After her long stay in Lavender Town, Summer started her trip to Celadon City. Along the way, she met a Celadon Technical University class, which included Candy, another up-and-coming Trainer who had a grudge against Summer. Summer defeated Candy in a tense battle, but it only deepened her grudge. Afterwards, Summer prepared herself for her Gym battle. Will she be able to overcome Erika's special defense?

Chapter 32: The Scent of Plant Power

The next morning, Lightning and I walked through Scissor Street to reach the Celadon City Department Store. Although there were plenty of grooming salons along this popular street, I preferred to groom my Pokémon myself. I would have studied some battle strategies, but their website said the Gym was closed this morning. I was thinking of what the Gym would be like when Lightning said, "We're here, Summer."

I looked to my right and saw a large flower-filled courtyard with a fountain. Behind the stone fountain was the glass-covered building I saw yesterday. A lot of people carrying green shopping bags walked in and out of the double doors, a sign of one of the busiest and most popular stores in the world.

"Are you going to buy anything, Summer?" Lightning asked.

"Not sure…" I pondered. "I do know it's the only department store that sells evolutionary stones…"

As soon as I said those last words, Lightning's ears immediately perked up, and she dashed through the automatic doors.

"Oh, great! Lightning, wait!" I growled.

I chased after her up four flights of stairs, and I was surprised I was able to dodge the crowds of shoppers. When I reached the fifth floor, I saw Lightning on a stool looking at a glass case in the middle of the room. Inside the case were four stones laid on purple velvet cloth. Each was a different color and shape, but they were based on the four types they represented: Water, Fire, Thunder, and Leaf.

"Please don't run off like that, Lightning," I scolded. "I know you're excited they sell them here, but you should be patient. After all, it'll be permanent."

Lightning sighed and became sad. "I know…"

"Besides," I added looking closely at the price tags. "They're super expensive. I don't have 21,000 Pokédollars. But maybe we'll find one elsewhere."

Lightning was disappointed but cheered up because I was still considering it.

An announcement then came on the PA. "Attention shoppers! Today is the last day for our biannual perfume sale. Enjoy homemade and all natural perfumes and essences made by our Celadon City Gym Leader. Hurry, the sale ends at noon."

"Want to check it out, Summer?" Lightning asked.

"Sure! I'm sure Flower will like it too."

As soon as I let her out of her Pokéball, Flower lightly sniffed the air. "Something smells really wonderful."

She led us upstairs to the rooftop cafe and gardens. The lush flowers and the faint sounds of clinking teacups made it a relaxing atmosphere. A slight breeze came, wafting the perfumes to our noses. We saw several green tablecloths covered with bottles of various shapes and colors. Women, young and old, wandered between the tables and sampled the various kinds of perfumes. Three women in yellow kimonos assisted their customers with their selections.

"Which one do you like?" I asked Flower. Her nose explained her answer.

"I like this one." She picked up an emerald green bottle with an orange stopper and handed it to me. I looked at the label, which read, "Ungloom Me."

"That scent is one of my favorites," a woman with a soft, flowery voice said. "It's made of Gloom essence mixed with hints of orange blossoms and mint extract. It's wonderful for aromatherapy and stimulation."

We looked up and saw a woman around 5'5" looking at us. She had straight black hair that went down to her chin and fair skin. Her flower-themed kimono was yellow with a red collar and sleeves, complementing her red headband.

"Wow, that sounds like a good perfume. Thank you. My name's Summer."

She softly chuckled. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Summer. I've heard a lot about you from Misty."

"Does that mean you're the Celadon City Gym Leader?"

She nodded. "Yes. My name is Erika. I look forward to our battle. Are you available at 1pm?"

"Yeah, but don't you have to clean up?"

"Don't worry. My duties as a Gym Leader outweigh my business ambitions."

I made a mental note. "Okay, I'll be at the Gym at 1pm. See you then."

