AUTHOR'S NOTE: Greetings, readers! I know it's late, but here is Chapter 46 of the continuing adventures of Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu as they continue their journey through Kanto. Giovanni from the anime makes an appearance, but for those of you who don't know what happened at the beginning, Giovanni disguised himself to help Tristan get over his traumatic experience of Team Rocket after he was safely brought back to the house in Pallet Town after he was kidnapped. For that, go back to Chapter 1. Giovanni appears in disguise in this episode, and you'll find out what his name is. The residents eventually find out about Giovanni's true nature as well as finding out how he handled his victims in the past, particularly Gary and his cheerleaders. As always, please feel free to read and review. And remember, feedback of any kind is always welcome.
TEASER: Tristan is ready to battle for his final badge at the Viridian Gym, but the Gym Leader's identity is a complete mystery! Who is he, and why does he know Tristan so well? What is Giovanni really after?
Chapter 46: THE MYSTERY GYM LEADER
(Music Cue: Opening and Title Screen as heard in "Volcanic Panic")
Today, Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu have finally arrived back in Viridian City. It's here that Tristan hopes to earn his next badge. And if he does, it'll be his eighth, therefore giving him the right to participate in the Pokémon League Competition, which just happens to be three months away.
"So, Tristan," said Hillary as she walked with Tristan and Pikachu through the streets of Viridian City, "what's your strategy for today?"
"Here's the strategy," replied Tristan. "We win, and then we win, and then we win some more!"
Pikachu agreed with him.
"That's the attitude I'd expect from someone as strong as you," remarked Hillary.
"Well, I wouldn't go that far," replied Tristan.
"Aw, come on, Tristan, you're being too modest," said Hillary. "I've seen you train, and I know your style. And even if you lose from time to time, you always find a way to get back on your feet."
"You're right," replied Tristan. "Let's go get that last badge!"
And Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu excitedly raced over to the Viridian Gym as fast as their legs could carry them.
Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu arrived at the Viridian Gym a few moments later. It looked brand-new, and it had been finished at last.
"Boy," said Hillary. "Building this Gym must have taken a lot of hard work."
"But I'm sure it was worth the wait," replied Tristan. "Now to find that Gym Leader."
Pikachu was about to agree with them when it suddenly pricked up its ears and sensed something. It alerted Tristan at once.
(Music Cue: A Formidable Opponent Appears (first half))
"What's the matter Pikachu?" asked Tristan.
Pikachu didn't answer. Sparks were sizzling from its cheeks, as if an enemy was approaching.
"Do you think Team Rocket's here?" asked Hillary nervously.
"I don't know, but stay close," replied Tristan.
Just then, footsteps could be heard approaching them. A person was approaching them from the shadows.
"Get ready," advised Tristan as he readied himself for whoever was coming their way.
The person who approached chuckled evilly to himself. And when he stepped out of the shadows, Tristan was surprised at whom he saw, for he was staring at a man who was wearing a gray suit and tie, and a fedora on his head.
"Wait! I know you!" gasped Tristan. "You're the one who helped me forget about Team Rocket some time ago!"
"So you do remember me," replied the man. "The only thing I didn't do was introduce myself at the time. My name's Grover. I'm the Viridian Gym Leader."
"Grover, huh?" replied Hillary. "That's an interesting name."
"We heard the Gym Leader specialized in Ground-type Pokémon," added Tristan. "But I also heard that he used a Golem and a Kingler."
"Really?" replied Grover. "Well, if you'd really like to know what Pokémon I have, what do you say to having a Gym battle right now?"
"I was just going to challenge you to the same thing," replied Tristan.
Grover smiled and chuckled evilly to himself. Little did Tristan and Hillary know that he was really Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, in disguise.
(Music Cue: A Devious Plot)
Tristan, you are such a naive fool, thought Giovanni. You have no idea who I really am or of the danger that's in store for you. And I have big plans for you...you and your family, that is. And soon, I'll gain control of all your Pokémon.
Tristan, Hillary, Pikachu, and Giovanni, disguised as Grover, entered the Viridian Gym. It looked like it was brand new.
"Please forgive me for this bland interior," said Grover. "I've been wanting to get another coat of paint to add to the fresh coat of paint that was added on a few weeks ago."
"It seems like a state-of-the-art Gym," replied Hillary. "This may be one of the best Gyms in the world."
