Snow [A][S], Ice Shard [A][S], Icy Wind [A][S], Frost Breath [A][S], Ice Beam [A][S], Shadow Ball [A][S], Astonish[A][S], Draining Kiss [A][S], Water Pulse [A][S], Crunch [A][S], Hex [A][S] (IM), Disable (IM), Block (EM) (0 Moves to learn)
|Name: Lilligant (Hisuian) (Spinning Pokémon)
|Type: Grass/Fighting
|Tera: Grass
|Level: 34
|Gender: Female
|Held Item: [Miracle Seed]/[Meadow/Fist Plates]/[Wide/Zoom Lens]
|Ability: Hustle
|Nature: Jolly
|Moves: Protect, Growth, Helping Hand, Recover, Synthesis, Stun Spore, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Aromatherapy, Leech Seed, Recover, Leaf Blade [A][S], Leafage [A][S], Mega Drain [A][S], Magical Leaf [A][S], Energy Ball [A][S],Drain Punch [A][S], Mega Kick [A][S], Aerial Ace [A][S], Rock Smash [A][S] (HM), Victory Dance (IM), Endure (IM), Healing Wish (EM) (0 Moves left to learn)
"CRRRKK-CHUNK!"
As the device whirred to a close, Maylene's smirk deepened. A similar machine sprang up from her side, this one displaying six active Poke Balls, their outlines faintly visible through the transparent casings.
Beside them, on her arm, a sleek Key Stone Glove shimmered, indicating her capacity for future Mega Evolution. Azure mused, "She's ready for anything."
Before the match officially began, Maylene's expression softened slightly. She said, her voice sincere, "Azure, I truly do need to thank you. Your efforts in bringing back the Hisuian Pokémon to the present time... It's been a revelation. It's allowed me to introduce entirely new Fighting-type Pokémon to the Sinnoh Region, to renew our traditions and our understanding of battle."
Her gaze sharpened once more as she added, "And now, I will show you the might of these renewed traditions!"
Azure offered a genuine smile as he replied, "I look forward to it, Maylene."
*KLANG*
*KLANG*
*KLANG*
The gym's automated statue speaker boomed, its metallic voice echoing through the arena as it stated the rules, "The rules for this official Ace Gym Battle are as follows: a singles 6-v-6 Pokémon Battle! Trainers are permitted to switch Pokémon at any time! The battle will conclude when all of one trainer's Pokémon have been rendered unable to continue! Let the match… begin!"
The atmosphere thickened, the anticipation palpable. Maylene and Azure locked eyes, a silent agreement passing between them.
Maylene exclaimed, hurling her Poke Ball with practiced precision, "A worthy opponent has arrived! Go, Gallade!"
*Pop*
A flash of white light erupted, materializing into a powerful, bipedal Pokémon. Its white body, adorned with green head fin and sharp elbow blades, exuded an aura of calm strength. Gallade stood poised, its crimson eyes narrowing slightly, its held item – a glowing [Expert Belt] – clearly visible on its waist.
It cried, a proud, resonant declaration, "GA-LAAADE! (It is time to battle!)."
Azure, in turn, mirrored her motion as he declared, "Scyther, let's go!"
*Pop*
Another pulse of light, revealing a predatory insectoid Pokémon. Scyther, its vibrant green exoskeleton gleaming under the gym lights, unfolded its razor-sharp scythes, the [Eviolite] it wore around its neck faintly glinting.
Its compound eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned its opponent. It hissed, a challenging buzz escaping its mandibles, "SKKKRYTH! (Finally, a battle!)."
Pearl exclaimed from the stands, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he examined the scene, "Alright, a Psychic/Fighting-type versus a Bug/Flying-type! Type advantage for Azure right off the bat!"
Diamond, ever the strategist, chimed in, "But Scyther's speed is no joke. Azure probably has a plan."
Platinum watched intently, a notebook already in hand as she added, "Indeed. Scyther also has a wide move pool, especially with those Agile and Strong style variations. It's hard to predict Azure's opening move."
Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu (Mew) leaned forward, their small bodies tense with excitement. They cheered, a chorus of encouragement for Azure and Scyther, "Pika-Pika! Eevee! Piii! (Go out there and kick her butt!)"
The tension was a tangible force, stretching across the arena like a taut wire. Maylene's Gallade stood resolute, its psychic energy subtly humming around it, ready to unleash a barrage of powerful attacks.
Azure's Scyther, conversely, was a coiled spring of kinetic energy, its razor-sharp scythes glinting under the arena lights, ready to cut through the air with astonishing speed. Maylene commanded, her voice ringing out, "Gallade, start with Psycho Cut!"
Gallade responded instantly, "GA-LAAADE! (On it!)."
