Name: Electrode
Strength: Superior
Qualification: Gym-level
"Electrode, I'll leave it to you. Hit him with your most powerful Thunderbolt!"
Even after losing a battle, Grant remained energetic and determined—not the demeanor of a man ready to concede.
Rumble… Rumble…
Golden arcs of electricity crackled in the air as Electrode unleashed a massive Thunderbolt, lighting up half the battlefield.
"Baby Dragon, don't back down! Use Dragon Pulse!"
Aoki gave the command without hesitation. Despite Electrode's Superior-level strength, Baby Dragon still had the power to fight.
Baby Dragon, unshaken by the incoming electric attack, opened its mouth and launched a Dragon Pulse, sending a purple shockwave streaking through the air.
The two moves collided midair, triggering a powerful explosion.
Thick smoke billowed across the battlefield, obscuring visibility for both Aoki and Grant. Neither side could see through the haze.
However, Aoki's keen perception allowed him to pinpoint Electrode's exact location.
"Baby Dragon, charge in! Leap to the left, then use Outrage!"
Without hesitation, Baby Dragon dashed forward, its body glowing with a reddish aura as it activated the reckless yet powerful Dragon-type move.
A deep, resounding dragon's roar echoed through the battlefield.
Grant's eyes widened.
"Electrode, dodge it—quick!"
Grant wasn't sure how Aoki had located his Pokémon through the smoke, but the telltale glow from Baby Dragon's charge gave him an uneasy feeling.
Electrode tried to roll away at high speed, but it was too late.
BOOM!
Baby Dragon crashed into Electrode head-on. The impact sent the spherical Pokémon flying.
"Electrode! Are you okay?!"
Grant called out in concern.
Electrode wobbled midair but managed to stabilize itself, glaring at Baby Dragon with unwavering focus.
"Since you're still standing, let's finish this—Dragon Pulse!"
Aoki commanded without delay.
Baby Dragon wasted no time, unleashing another wave of draconic energy. The purple aura surged forward like a rampaging dragon, spiraling toward Electrode.
"Counter it with Thunderbolt!"
Grant barked.
Electrode released another massive Thunderbolt, colliding with the Dragon Pulse in midair.
The resulting explosion sent a shockwave through the entire Gym.
When the dust settled, Electrode's form emerged from the smoke, but it was clear it had taken significant damage.
A few seconds later, it wobbled—and collapsed.
"Electrode is unable to battle! Baby Dragon wins!"
The referee's voice echoed across the battlefield.
"Another loss…" Grant muttered. "I won't let you win this so easily, though!"
Despite his words, it was evident that Baby Dragon had exerted a lot of energy. It stood panting, its body rising and falling with each breath.
"Baby Dragon, can you keep going?"
Aoki asked, concerned.
"Duube!"
Baby Dragon gave a determined nod, eyes burning with resolve.
"If you're willing to fight, then I'll trust you!" Aoki said firmly.
"I have to admit, your Baby Dragon is really strong. But I won't lose! My final Pokémon is Magneton!"
Grant released his third and final Pokémon.
A cluster of three Magnemites, hovering in the air with synchronized movements, stared down Baby Dragon. This Magneton, while strong, had yet to reach its final evolution—Magnezone.
Name: Magneton
Strength: Superior
Qualification: Quasi-Elite
Aoki immediately assessed the situation. This Magneton hadn't evolved yet, which meant it might not have the full defensive power of its final form. However, it was still dangerous—especially in a battle of endurance.
"Magneton, use Zap Cannon!"
Grant's command sent Magneton's magnets whirring with high-voltage electricity.
Golden sparks crackled across its metallic surface as it gathered an enormous electromagnetic sphere, glowing intensely.
"Baby Dragon, give it everything you've got—Flamethrower!"
Baby Dragon inhaled deeply before exhaling a swirling vortex of flames. The red-hot firestorm shot toward Magneton with blinding speed.
"Launch Zap Cannon!"
Grant commanded.
Magneton fired a bright golden energy blast, even more powerful than Thunderbolt.
The two attacks clashed violently.
BOOOOOM!
The sheer force of the explosion shook the battlefield. A deep crater formed at the impact site, sending a shockwave through the entire Gym.
As the smoke settled, Baby Dragon stood firm—its body battered but its spirit unbroken.
"Baby Dragon, use Dragon Dance!"
Aoki's command surprised Grant.
"What?! No—you can't let him boost! Thunderbolt, spread it across the field!"
Baby Dragon began twisting and twirling, moving with a primal rhythm as Dragon Dance increased its attack and speed.
But Magneton unleashed a Thunderbolt, striking everything in its range.
Lightning crackled all around, and Baby Dragon was hit—but it refused to stop dancing.
Despite the pain, Baby Dragon completed Dragon Dance, its eyes glowing with renewed power.
"Now! Charge in and use Crunch!"
With blinding speed, Baby Dragon dashed forward, boosted by its increased agility.
In a flash, it leaped toward Magneton, its jaws glowing with a fiery-red aura.
"Magneton, block it!"
Grant tried to command, but the speed boost from Dragon Dance made dodging impossible.
Baby Dragon clamped down hard on Magneton's body.
"Magneton!"
The three Magnemites let out metallic screeches, sparks flying from their bodies.
For a moment, Magneton tried to endure—but it was no use.
THUD.
With a final spark of electricity, Magneton collapsed onto the battlefield.
The referee raised a flag.
"Magneton is unable to battle! The winner is Baby Dragon! The challenger Aoki has won the Gym Challenge!"
Aoki beamed.
"Baby Dragon, you did amazing!"
"Duube!"
Baby Dragon let out a victorious cry, hopping in excitement despite its exhaustion.
Grant sighed but smiled.
"You've got an incredible Pokémon, Aoki. That was a fantastic battle. Here—this is the Bug Badge. You've earned it."
As Aoki received the Bug Badge, he looked down at Baby Dragon with pride.
This was only the beginning of their journey together.
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