Pokemon - To Catch Them All - Viridian Gym
#16 of Pokemon - To Catch Them All
Leo challenges the final Gym in Kanto
Before I left the Power Plant I did some training with my newest team members, that being Tangrowth, Magnemite, Voltorb and Electabuzz. Againat Electric Types Tangrowth had a good advantage, resisting Electric Type moves easily and defeating opponents with powerful moves, like Power Whip. Electabuzz wouldn't be able to evolve until I acquired a certain item that was commonly found in the Sinnoh Region, so I'd have some time getting used to Electabuzz's fighting style. Electabuzz was a confident battler, showing versatility with his fighting style and always trying to impress me.
Then there was Magnemite, it was a unique Pokemon to train, my first Steel Type Pokemon so it was a learning experience training Magnemite. In battle Magnemite appeared to be observant more so than I had expected. When not battling Magnemite got along extremely well with any and all Electric Pokemon. Similarly the Electric Types got along well with Magnemite too. Magnemite and I had been training for a few hours and I was not surprised when Magnemite began evolving into Magneton. "Magneton has been registered to your Pokedex. Magneton the Magnet Pokemon an Electric and Steel Type. A Magneton is actually three Magnemite linked by magnetism. A group of these Pokemon can set off a magnetic storm."
Learning that Magneton was actually three individual Magnemite was shocking and interesting but not bad at all. Since forming together to become a Magneton. I had seem some improvements, not only had Magneton gotten much stronger learning Flash Cannon in the process. However Magneton's intelligence had increased and his problem solving had been helpful in battles. Whenever he saw an opportunity and believed that I hadn't he took it. I didn't mind thinking it was good for Magneton to battle on its own. Personality wise, being a magnet Magneton didn't really make a powerful connection with me, not that I mind. Still I cared for Magneton just like I had done with all of my other Pokemon.
Finally there was my Voltorb, the Pokemon that looked exactly like a Pokeball which was at some point very confusing for me. The Pokedex had stated that Voltorb were quite a dangerous Pokemon simply because upon contact they could blow up or electrocute whomever touched them. However, I learned that was actually based on their emotions and circumstances. For example, if Voltorb wasn't expecting to be touched by someone, Voltorb would be frightened and as such explode or let of a shock to ward of the threat. Meanwhile when it came to me, someone Voltorb had grown to trust exceptionally well, Voltorb would gladly jump into my arms and wouldn't shock me. I assumed there was a level of trust needed to not get shocked, showing we had already formed a strong connection to one another.
Battling wise, Voltorb was very fast, not as fast as Jolteon perhaps, but still faster than some of my other Pokemon. Voltorb could easily dodge opponents without much effort and retaliate with attacks whenever it got the opportunity. After some training I could see that Voltorb's speed was increasing exponentially as such it wasn't a surprise when Voltorb began evolving into an Electrode. "Electrode has been registered to your Pokedex. Electrode the Ball Pokemon a Electric Type. It is known to drift on winds if it is bloated to bursting with stored electricity." Evolution had definitely increased Electrode's speed to the point where it demanded a race between it and Jolteon who previously always won in their races.
Now however, even though Jolteon was still exceptionally fast, he was now slower than Electrode who whipped around the room faster than the eye could blink. At least that's what it looked like to a spectator. Jolteon was disappointed but cheered up when I patted his head promising to help him improve in the future, much to his delight. Electrode also came over, demanding attention for winning, which I granted. Congratulating him on evolving and winning the race as well. Electrode accepted the praise with surprising humility.
At that I left the Power Plant and returned to Viridian City thanks to my Charizard flying me there. When I arrived, I had decided to challenge the gym first thing and once I'd earned the gym badge I would then return home and give my mother a surprise visit something I'm sure she wouldn't be expecting. It would be a good, welcome surprise. I had tried to do some research on the Viridian Gym but nothing came up, the gym was shrouded in secrecy ever since the gym was supposedly run by Team Rocket a few years back.
Still I decided that in the event the gym was a full six on six battle, which I couldn't rule out I decided to bring the following six Pokemon with me. I spoke with all of my current Pokemon and we eventually decided together which team would be the best based on what they wanted and what I wanted. Bringing Blastoise as my first choice was simple as I believed he may well be my strongest Pokemon, since he'd been with me the longest. Though by no means were my other Pokemon weak, there was only a slight marginal difference in their strength if any.
