Chapter 448: Rock Gym Battle (1)
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Oreburgh City – Gym]
Roark looked up as they approached, his eyes settling on Azure. He nodded respectfully, stating, "Ah, Azure Sky. I understand you're ready for your challenge?"
Azure replied, his voice calm and even, "Indeed, Gym Leader Roark."
Pikachu let out a confident cry, "Pika!"
Eevee gave a soft cry, "Eevee!"
Roark walked to the center of the arena as he explained the rules for Azure, "Excellent! Then let's not waste any time. The Oreburgh Gym challenge for Ace Trainers will be a 4-on-4 single battle!"
Platinum, Diamond, Pearl, along with Pikachu, Eevee, and Pichu, made their way to the observation stands. The stands were surprisingly comfortable, offering an excellent view of the rocky battlefield.
Pearl whispered, leaning forward, "Ace Trainer? What's that mean?"
Platinum explained, her eyes fixed on the arena, "It means Azure is a really strong trainer, Pearl. He's been recognized by the Pokémon Association for his skill. Ace trainers have a different challenge."
*Beep*
*RMBL*
Roark reached for his Rotom Phone. With a series of clicks, a section of the rocky floor in front of him began to rumble...
*THUD*
Gears whirred, and a strange, metallic mechanism slowly rose from the ground. It was a sleek, dark gray device with six distinct, glowing circular sockets.
Roark announced, gesturing to the machine as he explained to the Sinnoh Dex Holders, "The Pokémon Association implements this system. It's designed to ensure a fair and appropriately challenging Gym experience for all trainers, regardless of their experience level."
He looked directly at Azure as he continued pointing at him as an example, "For Ace Trainers like Azure, it helps me gauge the true strength of your chosen team and tailor my own strategy accordingly, ensuring a proper test."
Roark continued explaining to the younger Trainers present, "You insert your Poké Balls into the sockets, and select the number of Pokémon you intend to use. The machine will scan them, measuring their power, battle experience, levels, and overall synergy. Your Pokémon's identities will not be revealed, only their strength assessed."
Diamond's jaw dropped, a half-eaten sandwich forgotten in his hand as he exclaimed, "Whoa! So cool! It's like a power level scanner!"
Platinum murmured quietly, her eyes wide with academic curiosity, "Fascinating. A data-driven approach to Gym challenges. The Pokémon Association truly is ingenious."
Azure nodded in agreement. It was a good way to prevent experienced trainers from simply sweeping Gyms with Pokémon far beyond the Gym Leader's level without proper preparation, and a way to offer beginners a gentler introduction.
He reached for his belt, selecting four Poké Balls with practiced ease. Azure stated, his voice unwavering, "I'll be using these four against you, Roark."
He then carefully placed each Poké Ball into a separate socket. The sockets glowed brighter, and a soft, high-pitched sound filled the air as the machine began its scan.
*SHIII*
Invisible energy pulsed around the Poké Balls. Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum watched with bated breath, their Pokémon equally captivated.
Pikachu's ears swiveled, Eevee's tail twitched, and even Pichu (Mew) on the sidelines gave a tiny, almost imperceptible vibration. From the four chosen, Azure felt the familiar presences of Chimchar, Togetic, Riolu, and Alpha Gible.
Chimchar, his first Sinnoh Starter, is always eager for a fight. Togetic, the graceful support and special attacker. Riolu, the quick and powerful close-combat specialist. And Alpha Gible, a powerhouse with raw, untamed strength.
Each is a carefully considered choice for its type coverage, strategic utility, and sheer power. After a tense minute…
*DING*
… a soft sound echoed through the Gym. The lights on the machine dimmed, and the Poké Balls retracted slightly, signaling the completion of the scan.
*THUMP*
As the machine lowered back into the ground, another, smaller mechanism rose directly beside Roark. From within it, four pristine, standard Poké Balls emerged, hovering in place. Roark, with a confident smirk, plucked them from their perches, gripping them firmly in his hand.
Pearl exclaimed, pointing at the Poké Balls at Roark's side, "Wait a minute! He got new Poké Balls? Does that mean..."
Platinum's eyes widened, a sudden realization dawning on her. She asked, a hint of concern in her voice, "Gym Leader Roark, are those... are those not your typical Pokémon? Are you not using your best?"
