The whole rest of the day was spent training; Jen worked with James to get her Pokémon ready for the big Gym match. In particular, Magby worked hard on her Fire Punch, since Jen knew that it would have a strong effect against Bug-types. Zubat and Togepi were also looking strong, and the training session was their best yet.
"So, Jen, any ideas for a strategy?" James had just recalled Geodude and Pidgey, who had been training alongside Jen's Pokémon, and had sat down on a bench outside the Pokémon Centre.
"Not really, but I'm hoping to not have to rely too much on Magby's Fire Punch. The trick is to be unpredictable, after all."
"True. I guess having a powerful Fire-type move is useful, but then isn't Zubat also really good, since it's a Flying-type?"
"Exactly. The fact that Bug-types won't do much against a combination Poison- and Flying-type means that Zubat can take some of the pressure off of Magby. The one problem I see is with Togepi; she isn't exactly the best attacker, which means if Zubat and Magby go down, I'm in big trouble."
"Don't worry about that. She pulled you a winner last time, right?"
"Yeah, but relying on Metronome is worse than relying on Fire Punch. At least with Fire Punch, it's consistent. Metronome's too unpredictable to trust in this big a match."
"Relax, I was just trying to help. Just make sure you keep your concentration during the match; Bug-types tend to be tricky to deal with."
"I'll do that. Thanks, James." After this exchange, the two youngsters headed inside to eat and rest before the next day's battle.
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Inside the glass dome of the Azalea Gym, the scenery resembled a miniature forest, with large trees all around the battlefield. It made sense; just as Falkner's Gym was themed around Flying-types, Bugsy's Gym was somewhere a Bug-type specialist would feel most at home. Jen was standing in the technical area closer to the door, while Bugsy was at the other end of the field, ready to face his challenger. James was in the stands, Cyndaquil watching intently at his side.
"I've been looking forward to this battle. Are you ready?"
"Of course!" Jen took out one of her Pokéballs and held it up. "We're going to win this match and take our second Gym Badge! No way we're losing!"
"You're confident, all right; that's good. But don't think I'm giving up that badge easily!"
"I wouldn't want you to!" A young man in beige shorts stepped up to the judge's platform, and began to address the small gathered crowd.
"This Azalea Town Gym Battle between Jennifer the challenger, from Violet City, and Bugsy, the Azalea Town Gym Leader, is about to begin!
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Jen Richards
A: ★
D: ★
S: ★★
Bugsy
A: ★★
D: ★
S: ★★
The prize will be a Hive Badge! Each trainer may use three Pokémon, and the battle will be over when all three on either side are unable to continue! In addition, only the challenger is allowed to make substitutions during battle! Begin when ready!"
"Alright, Jennifer, it's time to get going. Here's my opening Pokémon! I choose Spinarak!" Bugsy's Pokéball opened, releasing a bright green, spider-like Pokémon. Its legs had dark stripes around the middle, and there were strange black markings on its back. Jen took out her Pokédex to scan the Bug-type.
"Spinarak, the String Spit Pokémon. Its web is made of a very fine thread, and it can wait in this web for days when attempting to catch prey." Jen stowed the Pokédex and hoped that Spinarak's web-spinning wouldn't cause problems later.
"Okay, here's my Pokémon! Zubat, get out there!" The purple Bat Pokémon emerged, chittering as it flew high above the battlefield, ready for battle.
"Battle begin!" the judge cried out, and the match started.
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"Alright, Zubat, dive and use Supersonic!" Zubat flew towards Spinarak and unleashed the high-frequency screech, trying to confuse its opponent. Unfortunately, Spinarak looked completely unaffected.
"Spinarak, use String Shot!" Spinarak let fly with a thin white string from its mouth, snaring Zubat as it began its flight out of reach. "Now, Scary Face!" The markings on Spinarak's back flashed quickly, then contorted into what looked like an angry stare.
"What's going on?!" Jen couldn't believe what was going on; Zubat should've been able to escape before Spinarak even got an attack away.
"Zubat is a very fast Pokémon, and its type combination makes it hard for Spinarak to deal with it. The combination of String Shot and Scary Face will deal with our speed problem."