"This Gym used to be controlled by Team Rocket with Giovanni as the Gym Leader," explained Grover. "His Gym was destroyed by a few agents of Team Rocket and some kids that came here last year. He was so frustrated at the loss of his Gym that he decided to stop being Gym Leader, and so I was asked to run the Gym temporarily in his place until a new Gym Leader could be found."
"That's an interesting story, Grover," remarked Hillary. She then turned to Tristan, who didn't say a word. He was no longer smiling; in fact, he was suspicious of something. This concerned her. "What's the matter, Tristan?"
Tristan snapped out of his trance and turned to Hillary. "Oh, it's nothing," he replied. But something isn't adding up, he thought. Why is Grover telling the story of Giovanni leaving the Gym? And why did Pikachu spark like that when he first came to us? And what is this evil I'm sensing? I'd better figure out the answers to these questions, and soon.
"All right, young man," said Grover to Tristan, "let's begin our Gym battle right away."
"Let's do it," replied Tristan as he and Grover took their places on opposite sides of the battlefield.
"This will be a three-on three battle with no time limit," explained Grover. "I hope you're ready for this, because I've been looking forward to a great battle for quite some time." He took out a Pokéball,
It opened and a large, gray bipedal Pokémon with a cream colored drill on its snout emerged from the white light that shot out of it.
"It's a Rhydon!" gasped Tristan.
"I think my Rhydon will be all I'm going to need to win this battle single-handed," said Grover. "That is, unless you happen to have some strong Pokémon to try and defeat me with."
"Well, it just so happens that I do," replied Tristan as he took out his first Pokéball and threw it. "Blastoise, go!"
Blastoise emerged from the white light that shot out of it and awaited Tristan's instructions.
(Music Cue: A Fight! Real vs. Copy Pokémon)
"Ah, a Blastoise," smiled Grover. "A very wise choice indeed, young man. However, I hope you didn't choose it just because that only type itself will be enough to defeat me."
"It isn't just that, Grover," replied Tristan. "This will be decided by our abilities and who can show more creativity in their attacks. I learned that in my Gym battle with Blaine just the other day."
"Ah, impressive," smiled Grover. "You've learned quite a bit since you first started your journey. But let's see if that will be enough to earn you a badge! Rhydon, start shaking things up with Earthquake now!"
Rhydon jumped off the ground and stomped on the ground with both of its feet, sending out shock waves.
Blastoise tried hard to stay on its own two feet.
However, Hillary had a harder time staying on her feet. "This is just like a real earthquake!" she cried. "I don't have anything to hold onto except Pikachu!"
Pikachu agreed as it tried to hang on to Hillary, hoping that she would be sturdy enough to help keep each other balanced.
"Blastoise, use Hydro Pump attack!" ordered Tristan.
Blastoise's cannons appeared from its shell. Two powerful blasts of water emerged from them, and they were headed straight towards Rhydon.
"A smart choice, boy," remarked Grover. "Unfortunately for you, not smart enough. Rhydon, block it with your Horn Drill."
Rhydon spun its drill fast and kept Hydro Pump from reaching it.
"Look at that!" remarked Hillary. "Rhydon's using its Horn Drill to block Hydro Pump from getting to it! Grover has certainly trained his Rhydon extremely well, and seems to be ready with whatever attack Tristan throws at it!"
This is just like when I battled Rhydon last time, thought Tristan. I have to figure out a way to stop it...and fast.
"Now attack!" instructed Grover.
Rhydon charged at Blastoise with its drill still spinning.
"Grover must be using Rhydon's Horn Drill as part of a strategy to stop Blastoise!" said Hillary. "It seems like it can switch from defending to attacking with it very quickly. I sure hope Tristan can think of something before it's too late!"
"Blastoise, protect yourself using Withdraw!" commanded Tristan.
Blastoise's head and limbs disappeared into its shell just as Rhydon's Horn Drill attack made contact with it. Thanks to the shell, the damage from the attack was cancelled out.
"Excellent defense, my friend," remarked Grover. "But no trainer wins on defense alone. Rhydon, finish it off with Rock Slide."
Rhydon raised its front claws into the air as it began to glow in a blue aura. Then, large, gray boulders began to appear over Rhydon.
"Tristan, watch out!" shouted Hillary.
