Episode 19: Flowers For Erika
Shortly after driving out Team Rocket, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel started to head back to Celadon City for the Gym battle that has been slightly delayed because of Team Rocket.
Along the way, they came across a wild Growlithe. The Puppy Pokémon growled right at them, thinking that they're invading. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Growlithe, the Puppy Pokémon
Type: Fire
Extremely loyal, it will fearlessly bark at any opponent to protect its own Trainer from harm.
"I could use another Fire-type Pokémon on the team," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Squirtle!" Squirtle came right out to battle against Growlithe. "Use Water Gun!" Squirtle fired Water Gun right at Growlithe. It dodged and came right at the Tiny Turtle Pokémon and lands a bite. "Squirtle! Use Skull Bash!" Squirtle lowered his head and launched himself at Growlithe, landing a hit. Growlithe is sent backwards. "Use Water Gun!" Squirtle fired Water Gun, landing a hit. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Growlithe flowed inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Growlithe with him. He chose to keep Growlithe in exchange for Primeape.
"Great catch, Sora," Kairi said.
"Thanks, Kairi," Sora said, blushing. Kairi also blushed.
Pikachu and Angel smiled and then looked at each other and then looked away, also blushing. Angel was still thinking about the self-sacrifice he made for her. How it bothered her greatly.
A little while later, they made a stop for some lunch and rest their feet. Kairi has made some sandwiches for them before taking off. Just when Sora was about to take a bite, he heard the sound of rustling. They turned to see what looks like an avian Pokémon that resembles a light brown duck with a white underbelly. It has a flat, yellow beak, brown eyes, a V-shaped black marking on its forehead (similar to a unibrow), and a three-feather crest on top of its head. Its wings are as big as its body and appear to be prehensile enough to substitute for hands. It has yellow legs with webbed feet and a stubby tail. It was marching through the grass.
"What in the?" Sora asked.
"Oh, look at how cute he is," Kairi cooed. Sora quickly took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Farfetch'd, the Wild Duck Pokémon
Type: Normal/Flying
Farfetch'd is always seen with a stalk from a plant of some sort. Apparently, there are good stalks and bad stalks. This Pokémon has been known to fight with others over stalks.
"Now that's just Farfetch'd," Sora joked.
"Pikachu," Sora said.
Farfetch'd marches towards Sora and smacked the sandwich out of his hand.
"Ouch!" Sora yelped. Farfetch'd took the sandwich and swallowed it whole. "Hey, that was mine, you thief!" Farfetch'd taunts him by waving his tail feathers at him. Sora's face turned red and he took out a Pokéball and held it. "I'll show you!" He threw it. "Go! Charmander!" Charmander came right out of his Pokéball.
"Char, Char," Charmander said.
"Use Scratch!" Sora ordered. Charmander came at Charmander with Scratch, but the Wild Duck Pokémon just dodged.
"Farfetch'd, Farfetch'd, Far!" Farfetch'd taunted.
"Use Dragon Rage!" Sora ordered. Charmander fired Dragon Rage right at Farfetch'd, but he swings his stalk at the attack and Charmander got hit by his own attack. Farfetch'd came rushing at Charmander with his stalk. Farfetch'd's leek glows light blue and it slices Charmander with it.
"That was Cut!" Kairi gasped.
"Vee!" Angel also gasped.
"Charmander, hang in there!" Sora said. Charmander got back up and his whole mouth began to erupt with flames. "Wait, that's Fire Fang. You just learned how to use Fire Fang!"
"Char!" Charmander said.
"Okay, Charmander! Fire Fang!" Sora ordered. Charmander came at Farfetch'd as he attempts to bat Charmander off. Charmander lands a bite, hitting the Wild Duck Pokémon. Farfetch'd fell backwards, beaten. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Farfetch'd flows inside the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Farfetch'd with him. He chose to send Farfetch'd to Professor Oak's lab. "Great job, Charmander." He took out his Pokéball and called Charmander back inside.
"I'm sorry about your sandwich, Sora. If it'll make you feel better, you can have half of mine," Kairi said, cutting hers in half. Sora smiled at how nice she's being.
