NOVEL NEXT Chapter 35: Gym Battle
The tension in the gym was palpable. Lt. Surge stood across the battlefield with his Raichu, his last Pokémon, crackling with electricity.
Ethan, on the other hand, had a confident smirk. While his Spearow had battled valiantly to take down Surge's first Pokémon and tie with the second, Ethan still had two Pokémon left. His Scyther hovered beside him, its scythes gleaming in the gym's fluorescent lights.
Surge pointed at Ethan. "Kid, I'll give you this—you've got guts. But Raichu's gonna zap your bug right outta the air. Let's finish this quick!"
Ethan adjusted his cap slightly. "You might have power, Surge, but Scyther has speed. Let's see if Raichu can keep up."
The referee raised his flags. "Final round! Raichu versus Scyther! Begin!"
"Raichu, Thunderbolt!" Surge bellowed.
Raichu's cheeks sparked furiously before unleashing a powerful bolt of electricity that tore through the air toward Scyther.
"Scyther, dodge with Quick Attack!" Ethan commanded, his voice calm and precise.
Scyther disappeared in a green blur, the Thunderbolt striking the ground where it had been moments before. Raichu's electric attack left scorch marks on the battlefield, but Scyther remained untouched, reappearing to Raichu's left.
"Now, use Fury Cutter!" Ethan ordered.
Scyther's scythes began to glow faintly as it dashed forward, aiming a precise slash at Raichu.
"Counter it with Iron Tail!"
Raichu spun with remarkable agility, its tail glowing silver as it clashed against Scyther's scythe. Sparks flew from the impact, and both Pokémon were forced back, their eyes locked in mutual respect.
Ethan nodded slightly. "Good counter, but it won't work again. Scyther, keep your distance and use Air Slash!"
Scyther flapped its wings rapidly, sending sharp blades of air hurtling toward Raichu.
"Raichu, dodge and use Double Team!"
Raichu darted to the side, avoiding the Air Slash as its body shimmered. Multiple copies of the Electric-type appeared around the battlefield, each one moving in perfect synchronization.
Ethan didn't flinch as he observed the battlefield. Scyther hovered in place, its sharp eyes scanning the identical Raichus.
"Don't rush, Scyther," Ethan instructed. "Watch their movements."
Surge grinned. "Good luck, kid! Double Team's not just for show. Raichu, Thunderbolt!"
The Raichu copies all began to glow, discharging bolts of electricity simultaneously. The battlefield lit up as the real Thunderbolt blended with the decoys.
"Dodge!" Ethan commanded.
Scyther zigzagged through the onslaught of lightning, its speed unmatched. The false Thunderbolts faded upon missing their mark, but the real one grazed Scyther's wing, causing it to falter slightly.
Ethan noticed the slight dip in Scyther's movement. "You okay?"
Scyther buzzed, its gaze unwavering as it returned to its fighting stance.
"Good. Now, cut through those illusions with Air Slash!"
Scyther flapped its wings with force, sending another barrage of slicing air toward the copies. The Double Team illusions shattered one by one until only the real Raichu was left, its cheeks sparking with frustration.
"Raichu, Quick Attack!"
Surge's command sent Raichu sprinting forward, its body a blur of orange and black.
"Counter with Quick Attack, Scyther!"
Both Pokémon dashed at lightning speed, colliding in the center of the battlefield. The impact created a shockwave that rippled through the gym, forcing both Pokémon back. Scyther landed gracefully, while Raichu stumbled slightly, its breathing heavier than before.
Ethan seized the moment. "Now, use Fury Cutter again!"
Scyther closed the gap in an instant, its scythes glowing brighter than before as it slashed at Raichu. This time, the attack hit its mark, sending Raichu skidding backward.
"Hang in there, Raichu!" Surge encouraged.
The Electric-type struggled to its feet, its sparks dimming slightly. Surge's expression hardened. "We're not done yet. Raichu, use Thunder Wave!"
Raichu unleashed a burst of static electricity that spread across the battlefield, aiming to paralyze Scyther.
"Dodge and finish it with X-Scissor!" Ethan commanded, his voice sharp.
Scyther leapt into the air, avoiding the Thunder Wave entirely. Its scythes crossed in an "X" shape, glowing with green energy as it dove toward Raichu.
"Raichu, use Iron Tail to block!"
Raichu swung its tail upward, but Scyther's momentum was too strong. The X-Scissor attack overpowered Raichu's defense, landing a critical hit that sent the Electric-type crashing to the ground.
The battlefield fell silent as the dust settled. Raichu lay motionless, fainted. The referee raised his flag toward Ethan.
"Raichu is unable to battle! The winner is Ethan from Pallet Town!"
Surge's confident demeanor softened as he recalled his Raichu. He crossed the battlefield, his towering frame imposing but respectful.
"Kid, you've got guts and a sharp eye for battle," Surge admitted, a grin spreading across his face. "Your Scyther's speed is something else. You earned this."
He handed Ethan the Thunder Badge, its golden surface gleaming under the gym lights. Ethan accepted it with a nod, his calm expression betraying a hint of satisfaction.
"Thanks, Surge. It was a good match," Ethan replied, pocketing the badge.
Scyther buzzed triumphantly, hovering beside Ethan as they exited the gym. The crowd, small but enthusiastic, cheered for the young trainer's victory.
As Ethan stepped into the sunlight, he looked down at the badge in his hand. "One more step forward," he murmured, glancing at Scyther. "Let's keep going."