*SHWING*
Its right elbow blade flared with a brilliant, shimmering psychic energy. With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, it slashed the air. Two crescent-shaped blades of pure psychokinetic force arced through the air, heading straight for Scyther with incredible velocity.
Azure, however, had anticipated a direct assault. He called out, his voice calm amidst the rising tension, "Scyther, Agility! Then Double Team!"
Scyther's compound eyes gleamed, "SKKKRYTH! (On it!)"
*WHOOOSH*
A burst of brilliant green light enveloped its form. In an instant, it blurred across the arena, a mere green streak, easily dodging the incoming Psycho Cuts which sliced harmlessly through the air where it had been a moment before.
*SWISH*
*SWISH*
Pearl gasped, his jaw dropping, "Whoa, fast!"
Platinum murmured, scribbling furiously in her notebook, "That's Azure's Scyther for you. Unbelievable speed."
As it zipped past, Scyther didn't stop. With another burst of energy, its outline shimmered, and then…
*POP*
*POP*
Multiple identical copies of the bug Pokémon appeared, swirling around the field. Soon, six Scyther filled the arena, each one a perfect, indistinguishable replica of the original, making it impossible for Gallade to discern the real one.
The chorus of buzzing cries filled the gym, "SKKKRYTH-SKKKRYTH-SKKKRYTH! (Ha! Try to find me now, fighter!)"
Gallade, momentarily disoriented, paused its advance, its crimson eyes darting between the illusions. It questioned, confused, "Ga… Gallade? (Where…)"
Maylene urged, "Don't let them confuse you, Gallade! Use Detect!"
Gallade complied, closing its eyes for a split second, its psychic senses flaring out, "GA-LAAADE! (On it!)"
A faint, almost transparent aura flickered around it, allowing it to sense the subtle energy differences between the real Scyther and the illusions. Its eyes snapped open, locking onto the true target.
Maylene pressed, seeing the opening, "Slash!"
Gallade burst forward, its powerful legs propelling it across the arena in a single, focused leap. Its right elbow blade was once again charged, not with psychic energy this time, but with raw physical power.
Azure acknowledged, a slight smile playing on his lips, "Excellent read, Maylene! But Scyther… Agile Style, Aerial Ace!"
*WHOOSH*
The real Scyther, identified by Gallade's Detect, zipped forward just as Gallade launched its attack. Scyther's wings beat furiously, creating a miniature vortex of wind around it. It became a blur, moving with impossible quickness, leaving afterimages in its wake as it flew towards Gallade.
*ZIIING*
Its body glowed with a faint, silvery-white energy – the sign of Aerial Ace. Gallade's Slash was powerful, designed to slice through defenses.
*THWACK*
But Scyther, moving in Agile Style, was simply too fast. It darted under Gallade's outstretched arm, a green streak barely caught by the eye. Its wing, hardened by the attack, struck Gallade's side with a sharp, stinging blow.
Gallade grunted, stumbling slightly from the unexpected hit, "GAH!"
Pearl exclaimed, clapping his hands, "A direct hit! And super-effective! Scyther is ridiculously fast!"
Platinum noted as she explained, "That's the advantage of Agile Style. It sacrifices some power for incredible speed and accuracy. It's impossible to miss with Aerial Ace, and in Agile Style, it's even harder to intercept."
Eevee barked in agreement, her tail swishing. Pichu (Mew) in Azure's pocket wiggled, a tiny squeak of delight escaping it. Pikachu cheered, pumping a tiny fist in the air, "Pika-Pika! (Yup! I taught him that style!)"
Maylene narrowed her eyes as she commanded, "Gallade, recover! Don't let it get away! Use Close Combat!"
Gallade, shaking off the hit, roared its defiance, "GA-LAAADE!"
*BAM*
*WHAM*
*KRACK*
It unleashed a furious flurry of punches and kicks, a whirlwind of powerful strikes aimed at the space where Scyther was last seen. The air vibrated with the force of its blows, each one capable of felling a small tree.
Azure commanded, his voice sharp and precise, "Scyther, keep the pressure on! Agile Style Fury Cutter!"
Scyther, already in motion, didn't hesitate. It used its incredible speed to weave through Gallade's relentless assault.
*WHOOSH-WHOOSH-WHOOSH*
The illusions from Double Team flickered and popped as Gallade's errant punches sliced through them, but the real Scyther was a ghost, dancing just out of reach. Then, with a terrifying cry, Scyther closed in.
*ZING-ZING-ZING*
*THWIP-THWIP-THWIP*
Its scythes, now glowing with a sickly green energy, began to glow. Each cut was faster than the last, building in intensity. It sliced at Gallade's arms, its legs, its chest, each strike lightning-fast. The Agile Style ensured rapid-fire strikes, chipping away at Gallade's defenses.
