Chapter 18 - Out of the cave

We didn't have to walk much longer before we caught sight of a ray of light.

'That must be the end of the cave,' said Jock.

'Yes!' said Kash. 'That means we're nearly at Cerulean City, and the next Gym!'

'And my home!' smiled Christy. 'I can't wait to see my sisters!'

'Come on then!' said Kash, and we hurried through the cave exit. We breathed in the fresh air, happy to be finally out of Mt. Moon. In the distance, we could see a city.

'That's Cerulean City,' said Christy. Kash smiled.

'I can't wait to fight your sisters!' he said.

'So you're on your way to Cerulean City are you?' said a voice. A boy that looked a bit older than Kash was walking towards us.

'Yes,' said Kash. 'And I'm going to comepete in the Gym, and earn a Cascade Badge!'

'Well in that case, how about we have a little warm-up?' the boy asked. 'My name is Brent, and I just got my Cascade Badge. Have a battle with me, and see if you're prepared for the Cascade Badge!'

'I'm ready for any badge!' Kash said. 'Go get 'em, Pikachu!'

I jumped off Kash's back and got ready for battle. Brent took out a pokeball and threw it. The pokemon that appeared had two huge claws, which it snapped together. I stepped back, scared of it.

'Come on, Pikachu!' said Kash encouragingly. 'Use your thundershock!'

I sent out an electric shock and the pokemon fell back straight away.

'Krabby return!' called Brent. 'You only beat my Krabby because electricity is good against water. But you'll never beat this.... go Cubone!'

Brent threw another pokeball and his second pokemon appeared.

'Pikachu, thundershock!' said Kash. I shocked the Cubone, but it didn't seem to do anything.

'Kash!' yelled Christy. 'How many times do I have to tell you!? Electric attacks don't effect ground pokemon!'

'Oh, right,' said Kash. 'Pikachu, come back.'

I sighed and walked back to Kash.

'Beedrill! I choose you!' said Kash. He threw his pokeball and Beedrill came out. But, it didn't fly up into the air like usual. It stayed on the ground, weak.

'Beedrill, what's wrong?' I asked worridly.

'Poison..' Beedrill murmured.

'Kash!' I said. 'Beedrill can't fight! It's still poisoned from Grimer!'

It was too late.

'Cubone, bone club!' shouted Brent. Cubone slammed its bone down on Beedrill. It cried out in pain.

'Beedrill!' Kash gasped. 'Come back, quick! Spearow, your turn!'

Kash threw his pokeball and Spearow appeared. It looked like it was ready for battle.

'I'll handle this,' it smiled.

'Cubone, tackle!' said Brent. His pokemon dived at Spearow. It flew up into the air, avoiding the attack.

'Alright, Spearow!' Kash smiled. 'Use peck!'

Spearow dived back to the ground and pecked Cubone.

'Ow!' Cubone cried out. Spearow chased it around, pecking its back.

'Cubone, return!' called Brent. He glared at Kash. 'You may have beaten Cubone... but wait until you see my best pokemon!'

Brent threw another pokeball. A large, fierce-looking pokemon came out. It was yellow, with black stripes on it and large fists. It glared at Spearow angrily. Spearow flew back a few metres. It was obviously scared of the pokemon.

'Come on Spearow, you can do it!' I said encouragingly.

'Thanks Pikachu,' said Spearow. 'But somehow I don't think I'm going to beat that thing...'

'Electabuzz!' said Brent, pointing at Spearow. 'Show them your thunderbolt!'

Electabuzz roared and sent out a huge bolt of electricity. Spearow tried to doge the attack, but it was no use. It fell to the ground, defeated.

'Spearow!' I exclaimed.

'Spearow, enough!' called Kash. 'Come on Pikachu, it's up to you.'

I gasped. This strange pokemon was an electric type. I knew I was an electric type, too. But I also knew, that I would never have enough strength to beat Spearow in one hit. This Electabuzz was clearly more powerful than I was.

'Go on, Pikachu,' said Kash. 'What's the matter?'

'It's too strong!' I pleaded. 'I'll never beat it!'

'Please, Pikachu,' said Kash. 'If I can't beat this Electabuzz, I'll never be able to defeat the Cerulean City gym. I know you can do it, Pikachu. Go on, at least give it a try. Please?'

I sighed and stepped up to the Electabuzz.

'This should be easy,' laughed Brent. 'Electabuzz, use your mega punch!'

Electabuzz slammed its fist into me. I cried out as I was sent flying. I crashed into a tree and slid to the ground. I could barely move - the Electabuzz had injured me greatly. I tried to force myself to get up but it was no use.

'Pikachu!' Kash cried. He rushed over to me and scooped me into his arms. 'Brent, you win, alright!'

Kash started to run, carrying me in his arms.

'Wait, Kash!' Christy called. She and Jock ran after us. Kash brought me into the PokeCentre and handed me to a girl with pink hair who I seemed to remember from somewhere...

(-o-) PiKACHU (-o-)