She nodded and continued her rounds. I bought the perfume for Flower, and we walked to the cafe for lunch. After buying seven blueberry scones and hot chocolate, I let out my other Pokémon except for Rocky. Unfortunately, the store didn't allow Pokémon over 100 pounds in their store. I could imagine the many reasons why, so I planned on giving him his lunch later.

As we ate the soft, fruity scones, Blaze asked, "How come you're not doing any research, Summer?"

"I will after this last bite." I finished my scone and took out my Pokégear.

"Ah…" Errol said, stroking his chin with his right wing. "You are using that new application, correct?"

"Yeah!" I responded, looking through my apps. "I figured if we're in areas away from a Pokémon Center, it'll be good to have apps that help prepare us for the next cities and towns without relying on a computer. Now, let's look up Erika in the Gym Guide app."

I clicked on the app with the Pokémon League symbol and typed in her name. After a few seconds, her name, picture, and Gym information appeared.

I read the information and summarized, "Erika specializes in Grass types. Her battle format for first year Trainers is three on three singles format."

"So who are you going to choose, Summer?" Lightning asked.

"Well, Blaze and Errol for sure." Both Pokémon were pumped up after hearing the announcement. "But I don't know who should be the last one. Swirls and Rocky have the type disadvantage."

"Why not chose Flower?" Lightning suggested. "She'll have a better advantage than I would."

"What do you think, Flower?" I asked her Grass type.

Flower smiled. "I would love to battle again."

"All right then. We have our team set for this Gym. Ready to go?"

Everyone nodded and I returned everyone except for Lightning. I finished my hot chocolate, and we left the store. Once we did, I gave Rocky his scone and followed the signs to the Celadon City Gym. I passed a large casino and several restaurants and houses until I saw a large, rectangular wooden building decorated with plants.

Ignoring the weird old man near the entrance, I went through the glass doors and felt the warm, damp air. The lobby was surrounded by exotic plants and trees, most with vibrantly colored and large flowers. The female receptionist saw me wiping the sweat off my brow and said, "I apologize for the high humidity. We need it to make sure our plants are comfortable."

I smiled. "I'm okay with the humidity. I experienced it when I vacationed in Lavaridge Town."

"So you must be Summer. Ms. Erika has been expecting your arrival. Please follow me."

I followed her into the battlefield room, and I was surprised how green everything was. Lush trees and bushes bordered the edges and a lawn of soft grass covered the field. Instead of bleachers, there was an observation deck. There was no large screen television, which I surmised was because of the humidity. On the other side field, Erika was waiting for me.

"Nice to see you again, Summer. Are you ready for our battle?"

I nodded and stepped into my side of the battlefield. A female referee came out from the doors behind Erika and stood at the center edge of the field. The referee shouted, "This match will be a three on three singles battle between Summer from Hoenn and Lady Erika, the Celadon City Gym Leader. The challenger is allowed to switch her Pokémon and will have the first move. The winner will be decided when the opponent's three Pokémon are unable to battle. Do you agree to these rules, Summer from Hoenn?"

I nodded, and the referee continued, "Trainers, choose your first Pokémon!"

"Come out, Nepenthes," Erika said, tossing her Pokéball. A yellow pitcher shaped Pokémon with two small eyes and three leaves appeared and landed on the ground. He shrieked and viciously moved his long, brown vine.

I scanned the unusual Pokémon. [Victreebel, the Flycatcher Pokémon and the final evolved form of Bellsprout. The long vine extending from its head is waved about as if it were a living thing to attract prey. When an unsuspecting victim approaches, it is swallowed whole.]

That seems really dangerous. I'd better choose a Pokémon who can attack from long ranges.

"Go, Errol!" I shouted. Errol flew out of his Pokéball and analyzed his opponent.

"Battle begin!"

"Errol, use Confusion!" I shouted. He nodded and shot a blast of magenta energy at Nepenthes.

Erika smiled. "Nepenthes, dodge and use Poisonpowder!"

The Victreebel jumped up and released purple spores from his mouth. Because of his small nose, the spores had little effect on Errol.

