Chapter 6: Cerulean City Challenge

After a few days of traveling from Mt. Moon, Gilbert and Yolanda finally made it to Cerulean City. "We're finally here." Gilbert said. "Bulba." Bulbasaur said. "It's about time." Yolanda said. "Alright then. Let's head on down to the Pokémon Center and rest up. It's been quite the walk for us." Gilbert said. "Good idea. I'm getting pretty hungry." Yolanda said. As they walked towards the city, a familiar face popped out from some bushes. "Fairy?" Clefairy chittered quietly.

After entering Cerulean City, Gilbert and Yolanda headed right for the Pokémon Center, gave their Pokémon to Nurse Joy for rest and treatment, and settled down to a nice hot meal. "Clefairy?" A voice said. Gilbert and Yolanda turned to see Clefairy staring at them. "Whoa. Hello. Where'd you come from?" Gilbert asked. "Fairy. Clefairy." Clefairy said, snuggling up to Yolanda. "Wait a minute. I remember this Clefairy. I rescued her when we battled Team Rocket at Mt. Moon." Yolanda said. "I guess she must've been following us." Gilbert guessed. "Fairy." Clefairy purred as she snuggled Yolanda's leg. "Well, it looks like Clefairy really likes you. I guess that's because you saved her life back at Mt. Moon." Gilbert said. "Really? You really like me, Clefairy?" Yolanda asked. "Clefairy." Clefairy said with a nod. That got Yolanda to start thinking.

Just then, there was a ding. Gilbert and Yolanda turned to see Nurse Joy walking towards them with their PokéBalls in a tray. "Good news, kids. All your Pokémon are in excellent condition." Nurse Joy said. "Thanks so much, Nurse Joy." Gilbert said. "Yeah, you're the best." Yolanda said. "Oh, I'm just doing my job." Nurse Joy said with a blush. "Alright then. We'd better head off to the gym. My second badge awaits." Gilbert said. "Right." Yolanda said. After they gathered their PokéBalls, with Gilbert letting Bulbasaur back out, and prepared to leave, Yolanda noticed a sad look on Clefairy's face. "Hey, Clefairy. Would you like to come and watch my friend's battle with me?" She asked. "Fairy? Fairy, Fairy, Clefairy!" Clefairy squealed as she hopped up and down happily. "I guess that's a yes." Yolanda said with a giggle.

After leaving the Pokémon Center, Gilbert, Yolanda, Bulbasaur and Clefairy start looking for the Cerulean City Gym. But they found it a bit hard to find the gym in this big city. "You know, for a Pokémon Gym, it's sure not easy to find in this city." Yolanda said. "Yeah. But it must be around here somewhere." Gilbert said. "Excuse me?" A voice called. Gilbert, Yolanda, Bulbasaur and Clefairy turned and saw a girl around their age with an Espeon walk up to them. "Forgive me, but are you by chance looking for the Cerulean Gym?" The girl asked. "Yes, we are. But we can't seem to find it." Gilbert said. "Well, I know where it is. I can take you there if you'd like." The girl offered. "That would actually be a big help to us." Gilbert said. "Yes. Thank you so much." Yolanda said. "It's my pleasure. By the way, my name's Sakura from Ecruteak City in Johto." The girl, Sakura, introduced. "Espeon." Espeon greeted. "I'm Gilbert from Pallet Town." Gilbert introduced. "Bulbasaur." Bulbasaur greeted. "Hi, I'm Yolanda from Pewter City. Nice to meet you." Yolanda said.

Sakura led Gilbert, Yolanda, Bulbasaur and Clefairy towards the gym. "So, you're travelling to collect badges too?" She asked. "Well, yes. Mostly, I'm learning to understand my Pokémon. And I'm believe entering the Pokémon League can help me do just that." Gilbert said. "I see. And what about you, Yolanda?" Sakura asked. "Oh, I don't have a goal in mind just yet. I'm travelling with Gilbert so I can figure out my goal." Yolanda said. "What about you, Sakura? Are you on a journey too?" Gilbert asked. "Yes, I am. Espeon and I have been out on our journey for a few weeks now." Sakura said. "Are you also competing for badges?" Yolanda asked. "Yes. I've already got 4 badges. I had already won at the Cerulean City Gym and was about to leave when I met you guys." Sakura said. Gilbert and Yolanda were surprised to hear this. "You've got 4 badges already?" Gilbert asked. "Yes. But I'm just beginning." Sakura said as she stopped and showed them her badges. "Wow. That's impressive." Yolanda said.

