Kenji and his team trudged through the dimly lit streets of Pewter City, their bodies aching from the long day in Viridian Forest. The once serene city, nestled against the foothills of the mountains, now felt like a beacon of respite for the weary group. Pidgeotto, fluttered beside Kenji with ruffled feathers and tired wings. Gastly floated low to the ground, its form flickering weakly as it struggled to maintain its usual ethereal presence. Bulbasaur, newly captured and now a key part of Kenji’s team, walked close to Kenji, its bulb glowing faintly in the dark, emitting a soft, warm light that barely illuminated their path.
The Pokémon Center stood at the edge of the city, its bright red roof and soft, inviting lights a welcome sight against the darkening sky. As they reached the doors, they slid open with a gentle hum, and Kenji, exhausted and dirty from the day’s battles, stumbled inside with his Pokémon by his side.
Nurse Joy, with her trademark pink hair and warm smile, immediately noticed the state they were in. She approached quickly, her face full of concern. “Oh my! You all look like you’ve been through quite the adventure. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of your Pokémon right away.”
Kenji nodded, too tired to say much, and handed over his Poké Balls. Pidgeotto and Bulbasaur went into their balls without protest, while Gastly floated gently toward the healing machine on the counter. Despite their exhaustion, the three Pokémon seemed content, their loyalty to Kenji evident in the way they had stayed with him out of their Poké Balls.
As Nurse Joy began the healing process, a Chansey wheeled a small cart over to Kenji, offering him a warm blanket and a cup of tea. Nurse Joy looked over at him with a kind smile. “You’re clearly a Trainer, and Trainers are always welcome to stay here for the night. We have rooms upstairs. Why don’t you take a shower and get some rest while your Pokémon recover?”
Kenji smiled weakly in gratitude. “Thank you… I really appreciate it.”
Nurse Joy nodded. “It’s no trouble at all. Your Pokémon will be fully healed by the time you wake up.”
Kenji followed Chansey upstairs, feeling every ache and bruise as he climbed the steps. The Pokémon Center’s guest rooms were simple but comfortable—small beds with soft linens, a nightstand with a lamp, and a small desk with a chair. A door led to a private bathroom with a shower, which Kenji was particularly grateful for.
Before heading to the shower, Kenji sat down on the bed and pulled out his phone to check Bulbasaur’s stats. The Pokédex app loaded quickly, and Kenji navigated to his profile, selecting Bulbasaur’s entry. The screen displayed Bulbasaur’s information in clear, crisp text.
Bulbasaur
Level: 23
Nature: Modest
Moves: Razor Leaf, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder, Leech Seed
Kenji stared at the screen in surprise. “Level 23? No wonder that battle was so intense…”
As he studied the stats, the Pokédex app’s AI assistant, Dexter, chimed in with a soft, synthesized voice. “Bulbasaur is currently at a higher level than most of your other Pokémon. This Bulbasaur has chosen not to evolve, which is unusual given its current level. The glowing bulb indicates that it is storing a large amount of energy, likely due to its refusal to evolve.”
Kenji raised an eyebrow. “It chose not to evolve? Why would it do that?”
“There can be various reasons,” Dexter explained. “Sometimes a Pokémon chooses not to evolve because it feels it is not ready, or it has a strong attachment to its current form. However, this does mean that Bulbasaur has immense potential. But it also means that your Pokémon may not fully obey you in battle until you prove your strength as a Trainer. Bulbasaur, in particular, might be more challenging to control given its higher level and experience.”
Kenji frowned, thinking about what this could mean for their upcoming battles. He had captured strong Pokémon, but now it seemed like that strength came with its own set of challenges.
“Additionally,” Dexter continued, “Gastly, who seems to be your primary partner, should be trained to keep pace with Bulbasaur and Pidgeotto. If Gastly is intended to be your ace, it would be beneficial to focus on training it until it is on par, or stronger, than the rest of your team.”
Kenji nodded thoughtfully. “So, I need to train harder. Make sure Gastly catches up, and earn the respect of Bulbasaur and Pidgeotto through battles and Gym challenges.”