Roark chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound as he explained to the Rookie Trainers in the stands, "A sharp observation, Lady Platinum. Most trainers would not notice. No, for an Ace Gym Challenge, I will use my best. These are indeed Pokémon specifically selected from my personal reserves, chosen by the system based on the data it gathered from Azure's Pokémon."
He paused, letting the information sink in before continuing further, "If I were to use my 'typical' team against a trainer of Azure's caliber, the battle would likely be over before it truly began, and he wouldn't get the proper testing for his skills. The Ace Gym Challenge is specifically designed for elite trainers to face a Gym Leader at their peak, pushing both trainer and Pokémon to their limits."
Diamond and Pearl exchanged wide-eyed glances. Diamond mumbled, finally finishing his sandwich, "So he's using Pokémon just as strong as Azure's? That's amazing!"
Platinum said, a mixture of awe and pride in her tone, "It's a testament to Azure's strength. To push a Gym Leader to use their absolute strongest... that's truly something."
Azure simply nodded, acknowledging Roark's explanation. He understood the implications. This wasn't just a regular Gym battle; it was a match between two highly skilled trainers, optimized for a genuine test of strength and strategy.
He felt a familiar thrill course through him, the quiet anticipation of a true challenge. Roark declared, holding up a Poké Ball, "Alright, Azure Sky. Are you ready?"
Azure responded, his own hand hovering over his belt, "Ready when you are, Roark."
The referee, a stern-faced man in an official uniform, raised his arm. "This will be a 4-on-4 single battle! Switching is allowed! The first Pokémon out will be Gym Leader Roark's! Battle... begin!"
Roark launched his Poké Ball with practiced precision onto the rocky terrain as he declared, "Larvitar, let's go!"
*Pop*
A flash of red light erupted, and a small, green bipedal Pokémon with a rocky, segmented body materialized. Larvitar let out a defiant squeak, its beady eyes fixing on Azure. But as it appeared, a subtle shimmer enveloped it.
*Hisss*
A small, fiery red orb, the [Flame Orb], glowed faintly on its chest, and with a soft hiss, Larvitar's body seemed to stiffen. Its scales grew a shade darker, and a low growl rumbled in its throat.
Roark announced, a confident smirk returning to his face, "Larvitar's Guts ability is active! This battle will be a tough one!"
Azure's expression remained serene as he thought, analyzing the situation, 'A [Flame Orb] with Guts. Roark isn't holding back with strategic items either.'
He knew the Guts ability significantly boosted a Pokémon's Attack stat when afflicted with a status condition like burn. Larvitar might be tiny, but with Guts, it could hit like a truck. And being a Rock/Ground type, it had solid defenses.
Azure called out, tossing his own Poké Ball with a gentle arc, "Your time to shine! Togetic, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
From the shimmering light, the graceful form of Togetic emerged, its round, white body and red and blue triangular patterns a stark contrast to Larvitar's rugged appearance. It gracefully unfurled its small, feathery wings, letting out a cheerful cry, "Togeeetiiic! (Hello, new friend!)."
The [King's Rock], a small, golden crown-like accessory, sparkled faintly around its neck. Togetic, a Fairy/Flying type, floated serenely above the ground, its gentle demeanor belying its formidable power.
It wasn't just a pretty face; Togetic was a master of status conditions, support, and surprisingly potent special attacks. Roark seemed genuinely surprised, a slight arch to his eyebrow, "A Togetic? An interesting choice against a Rock-type. I admire your unconventional approach, Azure. Let's see what you've got!"
In the stands, Platinum leaned forward, captivated by Togetic, but she trailed off, analyzing the matchup, "Togetic... A Fairy and Flying-type. It has a type immunity against Larvitar's Ground-type, but Larvitar is also Rock. And with Guts..."
Pearl exclaimed, nudging Diamond, "Whoa, Togetic looks super graceful! Think it can fly around Larvitar easily?"
Diamond, for once, was paying full attention to the battle, added, "Larvitar's still Rock-type, though. And Guts means it hits harder. Togetic has to be careful."
Pikachu chirped, a small bolt of electricity crackling on his cheeks, reflecting his confidence in his trainer and partner. Eevee nudged Azure's head affectionately, while Pichu (Mew) in the stands vibrated with amusement.
Azure met Roark's gaze with a quiet intensity in his eyes. He commanded, "Togetic, let's start with a Work Up!"
*Shiii*
Togetic's eyes glowed with determination. Its small, delicate hands clasped together, and a soft, shimmering aura enveloped its body. Its Special Attack and Attack stats received a subtle boost by +1 Stage.
