Pokémon: Gilbert's Kanto Journey

by Canadude2029

Gilbert and Bulbasaur start their journey across the world of Pokémon. Together, they'll be joined by many friends as they pursue their dreams.

11. Vermillion Gym Challenge

Chapter 11: Vermillion Gym Challenge

After dealing with the Hisuian Sneasel problem, Gilbert and his friends finally arrive at the Vermillion Gym to battle for his 3rd gym badge. "Well, guys, the wait is finally over. It's time to win my 3rd gym badge." Gilbert said. "You sure about that, Gilbert?" Sakura asked. "Yeah, I've heard about how tough the gym leader is. He's one of the toughest there is." Yolanda said. "Yeah. It was even tough for me when I challenged the gym, but I still managed to win my badge." Arata said. "I get it, guys. Even I admit that I'm a little nervous too. But with all the training I've been doing, I'm ready." Gilbert said.

As the gang entered the gym, they were approached by a couple of gym trainers, a male and a female, dressed like military soldiers. "I've come to challenge the gym leader for a badge." Gilbert said. The trainers just laughed mockingly. "Please. You think you're worthy to challenge our boss?" The female asked mockingly. "You're not even worthy to shine his boots. Now beat it!" The male exclaimed. "I am not leaving without my 3rd gym badge." Gilbert said. "Alright then. Let's settle this with a double battle." The male said as he and his partner brought out their PokéBalls and tossed them into the air, letting out a Voltorb and an Elekid. "Voltorb." Voltorb said metallically. "Bebebe!" Elekid growled. Gilbert brought out his Pokédex and scanned them.

Voltorb, the Ball Pokémon, an Electric-Type. While the true identity of this mysterious PokéBall-resembling Pokémon remains unknown, Voltorb are often found in electric generated areas.

Elekid, the Electric Pokémon, an Electric-Type. When Elekid starts waving its arms, it generates a powerful electric attack from the prongs on its head.

"Alright. You want a battle? I'll give you one. Sandshrew, Staryu, come on out!" Gilbert called, tossing up 2 PokéBalls and letting out Sandshrew and Staryu. "Sandshrew!" Sandshrew chirped. "Hyeugh!" Staryu cried. "You think you can defeat us with those puny Pokémon?" The female asked mockingly. "And even when one of them is a puny Water-Type?" The male asked mockingly. "Don't make fun of us. Let's do this." Gilbert said as he, Sandshrew and Staryu prepared to battle. "So be it. Voltorb, Thunderbolt!" The female called. "Elekid, Brick Break!" The male called. "Vol…TORB!" Voltorb fired Thunderbolt towards Staryu. "Bebebe!" Elekid growled as it prepared to hit Sandshrew with its arm. "Remember your training, guys." Gilbert said. Sandshrew and Staryu dodged the attack and started to use their training. Sandshrew was curled into a ball and started rolling around with great speed. Staryu was spinning through the air with the same speed. "Keep your focus, Voltorb! Use Thunderbolt again!" The female exclaimed. "And you use Thunder, Elekid!" The male exclaimed. Voltorb and Elekid fired their electric attacks, but Sandshrew and Staryu dodged the attacks with their speed. "Now's the time. Sandshrew, Staryu, Gyro Ball!" Gilbert called. As Sandshrew and Staryu continued spinning, they created a blue energy ring and bashed into Voltorb and Elekid hard. "Alright!" Yolanda cheered. "What a hit." Arata said. "All that training paid off." Sakura said.

Voltorb and Elekid fainted from the damage of those 2 Gyro Balls. "That's impossible!" The male exclaimed in shock. "No way!" The female exclaimed. "Sandshrew!" "Hyeugh!" Sandshrew and Staryu cheered. "I'm so proud of you guys. All our training really paid off." Gilbert said, hugging his 2 Pokémon. "You might have beaten us, kid, but we're not gonna let you challenge the boss." The female said. "Not now, not ever." The male said. "That's enough, you 2!" A voice exclaimed. The 2 trainers gulped as they slowly turned around. A big man dressed like a military commander walked over to the gang. "Lt. Surge." The 2 trainers said simultaneously with worry. "You're both dismissed. I'll deal with you later." Lt. Surge said. The 2 trainers walked away as Lt. Surge approached the gang. "Welcome to the Vermillion Gym. I'm Lt. Surge." Lt. Surge introduced. "Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Gilbert from Pallet Town." Gilbert introduced. "I'm Yolanda from Pewter City." Yolanda introduced. "And I'm Sakura from Ecruteak City." Sakura introduced. "Nice to meet you all. And what a surprise to see you back here as well, Arata." Lt. Surge said. "Good to see you too, Surge. I had to come in order to support my friends." Arata said. Just then, Lt. Surge turned his attention to Gilbert's Sandshrew. "Nice Sandshrew. I remember another certain trainer from Pallet Town who challenged my Raichu with a Sandshrew and it evolved into Sandslash." He said. Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura looked at each other, knowing that Lt. Surge was talking about none other than…Ash Ketchum.

