Chapter 4 – Trainer Battle!

Red threw his Poké Ball, and Bulbasaur popped out. It looked exactly like the one in the picture earlier. Blue released Charmander as well. Both sides glared at each other competitively.

By doing a quick mental calculation, Red realised that Bulbasaur, a grass type, was weak against Charmander, a fire type.

Finally, Blue's intent was clear. He had waited for Red to pick his Pokémon first so that he could have the Pokémon that was effective against Red's.

Looking at Blue straight in the eye, Red muttered, "So that's what you were up to..." The corner of Blue's lips curved upwards into a smug smile.

Red sighed. "Well, Blue's done his homework," he thought.

Without any hesitation, Blue roared, "Charmander, use Growl!"

It was then that Red realised that he did not know any of Bulbasaur's moves.

Red racked his brains for a move that he had seen before on TV. He thought back to that epic battle he saw yesterday.

Before he could stop himself, the words came out of his mouth.

"Bulbasaur! Use Tackle!"

To Red's horror, Bulbasaur did not budge.

"Oh no," Red thought. "That's done it. Bulbasaur probably doesn't even know how to tackle. I'm done for."

Red anxiously watched for what Charmander would do.

It let out a cute growl. Bulbasaur looked softened and reluctant to attack.

"Hah, your Pokémon is slow just like you!" Blue taunted.

Red's heart skipped a beat.

Then, to his surprise, Bulbasaur full-body tackled Charmander. Charmander was knocked down, but unfortunately, it looked like it had not taken much damage.

For the next few minutes, Charmander and Bulbasaur just exchanged scratches and tackles. After it's sixth Tackle, Bulbasaur looked like it could not continue. It was trembling badly, and its stubby legs almost gave way under its weight. Charmander, however was still standing strong. Anxious, Red involuntarily felt through his bag. He noticed a spray bottle of purple liquid.

Red had been so caught up in the day's events that he forgot about it. Remembering that it was a Potion, Red whipped the bottle out and sprayed its contents at Bulbasaur. Instantly, Bulbasaur got up on its feet again.

"Guguh Buh!" Bulbasaur roared. Red cheered.

Red sent a silent prayer of thanks to his Mom.

With the extra energy, Bulbasaur easily defeated Charmander.

When the battle ended, Bulbasaur looked really confident and excited. Professor Oak mentioned from behind Blue that Bulbasaur had grown to level 6, which meant that Bulbasaur had grown stronger. The professor had been taking down notes on a clipboard this whole time. Red whooped again and almost laughed at Blue, but realised it was mean.

Blue grimaced. "WHAT? Unbelievable! I picked the wrong Pokémon! Charmander, return!" he exclaimed.

Since Red had won, Blue grudgingly passed Red 175 Pokédollars for winning.

Then, Blue grinned. "Okay! I'll make my Pokémon fight to toughen it up! Red! Gramps! Smell you later!" That was his 'catchphrase' that he had apparently found in a book. Red always found it a little disgusting.

With that, Blue pompously stomped out of the lab.

"That Blue. When will he ever learn?" Professor Oak shook his head.

Professor Oak turned to Red, smiled and said, "Well, Red, raise your young Pokémon by making it fight!"

"Thanks, Professor Oak! I'll set off for the next town right now!" Red cheerfully waved goodbye and skipped out of Professor Oak's lab. That battle had been energising! He paced towards Route 1 and approached the patch of grass that he had almost entered before Professor Oak stopped him. This was the real start of his Pokémon journey.

"Here goes nothing..." Red carefully stepped into the tall grass.

Author's note:

To the two people that are currently following this fic, I'm so sorry for not updating! I almost gave up on it but recently decided to start writing again as I have more time on my hands.

MudkipWriter