CHAPTER SIXTY TWO

Daniel was relieved to have finished his battle with Sabrina. As he exited, he didn't have long to wait as Natalie came into view, waving and hefting her heavier backpack upon her shoulders.

"Hi! Sorry I'm late, I had to stock up at the Pokemart," her face was flushed, all smiles. "How did it go?"

"I won," said Daniel gleefully, showing her the Marshbadge. "You were right. She's just as strong as you said."

"She gets inside your head, doesn't she?" asked Natalie vaguely.

"Yep," said Daniel, wondering what Sabrina must've told Amy during their battles. "I'm glad to be only one Badge away from the Pokemon League!"

Together they walked across Saffron City, avoiding the hectic pace of life as they dropped in on the Pokemon Center so Daniel could heal his Pokemon. They exited shortly after and made their way south of the city, passing through the checkpoint and following the route which lead to Vermilion City.

"I wonder how Amy's doing," mused Natalie, as they enjoyed the gentle breeze and warm sunlight.

"She'll be fine, I'm sure," said Daniel. "She's a lot more confident in herself now."

"Yeah," Natalie glanced at two Trainers battling furiously, each with a Raticate.

As they walked along the path, Daniel released his Pokemon from their Pokeballs. Meowth had cleaned his fur and was glad to enjoy the outdoors, Weepinbell wanted to sleep in the tall grass, Seel escaped from the corner of their eye to splash in the pond with wild Magikarp and Arbok scared children to tears, running to their mothers as Arbok hissed lightly.

Natalie's Pokemon were enjoying the fresh air, too. Squirtle chatted with Poliwhirl, Natalie held spiky-finned Seadra in her arms and Butterfree swooped overhead, all marvelling at the butterfly Pokemon's grace.

As the tall buildings of Vermilion City came into sight, Daniel asked,

"Do you think we have it easy?"

Natalie turned to him, surprised. "What do you mean?"

"I dunno... something Sabrina said - "

"I told you she gets in your head," said Natalie, perturbed. "But do we have it easy?"

"Don't give it no mind," smiled Daniel. "I'm being stupid."

"You're not," said Natalie, on autopilot.

They walked through Vermilion City, stopping outside the dock where the S.S. Anne was picking up new passengers. Civilian traffic increased, lugging suitcases and looking about for lost children.

"I want to go on the S.S. Anne some day," said Daniel, watching Natalie who was lost in thought.

How can I splash out on a ticket for a cruise ship when I can't even afford my mother's upkeep? Natalie thought to herself.

"Natalie?"

Shaking herself out of her reverie, Natalie replied, "Yeah, that sounds fine."

Daniel found an ice cream vendor and bought them both vanilla ice cream cones with sprinkles, handing her one which she accepted with a thank-you. Lost in thought, Daniel wondered why anyone would want to travel out of Kanto. There was plenty of adventure to be had right here, without wandering too far from home.

Returning all but Water Pokemon to their Pokeballs, Daniel and Natalie set off east of Vermilion City, towards the grove of trees where Diglett's Tunnel was located. Switching on her flash light, Natalie took the lead, second only to Squirtle who insisted on braving the Diglett.

They heard the sounds of burrowing underneath, but the Diglett must've learned their lesson last time. It took a while before Daniel and Natalie emerged from Diglett's Tunnel, just as the afternoon sun began to wane.

"Almost there," panted Daniel, brushing dirt off his shorts.

They continued south, down the route which led them to just outside Viridian City. As they entered the township, Daniel said,

"Beth should be finished with her classes by now. Shall we - "

"You go on ahead. I have to see my mum," Natalie pasted a wide smile on her face. "See you later."

"OK," said Daniel, spirits slightly dampened. He hunched his shoulders into proper posture and headed for the Pokemon Trainer's School, releasing all his Pokemon from their Pokeballs as the bell rang, signalling the end of day.