“That would be a wise course of action,” Dexter affirmed. “The road ahead will be difficult, but with proper training and strategy, you will grow as a Trainer and your Pokémon will grow alongside you.”
Kenji let out a deep breath, feeling the weight of the responsibility settling in. “Thanks, Dexter. I’ve got a lot to think about, but we’ll do this together.”
With that, Kenji set his phone aside and headed to the bathroom. The hot shower was a relief, washing away the grime and soreness of the day. As the water cascaded over him, Kenji let his mind drift, thinking about the journey ahead. The challenges were daunting, but for the first time in years, he felt like he was truly on the right path.
After the shower, Kenji dressed in the soft pajamas provided by the Center and climbed into bed. The mattress was firm but comfortable, and the room was filled with the soothing hum of the air conditioner.
As he lay there, Kenji’s thoughts circled back to his Pokémon. He had a strong team, but he needed to prove himself, not just to them, but to himself as well. He was no longer the boy who had lost his Bulbasaur to Brock. He was older now, more determined, and with Gastly, Pidgeotto, and Bulbasaur by his side, he was ready to face whatever came next.
The room’s dim light and the soft hum of the air conditioner lulled Kenji into a deep, peaceful sleep, his mind already dreaming of the challenges and victories that awaited him and his new team.
The morning sun filtered through the windows of Pewter City's Pokémon Center, casting warm beams of light across the lobby as Kenji made his way to the front desk. He felt refreshed after a good night's sleep and was eager to get started on the day ahead. Nurse Joy greeted him with a bright smile as she handed over his fully healed Pokémon.
“Here you go, Kenji. Your Pokémon are all in top shape now,” she said, placing the Poké Balls into his hands.
“Thanks, Nurse Joy,” Kenji replied, returning the smile. He released all three Pokémon from their balls to check on them. Pidgeotto stretched its wings, flapping them energetically. Bulbasaur, its bulb glowing softly as usual, looked up at Kenji with a calm expression, while Gastly floated around him, emitting cheerful hums.
“Good to see you guys back to full strength,” Kenji said, patting each of them affectionately. “Let’s get some breakfast, and then we’ll figure out our next move.”
The Pokémon Center’s cafeteria was bustling with Trainers and their Pokémon, all enjoying a hearty breakfast. Kenji picked up his usual iced coffee and a sandwich, while his Pokémon received bowls of fresh Poké food. They found a table near a large glass window that overlooked the Center’s battle field, where Trainers were having friendly matches under the morning sun.
As Kenji settled in with his team, he couldn’t help but watch the ongoing battle outside. A blonde-haired kid, probably around ten years old, was battling with his Pikachu against a dark-haired teenager who had the look of a punk—a leather jacket, piercings, and a smirk that never seemed to leave his face. The teen’s Weezing floated ominously above the field, its twin heads leaking toxic gas.
Kenji sipped his iced coffee thoughtfully. It was clear from the start that the blonde kid’s Pikachu was outmatched. The Weezing was far stronger, dodging most of Pikachu’s attacks effortlessly and retaliating with powerful Sludge Bombs that seemed to overwhelm the poor Pikachu.
Pidgeotto and Bulbasaur had also noticed the battle, both watching intently. Gastly hovered beside Kenji, its eyes narrowing at the scene.
Kenji frowned as he observed the battle. “That Pikachu doesn’t stand a chance… this isn’t fair,” he muttered under his breath.
The battle should have ended when Pikachu fainted after a particularly harsh Sludge Bomb, but the punkish Trainer wasn’t done. Kenji’s eyes widened in disbelief as he saw the teenager order his Weezing to finish Pikachu off with a Fire Blast.
“Pikachu, no!” the blonde-haired kid cried out, his voice breaking as he saw his partner go down, completely defenseless. The massive flames of the Fire Blast began to form in Weezing’s mouth, and Kenji could see the fear in the kid’s eyes.
Kenji’s heart raced, and without thinking, he bolted from his seat. “Gastly, we’ve got to stop this!” he shouted as he ran toward the battlefield. Gastly immediately floated beside him, ready to act.
Bursting out of the doors and onto the battlefield, Kenji shouted, “Gastly, Hypnosis—now!”