"Alright. Now that pleasantries are settled, which one of you 3 is here to challenge me?" Lt. Surge asked. "I am, sir." Gilbert said. "Alright then. Then take your position on the battle field and let's get busy." Lt. Surge said as he took his position on the battle field. Gilbert walked over to the other side and prepared himself. Yolanda, Sakura, Arata, Sandshrew and Staryu sat in the stands to watch the battle. Just then, a commando woman with hair designed like an electric plug stepped onto the referee's podium. "The Vermillion Gym Battle between Lt. Surge and Gilbert of Pallet Town will now begin! My name is Visquez and I will serve as your referee. Both sides will have the use of 3 Pokémon. The battle will be over when all 3 Pokémon on either side are unable to continue. Therefore, only the challenger will be allowed to make substitutions." Visquez explained. "You ready, Gilbert?" Lt. Surge asked. "Ready and willing." Gilbert said. "Then let the match begin!" Visquez called. "Machop, I choose you!" Gilbert called as he tossed a PokéBall. "Machop!" Machop exclaimed as he popped out. "Go, Electrode!" Lt. Surge called as he tossed a PokéBall. "Electrode." Electrode said magnetically as it came out. "Whoa. Electrode." Gilbert said as he got out his Pokédex and scanned Electrode.

Electrode, the Ball Pokémon, an Electric-Type, the evolved form of Voltorb. Electrode's body generates an electromagnetic field that boosts its own Electric-Type attacks.

"Alright! Electrode, use Rollout!" Lt. Surge exclaimed. "Trode!" Electrode started rolling towards Machop. "Machop, remember our training in the forest and dodge it!" Gilbert called. "Machop!" Machop dodged to the right as Electrode nearly rolled over him. "Now, Machop, use Cross Chop!" Gilbert called. "Ma…" Machop's crossed his arms in front of him as they glowed white, and charged towards Electrode. "Magnet Rise." Lt. Surge said. "Electrode." Electrode magnetically levitated its body with Magnet Rise. Suddenly, chunks of the battle field were magnetically ripped out from the ground, making Machop stop in his tracks. Gilbert and Machop were shocked by this. "What's going on?" Sakura asked. "Magnet Rise is a move that levitates a Pokémon and makes them immune to Ground-Type moves for a while. But I've never seen it being used like this." Yolanda explained. "Alright, Electrode, let's do it!" Lt. Surge called. "Electrode!" Electrode started bouncing off the chunks, building up speed with each bounce. "Ma. Chop. Ma. Chop." Machop said with worry as he tried to keep up with Electrode's movements. "Don't let Electrode's movements distract you, Machop! Keep your focus and try to counter!" Gilbert exclaimed. "Well then, let's see you keep your focus for this. Now, Electrode!" Lt. Surge called. "Lec…TRODE!" Electrode bounced off the chunks and bashed into Machop. "Machop!" Gilbert cried.

Electrode continued bashing against Machop as it continued bouncing. "Machop, you gotta try and get out of there! Try to leap out and use Dynamic Punch!" Gilbert called. "Ma? Chop." Machop nodded. As Electrode bounced back towards him, Machop managed to leap out of the way. His right fist glowed red as it prepared to punch Electrode. "Electrode, use Discharge!" Lt. Surge called. "Elec…TRODE." Electrode fired Discharge and shocked Machop hard, knocking him down. "No, Machop!" Gilbert cried. Machop fainted from the powerful shock. "Machop is unable to battle! The winner is Electrode!" Visquez announced. "Oh no. Poor Machop." Sakura said with sadness. "Even after all that hard work and training." Yolanda said. "I went through that very situation when I battle Lt. Surge's Electrode. Using Magnet Rise and increasing its speed, that makes Electrode one tough opponent if trained the right way." Arata explained.