Children younger than him raced out, red-faced with the exertion of reaching home, where they could relax and watch TV and indulge in a home cooked meal. Daniel spied Beth among them, her short brown hair tied in ponytails on both sides of her head.

"Beth!" Daniel waved her over.

Grumpily, Beth dumped her worn pink backpack at his feet and folded her arms. "When did you get back?"

"Just now," said Daniel, leaping out of the way to avoid an errant kid. "When does Mum finish work today?"

Huffily, Beth announced, "I have to wait an hour for her. What are you gonna do?"

"Natalie and I want to challenge the Viridian Gym Leader for our final Badge," said Daniel, moving onto another topic. "What did you learn at school today?"

Rolling her eyes, Beth replied, "Nothing you don't already know. Caterpie evolves into Metapod, then into Butterfree. Weedle evolves into - "

"Kakuna, then Beedrill," finished Daniel.

"I knew that!" retorted Beth, crossly. She picked up her bag. "I'm going to the Pokemart to see Mum."

"I'll come with you," Daniel glanced over his shoulder, hoping Natalie was OK.

The two of them entered the Pokemart, winding down after a long day of sales. Daniel and Beth's mother was dusting the aisles, glancing up as they entered.

"Daniel! When did you - "

"They just got back, Mum," added Beth, taking her mother's seat at the cash register and propping her feet on the counter. "Are there any chocolate biscuits - "

Mary shushed her youngest child. "So, Daniel? How was the Saffron Gym?"

Excitedly, Daniel showed her the Badge case and pointed to the Marshbadge. "I won that one. And Natalie won, too!"

"Great job!" Mary hugged her son, while Beth searched through her mother's purse. With a great tearing sound, both mother and son turned around in horror.

"You said there were no chocolate biscuits!" claimed Beth, her face smeared with chocolate as she dug around for another biscuit.

"Beth!" cried Mary, flapping her arms like a Pidgeotto as Beth tried to stuff more in her mouth.

Daniel glanced up to see Natalie enter, haggard but attempting a smile nonetheless.

"Hi," she smiled to Daniel, turning to his mother and sister. "Hi you guys."

"Great to have you back, Natalie," said Mary.

"Congrats on the win, Natalie!" said Beth. "Did your Squirtle beat them all?"

"With help from my other Pokemon, too," Natalie chortled, turning to Daniel. "Are we ready for the Viridian Gym Leader?"

"I sure hope so!" joked Daniel, suddenly serious. "I'm nervous."

"Me too," admitted Natalie.

"Will you come home after the battle?" asked Mary, on the periphery of concern. "It'll be late by the time you finish..."

"It would save us money on an inn," Daniel suggested.

"Sure," Natalie smiled. "That would be great, Mrs. S."

Together, Daniel and Natalie exited and headed for the Pokemon Center, to heal them "just in case" by Daniel's mantra for the eighth and final Gym Leader they would have to face on the road to the Pokemon League. Both were greatly rattled with nerves.

"Do you want to go first?" Daniel asked, as they exited the Pokemon Center and headed for Viridian Gym.

"You can," Natalie shrugged. "I don't mind."

They headed through town and towards the Viridian Gym, stopping just before the entrance.

"Ready?" Natalie smiled. "Good luck."

Daniel entered alone, hearing the echo of the door closing behind him as he approached the battlefield, earthen floor without podiums on either side. There was a balcony on the second storey which looked down upon the challenger.

"Welcome to the Viridian Gym," spoke a man from the shadows, his profile huge but his face hidden. "I am the Gym Leader. Have you collected seven Badges?"

"I have," Daniel nodded, showing up his Badge case.

"Good, good... can I expect you to be a worthy adversary? It would seem not many are up to the task."

"I will challenge and defeat you, Gym Leader," said Daniel. "My name is Daniel. What is yours?"

"I am Giovanni!" he shouted, so that his voice reverberated. "Remember this moment, when you claimed you could defeat me! I will make sure you regret it!"

The Viridian Gym Leader threw his first Pokeball of three. "Go, Dugtrio!"

Materialising in a flash of red light, there was no Pokemon to see at first until Dugtrio popped its three heads out from underneath the ground. Daniel formed a strategy in his head and selected his first Pokeball, tossing it into the battlefield.

"Go, Weepinbell!"

Weepinbell waddled forth, watching Dugtrio closely as they popped their heads up in unison. Both Pokemon held type disadvantages to the other.

"Weepinbell, Stun Spore!" cried Daniel.

"Dugtrio, Dig!" commanded Giovanni.

Digging underneath the soil, Dugtrio avoided the shimmering blanket of powder that settled upon the battlefield from Weepinbell's mouth. Glancing about, Weepinbell readied itself -

"Weepinbell!" cried Daniel, as Dugtrio launched out of the ground and tackled Weepinbell from underneath, knocking it over and dealing severe damage. "Are you OK?"

"Dugtrio, Slash!" Giovanni commanded.

Dugtrio headed straight for Weepinbell, who shot out with Vine Whip but Dugtrio dug underneath temporarily and resurfaced to avoid the vines. Weepinbell was knocked back further still from Dugtrio's vicious slash, out for the count.

"No!" Daniel held his breath, aghast at his fallen Weepinbell, glancing to the Dugtrio who twittered in triumph. "Weepinbell, return!"

Red light flashing out, Daniel clutched the Pokeball, amazed that Dugtrio had been able to avoid Weepinbell's Grass-type attacks.

"You're facing the Viridian Gym Leader, challenger!" Giovanni shouted. "You've underestimated the battle!"

Daniel selected his second of four Pokeballs remaining. This one had a type disadvantage too, but it was fast. He threw it into the ring.

"Go, Arbok!"

Uncoiling its powerful body so that the scary insignia on the underside could be seen, Arbok hissed at Dugtrio who jostled in movement amid the dirt battlefield.

"Dugtrio, Earthquake!"

"Arbok, Glare!"

The ground's rumblings abruptly stopped as Arbok fixed Dugtrio with a piercing glare, paralysing it still. Slithering forth, Arbok headed for Dugtrio who remained immobile.

"Poison Sting, Arbok!"

Arbok shot a volley of poison barbs at Dugtrio, causing little damage though the Ground-type was now poisoned, too. Giovanni fetched a Full Heal and aimed it at Dugtrio.

"Wrap, Arbok!" cried Daniel. "Don't let that Dugtrio get free!"

Wrapping Dugtrio in a tight embrace, Arbok's body shielded the spray effects of the Full Heal Giovanni attempted to administer.

"Damnit," muttered Giovanni to himself, withdrawing his Full Heal.

"Finish Dugtrio off! Bite!" shouted Daniel.

Suffering poison and weakened by Arbok's bone crushing embrace, Dugtrio could do naught as Arbok reared its fangs and bit deeply into the three heads of Dugtrio. Arbok stumbled in surprise as red light shot out from Giovanni's Pokeball, returning Dugtrio inside.

"Good work, Arbok!" Daniel beamed, clapping for his serpent Pokemon who slithered back to his side of field. "Well done!"

Retrieving his second of three Pokeballs, Giovanni chuckled. "Not bad, kid. Your Arbok's a worthy predator."

"My Arbok's the best!" Daniel insisted. "We'll take on any Pokemon you have."

"You haven't heard what Pokemon type I use, do you?" asked Giovanni, throwing his Pokeball onto the battlefield where it exploded in red light. "My Ground-types will take care of your Arbok! Go, Nidoqueen!"

Stomping forward, the impregnable Nidoqueen stared down Arbok, pumping its huge fists.

"Wow," said Daniel, having never seen the evolved form of Nidorina in person. "That's a big Pokemon. Arbok, be careful!"

"Nidoqueen, demonstrate your strength! Earthquake!"

"Arbok," cried Daniel in desperation. "Glare!"

But Nidoqueen had launched into the air, tucking into a ball as it spun and avoiding Arbok's sharp glare. Crashing upon the ground with all its might, Nidoqueen kept bent at the waist as the silence became unbearable, then the entire Gym shook and a snaking crevice shot out through the ground and struck at Arbok, toppling it.

"No!" Daniel yelled, as Arbok writhed in pain, suddenly moving no more. "Arbok! Arbok, get up!"

Giovanni laughed harshly as Daniel broke out in a cold sweat, holding out his Pokeball to return Arbok inside. Two of his Pokemon down already.

"You're in over your head, kid! What made you think a Poison-type could stand up to the might of Nidoqueen?"

Daniel selected his third of four Pokeballs, tossing it into the battlefield. "Don't get so cocky, Gym Leader! I choose Seel!"

Waddling forth, Seel slammed his fins upon the dirt ground in anger for his fallen comrades. Sharp horn atop his head, Seel poked his tongue out at Nidoqueen.

"My Water Pokemon will sink your Ground-type, Giovanni!" cried Daniel.

"You're pathetic, kid, if you think all it takes to stop me is a type disadvantage!" shouted Giovanni.

"Ready?" Daniel asked Seel, who nodded. "Let's take this beast down! Aurora Beam!"

"Nidoqueen, Thunder!" Giovanni commanded.

Daniel's eyes widened in horror as Seel's horn glowed with all the colours of the rainbow, directing the beam towards Nidoqueen, who shook with static electricity and discharged a massive lightning bolt towards his Water-type Pokemon.

"No!" cried Daniel. "How can Nidoqueen know Thunder?"

Seel's Aurora Beam greatly damaged Nidoqueen and caused it to stumble and trip over, while Nidoqueen's Thunder attack devastated Seel, blasting him across the room with a yelp.

"Seel!" cried Daniel, as Seel trembled in agony, unable to move. "Are you OK?"

"Nidoqueen!" Giovanni growled, as Nidoqueen stumbled about. "On your feet, now!"

"Seel, Rest!" cried Daniel, as Seel curled up to sleep, contentedly snoring and regaining lost health. Immediately, Daniel looked for an Awakening in his bag.

"Cheap shot, kid!" shouted Giovanni, as his Nidoqueen looked down upon Seel with distaste. "Shock 'em again, Nidoqueen, and don't let Seel recover!"

Surrounded by electricity, Nidoqueen directed another Thunder just as Daniel sprayed Seel with his Awakening. To everyone's surprise, the Thunder narrowly missed, striking the patch of dirt close by and dealing no harm to Seel.

"Focus, you useless Pokemon!" Giovanni yelled. "Body Slam!"

Seel began to rouse, watching as Nidoqueen took off at a sprint, leaping into the air with its massive bulk on display -

"Aurora Beam, Seel!" cried Daniel.

Back to full health, Seel focused all its energies on the glowing beam atop its horn which shot out and blasted Nidoqueen backwards just before Seel would have been crushed under the Poison/Ground-type's weight. Suffering greatly, Nidoqueen had taken great damage but still managed to stand.

"Seel, return!" Daniel held out his Pokeball, the flash of red light dematerialising Seel as Daniel selected his last Pokeball.

"Nidoqueen, you dolt!" cried Giovanni. "Are you a Pokemon or a weakling?"

Tossing his Pokeball into the battlefield, Daniel cried, "Finish it off, Meowth!"

Springing forth with a meow, the cat Pokemon stared down Nidoqueen who more than dwarfed its own size.

"Your puny cat will turn tail when I'm finished with you!" growled Giovanni, losing control. "Nidoqueen, Double Kick!"

"Meowth, Slash!" shouted Daniel in desperation.

Both Nidoqueen and Meowth sprinted for each other, faces grim as Nidoqueen launched into a slide, both feet kicking wildly as Meowth leapt over to avoid, pouncing upon Nidoqueen and delivering a harsh slash across her hard features. Roaring loudly, Nidoqueen reached out and grabbed Meowth by the tail, swinging it around and across the field, knocking into Daniel who fell over from the force.

Breathing deeply, Nidoqueen stumbled but managed to stand, pumped with fury as Daniel helped Meowth to stand, who was quite dazed.

"It's a setback, Meowth, but we're not done yet!" cried Daniel. "That Nidoqueen's almost out for the count!"

"Nidoqueen, Earthquake!" Giovanni ordered. "Crush that cat!"

"Meowth, Pay Day!" shouted Daniel.

Nidoqueen leapt into the air, spinning furiously and striking the ground with precision, knees bent as though in focus. Meowth's Pay Day glowed from its forehead, blasting into Nidoqueen as the Gym shook and another crevice shot out to topple Meowth over and deal great damage.

"Meowth!" cried Daniel, holding himself back from entering the battlefield. Meowth's fur was torn and tattered.

"You idiot!" Giovanni lambasted, holding out his Pokeball to Nidoqueen, who lay on her back, surrounded by glittering coins. "How could you fall to a Meowth?"

Red light flashing out, Nidoqueen disappeared into Giovanni's Pokeball as Meowth got to its feet, injured but still able to battle.

"You're a persistent little tyke, aren't you?" Giovanni's voice boomed around the Gym. "I'm surprised your Pokemon follow your orders the way you coddle them."

"That's why they listen, Giovanni," Daniel shot back, as Meowth began cleaning his fur. "They trust me. All your Pokemon do is fear you."

"Fear instills obedience in a Pokemon, teaches them to obey," replied Giovanni. "Pokemon must recognise their masters."

"No way!" Daniel blurted. "Pokemon are deserving of love and care and respect! And I will prove that by defeating you today!"

"I will not allow you or your misguided notions to see the light of day," Giovanni selected his third and final Pokeball, tossing it onto the battlefield. "My Ground-type Pokemon will bury you alive! Rhydon, come forth!"

Rhydon towered over Meowth, tough hide and deadly sharp horn upon its forehead. Roaring loudly, Rhydon's echo shook the walls.

Daniel could tell Rhydon was a Ground-type, but whether or not it was a dual-type escaped his mind. He had to try. He could not lose.

"Meowth, Pay Day!" cried Daniel, feeling something was wrong.

"Rhydon! Horn Drill!" Giovanni commanded.

As Rhydon sprinted towards Meowth, Meowth's forehead glowed and blasted the incoming Rhydon in a shower of coins. Almost unaware of the damage being dealt, Rhydon did not break its stride as its horn spun like a drill, tackling into Meowth and sending the cat Pokemon sprawled at Daniel's feet, utterly unconscious.

Gasping in horror, Daniel reached out to Meowth's limp frame. "Meowth! Please tell me you're alright!"

Superior, Rhydon walked back towards Giovanni's side of the field, the deed done.

"That's what I call power!" Giovanni boomed. "Your Normal-type attacks are negligible against the force of my Ground/Rock-type, Rhydon!"

Holding out his Pokeball, Daniel returned Meowth in a flash of red light. He was dreading using Seel, having witnessed the unstoppable power of Rhydon, but he had to make a stand, for himself and for his Pokemon.

"I won't surrender, Giovanni!" cried Daniel, tossing his fourth and final Pokeball back into the ring. "I will take out that Rhydon if it's the last thing I do! Go, Seel!"

Seel burst forth, afraid at the gigantic figure of Rhydon but steeling its courage for the fight ahead.

"I believe in you, Seel!" Daniel cried, meaning it. "Let's take this monster down, and Rhydon, too!"

"You're blind, kid!" roared Giovanni. "Rhydon, Horn Drill!"

"Seel, Aurora Beam!" shouted Daniel.

Seel gathered bright energy atop its horn and blasted Rhydon, suffering great damage but powerful enough to maintain momentum. Stumbling slightly, Rhydon bashed into Seel with its shoulder instead, sending the Water-type across the room and at Daniel's feet, quite injured.

"Seel!" cried Daniel, amazed that Seel's Aurora Beam had not halted the Rhydon's charge. Seel managed to stand, though weakly.

"My Rhydon shakes off your pitiful attacks! My Rhydon is all powerful!" boomed Giovanni.

Daniel glanced at Seel. Another attack might finish Rhydon off, but there was no stopping its charge...

"Seel," Daniel hesitated, reluctant. "Do we - should you - "

Shaking his head angrily, Seel waddled forth, determined to the end. Nodding, Daniel glanced up to Giovanni. "We'll continue to fight to the end!"

"I admire your spirit, but you have already lost!" Giovanni taunted. "Rhydon, finish this Seel off with Fissure!"

"Seel, Aurora - "

Rhydon leapt into the air as Seel ignored his Trainer's command and his horn glowed blue, firing an icy beam towards Rhydon who staggered against its might, falling to the ground with heavy breathing. Ice particles gathered at the trail the beam had left behind.

"What - what was that?" asked Daniel. "Ice Beam?"

Seel nodded, as Rhydon got to its feet, on its last legs but incredibly fearsome to behold.

"Knock that Seel back to the pond it came from! Horn Drill!" Giovanni bellowed, as Rhydon sprinted forth, horn spinning like a drill.

Fear filling him, Daniel cried, "Seel, do it again! Ice Beam!"

Nodding, Seel's horn glowed white-blue, blasting out at Rhydon with all its force. Unencumbered, Rhydon continued to rage forth but stopped dead in its tracks, frozen solid as ice covered it like a shiny white shield.

"No!" roared Giovanni. He fetched the Full Heal beside him and sprayed it onto Rhydon.

Daniel couldn't tell if the Rhydon was unconscious, but decided not to take chances.

"Take Rhydon out, Seel! Aurora Beam!"

Horn shining brightly, Seel directed the beam of energy into Rhydon, shattering the frigid shield and blasting Rhydon backwards, toppling over in the centre of the field. It could not move.

"We did it!" cried Daniel. "Seel, you're the best - "

Roaring, Rhydon leapt from its position and crashed upon the ground, barely able to stand as rocks fell from the walls and devoured Seel in a Rock Slide.

"Seel!" shouted Daniel, surprised at the Rhydon's stamina as it tried unsuccessfully to stay conscious.

Obliterating the boulders with a blast of Aurora Beam, Seel was quite injured as it faced Rhydon and growled, thinking the battle was over. Shooting a jet of water from its mouth, Seel drenched Rhydon head to toe and finished the Ground/Rock-type Pokemon off for good.

"Damnit, kid!" growled Giovanni, holding out his Pokeball for his Rhydon to return into.

"You shouldn't let your Rhydon exert itself so much," said Daniel, shocked.

"My Rhydon wins battles because it remains so tough to beat," challenged Giovanni. "I would've done, too, had your puny Seel not got in my way."

Relenting, Giovanni disappeared from sight and appeared through a side door, walking across the battlefield to where Daniel was returning Seel to its Pokeball, greatly concerned though he was awed by the victory. His Pokemon had come so close to defeat.

"Here, kid," Giovanni handed over the Earthbadge, and a sizeable sum of prize money. "I didn't think you were worth much, but you proved me wrong. You're ready for the Victory Road challenge."

"Thanks," said Daniel, amazed as he placed the eighth and final Badge in his case. Now his collection was complete. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Looking forward to it?" Giovanni guffawed. "You've got guts, but do you know how many Trainers are sent packing from Victory Road?"

"I won't be alone," said Daniel. "Me and my friend will traverse it together, once she's defeated you for her final Badge."

"No respect," Giovanni shook his head. "Youngsters these days. Very well. I will have to teach this friend of yours a lesson. Tell her to take caution when challenging me - I have no mercy for the weak!"