Gastly’s eyes glowed with a sinister light as it unleashed the Hypnosis, sending waves of sleep-inducing energy toward Weezing. The attack hit just in time, and Weezing’s Fire Blast fizzled out as it dropped to the ground, fast asleep.
The punkish Trainer glared at Kenji, his face twisted in anger. “What do you think you’re doing, punk? This isn’t your battle!”
Kenji clenched his fists, trying to keep his composure. “This is supposed to be a friendly match, not a fight to the death! What’s wrong with you? You could’ve killed that Pikachu!”
The blonde-haired kid was still crying, rushing over to his fallen Pikachu and cradling it in his arms. “Pikachu… I’m so sorry…”
Kenji’s anger flared. “You’re done here,” he said firmly, pulling out his phone and dialing the police. “You’re not getting away with this.”
The teenager sneered, but he didn’t resist as the police arrived with two police officers in tow. After hearing from Kenji and a few witnesses, they quickly apprehended the teen and took him away, his Weezing still sound asleep in its Poké Ball.
“Thanks for calling us, Kenji,” Officer said with a nod. “This isn’t the first time we’ve had trouble with that guy, but now we’ve got enough to keep him off the streets for a while.”
Kenji nodded, still seething from the incident. “I just couldn’t stand by and let that happen.”
Once the police had left, Kenji turned his attention back to the kid, who was still crying over his Pikachu. Kenji’s expression softened, and he walked over to them, kneeling down beside the boy. “Hey… don’t worry. Pikachu’s going to be okay.”
The kid looked up at Kenji with tear-filled eyes. “R-Really?”
Kenji gave him a reassuring smile. “Yeah. Nurse Joy can take care of Pikachu. I promise. Here, let’s get Pikachu inside.”
With his Pokémon following close behind, Kenji gently took the kid’s hand and led him into the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy immediately took Pikachu to the healing machine, while Kenji bought the kid a sandwich and a juice from the cafeteria.
As they sat in the waiting room, Kenji handed the food to the boy. “Here, eat something. It’ll make you feel better.”
The kid sniffled, wiping his eyes as he took the sandwich. “T-Thank you… My name’s James.”
Kenji smiled. “Nice to meet you, James. I’m Kenji.”
James took a bite of his sandwich, still looking down at the floor. “I… I thought I could handle that battle, but… Pikachu… I’m not strong enough…”
Kenji shook his head. “It’s not about being strong enough right now. You’re still learning, and so is Pikachu. What matters is that you don’t give up. We all start somewhere.”
James nodded slowly, trying to take in Kenji’s words.
Kenji thought for a moment, then said, “James, if you want, you can come with me and watch my Gym battle with Brock. And we could also travel together.”
James looked up at Kenji, his eyes wide with hope. “You… you’d really let me come with you?”
Kenji nodded, smiling warmly. “Of course. We’ll look out for each other, and for our Pokémon.”
At that moment, Nurse Joy returned, holding Pikachu, who was now fully healed and looking much better. She handed Pikachu back to James with a gentle smile. “Your Pikachu is all better now. Just make sure to take good care of him, okay?”
James nodded eagerly, hugging Pikachu close. “I will! Thank you, Nurse Joy! And… thank you, Kenji.”
Kenji ruffled James’s hair, a new sense of purpose settling in. “Let’s get going, then. We’ve got a lot of training to do.”
As they left the Pokémon Center together, Kenji couldn’t help but feel that his journey had just taken a new, unexpected turn. With James by his side, he was more determined than ever to become the Trainer he always wanted to be, not just for himself, but for the friends he had made along the way.
After several days of training, Kenji eventually challenged Brock. The atmosphere inside Pewter City's Gym was as heavy as the boulders that lined its walls. The dim lighting cast long shadows across the rocky battlefield, and the air carried a faint chill that hinted at the gravity of the battles fought here. Kenji stood at one end of the battlefield, his heart pounding in his chest, but his expression was resolute. This was the moment he had been preparing for—the chance to face Brock again, to confront the Gym Leader who had defeated him all those years ago.
Brock, now nearing his thirties, stood across from him with a confident yet calm demeanor. His muscular frame and stern eyes made it clear that he was not a Gym Leader to be taken lightly. Brock crossed his arms as he observed Kenji with a slight tilt of his head.
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“Do I know you?” Brock asked, his voice deep and steady.
Kenji clenched his fists, trying to keep his emotions in check. “You should. I challenged you when I was ten years old. You kil… you beat my Bulbasaur.”
Brock’s expression softened for a moment as he tried to recall the memory, but then he chuckled. “I’ve battled a lot of Trainers over the years, kid. Can’t say I remember every one of them. But if you’re back here now, it looks like you’re ready for a rematch.”
Kenji nodded, his determination hardening. “I am. But this time, things will be different.”
Brock uncrossed his arms and took his position on the battlefield. “Just remember the rules. Pokémon battles can be to the death in Gyms. I’m not going to hold back.”
Kenji’s heart skipped a beat at the reminder. Gym Leaders, especially in the older regions like Kanto, still conducted battles that pushed Pokémon to their limits, sometimes beyond. He had seen what Brock’s Pokémon were capable of. But Kenji had come prepared.
“I’m aware,” Kenji said firmly, nodding once more. “Let’s begin.”
Brock’s eyes narrowed with approval, and he tossed his first Poké Ball onto the field. “Let’s see how much you’ve grown. Go, Graveler!”
The Rock Pokémon emerged from the Poké Ball in a flash of light, landing on the battlefield with a heavy thud. Graveler’s four arms flexed as it let out a deep, rumbling growl, its rocky exterior gleaming under the gym lights.
Kenji quickly assessed the situation, knowing he had to play this smart. He pulled out his first Poké Ball. “Pidgeotto, I choose you!”
Pidgeotto soared out of the ball with a sharp cry, its wings spreading wide as it circled above the battlefield. Kenji knew that Pidgeotto’s speed and agility would be his advantage here.
“Graveler, use Rock Throw!” Brock commanded, his voice echoing through the gym.
Graveler immediately began hurling small rocks into the air, aiming for the swift Pidgeotto. But Kenji was ready.
“Pidgeotto, use Sand Attack!”
Pidgeotto swooped low, kicking up a flurry of sand and dust with its wings, sending it directly into Graveler’s eyes. The rock Pokémon grunted in irritation, its aim faltering as the sand obscured its vision. The rocks it threw missed their target, crashing harmlessly to the ground.
“Good job, Pidgeotto! Now, return!” Kenji called out, recalling Pidgeotto to its Poké Ball. He quickly switched to his next plan of attack. “Gastly, it’s your turn!”
Gastly materialized on the battlefield, its ghostly form hovering just above the ground. It let out an eerie, echoing laugh as it faced Graveler.
“Hypnosis!” Kenji ordered, his voice steady.
Gastly’s eyes began to glow with a haunting light, sending waves of sleep-inducing energy toward Graveler. Brock frowned as he realized what was happening.
“Graveler, snap out of it! Use Magnitude!” Brock shouted, but it was too late.
Graveler’s movements became sluggish as its eyelids drooped, and within moments, the massive rock Pokémon had fallen into a deep sleep, collapsing onto the battlefield with a heavy thud.
Kenji’s heart raced as he seized the opportunity. “Gastly, use Lick! Keep at it until Graveler’s down!”
Gastly floated over to the sleeping Graveler, its tongue extending as it began to lash at Graveler’s rocky exterior with a series of ghostly Licks. Graveler flinched each time, its body trembling as Gastly chipped away at its health.
The battle continued as Gastly relentlessly attacked, its Lick leaving faint but noticeable marks on Graveler’s tough exterior. Graveler’s rocky form started to blend and blur, as if the relentless ghostly attacks were slowly breaking it down.
Brock’s expression grew more serious as he watched his Graveler struggle in its unconscious state. “Come on, Graveler! Wake up!”
But Graveler remained in its deep slumber, vulnerable to Gastly’s continuous assault. Kenji could see that Graveler’s energy was nearly depleted.
“Just a little more, Gastly! Finish it off!” Kenji urged.
With one final, powerful Lick, Gastly struck Graveler’s weak spot. The Rock Pokémon let out a low, pained groan before its body went completely limp, fainting on the battlefield.
