Chapter 17: BENEATH THE EARTH, ABOVE THE WAVES: FLINT VS. KASUMI!

Author's Note: Yes, a battle Chapter! it'll be a two part chapter. This Chapter is Kasumi's battle while next chapter is Haru's Battle. It is fun writing this as my imagination keeps battling each other back and forth, creating scenarios on who will battle, who will dodge and who will counter. But anyway, hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

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The momentous battle at the Pewter City Gym was about to commence, with Haru and Kasumi standing face-to-face with the formidable Gym Leader, Flint. However, Flint said to them that he would battle them one by one, letting them pick who will battle first and due to that, it intensify the pressure and focus on both Kasumi and Haru.

As Haru and Kasumi exchanged a few quick words, Haru made the decision to let Kasumi take the lead and grab both her shoulders and encourage her, "Kasumi, I'll let you battle Flint first as I know that you have a good strategy planned for this moment and I also want to know how well Flint would handle a battle with type disadvantage."

With a nod of agreement, Kasumi then declared to Haru, "I will definitely show you a good battle." then she approached the battlefield, ready to face the challenge that lay before her. The referee stepped forward, outlining the rules for the battle—a single-type Pokémon battle, allowing each trainer to use only two Pokemon. The winner would be determined by the outcome of the match between their chosen Pokemon.

With the rules set, anticipation filled the air as Kasumi and Flint took their positions on the battlefield. The referee's voice resonated, his words emphasizing the significance of this clash. Both trainers knew that this battle would be a test of their skill, strategy, and bond with their Pokémon.

"I choose you! Lapras!!"

"Then I'll choose you, Onix!"

Kasumi's eyes gleamed with determination as she carefully selected her first Pokemon, Lapras. A powerhouse known for its ice and water abilities. On the other side, Flint chose his stalwart Rock-type Pokémon, Onix. The stage was set for a thrilling duel of contrasting elements.

"LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!" As the referee commenced the battle. The referee's voice rang out once again, signaling the start of the battle.

Kasumi wasted no time, issuing a command to Lapras. "Lapras, let's start with using Ice Beam, cover the whole battlefield!" she exclaimed. Lapras responded, summoning a freezing beam of ice that spread across the arena, creating a chilling spectacle.

Onix, under Flint's command, unleashed its own move, Stealth Rock, causing jagged rocks to materialize around the battlefield. The ground shook as the opposing forces prepared for their clash.

With an impressive display of speed and grace, Lapras glided through the icy battlefield, its movements fluid and purposeful. As Onix lunged forward, Lapras countered with a powerful Water Pulse, but before hitting the Rock Snake Pokémon in its tracks, Flint then commanded Onix to use Dig to dodge the attack. The water pulse was evaded, making Kasumi, who studied the guide given by Haru, shocked.

Flint, renowned for his expertise in Rock-type Pokémon battles, observed the match with keen interest. His deep knowledge and understanding of the field added an extra layer of intensity to the battle. He couldn't help but interject, offering comments on both the tactics employed by Kasumi and the resilience displayed by his own Pokémon.

The clash between Lapras and Onix continued, each Pokémon showcasing their strength and resolve. Onix, who was underground for quite some time, fought back with a series of powerful Rock-type moves. However, Lapras proved to be a formidable opponent, utilizing its icy powers and water type moves to neutralize Onix's attacks and steadily chip away at its health.

The spectators held their breath, captivated by the thrilling exchange of moves and strategies. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the battle reached its climax. Kasumi's unwavering determination and Lapras's indomitable spirit proved to be the winning combination.

In a final surge of power, Lapras unleashed a mighty Ice Beam in the hole created by Onix's Dig then use a powerful Water Pulse in the hole, engulfing Onix in a dazzling display of icy and water brilliance. The Rock Snake Pokémon was overwhelmed, unable to withstand the onslaught. The crowd erupted in cheers as Lapras emerged victorious, securing a hard-earned triumph for Kasumi.

The referee declared Kasumi the winner of the first match, and she couldn't help but smile, proud of her Lapras's remarkable performance.

Brock was not surprised that his Father lose the first match due to the type disadvantage but was happy as his father withstand that barrage of water and icy Pokemon for a while. Flint, who lose his first match for today, smiled and recalled his Onix and told it to have a very good rest. He then look at Kasumi who was smiling at her Lapras and couldn't help but commend her for her good strategy. He then bring out his last Pokemon.

"Graveler, I choose you!"

Flint called out his rock-type ace, Graveler. Then the battle continued as the referee stated that the battle will resume.

"LET THE BATTLE CONTINUE!!!" the referee then put that both of his flags that he was holding.

Then Kasumi looked at Graveler for a while and then commanded Lapras, "Lapras, glide the the entire battlefield and use Ice Beam to create Ice Pillars!"Lapras then glided in the Ice battlefield and use Ice beam to create ice pillars, making so that Graveler can't use rollout attacks.

As Lapras does that, Flint then commanded Graveler, "Graveler! Rock Polish!"

Kasumi was confused why did Graveler did not attack and instead used Rock Polish. However, before Kasumi could fully grasp the situation, Haru's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. Haru shouted to her, "Kasumi! Finish the Battle Quickly!" urging Kasumi to swiftly bring an end to the battle, sensing an impending threat. Startled, Kasumi gathered her focus and get what Haru meant to finish the battle quickly as she remembered that Rock Polish increases speed of a rock-type Pokemon.

Determined to finish the battle, she issued a command to Lapras. "Lapras, use Water Pulse on Graveler!"

"Graveler, dodge it and use Bulldoze!" Graveler, who dodged Water Pulse, used Bulldoze, destroying both the Ice Battlefield and the Ice Pillars.

Lapras, who is on the battlefield, was affected by bulldoze and lost her speed and balance. Kasumi, who saw what happened, told Lapras to stay vigilant to Graveler's every move.

Flint, again, commanded Graveler to use Rock Polish. As Graveler increased it speed again, Kasumi is starting to lose her focus, agitatedly commanded Lapras. "Lapras, use Ice Beam again in the entire battlefield!"

By using Ice Beam again, Lapras evened the the battlefield, making Graveler's speed lower in ice and Lapras speed tripled.

Flint, who saw what is happening, smiled a little and said to Graveler, "Graveler, let's start the counter-attack." pointing his fingers straight Lapras and raising his other arm to the air, "Use Stone Edge!!"

Kasumi copied Flint and pointed at Graveler, "Lapras! counter it with Water Pulse! Max Power!"

!!!BOOOOOOM!!!!

Graveler then use Stone Edge to attack Lapras and Lapras countered with Water Pulse, making a small explosion in the Battlefield and Smoke in the area.

As the smoke clears, Haru and Brock, who were watching, was shocked by what they see. Kasumi, who was in the battlefield, was shocked too and saw a ramp created by the stone edge. Flint, who saw this, calmly smile again and raise his head to command Graveler.

"Graveler, Finish it now, USE! ROLLOUT!!!" Graveler quickly turned into a ball and rollout his way in the ramp to attack Lapras.

"Lapras! DODG-" Before Kasumi said anything to Lapras, it was hit by Graveler already as its speed has risen multiple times due to Rock Polish.

!!!BOOOOOM!!!!

Another explosion and thick smoke cover the entire battlefield. As the smoke cleared and the remnants of the explosive clash between Lapras and Graveler settled, the battlefield bore witness to a shocking turn of events. Lapras, despite its valiant efforts, had succumbed to Graveler's powerful Rollout attack, leaving Kasumi with only one Pokémon remaining.

Haru and Brock, who had been watching the battle intently, exchanged concerned glances. The atmosphere grew tense as Kasumi, determined not to be deterred by her recent defeat and remembering what she had learned from Lt. Surge, Haru and her parents who she talked about everything before she battled, composed herself and focused on the Pokemon at her side.

Flint, recognizing Kasumi's unwavering spirit, couldn't help but commend her for her skill and strategy. He acknowledged her ability to create a formidable icy battlefield using Lapras's Ice Beam, temporarily impeding Graveler's movements. With a knowing smile, Flint prepared to reveal all of his trump cards in this battle, fully aware of the challenge that lay ahead.

In a resolute tone, the referee announced that the battle would continue, with each trainer left with only one Pokemon to rely on. Kasumi's heart raced with anticipation as she prepared herself for the next exchange. She knew that this final confrontation would test her resilience and strategic knowledge.

Kasumi, relying on her intuition, quickly devised a plan in her mind. She breath in and out slowly. Opening her eyes, she determinedly looked at Flint and said, "We'll definitely win!"

"I CHOOSE YOU! PIPLUP!!"

As the dust settled from the previous intense clash, the battlefield transformed once again, as Kasumi made a critical decision for her last Pokemon. With a surge of anticipation, she called forth her loyal companion, Piplup. The small, determined Water-type Pokémon stepped forward, its eyes glimmering with resilience and a fighting spirit.

Flint, impressed by Kasumi's resolve, talk a bit to his Graveler, giving it a well-deserved encouragement and strategy on the next battle. A smile played on Flint's lips as he observed the unyielding determination in Kasumi's eyes. He knew that this final showdown would be a testament to their growth not as a Gym Leader and Challenger, but as trainers.

The referee, his voice resolute, announced that the battle would continue with Piplup facing off against Graveler. The tension in the air was noticeable as both trainers locked eyes, their unwavering determination emanating through the battlefield.

Though before the battle even started, the Stealth Rock created by Onix earlier quickly activated and dealt a good amount of damage to Piplup.

