Pokemon: A New Path

The Third Battle Begins

The battlefield was lush and vibrant, still coated in the rejuvenating grass of Gogoat's terrain. Charizard hovered gracefully above, its wings outstretched, flames flickering at its tail's tip. The air buzzed with tension as the final round of the Green Grass Trial commenced.

Naoki wasted no time. "Razor Leaf!" he commanded.

With a mighty burst of energy, Gogoat unleashed a flurry of glowing green leaves. They cut through the air like sharpened blades, whistling toward Charizard.

Leon responded instantly. "Charizard, use Heat Wave!"

Charizard flapped its powerful wings, summoning an intense surge of heated air. Sparks of fire swirled within the wind, igniting the incoming leaves. One by one, the Razor Leaves were consumed in flames, falling harmlessly to the ground like scorched petals.

Watching the display, Naoki murmured. "Charizard's type advantage is overwhelming," he muttered under his breath. "Unless Gogoat knows Rock Slide, there's no way to land a critical blow against its quad weakness to Rock."

But Gogoat didn't have Rock Slide, and Naoki knew it. He adjusted his strategy. "I'll have to take a different approach," he said, regaining his composure.

Leon gave his next command. "Charizard, Flamethrower!"

Simultaneously, Naoki ordered, "Gogoat, use Take Down!"

Charizard's maw opened wide, unleashing a blazing inferno of flames. The Flamethrower surged across the battlefield, painting the grass below in fiery orange. Gogoat, undeterred, charged forward at full speed, its determination unwavering.

But Charizard's aerial mobility was unparalleled. It ascended just as Gogoat reached its target, causing the charge to miss entirely. Charizard emerged unscathed while its fiery attack scorched Gogoat. Though the Grass Terrain below quickly began healing the damage, Naoki knew this rhythm wouldn't hold for long.

Leon seized the opportunity. "Charizard, Air Slash!"

Naoki reacted swiftly. "Counter it with Vine Whip!"

Two thick vines lashed out from Gogoat, forming a makeshift shield against Charizard's attack. The sharp wind-blades of Air Slash met the vines with devastating force, slicing through them and striking Gogoat head-on.

The Grass-type Pokémon was sent tumbling to the ground, unable to rise. It had been knocked out.

Naoki sighed. "Looks like this trial may see its first champion today."

The third and final Gogoat stepped onto the battlefield, its posture exuding calm yet fierce determination. Charizard hovered above, flames burning even brighter as Leon's signature Pokémon prepared to face its next challenge.

Leon, emboldened by the previous rounds, gave a confident command. "Charizard, use Heat Wave!"

Charizard beat its wings powerfully, conjuring an intense surge of hot air. The searing winds swept across the battlefield, withering the lush Grass Terrain and removing the healing advantage that had bolstered Gogoat throughout the trial

Naoki furrowed his brow. "Clever," he admitted. "But we're not done yet. Gogoat, Leaf Blade followed by Horn Leech!"

Gogoat dashed forward, its horns glowing with emerald light as it prepared to execute its moves. The first slash of Leaf Blade managed to graze Charizard's side, but the fiery dragon retaliated swiftly.

"Charizard, Flare Blitz!" Leon roared.

With a deafening cry, Charizard cloaked itself in blazing flames, charging directly at Gogoat. The impact sent the Gogoat hurtling backward, the sheer intensity of the attack leaving it unable to recover.

Gogoat lay motionless on the grass as the flames around Charizard receded. Despite the recoil damage inflicted by Flare Blitz, Charizard remained standing, its flames blazing brighter than ever due to its Blaze ability. 

The Gogoat was knocked to the ground and lost its ability to fight.

Looking at the fallen Gogoat, Naoki reflected on their overall performance and strength.

"They've reached championship-level skill, but when faced with opponents of equal strength who have a type advantage, even Grass Terrain can only provide so much support," Naoki thought to himself.

Leon's Charizard was the perfect example.

Even so, it was an admirable effort. The Gogoats had managed to take down Leon's Dragapult and Haxorus. Their loss wasn't due to a lack of power but rather the inherent disadvantage of their Grass typing against Charizard's Fire-and-Flying combination.

"If only they could master Rock Slide," Naoki mused, envisioning how such a move might have changed the outcome of the match. "That could level the playing field next time."

Lost in thought, Naoki then turned his attention back to Leon, who stood across the field. "Congratulations, Leon. You've officially passed the Green Grass Trial."

Leon grinned widely, his expression one of genuine joy. "That battle was incredible! Fighting alongside your Pokémon was exciting, and your strategies kept me on my toes the entire time! I'm super glad I came here!"