"Thanks, Kairi. I do feel better," Sora said, taking half. Sora blushes even deeper.
After they ate their lunch, Sora and Kairi came across an equine Pokémon with cream-colored fur. It has brown eyes and triangular ears with reddish interiors. Yellow and reddish-orange flames make up its mane and tail. The mane forms a short crest on top of its head and a short strip down its back to its tail. Additional flames are present behind its elbows and knees. The fire appears about an hour after hatching. It has four long legs, each ending in a single, gray hoof. Kairi took out her Pokédex and scanned it.
Ponyta, the Fire Horse Pokémon
Type: Fire
Ponyta is capable of jumping incredibly high. Its hooves and sturdy legs absorb the impact of a hard landing.
"Oh, she's such a cutie," Kairi cooed at the sight of Ponyta. She took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Chansey!" Her Chansey emerged from inside the Pokéball.
"Chansey!" Chansey said.
Ponyta came running towards the Egg Pokémon with flames surrounding her body. Ponyta lands a tackle on her.
"That was Flame Charge!" Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Chansey! Use Double Slap!" Kairi ordered. Chansey gave a couple of slaps on the Fire Horse Pokémon. Ponyta then raised her hoof and stomped onto Chansey. Chansey charges at Chansey with a regular Tackle. "Use Double Slap!" Chansey gave a series of five slaps in the face. "Use Egg Bomb!" Chansey grabbed her egg, giving off a golden glow and threw it. Ponyta felt the impact strike her hard. Ponyta panted greatly from the hits. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it. Ponyta flowed inside the Pokéball and it wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Kairi's Pokémon Box goes off asking her if she wants to keep Ponyta with her. She chose to keep Ponyta in exchange for Oddish. She lets her new Ponyta out of her Pokéball and fed her an Oran Berry. "Here you go." Ponyta happily ate the Berry. She pets Ponyta and the Fire Horse Pokémon. Kairi got on the back of Ponyta and started to ride.
"You look like a natural, riding on Ponyta's back," Sora said.
"I did some horseback riding when I was little. Both my parents taught me how to ride on horse Pokémon," Kairi said.
"You think you could teach me?" Sora asked.
"Sure, anytime," Kairi said.
A little while later, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel were just outside of Celadon City when a hoarde of Porygon floating around.
"Porygon," Sora said.
"I never thought I'd see them in the wild," Kairi said.
"Porygon are rare Pokémon, so I figured I catch one of them," Sora said. He turned to Pikachu. "Go for it, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu said, stepping forward. Pikachu stepped right in. The Porygon spotted the Mouse Pokémon.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt right at the Virtual Pokémon. All but one retreated. The lone Porygon fired Psybeam right at Pikachu. "Dodge and use Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings his tail and lands a hit onto Porygon. The Virtual Pokémon gave off a white glow and then turned into what looks like metal.
"That was Conversion!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"What's Conversion?" Sora asked.
"Conversion is a move that can turn Porygon into the last type that struck it," Kairi said.
"Pikachu! Use one more Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered. Porygon is shocked by the electric attack. Porygon was now paralyzed from the attack. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Porygon flows inside and the Pokéball wobbles around and around. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Porygon with him. He chose to send Porygon to Professor Oak's lab.
"Nice!" Kairi said.
"Thanks," Sora said. He pets Pikachu on the head. "Good work as always, buddy."
"Chu," Pikachu said.
As soon as they entered they started to hear that some Team Rocket members were still being rounded up. Some of them have escaped capture, while there were others still at large. As they entered the Pokémon Center, Sora and Kairi overheard something.
"Did you hear?" One man asked.
"Hear what?" Another man asked.
"I heard Team Rocket has taken a real bad sting from a couple of kids a little while back," the first man said.
"Seriously?" The second man asked.
"Yeah. A boy and a girl," the first man said.
"Two kids took on Team Rocket? Sounds like a brave pair," the second man said.
"They have to be to give those bastards what they deserve for all the hell they put is through," the first man said.
"Yeah, you said it," the second man said. "Just who the hell do they think they are? They steal Pokémon from Pokémon Trainers after all the love and care they get? I think I should shake their hands because I used to be afraid to leave my Pokémon alone in my own home."