Rhydon thrust its front claws forward, causing the rocks to head straight for Blastoise.
"Blastoise, get away!" shouted Tristan.
But it was too late. The rocks hit Blastoise one by one, and sure enough, they covered Blastoise from head to toe, causing a cloud of dust to form.
"Blastoise!" cried Tristan.
When the dust cleared, a pile of rubble could be seen where Blastoise was standing. There was now silence.
"Looks like it's game over," said Grover.
But suddenly, the rocks began to shake. Then two powerful blasts of water emerged from them. Blastoise then appeared, and it was now free.
"Yeah, that's the way, Blastoise!" commended Tristan.
"Phew! That was close," said Hillary. "I thought Blastoise was a goner."
"This battle isn't over yet!" shouted Grover. "Rhydon, Fury Attack!"
(Music Cue: Flying Pokéball Chaos (as heard in "Shell Shock"))
Rhydon charged at Blastoise again by using its drill as a horn to try and repeatedly jab Blastoise with it.
"Blastoise, use your Ice Beam attack!" commanded Tristan.
Blastoise shot an ice-cold beam of energy at Rhydon. Ice Beam had struck it head on, and it was soon frozen solid.
"No, my Rhydon!" gasped Grover.
"Blastoise, Skull Bash!" shouted Tristan.
Blastoise's head glowed in a silver aura as it charged at Rhydon head on. It scored a direct hit on it, shattering the ice and knocking it out instantly.
"Rhydon," sighed Grover.
"Blastoise did it!" cried Hillary excitedly.
Pikachu cheered along with Hillary.
"That was great, Blastoise," commended Tristan. "Good job."
Blastoise replied approvingly.
Grover returned Rhydon to its Pokéball and turned to Tristan. "I must admit that your Blastoise is a lot stronger than I thought," he said. "Perhaps I underestimated your skills as a Trainer. However, I assure you that you won't win, so I will select my Nidoqueen. Go!" He threw his second Pokéball.
A large bipedal blue Pokémon materialized from the white light that shot out of the ball. It had distinct reptilian features and was encased with extremely hard scales. It had a small horn on its forehead.
"Let's see what Dexter knows," said Tristan as he took out his Pokédex and scanned Nidoqueen.
"Nidoqueen: The Drill Pokémon: The final evolution of the female Nidoran," identified Dexter. "Nidoqueen's hard scales provide protection. It uses its hefty bulk to execute powerful attacks."
"Whoa, another powerful Pokémon," remarked Hillary. "When it comes to being a Gym Leader, Grover doesn't mess around."
"Let's go, Nidoqueen, charge in!" commanded Grover.
(Music Cue: Danger! Pikachu!)
Nidoqueen charged toward Blastoise at tremendous speed, much to everyone's surprise.
"I never knew that a Nidoqueen could run that fast, especially since it's got a bulky body!" remarked Hillary.
"Heads up, Blastoise!" shouted Tristan. "Use Hydro Pump!"
Blastoise shot out two powerful blasts of water from the cannons on its back.
The water struck Nidoqueen, but it was not fazed a bit and shook off the attack.
"No way!" gasped Tristan.
"Nice try," smirked Grover. "To Nidoqueen, that attack was just a trickle of water compared to what it's going to do to your Blastoise. Nidoqueen, Double Kick!"
Nidoqueen jumped and used its powerful feet to kick Blastoise twice.
"Hang on, Blastoise!" encouraged Tristan.
"Time for a surprise," said Grover. "Nidoqueen, knock it out with Thunder attack!"
"Nidoqueen can't use Electric attacks!" protested Hillary.
"Then what do you call this?" asked Grover.
Sure enough, electricity sizzled from Nidoqueen's horn on its head, and it shot a giant yellow stream of electricity at Blastoise, scoring a direct hit on it.
"Blastoise, no!" cried Tristan.
Blastoise collapsed on the ground, knocked out. Nidoqueen's Thunder attack was too much for it to take.
"Poor Blastoise," said Hillary sadly. "That was definitely a powerful Electric attack."
"Blastoise, return!" called Tristan as a red beam of energy shot out from Blastoise's Pokéball.
The beam transformed Blastoise into red energy and shot it back inside.