Erika was surprised but regained her composure. "Hm. I've forgotten spore-based attacks are only effective when the opponent breathes them in. Excellent choice, Summer."

"Oh, thanks." It wasn't my intention, but it was good to note. "Errol, use Hypnosis!"

"Nepenthes, use Acid!"

Nepenthes shot a green acidic fluid from his mouth. It passed through the inner circle of the hypnotic rings and both moves hit their targets. Although Errol winced in pain when the Acid hit his chest, Nepenthes fell asleep after the rings hit him.

"Now, Errol! Use Peck!"

Errol dived at Nepenthes and when he struck the Grass type with his beak, the attack slowed down, causing a lot more damage. The Victreebel was startled awake by the sharp pain, but he was panting hard.

"Nepenthes, recover your health with Giga Drain!"

"Errol, finish with Confusion!"

Nepenthes focused his energy to absorb Errol's while the Noctowl shot another burst of magenta energy. The Grass type smirked when his attack landed but was knocked back. After rolling backwards several times, he couldn't get up.

"Nepenthes is unable to battle! Errol wins!"

"Great job, Errol!" I shouted with praise. He nodded but knew the battle wasn't over yet.

Erika was surprisingly calm despite the circumstances. "I see you have status condition moves as well. But we'll see how they fare against my next Pokémon. Go, Gypsophila!"

Erika sent out a blue tangled ball with red shoes and two eyes peering at us. [Tangela, the Vine Pokémon. Its vines snap off easily and painlessly if they are grabbed, allowing it to make a quick getaway. The lost vines are replaced by new growth the very next day."

"Battle begin!"

"Use Hypnosis!" I commanded.

Errol formed the purple rings and launched them at the Tangela.

Erika softly smiled. "Gypsophila, throw those rings back with Vine Whip!"

I watched with surprise as Gypsophila grabbed the three rings. She then swung her vine like a lasso and threw them back with full force.

"Errol, dodge!" He used his Keen Eye ability to judge the rings' speeds and easily dodged all of them.

"A valiant effort, Summer. But I know how to combat status condition moves as well," Erika said.

I saw how tired Errol was getting and took out his Pokéball. "Take a break, Errol."

Errol looked at me and nodded. I returned him and took out another Pokéball. "Go, Blaze!"

Blaze jumped out of his Pokéball and landed with a somersault. Gypsophila looked at the agile Pokémon and squinted her eyes.

"Battle begin!"

"Blaze, let's start with Flamethrower!"

Blaze took a deep breath and unleashed a stream of fire.

"Gypsophila, use Vine Whip to dodge, then use Poisonpowder!"

The Tangela reached an incredible height by launching herself over the searing flames and shook her body. Purple spores filled the field and floated towards Blaze.

"Blaze, jump up!"

He nodded and used his legs to spring over the spores. Suddenly, Gypsophila grabbed onto him with her vines and brought him closer to her.

"Now, Gypsophila, Poisonpowder once more!"

Blaze struggled to break free, making him more vulnerable to breathing in the spores. I tried to warn him, but it was too late. He breathed in a good amount and started to turn slightly purple. The Tangela then tossed him back and happily jumped up and down. Blaze slowly got up, but he was panting from the poison.

I have to finish this fast.

"Blaze, Quick Attack!" He ran forward and gained enough speed, but was having trouble maintaining it.

"Gypsophila, Constrict!"

The Tangela shot out another vine and tightly grabbed Blaze's waist. Blaze had a hard time struggling as the poison slowly wore away his health.

It's now or never!

"Blaze, focus all your energy into one powerful Flamethrower!"

Erika smiled. "If you're going to use your energy for one final attack, we shall as well. Gypsophila, use Giga Drain!"

Both Pokémon launched their attacks at close range, creating a small yellow explosion. The two were thrown back into their respective Trainer's walls and fell onto the ground, unable to move.

"This battle is a draw! Lady Erika, choose your final Pokémon! Summer, choose your next Pokémon! "

"Thank you for your help, Blaze. Take a good rest," I gently praised. He was a little upset, but softly smiled as I returned him.