"I think we heard enough," Kairi whispered.
"I think you're right," Sora agreed.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
They arrived the counter with Nurse Joy waiting for them with a smile.
"Welcome back, you two," Nurse Joy greeted. "I trust everything is okay in Lavender Town?"
"You heard, right?" Sora asked.
"Everyone is talking about it. And I know for a fact it was you who planned the whole operation with Team Rocket. I heard you talking about it," Nurse Joy said.
"If you knew then why would you let us go along with it?" Kairi asked.
"I didn't wanna interrupt you. Also, it wouldn't have mattered what I said," Nurse Joy said. "You would have gone through with it despite my objections."
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Anyway, I was wondering if you could have a look at our Pokémon, please?" Sora asked.
"Of course," Nurse Joy said. She took their Pokémon and left the two of them.
"I guess we're the talk of the town," Sora said.
"It's not like someone is going to recognize us," Kairi said.
"Sora, Kairi?" A familiar voice spoke, surprising them. They turned to see Brock waving at them.
"Brock?" Sora and Kairi asked.
"It's been a while," Brock said.
"What are you doing here?" Sora asked.
"And who's running the Pewter City Gym? Kairi asked.
"I left it in the care of Forrest. So far, he's thr only one I can trust with the Gym," Brock said.
"What about your mom and dad?" Kairi asked.
"Apparently I can't trust them with its care, because my dad isn't as rock hard as he used to be, and my mom wants to turn the entire Gym pink. Can you believe that?" Brock asked.
"I think I can imagine it," Sora said. He managed to think of the whole Gym being painted with pink flowers and stars. "But none of that answers what are you doing here?"
"Oh, just here to meet Erika," Brock said.
"Erika?" Sora asked.
"Yes. She's the Celadon City Gym Leader. She specializes with Grass-type Pokémon. The locals calls her the Nature-Loving Princess!" Brock said in a flirting manner. Sora facepalmed over how Brock goes from mature and cool to someone that goes crazy over girls.
"Okay, Erika, got it," Sora said. After Sora and Kairi got their Pokémon back, he took out his Pokémon Box and he exchanged Squirtle and Bulbasaur for Beedrill and Zubat. "So, you know where to find the Celadon City Gym, Brock?"
"Sure do! This way!" Brock said as he is literally floating in the air. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel followed Brock to the Celadon City Gym.
"Should we follow him, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"You see another way around it?" Sora asked.
"No," Kairi said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel followed the Pewter City Gym Leader towards the Celadon City Gym.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket snuck in the Gym, searching for a rumored perfume, hoping it'll make them rich.
"Okay, going in," Jessie said. They entered through the window and used the foliage as cover. They snuck pass several Oddish living there.
They even snuck pass a group of flower-looking Pokémon. Each one of them are blue, bipedal Pokémon with rudimentary hands and feet. On its head is a flower with spherical petals surrounded by four reddish-brown leaves. The petals are a dark reddish-brown and have white spots. Some of them had four little spots on their flower petals while the others all have one. These Pokémon are known as Gloom.
There was also is an indigo, bipedal Pokémon with rudimentary hands and feet. It has beady red eyes and a small mouth, and its head and torso are a single joined segment. On its head is a massive red flower with five bulky petals and an orange-brown center. The flower petals has several small white spots on them. This Pokémon is known as Vileplume.
Another Vileplume walked up to the first Vileplume, but it has fewer, but larger white spots on the flower petals.
Dancing in the garden are primarily green Pokémon with circular blue eyes and red markings on their cheeks. They each have two bright red flowers on their heads and green and yellow leaves around their waists that resemble a skirt, all adding to the appearance of a hula dancer. These Pokémon are known as Bellossom.
Team Rocket made it to the safe.
"Is that it?" James asked.
"It's gotta be, otherwise it wouldn't be in there," Meowth said.
"How are we going to open it? We don't know the combination on the lock," James pointed out.
"We have this, don't we?" Jessie said, pulling out a small pad with the Team Rocket logo on it. Jessie used it to crack the safe. "Jackpot!"
"This should make us tons of cash," Meowth said, grabbing it.
"Now, to sneak out before someone sees us," James said.
