On the battlefield, Izumi faced off against John, her Sharpedo floating mid-air, surrounded by a swirling current of water. This ingenious technique allowed aquatic Pokemon like Sharpedo to move freely on land by mastering their water control abilities. Trainers often achieved this with moves like Water Sport during rigorous training sessions. At institutions like Riverstone University, even freshmen in the combat department learned this during their introductory courses. The mastery of such techniques not only enhanced water-type moves but also strengthened a Pokemon's overall combat proficiency.
John's Tyranitar stood imposingly amidst the swirling sand. Yellow grains whipped around the arena, occasionally brushing against the ceiling of the Weather Institute. John's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Izumi's confidence. She laughed, pointing at Tyranitar. "You think that brute can stand against my Sharpedo? Type advantage is mine!"
John smirked, his gaze fixed on the level markers above their Pokemon. Sharpedo, LV47. Tyranitar, LV55.
"Sharpedo, use Surf!" Izumi commanded.
The water around Sharpedo surged violently, merging with hidden reserves beneath the floor. In moments, a massive wave, three meters high, crashed forward, roaring toward Tyranitar. The floor trembled under its sheer force.
"Earthquake," John said, almost lazily.
Tyranitar planted a colossal foot onto the ground. The impact sent seismic ripples tearing through the arena, fracturing the ground and shaking the building to its core. The wave shattered under the force of the tremor, and Sharpedo was hurled across the room, slamming into the wall with a deafening crash.
The dust settled. Sharpedo lay embedded in the wall, unconscious.
[Sharpedo LV47 defeated. Tyranitar gained 3387 experience points.]
Izumi's confidence faltered as she clenched her fists. She gritted her teeth. "You got lucky! Next time, I'll show you the true power of the Water Fleet!" With that, she fled, leading her team out of the institute.
John sighed and turned to the professor, who was surveying the destruction with a mixture of disbelief and despair.
"I took care of them," John said casually.
"Took care of them? You nearly destroyed the Weather Institute!" the professor snapped. "Here, take this and leave before you bring the roof down!"
He thrust a Pokeball into John's hand. John examined it, intrigued.
[Castform(Normal-Type)]
[Ability: Forecast (changes shape and type with the weather)]
[Moves: Sunny Day, Rain Dance, Hail, Weather Ball]
[Held Item: Mystic Water]
Castform, a rare Pokemon capable of adapting to different weather conditions, was a prized catch. Its ability to seamlessly transition between fire, water, and ice attributes made it invaluable for weather-based strategies.
John's current lineup focused on sandstorm synergy, but the potential for expanding into sunny or rainy strategies intrigued him. Still, the fixed individual values of the Floating Bubbles left something to be desired. Obtaining one with perfect stats would require venturing beyond the Hoenn Region.
He pocketed the Pokeball, deciding to use the Pokemon as a supplemental weather tool for now. As he stepped out of the institute, he met Professor Birch on the road to Fortree City.
Their eyes locked, and a sense of impending confrontation filled the air.