Larvitar, already burning and brimming with Guts-fueled power, merely growled, kicking up a small cloud of dust. Roark grinned, the challenge now truly in motion, ordered, "Larvitar, use Rock Slide!"
*RMBL*
Larvitar roared, its small body somehow generating immense power. It slammed its feet onto the ground.
*Swf*
From the rocky ceiling of the Gym, and from fissures in the arena floor, several large, jagged stones detached, hurtling down towards Togetic with alarming speed and force. Azure's voice cut through the air, calm and clear, "Togetic, Protect!"
Togetic's movements were fluid and instantaneous. In a blink, a shimmering, translucent green barrier materialized around its body, forming a perfect shield just as the first wave of rocks slammed into it.
*CLANG*
The sound was deafening, the impact powerful enough to send tremors through the arena. Dust and rock fragments exploded outwards, obscuring Togetic from view.
Platinum gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, "Incredible! Such quick reflexes!"
Pearl exclaimed, "That Togetic is fast! It put up that shield in a flash!"
Diamond simply nodded, his eyes wide as he added, "That was a lot of rocks. Good thing Togetic protected itself."
Azure watched the dust settle, a faint smile playing on his lips. His Togetic, a testament to countless hours of training and bond-building, was unharmed. The barrier shimmered for a moment longer, then faded away, leaving Togetic floating serenely, completely untouched by the barrage.
Roark narrowed his eyes, impressed. He pointed a finger, commanding, "Larvitar, target the ground beneath it! Use Crunch!"
Larvitar, still burning and empowered, let out a fierce roar, "LARR!!"
With surprising speed for its size, it lunged forward, its powerful jaws snapping. It didn't aim for Togetic directly but rather for the rocky surface where Togetic was momentarily vulnerable, planning to create an opening.
*SNAP*
The Gym's rocky floor groaned as Larvitar's jaws tore into it, aiming to destabilize Togetic's position. Azure commanded, his tone sharp, "Togetic, rise higher! Then, Air Slash!"
*FWP*
Togetic, anticipating the move even before the command, gracefully ascended several feet higher, easily evading Larvitar's ground-based attack. As it reached its new altitude, its wings began to glow with a brilliant, azure energy.
*SHINNG*
With a powerful flap, it sent a razor-sharp blade of wind hurtling towards Larvitar. The air itself seemed to ripple and distort as the attack flew.
*THWACK*
Larvitar, still recovering from its lunge, barely had time to react. The 'Air Slash' connected with a sharp hit, cutting through the air and sending a jolt through Larvitar's small frame. The Rock/Ground Pokémon skidded backward a few feet, a pained cry escaping it.
While not super effective due to Larvitar's Rock typing, the sheer force of Togetic's attack, coupled with its boosted Special Attack, still packed a significant punch. Platinum breathed, her eyes shining, "Wow, Togetic is really graceful and powerful!"
Pearl commented, bouncing slightly in his seat, "That wind attack was super-fast!"
Diamond, for once, had no food in his hand, utterly engrossed in the battle, added, "It's like Togetic knows what to do even before Azure says anything."
Roark, however, wasn't deterred. His smirk widened as he commanded, "Excellent counter! But Larvitar is still fired up! Larvitar, Stone Edge!"
*RMBL*
Larvitar, shaking off the hit, let out another determined cry. Cracks appeared in the ground around it, and then, with a mighty burst of energy, sharp, pointed pillars of stone erupted from the earth, shooting upwards like deadly spikes.
*Wooosh*
They lunged at Togetic from multiple angles, a treacherous array of rock formations aiming to skewer the flying Pokémon. Azure's voice resonated through the Gym, "Togetic, Strong Style Ominous Wind!"
Togetic's expression turned serious. Its elegant form became shrouded in a dark, swirling vortex of wind, imbued with a ghostly chill.
*WOOOOSH*
The Ominous Wind wasn't just an attack; it was a defensive maneuver, creating a turbulent, dark barrier of ghostly wind that intercepted the incoming 'Stone Edge' attacks. The dark wind howled as it met the jagged rocks, shattering some into pebbles and deflecting others away.
Roark observed as he thought, 'Another defensive move.'
Roark commanded, seeking to trap Togetic, "Larvitar, don't give it a moment to rest! Use Rock Tomb!"
*Swf*
Larvitar roared, summoning several large, heavy boulders that materialized in the air, threatening to crush it from above. Azure swiftly responded, changing tactics, "Togetic, Agile Style Air Cutters!"