Gallade winced with each stinging blow. The flurry of Fury Cutter attacks, though individually less powerful due to Agile Style, quickly added up, especially with the Bug-type advantage. It cried out in frustration, "Ga-laade!"
Pearl exclaimed, leaning forward so much he nearly fell over the railing, "This is getting intense!"
Diamond observed calmly, commenting, "That's the beauty of Fury Cutter. Each successive hit gets stronger. Even in Agile Style, that's going to hurt Gallade a lot."
Gallade was certainly hurting. The multiple Fury Cutter hits had left visible scratches and dents on its pristine white body. Its breathing became heavier, and its movements, while still powerful, were no longer as fluid.
Maylene, however, was a seasoned Gym Leader as she ordered, "Gallade, endure! We'll turn this around! Swords Dance!"
Ignoring the pain, Gallade momentarily planted its feet. A fierce orange aura flared around its body, coalescing into phantom swords that spun around it before being absorbed. Its attack power surged dramatically, an almost palpable pressure filling the arena.
Platinum gasped, "She's boosting her attack! Now Gallade is truly dangerous!"
Azure countered, his eyes glinting at the danger, "Scyther, don't let it set up completely! Strong Style X-Scissor!"
He knew if Gallade fully maximized its attack, Scyther, despite its [Eviolite], might not withstand a single critical hit. Having already applied pressure, Scyther didn't need to be agile this time.
It gathered its energy, its twin scythes retracting slightly before extending with renewed force as it cried out, "SYYYYYTHER!! (On guard, fighter!)."
A deep, resonant buzz filled the air as the green energy around its scythes intensified, crackling like static electricity. This was Strong Style – slower, but devastatingly powerful incoming attack.
Maylene knew what was coming. She roared, gambling on Gallade's boosted power to land a crippling blow, "Gallade, intercept! Aerial Ace!"
Gallade, still shimmering with the lingering effects of Swords Dance, lunged forward, "GA-LAAADE! (On guard bug!)"
Its elbow blades elongated, glowing with a vibrant, emerald-green light, resembling razor-sharp leaves. This was a powerful Grass-type attack, capable of immense damage.
*CRACKLE*
*SWISH*
The two Pokémon met in the center of the arena with a spectacular clash. Scyther's Strong Style X-Scissor, a magnified cross-slash of pure Bug energy, met Gallade's super-charged Leaf Blade.
*KSSSSHHHNGGGG*
*CLANG*
A shower of green and yellow sparks erupted, coupled with a deafening CLANG as hardened scythes met psychic blades. The force of the impact sent a shockwave rippling through the gym.
Pearl yelled, covering his ears, "Incredible!"
Diamond shielded his eyes from the blinding light as he added, "Both of them went for broke!"
The gym floor cracked slightly at the point of impact. For a tense moment, the two Pokémon were locked in a stalemate, their wills clashing as powerfully as their attacks. Scyther's green energy pulsed, trying to overpower Gallade's emerald glow.
Gallade, with its Expert Belt flashing furiously, pushed back with all its might, its newfound attack power making the collision truly devastating. Then, with a final, desperate surge of psychic energy, Gallade pushed through.
*SHIIING*
It's Aerial Ace sliced past Scyther's defense, landing a solid, super-effective hit directly on Scyther's left wing. Scyther shrieked, a pained cry escaping its mandibles, SKKRYYYYTHHHH! (AHHHH!!!)"
*THUD*
It was thrown back, skidding several feet across the arena floor before coming to a halt. Its left wing, though not broken, was clearly damaged, a visible scorch mark marring its usually pristine surface.
The [Eviolite] around its neck shimmered, absorbing some of the damage, but the hit was still immense. Platinum exclaimed, her eyes wide with concern, "Oh no, Scyther!"
Pikachu's ears flattened in worry. Eevee let out a distressed cry. Pichu (Mew) began to squirm restlessly in place.
Maylene breathed a sigh of relief as she praised her Gallade's efforts, "Alright, Gallade! Excellent work!"
Gallade, though tired, stood tall, its chest heaving. The [Expert Belt] had done its job, amplifying the Aerial Ace to devastating effect. Azure's expression remained calm, though a flicker of concern crossed his eyes as he assessed Scyther's condition as he thought, 'That was a well-timed and powerful counter. Maylene isn't holding back.'
Scyther, though clearly in pain, slowly pushed itself back up, its compound eyes still fixed on Gallade, determination burning within them. It rasped, a fierce growl, "SYYYYYTH…. (I'm… not out… yet…)"
Diamond noted, impressed, "Scyther is tough!"
Platinum mused, re-checking her notes, "But that was a critical hit, perhaps? A super-effective Aerial Ace after a Swords Dance is no joke, even for a Pokémon holding [Eviolite]. Azure needs a strategy shift."
Azure nodded subtly to himself. Scyther's wing was compromised, meaning its speed and Flying-type advantages were now diminished. A direct fight of power against a boosted Gallade would be risky. He needed to be clever.