Just when they were about to sneak out, a Gloom stands before the Team Rocket trio. This Gloom has the large white spots as some of them.
"Gloom," the Gloom said.
"What is that?" Jessie asked.
"If I remember right, that is a Gloom," James said. "It makes sense to see a Gloom in a place like this because Gloom are Grass-type Pokémon."
"Thanks for poiting that out, Captain Obvious," Jessie said.
"Gloom, Gloom, Gloom, Gloom," Gloom said.
"Meowth, translation please," Jessie said.
"Gloom's saying that she ain't letting us go with that," Meowth translated.
"Gloom, Gloom, Gloom, Gloom," Gloom said.
"So, this is our chance to put it back," Meowth translated.
"That Gloom isn't serious, right? We do the threatening," Jessie said.
"I'll deal with it," James said, taking out Mime Jr's Pokéball. "Mime Jr, go!" His Pokéball opened and Mime Jr. came right out.
"Mime, Mime, Mime!" Mime Jr said.
"Mime Jr, use Double Slap!" James ordered. Mime Jr rushed at Gloom, but dodged and unleashed a foul-smelling aroma. Mime Jr, held its nose.
"Mime, Mime, Mime!" Mime Jr said, holding its nose. Mime Jr flows back inside of its Pokéball. "So much for tha-" James is conked on the head from behind. Before Jessie could ask what was going on, Jessie is also conked on the head as well. Meowth turned around and saw them laying down.
"What are ya doing laying down on the job? We got to get goi-" Meowth is conked as well by a mallet. It turns out to be the Gym's staff members, wearing gas masks.
"Good work, Gloom. Now to make certain Team Rocket doesn't get away with this just like they didn't get away with hiding under our city," one of the staff members said.
It didn't take them long until the police arrived and placed them in the police truck.
"Don't worry. We'll see to it that we throw away the key after locking them up," Officer Jenny said.
Shortly after that, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel arrived to the Celadon City Gym.
"I might be pointing out the obvious, but I'm thinking this is the place," Sora said.
"I think you're right, Sora. And might I add, someone is a tad more eager to get in more than you," Kairi said as she points to Brock, still love-struck, and looking in a book that is entitled "Book of Pretty Girls".
"I'll bet my money that he'll goes nuts for every girl that hits his mark," Sora said.
"I was thinking the same thing," Kairi said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Come on, let's go right in," Brock said. Brock was the first to go in as Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel followed inside. They saw what looks like an indoor garden or a greenhouse. It was suitable for Grass-type Pokémon like Bulbasaur and Weepinbell.
One of the staff members walked up to them.
"Is there something I can help you with?" The staff member said. Just before Sora could speak, Brock ran right up to her.
"Yes, you can start by giving me your phone number and your email address," Brock flirted before Sora grabbed him by the ear.
"And this is why we have restraining orders," Sora said, pulling on his ear.
"Ow, my ear!" Brock yelped in pain.
"We were wondering if you would lead us to Erika, but I don't know about him," Sora said, still holding his ear.
"Are one of you here to challenge her in a Gym battle?" The staff member asked.
"That'll be me," Sora said.
"I guess I can let you in since you have such cute Pokémon with you. Especially this little Eevee with the ribbon," the staff member cooed.
"Angel seems to like it," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"You named your Eevee Angel? That makes it cuter," the staff member said. "Come right this way." She leads Sora, Kairi, Brock, Pikachu, and Angel right to a tree. Sleeping beside it is a slender young woman with pale skin and short black hair with cut bangs. She wore an elegant kimono with an obi ( a sash to those who don't know what that is), a hairband, Japanese sandals called zōri, and traditional Japanese socks called tabi. She is taking a nap by the tree. Brock is captivated by her beauty. She gave off a light yawn and woke up.
"Dear me," the young woman said, waking up. She opened her eyes to reveal her green eyes. "Oh, I'm sorry. Were you waiting long?"
"We just got here," Sora said.
"Excuse me, miss, but aren't you Erika, the Gym Leader of the Celadon City Gym?" Brock asked, blushing.
"I am. And who are you?" Erika asked.
"Right. My name's Sora," Sora answered.