Sakura brought Gilbert and Yolanda right to the Cerulean Gym. "Well, here it is. The Cerulean City Gym." She said. Gilbert and Yolanda were in awe as they stared at the gym. "Come on. I'll introduce you to the Gym Leader." Sakura said as she led them inside the gym. Inside, there was a large pool. "Wow. This is a gym?" Yolanda asked. "Looks more like a public indoor pool." Gilbert said. "That's the idea." A voice said. The 3 turned to see a red-haired girl walk up to them. "Hi, Misty." Sakura greeted. "Sakura. Back so soon?" The girl, Misty, asked. "I was about to leave, but then I stumbled upon these 2 looking for the gym. So, I decided to help and led them here." Sakura explained. "Well, that was really sweet of you, Sakura." Misty said. "Guys, this is Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader." Sakura introduced. "Yeah, I remember her. She's a good friend to my brother, Brock." Yolanda said. "Good to see you again, Yolanda." Misty said. "Oh yeah. I remember Brock saying he had several brothers and sisters." Sakura said. "Yeah. I'm the second younger sibling." Yolanda said. "And who are you?" Misty asked, gesturing to Gilbert. "Oh! I'm Gilbert from Pallet Town." Gilbert introduced. "Another from Pallet Town? You here to challenge me?" Misty asked. "I am." Gilbert said. "It's your lucky day." Misty said.

Gilbert and Misty took position on separate sides of the pool. Bulbasaur stood beside Gilbert. Yolanda and Clefairy sat on the side while Sakura stood as the referee. "Alright. The battle between Gilbert of Pallet Town and Misty the Gym Leader will now begin. Both sides will have the use of 2 Pokémon each. The battle will be over when both Pokémon on either side are unable to continue." Sakura announced. "You ready to battle, Gilbert?" Misty asked. "You bet I am." Gilbert said. "Then let the match begin!" Sakura announced.

"Go, Corsola!" Misty called, tossing her Lure Ball. "Corsola!" Corsola called as she came out. "A Corsola?" Gilbert asked as he brought out his Pokédex and scanned Corsola.

Corsola, the Coral Pokémon. A Water and Rock-type. They live in shallow waters and small pool areas. Their coral horns grow back when they are shed.

"So, she's using a Water and Rock-type first. Okay. Bulbasaur, you ready to go?" Gilbert asked. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur growled as he leapt out onto one of the pads floating in the pool. "You might be using a Grass-type, Gilbert, but that doesn't mean you won't beat my Corsola so easy." Misty said. "I know that. So, let's see what you got." Gilbert said. "Alright, Corsola, use Tackle!" Misty called. Corsola hopped towards Bulbasaur and tackled him hard. "Bulbasaur, are you okay?" Gilbert asked. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur barked. "Great. Now use Razor Leaf!" Gilbert called. "Saur!" Bulbasaur fired dozens of sharp leaves from his bulb. "Use Mirror Coat!" Misty called. Corsola covered herself with a veil and deflected Razor Leaf back at Bulbasaur. "Uh-oh! Quick, knock them down with Vine Whip!" Gilbert called. "Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur brought out his vines and whipped at the leaves, knocking them down. "Clever move, Gilbert. Use Ice Beam, Corsola!" Misty called. Gilbert and Yolanda gasped at this. Ice-type moves are super effective on Grass-types. "Corsola!" Corsola fired Ice Beam towards Bulbasaur. "Bulbasaur! Dodge it and go into a Tackle!" Gilbert called. Bulbasaur quickly dodged the Ice Beam, hopped across the floating pads and tackled Corsola hard. "Follow up with Vine Whip!" Gilbert called. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur brought out his vines and whipped hard at Corsola, dealing some hard damage since Vine Whip was a Grass-type move. "Quick, Corsola! Recover!" Misty called. Corsola glowed white and completely healed itself. "Whoa. That was fast healing." Gilbert said. "You have to admit my Corsola is quite special." Misty said. "We're special too. Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!" Gilbert called. "Saur!" Bulbasaur fired several more sharp leaves from his bulb. Corsola didn't have time to dodge or counter as the leaves slashed at her hard, dealing serious damage being a Grass-type move. "Oh no! Corsola!" Misty cried. Corsola fainted as she couldn't take anymore. "Corsola is unable to battle! Bulbasaur wins!" Sakura announced.