Azure commanded, his voice firm, "Scyther Roost!"
Scyther, understanding the urgency, flapped its injured wing, albeit with difficulty, and landed on the ground, "SYTHER!"
*WHOOSH*
A soft, green glow enveloped its body, and its damaged wing began to mend itself, slowly but visibly. A significant portion of its health was restored, though not all.
Pearl exclaimed, "He's healing it! Smart move! Get that Flying-type back!"
Platinum corrected Pearl as she explained to him, "Not quite, Pearl. While Roost heals, it temporarily removes the Flying-type from Scyther. So for this turn, it's just a Bug-type Pokémon."
Maylene, picking up on this, saw an opportunity as she ordered, "Gallade, don't let it recover fully! Air Slash, full power!"
Gallade, still riding the high of its last successful attack and its Swords Dance boost, launched an Air Slash, "GA-LAAADE! (Time to go down bug!)."
This one was even more potent, a shimmering, razor-sharp wave of blue flying type energy that tore through the air with incredible speed, aimed directly at the grounded, Bug-type Scyther.
Azure's eyes narrowed. This was precisely the gamble he was hoping Maylene would take as he commanded, "Scyther, now! Use Counter!"
Scyther braced itself, its body tensing with its arms crossed, preparing itself to block, "SKKKRYTH! (Bring it on, fighter!! HIT ME!!!)."
*CRACK*
It didn't try to dodge, a risky move that made the crowd gasp. The Air Slash slammed into Scyther with a sickening CRACK!
Platinum cried out, watching with bated breath, "AH!"
Eevee let out a loud, distressed bark. Pikachu shrieked, worried for his friend, "Pika-CHUUU! (Ouch! That gotta hurt…)"
For a moment, it seemed Scyther had simply taken the hit, collapsing under the force. But then, as the psychic energy dissipated, Scyther, though visibly reeling and covered in dust, pushed itself up, a fierce glint in its eyes.
It let out a guttural roar, channeling all the damage it had just received into its own attack, "SKKKRYTHHHH! (You… failed.)"
Its scythes glowed with a furious, crimson energy, radiating an aura of accumulated pain and raw power. Azure yelled, a triumphant smirk now gracing his face, "Maylene, watch out!"
Maylene gasped, her eyes widening as she recognized the move, "What?! Gallade, block with Protect!"
But it was too late. Azure smirked as he thought, 'All according to plan.'
Counter struck with twice the force of the physical attack it had received. Scyther, moving far faster than its previous injury suggested it could, lunged forward.
*ZWOOSH-CLANG*
*THWACK*
Its crimson-charged scythes slammed into Gallade's chest with an echoing THWACK! that shook the entire arena.
Maylene's Gallade cried out, a sound of agony and shock, "GA-LAAAAADE!!!"
*THUD*
It was body-slammed backward, tumoring over itself, sliding violently across the arena floor. Silence descended upon the gym, broken only by the settling dust and the heavy breathing of the two Pokémon. Gallade lay still, unmoving, its eyes spiraling.
The statue speaker boomed, its voice cutting through the stunned silence, "Gallade is unable to battle! Scyther wins!"
Pearl literally jumped for joy as he exclaimed excitedly, "YES! Scyther pulled it off! That Counter was amazing!"
Platinum, though disappointed for Maylene, couldn't help but be impressed as she commented, "Azure… he baited her into that Air Slash for the Counter. He knew Roost would make Scyther a pure Bug-type, thus making a Flying attack super-effective, which in turn increased Counter's damage output. That was brilliant!"
Diamond simply nodded, a slight smile on his face as he added, "Calculated risk, perfectly executed."
Azure walked forward, meeting Scyther halfway. He praised, gently patting its head, "You were incredible, Scyther."
Scyther leaned into his touch, letting out a soft, tired cry, "Scyyy… (Heh. He was a fighter, but I? I was a fearless warrior leader. This was to be expected.)"
Its wing still hurt, but the adrenaline of victory coursed through it. Maylene, though defeated in the first round, recovered quickly.
She returned her Gallade to its Poké Ball, a look of respect now mixed with her determination. She said, looking up at him, "You're right, Azure. I got what I wished for. That was an exceptional display of strategy and power. My Gallade fought well, but your Scyther was simply… resilient."
She offered him a small, respectful bow as she stated eagerly, "Thank you for opening my eyes. This battle is just getting started!"
Azure smiled, returning her bow, and replied casually, "Indeed, it is, Maylene. You still have five more Pokémon, and I have five more strategies."
The arena once again buzzed with renewed anticipation, the first battle a thrilling testament to the power and intellect of both trainers.
/////
A/N: And here's another to make up for the last one being posted very late. Thanks for the chapter!