"And I'm Kairi," Kairi said.
"Sora, Kairi. Such nice names," Erika said. Brock took Erika by the hands.
"And my name is Brock, and I just wanted to say you are so much lovier in person than in the photos. They do you no justice," Brock said. Erika looked at him in confusion before Kairi grabbed him by the ear.
"You should cool up on the justice before I bring out the Kryptonite," Kairi said, pulling Brock back.
"Sora has come to challenge you to a Gym battle, Erika," the staff member said.
"Oh, is that so?" Erika asked.
"Yeah. I came here from Pallet Town to do so," Sora said.
"Then you've come to the right place. I'll accept your challenge on one condition," Erika said.
"Um, okay. Name it," Sora said.
"I shall request that you partake in the flower arrangements as soon as our battle is over; regardless of who wins or losses," Erika said. Sora looked at Kairi and she leaned towards Sora.
"I say take it, because it can't be a much better deal than that," Kairi said.
"Since you put it that way, I'll accept," Sora said.
"Wonderful. We should get started," Erika said.
Sora and Erika got into position for their battle. The referee stepped in.
"The battle of the Celadon City Gym is about to begin! Both Trainers will be using four Pokémon each! Only the challenger will be allowed to substitute Pokémon anytime! There is no time limit, so let the battle begin!" The announced. Erika took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up first, Tangela!" Erika called out. Her Pokéball opened and out came a Pokémon that has its body is covered with blue vines covered with tiny hairs that grow to give the impression that it is circular in shape. Two big eyes are all people see inside the vines and there are no visible arms. It also has two red feet that poke out of the vines. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Tangela, the Vine Pokémon
Type: Grass
It is shrouded by blue vines. No one has seen the face hidden behind this growth of vines.
"I have just the one to start things off!" Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Zubat!" His Pokéball opened and Zubat came flying out.
"A Poison and Flying-type Pokémon. You're smart," Erika said. "Tangela! Use Vine Whip!" Tangela sends its vines at the Bat Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Zubat flew right at Tangela and lands a hit with his wings.
"Tangela! Use Stun Spore!" Erika ordered. Tangela unleashed Stun Spore at the Bat Pokémon.
"Dodge that and use Poison Fang!" Sora ordered. Zubat flew right at Tangela, landing a bite on it. "Use Air Cutter!" Zubat flapped his wings and the blades of air heads for Tangela.
"Dodge and use Vine Whip!" Erika ordered. Tangela dodges Zubat's Air Cutter and sends out its blue vines. They hit its mark.
"Zubat! Hang in there!" Sora called out. Zubat regained his flight.
"Use Vine Whip again!" Erika ordered.
"Use Poison Fang!" Sora ordered.
Tangela's vines struck Zubat, but Zubat lands a poisonous bite on Tangela's vine. The poison works its way down to Tangel's body, poisoning Zubat. Erika gasped when that happened.
"Tangela!" Erika gasped.
"Use Wing Attack!" Sora ordered. Zubat flew right at Tangela, landing a hit. Tangela goes down for the mark.
"Tangela is unable to battle! Zubat wins!" The referee announced. Erika called back her Tangela.
"Have a good long rest, Tangela. You've earned it," Erika said kindly. She took out another Pokéball and held it. "That was impressive, Sora. You quite the skill as a Pokémon Trainer. Now, here is my second Pokémon! Go! Victreebel!" Erika took out her second Pokéball and threw it. Out came a plant Pokémon with a bell-shaped body. It screeched upon entry. It has a gaping mouth with pink lips and two sharp teeth. Its semicircular eyes appear directly under its mouth and it has several dark green spots on its body. On either side of its body is a large green leaf. Covering its mouth is a leaf with a long, brown, yellow-tipped vine growing out of it. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Victreebel, the Flycatcher Pokémon
The evolved form of Weepinbell
Type: Grass/Poison
Victreebel has a long vine that extends from its head. This vine is waved and flicked about as if it were an animal to attract prey. When an unsuspecting prey draws near, this Pokémon swallows it whole.
"So that's what Weepinbell evolves into," Sora said, putting his Pokédex away. "You still in it, Zubat?" Zubat nodded. "Great! Use Wing Attack!"
