Pokemon : Rewind

The Azalea Gym is the official gym established by the Johto League in Azalea Town. Its Gym Leader is Bugsy, a young boy who bears a striking resemblance to Maizie, Kurt's granddaughter.

When Ash first saw Bugsy, he momentarily mistook him for Maizie's sister. It wasn't until later that he learned that gender isn't always so clear-cut. 

In Bugsy's case, his appearance and mannerisms occasionally left people guessing, making him an enigmatic figure even before his skill as a Trainer became widely recognized.

Bugsy specializes in Bug-type Pokémon and is renowned as a "walking Pokémon encyclopedia." 

Though not yet a master, his deep knowledge of Bug-types and his strategic prowess have earned him a reputation as a rising star in the Johto League.

The Azalea Gym itself is unique, resembling a lush botanical garden. Besides serving as a battleground, it doubles as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors to explore its vibrant greenery and observe the many Bug-type Pokémon that live within. 

Some of these Pokémon belong to the gym, while others are entrusted to Bugsy by Trainers from across the region.

---

After registering for the gym challenge, Ash waited in the outer lobby. Misty, still not particularly fond of Bug-types despite overcoming her childhood fear, chose not to wander through the botanical garden with Brock. Instead, she went directly to the battle area to secure a good view of the action.

Ash's presence in the gym quickly drew attention. Having already earned the Zephyr Badge, his name was spreading among Trainers. 

However, the onlookers were polite, merely greeting him or glancing curiously at him and Pikachu.

After nearly an hour, Ash's turn finally came. He followed the gym assistant down a path carved through dense vegetation, arriving at the center of the garden where the battle would take place. 

The arena had no formal seating, though there were designated areas for spectators.

As Ash stepped into the battlefield, the surrounding spectators began murmuring his name. Some cheered, while others simply watched with curiosity. Ash smiled and waved at Misty when he spotted her in the audience.

On the other side of the battlefield stood Bugsy, a boy around Ash's age. Though slightly shorter, Bugsy radiated confidence. 

His grayish-purple shoulder-length hair and bright eyes gave him an energetic and youthful appearance. Dressed in a dark green explorer's outfit, he looked every bit the adventurer.

"Is this Kanto's rising star, Ash?" Bugsy muttered to himself as he sized up his challenger.

Though not as famous as Ash, Bugsy was well-known in Johto. After competing in two league tournaments, he had returned to Azalea Town and successfully challenged the previous Gym Leader, earning the title for himself. 

As a former child prodigy of the Johto League, Bugsy was eager to measure himself against Ash, a fellow "genius."

---

Ash stood at the challenger's position while the referee explained the rules.

"The gym challenge between Bugsy, Azalea Gym Leader, and Ash, the challenger, will now begin! Each side may use three Pokémon. Substitutions are not allowed. Begin!"

Bugsy was the first to act. "Let's go, Ariados!" he declared, throwing his Poké Ball.

Ariados emerged onto the field, a large spider-like Pokémon roughly five feet long. Its body had two main parts: a red head with a sharp horn and purple eyes, and an abdomen adorned with black spots and stripes resembling a face. Its yellow-and-purple legs glinted menacingly, and it radiated an aura of focus and agility.

Ariados

Type: Bug/Poison

Category: Long-Leg Pokémon

Abilities: Swarm or Insomnia

Hidden Ability: Sniper

Strength: Silver Level

Ash studied his opponent. "An Silver-level Ariados," he mused. While this presented a challenge, it also highlighted a drawback for him—he couldn't afford to use any of his newly caught or less experienced Pokémon.

"Lapras, I choose you!" Ash shouted, tossing his Poké Ball.

Lapras materialized on the battlefield, letting out a melodic cry. Having been the vanguard in Ash's previous gym battle, Lapras was thrilled to lead the charge again. 

It stood proudly, its smooth, blue skin glistening under the light.

Bugsy raised an eyebrow. "An Bronze-level Lapras?" He couldn't help but feel insulted. "You're underestimating me, aren't you?"

Ash, unfazed, smirked. "Let's see what you've got."

Bugsy's expression sharpened. "Let me teach you the difference between genius and experience!"

The referee raised his hand. "Battle—start!"

Ash wasted no time. "Lapras, use Water Pulse!"

Lapras opened its mouth, channeling Water-type energy to form a dense orb of water. With a sharp cry, it launched the sphere toward Ariados, the attack transforming into a rolling wave as it sped across the battlefield.

"Agility, now!" Bugsy commanded.

Ariados responded instantly, its body glowing briefly with psychic energy before it darted to the side, avoiding the incoming wave with remarkable speed.

Bugsy smirked. "Ariados may not be the fastest Pokémon, but with Agility, its speed is more than enough to outmaneuver your Lapras."

"Don't let up, Lapras!" Ash called. "Keep up the pressure with Water Pulse!"

Lapras fired a second Water Pulse, and Ariados once again dodged, skittering unpredictably across the battlefield. Bugsy's strategy was clear: tire Lapras out while waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Bugsy's voice rang out confidently. "Ariados, String Shot to restrict its movements!"

Ariados spun around, shooting threads of silk toward Lapras. The sticky threads aimed to entangle its large body, limiting its ability to counterattack.

Ash's eyes narrowed. "Lapras, Ice Beam—cut through it!"

Lapras unleashed a sharp, freezing beam of energy, slicing through the approaching webbing and creating icy shards that scattered across the arena.

Bugsy's smirk faltered. "Not bad…"

"Lapras, follow up with Ice Shard!" Ash commanded.

Without missing a beat, Lapras created multiple chunks of ice and launched them at Ariados. The rapid attack forced Ariados to leap to avoid being hit.

"Now's your chance!" Ash shouted. "Finish it with Water Pulse!"

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