My second choice was Alakazam, since having a powerful Psychic Type would come in handy, if the gym leader would be using any Poison or Fighting Type Pokemon. For a similar reason, my third Pokemon chosen was Gengar, having a Ghost Type would come in handy thanks to Gengar being immune to Normal and Fighting Types. His prankster personality may also come in handy with winning battles. My fourth Pokemon ultimately was decided on Arcanine, it was difficult choosing between all my Fire Types but eventually I decided on bringing Arcanine, simply because my other Pokemon didn't mind who I chose. After all we were a close knit group or friends.
My fifth choice was getting even more difficult but I chose to bring in Dragonair, simply because he was showing himself to be a powerful and talented battler, having good reflexes and moves helped make the decision for me. That left the final slot and after much deliberation I decided on bringing Snorlax, he hadn't seen all that much action simply because he slept almost all the time, but surprisingly he was now wide awake and what better opportunity was there than bringing him along for the final gym. At that I entered the gym and looked around nervously trying to settle my nerves.
Eventually I reached the main stadium and was surprised when the lights suddenly turned on and a figure begin walking towards the arena opposite me. When they got closer I didn't know who they were exactly, I'd never seen them on any official leaflets or promotional material, but they clearly exuded confidence and power as they strode towards me. "You must be an accomplished trainer, to have reached this point. Collecting seven gym badges is by no means an easy feat. This will be your ultimate test, my name is Blue and I'm the Viridian Gym leader." I must have looked so confused as he smirked and explained everything about the gym.
"I'm sure you must have tried to do some research about the gym to understand what you will be going up against. However, I want challengers to experience the unpredictable and learn to adapt. As such I keep everything secret. I change my team for every battle, to ensure that nobody can make strategies for my battles. This is what it means to be the leader of the eight gym. Now challenger introduce yourself!" Blue announced as he grabbed a Pokeball of his belt and tossed it in the air repeatedly smirking confidently.
"My name is Leo from Viridian City! I'm here to challenge you to a gym battle and earn my final gym badge from Kanto!" Blue nodded amusement shining in his eyes before he clicked his fingers and a referee appeared. "This will be a full six on six battle between Blue the gym leader and Leo from Viridian City. When one sides Pokemon are all unable to continue battling, the opposing trainer will be declared the winner. Are both trainers ready?" At that we both nodded and so the referee announced, "then trainers send out your first Pokemon!"
"Gengar come on out!" Gengar appeared on my side, grinning excitedly as on Blue's side he chose a Alakazam. Just looking at that Alakazam I could see it was a powerful Pokemon, stronger than Sabrina's that's for sure, but what about mine. "Battle begin!" The referee announced and Blue immediately went on the offensive. "Alakazam Calm Mind!" I couldn't allow that "Gengar Shadow Ball!" Gengar threw a large Shadow Ball at Alakazam which made contact, but the Calm Mind had increased Alakazam's special defence enough for it to withstand Shadow Ball.
"Gengar Sludge Bomb!" Gengar this time threw a Sludge Bomb at Alakazam but again Blue countered, "Psychic!" This time Alakazam took control of the Sludge Bomb and threw it back at Gengar. "Shadow Ball!" Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb collided mid air creating a small smokescreen. "Now use Shadow Ball Alakazam!" Of course Alakazam could find Gengar easily thanks to being a Psychic Type but then again Gengar had intangibility at his disposal. "Gengar disappear into the shadows!" Gengar grinned dodging the Shadow Ball by mere seconds.
The smoke cleared and both Blue and Alakazam were looking around the arena searching for Gengar who was waiting patiently for my command. Alakazam more so was relying on using its psychic powers to detect Gengar's presence which still took time. "Come out and use Shadow Ball then disappear again!" Gengar appeared right behind Alakazam throwing a Shadow Ball before disappearing right into the shadows once more. Alakazam quickly shook of the damage from Shadow Ball and galred at where Gengar had disappeared. "A hit and run strategy huh? Not bad, you understand your Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses better than I had expected." Blue seemed impressed but glared in focus once again.
"Gengar Shadow Ball one more time!" Gengar again appeared but Blue wasn't fooling for the same trick twice, "I don't think so, Alakazan Shadow ball above you!" Almost immediately Alakazam threw a Shadow Ball as Gengar threw his and the two moves collided creating a huge explosion, sending both Gengar and Alakazam back to their trainers. When the smoke cleared, both Gengar and Alakazam were breathing heavily. Gengar stumbled before regaining his footing, however Alakazam slumped down unable to battle.
"Alakazam is unable to battle, Gengar is the winner!" The referee announced but I didn't celebrate, that was only the first Pokemon and that Alakazam had been trained exceptionally well. Blue returned his Alakazam and had an emotion that looked like interest and excitement in his eye as he brandished his second Pokemon. "Come out Tauros!" Gengar had already taken a lot of damage and even though he was immune to Normal Type moves, I wasn't risking it. "Return Gengar, get some rest!" I grabbed my second Pokemon. "Come out Snorlax!"
Snorlax landed on the battlefield yawning but was prepared for a good battle against a fellow Normal Type. "Tauros Double Edge!" Tauros bellowed and charged towards Snorlax. "Snorlax block it!" Snorlax placed his arms out and prepared to intercept Tauros and when Tauros got close enough. Snorlax grabbed a hold of Tauros' horns and braced himself. Tauros was no slouch though and was pushing Snorlax back, but Snorlax gritted his teeth digging his feet into the ground and holding Tauros back. "Good Snorlax, we've got them right where we need them, now use Yawn!" As soon as the command was made Blue knew he had stumbled into a trap by having his Tauros fight close range.
His only chance was having Tauros finish the battle in a single move and he knew that wouldn't be easy against such a powerful Snorlax and a highly intelligent and resourceful trainer that Blue was beginning to realise he may have underestimated the trainer. Tauros yawned in his drowsiness making Snorlax smirk, his trainer had come up with an excellent plan simply because he knew a lot about Tauros' fighting style simply because he owned one himself. "Snorlax now use Hammer Arm!" Since Snorlax had to raise one hand it meant only one hand held on to Tauros.
"Tauros shake Snorlax off and use Giga Impact!" Snorlax tried desperately to hold Tauros down but eventually Tauros managed to slip away. From a distance, Tauros then charged forward with an immense Giga Impact while Snorlax readied himself to counter with Hammer Arm. The two Pokemon collided and a massive smokescreen blocked the view of the trainers. When the smoke eventually cleared, Tauros wasn't defeated but was fast asleep thanks to the Yawn meanwhile Snorlax was in a bad shape. That Giga Impact had done some serious damage.
"Snorlax while Tauros is sleeping, use Rest!" It was the perfect opportunity as while Tauros was sleeping, Snorlax had regained all of his energy and was ripe as rain. "Now Snorlax another Hammer Arm!" Snorlax took advantage of his rejuvenated strength and moved slowly towards the still sleeping Tauros and struck the bull hard. When Snorlax moved his arm away, Tauros was clearly unable to continue battling. "Tauros is unable to battle, Snorlax is the winner!" Snorlax cheered at his win before he yawned tiredly. When I asked whether he could continued Snorlax turned to me with his fist pumped upwards.
Blue returned his Tauros and grabbed his third Pokeball sending out a Aerodactyl a Rock and Flying Type. "Aerodactyl use Rock Slide!" Blue made the first move as Aerodactyl summoned forth several rocks and threw them at Snorlax. Thanks to Snorlax using Hammer Arm, his speed had been decreased. "Snorlax counter with Hammer Arm!" As each rock barrelled into Snorlax he countered smashing the rocks with Hammer Arm.
Based on the reduced speed Snorlax was getting hit repeatedly and it was becoming an issue when Aerodactyl landed several more Rock Slides injuring Snorlax badly. Using Rest would put me at a disadvantage the only move I could make would be swapping out for someone faster than Aerodactyl or someone who has a type advantage. "Return Snorlax, you did good, take a rest for now." I returned Snorlax before grabbing my next Pokeball.
"Blastoise I need your help!" Blastoise appeared staring confidently at Aerodactyl who glared back in retaliation. "Blastoise Hydro Pump!" Blastoise fired two Hydro Pumps from his cannons which would do some serious damage. "Aerodactyl dodge those and use Crunch!" Aerodactyl swooped around the Hydro Pump before moving in close attempting to crunch down on Blastoise. Blastoise wasn't going to let that happen and moved his Hydro Pump around to strike Aerodactyl.
Eventually Aerodactyl got close enough and landed a Crunch on Blastoise however, that was what we were waiting for. I had realised that Aerodactyl was much too fast but if they ever got in close that would provide us with an opportunity to strike down Aerodactyl. Yes the damage from Crunch was a slight hinderance but Blastoise seemed relatively unharmed.
"Blastoise use Ice Beam!" Aerodactyl had nowhere to go and was hit by a super effective Ice Beam falling to the ground frozen in place. "Aerodactyl is unable to battle, Blastoise is the winner!" Blue was now down to only three Pokemon remaining, but instead of looking concerned or disappointed he appeared rather happy and energized too. "It's been too long since I've had a battle this fun. I won't let it end so easily though!" Blue grabbed his fourth Pokemon, "Exeggutor your next!"
Exeggutor appeared on the field, the Kantonian Form specifically and I returned my Blastoise purely for type advantages. "I need your help Arcanine!" Arcanine appeared on the field growling viciously glaring at Exeggutor who remained unfazed. "Exeggutor Light Screen!" Exeggutor created a small barrier around itself which would raise their teams special defense.
"Arcanine use Fire Fang!" Arcanine ran straight towards Exeggutor fire dripping from his fangs as he approached the stationary Exeggutor. "Exeggutor use Stomp!" Exeggutor used it's height to land a Stomp on Arcanine's head causing some serious damage. Arcainine wasn't one to just give up and pushed Exeggutor off and landed Fire Fang which was super effective.
"Exeggutor shake Arcanine off!" Exeggutor began swinging around trying to dislodge the stubborn Arcanine. However, Arcanine was more stubborn than anybody knew and hung on doing more and more damage with Fire Fang. "Exeggutor Psychic!" Exeggutor's eyes glowed light blue as Exeggutor took control of Arcanine's body before throwing him down to the ground roughly. "Arcanine Extremespeed!" Arcanine shot up from the ground and at a speed to quick to follow struck Exeggutor repeatedly causing Exeggutor to faint from the rapid barrage.
"Exeggutor is unable to battle, Arcanine is the winner!" Blue returned his Exeggutor before grabbing his fifth Pokemon. "Gyarados your up next!" Gyarados appeared looming over Arcanine growling viciously, swiping his tail around threatening the much smaller Arcanine in comparison. I knew Arcanine didn't stand a chance against Gyarados and knew a swap was necessary.
"Arcanine return for now, you did a great job!" Against Gyarados I chose to battle with Alakazam instead, "Alakazam its your turn!" Alakazam calmly landed on the battlefield observing the snarling Gyarados carefully. However, Alakazam appeared unfazed by Gyarados' anger. "Gyarados use Aqua Tail!" Water swirled around Gyarados' tail as it tried to whip Alakazam. "Dodge by using Teleport!"
Alakazam nodded and disappeared behind Gyarados, however Gyarados wasn't so easily fooled sending a second Aqua Tail right at Alakazam. Being a Psychic Type Alakazam already knew what was happening and dodged again with a second Teleport. "Alakazam Tri Attack!" Alakazam formed three orbs before firing them repeatedly at Gyarados.
"Block them by using Aqua Tail once more!" Blue commanded as his Gyarados managed to effectively destroy each and every orb that struck the Aqua Tail. "Your Gyarados is really strong." I had to admit complimenting the ferocious and tenacious Gyarados as Blue returned the compliment. "Your Alakazam trusts you too." At that the battle resumed.
"Alakazam Shadow Ball!" Alakazam formed a Shadow Ball and threw it right at Gyarados. "Gyarados Hydro Pump!" Gyarados' Hydro Pump and Shadow Ball collided mid air in a explosion blocking every ones view. However, from the smoke Hydro Pump continued right towards Alakazam. "Teleport!" Once more Alakazam dodged by using Teleport. This Gyarados was really something though, it's power and speed were impressive.
Since I owned a Gyarados I understood their abilities quite well, however, this Gyarados seemed to rely more on power to overcome attacks thrown at it. Therefore if I can't overpower the Gyarados I should try and trike before it has a chance to react. "Alakazam Teleport then use Tri Attack from all around Gyarados!" Alakazam nodded disappearing before reappearing around Gyarados firing the respective orbs at Gyarados who looked around confused.
Blue however, remained calm. "Gyarados Aqua Tail back to back!" Gyarados used Aqua Tail and began destroying the orbs from all directions. Alakazam wasn't one to give up though and continued firing the orbs. From above Alakazam realised that Gyarados was vulnerable and wouldn't be able to effectively block. Alakazam communicated his plan to his trainer who was in complete agreement. As such Alakazam used a Shadow Ball to distract Gyarados.
Blue had Gyarados counter once more with Hydro Pump creating a smokescreen barrier. Using that to our advantage, Alakazam used Teleport and appeared right above Gyarados, in a blind spot to both Blue and Gyarados both. "Tri Attack!" From above, Alakazam threw Tri Attack which scored a massive hit on Gyarados who roared in pain.
As Gyarados was getting up Alakazam teleported back to me and we observed Gyarados. Gyarados began sparking electricity danced across its body showing that Tri Attack had managed to paralyse Gyarados creating an opportunity to end the battle with out next move. "Alakazam lets finish this, use Shadow Ball!" Alakazam fired his most powerful Shadow Ball yet which finally defeated the immense Gyarados.