Kenji exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, a wave of relief washing over him. He had made it through the first round.
Brock recalled his fainted Graveler, his expression unreadable. “Not bad,” he admitted, though there was a hint of respect in his tone. “But this battle is far from over. I hope you’re ready for what comes next.”
Kenji nodded, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. He knew that Brock’s Onix would be even tougher, but with Gastly, Pidgeotto, and Bulbasaur by his side, he was more determined than ever to claim victory—and to lay his past to rest.
The atmosphere in Pewter Gym had grown even more tense after the first round. Graveler’s unconscious form was now recalled to Brock’s Poké Ball, but the battle had taken a toll on both Kenji and his Pokémon. Kenji wiped the sweat from his brow, trying to focus on what came next. This was the moment he dreaded yet needed—a chance to confront the nightmare that had haunted him since childhood.
Brock’s face was stern as he pulled out his next Poké Ball. “You’re better than I expected, Kenji. But let’s see how you handle this. Onix, show him what real power is!” Brock tossed the Poké Ball high into the air, and in a flash of light, the enormous, serpentine form of Onix appeared, slamming into the ground with a force that shook the entire battlefield.
The monstrous Rock Pokémon towered over the arena, its jagged body coiling like a stone leviathan. It let out a deafening roar that echoed through the gym, its eyes fixed on Kenji with a menacing glint.
Kenji’s heart raced, but he took a deep breath to steady himself. This wasn’t just about winning a Gym Badge—this was about making peace with the past, and avenging the Bulbasaur that had died years ago. With a shaky hand, he reached for his Poké Ball. “Bulbasaur… I’m counting on you. Let’s do this.”
He threw the ball, and in a flash, Bulbasaur emerged, its bulb glowing faintly in the dim light. This was a different Bulbasaur, more experienced and battle-hardened, but Kenji couldn’t help but remember the little creature that had been crushed under Brock’s merciless tactics all those years ago.
Brock eyed the Bulbasaur with a faint smirk. “So you brought another Bulbasaur, huh? Looks like you haven’t learned your lesson.” He then gave a command, his voice booming with authority. “Onix, use Rock Tomb!”
Onix reared back, its rocky segments grinding against each other as it raised several massive boulders into the air. The rocks glowed with energy as they were hurled toward Bulbasaur with devastating force.
“Bulbasaur, dodge it and use Vine Whip!” Kenji called out, trying to mask the fear in his voice.
But Bulbasaur stood its ground, ignoring Kenji’s command entirely. The boulders came crashing down, striking Bulbasaur with brutal accuracy. The impact sent it skidding across the battlefield, leaving deep gashes in its green skin as it cried out in pain.
“No!” Kenji shouted, his heart lurching in his chest. “Bulbasaur, you have to listen to me! Please!”
Brock crossed his arms, watching the scene with a cold indifference. “Looks like your Bulbasaur isn’t quite up to the challenge. Maybe it knows it’s better off running.”
Kenji gritted his teeth. “Bulbasaur, get up! I know you’re stronger than this! Use Leech Seed!”
But Bulbasaur, stubborn as ever, struggled to its feet and instead fired a barrage of Sleep Powder at Onix, despite not being commanded to do so. The powder missed its target and bounced on Onix’s rocky body. The attack lacked the precision to make a real impact. Onix roared in anger, the Sleep Powder only going past its tough exterior.
Onix retaliated with a vicious Tackle, its massive body crashing into Bulbasaur with bone-shattering force. Bulbasaur was thrown into the air, its small frame twisting as it landed with a sickening thud. Kenji’s blood ran cold as he saw the state Bulbasaur was in—bleeding from its wounds, breathing heavily, and clearly in tremendous pain.
Brock chuckled darkly. “This is the end for you, kid. Onix, finish it with Slam!”
Onix rose up, ready to bring its massive body down on Bulbasaur like a hammer. Kenji’s heart pounded in his ears. He couldn’t let this happen again. Not again.
“Bulbasaur, please! You have to trust me!” Kenji cried out, his voice cracking with desperation. “I know you don’t want to listen, but we have to do this together! I’m not going to lose you too!”