(Music Cue: You Have to Earn Respect)
Tristan held the Pokéball close. "Don't worry about it, Blastoise," he said. "You have a good rest." He turned suspiciously to Grover. "Hey, how did your Nidoqueen learn to use Thunder like that? You didn't copy abilities from an Electric Pokémon, did you?"
"Relax, boy," replied Grover. "I taught Nidoqueen to use Thunder fair and square. You see, this Gym uses Ground Pokémon, so most challengers would use a Grass or Water Pokémon to win, but type alone almost always isn't enough to earn challengers a badge."
"What do you mean?" asked Tristan.
"You see," explained Grover, "a Gym Leader's job is to provide as tough of a challenge to Trainers as often as possible, constantly challenging their skills in battle. The challenger, in turn, must use a level head while thinking quickly on their feet, especially when there are surprises waiting for them at every turn. Most challengers wouldn't have known that my Nidoqueen can use Electric attacks, which counters the advantage most Water Pokémon would have against it. And your case was, unfortunately, no different. However, you still have two Pokémon left to use, so choose wisely."
Grover's really giving me a hard time, thought Tristan. I know if I use Lapras, I'll have the advantage, but Nidoqueen's Thunder attack could knock it out in one shot. I'll just have to risk trying. He took out his second Pokéball, threw it, and shouted, "Lapras, I choose you!"
(Music Cue: Raid!)
A bright white light shot out of the ball and Lapras materialized from it.
Grover, alias Giovanni, grumbled to himself. It's that Lapras again. It's the same one that foiled my plans for Silph last time. However, Tristan has made a foolish mistake.
"I'm counting on you, Lapras!" called Tristan. "Let's show Grover what you're made of!"
Lapras eagerly replied and awaited Tristan's instructions.
"I hope Lapras is made of something strong enough," said Hillary.
Grover smirked. "You never learn, do you? Nidoqueen, charge in with a Double Kick."
Nidoqueen charged at Lapras just as fast as it did with Blastoise.
"Lapras, Water Gun attack!" ordered Tristan.
Lapras shot a powerful stream of water at Nidoqueen, scoring a direct hit in the process. However, Nidoqueen didn't seem fazed at all again.
"Kick the water away, then strike!" instructed Grover.
Nidoqueen used its powerful legs and feet to kick the water away, then struck Lapras twice, giving it some damage.
"Hang in there, Lapras!" encouraged Tristan. "Hit it with Ice Beam!"
Lapras shot an icy cold beam of energy from its mouth at Nidoqueen, scoring a direct hit on it and freezing it solid.
"Yeah!" cheered Hillary. "Nidoqueen can't move now!"
"Ha!" laughed Grover. "I wouldn't be so sure if I were you."
Sure enough, the ice started to shatter, and soon, Nidoqueen was free.
"Oh, no!" gasped Tristan.
"Now, Thunder attack!" ordered Grover.
Once again, Nidoqueen shot a powerful stream of electricity from the horn on its head and struck Lapras head on, knocking it out.
"No, Lapras!" cried Tristan.
"Well, that takes care of things now, doesn't it?" smiled Grover.
"That's a shame," said Hillary sadly. "Lapras lost, too."
"Lapras, return!" called Tristan as he took out its Pokéball.
A red energy beam shot out and transformed Lapras into red energy as it shot back inside.
Tristan held Lapras's Pokéball close to him and said, "I'm sorry I blew it, Lapras. I guess my strategy was a bit off."
"Well, now what," asked Grover. "You're down to your last Pokémon already while I still have two. I suggest you give up before it's too late."
"No way, Grover," replied Tristan. "I'm a winner, not a quitter." He took out his third Pokéball and threw it. "Ivysaur, I choose you!"
The Pokéball opened and Ivysaur materialized from the white light that shot out of it.
"Okay, Ivysaur, it's all up to you now!" called Tristan.
Ivysaur replied eagerly, knowing that Tristan always counted on it to do its best.
"Tristan and Ivysaur are going to have to use every trick in the book if they want to win, and that's a tall order," said Hillary nervously.
Pikachu agreed with her.
"Interesting," said Grover. "A Grass-type. It can resist Electric attacks more easily than your last two Pokémon did. However, that doesn't mean you're winning. Nidoqueen, use your Double Kick attack."
Nidoqueen charged at Ivysaur at a high rate of speed.