"Weepinbell! Use Leaf Blade!" Erika ordered. Victreebel's leaves glows light green and jumped upwards. Zubat is struck by Victreebel's attack. Zubat fell backwards, beaten.
"Zubat is unable to battle! Victreebel wins!" The referee announced. Sora calls Zubat back.
"You did your best, Zubat. Rest up," Sora said. He looked right at Victreebel. "Victreebel is way stronger than Weepinbell, but I might just turn up the heat in here." Sora took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Charmander!" The Pokéball opened and Charmander emerged from inside.
"Char, Char," Charmander said.
"A Fire-type Pokémon is it? That's what most of my challengers throws at me. That doesn't phase me one bit. Victreebel! Use Sludge Bomb!" Victreebel opened its mouth and fired a glob of brown sludge at Charmander.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Charmander fired Flamethrower right at Victreebel, hitting it on the mark.
"Victreebel! Use Leaf Blade!" Erika ordered.
"Dodge and use Fire Fang!" Sora ordered. Charmander charged at Victreebel and lands a flaming bite on Victreebel. "Use Dragon Rage!" Charmander unleashed Dragon Rage and struck Victreebel on the spot, resulting in a knockout.
"Victreebel is unable to battle! Charmander wins!" The referee announced. Erika calls back Victreebel.
"You've done well, Victreebel. Rest for now," Erika said. Erika took out her next Pokéball and threw it. "I choose you now, Vileplume!" Her Pokéball opened and her Vileplume emerged from inside. Sora called back Charmander and took out another Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up now, Butterfree!" Sora called out. Butterfree emerged from inside the Pokéball and fluttered around.
"Oh, a Butterfree. The patterns on your Butterfree are lovely," Erika said.
"Thanks," Sora said.
"But it won't win against my Vileplume. Okay, Vileplume! Use Petal Blizzard!" Erika ordered. Multiple pink petals circle around Vileplume and then fired at Butterfree.
"Dodge and use Psybeam!" Sora ordered. Butterfree dodges Vileplume's attack and fired Psybeam. The attack hits Vileplume on the spot. "Use Gust!" Butterfree flapped his wings again.
"Use Moonblast!" Erika ordered. Vileplume forms an orb of pink energy in front of its flower and fires it at Butterfree. It came too fast for Butterfree to dodge. He starts to fall backwards.
"Butterfree!" Sora called out. Butterfree regains his balance and flew back up in the air. "Alright! Use Bug Buzz!" Butterfree's wings glows red and flapped them, and created red soundwaves. Vileplume is struck hard by the sound attack. "Use Psybeam!" Butterfree fired Psybeam, striking Vileplume. The Flower Pokémon has taken a lot of damage and knocked out as a result.
"Vileplume is unable to battle! Butterfree wins!" The referee announced. Erika called back her Vileplume.
"You've done your best. Get some rest," Erika said kindly. "You've taken down three of my Pokémon, so I have saved the best for last for you." She took out her next Pokéball. "My last Pokémon. "Go! Gloom!" Her Pokéball opened and Gloom came right out. Sora was surprised to see Gloom emerging after Vileplume. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Gloom, the Weed Pokémon
The evolved form of Oddish
Type: Grass/Poison
From its mouth Gloom drips honey that smells absolutely horrible. Apparently, it loves the horrid stench. It sniffs the noxious fumes and then drools even more of its honey.
"What's special about Gloom, Erika?" Sora asked.
"I've known this Gloom ever since I was a little girl. She saved me when I was attacked by a Grimer. Ever since then, Gloom and I became best friends, and partners," Erika said. Sora smiled.
"I understand," Sora said. "And I can respect that. So, I want you and Gloom to give me what you've got!"
"Be careful what you asked for, Sora. Gloom! Use Razor Leaf!" Erika ordered. Gloom fired Razor Leaf at the Butterfly Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Gust!" Sora ordered. Butterfree attempts to dodge, but Gloom's Razor Leaf came too fast for Butterfree to dodge. He goes down fast.
"Use Petal Blizzard!" Erika ordered. Gloom fired Petal Blizzard and lands a hit onto the Butterfly Pokémon, resulting in a knockout.