"Machop, return." Gilbert said, recalling Machop back to his Pokémon. "You gave it your best shot. Now get a good rest." He said. "Don't be so surprised, young Gilbert. Not many trainers have managed to get past my Electrode's incredible battling style. But I'm actually excited to see what you have in store to try and beat Electrode." Lt. Surge said. Gilbert thought about it and smirked. "I got just the Pokémon to match Electrode's speed. Come on out, Sneasel!" He called, tossing up a PokéBall. "Sneasel!" Sneasel said as he came out. "He's using Sneasel?" Arata asked. "I'm actually a little surprised. He recently captured Sneasel and he's already psyched to use him in a battle." Sakura said. "Maybe. But since this is Sneasel's first gym battle, we should expect great things." Yolanda said. "Is that one of the Sneasel that was stealing food in town?" Lt. Surge asked. "Yep. This one was the beta leader, but now he's on my team now. It's our first battle together. I figured it'd be a good chance to see how well we work together as a team." Gilbert explained. "Snea." Sneasel agreed. "It takes courage using a new Pokémon addition in a gym battle as a test. So, let's see what you got, Gilbert." Lt. Surge said.

"Battle begin!" Visquez called. "Alright, Electrode, use Magnet Rise again!" Lt. Surge called. "Lec…TRODE!" Electrode started using Magnet Rise again, magnetically levitating itself and chunks of the battlefield. 'I thought he'd do that again.' Gilbert thought with a smirk. Electrode started bouncing off the chunks, picking up its speed again. "Ready to match speed with speed, Sneasel?" Gilbert asked. "Snea." Sneasel said. "Then use Agility." Gilbert said. Sneasel started boosting his speed with Agility, matching Electrode's increasing speed. "Whoa! I forgot how fast Sneasel can move." Sakura said. "Trode? Trode?" Electrode got worried as it kept bouncing, losing concentration as it couldn't keep up with Sneasel's movements. "Now, Sneasel, use Scratch!" Gilbert called. "Snea…sel!" Sneasel's claws glowed white as it ran towards Electrode and scratched it. "Keep up that Scratch as you keep running, Sneasel!" Gilbert called. Sneasel kept running with great speed with Agility as he kept using Scratch on Electrode. "Get a hold of yourself, Electrode! Use Thunderbolt!" Lt. Surge exclaimed. "Not this time! Use Night Slash, Sneasel!" Gilbert called. Electrode started to charge up Thunderbolt, but Sneasel moved too quickly. His claws glowed bright purple and scratched Electrode. "Electrode!" Lt. Surge cried. Electrode fainted from too much damage. "Electrode is unable to battle! Sneasel wins!" Visquez announced. "Sandshrew!" "Hyuegh!" Sandshrew and Staryu cheered. "Alright, Gilbert! Way to go!" Sakura cheered. "Not bad for Sneasel's first gym win." Yolanda said.

Lt. Surge returned Electrode to its PokéBall. "You've earned yourself a good rest." He said. "I figured you'd try to use Magnet Rise again. So, I had my secret speedy weapon ready." Gilbert explained. "Sneasel." Sneasel said with a wink. "Well then, let's see how you do against my next Pokémon. Come on out, Magnemite!" Lt. Surge called, tossing his second PokéBall. "Magnemite." Magnemite said metallically as it came out. "Whoa. Magnemite." Gilbert said, getting his Pokédex and scanning it.

Magnemite, the Magnet Pokemon, an Electric & Steel-Type and the first pre-evolved form of Magnezone. Magnemite uses the 2 magnets on its body to detect magnetic fields and discharge them with fields of electricity.