"Ivysaur, use your Vine Whip to jump!" instructed Tristan.
(Music Cue: Kanto Gym Leader Battle)
Just as Nidoqueen was about to land a hit on Ivysaur, it shot out two green vines from the bud on its back. The vines hit the ground with such force that Ivysaur became airborne.
"Wow, that's new!" said Hillary.
Pikachu happily agreed with her.
"Ivysaur, Razor Leaf attack!" shouted Tristan.
Ivysaur shot a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Nidoqueen in mid-air. The attack didn't seem to faze it at first, but one sharp leaf scored a direct hit on it, causing Nidoqueen to wince in pain for a minute.
Impossible! thought Grover. How did that attack damage my Nidoqueen? The battles I had against Blastoise and Lapras may have worked out in my favor, but now I'm the one with the difficult challenge this time.
Ivysaur landed neatly on the ground and smiled confidently.
"Ivysuar, Vine Whip attack!" commanded Tristan.
Ivysaur shot its two vines at Nidoqueen.
"Nidoqueen, kick the vines and keep them at bay!" instructed Grover.
Nidoqueen used its strong legs and feet and successfully blocked Ivysaur's Vine Whip.
I have to think of something to keep Nidoqueen from moving, thought Tristan. Then he got an idea. "Ivysaur, Sleep Powder!" he shouted.
Ivysaur unleashed a silvery powder from the bud on its back.
"You can kick that powdery mess away, too, Nidoqueen," said Grover.
Nidoqueen tried as hard as it could, but its kicking power was useless against Ivysaur's Sleep Powder, as it began to cover it from head to toe. At last, the power of Nidoqueen's legs and feet began to weaken as it got drowsy.
"No, my Nidoqueen!" gasped Grover.
"Quick, Ivysaur, use your Leech Seed attack while Nidoqueen's defenseless!" shouted Tristan.
Ivysaur fired a flurry of seeds from the bud on its back at Nidoqueen. The seeds sprouted all over it and tangled it up. The sprouted vines and leaves began to shock Nidoqueen as it began to lose energy.
"Ivysaur's Leech Seed and Sleep Powder combo is tiring out Nidoqueen!" said Hillary excitedly.
Sure enough, Nidoqueen's movements were slowing down, and it was getting weaker at an incredible rate of speed. Pretty soon, its eyes closed and it fell fast asleep.
"This can't be!" exclaimed Grover.
"Okay, Ivysaur, finish it off with your Tackle attack!" ordered Tristan.
Ivysaur charged at Nidoqueen as fast as it could and rammed it hard, knocking it out, and as it did, the vines and leaves disappeared.
"All right, Ivysaur!" commended Tristan. "You really showed them what you can do!"
Ivysaur nodded approvingly at Tristan.
Grover returned Nidoqueen to its Pokéball. "That was creative, my young friend," he said to Tristan. "However, this time, you won't stand a chance." He took out his third Pokéball and threw it. "I choose Nidoking!"
The Pokéball opened and a large purple bipedal Pokémon materialized from the white light that shot out of it. It looked a lot like Nidoqueen, but it looked bigger with large spiny ears, spines down its back, and it had a larger venomous horn on the top of its forehead.
"First Nidoqueen, and now Nidoking!" gasped Hillary.
"Let's see what Dexter has to say," said Tristan as he took out his Pokédex again.
"Nidoking: The Drill Pokémon: The final evolution of the male Nidoran," identified Dexter. "Its steel-like hide adds to its powerful tackle. Its horns are so hard, they can pierce a diamond."
"You've gotta be careful, Ivysaur, because Nidoking looks more powerful than Nidoqueen," advised Tristan.
Ivysaur nodded.
"Well, it appears that we've reached the final leg of our battle, young man," said Grover. "But let's see what you can do."
(Music Cue: Kanto Champion Battle)
"Let's go, Ivysaur, Razor Leaf!" commanded Tristan.
Ivysaur fired a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Nidoking, but the attack bounceed right off its hard body.
"Come now," smiled Grover. "If that's the best attack you can come up with, then I've already won."
"Ivysaur, try a Vine Whip attack!" ordered Tristan.
Ivysaur shot its two green vines at Nidoking, but Nidoking caught them in its claws.
"Good, now reel Ivysaur in," instructed Grover.