Bulbasaur, battered and broken, looked back at Kenji. There was a flicker of something in its eyes—doubt, pain, but also a glimmer of trust. Onix began to descend, ready to crush Bulbasaur under its massive weight.
“Now, Bulbasaur! Use Razor Leaf! Give it everything you’ve got!”
With a determined cry, Bulbasaur’s bulb flared brightly, and it unleashed a powerful wave of Razor Leaves that sliced through the air like blades. The leaves glowed with a faint green light as they struck Onix’s vulnerable points with surgical precision, embedding deep into the cracks between its rocky segments.
Onix roared in agony, its massive body shuddering from the critical hit. It recoiled, giving Bulbasaur the opening it needed.
“Finish it with Vine Whip!” Kenji shouted, his voice full of resolve.
Bulbasaur leaped forward, its vines snapping out with blinding speed. The vines wrapped around Onix’s neck, and with a tremendous effort, Bulbasaur pulled with all its might. The vines constricted tighter and tighter, the strain visible on both Pokémon as Onix struggled to break free.
With a final, desperate pull, Bulbasaur yanked down on Onix’s neck, and with a thunderous crack, Onix’s rocky exterior shattered, sending debris flying across the battlefield. Onix collapsed to the ground, its body limp and lifeless. The battlefield fell into an eerie silence as the dust settled.
Kenji stood frozen, his breath coming in short gasps. It was over. He had done it. Bulbasaur had avenged its fallen predecessor, and together, they had overcome Brock’s challenge.
Brock stared at the fallen Onix in disbelief, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice low and somber. “You… you won. Congratulations.”
As if responding to the victory, Bulbasaur’s bulb began to glow even brighter. Kenji watched in awe as Bulbasaur was enveloped in a blinding light. Its body grew larger, its form changing as it evolved into Ivysaur. The light faded, and there stood Ivysaur, taller and stronger than before, its flower bud now a large, prominent bulb on its back.
Kenji knelt down beside his newly evolved partner, his eyes welling up with tears. “We did it, Ivysaur. Poor little Bulbasaur… he’s been avenged.”
Ivysaur looked up at Kenji with a newfound trust and respect in its eyes. The bond between them had grown stronger, forged in the heat of battle and sealed with their victory.
Brock walked over, holding out a small, polished stone—the Boulder Badge. “You’ve earned this, Kenji. You still struggled, but you’ve come a long way since you were that ten-year-old kid. I’m impressed.”
Kenji took the badge with trembling hands, his heart swelling with pride and relief. “Thank you, Brock. I won’t forget this.”
Brock gave a small nod. “Take care of your Pokémon, Kenji. They’re strong, but they need you to guide them. Remember that.”
As Kenji left the Gym, the Boulder Badge clutched tightly in his hand, he felt a sense of closure he hadn’t experienced in years. The past had finally been put to rest, and now, with Ivysaur, Gastly, and Pidgeotto by his side, the future was wide open.
After his intense battle with Brock, Kenji exited the battlefield, his heart still pounding with adrenaline. The gravity of his victory began to sink in, filling him with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. As he approached the Gym's reception area, a kind-looking woman with short brown hair and a warm smile greeted him.
"Congratulations on your win!" she said, handing him a small, rectangular device. "This is a TM for Rock Tomb. It’s a gift for your victory. You can use it to teach one of your Pokémon the move."
Kenji's eyes lit up as he accepted the TM. “Thank you! This will really help my team. They could use a strong move like Rock Tomb.” He couldn’t wait to see which of his Pokémon would benefit from the new technique.
Just as Kenji was about to leave the Gym, he heard a familiar voice call out to him. “Kenji! That was awesome!”
Turning around, Kenji saw James, the kid he had met earlier with the Pikachu. James had been watching the battle from the spectator seats, his eyes wide with admiration.
“You did amazing out there!” James continued, running up to Kenji. “I’ve never seen anyone battle like that before. You and your Ivysaur were incredible!”
Kenji smiled, but his joy was short-lived as he glanced down at Ivysaur. His newly evolved partner was battered and bruised, deep gashes and broken bones visible even through its tough exterior. The wounds were serious—too serious to ignore.