"So, Magnemite's up next. Can you keep going, Sneasel?" Gilbert asked. "Snea." Sneasel said, ready to keep battling. "Alright. Let's do this." Gilbert said. "Battle begin!" Visquez called. "Alright, Magnemite, use Thundershock!" Lt. Surge called. "Magnemite!" Magnemite fired Thundershock. "Dodge it with Agility, Sneasel!" Gilbert called. Sneasel used Agility and sped off, dodging Magnemite's Thundershock. "Don't let up, Magnemite! It can't keep running forever!" Lt. Surge called. Magnemite continued firing Thundershock, trying to hit Sneasel. "Okay, Sneasel, use Swords Dance!" Gilbert called. Sneasel leapt up, dodging another Thundershock, and started spinning, powering up. "Now, use Brick Break!" Gilbert called. "Snea…SEL!" Sneasel's right arm glowed white and struck Magnemite hard, landing a critical hit and dealing a lot of damage. "What a hit." Sakura said in awe. "No doubt. Since Magnemite's part Steel-Type, Fighting-Type moves like Brick Break are super effective on it." Yolanda explained. "And with the added effects of Swords Dance, Sneasel was able to land a critical hit." Arata added.

Lt. Surge returned Magnemite to its PokéBall. "I must say, I'm rather impressed. You've managed to defeat 2 of my Pokémon twice in a row. And with a Sneasel that you just recently captured." Lt. Surge said. "Thank you, Surge. I guess Sneasel and I make a good team after all." Gilbert said. "Snea." Sneasel said with a wink. "Maybe so, but I'm afraid that your luck ends here. Go, Raichu!" Lt. Surge exclaimed, throwing his last PokéBall. "Rai!" Raichu cried as it came out. "Raichu." Gilbert muttered, getting his Pokédex and scanning Raichu.

Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon, an Electric-Type and the evolved form of Pikachu. Raichu uses its tail like a lightning rod to draw in electricity from the air and then use it to power up its own Electric-Type attacks.

Gilbert got a look on his face, knowing that the battle was about to get more serious now. "Uh oh. I was afraid of this." Arata said. "No doubt. I heard from Brock that Raichu's the most powerful Pokémon Lt. Surge has. That he evolved it from a Pikachu the second he caught it." Yolanda said. "But yet Ash managed to beat it using speed. So, Sneasel should be able to handle it, right?" Sakura asked. "Doubtfully. When I battled Raichu, Surge taught it some new tricks to deal with speedy Pokémon." Arata explained. That made Yolanda and Sakura worried. Sandshrew and Staryu watched their trainer with worry.

"Battle begin!" Visquez called. "Alright, Sneasel, use Agility one more time!" Gilbert called. "Sneasel!" Sneasel started running with Agility once more. But Lt. Surge and Raichu didn't even flinch. "Now, Raichu." Lt. Surge said. "Rai." Raichu grinned as it used a special surprise. It held out its tail and tripped Sneasel. "Sneasel!" Gilbert cried. "Now, Raichu, use Mega Punch!" Lt. Surge called. "Rai…CHU!" Raichu's right fist glowed in a black orb of energy and punched Sneasel hard in the face. "Now Mega Kick!" Lt. Surge called. "Rai…CHU!" Raichu's left foot glowed with blue energy and kicked Sneasel hard. "Sneasel, hang in there!" Gilbert cried. "Snea…" Sneasel struggled to get up. "Now, Raichu, finish with Body Slam!" Lt. Surge called. "Rai…CHU!" Raichu slammed onto Sneasel with its body. Sneasel couldn't hang on anymore and fainted. "Sneasel is unable to battle! Raichu wins!" Visquez announced. "Oh no." Sakura said with sadness. "Guess that's it for Sneasel and his excellent speed." Yolanda said. "Told you Raichu had new tricks for speedy Pokémon." Arata said. Sandshrew and Staryu were sad to see that their new friend lost.

Gilbert returned Sneasel to his PokéBall. "You gave it your all, Sneasel. Now get a good rest." He said. "So, who's your final Pokémon, Gilbert?" Lt. Surge asked. Gilbert took out one more Pokémon. "My last Pokémon is…Bulbasaur!" He called, tossing up the PokéBall. "Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur barked as he came out. "So, you're going to try and beat my Raichu with a Grass-Type. I admire your determination. So, let's see what you got." Lt. Surge said. Gilbert stayed silent as he and Bulbasaur prepared to battle. "Guys, I know that Electric-Type moves don't have much effect on Grass-Types, but do you think Bulbasaur will be okay against Raichu?" Sakura asked with worry. "Let's hope so. Since this is the last battle, Gilbert's gonna have to think of something or he'll never get his 3rd badge." Yolanda said. "Well, here's hoping." Arata said.