"I'm happy too," Naoki replied, smiling. He couldn't help but admire Leon's prowess as the strongest champion, his strategies, and adaptability proving his title was well-deserved. This had been Naoki's first formal Pokémon battle, and it was a thrilling experience.

Leon, though satisfied with his victory, still felt a pang of disappointment. "It's a shame I didn't get the chance to battle your Koraidon or Calyrex," he thought. "But I guess that's something to look forward to next time."

Just as the post-battle tension eased, Naoki's Indeedee approached carrying a tray of fresh glasses filled with milk. 

Naoki took the glasses gratefully and fed the milk to Gogoats, who drank eagerly. He gently patted their heads, his tone warm and full of appreciation. "You all did wonderfully today. Thank you for your hard work."

Despite the praise, the Gogoats seemed downcast, their gazes low.

Naoki noticed the lingering disappointment on his Gogoats' faces and crouched down to console them. "It's okay," he said gently, patting their heads. "This was just a friendly match. Keep working hard, and I'll do everything I can to help you improve."

He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "For example, if we can master Rock Slide, you might be able to target Leon's Charizard directly. With a four-times type advantage, one strong hit could take it down."

The Gogoats perked up slightly at his encouragement, their spirits lifted by the prospect of becoming stronger.

"Alright, go on and play now!" Naoki said with a smile, ruffling their fur affectionately. 

The Gogoats gave cheerful bleats and bounded off, their earlier gloom replaced with renewed determination.

Turning back to Leon, Naoki suggested, "Why don't you release all your Pokémon? Let's heal them up."

Though surprised, Leon complied, releasing Dragapult and Haxorus from their Poké Balls. Both Pokémon appeared visibly fatigued and battered from the earlier battles.

Naoki stepped forward with a tray of white liquid—bottles of fresh Gogoat milk. He handed them to the Pokémon, who hesitated for only a moment before drinking. 

The transformation was immediate. Their wounds began to heal at a speed visible to the naked eye, and their energy visibly returned. Both Pokémon stood tall and alert as if they'd never battled at all.

Leon stared, slack-jawed, at the miraculous recovery. His gaze darted between the now-healthy Pokémon and the remaining bottles in Naoki's hands.

"What is that stuff? How does it work so well?" Leon finally blurted out, still in disbelief.

"Gogoat milk," Naoki replied with a grin. "It's produced by the Gogoats here on the ranch. They're dairy Pokémon, and their milk is sold to the town and surrounding areas."

"Gogoat milk?" Leon echoed, his voice tinged with incredulity.

Naoki nodded. "It's not just nutritious—it has restorative properties, especially for Pokémon."

Leon stood frozen for a moment, digesting this information. Then a thought struck him like a lightning bolt.

'Wait a minute…' Leon's face twisted into an expression of mock horror. 'Does that mean I just fought a team of dairy goats?'

He glanced around the ranch, his eyes landing on Koraidon and Dragonite standing nearby. "If the dairy Pokémon here are that strong," Leon muttered to himself, "just how powerful are the rest?"

Naoki chuckled at Leon's reaction but quickly refocused. He stood up, brushing off his hands. "Now that you've officially passed the Green Grass Trial, you've earned a reward. Normally, the prize is a magical fruit wine that enhances a Pokémon's abilities. You can choose one to give to your team."

Leon's curiosity was piqued, but something Naoki said caught his attention. "Wait—'normally'? Was today's trial different?"

Naoki grinned, explaining, "Yes. Typically, the Green Grass Trial has three rounds. In the first round, challengers face one Gogoat. In the second round, they battle two at once. And in the final round, they take on three simultaneously."

Leon's eyes widened. "That sounds intense!"

Naoki nodded, his tone playful but firm. "And next time, I'll make sure my Gogoats are ready—with a Rock Slide in their arsenal."

Realizing Naoki's determination, Leon couldn't help but grin. "In that case, I'll bring my A-game too."

Leon glanced over at Koraidon and Dragonite again, then met Naoki's eyes with a mischievous glint. "Next time, though, I want to battle your strongest Pokémon."

Naoki laughed. "Alright, deal."

As the two trainers shook hands, Leon's mind wandered briefly. "How far is Paldea from Galar anyway?" he mused aloud, scratching his head.

Naoki tilted his head, amused by the question.

Leon laughed sheepishly, admitting, "I have a terrible sense of direction. If I get lost trying to get here again, you might need to send someone to guide me."

...

Next bonus chapter is @ 3K Powerstones