Sage recalled Shadebark and sent out Wartortle who had a determined expression.
Erika, having already recalled her fainted Leafeon, sent out her next Pokémon—Vileplume.
Sage's Rotom Phone buzzed and displayed the Vileplume Pokedex entry.
Vileplume The Flower Pokémon: Vileplume uses the spores on its petals to poison foes. It is known for its graceful movements and ability to inflict status effects with ease.
Sage quickly scanned the information before giving her orders.
Wartortle use Hydro Sphere!" Sage called out.
Vileplume, dodge and use Razor Leaf!" Erika calmly said
Vileplume nimbly dodged the incoming attack and launched a flurry of Razor Leaf projectiles at Wartortle as Wartortle winced as several leaves struck its body but it stayed steady.
Sage gritted her teeth, knowing Wartortle was at a disadvantage here.
Wartortle use Aqua Jet!" Sage said.
Wartortle surged forward with a burst of water, slamming into Vileplume as the impact caused Vileplume to stagger back but it quickly recovered.
Vileplume use Poison Powder!" Erika commanded.
With a graceful twirl, Vileplume released a cloud of poisonous spores into the air, which quickly enveloped Wartortle as Wartortle winced as the poison began to take effect as Sage knew she had to think fast.
Wartortle use Ice Punch!" Sage ordered as she was trying to put some pressure on Erika's Pokémon.
Erika smirked confidently. "Dodge it, Vileplume!"
Vileplume deftly dodged the attack, but Sage wasn't finished.
Gotcha! Now, Wartortle use Hydro Sphere!" Sage said with excitement in her tone.
As Wartortle unleashed the massive water sphere, Vileplume was hit squarely by the attack as the impact caused Vileplume's Special Defense to lower and Erika's face showed signs of surprise.
Wartortle use Scald!" Sage immediately ordered.
Wartortle released a powerful jet of hot water, hitting Vileplume directly as the water splashed over the grass/poison Pokemon as small flames flickered around Vileplume, signaling that it had been burned.
Vileplume use Seed Bomb!" Erika shouted as she was trying to regain control over the situation.
Vileplume quickly retaliated and launched several powerful seed bombs at Wartortle as the attack hit Wartortle, causing it to stagger back as Wartortle appeared weakened and was teetering on the brink of fainting, but it wasn't finished yet.
As Wartortle struggled to stay standing, Sage's heart raced.
Come on, Wartortle... you can do this!" Sage quietly mumbled with worry in her tone
Suddenly, Wartortle let out a fierce roar and Sage's eyes widened in realization.
Is this... happening now?!" Sage muttered in awe.
With a bright flash of light, Wartortle began to evolve, the process speeding up as Wartortle transformed into Blastoise before Sage's eyes. Sage squealed with excitement, thrilled at the sight of her Pokémon evolving.
Her Rotom Phone buzzed again and displayed Blastoise Pokedex entry.
Blastoise the Shellfish Pokémon: Blastoise's back-mounted cannons are capable of launching powerful water jets at high speed, and it is said that it can even destroy tanks with its water-based attacks.
Blastoise moves were also updated.
Blastoise Moveset:
Scald
Ice Punch
Aqua Jet
Skull Bash
Hydro Sphere
Sage couldn't hold back her smile as she realized just how much stronger the water type Pokemon she caught in Mt. Moon became.
Blastoise use Skull Bash!" Sage commanded.
Vileplume use SolarBeam!" Erika said quickly.
Both Pokémon began charging their respective attacks, with Blastoise focusing all of its energy into its head and it's defense rose and Vileplume gathering sunlight for the devastating SolarBeam.
The tension in the gym was palpable as the two trainers waited, knowing that whoever's attack came first would likely determine the outcome.
Minutes seemed to drag by as the attacks charged. Sage's heart raced as she could see Blastoise's attack almost fully charged, while Vileplume was nearing the same point.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Blastoise surged forward and used Skull Bash, slamming into Vileplume just as Vileplume released its SolarBeam. The two attacks collided in a massive explosion, shaking the gym as both Pokémon were hit by the force of the blast.
The dust settled, and both Blastoise and Vileplume lay unconscious on the battlefield, their trainers anxiously watching.
The battle is over," the referee announced. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle."
Sage took a deep breath, relieved but not slowing her pace. With only one Pokémon left on Erika's team, Sage had the advantage. Her heart still raced from the battle, but she was ready for the final challenge.