Pulling hard, Nidoking used Ivysaur's Vine Whip to toss it into the air.
"Ivysaur, use Nidoking's power and do a Tackle attack!" shouted Tristan.
When Ivysaur was at its full height, Nidoking began to toss it toward the ground, but Ivysaur used Nidoking's momentum to ram into its hard body, causing it to let go of Ivysaur's vines.
"Interesting maneuver," smiled Grover. "However, you won't win. Because Nidoking's got an overwhelming advantage because it's bigger."
"Being bigger doesn't necessarily mean it's better," argued Tristan. "But what Ivysaur does have is heart, and we'll prove it. Ivysaur, Sleep Powder!"
Ivysaur began to spread a silvery powder from the bud on its back.
"We're not falling for that twice," smiled Grover. "Nidoking, Earthquake!"
Nidoking jumped off the ground and stomped on it hard using both of its feet, sending out big shock waves in the process.
Hillary and Pikachu desperately tried to keep their balance.
"Hang on to something, Pikachu!" cried Hillary.
Pikachu replied and tried to hang on to Hillary.
Meanwhile, Tristan and Ivysaur were trying their hardest to stay on their feet. "Ivysaur, use your Vine Whip to jump again!" commanded Tristan.
Ivysaur extended its two vines and they landed on the ground with enough force to lift it off the ground.
"I've got you now," smiled Grover. "Nidoking, Thunder attack!"
Nidoking's horn sizzled with electricity, and it shot a powerful yellow stream at Ivysaur, who was still in mid-air. The attack seemed to do more damage than normal.
"Ivysaur!" exclaimed Tristan.
"Normally, Electric attacks won't do much damage to Grass Pokémon," explained Grover, "but only if they diffuse the electricity into trees or the ground, for instance. They can't do that in mid-air. So when I lured your Ivysaur off the ground using Nidoking's Earthquake, that was the chance I'd been waiting for."
Ivysaur crashed into the ground from the damage it took from Nidoking's Thunder attack.
"Grover must have planned this from the beginning!" exclaimed Hillary. "He wanted Tristan to get Ivysaur off the ground!"
"Now that Ivysaur's back on the ground again, it's time to give it a good thrashing," said Grover. "Nidoking, Thrash attack!"
Nidoking charged at Ivysaur and used its hands and legs to repeatedly punch and kick Ivysaur all over the place.
Tristan could only watch helplessly as Ivysaur kept getting pummeled.
Nidoking delivered its hardest thrashing and sent Ivysaur crashing into the ground.
Tristan watch Ivysaur struggle to its feet.
We can't lose now, thought Tristan. Not after all the training we did. Not after every one of my Pokémon gave us a fighting chance to get our last badge.
Ivysaur kept on struggling, but one of its legs started to give out, causing it to go further to the ground.
"It's over," said Grover. "It appears that you've lost."
"Ivysuar, stand up!" cried Tristan. "Try to get up!"
"Come on, Ivysaur!" cried Hillary from the sidelines.
"Pika Pika!" cried Pikachu.
Ivysaur kept trying to get back on its feet, despite all the damage it took. It knew that Tristan was counting on it to win, and it had no intention of letting him down.
"You can do it, Ivysaur!" yelled Tristan at the top of his lungs.
As Ivysaur kept struggling to its feet, it let out a loud cry and began to glow in a bright white light.
(Music Cue: Gym (Version 2) as heard in "Volcanic Panic")
Everyone was surprised, especially Tristan.
Ivysaur kept growing and growing, and as it did, the bud on its back seemed to bloom. When the light dissipated, Ivysaur looked a lot bigger, and it now had a large flower on its back.
Tristan scanned the new Pokémon with his Pokédex.
"Venusaur: The Seed Pokémon: The evolved form of Ivysaur," identified Dexter. "The flower on its back absorbs sunlight which is then turned into energy."
"Ha! You fool," laughed Grover. "That evolution means nothing. You can't win."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Grover, because now that Venusaur has gotten an energy boost, this is a whole new battle," replied Tristan. "All right, Venusaur, let's show them the real power of a Razor Leaf attack!"
Venusaur complied and fired a flurry of razor-sharp leaves at Nidoking, but this time, they were much bigger, faster, and stronger.