"Gyarados is unable to battle, Alakazam is the winner." At that Blue's expression darkened and he returned his Gyarados. He grabbed his final Pokemon and before he released it he grinned. "My backs really against the wall now. You've definitely proven yourself to be worthy of respect. However, this Pokemon, has been with me since day one, our bond is unbreakable and we'll never give up!"
Blue readied his final Pokemon, "your my last Pokemon Charizard, lets show them how powerful our bond is!" Blue's final Pokemon descended on the battlefield roaring breathing out intense flames that radiated with strength. Alakazam however remained unfazed and awaited my commands. "Alakazam Tri Attack!" I started the battle off watching as Alakazam threw the orbs at Charizard.
"Charizard Flamethrower!" Blue commanded and I watched amazed and shocked as his Charizard burned straight through the Tri Attack and almost scorching Alakazam as well, had he not had impressive reflexes and dodged using Teleport. "That was way too close, come back Alakazam!" I returned Alakazam choosing my next Pokemon to go against such a powerful Charizard.
I could send out Blastoise as he was my strongest Pokemon, but at the same time, my Dragonair had been getting increasingly stronger day by day. "Dragonair come on out!" Dragonair appeared swimming through the air glaring beautifully at Charizard who returned the glare with equal hostility. "Charizard Flamethrower!" Charizard used a second Flamethrower. "Dragonair dodge and use Rain Dance!" Dragonair managed to move around the Flamethrower and further create a Rain Dance.
Rain Dance would weaken the power of Fire Type moves and allow Dragonair to have a slight advantage against Charizard. "Dragonair Dragon Pulse!" Dragonair formed a pulse of draconic energy and unleashed it right at Charizard. "Charizard Dragon Claw!" Dragonair swiped a claw through Dragon Pulse breaking it apart upon contact.
"Dragonair Dragon Rush!" Dragonair charged towards Charizard imbued with power and Charizard observed cautiously. "Charizard use Dragon Claw again!" Charizard countered the Dragon Rush with a powerful Dragon Claw. The two Pokemon pushed against the other trying to overpower the other. Unfortunately Dragonair didn't have enough power and Charizard managed to push Dragonair away.
"Charizard Seismic Toss!" Blue commanded and as quick as light, Charizard grabbed Dragonair securely before flying up into the air swinging Dragonair around before descending to the ground and throwing Dragonair into the field painfully hard. Charizard flew away to Blue's side to see what had happened to Dragonair. When the smoke cleared Dragonair was bruised and battered, breathing rapidly.
Dragonair turned to face Leo seeing the desperation and concern on his masters face encouraged Dragonair to not give up. Everyone else on the team had done so much for Leo, because they loved him. Dragonair wasn't about to give up and betray the love that Leo placed in him. Fuelled with that determination Dragonair soared into the air clearly struggling.
However, I was surprised when Dragonair began glowing signalling his evolution, from where Dragonair was now there was a Dragonite glaring at Charizard with renewed vigour seemingly unfazed by the damage it had taken earlier. "Dragonite has been registered to your Pokedex. Dragonite the Dragon Pokemon a Dragon and Flying Type. It is said to make its home somewhere in the sea. It guides wrecked ships to shore." Dragonite roared and Charizard returned the roar.
The rain suddenly ended and everybody was ready for round two to commence. "Dragonite Thunder Punch!" Dragonite extended his new fist which now exuded electricity and went to go and punch Charizard. "Charizard Flamethrower!" Charizard used Flamethrower and the two moves collided. Dragonite pushed forward glaring ignoring the Flamethrower which was burning him so much.
Dragonite roared and pushed forward destroying the Flamethrower much to Charizard and Blue's shock before landing a super effective Thunder Punch on Charizard who slammed into the ground. When the smoke cleared Charizard and Dragonite stared each other down neither blinking before suddenly, Charizard collapsed and was unable to battle.
"Charizard is unable battle, Dragonite is the winner. That means the winner of this battle is Leo from Viridian City!" I couldn't contain my excitement and embraced my new Dragonite who returned me with excitement as well. We were interrupted when Blue approached smiling at the powerful bond between Leo and Dragonite. No not just Dragonite, but with each and every Pokemon he owned.
"I must say, that was a fun battle. You gave your Pokemon everything they needed in order to win. They in turn felt your determination and love and responded to give you the win. Here this is the Earth Badge, congratulations you've earned it!" At that I thanked Blue and placed to badge in the badge case. That meant I had earned all the badges from Kanto. Now all I needed to do was catch the remaining Pokemon from Kanto and then move on to the next region and continue my journey.