"Bulba! Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur cheered as he hopped back to Gilbert. "That was great, Bulbasaur." Gilbert said as he petted his partner. Misty returned Corsola to her PokéBall. "Thank you, Corsola. You deserve a good rest." She said. "I have to admit, Misty, I thought you had me there with Ice Beam and Recover. Your Corsola was pretty good." Gilbert said. "Thank you, Gilbert. But you'll have trouble with my toughest Pokémon. Go, Gyarados!" Misty called, tossing another PokéBall. "GYARAAAAAAAA!" Gyarados roared as he appeared in the waters. "Whoa! Gyarados!" Gilbert exclaimed in surprise as he scanned Gyarados with his Pokédex.

Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokémon. The evolved form of Magikarp. A Water and Flying-type. When hundreds of Gyarados appear out of the water, they come together to perform vicious and dangerous attacks.

"Bulbasaur, can you still battle?" Gilbert asked in concern for Bulbasaur. "Bulba." Bulbasaur said, determined to keep battling. "Alright. Let's start out with another Razor Leaf." Gilbert said. "Bulba! Saur!" Bulbasaur leapt back onto the floating pads and fired more sharp leaves from his bulb. "Underwater, Gyarados!" Misty called. Gyarados dived into the pool to dodge the attack. "Be careful, Bulbasaur! Gyarados is gonna attack from underwater!" Gilbert called. Bulbasaur kept a watchful eye on the water, getting ready for Gyarados' attack. "Now, Gyarados!" Misty called. Gyarados attacked the pad Bulbasaur was standing on with Headbutt, sending Bulbasaur flying. "Now, Gyarados! Flamethrower!" Misty called. "Quick, Bulbasaur! Poison Powder!" Gilbert called. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur released a cloud of Poison Powder from his bulb as Gyarados blew Flamethrower from his mouth. Gyarados got covered in the Poison Powder before Bulbasaur got hit by Fire-type move. "Bulbasaur!" Gilbert cried. Bulbasaur fell onto the pad and fainted from the Flamethrower being too much for him to handle. "Bulbasaur is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!" Sakura announced.

Gilbert brought Bulbasaur over to Yolanda and Clefairy. "You did good, Bulbasaur. Now take it easy." He said. "Bulba." Bulbasaur said. "Don't worry. I'll look after him." Yolanda said. "Thanks, Yolanda." Gilbert said before he walked back to his side of the pool. "So, who's your next Pokémon, Gilbert?" Misty asked. Gilbert took out another PokéBall and stared at it. "I know this is your first battle, but I know you'll do your best. Hoothoot, I choose you!" He called as he tossed the PokéBall. "Hoothoot!" Hoothoot hooted as he came out. "A Hoothoot?" Sakura asked in surprise. "Why'd he send out Hoothoot?" Yolanda asked. "Fairy?" Clefairy asked.