"Well, deal with this! Use Bite, Zubat!" The Bat Pokémon managed to deal Spinarak a swift nip with its sharp fangs, and flew out of reach. "Now, try Supersonic, once more!" Zubat unleashed another sonic blast, but it was no use. Spinarak just wouldn't succumb.
"Now, Spinarak, Night Shade!" Spinarak fired a pair of black-red light beams that caught Zubat in mid-flight, faltering as the move hit. "Okay, spin a Spider Web!" The String Spit Pokémon fired what looked like multiple String Shot attacks, but they formed into what looked like a web and wrapped around Zubat's body before fading from view.
"What's that?" Jen shouted, watching Zubat fly closer to her technical area.
"Spider Web will prevent you from making any substitutions by ensnaring your Pokémon and blocking its escape route. Now, you're stuck using Zubat until it faints or if you beat Spinarak. Looks like your type advantage isn't as strong as before."
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James stared as Zubat flitted from one side to the other, trying to make sense of what was happening. Cyndaquil sat near the railing at the edge of the stands, straining to see the action. Jen was in a tight spot, and James was worried. She had to hope that one of Zubat's moves could knock Spinarak out, or it would be tough to come back.
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"You see, they don't call me the Walking Bug Pokémon Encyclopædia for nothing." Bugsy continued, watching Spinarak move into position. "We've trained extensively against opponents with an advantage, and that way we're prepared when trainers bring in Pokémon like Zubat. Spinarak isn't so easy to knock down."
"Well, we're not that easy to beat either! Zubat, use Air Cutter!" The current of air slashed at Spinarak and knocked it back, while Zubat flew out of reach again. "Now, dive and use Bite!" Spinarak shied away as Zubat snapped its jaws onto its lower body.
"Use Night Shade again!" Spinarak generated more black beams and fired them at Zubat, forcing it to release open its jaws and fly away. “Okay, Spinarak, one more Night Shade should do it!”
“Don't be so sure! Use Air Cutter again!” Spinarak's move met the Air Cutter in mid-flight, but the Flying-type move sliced through the Ghost-type attack and slammed into Spinarak, finally finishing it off. As Spinarak lay dazed on the floor, the Spider Web faded away, freeing Jen to make substitutions once more.
"Spinarak is unable to battle! Zubat wins!" Bugsy recalled Spinarak and smiled as he looked at the Pokéball.
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"Way to tough it out, Spinarak. Get some rest." He took out another Pokéball and tossed it out. "I choose Ledyba!" This time, a red Pokémon with black spots on its back emerged, and its six legs had white tips that looked like closed fists. Jen decided she'd scan this one too.
"Ledyba, the Five Star Pokémon. It is extremely timid on its own, but becomes extremely active when in a group."
"This Ledyba doesn't look timid at all." Jen remarked, watching the Bug-type jump around eagerly, ready for battle. "Okay, Zubat, take a break!" She recalled the Bat Pokémon and then threw another Pokéball out. "Togepi, let's go!" Togepi emerged, squealing happily as she landed.
"What?" James jumped up from his seat in surprise. "She's using Togepi already? Unless she's hoping to bet on Metronome, she's made a big mistake!"
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"Okay, Togepi, use Charm!" Togepi's disarming smile caused Ledyba to slow its frenetic activity a little. "Now, Safeguard!" A shimmering veil surrounded Togepi before it faded, protecting the Spike Ball Pokémon from any status effects.
"Ledyba, Comet Punch!" Ledyba raced at Togepi, then unleashed a barrage of quick jabs. Togepi squealed in pain before skipping away.
"Togepi, don't give up! Try a Metronome!" Jen hoped the move would give her a strong attack, but she was disappointed to see just a Growl attack used. Of course, the Growl had little discernable effect, leaving Togepi open to attack.
"Ledyba, Mach Punch!" Ledyba's fists glowed white, and it rushed at Togepi, dealing it a powerful blow that sent the Spike Ball Pokémon hurtling towards Jen's technical area.
"Togepi, no!" Jen moved to catch her Pokémon, who already showed the dazed look signaling a knockout. "Togepi..."
"Togepi is unable to battle! Ledyba is the winner!"