*Fwp*
Togetic's wings began to glow a brilliant white, the air around them shimmering with energy. With incredibly fast, almost imperceptible flaps, it unleashed a flurry of crescent-shaped blades of air.
*SHINNG*
*SHINNG*
These were not single, powerful slashes like 'Air Slash', but precise, rapid-fire projectiles. They zipped through the air, carving paths through the incoming boulders, chipping away at their mass and altering their trajectory, causing them to fall wide of their mark or crumble prematurely.
*POW*
*CRACK*
Several boulders were deflected or outright destroyed mid-air. One did manage to get close, but Togetic, with an agile flutter, easily dodged it at the last second.
Pearl exclaimed, thoroughly impressed, "Wow! It's like Togetic is dancing!"
Platinum noted, referencing her Rotom Phone, "Each one of those Air Cutters deals damage too. Togetic is weakening Larvitar while defending."
Roark grunted, a flicker of genuine surprise on his face as he thought, 'He's just as good as the rumors say he is. Utilizing offensive moves as defenses. Not only that, but he raised Togetic well, too!'
He paused, gazing at his Larvitar panting in exhaustion as the Burn continues to eat away at its stamina and health, as he thought, 'Larvitar isn't gonna last long in a fight of attrition against Togetic. So far, he'd been stalling while doing chip damage, no matter how small. Gotta take a gamble… I need Larvitar at full strength.'
Roark commanded, adapting quickly, "Larvitar, recover with 'Rest'!"
Larvitar, with a grunt, curled into a tight ball. A green, restorative aura began to encompass it, indicating that it was attempting to heal itself, but at the cost of falling asleep as it snoozed, "Larrr… Zzzz…"
Azure almost hesitated on attacking it as Larvitar reminded him of his own in the past. But almost as he mused aloud, "A risky move and gamble to do…"
Larvitar completed its 'Rest' move. The green aura faded, and its HP bar visibly refilled, its burn status removed. However, its eyes were still closed as it was still asleep.
Fortunately, Azure was going to end this battle quickly as he commanded his voice firm, "Now it's our chance, Togetic! Finish this! Strong Style Water Pulse!"
Togetic's body pulsed with water-type energy. It gathered energy into a condensed sphere of water…
*Woooosh*
… then unleashed a powerful, condensed Strong Style Water Pulse, aimed directly at the sleeping Larvitar. The attack roared across the arena, a vibrant, destructive force. Roark's eyes widened as he shouted, alarmed, "Larvitar, wake up!"
… but it was to no avail. Larvitar remained deep in slumber.
*KABOOOM*
The Water Pulse slammed into the defenseless Larvitar with devastating force. An explosion of water energy erupted, engulfing the small Rock/Ground Pokémon. Smoke and dust filled the area, momentarily hiding Larvitar from view.
When the smoke cleared, Larvitar lay on the ground, still and unmoving. Its eyes were spiraled, indicating it had fainted.
The referee, after a quick visual check, raised his flag and declared, "Larvitar is unable to battle! Togetic wins!"
A roar erupted from the stands, particularly from Diamond and Pearl, who were practically jumping out of their seats. Pearl shouted, pumping both fists, "YES! Togetic won! Azure is amazing!"
Platinum exclaimed, Piplup chirping excitedly beside her, "That was incredible! Togetic displayed such strategic versatility! And then a powerful finisher!"
Pikachu, Eevee, and even Pichu (Mew) let out triumphant cries and wiggles, celebrating their partner's swift and decisive victory, "Pika! Pi! Evoi! (Way to go!)."
Roark, despite the loss of his first Pokémon, wore a look of respect and a wide grin as he stated, "Remarkable! Truly remarkable! To combine defensive play, status conditions, and then a super-effective attack with such precision... Togetic is exquisitely trained."
He returned Larvitar to its Poké Ball as he added, "You truly are an Ace Trainer, Azure. But I have three more Pokémon ready to challenge you!"
Azure simply nodded, patting Togetic gently as it floated down beside him as he recalled her stating, "We're ready for them, Roark."
Roark didn't look discouraged; he looked thrilled as he hurled his next Poke Ball, declaring, "Excellent control. But let's see how you handle something a bit more… substantial. Onix, take the stage!"
*POP*
*THUD*
The ground shook as the massive stone serpent materialized. It was easily twice the size of a standard Onix, its grey rocky hide polished to a dull sheen.
A faint, silvery aura clung to it. Pearl groaned, identifying its Held Item, "That's an [Eviolite] aura. That Onix has not even evolved, but its Defense and Special Defense are boosted to insane levels. How is he supposed to crack that?"
Azure murmured, "By going even bigger, huh?"
He unclipped a Poké Ball, its weight substantial in his palm as he declared, "Gible, show them what an Alpha looks like!"
*Pop*
The burst of light was blinding. When it faded, the crowd gasped. This wasn't the small, stubby dragon Diamond was used to seeing.
This Gible stood nearly four feet tall, its fins jagged and its eyes glowing with a predatory, crimson light. Its muscles were thick, and it let out a roar that vibrated the very stones of the gym.
Clutched around its fin was a dark, leather-like [Muscle Band] as it roared, "Grao!! (Finally, my time has come!)"
Diamond asked, surprised, with a half-eaten sandwich frozen in his hand, "Whoa… is that really a Gible? It's huge!"
Azure explained with a smirk on his face, "An Alpha specimen from the ancient lineages. And he's hungry for a fight."
Roark commanded, "Onix, start us off! Sandstorm!"
*WOOOSH*
Onix roared, slamming its massive tail into the ground. The impact pulverized the rocky floor, and a violent vortex of sand and grit whipped up instantly, obscuring the battlefield, creating a sandstorm.
Platinum analyzed quickly as she muttered at the scene, "In a Sandstorm, Rock-types get a fifty percent boost to their Special Defense. And with [Eviolite]… that Onix is virtually a fortress."
Azure shouted over the howling wind, "True! But the desert is Gible's home!"
Within the swirling dust, Gible's form seemed to flicker and vanish. He didn't just hide; he merged with the storm thanks to its ability, Sand Veil.
Roark's eyes hardened as he commanded, "Onix, use Bind! Sweep the area!"
*WHIP*
The massive stone serpent lunged, its body undulating through the sand like a literal land-train. Its segments scraped against the floor as it tried to coil around a target it couldn't see or find.
Azure countered, "Dance, Gible! Dragon Dance!"
*Shiii*
From the heart of the storm, a rhythmic, rhythmic thrumming sound began. Azure could see it in his mind's eye—Gible spinning, his movements becoming more fluid, his power mounting with every rotation as it gains +1 Attack and Speed.
Roark's eyes widened as he whispered, "A Gible that knows Dragon Dance! This could be serious trouble."
Pearl shouted as his eyes widened at Azure's strategy, "He's setting up in the middle of a Sandstorm? Is he crazy? Onix is going to crush him!"
Azure said coolly, "Not if he can't find him. Gible, Sand Tomb!"
*RMBL*
The floor beneath Onix suddenly liquefied. The ground turned into a swirling whirlpool of jagged rocks and sinking silt. The massive serpent let out a groan of surprise as its lower half was sucked into the earth.
Azure grinned further as he followed up, "Now, while it's trapped! Swords Dance!"
*SHIII*
Gible leaped from the shadows of the sand, two spectral blades crossing over his chest as he roared. His physical power surged, the [Muscle Band] on his fin glowing with a faint blue light as it now has +3 Attack Stages.
Roark realized, his brow furrowing, ordered, "He's stacking buffs! Onix, break free with Iron Tail! Smash the ground!"
*WHAM*
Onix's tail glowed with a metallic sheen. It brought the massive weight down, shattering the Sand Tomb and sending a shockwave through the gym.
Roark commanded, "Find him! Flash Cannon!"
*PEW*
Onix opened its mouth, gathering a ball of brilliant light. It fired into the swirling dust, the beam cutting through the sand like a lighthouse in a fog.
Unable to dodge Azure, countered, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering green dome flickered into existence for a split second, the Flash Cannon dissipating against it with a violent hiss. Quickly, Azure followed up, "Gible, it's time to end the preamble. Dig!"
*TRMBL*
Gible dived into the earth with the speed of a drill. The ground bulged and cracked as he moved beneath the surface.
Roark smiled, seeing this as he commanded, "A classic move. Onix, use Earthquake! Turn his own tunnel into a grave!"
Onix reared back, ready to slam its entire body weight onto the floor. Azure commanded, "Not today! Strong Style Twister!"
*WOOOSH*
Just as Onix began its descent, a funnel of draconic energy erupted from the hole Gible had just made. The Twister didn't hit Onix—it caught the Sandstorm. The two vortices merged, creating a terrifying pillar of grinding stone and purple energy. The force of the wind lifted the front half of the massive Onix, throwing its aim off.
*CRASH*
Onix hit the ground, but the impact was glancing. Azure grinned as he commanded, "Now! Strong Style Iron Head!"
Gible shot out of the ground directly beneath Onix's chin. His skull, reinforced by both Dragon Dance and Swords Dance, glowed with a blinding silver light.
*CLANG*
The sound was like a sledgehammer hitting an anvil. The massive Onix's head snapped backward, its entire body rippling from the force of the blow
Because it was a physical move, the Sandstorm's Special Defense boost did nothing. Roark grits his teeth, commanding, "Onix, hold on! Use Dragon Breath!"
*Ssssss*
Staggered, the giant snake exhaled a cloud of paralyzing blue flames. Azure countered, "Dragon Breath right back at him!"
*BOOOM*
The two gouts of draconic fire met in the center of the ring, exploding in a shower of sparks. The smoke cleared to show Gible standing his ground, his Alpha stature making him look like a miniature tyrant.
Roark said, wiping sweat from his forehead, "You're good, Azure. Really good. But Onix isn't down yet. Stealth Rock!"
*CLANG*
Onix swung its tail, scattering jagged, glowing stones across Azure's side of the field. Azure conceded, "Setting up for the rest of my team? Smart. But you won't get the chance. Gible, let's show them the power of an Alpha. Outrage!"
Gible's eyes turned a solid, glowing red. The air around him seemed to distort as a primal, violet aura erupted from his body…
*Zooom*
He became a blur of teeth and claws. He charged, ignoring the [Eviolite]-fortified hide of the Onix.
*Slash*
*Crunch*
*Bam*
Gible moved like a demon, his claws leaving scorched marks on Onix's rocky skin. Onix tried to counter with Slam, but Gible was too fast, his speed boosted by the earlier Dragon Dance and its Sand Veil ability.
*Wooosh*
He ducked under the massive tail and leaped onto Onix's back, delivering a series of devastating Metal Claws. Roark yelled, "Shake him off!"
*THUD*
Onix thrashed, slamming itself against the gym walls, trying to dislodge the Alpha dragon. But Gible was relentless. He crawled up to the Onix's head, his jaws glowing with the power of Bite and Dragon Rage combined.
Azure commanded his voice, cutting through its confusion, "Finish it off, Gible! Strong Style Bulldoze!"
*STOMP*
While still latched onto Onix's head, Gible shifted his weight and slammed his feet down with incredible force. The localized vibration traveled through Onix's entire skeletal structure.
*K-RACK*
The floor beneath them shattered completely. The massive Onix collapsed, its eyes swirling as it crashed into the rubble.
*THUD*
Gible stood atop the fallen giant, throwing his head back and letting out a triumphant roar that shook the very stadium seats, "GRAOOO!!! (YES!! VICTORY!! FOR GIBLE!!)"
The referee looked and declared, "Onix is unable to battle! Gible is the winner!"
Gible's red eyes slowly faded back to their natural color. He wobbled slightly—the confusion from Outrage setting in—but he stayed upright, his chest heaving.
Pearl muttered, his jaw dropping, "Unbelievable. He just took down an [Eviolite] Onix with a Gible. A Gible!"
Platinum observed, her pen flying across her notebook, "It wasn't just power. It was the sequence. He used the Sandstorm to hide, used that time to stack two different offensive buffs, and then targeted the physical defense with a move that utilized Gible's superior Alpha-tier weight. It was… calculated."
Diamond nodded, taking a large bite of a jelly donut, and mumbled, "And Gible looks like he's having fun. That's the important part."
*Bonk*
Azure walked out onto the field, as Gible bonked its head on the ground as clarity slowly returned in its eyes. Gible eventually snapped itself up with a toothy grin, the confusion clearing instantly.
Azure whispered, patting the rough, sandpaper-like skin of the Alpha's head, "Great job, Gible. You're becoming a real monster."
He looked back at Roark, asking, "Two down. You ready for the second half?"
Roark pulled his next Poké Ball, a determined glint in his eyes as he declared, "I haven't had a thrill like this since I dug up my first Omanyte fossil. Let's go, Cranidos! Show them the power of the Oreburgh mines!"
/////
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter! How did you guys liked the Gym Battle so far?