"Thanks, James, but Ivysaur’s hurt bad. I’ve got to get him to the Pokémon Center right away,” Kenji said, concern lacing his voice.
James nodded, his own excitement dimming as he noticed Ivysaur's condition. "Of course, you should go now. I’ll come with you.”
Without another word, the two hurried to the Pewter City Pokémon Center, Kenji cradling Ivysaur as carefully as he could. When they arrived, the nurse at the front desk immediately took Ivysaur from Kenji’s arms and rushed it to the back, promising to do everything she could to heal the wounded Pokémon.
Kenji could only watch as his Pokémon was wheeled away, feeling a deep pang of guilt. He knew Gym battles could be brutal, but seeing his partner in such a state made the reality of it hit home. He’d won the battle, but at what cost?
James, sensing Kenji’s turmoil, led him to the Pokémon Center cafeteria. “Come on, let’s get something to eat while we wait. It might take a while for Ivysaur to heal.”
Kenji nodded, though his thoughts were still with Ivysaur. They grabbed some food—Kenji his usual iced coffee and a sandwich, while James picked out a juice and a snack. They sat down at a table by the large glass window overlooking the Pokémon Center’s battle field. The area was busy, with trainers battling and people watching, but Kenji’s mind was elsewhere.
After a few minutes of silence, James spoke up. “Kenji, I’ve been thinking... after watching your battle, I really want to get stronger, but I don’t think I’m ready to challenge the Gyms yet. They’re so intense, and I don’t want to risk Pikachu getting hurt like that.”
Kenji looked at the young boy, seeing the uncertainty in his eyes. He understood all too well. “That’s smart, James. The Gyms aren’t going anywhere. It’s important to get experience and build up your strength before taking on something so dangerous.”
James nodded. “I want to pave my own way first, you know? But I need to catch my first Pokémon. Pikachu was given to me by Professor Oak, so I’ve never actually caught one before. Could you help me, Kenji?”
Kenji smiled, appreciating the boy's determination. "Of course, James. Let’s go to Viridian Forest. There are plenty of Pokémon there, and it’ll be a good place for you to learn how to catch one.”
Leaving Ivysaur in the care of the Pokémon Center staff, Kenji and James made their way back to Viridian Forest. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows through the dense canopy. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant Pokémon calls.
Kenji led James to a small clearing. “Alright, this is a good spot. The first thing you need to know about catching a Pokémon is to weaken it first. That way, it’s easier to catch. Pikachu’s Thundershock should do the trick.”
James nodded, his hand trembling slightly as he held Pikachu’s Poké Ball. “Okay… I think I’m ready.”
As if on cue, a Weedle slithered out from the bushes, its tiny eyes focused on the two trainers. James’s eyes lit up. “There! Pikachu, I choose you!”
He released Pikachu onto the field, the little Electric-type ready for battle. “Pikachu, use Thundershock!”
Pikachu unleashed a small bolt of electricity, striking Weedle dead on. The Bug-type Pokémon shuddered, clearly weakened but not fainted. It swayed slightly, its strength nearly drained.
“Now, throw your Poké Ball,” Kenji instructed.
James took a deep breath and threw the Poké Ball with all his might. It hit Weedle, opening and pulling the Pokémon inside with a flash of light. The ball wobbled on the ground a few times before finally clicking shut.
“I did it… I did it!” James shouted, running over to pick up the Poké Ball. “I caught my first Pokémon!”
Kenji clapped him on the back, grinning. “Nice work, James. You’re on your way now.”
James looked up at Kenji, gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks, Kenji. For everything. I’m going to take good care of Weedle, and when I’m strong enough, I’ll start my own Gym challenge.”
Kenji smiled. “I know you will. Just be careful out there. The world can be dangerous, but as long as you take care of your Pokémon and keep getting stronger, you’ll be fine.”
The two exchanged phone numbers, promising to keep in touch. After a few more words of encouragement, they parted ways—James heading toward Viridian City, and Kenji back to the Pokémon Center to check on Ivysaur.
As Kenji watched the young trainer disappear down the path, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. His journey was just beginning, but already, he was making a difference. With Ivysaur, Gastly, and Pidgeotto by his side, he knew he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.