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"I knew this would happen," James muttered angrily, watching Jen reassure her Pokémon. "Togepi just isn't cut out for this yet. Her Metronome may be useful on occasion, but it's not something you trust in this situation." Cyndaquil squeaked in annoyance. “What?” The Fire-type poked his snout in Jen's direction, and James calmed down a bit. “You're right. I shouldn't be so critical, it's all part of the game.” Cyndaquil squeaked again, and they settled down to see the rest of the match.
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"Since when does a Bug-type know a move like that?" Jen was shocked, and she needed to compose herself before continuing. She breathed slowly as she took out her last Pokéball, and hoped she could keep this match going. "Okay, Magby, here we go!" Magby landed on the battlefield, ready for action.
"Stay strong, Ledyba!" Bugsy knew that a Fire-type was bad news, but like against Zubat, he'd trained for moments like this. Many trainers came in with Fire-types, thinking it would be an easy victory, but he always tried to prove them wrong. "Don't think a Fire Pokémon will make this any easier! We know how to win against them!"
"Then let's see how you handle this! Magby, Fire Punch!" Magby's fist caught fire, and she swung hard at Ledyba, who instinctively jumped out of the way. "Quick, after it! Fire Punch again!"
"Dodge, Ledyba! Then use Mach Punch!" Ledyba jumped out of the way, then hit Magby with its fists, moving faster than Jen thought possible. "Keep up that Mach Punch, Ledyba!" The punches continued, with Magby trying hard to get out of the way.
"Smog, Magby, now!" The close-range gray smoke hit its mark, causing Ledyba to slow its attacks, while violet sparks crackled across its body.
"Ledyba, get out of there!" Bugsy shouted, knowing that his Pokémon had just been poisoned. The damage would accumulate until it was knocked out, so he had to try and put Magby out quickly. "Mach Punch, now!" Ledyba charged again, hitting its target before shivering in pain as the poison went to work. Jen saw that Magby had taken quite a bit of damage, and so she recalled her for the time being.
"Take a break, Magby. You'll need your strength." She took out Zubat's Pokéball and threw it, hoping the Poison-type could win this one for her. "Zubat, get ready! We've got to deal with Ledyba now!"
"We're not going down easily! Comet Punch!" Ledyba jumped up, but missed by an inch; Zubat was just too quick. It was the opening Jen was looking for.
"Quickly! Air Cutter!" Ledyba was thrown hard to the floor as the move hit, and the poison sparks appeared once again. The Five Star Pokémon shivered again, fell to the floor, and didn't move.
"No! Ledyba, get up!" It was no use; Ledyba was beaten at last.
"Ledyba is unable to battle! Zubat is the winner!"
"Way to go, Zubat!" Jen called as Zubat chittered triumphantly. Bugsy smiled as he recalled Ledyba; this battle wasn't going his way, but going up against a strong competitor made up for it. He took out his last Pokéball and looked over at Jen.
"Jennifer, this is my last Pokémon. It's also my most powerful, so I suggest you be ready."
"We're ready for anything, Bugsy! That Hive Badge is as good as mine!"
"I like your confidence. But we're just as confident! Here we go!" He threw the Pokéball. "I choose Scyther!" The Pokémon that emerged was green in color, with wickedly curved blades on the end of each forearm. Its wings were white and set back from the rest of its body, while its feet had three claws on the end. James, in the stands, took out his Pokédex to scan it.
"Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. It is a very strong flyer, and its bladed arms are extremely sharp and dangerous."
"So that's a Scyther." he muttered, putting his Pokédex down. Back on the field, Jen watched the powerful Bug-type carefully, knowing it would likely be strong in the air, causing problems for Zubat.
"Zubat, don't give in! Use Air Cutter!"
"Scyther, Swords Dance!" Scyther began spinning like a top, and the blades on its arms flashed briefly. "Now, Fury Cutter!" The blades glowed red, and Scyther slashed at Zubat, hitting hard and fast.
"Zubat, keep going! Air Cutter, once more!" Zubat launched another sharp air current, but Scyther had already disappeared.
"Double Team!" Now multiple Scyther surrounded Zubat, causing the Bat Pokémon to flit around, unable to discern which was the real one.
"Supersonic, Zubat!" Again Zubat let loose the confusion-inducing soundwaves, and again nothing happened. "Man, it's just not our day with Supersonic, is it?"
"Now Scyther! Fury Cutter again!" Scyther hit Zubat again, the attack apparently stronger than before. "You see, Fury Cutter will get stronger every time it's used, making Scyther more powerful the more it attacks with this move. It may not have much of an effect to start, but used in sequence, it's devastating."
"Well, you won't get another move in! Zubat, Bite attack!" Zubat flew at what it thought was the real Scyther, but missed, and the Mantis Pokémon moved in behind it.
"Finish it off! Fury Cutter!" This hit was the final blow, knocking Zubat out of the air and out of the match.
"Zubat is unable to battle! Scyther wins!" Jen recalled Zubat and smiled sadly.
"Way to go, Zubat. Get some rest." She took out Magby's Pokéball once more and closed her eyes, hoping that Magby could go the distance. "Magby, let's go! Time to win this!" Magby appeared one final time, ready for battle.
"Okay, Jennifer, it's the final battle! Show me what you've got!"
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"Magby, Fire Punch, quick!" Magby's fist blazed as it swung at Scyther, who ducked the blow and zipped around to the side, trying to avoid the super-effective move.
"Quick, Scyther, hit it with Fury Cutter!" Scyther was hoping to hit side-on, but Magby anticipated the move and turned to face her opponent.
"Fire Punch, again!" The moves collided, causing a small explosion. Scyther looked shaken, but the move hadn't done too much damage.
"Slash attack!" This time, Scyther's blades glowed white, and it swung wildly at Magby, who dodged most of the blows.
"Smog attack!" Scyther couldn't get out of the way of the gray smoke cloud, but no poison affected it. "Now, Fire Punch!"
"Fury Cutter, quick!" Once again, the moves collided, and again Scyther was knocked back, its moves not overcoming the blazing punches despite its increased attack power. "Now, Slash!"
"Fire Punch, one more time!" Magby dodged the wildly swinging blades and dealt Scyther a fierce uppercut to the chin, sending it crashing to the Gym floor. It got up, though, and looked ready for one more round.
"That's it, Scyther! Fury Cutter!"
"SmokeScreen, Magby!" Just as the glowing red blades were about to hit, Magby exhaled a huge amount of black smoke, hiding it from view.
"Scyther, Swords Dance!" Bugsy hoped the rapid rotation of the move would clear the smoke, and Scyther's attacks would be even more powerful. He didn't realize that Magby had moved into position quickly despite its fatigue.
"Finish this with Fire Punch!" Jen cried, pointing at the defenseless Scyther. Magby's fist blazed again, and it punched Scyther hard in the back. Scyther pitched forward after this hit, beaten at last.
"Scyther is unable to battle! Magby wins! The victor is Jennifer from Violet City!"
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"You did it, Magby!" Jen hugged her first Pokémon tightly, noting the smoke that was pouring from her mouth. "We've won our second badge, and you helped so much! Awesome job!" She recalled the Live Coal Pokémon and looked at Bugsy, who was consoling his beaten Scyther.
"Don't worry about it, old friend. You really fought hard, and against an opponent with a type advantage, no less. Take a good rest." The Gym Leader turned to Jen. "That was a terrific battle, Jennifer."
"Thanks, Bugsy! We learned a lot from that match, and we especially learned not to take type advantages for granted."
"Well, that's our job as Gym Leaders, I suppose. Here." He reached into his pocket and took out a round badge that looked like the back of Ledyba's shell. "This is your proof of victory at the Azalea Gym, the Hive Badge." Jen took the badge and shook Bugsy's hand, then turned to where James had appeared.
"So James, I've got my second badge. I guess it's your turn tomorrow, huh?"
"Yeah," James looked at Bugsy and nodded, knowing he'd find it no easier than Jen had. Cyndaquil squeaked in agreement, and Bugsy smiled.
"Another Fire-type? You guys seem to really know your type matchups. Well, know that I won't go easy on you."
"I wouldn't want you to." Both trainers and the Gym Leader laughed, and the challenge for the next day was set.