The leaves came at Nidoking so fast that it couldn't do anything about it in time. Razor Leaf had scored a huge direct hit on Nidoking, giving it a lot of damage.
"This can't be happening!" gasped Grover. "I won't allow you to win this so easily. Nidoking, give Venusaur a good Thrash and end this!"
Nidoking charged at Venusaur, intending to finish it off.
"Venusaur, grab it with Vine Whip!" ordered Tristan.
Venusaur shot its two green vines, which were much bigger than they were before, and grabbed Nidoking, which was now in Venusaur's grip. Venusaur tossed Nidoking in the air and threw it towards the ground.
It was then that traces of sunlight began to be absorbed in Venusaur's flower, which began to glow in a white light.
"What's happening now?" asked Tristan.
"Tristan, it looks like Venusaur's getting ready for a big attack!" shouted Hillary.
Tristan quickly looked up the attack in his Pokédex.
"SolarBeam: The strongest Grass attack yet to be discovered," said Dexter. "Light is collected and formed into a powerful beam with great force."
"That's just the attack we need," said Tristan. "Okay, Venusaur, get ready to use your SolarBeam!"
Venusaur complied and continued to absorb as much sunlight at a faster rate.
"Hurry, Nidoking, get it with Thunder attack!" cried Grover.
Nidoking shot another powerful yellow stream of electricity at Venusaur. However, Venusaur's SolarBeam was charged up and ready to go.
"Show them what you've got, Venusaur!" shouted Tristan. "SolarBeam attack now!"
Venusaur took aim at Nidoking's Thunder and fired a powerful white beam of solar energy directly at it. The two attacks collided, attempting to push each other back.
"Unbelievable!" gasped Hillary. "The two attacks are evenly matched!"
"Venusaur, maximum power!" yelled Tristan.
Venusaur strained and made its SolarBeam bigger, causing it to overpower Nidoking's Thunder attack. The overwhelming power of the attack scored a huge direct hit, much to Grover's shock.
Nidoking collapsed on the ground and fainted.
For a second, Tristan stood in awe of Venusaur's powerful SolarBeam, but it all turned to excitement and joy when he realized that he won the Gym battle. "We did it!" he cried as he ran to hug his Venusaur. "You were incredible."
Venusaur replied happily.
"Tristan really won!" said Hillary excitedly.
Pikachu cheered along with Hillary.
Grover returned Nidoking to his Pokéball and walked over to Tristan. "Impressive victory, young man," he said as he took out a badge that looked like a green leaf. "Here is your Earth Badge, proof of your victory here at the Viridian Gym."
Tristan took the badge from Grover and asked him, "Why did you want to battle me in the first place, Grover?"
"Because, young man," replied Grover, "I'm really..." He took off his disguise and revealed his true identity.
Tristan, Hillary and Pikachu all gasped in shock. "You're Giovanni!" they exclaimed.
"That's right, you fools, I'm the leader of Team Rocket," smiled Giovanni.
It was then that voices of anger came from outside.
"We know you're here, Giovanni!" shouted one .
"Yeah, your Gym is rigged!" added another.
"You knocked a Trainer and his cheerleaders unconscious last year!" yelled a third.
Tristan and Hillary turned to Giovanni suspiciously and became furious.
"So, when you battle and defeat challengers, you knock them out, too?!" exclaimed Tristan.
"No way!" gasped Hillary. "How could you?"
Giovanni smiled. "It appears that I've been found out." He then turned to Tristan and Hillary. "Enjoy this victory of yours while you still can...for it shall be your last."
(Music Cue: The Rockets Unveiled)
He tossed a smoke bomb into the air, and it exploded, creating a thick black cloud of smoke. Tristan, Hillary, and Pikachu covered their faces to shield themselves from the smoke.
All the people watched as the Viridian Gym got fully enveloped in it. They ran in terror to get away from the danger.
When the smoke cleared, Tristan and Hillary had noticed that Giovanni had gotten away once again, much to their frustration.
(Music Cue: Meeting and Parting)
"That creep must be used to quick getaways," grumbled Hillary.
"But now we have to figure out what Giovanni is really after," replied Tristan, "and we don't have that much time. We have to remind every trainer that they could be in danger of losing their Pokémon to that demented madman!"
"But your badge!" reminded Hillary. "Take a look!"
Tristan had forgotten all about the green Earth Badge that Giovanni had given to him as Grover, but as soon as Hillary reminded him, he looked in his hand. Sure enough, the badge was his. He proudly raised it into the air and cried joyfully, "We did it! We finally got...an Earth Badge!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" added Pikachu.
"You know what this means, right?" asked Hillary.
Tristan nodded. "Now I can finally compete in the Pokémon League Competition!"
"Exactly!" said Hillary. "But first, let's head on over to the Pokémon Center and rest up. We've got a long journey ahead of us to the Pokémon League."
"And a lot of training to do," added Tristan.
With Tristan's latest victory against an unlikely Gym Leader, he now claims his eighth and final badge thanks to his newly evolved Venusaur. Now he has earned the right to participate in the Pokémon League Competition. But could that be where Giovanni, the Team Rocket Leader, will strike next? And what is his master plan? Stay tuned as Tristan and Hillary's journey continues!
Giovanni made his way to the Pokémon League Inspection Agency headquarters at the Indigo Plateau a few hours later. The bosses weren't at all happy to see him. They had heard everything.
"You have some nerve scaring trainers into unconsciousness like that!" scolded one.
"And letting your Gym fall apart the way it did last year!" added another.
"We know the truth!" put in a third.
"Your Gym has failed inspection twice," finished a fourth. "What do you plan to do?"
Giovanni thought for a minute. At last, he said to them, "I will be resigning as leader of the Viridian Gym effective immediately."
"Any particular reason for this immediate resignation?" asked the first boss. "Besides the fact that you can't handle being an effective Gym Leader?"
Giovanni smiled wickedly and said, "Since you four know the truth, I'm going to spend all of my time as the leader of Team Rocket. And the first place to start is your Pokémon, and now I shall take them!"
(Music Cue: Rocket Powered Disaster)
That was when a swarm of Team Rocket Grunts came in with vacuums on their backs with two hoses attached to them. They turned on the vacuums and began to suck up every Pokéball in sight.
The bosses were horrified as the Pokéballs came into Team Rocket's possession, one by one.
"Give back our Pokémon!" one of them demanded.
"No," replied Giovanni. "If you fools hadn't judged my Gym the way you had, none of this would have been necessary."
"Hold it right there!" demanded a voice.
A woman in a pink uniform and nurse's cap stepped forward and challenged Giovanni. Sure enough, it was Nurse Joy, the head of the Pokémon League Inspection Agency.
"Hmph!" grumbled Giovanni. "You can't stop me."
"We'll see about that," replied Nurse Joy as she threw a Pokéball. "Chansey, go!"
The Pokéball opened and Chansey materialized from the white light that shot out of it.
"Persian, teach it a lesson!" commanded Giovanni as he threw a Pokéball.
Persian materialized from the white light that shot out of it, and immediately used its sharp claws to deal major damage to Chansey, knocking it out instantly.
"Chansey!" cried Nurse Joy. She quickly rushed over to it. "Are you okay?"
"Now hand over that Chansey," demanded Giovanni.
"Giovanni!" shouted a voice.
A woman in blue police attire with four other people appeared and stepped forward with handcuffs in hand. It was Officer Jenny with four additional officers as backup.
"You're under arrest for Pokémon poaching and disorderly conduct," declared Officer Jenny as she threw a Pokéball. "Growlithe, Flamethrower!"
Growlithe materialized from the white light that shot out of the ball and immediately shot a red-hot stream of fire from its mouth.
"Ha! I don't think so, cops!" replied Giovanni as he snapped his fingers.
On Giovanni's command, Persian dodged the Flamethrower and slashed at Growlithe, knocking it out, too.
"Growlithe!" gasped Officer Jenny.
Suddenly, the Rocket Grunts used a long rope and tied up every one of the members of the Inspection Agency, plus Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, and the four officers.
"We'd be happy to stay and chat, but you appear to be tied up," laughed Giovanni.
"Hey!" grunted Officer Jenny. "Come back here!"
But the Inspection Agents, Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, and her officers could only watch helplessly as Giovanni and the Rocket Grunts boarded their helicopter and took off into the sky.
"Now what do we do?" asked Nurse Joy. "Now everyone in the Kanto region is in danger..."
Giovanni's laugh could be heard from a loudspeaker as the helicopter disappeared into the distance.
TO BE CONTINUED...