"You might wanna rethink that decision, Gilbert. You think your Hoothoot is a match against my Gyarados?" Misty asked. "I know Hoothoot will be great. And besides, your Gyarados isn't looking too hot right now thanks to Bulbasaur's Poison Powder." Gilbert said, gesturing to Gyarados struggling against the effecting poison. "I'm not worried. Once we win, I'll have Gyarados treated to a nice Pecha Berry dinner." Misty said. "Don't count your berries before they grow. You ready, Hoothoot?" Gilbert asked. "Hoot!" Hoothoot hooted. "Alright, Gyarados, Hydro Pump!" Misty called. Gyarados fired a powerful jet of water from his mouth. "Hoothoot, quick! Use Confusion!" Gilbert called. "Hoothoot!" Hoothoot's eyes glowed purple. Just then, the Hydro Pump glowed purple and was telekinetically redirected back at Gyarados, striking him hard. Misty was shocked by this. "That was fast!" Sakura exclaimed. "Nice job, Hoothoot." Gilbert said. "Hoot!" Hoothoot hooted happily. Gyarados suffered a bit more from the poison. "Nice move, Gilbert. But not good enough. Thunderbolt, Gyarados!" Misty called. "What?! Thunderbolt?!" Gilbert asked in shock. "Gyarados knows Thunderbolt?!" Yolanda asked in shock. "Not good! Thunderbolt's an Electric-type move!" Sakura exclaimed with worry. Gyarados roared as he stored up and fired a bolt of electricity. "Quick! Dodge it, Hoothoot!" Gilbert called. Hoothoot quickly flew away to dodge the Thunderbolt. "Don't let it get away, Gyarados!" Misty called. Gyarados continued firing Thunderbolt, trying to hit Hoothoot. But Hoothoot continue to fly and dodge the Electric-type attack. Just then, Gyarados cringed from the poison taking effect again. "Oh no, Gyarados!" Misty cried with worry. "Alright, Hoothoot! Use Echoed Voice!" Gilbert called. "Hoot HOOOOOOOOT!" Hoothoot unleashed a powerful echoed soundwave, causing damage to Gyarados. With the added damage from the poison's effect, Gyarados couldn't take anymore and fainted in the water. "Gyarados is unable to battle! Hoothoot wins! The match goes to Gilbert of Pallet Town!" Sakura announced.

"Alright! We did it, Hoothoot!" Gilbert cheered. "Hoot! Hoothoot! Hoot!" Hoothoot hooted happily as he nuzzled Gilbert. "Alright! Way to go, Gilbert!" Yolanda cheered as she applauded. "Clefairy! Clefairy!" Clefairy cheered as she happily hopped up and down. Even Sakura and Espeon was impressed by Gilbert's victory. Misty returned Gyarados to his PokéBall. "You did a great job, Gyarados. But I have to admit, that kid gave me a great battle." She said as she looked at Gilbert and Hoothoot. Apparently, they reminded her of a good friend and his Electric-type partner whom she used to travel with.

Later, Gilbert and Misty shook hands. "I haven't had a battle like that in quite some time, Gilbert. Even after Sakura beat me." Misty said. "Thank you, Misty." Gilbert said. "And as proof of your win at the Cerulean Gym, I give you the Cascade Badge." Misty said, presenting the Cascade Badge to Gilbert. "Thank you, Misty." Gilbert said as he accepted the badge. "Yes! Our second badge!" He cheered. "Bulba!" "Hoothoot!" Bulbasaur and Hoothoot cheered.

Later, Gilbert, Bulbasaur, Yolanda, Sakura, Espeon and Clefairy exited the Pokémon Center. "Well, now that Bulbasaur and Hoothoot are healed up, I think we should get going." Yolanda said. "You're right. We're off to the next gym." Gilbert said. "Say, if it wouldn't be a bother, would it be okay if I come with you guys on your journey?" Sakura asked. "Sure, Sakura. We welcome anyone who wants to come." Gilbert said. "Yeah. Journeys are always fun with friends." Yolanda said. "Oh, thank you." Sakura said. Just then, Clefairy clung onto Yolanda's leg. "Fairy. Clefairy." She said. "It looks like your Clefairy friend wants to come along with you." Sakura said. "No surprise. Clefairy really likes you." Gilbert said. "Really? Would you like to come along with me, Clefairy?" Yolanda asked. "Fairy." Clefairy nodded eagerly. "Alright! PokéBall, go!" Yolanda called as she brought out a PokéBall and tossed it. Clefairy leapt up and tapped the button, letting herself in. The PokéBall landed on the ground and jiggled for a bit. Then it dinged, sealing the capture. "Alright! I caught a Clefairy!" Yolanda cheered as she picked up the PokéBall. "Congrats, Yolanda." Sakura said. "Espeon." Espeon said. "Well, show we get going then?" Gilbert asked, putting his hand out. "We shall." Yolanda said, placing her hand on top. "Together." Sakura said, adding her own hand. So, with 2 new friends in tow, Gilbert and Yolanda continue on their journey.

Major Events:

Gilbert and Yolanda arrive in Cerulean City

Gilbert and Yolanda meet Misty and Sakura

Gilbert challenges Misty and wins

Gilbert earns the Cascade Badge

Yolanda catches the Clefairy that followed her

Sakura joins Gilbert and Yolanda on their journey