"This battle is turning out to be quite enjoyable," Erika praised as she returned Gypsophila. "But I will not hand my badge to you so easily! Now, Rafflesia, come out!"

A medium-sized blue Pokémon with a red flower on her head came out of Erika's last Pokéball. The flower pattern was quite distinct with the white spots. [Vileplume, the Flower Pokémon and the final evolved form of Oddish. In seasons when it produces more pollen, the air around a Vileplume turns yellow with the powder as it walks. The pollen is highly toxic and causes paralysis.]

After some thinking, I sent him out again. "Go, Errol!" He flew out and looked better after the rest

"Battle begin!"

"Errol, use Hypnosis!" I shouted, knowing I have to get the status condition.

Erika said, "You cannot keep relying on the same status condition. Rafflesia, use your Stun Spore-Sleep Powder combination!"

Her Vileplume nodded and sprayed yellow and white spores into the air. Although the spores did not affect Errol, he had trouble finding her.

I remained calm and tried to help Errol. "Use Foresight to locate her, then use Peck!"

Errol nodded and instead of his monocle, a round pair of pink glasses appeared over his eyes. He scanned through the cloud and once he found her, he dove into the cloud and struck her with his beak. Although Rafflesia was hurt by the super effective move, she didn't show any damage.

"Excellent counter, Summer. But I'm afraid this will be the end for Errol."

I was confused until I saw Errol struggling to stay in the air. His body slightly froze infrequently, forcing him to land.

"Are you okay, Errol?"

"I am fine, Ms. Summer," he whispered. "I fear I have breathed in too much of the Stun Spore."

I was concerned, but knew Errol wanted to try to land one more hit. "Then we'll make this last move count. Confusion!"

"Giga Drain, Rafflesia!" Erika commanded with a wave of her hand.

Both Pokémon charged their attacks, but Errol flinched from the paralysis. Rafflesia smiled and absorbed the remainder of Errol's energy. The Owl Pokémon collapsed as Rafflesia looked better.

"Errol is unable to battle! Rafflesia wins!"

"Thank you for battling hard Errol. Take a good rest." He softly nodded as I returned him.

"So Summer," Erika asked curiously. What is your last Pokémon?"

I smiled. "I'm sure you'll like her, Erika. Let's do this, Flower!"

Flower jumped out of her Pokéball and looked at her powerful opponent. Rafflesia nodded at the Bulbasaur, acknowledging her strength.

"I see. I figured you would choose her," Erika said with a smile. "Let's make this a true battle of the Grass types!"

I smiled back and nodded.

"Battle begin!"

Rafflesia has a good use of two powder moves. Leech Seed and Sleep Powder won't be as effective, but I think I can make them work.

"Flower, use Tackle!" I shouted, pointing at the Vileplume.

Flower nodded and charged at Rafflesia.

Erika waved her arms and shouted, "Rafflesia, use Acid!"

"Flower, dodge with Vine Whip!"

Flower launched herself over the Poison attack and dove at her opponent. She hit Rafflesia on the head and used her vines to somersault back to our side of the field. The Flower Pokémon winced in pain but still looked strong.

"Interesting defense, Summer," Erika mused. "Now see if you can face this defense! Rafflesia, your Stun Spore-Sleep Powder combination!"

Rafflesia jumped up and sprayed the two colored spores into the air. Although Flower wasn't affected because of her Grass typing, it still made it difficult to locate the Vileplume.

"Stay calm, Flower," I reassured. "Focus on any disturbance in that cloud, then use Vine Whip in that direction!"

Flower nodded and scanned the white and yellow cloud. Finally, she saw a small change to her right and threw out her vines. She got a hold of something and tried to pull it towards her.

Erika shook her head. "I'm sorry, Summer. But that strategy has a flaw. Rafflesia, Acid!"

"Oh no! Flower, retract your vines!"

"I-I can't… Rafflesia grabbed onto my vines…"

I watched in shock as Flower was pushed back by the acidic liquid. She was panting hard but slowly got up.

"Do you want to keep going, Flower? I don't want you to get badly injured."

"I'll be fine, Summer," she muttered. "Just trust me, okay?"

I saw her determination to win and I nodded. "Okay, I think I have an idea. Let's try using their defense against them. Fill the air with Sleep Powder!"

The Bulbasaur nodded and sprayed the white spores from her bulb. She slowly disappeared into the cloud, and Rafflesia was confused where her opponent was.

Erika giggled. "You learn quite quickly, Summer. But I know how to find Pokémon within spore clouds. Rafflesia, sense where Flower is and use Acid!"

The Vileplume nodded and used her petals to sense any vibrations. Once she felt something, she attacked towards her left. Luckily, Flower saw the liquid and launched herself into the air. Erika and Rafflesia gasped as their strategy failed.

"Now, Flower, rapid fire Leech Seed!" I shouted, pointing at the stunned Vileplume.

Flower aimed her bulb at Rafflesia and shot three seeds in succession. I knew the Leech Seeds wouldn't absorb Rafflesia's energy, but they achieved their purpose. The vines from the seeds pulled the Vileplume down, locking her onto the ground. She tried to break free, but the vines were covering her petals, arms, and feet.

"Great job, Flower," I praised. "Now let's win this! Finish with Tackle!"

She nodded and charged at the trapped Vileplume. Unable to dodge, Flower struck Rafflesia with full force, breaking her free from the vines and causing her to crash into the wall. Rafflesia fell onto the field, unable to move.

"Rafflesia is unable to battle! Flower wins and the match goes to Summer from Hoenn!"

I happily shouted, "You were great, Flower! I'm so proud of you!"

Flower smiled and was about to thank me when she was covered in white light. I happily watched her evolve and when the light faded, Flower looked like a slightly smaller version of Weldon' s Ivysaur.

"How do you feel, Flower?" I asked, sitting next to her.

She smiled again and said in a slightly deep feminine voice, "I feel wonderful, Summer. If it's all right with you, I don't want to evolve any further."

"I respect your choice, Flower." She extended out a thicker vine and we shook on that deal.

Erika and Rafflesia walked over to us, clapping. "What a wonderful display of teamwork and friendship, Summer. I am proud to present you with this Rainbow Badge."

She took out a rainbow colored flower pin from her left sleeve and handed it to me. I took out my badge case and placed it inside.

Erika bowed. "I would wish you well, but it seems you're also here for another reason."

My smile slowly disappeared. "I guess Brock and Misty told you about what's been happening."

The Gym Leader nodded. "I fear Team Rocket will do something that could be the destruction of not only the region, but also the Indigo League. That's just a thought, so please don't take it too seriously yet."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Erika pondered a bit, then nodded to her Vileplume. "Well, it's nothing too important, but it won't hurt. Can you see Koga, the Fuchsia City Gym Leader, and give him these?"

Rafflesia handed me a brown bag. I took it and looked inside.

"These are some mushrooms I have been growing for Koga. I wasn't too sure why he wanted them so urgently, but I feel it may be related to our impending crisis. I would go myself, but I have to prepare for an upcoming trip."

I nodded and carefully placed the bag into my backpack. "I'll deliver these to Koga."

Erika smiled. "Thank you, Summer. Fuchsia City is just south of here, and the quickest way is through Route 16 and Cycling Road."

I bowed in thanks. "Thanks for the directions, Erika. I should get going. Enjoy your trip."

Erika bowed back. "Would you like my Pokégear number? I already have yours from Misty."

"Sure." After getting her number, Lightning, Flower, and I waved goodbye and walked back to the Pokémon Center for a quick rest. Although I didn't know it at the time, those mushrooms would play an important role in stopping Team Rocket.

Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, moves: Foresight, Confusion, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss

Flower (Ivysaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Sludge Bomb, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Slam, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

Why does Flower not want to evolve into a Venusaur?

Where is Erika going?

What would be the purpose of the mushrooms?