As the battle commenced, Kasumi knew that her Piplup was damage already and couldn't help but to strategized in her mind, analyzing Graveler's strengths and weaknesses. She knew that her nimble Piplup had to rely on agility and cunning to overcome the powerful Rock-type opponent.

Kasumi's voice rang out with clarity, "Piplup, use Drill Peck!" In a swift motion, Piplup lunged forward, its beak shining with determination. Graveler, with its sturdy defense, braced itself for the attack, preparing to withstand the assault.

But the battle took an unexpected turn. Graveler, known for its resilience, displayed surprising agility as it managed to dodge Piplup's Peck. The audience gasped in disbelief, marveling at Graveler's nimble evasion.

Undeterred by the setback, Kasumi quickly recalibrated her strategy, she knew that Rock Polish is still in effect and was only testing the speed of both Pokemon. She then observed the terrain, searching for an advantage that could shift the tides in their favor. With a determined glint in her eyes, she commanded Piplup to utilize its speed and agility to their fullest potential.

"Piplup, create a whirlpool with Bubble Beam!" Kasumi called out, her voice laced with unwavering confidence. Piplup responded swiftly, launching a powerful stream of bubbles that enveloped the battlefield. The bubbles danced and twirled, morphing into a swirling vortex of water.

Flint and Graveler, faced with the unexpected move, found its movements hindered. Flint was shocked by the move that Piplup did as he did not think that such move can be use with only a Bubble Beam. He saw The whirlpool disrupted Graveler's balance and coordination, confounding its attempts to execute powerful Rock-type moves. The audience held their breath, captivated by the suspense unfolding before them.

As Graveler struggled to break the imprisonment made by the Bubble Beamed Whirlpool, Flint decisively said, "Graveler! Break Away from it!"

Sensing an opportunity and before Graveler can break from the Bubble Beamed Whirlpool, Kasumi seized the moment. "Piplup, now's your chance! Icy Wind!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with unwavering determination. Piplup, fueled by its bond with Kasumi, became a blur of motion, creating a gust of chilling wind around Graveler.

Icy Wind was then successfully created with light blue mists, surrounding Graveler with a very chilling air. The audience erupted into cheers while shivering to the powerful cold air created by Piplup, weakening Graveler's defenses and speed. It was a testament to Piplup's unwavering determination and the bond it shared with Kasumi.

However, Graveler, known for its tenacity, refused to succumb easily. Flint's commanding voice pierced the air as he rallied his Pokémon. "Graveler, use Stone Edge!" he shouted. In an instant, Graveler summoned a cascade of rocks, aiming to overwhelm Piplup and turn the tide of the battle.

Kasumi's heart pounded as she assessed the imminent danger. With quick thinking, she directed Piplup to leap and dodge with agility, narrowly avoiding the incoming rocks. Piplup's acrobatic display drew admiration from the crowd, their excitement mounting with every evasive maneuver.

As the dust settled, Kasumi seized another golden opportunity. "Piplup, seize the moment! Aqua Jet!" she exclaimed with unwavering conviction. Piplup surged forward with an explosion of water, a comet of determination propelling it toward Graveler.

In an incredible display of strength and resilience, Piplup's Aqua Jet collided with Graveler's defenses, shattering its resolve. The impact reverberated through the battlefield as Graveler stumbled, its defenses finally faltering.

With one final surge of energy, Piplup unleashed a mighty Bubble Beam, enveloping Graveler in a dazzling display of power. The audience held their breath as the attack hit its mark, and Graveler, unable to withstand the onslaught, fell to the ground, defeated.

The Referee saw that Graveler fainted, quickly raised his flags and pointed to Kasumi, "Graveler is unable to battle, which means that, the Challenger Kasumi from Lagoon Town, WINS!!!"

The stadium erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. Kasumi, her heart bursting with pride and joy, rushed to embrace her victorious Piplup. They had triumphed against the odds, defying expectations and showcasing the power of their unyielding bond.

Flint, sporting a genuine smile, stepped forward, extending his hand in congratulations. He acknowledged Kasumi's skill, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of her Lapras & Piplup. Their battle had been a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that defined Pokémon battles.

With their heads held high, Kasumi and Piplup basked in their hard-earned victory, a testament to their growth as trainers. She then looked at Haru and happily said, "Haru! I've won!!! It's your turn now!"

As I looked at her and walked slowly, smiling and nodding, "Congrats, Kasumi! Yes, It's my turn now."

Brock, who saw that his Father lose, comforted him, "It's okay Dad, You'll definitely grow as trainer after this battle!"

Flint saw that Brock is comforting him, smile lightly, "But of course, my son! My journey as a trainer is still not ending!" Looking at me and Kasumi, He walked slowly and said, "Let's Battle tomorrow, My Pokemon needs to rest for the battle."

Haru nodded his head as he looked at the battlefield with a determined look.