Chapter 490: Platinum's Fighting Gym Battle
~Third POV~
[Sinnoh Region, Next Day, Veilstone City – Gym]
The crisp morning air of Veilstone City carried the distant hum of industry and the excited chatter of trainers. Outside the imposing, modern structure of the Veilstone City Gym, a small group stood, their eyes fixed on its entrance.
Azure, a seasoned Ace Trainer, had his partner Pikachu perched comfortably on his shoulder, its tiny ears twitching with anticipation. Eevee, ever-observant, sat regally on his head, occasionally letting out a soft cry, "Vee!"
Pichu (Mew) remained a warm, secret weight in his pocket, occasionally radiating a faint, playful warmth. Beside him, Platinum Berlitz adjusted the cuff of her jacket, a nervous tremor betraying her normally composed demeanor.
A week of intense preparation had passed since their last badge, a week filled with training, strategic planning, and the acquisition of new knowledge about Veilstone's Fighting-type specialists. Today was the day they would face Maylene, the Gym Leader known for her swift, powerful Pokémon.
Diamond and Pearl, their ever-present companions and newfound friends, stood with their usual blend of casual support. Pearl grinned, nudging her playfully as he stated, "Another badge for the collection, eh, Platinum? You've got this in the bag! Mine, Forest, Relic... Cobble's next!"
Diamond, ever the pragmatist with food on his mind, nodded around a half-eaten Poffin and added, "Mhm. Just try not to get too beaten up. We still have a whole day of exploring after this."
Azure offered a reassuring smile as he stated, "You've trained well, Platinum. Trust your Pokémon and your instincts."
With a shared breath, the group pushed open the heavy double doors, stepping into the unexpected interior of the Veilstone Gym. Unlike the natural beauty of Eterna Forest or the ancient mystique of the Solaceon Ruins, this Gym was an arena of modern design, dominated by a towering speaker statue of a martial artist.
*Zzzzzt*
As they entered, a mechanical whirring zzzzzt sounded, and the statue's eyes glowed with an electric blue light. A booming, synthesized voice reverberated through the hall, "Welcome, challengers! Ah, I recognize you! The intrepid trainers who conquered the Oreburgh Mine, Eterna Forest, and Relic Badges! What challenge do you seek today in the Veilstone City Gym?"
Platinum stepped forward, her voice clear despite the tremor in her hands as she stated, "I am Platinum Berlitz, and I've come to challenge Gym Leader Maylene in a 2-vs-2 switch battle!"
The statue's head tilted slightly. Then it asked, its gaze shifting to Azure, "A challenging choice! And you, young man with the radiant Pikachu?"
Azure's voice was calm and confident as he stated, "I'm Azure Sky, and I'm here for an Ace Gym Match."
The statue boomed as it stated, "An Ace Match! A formidable request, demonstrating true confidence in one's partner! Very well! Platinum, your 2-vs-2 switch battle is accepted! Azure, your Ace Match is accepted! And to you two…"
The statue added, much to their surprise, "You are permitted to accompany Platinum through the Gym's labyrinth today via Maylene's request. Observing a future champion's journey can be quite enlightening!"
Pearl exclaimed, his eyes wide, "Us? Seriously?"
Diamond, mid-chew, almost dropped his Poffin, exclaimed, "Well, that's new!"
The statue concluded as it explained, "Consider it part of the Gym Leader's unique charm! Now… Proceed!"
*THWUM*
A section of the wall slid open with a deep THWUMM, revealing a sprawling, intricate labyrinth. Its walls were constructed from smooth, grey interlocking blocks, forming narrow passages and dead ends.
Training mats lay scattered across the floor, suggesting potential battle zones. Overhead, soft, diffused light illuminated their path, casting long, shifting shadows. Pearl mused, scratching his head, "A maze, huh? Looks trickier than it sounds."
Azure added, his eyes scanning the layout, "Not just a maze. Notice the training mats. This path likely involves trainer battles."
As if on cue, a muscular Black Belt trainer emerged from a side passage, flexing his arms as he declared, "Halt! To challenge Maylene, you must first best the disciples of the Veilstone Gym! I am Kaito, and I challenge you!"
Platinum nodded, her initial nervousness giving way to focus as she replied, "Alright, let's do this! Go, Ponyta!"
The labyrinth proved to be a series of strategic encounters and clever navigation. Diamond, with his surprising knack for observation, often spotted subtle clues in the floor patterns or the way the light fell, guiding them through what seemed like impossible dead ends. Pearl, ever energetic, took the lead in scouting, often running ahead with Chatler flying overhead, excitedly reporting back.
*THWACK*
Their journey was punctuated by the rhythmic THWACK! of fists on training dummies and the determined cries of various Fighting-type Pokémon. Platinum engaged in several battles with Black Belts and other trainers, her Empoleon and Alakazam proving invaluable against their Machamp and Hariyama.
Diamond and Pearl, though not directly challenging the Gym Leader, found themselves drawn into supporting roles, offering encouragement and even strategy suggestions gleaned from their own experiences.
*CRUNCH*
A CRUNCH! Sound went Diamond's munching on another snack, as Pearl cheered, "Left turn, Platinum! I saw a gap in the wall just past that Machoke!"
Platinum called back, guiding her team, "Got it!"
The battles, while sometimes challenging, were a good warm-up. They slowly refined their teamwork, developing a rhythm that carried them deeper into the maze. They outmaneuvered a particularly tricky [Black Belt] whose Meditite used Confusion to disorient them by having Alakazam use Disable on the move, and navigated a series of pressure plates that opened and closed different sections of the maze by using Ponyta's speed to cross them before they reset.
And as for those who battle Azure. He smirked as he commanded his Gallade, "Go! Agile Style Psycho Cut!"
He kept on using Type Advantage while he allowed his Pokémon some experience. Most of his Pokémon were at the 33-36 stages, for a few.
Finally, after what felt like an hour of twists, turns, and the triumphant ding! of Pokedexes registering new entries, they emerged into a vast, circular arena. In the center, a young woman with short, pink hair and an athletic build stood, flanked by two powerful Pokémon by her side.
This was Maylene, the Gym Leader.
Maylene's voice was strong and clear, her eyes holding a spark of friendly intensity, "Welcome, challengers! You've navigated my labyrinth and bested my students. I sensed your determination throughout. Who will face me first?"
Azure stepped forward briefly, then gestured to Platinum as he calmly explained, "Platinum earned the right to challenge you first, Maylene. I'll take the stands with Diamond and Pearl."
Maylene nodded, a respectful smile gracing her lips as she stated, "Very well, Platinum Berlitz. I accept your challenge. A 2-vs-2 Pokémon battle, with switches permitted, as you requested."
She then turned her gaze to Azure, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, with an eager grin as she added, "I look forward to our Ace Match, Azure Sky. I've heard tales of your unique bond with your Pokémon."
Azure gave a slight bow, then retreated to the tiered stands with Diamond and Pearl, Pikachu settling onto his shoulder, and Eevee leaping onto his lap. Pichu (Mew) remained hidden, observing from the warmth of his jacket.
Pearl shouted from the stands, pumping a fist. Diamond, as usual, offered a simple encouragement to Platinum.
"This is it, Platinum!"
"Good luck!"
Platinum called back, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation, "Thank you! I promise I won't fail!"
She took a deep breath, her gaze hardening with resolve as she declared, "Alright, Maylene, let's begin!"
Maylene's smile widened as she ordered, "Excellent! Lucario, to the stage!"
*Zooom*
With a flash of light, a sleek, bipedal Pokémon with an aura-sensing appendage on its head materialized on the battlefield. Lucario, its steel-blue fur gleaming, snarled softly, its focus immediately locking onto Platinum.
Diamond murmured from the stands, "A Lucario right off the bat! Tough opening."
Azure replied calmly, his eyes never leaving the arena, "Platinum's ready for it. We spent a full week grinding. She's got this."
Platinum declared, reaching for her Poké Ball, "My turn! Lopunny, let's go!"
*Pop*
A graceful, rabbit-like Pokémon with long, elegant ears and fluffy appendages appeared, holding a glimmering [Expert Belt] firmly around its waist. Lopunny landed lightly, its eyes narrowed in determination.
The speaker announced, "Battle begins!"
*SWISH*
Lopunny moved first, a blur of motion as it unleashed a swift Jump Kick. Lucario, equally fast, parried with a Quick Attack…
*THWACK*
… the blows echoed with a dull THWACK as they exchanged. The two Pokémon were a whirlwind of agile attacks and defensive maneuvers, a testament to their trainers' skill. Lopunny's kicks were precise, her movements fluid, while Lucario's punches and sweeps were imbued with raw power, leaving faint, shimmering trails of aura energy.
Platinum saw an opening. She hoped to disorient Lucario and create distance as she ordered, "Lopunny, use Agility, then try for a Dizzy Punch!"
*Zoooom*
Lopunny surged forward into a white blur of fury, then spun, aiming a rapid series of punches!
*BUMP*
*BUMP*
*BUMP*
However, Lucario, its senses finely honed, anticipated the move. Its paw glowed with blue energy. Maylene commanded, "Lucario, Force Palm!"
*KAPOW*
Before Lopunny could land the final blow, Lucario lunged, its palm connecting squarely with Lopunny's midsection. A wave of energy rippled through Lopunny, forcing a gasp of pain from the graceful Pokémon. It skidded backward several feet, visibly staggered, the Force Palm's paralysis chance thankfully not activating.
Platinum cried, her brow furrowing, "Lopunny!"
Maylene pressed her advantage, "Now, Drain Punch!"
*FOOSH*
*WHUMP*
Lucario's fist glowed with a sickly green energy as it charged. It struck Lopunny with another powerful blow. The green energy flowed from Lopunny into Lucario, and the Aura Pokémon visibly regained a fraction of its lost stamina.
Lopunny, already reeling, slumped slightly, its breathing heavy. Pearl noted, a worried frown on his face, "Lopunny's struggling. Lucario's too strong."
Azure remained silent, his gaze fixed on Platinum. He knew she had a plan.
Seeing her partner falter, Platinum made a swift decision as she yelled, grabbing Lopunny's Poke Ball, "Lopunny, return!"
The Pokémon dissolved into a red beam, returning to its Poké Ball. Grabbing another, she declared, "You did great, take a rest! Swablu, it's your turn!"
*Pop*
A fluffy, winged Pokémon with sky-blue plumage and a small, delicate beak appeared. Swablu, also holding an [Expert Belt], chirped confidently, soaring briefly before settling into a defensive stance, "Chirp! (You die today, mongrel!)."
Maylene raised an eyebrow as she whispered, "A Swablu? An interesting choice against a Fighting-type."
Platinum commanded, "Swablu, use Sing!"
Swablu took a deep breath, then let out a beautiful, melodic series of notes that filled the arena, "LALALALA-LOO!"
The sound was enchanting, lulling, and potent. Lucario, poised to attack, found its movements slowing, its eyes drooping. It fought against the drowsiness, but the song was too powerful.
Its strong Aura senses, usually an asset, seemed to amplify the lulling effect. Its head bobbed, and with a soft thump, it collapsed to the ground, fast asleep. Pearl cheered from the stands, "Alright!"
Even Diamond offered a rare, enthusiastic "Nice!"
Maylene, however, was unfazed as she commanded, "A clever move, but my Pokémon are well-trained. Lucario, return! Medicham, I need your help!"
*BWOOP*
Lucario was recalled, and in its place, a powerful, bipedal Pokémon with a turban-like head and flowing pants appeared. Medicham, its arms already in a meditative pose, radiated intense psychic energy.
Maylene ordered, not wasting a moment, "Medicham, let's go with Bullet Punch!"
*ZING*
Medicham blurred forward, its fist glowing with steely power. It struck Swablu with incredible speed.
*CLANG*
Swablu cried out and was knocked sharply to the ground. Before it could recover, Medicham's head gem pulsed as Maylene added, "Now, Psycho Cut!"
*SHIIIINK*
*CRACK*
A focused blade of psychic energy burst from Medicham. The attack struck Swablu directly. There was a sickening CRACK as the move landed, a critical hit that sent the tiny bird reeling, its fluffy body trembling.
Platinum exclaimed, her heart sinking, "Swablu!"
Medicham's attack was devastating. But in that moment of impact, a flicker of defiance sparked in Swablu's eyes.
Platinum, seeing the opportunity, acted on instinct, "Swablu, now! Mirror Move!"
With a valiant effort, Swablu shook off the pain, its eyes mirroring the attack that had just struck it. A shimmering, identical blade of psychic energy materialized before Medicham, surprising the Yoga Pokémon.
*SHIIINK*
It struck Medicham with its own Psycho Cut, amplified by the critical hit's power. Maylene gasped, "Medicham!"
*THUD*
The powerful psychic attack, reflected with such force, proved too much. Medicham stumbled backward, its eyes wide with shock, then collapsed to the ground, a swirl of stars circling its head. It was out cold.
Pearl yelled, leaping to his feet in the stands, "Yes! Swablu did it!"
Diamond was wide-eyed, impressed. Maylene acknowledged, recalling her Medicham, "An admirable counter! You truly turned the tables, Platinum. But the battle is not over! Lucario, back to the fight!"
*Pop*
Lucario reappeared, its eyes narrowed. It was still groggy from Sing, but the adrenaline of battle shook off the remaining sleepiness.
Its aura surged, a silent roar of determination. Maylene commanded, wanting to finish off the weakened Swablu quickly, "Lucario, Vacuum Wave!"
*WHOOSH*
*WHUMP*
Lucario unleashed a swift, projectile attack of compressed air. The wave of energy moved too fast for Swablu to react. It connected, sending the already injured Swablu tumbling. The little bird cried out once more, then fell silent, unable to continue.
*Thud*
The speaker statue declared, "Swablu is unable to battle!"
Platinum's jaw tightened. She returned her fainted Pokémon to its ball, a wave of concern washing over her as she whispered, "Swablu, thank you. You were incredible…. Only one Pokémon left... and Lucario is still standing."
She looked at Lopunny's Poké Ball, knowing she had to send her out again as she declared, "Alright, Lopunny, one more time!"
*BWOOP*
Lopunny reappeared, looking tired but resolute. Its fur was slightly disheveled, and it moved with a slight limp, but its eyes still held a spark of determination.
Maylene's voice took on a sharper edge, a challenge in her tone, "So, the rich kid wants to keep fighting with a weakened Pokémon? I won't lose to someone who relies solely on their wealth! Lucario, Rock Smash on the ground!"
*CRACK*
*KRA-KOOM*
Lucario roared, its fists glowing with fighting-type power. It slammed its powerful fists onto the arena floor. The ground buckled, sending jagged shards of rock and debris flying outwards in all directions!
*WHIZZ-WHIZZ-WHIZZ*
In the stands, Diamond gasped as he muttered, "Whoa! That's a lot of rocks!"
Pearl looked worried as he whispered, seeing the situation, "Lopunny's already hurt! This is looking bad, Platinum!"
Azure remained calm, though his fingers twitched slightly, a subtle signal of his own concern. He murmured, his eyes sweeping across the chaotic scene, "Platinum still has a chance… she has to have a plan as she brought Lopunny instead of her Ponyta, Alakazam, or Empoleon…"
Azure didn't consider her Gible as an option, as it was too new. As a hail of sharp stones rained down, Platinum's mind raced. Lopunny, hampered by its injuries, struggled to dodge. She shouted, "Lopunny, Protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering, green barrier of energy materialized around Lopunny just in time, deflecting the incoming barrage of rocks. The debris bounced off harmlessly, affording Lopunny a brief respite.
Platinum used this moment of distance, her gaze locking with Lopunny's. She whispered an urgent command, too low for Maylene or even the speaker statue to fully catch. Lopunny, understanding, nodded faintly, its eyes flashing with renewed resolve.
As the Protect shield shimmered and faded, Lucario, seeing its opponent exposed, lunged forward, its fist already glowing. Maylene ordered, aiming for a quick knockout, "Power-Up Punch!"
*FWOOSH*
Lucario closed the distance rapidly, its punch imbued with formidable power to end the match. But Lopunny, moving with a burst of unexpected agility, sidestepped just enough to avoid the direct blow…
*BOING*
Then, in a stunning display of grace, it sprang high into the sky, arcing overhead, its form silhouetted against the arena lights. For a fleeting moment, an ethereal, aurora-like glow seemed to descend upon Lopunny, shrouding it in gentle, rainbow hues.
*WHOOOSH-PANG*
The powerful punch from Lucario missed its mark, throwing it off balance as Lopunny ascended. As Lopunny reached its apex, it pointed its delicate arms downward. Simultaneously, a similar, soft glow shone down upon the fainted Poké Ball of Swablu that Platinum held in her hand.
*SHIIIING*
A faint, shimmering light enveloped the Poké Ball, and then, with a final, valiant sigh, Lopunny's eyes fluttered closed. It began to fall, utterly exhausted, a small, sad smile on its face. The glow around Swablu's Poké Ball faded.
The speaker statue announced, "Lopunny is unable to battle!"
Maylene muttered, startled by the sudden, almost spiritual display, "What... what just happened?"
Platinum, her voice filled with quiet reverence, held the fallen Lopunny's Poké Ball. "Lopunny used Healing Wish."
*POP*
Just then, the Poké Ball containing Swablu began to glow brightly. With a flash, Swablu reappeared, no longer slumped and injured, but vibrant, its feathers fluffed, its eyes bright and alert.
It was as if it had never been hurt at all. The speaker statue announced, its synthesized voice tinged with surprise, "Swablu is back at full health!"
Maylene gasped, understanding dawning on her as she thought, 'Lopunny had sacrificed itself to fully heal another Pokémon! Such dedication...!'
Platinum didn't give Maylene time to process. She quickly commanded, "Swablu, use Sing, now!"
Swablu, invigorated, soared into the air and unleashed a fresh, powerful rendition of its sleep-inducing melody, "LALALALA-LOO!"
Lucario, still off-balance from its missed attack and the sudden turn of events, was caught completely off guard. The soothing notes enveloped it, and this time, there was no fighting the drowsiness…
*Thud*
Its eyes glazed over, its powerful body swayed, and with a soft thud, it collapsed into a deep slumber. Platinum seized the moment, "Alright, Swablu! They're wide open! Use Heat Wave!"
*FWOOSH*
Swablu inhaled deeply, its chest expanding. A scorching wave of crimson-orange heat burst forth from its mouth, engulfing the sleeping Lucario.
*KABOOM*
The fiery attack slammed into the defenseless Fighting-type, sending plumes of smoke and heat billowing across the arena. When the smoke cleared, Lucario lay still, with faint swirls of stars above its head.
The speaker statue boomed, "Lucario is unable to battle! The winner is Challenger Platinum Berlitz!"
A wave of triumphant cheers erupted from the stands. Pearl roared, high-fiving Diamond, who was beaming with a rare, toothy grin, "SHE DID IT!"
Even Azure allowed himself a small, proud smile, watching Platinum's reaction. Swablu chirped wildly, soaring high above the arena floor in a circle of ecstatic victory. As it flew, its body began to glow with a brilliant, white light.
*FLASH*
The light intensified, its form stretching and shifting, growing larger, its fluffy wings elongating into majestic, cloud-like appendages. The light flared one last time, then subsided, revealing a magnificent, dragon-like Pokémon with a serene expression and flowing, cloud-like wings.
Platinum gasped, her eyes wide with awe, "Wha—Swablu evolved! Altaria!"
Her newly evolved Altaria let out a resounding, melodic cry, a mixture of dragon and bird song. It echoed through the gym, a testament to its newfound power, "Allllll!! (Finally! I've evolved into a majestic dragon! You may gaze upon my brilliance, peasants!)"
Platinum ran to her new Altaria, embracing its soft, feathery neck. She then looked down at Lopunny's Poké Ball, a lump forming in her throat. She said happily, "Oh, Altaria! You were amazing! Both of you! Thank you, Lopunny. You allowed us to win."
Maylene walked onto the field, a look of profound respect on her face as she said in a proud tone with a soothing voice, "Platinum Berlitz, that was an incredible battle. Your strategy, your adaptability, and the bond you share with your Pokémon... Lopunny's sacrifice and Swablu's evolution truly demonstrate the heart of a champion. That was a challenge worthy of the Veilstone Gym."
She extended her hand, offering a small, round, grey badge as she continued, "For your outstanding victory, I present you with the Cobble Badge."
*CLINK*
Platinum carefully took the badge, her fingers tracing its rough, stone texture, and replied, "Thank you, Maylene!"
Maylene added, reaching into her pocket, "And, as a testament to the power and tactical depth you displayed, please accept this."
She handed Platinum a Technical Machine as she explained, "Here, the TM Drain Punch. May it serve you well."
Platinum beamed, holding her new badge and TM, her Altaria nuzzling her gently, "Thank you again!"
With Platinum's battle concluded, Maylene turned her attention to Azure, her expression shifting from admiring respect to keen anticipation. She said, her voice firm, "Now, Azure Sky… It's your turn. Ready for your Ace Match?"
Azure smoothly descended from the stands, Pikachu leaping gracefully back onto his shoulder, Eevee following close behind. His smile was calm and confident as he replied, "Ready when you are, Maylene."
The battle between the two would soon begin…
/////
A/N: Sorry for the hold-up folks. Just had some tunnel vision shifting my focus. But now I'm back to this work fully and thanks for your opinons.
Hope you liked the chapter!