"Butterfree is unable to battle! Gloom wins!" The referee announced. Sora called back Butterfree and took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Beedrill!" Sora called out. Beedrill buzzed on out. Beedrill! Use Twineedle!" Beedrill's stingers glow bright blue and it charges towards at Gloom.
"Dodge and use Petal Blizzard!" Erika ordered. Gloom dodges Beedrill's attack and is struck by the flower petals. "Use Moonblast!" Gloom fired Moonblast right at the Poison Bee Pokémon, landing a hit. Beedrill fell down on the ground, beaten.
"Beedrill is unable to battle! Gloom wins!" The referee announced. Sora called back Beedrill and sighed.
"Get a good rest, Beedrill," Sora said. He took out Charmander's Pokéball and threw it. "Charmander! Back to action!" Charmander emerged from inside and readied himself. "You ready to win it, Charmander?"
"Charmander, Char!" Charmander said.
"Stay alert, Gloom," Erika said.
"Gloom," Gloom said.
"Use Moonblast!" Erika ordered. Gloom fired Moonblast at the Lizard Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Charmander fired Flamethrower at the Weed Pokémon.
"Dodge and use Razor Leaf!" Erika ordered. Gloom dodged Charmander's Flamethrower and fired Razor Leaf. The leaves came too fast for Charmander to dodge. Charmander fell right on his back, but he got back up on his feet. "Moonblast!"
"Dodge and use Dragon Rage!" Sora ordered. Charmander fired Dragon Rage right at Gloom, landing a hit. Gloom was still standing on her feet.
"Use Petal Blizzard!" Erika ordered. Gloom began to use Petal Blizzard and prepared to fire it.
"Flamethrower!" Sora ordered. Charmander fired Flamethrower right at Gloom's flower petals. They burn the petals, and Gloom caught on fire. The flames sizzles out, but Gloom is covered in burns.
"Gloom, oh no!" Erika gasped.
"Use Scratch!" Sora ordered. Charmander lands a scratch on Gloom. The Weed Pokémon fell on her back, beaten.
"Gloom is unable to battle! Charmander wins! The winner is Sora!" The referee announced.
"Way to go, Charmander!" Sora said.
"Charmander, Char!" Charmander said.
"I knew you could do it, Charmander!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
Erika called back her Gloom and smiled.
"You battled well, Gloom. You deserve a good long rest," Erika said. She walked up to Sora with a smile. "Congratulations, Sora. It was truly a wonderful battle. You and your Pokémon should be proud. And here is the proof of your victory here at the Celadon City Gym. The Rainbow Badge!" Erika presents Sora a badge that is shaped like a flower, showing grass, with rainbow colored petals. The colors from left to right is red, orange, yellow, lime green, green, turquoise, blue, and violet. Sora accepts his Gym Badge.
"Thanks, Erika. Four down, four to go, Sora said.
"And I hope you haven't forgotten our arrangement, Sora," Erika said.
"I didn't," Sora said. "After all, a deal's a deal."
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel got to arranging flowers with Erika. Before that, some of the girls have placed several flowers in her hair.
"Oh, you look very pretty, Kairi," one of the girls said.
"You look just like a fairy," another girl said.
"Really?" Kairi asked.
"Absolutely," the first girl said.
Sora looked at the girls and he blushes at Kairi.
"Oh, I'll say she looks like a fairy," Sora said in a loving tone. Erika heard him and she giggled to herself, knowing love when she saw it.
Sora had a hard time with it at first, but he managed to get the hang of it eventually; after several tries.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel are outside as Brock, Erika, and her staff are standing outside.
"Now, Sora, the next Gym you wanna go to is located in Fuchsia City," Erika said.
"Okay, that's where we will be heading next," Sora said.
"Also, I thought I should warn you that the Gym Leader there is really tough. He won't make it easy for you," Brock said.
"What I learned from this journey is nothing's too easy," Sora said.
"Good luck on your way, you two," Erika said. "And come again, anytime."
"We will," Kairi said.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel waved goodbye to Brock, Erika, and the staff as they continued onwards to their next destination: Fuchsia City. They did wonder what sort of adventures awaits them on the way. We should just wait and see.