"Battle begin!" Visquez called. "Let's go, Raichu! Mega Punch!" Lt. Surge called. "Rai…" Raichu prepared to punch Bulbasaur. "Okay, Bulbasaur, use Stun Spore." Gilbert said. "Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur fired yellow spores from his bulb and hit Raichu with them. Bulbasaur leapt back, dodging the Mega Punch as Raichu landed. "Alright, Raichu, let's use Body Slam!" Lt. Surge called. "Rai…" Raichu was about to move, but it couldn't move. "Rai?" "Raichu?" Lt. Surge asked in confusion. Raichu tried to move again, but it couldn't. "Do something!" Lt. Surge exclaimed with worry. "It's no good, Surge. Stun Spore paralyzed Raichu. So, it won't be able to move." Gilbert said. "Is that right? But even paralyzed, Raichu will still be able to use moves when it gets the chance." Lt. Surge said. "Maybe so, but Bulbasaur and I will have this match won before that can happen." Gilbert said. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur barked. Suddenly, Bulbasaur started glowing brightly. "Bulbasaur?" Gilbert asked in shock. Lt. Surge, Visquez, Sakura, Yolanda and Arata stared in shock at what was happening. Bulbasaur's body suddenly grew larger and the bulb on its back sprouted into a flower bud. As the glow dispersed, in Bulbasaur's place stood… "Ivysaur!" Ivysaur barked. "Ivysaur." Gilbert said, getting his Pokémon and scanning Ivysaur.

Ivysaur, the Seed Pokémon, a Grass & Poison-Type, and the evolved form of Bulbasaur. When Ivysaur takes in nutrients, the bud on its back blooms into a large flower that can absorb sunlight and grow stronger.

"Alright, Ivysaur, let's win this." Gilbert said. "Ivysaur." Ivysaur said in agreement. "Alright. Use Power Whip!" Gilbert called. "Ivysaur!" Ivysaur shot out its vine, glowing light violet, and struck Raichu across the face. "Raichu!" Lt. Surge cried. Raichu was heavily damaged by the attack and fainted. "Raichu is unable to continue! Ivysaur wins the round! The match goes to the challenger, Gilbert!" Visquez announced. "We won! We did it!" Gilbert cheered. "Ivysaur!" Ivysaur barked happily as he pounced onto Gilbert. "You were amazing, Ivysaur." Gilbert said, petting Ivysaur's head. "Ivysaur." Ivysaur said. "He did it! Gilbert did it!" Sakura cheered. "Now that's what I call a win." Yolanda said. "That was one of the best battles I've ever seen yet." Arata said. "Shrew! Shrew! Sandshrew!" "Hyuegh! Hyuegh!" Sandshrew and Staryu cheered happily.

After the gym battle, Gilbert and Lt. Surge shook hands. "That was one of the best battles I've ever had in a while, Gilbert. You really deserved this win." Lt. Surge said. "Thank you, Surge." Gilbert said. "As proof of your win in the Vermillion Gym, I present you with the Thunder Badge." Lt. Surge said as Visquez presented the Thunder Badge. "Thank you so much." Gilbert said as he took the badge. "Alright. We won the Thunder Badge!" He cheered. "Ivysaur!" "Sandshrew!" "Hyuegh!" "Machop!" "Sneasel!" Gilbert's Pokémon cheered.

Later, after healing his Pokémon at the Pokémon Center, everyone prepared to head out. "Well, guys, I guess this is where we say goodbye." Arata said. "Looks that way." Gilbert said. "Where will you be heading, Arata?" Sakura asked. "Well, I think I'm gonna try to hook back up with Aubrina in Celadon City." Arata said. "Well then, it was good to see you again, Arata." Yolanda said. "Take care, guys. Hopefully, we'll meet again soon." Arata said. "We hope so too, Arata." Gilbert said, giving Arata one last handshake. The group waved goodbye to Arata as he left before heading off themselves.

Major Events:

Gilbert, Yolanda, Sakura and Arata arrive at Vermillion Gym

Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura meet Lt. Surge

Gilbert challenges Lt. Surge and wins

Gilbert earns the Thunder Badge

Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur

Arata parts ways with Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura