Within the trees of Viridian Forest, wildlife and its inhabitants remain in quietude as the sounds of conflict and battle resonated through the air as another Pokemon to collapse to the ground, tired and unconscious. Its combatant barely stood victoriously as it was exhausted, shaking and breathing heavily until it descended to the floor to catch its breath. It then felt a hand on its head as it looked into the eyes of the owner who smiled and said. "Good job! We're now finished."
As he said this, a powerful wind went through the forest, riling up the wild Pokemon as they had no choice but to endure the strong breeze as the person stood unfazed as he continued to gaze down at the Pokemon until he opened his mouth again.
"It's time."
As the morning light shone above the clouds and onto Pewter City, Brock sat in his gym, meditating as he started to recollect the memories of challenges that he had received in the week to rethink his weaknesses and battle strategy until his mind went off to a red capped trainer.
'Ah yes. Red. I remember that kid. He has potential.' Brock thought as he began to wonder where the young trainer was. It has been three days since the match between him and Red which nearly resulted in the silent teen victory. As the gym leader was immersed in his thoughts, his meditation was interrupted as he heard the doors to the gym open, revealing a young trainer in an open red jacket and jeans with his face concealed by his cap who entered into the gym.
"Red?" Brock realized as the silent trainer made his way to the battlefield, a Pokeball in his hand as he raised his cap over one of his eyes. The gym leader smiled as he observed the teen's action, his mind making a mental comment. 'It seems that you have changed, kid. Let's see if your will has been hardened as well.'
"Ah, you've returned, Red. I'm correct to assume that you would like a rematch?" Brock stated, earning a quick nod from Red. The gym leader walked towards his side of the field as they both waited for the referee to initiate the match. The man assumed his position as he lift his flags and announced, looking at the red capped teen.
"As you remembered, challenger Red. This will be a two on two battle. Substitutions are allowed. Any objections?" Red shook his head as the referee smiled and lowered his flags.
"In that case, let's start the match!" The referee announced, allowing the two trainers to throw their Pokeballs in the air, revealing Amaura and Shinx who both immediately glare at each other as they await their trainers' commands.
After a moment of waiting, Brock quickly made the first command. "Amaura, use Powder Snow!" Hearing its trainer, Amaura breathed a gust of cold wind at Shinx.
"Dodge then leer." The Electric type quickly evaded the attack and then quickly went to the Rock type, giving it an intense glare that flinched it before it quickly returned to its side, much to Brock's worry. 'He didn't train for nothing. Shinx is fast but that doesn't mean I don't have a few tricks.'
"Snap out of it, Amaura. And use Rock Tomb!" As he finished his command, Amaura made its battle cry as it summoned rocks from the ground which headed in Shinx's direction. The teen and his Pokemon waited for the rocks come closer before he opened his mouth.
"Jump on the rocks and use Spark." Red silently uttered, causing the Electric type to sprint towards, hopping on each one before surrounding itself with electricity and charging towards Amaura. "
Powder Snow quick!" As Brock quickly made his command, the Rock type exhaled another blast of cold air, which was speedily evaded by Shinx who dashed to the side and tackled the prehistoric Pokemon, sending it flying towards one of the rocks on the field.
"Get up, Amaura! Quickly!" After Brock's plea, Amaura tried its best to get on its feet, making a battle cry as it stood confidently, earning a smile from its trainer. 'Awesome, Amaura.'
"Now use Powder Snow." The Pokemon quickly exhaled another icy breeze at Shinx, who had no chance of escaping the move.
"Charge now." Red uttered, lowering the brim of his cap and watched as his Pokemon absorb electricity from the air.
'Smart. Using the effects of Charge to increase his defenses to allow him to endure Powder Snow better. They didn't only get stronger, they got smarter as well. He's understanding his moves and he's making sure to keep his cool.' Brock mentally commented as he watched the silent teen's strategy which caused the gym leader to smile as he admired the young trainer's confidence and skill.
'Guess I gotta push it up a notch' He finished his thought as he changed his face to a serious expression.
"Now Icy Wind!" Brock ordered loudly, making Amaura release a stronger gust of wind at the Electric-type. The gym leader saw a smirk on Red's face as Shinx stopped charging and nimbly dodged the blast of cold wind and gave the Rock-type a menacing glare which scared it. The red capped teen looked at the rock before his eyes widened, getting an idea as he turned his gaze towards his Pokemon who dodged another Rock Tomb attack.
"Shinx, spark on the rocks." Red muttered, as Shinx obliged and surrounded itself in an electric veil as it tackled the rock stuck to the ground, making them fly towards Amaura. As the rock travelled, Brock quickly gave the Rock-type commands to dodge every stone projectiles which it tried to do for the most part, freezing some of the stones.
"Charge now while it's distracted." Red uttered silently as Shinx once again started to charge itself while its opponent continue to dodge and avoid the rocks. After a few moments of dodging rock after rock, it got hit by a boulder which staggered it.
"Now Spark." Red said, as Shinx started to sprint towards Amaura, catching it off guard and bashing the Pokemon off the field and into the wall, much to Brock's surprise as he looked back at the Pokemon.
"Amaura is unable to battle! The winner goes to Shinx!" The referee announced as he raised and drop his arms.
'Déjà vu. Now here comes the real problem.' Red thought as he turned his gaze to Shinx who was breathing heavily and barely able to stand. Noticing this, Red went on the field and picked up Shinx and carry it to his side of the battlefield before he laid it down in his bag as he continued the match.
"I gotta say, Red. You got me there." Brock commented as he returned Amaura into its Pokeball as he took out another Pokeball.
"But it's not over yet. You have one more Pokemon to face and you should know that it's not something to mess with. Go Geodude!" He roared as he threw the ball with all his might onto the field, revealing the Alolan Geodude. Shinx fidgeted, adamant to face it as it tried to get out of its bag only for Red to stop it.
"Don't worry, Shinx. Just rest for now. And watch closely." The teen stood up as he turned his back to the Electric-type, who looked at him before it reluctantly gave up.
"There's someone who wants this battle more than you do." Red silently said as he chucked his Pokeball in the air, revealing a yellow Pokemon with two huge stingers for arms and wings that made it ascend to the air as it glared down at Geodude. Brock looked at his opponent as one word left his mouth. "Beedrill."
Beedrill flew around the gym until it laid eyes on its trainer before it rushed and hugged him.
"Hey, Beedrill, glad to see you too buddy. Hope you're doing ok?" Red muttered as the Bug-type nodded, causing the teen face to harden. "Are you ready for this, Beedrill?"
Beedrill looked at its trainer before ascending from the ground and descending on the rocky field as it let out a battle cry.
"I have to say, Red. I'm impressed that your Kakuna has evolved and also I can see that you take care wonderful care of your Pokemon seeing that earlier display of affection. That's rare for a rookie, especially with a Beedrill." Brock commented as he put his fingers on his chin.
"Let's see how that will do in this battle especially with a type disadvantage." Brock finished as the referee announced the start of the second match. His Pokemon then roared as electricity went through the area, the gym leader smiling as he saw that the red capped trainer was not unhinged and intimidated by the display of power. 'This will be a good battle.'
"Hide behind the rocks and use Harden." Red uttered as Beedrill obeyed, descending within the rocks, its body giving off a sheen as it strengthen its body, an action which confused their opponents.
'What the? That's harden. I gotta stop it quick.' Brock thought as he made a command to his Geodude. "Quick! Thunder Punch!" The Rock-type quickly charged towards Beedrill's direction and punched the rock, creating a crack within the stone.
"Keep using the move, Geodude!" The gym leader commanded as Geodude send a barrage of punches that broke several of the boulders protecting the Bug and Poison type. After it gain entry, it attacked the Beedrill who nimbly dodged the attack by flying up into the air as it heard Red's command. "Great, now Twineedle."
The Bee Pokemon descended from the sky and jabbed Geodude to the side, making the Rock-type yell in pain before striking it again.
"Just hold on, Geodude! Use Thunder Punch!" Brock commanded, making the Rock Pokemon charge a strong electrical punch at Beedrill.
"Counter with Poison Sting." Red ordered silently as he watched the Rock type getting closer. Beedrill obeyed, making a quick jab at Geodude which caused their attacks to clash, creating a small arena of smoke from the force of the collision.
'Woah, to clash Geodude's Thunder Punch with such a weak move. That Beedrill is strong.' Brock thought as he made his Pokemon use Charge for its next move. 'Let's see that strength now.'
The gym leader then voiced his command for Geodude to do another Thunder Punch which the Pokemon obeyed as it charged with another punch imbued with electricity a lot stronger than before.
"Poison Sting to counter it." Red ordered as the Bee Pokemon quickly struck the Rock-type, causing another collision until Beedrill was overpowered which made Geodude hit it with the Thunder Punch.
"Great going, Geodude. Now Rock Tomb!"
"Harden." As the gym leader made another command, Geodude hurled a barrage of stones at Beedrill who withstood the attack by hardening its body. Brock gritted his teeth in frustration as he watched his opponent's Pokemon land a Twineedle on his partner before he made another command. "Rock Polish."
Red's eyes widened as he heard the move as he quickly muttered a command. "Quick, use Poison Sting." Beedrill quickly sped towards Geodude, whose body started to shine as its body started to shine before it nimbly dodged the strike.
"Good, Geodude. Now Thunder Punch." Brock calmly ordered, making the Rock-type swiftly attack the bee with fists of electricity. Red could only watch his Pokemon as it tried to jab its adversary only to fail as it was outsped and stuck with Thunder Punch.
'I gotta slow it down someh-' Red thought before something clicked in his brain, causing him to face palm himself with his hand. 'Right! I have String Shot. How did I forget String Shot?!'
"String Shot. Then Poison Sting when you catch it off guard." As the young trainer made his command, Beedrill obeyed, spewing white strings from its stinger onto Geodude which latecheds onto the Rock-type, slowing down its movements as it went for another Thunder Punch, allowing the yellow bee to dodge the attack and then proceeded to strike the Rock Pokemon from behind with a Poison Sting. After being struck by the Bug-type, Geodude started to stagger as it tried to use Rock Tomb but failed, much to Brock's confusion.
"W-What's wrong, Geodude? You ok? Let's try again. Rock Tomb!" The gym leader said, making the Rock-type try again only to fail as it descended to the ground, panting heavily. The Pokemon struggled to get up only to move around in a loopy fashion as it descended back to the ground, allowing Red to notice what is going on as a smirk appeared on his face. 'It's poisoned!'
"Beedrill. Now use String Shot." Red confidently but silently ordered, making the Bug Pokemon spew white strings on Geodude, who tried to move but staggers and fall due to poison and the previous string shot.
"Whip up some more, Beedrill. And fly around Geodude while doing it." Obeying its trainer's command, Beedrill flew around the Rock Pokemon, spewing strings and wrapping them around the Rock-type as it tries to struggle out of the silky strings to no avail. After a while, Geodude was wrapped up into a cocoon, unable to move, much to the surprise of the gym leader and the referee.
"What?" Brock could only muttered as he watched his ace Pokemon struggle but proved immobile by the numerous strings that hold it in place.
"Good. Now muster your rage and use Poison Sting and Twineedle until it's fainted." Red uttered which made Beedrill fly over the cocoon, readying its stingers. In one swift movement, the Bee Pokemon let out a flurry of attacks upon the immobile Geodude which could only do nothing but endure the endless assault. The onslaught lasted for a while until Red commanded Beedrill to stop and then made it rip the cocoon which made the Rock-type drop out of it and onto the floor, unconscious. The Bee Pokemon flew over to its trainer's side as everyone witness the referee checking on Geodude. Time stood still as they watched the referee until he rose from the ground and raised his hand to scarlet-eyed trainer.
"Geodude is unconscious! The winner is Beedrill! Thus making the victory go to Red from Pallet Town!"
As those words left the man's mouth, Red's eyes widened as he stood still. He then fell to his knees, unable to fathom what was happening.
"W-we won." The teen thought aloud as Beedrill and Shinx quickly hugged him, laughing happily as they celebrated their victory.
"I can't believe it. We won." He silently muttered as he hugged his Pokemon, ignoring everything that is going on around him. Returning his Pokemon, Brock smiled as he observed the young trainer celebrate his victory, making his way towards the silent teen, his mind made a mental statement. 'His training paid off.' He then walked over to Red as the trainer stood up and made eye contact with him, a serious expression etched on his face.
"Not bad, Red! Last time you barely won and now you skillfully understood your Pokemon strengths and use their moves in ways that is honestly beyond rookie level" Brock commented as he put his hand on Red's shoulder, smiling at the teen before he announced. "You did great, Red. And for your victory, I present to you the Boulder badge."
The gym leader then took a grey stone badge from his pocket and gave it to the scarlet eyed trainer. Red stood motionless as he stared at the ornament in his hand, unable to process some of the events that were happening until Shinx gave him a little shock, knocking him out of his stupor.
"That Boulder badge should be proof of this battle, Red. Remember this battle and how much you've worked for it. Also, here is a little reward from me." Brock stated as he went into his pocket and pulled out a small disk which he gave to the silent teen who then looked at him and nodded and thanks.
"As Gym leaders, we are authorized to have our gyms under certain themes, types and moves. The move I specialize with is Rock Tomb. It's a strong Rock type move that decreases a Pokemon's mobility and speed, much like your Beedrill String Shot but the difference is that it causes damage as well." The gym leader explained as he went towards the doors of the gym with Red following behind.
"You finally have your first gym badge, Red. From here, what you can do from here is get stronger." Brock stated as he turned his gaze towards Red who walked up to the glass doors along with Shinx and Beedrill following behind him. His brows then furrowed as something clicked in his mind as his mouth projected his thoughts. "By the way, where was that girl that was with you last time? I didn't see her this time and I thought it was weird. She went shopping or something?"
Red then had a melancholic look on his face as he tried his best to explain what had happened to Brock which proved to be a little difficult but the gym leader understood, sighing as he put his fingers to his chin.
"So she had to go to meet a friend, huh? That sucks. Well, if your journeys and goals are the same, you will soon cross paths again." He said as he took in breeze that went through the city as a thought came to his mind.
"Do you have a goal in life that you would like to accomplish, Red?" As Brock asked that question, Red could only stop and think as he looked at the ground intently.
'A goal?' The teen thought intensely, now realizing that he doesn't originally have a goal as he reminisced through his whole life.
'What is my goal? All my life, I wanted to leave Pallet Town and Viridian City and just go away from all the pain and insults but I never really thought about what I wanted to do after that.' The teen thought before he remembered something that made him clench his fists. 'I want to save Pikachu as well from that man V but what happens after I do that? What am I gonna do then?'
Red looked at Brock as he shook his head, feeling disappointed in himself.
"Don't blame yourself or feel disappointed. Not everyone start their journeys with a goal in mind just like that, Red. If you don't know it now, find new things, learn and experience new hobbies. I mean, a journey isn't all about collecting Gym badges and fighting the Elite Four and champion of the region, it'd just be boring. There is more to it than that." The gym leader stated as he smiled at Red as both of them heard Shinx yawn before it went to sleep, causing them to laugh at the weird sleepy expression on its face.
"Just like your Shinx. Now it's time for you to find your own Spark. Time for you to make your own story. Your own tale." Brock said as he stood by his doorway.
"Farewell, Red. I hope we have the chance to meet again. And if we do, tell me all about your adventures." The gym leader smiled as he waved at the silent trainer who made his way to the Pokemon center.
'My own tale, huh?' Red thought as he went to celebrate his victory with his Pokemon, his thoughts stuck on that.
Leaf panted as she got into the Pokemon Center, dropping down face first on the counter of the healing section where Nurse Joy, worrying the young lady.
"Ummm... Excuse me, miss. Are you ok?" The nurse asked, earning a muffled groan from the female teen who took out her Pokeballs in a swift gesture before placing them on the counter. Leaf then lifted her head from the counter as she looked tiredly at the young woman as she made a request. "Could you heal my Pokemon please, nurse?"
The nurse nodded as she went to the healing machine and put the young trainer's Pokemon within the glass container. Leaf was about to go and sit down to wait until she heard Nurse Joy behind her.
"All finished! Your Pokemon are fighting fit!" She stated, smiling until she saw the young trainer's bewildered reaction which rewarded a laugh from her,
"Sorry if I scared you. I tend to work quickly." The nurse explain while Leaf picked up her Pokemon. Leaf was about to make another request until her sight was blocked by two hands as she heard a voice. "Guess who?"
"Kimberley!" Leaf said as she turned as she hugged the young woman whose name is Kimberley who has long blue hair with dimples on her face wearing a brown blouse with black jean shorts.
"Hey Leaf! It nice to meet you again! How are you doing, girl?" The blue haired girl asked as she returned the hug before releasing they both released and looked at each other, going to a table by the window as they continued the conversation.
"You know, I'm doing great, just came from Mt. Moon…" Leaf said before she trailed off as she looked through the window, staring off towards the mountains. As she did this, Kimberley started to notice the brunette's melancholic expression, feeling worried for her friend.
"What's wrong, Leaf?" The teen said as she put a hand on her shoulder, concern etched on her face.
"I wanted to get a Clefairy but I couldn't find any. I know the Pokemon are rare but nothing at all! There were barely any wild Pokemon in the damn mountain. Man that got me angry!" Leaf shouted in frustration as she pouted angrily and folded her arms, glaring at the mounain. Kimberley's silver eyes widened before she put her fingers on her chin as she contemplated on this situation.
"Hmm. That is weird." She thought aloud until a voice interrupted her out of her thoughts, earning a groan from Leaf.
"If it isn't the Viridian sisters?" Blue announced as he came through the doors of the Pokemon Center as he went over to the two female teens as he took a seat by the table, putting his feet on the table and his hands behind his back as he continued. "How you two doing? Nice seeing you again, Kimmy."
"Can't you just call me Kim, Blue? It's literally a syllable less and you need all the energy that you can get to do your 'destiny'." Kimberley joked, earning a snicker from Leaf. While they continued their conversation, Yellow limped as she dropped herself on the table, her head descending on the table as she sighed.
"Hi guys… Hey, Kim. You're back…" She smiled tiredly as she ordered a milkshake and happily and greedily slurped the beverage.
"Well, the gang is here. Not bad." Blue said as he drank his soda before he let out a burp.
"Seriously Blue. Learn some tact and get your feet off the table." Kimberley said as she pushed his feet off, making him scowl at her. Leaf and Yellow watched as an argument went on between the two teenagers which started to get the attention of the other people in the Pokemon Center.
"Come on, guys. You all need to chill out. We're in a Pokemon Center…" Yellow said before she continue to drink her milkshake.
"Serious-" Leaf could not finish her sentence as she was interrupted by a loud explosion that shook the entire Pokemon Center. As the tremors stopped, everyone exited the building as they watched smoke ascended from Mt. Moon.
"What the?"
"Oh my God."
"What on earth is happening?"
"Look at Mt. Moon. There's smoke coming from it."
As everyone was making a commotion, Blue, Yellow, Leaf and Kimberley sprinted through the crowd within Cerulean City and made their way to Route 4.
"Blue! Why are we going to-" Yellow couldn't finish her statement as another explosion took place, shaking the area once again which caused the teens to lose their balance as they fell to the floor. As Blue quickly stood up to sprint towards the mountain, he had to stop as he saw various police cars blocking the entrance to Mt. Moon. The brunette walked to them, his hands on his side as he questioned them. "What happened, officer? Where did that explosion come from? You need from the best around?"
"Oh, it's you, Blue. From what we've investigated so far, there's been some unruly characters going around." The policeman exaplained, before a loud voice echoed through, surprising everyone. "Private, we need to be barricading the mountain not speaking to mere kids!"
A man with brown hair, having several scars on his face, the biggest one under his eye walked in front of the officer, scolding him. When he was finished, he turned his gaze to the children, closing is eyes as he spoke to them. "Sorry, kids but this area is off limits at this time. Try coming back another time when the investigation is finished."
"Dad, what happened?" Leaf said walking and catching up to the group, causing the man to open his eyes and give out a big smile before running towards her. "Leaf!"
"Uh oh…" The brown haired girl said about to run only to fail as her father crushed her in a bear hug, earning a groan from her as she pouts. She then looks towards her friends to see Blue and Kimberley laughing, Yellow trying her best not to laugh but failed as she let out a slight giggle.
"I didn't even realize it was you! How has little my chestnut detective been doing?" The man said as he let go of Leaf, much to her delight.
"I've been doing fine, dad. So what's up?" She continued, blushing in embarrassment as she gave her friends a menacing glare, causing them to stop as they shuddered in fear.
"You heard it yourself from the private. We're investigating the place right now. Some weird activities been going on in the mountain but now it's starting to go to the extremes." The man said as he looked towards the mountain before turning his gaze at the teens.
"Why don't you all return to the Pokemon Center? It is too dangerous right now for you kids to be here." Hearing this, Blue got aggravated as he walk up to the brown haired man, looking in his face as he started to plead.
"C'mon, Mr. Green. We can help you with this." The man smiled as he shook his head.
"I appreciate you children wanting to help but it's best to take it easy and leave this to the adults. We'll take care of this."
"Bu-"
"NO BUTS!" Mr. Green shouted, frightening everyone within hearing distance of his voice, including Blue although the teen tried to put up a tough demeanor. The man turned around before going to the entrance of the cave and stopping.
"Please, boy. Just go. You have just started your journey and these people will fight underhanded. Get a few badges in before thinking of helping us out. How about that, huh?" After he finished, he turn and waved to them with a smile on his face before he went into the cave, leaving the teens outside with no choice but to go back to Cerulean City.
Groups of Pokemon started to run away in panic as another explosion occur, causing rumbling within the cave. Sounds of machinery echoed in the air as various rocks are being crushed and punctured, causing smoke to envelop the area. As the smoke begin to clear, silhouettes came into the cavern's dark view, as the machinery started to stop as they looked at the results.
"Are you sure that this is the place, Madam?"
"Yes, indeed. We will be able to find a good amount of Moon Stones and fossils so we can sell them on the black market."
"Nice. And we'll be rich for life!" As one of the grunts stated that, the woman started cackling as she said with a silent but serious tone in her voice. "Yes, rich indeed. We'll be continuing in 15 minutes, boys."
"Yes, Lady Ariana!" The men said as they saluted the red haired woman as she left, going towards a more open section of the cave. As she left the small cavern that they made, she was confronted by a bunch of police officers and hikers who surrounded her.
"Freeze! Hands where I can see them!" One of the officers announced with authority present in his voice. Ariana smiled as she quickly took out her Pokeball, releasing a dark blue Pokemon with a huge flower growing on its head. Before the police could react, the Grass-type release spores from its body that instantly wafted through the area, causing the men to fall to their knees as they struggled to endure the effects of the pollen.
"Impressive, boys! It's not many people can endure my Vileplume's spores for more than 5 seconds before going unconscious. It's either you're a lot stronger than I thought or my baby has underestimated you." She said before snapping her fingers which made the spores that came from Vileplume much more potent as it started to knock the men unconscious except for one who muttered a question that the lady heard. "Who… are… you?"
As he asked, Ariana laughed as she walked closer to the man before crouching down towards him and leering him with her amber eyes as she lifted his face with her hand.
"We are your worst nightmare, dear. Terror comes when our name is mentioned." She said as she whispered the last part in his ear before he lost consciousness which is something the policeman will never forget.
"We are Team Rocket."
Never expected to get out this chapter so quickly to be honest. I just decided to just do something and BAM! This came out. Hope that you will enjoy the sorta double upload of the story and tell me your thoughts on the rematch and on Ariana so far. Leaf won't be completely out of the story, she'll be back. Hope y'all enjoy the chapter and the story and thanks for your reviews and everything. Enigma out!