Kenji and Haunter reached Cerulean City under the cover of night, the city lights reflecting off the calm waters of the river that wound through its center. The air was cool, with a slight breeze rustling the leaves of the trees lining the streets. Cerulean was a city known for its serene beauty, with a mix of modern buildings and natural landscapes that created a peaceful atmosphere even this late. Street lamps cast a warm, golden glow, guiding their path as they made their way to the Pokémon Center.

Once inside, Kenji handed his Pokéballs to the nurse at the reception desk. "Just a quick check-up," he said. "They've been through some battles, but I took care of most of the healing myself."

The nurse nodded, taking the Pokéballs with a practiced smile. "They'll be ready in just a few minutes. Would you like a room for the night?"

"Yeah, I’ll need a room," Kenji replied, taking the key she handed him. "I’ll grab a shower first, then I’ll be back for my Pokémon."

After a long day, the hot shower felt like a luxury. The steam filled the small bathroom, easing the tension in Kenji's muscles as the water washed away the dirt and fatigue of his journey. He stood there for a while, letting the heat soak into his skin, his thoughts drifting back to the battles he'd fought and the challenges still ahead. He knew that Team Rocket wouldn’t let what happened at Mt. Moon slide, and he needed to be ready.

Once he was done, Kenji dressed quickly and headed back downstairs. As promised, the nurse had already finished healing his Pokémon. "Here you go," she said, handing him the Pokéballs. "They’re in great shape."

"Thanks," Kenji replied, pocketing the balls. He released only Haunter, who immediately floated up beside him, grinning with his usual mischievous smile.

"You wanna take a stroll, buddy?" Kenji asked, looking at Haunter. "Get a feel for the city?"

Haunter nodded eagerly, its gaseous form undulating with excitement.

The two left the Pokémon Center and stepped out into the cool night air. Cerulean City was even more beautiful later at night. The river, which cut through the heart of the city, sparkled under the moonlight, with reflections of the city’s lights dancing on its surface. Bridges arched gracefully over the water, connecting the various parts of the city, while boats occasionally drifted by, their lanterns glowing softly in the darkness.

As they wandered through the city, Kenji took in the sights—the well-maintained parks, the bustling marketplace that was just closing for the night, and the quiet residential areas where the houses were adorned with flowers and vines. It was a city that felt alive, yet peaceful.

Eventually, they found themselves near the riverbank, where a small bar with outdoor seating caught Kenji’s eye. The place was modest, with a few wooden tables and chairs set out on a patio that overlooked the water. The gentle sound of the river flowing by created a soothing backdrop.

Kenji settled at one of the tables, with Haunter floating beside him. A waiter approached, and Kenji ordered a cocktail—a refreshing blend of citrus and mint that sounded perfect after a long day. For Haunter, he requested some Pokéfood, which was promptly brought out in a small dish.

"Not a bad place, huh?" Kenji remarked, leaning back in his chair as he took a sip of his drink. The cocktail was cool and crisp, the perfect counterpoint to the warmth of the night. "We’ve come a long way, Haunter. And I’m proud of how strong you’ve become."

Haunter smiled wider, making a playful spinning motion before settling down to munch on the Pokéfood. It looked pleased with itself, clearly enjoying the praise.

Kenji gazed out at the river, lost in thought. "I’ve been thinking, though," he continued. "Team Rocket isn’t going to let what we did slide. They’ll send stronger grunts next time, and we need to be ready. I’m counting on you, Haunter. We’re in this together."

Haunter floated closer, giving a solemn nod of agreement.

Kenji then pulled out his phone, scrolling through some information. "That Tera Orb we saw in the hands of that trainer with the Fearow... It could give us an edge in battles. I looked up ways to get one, but it seems the only option is to study at an Academy in the Paldea region. Not exactly in our plans, huh?"

Haunter shrugged, its expression a mix of curiosity and indifference. Clearly, it was more interested in the battles than the items.

Kenji chuckled. "Yeah, I figured you wouldn’t care much. But still, it would’ve been nice to have one. We’ll just have to keep getting stronger the old-fashioned way."

As they sat in companionable silence, watching the city lights flicker on the water, a young trainer approached them hesitantly. The boy, who looked no older than fourteen, had an Oddish cradled in his arms. He seemed nervous but determined.

"Excuse me," the boy said, shifting from foot to foot as he addressed Kenji. "I saw your Haunter, and it looks really strong. I’m about to challenge the Cerulean Gym as my first Gym, and I was wondering if you had any advice?"

Kenji looked at the boy, then at Haunter, who gave a lazy wave. "I haven’t fought at the Cerulean Gym yet," Kenji admitted. "But from what I’ve heard, it’s likely a Water-type Gym. You might want to train your Oddish a bit more—it has a type advantage."

The boy nodded, looking relieved to have some direction. "Thanks! I’ll make sure to get Oddish ready."

"No problem," Kenji replied with a smile. "Good luck with your battle. Just remember to keep calm and trust your Pokémon."

The boy smiled, his confidence visibly boosted. "Thanks! I will. Good night!" With that, he hurried off, clearly eager to start his preparations.

Kenji watched him go, then turned back to Haunter. "We’d better get some rest too. Tomorrow, we’ll check out that Gym ourselves." He stood up, stretching before leading Haunter back through the city towards the Pokémon Center.

Once they returned to their room, Kenji collapsed onto the bed, Haunter hovering nearby before settling down on the pillow beside him. "We’ve got a lot to do tomorrow," Kenji murmured as he drifted off to sleep. "But I know we can handle it... together."

Haunter gave a soft, contented cackle, its eerie voice fading as Kenji fell into a deep, restful sleep.

The morning sun filtered through the blinds of Kenji's room, casting a warm, golden glow on the bed where he lay. Kenji stirred, waking to the familiar sound of Haunter’s mischievous laughter. He opened his eyes just in time to see Haunter floating by the window, holding a squirming Pidgey in his spectral hands. The ghostly Pokémon was clearly having the time of his life, playfully teasing the small bird Pokémon before gently releasing it. The Pidgey flapped away, flustered but unharmed, while Haunter floated back to Kenji, his grin as wide as ever.

Kenji couldn’t help but smile at his partner’s antics. "You’re always up to something, aren’t you?" he chuckled, reaching out to pat Haunter on the head. The ghost-type Pokémon nuzzled against his hand before floating off to inspect the rest of the room.

Kenji got dressed, pulling on his worn boots and slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Alright, buddy," he said, "let’s get out of here. I changed my mind. The Gym can wait—there’s still training to do." Haunter nodded enthusiastically, disappearing into the shadows as Kenji exited the Pokémon Center.

Outside, the air was crisp and the streets of Cerulean City were already bustling with activity. Kenji decided to head north, toward the Nugget Bridge, where he knew trainers often gathered. It was the perfect place to test his team’s strength.

As they approached the bridge, Kenji noticed the trainers lined up, each one eager for a battle. "Let’s take them on," Kenji said, determination in his voice. Haunter floated beside him, eager to join in, but Kenji knew this was Pidgeotto’s turn. "You’re up first, Pidgeotto."

The first trainer on the bridge—a Youngster with a Rattata—stepped forward. "I won’t go easy on you!" he declared.

Kenji smirked. "I wouldn’t want you to," he replied, sending Pidgeotto into the fray.

The battle was quick and decisive. Pidgeotto’s speed and power were unmatched, easily dispatching the Rattata with a well-placed Wing Attack. The next few trainers fared no better, their Pokémon falling one by one to Pidgeotto’s relentless assaults. Kenji moved from one battle to the next, barely breaking a sweat as he and Pidgeotto dominated the bridge.

Finally, they reached the end of the bridge, where a man stood waiting. He was older, with a friendly smile and a nugget of gold in his hand. "Congratulations," he said, holding out the nugget. "This is your reward for defeating all the trainers on the bridge."

Kenji reached out to take the nugget, but just as his fingers brushed the gold, the man’s expression changed. With a sly grin, he suddenly tore off his clothes, revealing the dark uniform of Team Rocket. "Just kidding!" he sneered. "You’ve been doing well, but now you’re in for a real fight!"

Kenji stepped back, eyes narrowing. "Team Rocket," he muttered. "Should’ve known."

The Rocket Grunt sent out his Pokémon—a menacing Arbok that hissed and coiled its body menacingly. The serpent Pokémon’s eyes gleamed with malice as it prepared to strike.

Kenji responded immediately, sending out Pidgeotto. "Let’s do this, Pidgeotto!" he shouted. "Use Quick Attack!"

Pidgeotto shot forward like an arrow, striking Arbok before it could react. The force of the attack sent the serpent reeling, but it quickly recovered, baring its fangs. The Grunt ordered a Bite, and Arbok lunged at Pidgeotto, teeth glinting.

Pidgeotto dodged the attack with ease, circling around Arbok before unleashing a powerful Wing Attack. The force of the blow slammed into Arbok, sending it skidding across the ground. The Grunt shouted in frustration, ordering Arbok to use Acid, but Pidgeotto was already on the move, evading the poisonous spray.

As the battle raged on, Kenji noticed something unsettling. Pidgeotto’s attacks were becoming more vicious, more relentless. Each strike seemed to carry more force than necessary, and with every hit, Arbok’s condition worsened. The serpent was about to faint, battered, bleeding from several wounds, and struggling to remain upright.

"Enough, Pidgeotto!" Kenji called out, but Pidgeotto was lost in the heat of battle, eyes blazing with fury. It launched a final, devastating Gust, sending Arbok crashing into the ground with a sickening thud.

The Rocket Grunt’s face went pale as he watched his Pokémon writhe in pain. "Stop! Please, stop!" he cried out, tears welling up in his eyes. "I-I didn’t sign up for this!"

Kenji’s heart pounded in his chest as he realized what was happening. "Pidgeotto, return!" he shouted, recalling his Pokémon just as it prepared to attack again. The adrenaline drained from his body, leaving him feeling cold and shaken. He rushed to Arbok’s side, dropping to his knees as he rummaged through his bag for healing items.

The Rocket Grunt watched in stunned silence as Kenji carefully treated Arbok’s wounds, using a Revive and several Potions to stabilize the injured Pokémon. "I’m… I’m sorry," Kenji muttered, his hands trembling while giving it an Oran Berry to eat. "I didn’t mean for it to go this far."

Arbok’s breathing steadied as the healing items took effect. Kenji sat back on his heels, feeling a wave of guilt wash over him. He looked at his hands, still stained with blood, and felt a deep unease settle in his chest. Was this what he was becoming? Someone who hurt others in a blind rage, just like the people he despised?

The Rocket Grunt, still sniffling, managed a weak, "Thank you… I didn’t think you’d actually help my Arbok…"

Kenji stood up, wiping his hands on his pants. "I’m not like you," he said quietly. "I won’t let my anger turn me into a monster."

He reached out and patted Arbok gently on the head, feeling the Pokémon’s tension ease under his touch. Arbok looked up at him with something resembling gratitude in its eyes.

He turned back to the Rocket Grunt, who was still watching him with wide eyes. "Get out of here," Kenji said, his voice cold. "And don’t make me regret letting you go."

The Grunt nodded frantically, calling Arbok back, scrambling to his feet and running off, disappearing down the path. Kenji watched him go, then turned his attention back to the Nugget Bridge. The sun was high in the sky now, and the battles from earlier seemed like a distant memory.

Kenji took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering unease. He looked down at Pidgeotto's Pokéball in his hand, then back at the path ahead. "Let’s keep moving," he muttered to himself. "We’ve got a long way to go."

As he and Haunter made their way further north from Cerulean City, Kenji couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened. He had always been driven by a desire to become stronger, to protect those he cared about. But today had shown him that power without control could lead to something far darker.

With that thought weighing heavily on his mind, Kenji decided to take some time before challenging the Gym. He needed to train, to grow, but most importantly, to find balance within himself. And as he continued on his journey, he knew one thing for sure: he would not let his anger consume him. He would fight for what was right, no matter the cost.

The days that followed were grueling, but Kenji wouldn’t have had it any other way. North of Cerulean City, he and his team threw themselves into intense training, battling wild Pokémon in the tall grass, and challenging any passing trainers they could find. The air was thick with the sounds of combat: the crackling of energy, the flapping of wings, and the roars and cries of Pokémon pushing their limits.

Haunter was especially fierce, determined to grow stronger with each battle. His eerie laughter echoed through the fields as he unleashed devastating attacks, his ghostly form darting in and out of the shadows. Pidgeotto, with his sharp talons and swift wings, struck with precision and speed, never backing down even against tougher opponents. Ivysaur’s vines snapped through the air with relentless force, and Raticate, newly added to the team, fought with a ferocity that matched his sharp teeth and nimble movements.

The nights were a stark contrast to the brutal training sessions. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kenji and his Pokémon would gather around a crackling fire. The warmth of the flames was a welcome comfort after the day's exertion. Haunter, usually so lively, would settle down beside Kenji, his eyes glowing faintly as he gazed into the fire. Pidgeotto perched on a nearby branch, ruffling his feathers before drifting off to sleep. Ivysaur lay close to the fire, his vines occasionally twitching in his sleep, while Raticate curled up near Kenji’s feet, his breathing slow and steady.

Kenji would sit quietly, watching the embers dance in the darkness, his mind replaying the battles of the day. He was proud of his team—proud of how far they had come and how much stronger they had become. But there was a part of him that couldn’t shake the memory of that fight with the Rocket Grunt on Nugget Bridge. The intensity of Pidgeotto’s attacks had frightened him, and it served as a reminder that strength without control could lead to disaster.

As dawn broke on the final day of their training, Kenji and his team were a sight to behold: bruised, dirty, but undeniably stronger. With the training complete, they made their way back to Cerulean City, their pace slow but steady. Kenji’s body ached from head to toe, and his clothes were torn and stained, but there was a quiet satisfaction in his heart. They had pushed themselves to the limit, and it had paid off.

Upon reaching the city, Kenji wasted no time heading straight to the Pokémon Center. The nurse took one look at him and his battered team and ushered them inside with a look of concern. While his Pokémon were being healed, Kenji trudged up to his room. The hot shower that followed was nothing short of blissful, washing away the grime and soreness of the past few days. As the steam filled the bathroom, Kenji closed his eyes, letting the water cascade over him, soothing his tired muscles.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Clean and refreshed, he slipped into bed, sinking into the soft mattress with a deep sigh. He pulled out his Pokédex, intending to check on his team’s progress. As he scanned through the data, his eyes widened in surprise.

Haunter had reached Level 29, becoming the strongest member of the team. His moveset was formidable: Hypnosis, Will-o-Wisp, Night Shade, and Sucker Punch—a combination that could cripple any opponent. Pidgeotto had grown to Level 25, his speed and aerial prowess now backed by a solid array of moves: Quick Attack, Wing Attack, Gust, and Sand Attack. Ivysaur, steady and dependable, was Level 27, with Razor Leaf, Take Down, Sleep Powder, and Vine Whip in his arsenal. Raticate, though newer to the team, had not lagged behind, reaching Level 23 and boasting a potent mix of Swords Dance, Crunch, Quick Attack, and Counter.

Kenji let out a low whistle. "We really overdid it, didn’t we?" he murmured to himself, though there was a note of pride in his voice. His team was stronger than ever, and Haunter had finally taken his place as the powerhouse of the group.

"Haunter, you’ve come so far," Kenji thought, a smile playing on his lips. He recalled their first meeting, how Gastly had been a mischievous, curious spirit with a fierce determination to grow. Now, as a Haunter, he had surpassed even Kenji’s expectations, becoming a true force to be reckoned with.

Kenji’s eyelids grew heavy as he lay back on the bed, his thoughts drifting. The past few days had been intense, but they were necessary. His team was ready—stronger, sharper, more unified than ever. But Kenji knew that there were still challenges ahead, ones that would test not just their strength, but their resolve and their hearts.

As sleep began to claim him, Kenji’s last thoughts were of the battles yet to come, and of the bond he shared with his Pokémon—especially Haunter. They had come this far together, and whatever lay ahead, they would face it as a team.

With that comforting thought, Kenji drifted off to sleep, the soft hum of the Pokémon Center’s machines a distant lullaby, guiding him into a deep, restful slumber.

The morning sun streamed through the window, waking Kenji from his deep sleep. He stretched lazily, savoring the warmth of the morning light. Today was the day he would challenge the Cerulean Gym. After days of intense training, his team was ready, and so was he.

Kenji quickly got dressed, throwing on his usual outfit and shouldering his backpack. He could feel Haunter’s presence lurking in the shadows, always near, always watching. It was a comforting thought as he left the Pokémon Center and made his way into the bustling streets of Cerulean City. The city was already alive with activity, trainers and civilians alike going about their day. But Kenji's focus was singular.

Before heading to the Gym, he stopped by a small café and ordered an iced coffee, sipping the cold brew as he walked. The caffeine kicked in just as he reached the edge of the city, where the imposing structure of the Cerulean Gym loomed over the riverside. He found a quiet spot to feed his Pokémon before the big challenge. Haunter hovered close, his gaze curious as Kenji placed bowls of poke food before each of them. They ate eagerly, readying themselves for the battle ahead.

“Alright, team,” Kenji said, crouching down to eye level with his Pokémon. “Today’s the day we take on Misty. We’ve trained hard for this, and I know you’re all ready. Let’s go show them what we’re made of.”

Haunter let out an enthusiastic cackle, while Pidgeotto ruffled his feathers with anticipation. Ivysaur gave a determined nod, and Raticate flashed his sharp teeth, ready for a fight.

With his team energized and focused, Kenji made his way to the Gym. As he approached the large double doors, a young trainer suddenly blocked his path. She couldn’t have been more than fourteen, with short, bright blue hair and a determined expression. She crossed her arms, glaring up at Kenji.

“Hold it right there! You think you can just waltz in and challenge Misty after only a month of traveling? I learned about you from the nurse at the Pokémon center! That’s an insult!” the girl snapped, her voice dripping with contempt. “You’ll have to get past me first!”

Kenji raised an eyebrow, surprised by the girl’s attitude. But he wasn’t in the mood to argue. “Fine. If that’s what it takes.”

The girl’s eyes narrowed, and she tossed a Pokéball into the air. “I’m Violet, and you’re going to regret underestimating me! Shellder, let’s teach him a lesson!”

The Pokéball opened with a flash, revealing a small, blue bivalve Pokémon with a mischievous grin. Shellder clamped its shell shut, eyes focused on Haunter, who had emerged from Kenji’s shadow, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement.

Kenji quickly assessed the situation. The Shellder looked low-level, probably just a beginner Pokémon. There was no need to drag this out. “Haunter, end it quickly. Use Hypnosis.”

Haunter’s eyes flashed, and waves of psychic energy washed over the Shellder. Its grin faded as its eyes drooped, then closed. The Shellder fell into a deep sleep, its body swaying slightly before it toppled over onto the ground.

Violet’s confidence crumbled as she watched her Pokémon fall without even landing a hit. Her mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. Kenji walked over to her and, in a gesture that surprised even himself, patted her gently on the head.

“Good effort, Violet,” Kenji said, his voice calm but firm. “But you’re not ready yet. Now, go call the Gym Leader.”

Violet looked up at him, a mix of frustration and respect in her eyes. She nodded reluctantly, recalling Shellder to its Pokéball. Without another word, she turned and dashed into the Gym.

Kenji waited outside, leaning against the wall as he finished his iced coffee. Haunter floated beside him, amused by the easy victory. A few minutes later, the doors to the Gym swung open, and out stepped Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader. She was tall and slender, her orange hair tied back in a messy ponytail. She had a confident stride and an air of authority about her.

Misty glanced at Kenji, then at Haunter. Her lips curled into a smirk. “So, you’re the one who didn’t completely destroy my trainee. Thanks for that.” She crossed her arms, her eyes appraising Kenji. “How many Badges do you have?”

“One,” Kenji replied, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the Boulder Badge. He held it up for her to see.

Misty let out a short laugh. “Brock must be getting soft if he let you take that so easily. But, whatever. If you’re looking for a real challenge, you’ll get it here.” She stepped back, signaling for him to follow. “I’ll use these two. Let’s see if you can handle it.”

They stepped inside the Gym, the interior a massive pool with platforms scattered across the surface. Misty walked to her side of the arena, pulling out a Pokéball. “Psyduck, let’s go!”

The ball burst open, and Psyduck appeared, scratching its head in confusion as always. Despite its bewildered appearance, Kenji knew better than to underestimate it. Psyduck was known for its unpredictable and powerful psychic abilities.

“Pidgeotto, you’re up!” Kenji called, sending his bird Pokémon into the air. Pidgeotto circled above, his keen eyes locked onto Psyduck below.

Misty didn’t waste any time. “Psyduck, start with Confusion!”

Psyduck’s eyes glowed blue, and a wave of psychic energy shot toward Pidgeotto. The bird Pokémon tried to dodge, but the Confusion attack hit him head-on, sending him spiraling toward the water below.

“Pidgeotto, shake it off! Use Quick Attack!” Kenji ordered.

Pidgeotto recovered mid-air, his body a blur as he shot toward Psyduck with incredible speed. He slammed into Psyduck, sending it skidding across the platform, but the duck Pokémon quickly got back on its feet, its confusion seemingly forgotten.

“Water Pulse, Psyduck!” Misty commanded.

Psyduck formed a swirling orb of water between its hands, launching it directly at Pidgeotto. The Water Pulse hit with a forceful splash, soaking Pidgeotto and sending him crashing into the platform.

Pidgeotto struggled to stand, his feathers dripping with water, but he wasn’t done yet. Kenji clenched his fists. This was tougher than he’d anticipated.

“Wing Attack, now!”

Pidgeotto spread his wings wide, a silvery glow forming along the edges. With a powerful flap, he swooped down toward Psyduck, wings cutting through the air. The attack connected, sending Psyduck tumbling backward, but the stubborn Pokémon got up once more, albeit with visible strain.

Misty’s eyes narrowed. “Fury Swipes, Psyduck!”

Psyduck charged forward, its claws glowing as it slashed at Pidgeotto. The two Pokémon collided, trading blows in a fierce melee. Pidgeotto’s wings flared, striking Psyduck again and again, but the Psyduck’s claws were relentless, leaving deep marks in Pidgeotto’s feathers.

Kenji could see Pidgeotto was reaching his limit. Psyduck wasn’t backing down, and another hit might be the end.

“Keep your distance! Finish it with Gust, Pidgeotto!” Kenji shouted.

Pidgeotto flapped his wings rapidly, creating a powerful gust of wind that swirled around Psyduck. The wind picked up speed, lifting Psyduck off the ground and tossing it around like a rag doll.

Pidgeotto, relentless as it is, streaked through the air with blinding speed, slamming into Psyduck with a bone-crushing Quick Attack. Finally, Psyduck hit the platform hard, the impact knocking it out cold.

Misty recalled Psyduck, her expression unreadable as she held the Pokéball. “Not bad. Psyduck’s a tough one, but you handled it. Ready for round two?”

“Thank you Pidgeotto.”Kenji exhaled deeply, recalling Pidgeotto. “I’m ready.”

But as Misty reached for her second Pokéball, Kenji couldn’t help but feel the intensity of the battle weighing on him. His team was strong, but Misty was no ordinary opponent. Round two was going to be a whole new level of challenge, and Kenji knew he had to give it everything he had.

Misty released her next Pokémon with a confident flourish. The Pokéball snapped open, and in a flash of light, Starmie emerged. The star-shaped Pokémon floated above the water, its core gem glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light. Kenji knew this wasn’t going to be an easy fight. Starmie was Misty’s ace, a swift and powerful opponent that had taken down many challengers before him.

Kenji reached for his next Pokéball, his mind racing through strategies. “Ivysaur, you’re up!” he called out.

Ivysaur materialized on the battlefield, landing with a solid thud on one of the floating platforms. His bulb glowed with stored energy, and his eyes locked onto Starmie, recognizing the threat it posed. Ivysaur snarled, ready for the fight.

Misty didn’t waste time. “Starmie, start with Swift!”

Starmie spun rapidly, firing off a barrage of glowing stars that arced through the air toward Ivysaur. The stars whistled as they sliced through the air, leaving bright trails in their wake. Ivysaur braced himself as the stars pelted him, tearing through his tough hide and leaving deep gashes. Blood trickled from the wounds, but Ivysaur remained steadfast, his eyes never leaving Starmie.

Kenji gritted his teeth, feeling the pressure of the battle. “Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf!”

Ivysaur growled, whipping his vines forward. Sharp-edged leaves shot out from the bulb on his back, spinning with deadly speed toward Starmie. The leaves cut through the air like blades, slicing into Starmie’s spinning form. Several leaves embedded themselves in Starmie’s core, causing it to falter mid-spin.

Misty’s eyes flashed with concern, but she wasn’t giving up yet. “Starmie, use Water Pulse!”

Starmie’s core gem pulsed with energy as it summoned a swirling orb of water. The orb grew in size, then shot forward like a cannonball. The Water Pulse hit Ivysaur square in the chest, the impact forcing him backward, his claws scraping against the platform as he tried to keep his footing. The water slammed into him with the force of a tidal wave, soaking him and driving him to the edge of the platform. Ivysaur let out a pained grunt, but he held on, shaking off the water as best he could.

Kenji could see the strain in Ivysaur’s eyes. Starmie was fast, and its attacks were relentless. But Ivysaur had something Starmie didn’t—sheer, raw power and the Type advantage.

“Hang in there, Ivysaur! Use Sleep Powder!” Kenji commanded.

Ivysaur’s bulb began to emit a soft, greenish powder. The powder drifted through the air, carried by an unseen wind, and settled over Starmie. Misty’s eyes widened in alarm.

“Starmie, Rapid Spin! Shake it off!” she yelled.

Starmie started spinning rapidly again, trying to disperse the powder, but it was too late. The Sleep Powder took effect, and Starmie’s spinning slowed, its movements becoming sluggish. The glowing gem at its core dimmed as Starmie fell into a deep sleep, floating limply above the platform.

Kenji saw his chance. “Now, Ivysaur! Take Down!”

Ivysaur roared, his muscles bunching as he charged forward with all his strength. He leaped across the platforms, crashing into Starmie with bone-crushing force. The impact was devastating—Starmie’s core gem cracked from the sheer power of the blow, leaking an eerie glow of psychic energy. Ivysaur didn’t escape unscathed, though. The recoil from the attack sent shockwaves of pain through his body, and he staggered back, panting heavily.

Misty’s expression shifted from determination to something close to shock as she watched her prized Starmie slump, utterly defeated. She had seen many trainers come and go, but few had managed to overpower her Starmie so decisively.

Kenji’s heart pounded in his chest as he watched Starmie sink lower, still locked in its sleep. Ivysaur, though battered and bruised, stood victorious on the platform, his eyes gleaming with a fierce pride.

Misty sighed deeply and recalled Starmie to its Pokéball. The match was over, and the outcome was clear. She walked across the platform, meeting Kenji’s gaze with a begrudging respect.

“You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that,” Misty said, her voice calm but edged with a hint of admiration. “Brock might have gone easy on you, but you earned this one. Maybe I wasn’t as tough as I thought.”

Kenji smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. “Brock was tough. You weren’t that hard to beat, Misty. Starmie was strong, but Ivysaur’s stronger.”

Misty chuckled, shaking her head. “Cocky, aren’t you? Well, I suppose you’ve earned the right to be.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, gleaming badge—a blue teardrop shape. “Here, take the Cascade Badge. And this as well,” she added, handing him a TM disk. “That’s Water Pulse. You’ll find it useful.”

Kenji accepted the badge and TM, tucking them into his backpack. He looked back at Ivysaur, who was licking his wounds but stood tall and proud. Kenji couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for his Pokémon. They had fought hard, and they had won.

“Thanks, Misty,” Kenji said, nodding to her as he turned to leave the Gym. “It was a good battle.”

Misty watched him go, a slight smile on her lips. “Yeah… it was.”

Kenji and his team walked out of Misty's Gym, the Cascade Badge gleaming in his hand. The moment they stepped outside, Haunter emerged from Kenji’s shadow, cackling with delight as he swooped around, diving in and out of the dark spots on the ground. Ivysaur, despite his injuries from the intense battle, was beaming with pride, his vines waving excitedly in the air.

Kenji grinned as he held up the badge for his Pokémon to see. "We did it, guys! Two badges now! We're unstoppable!"

Ivysaur let out a tired but happy growl, nudging Kenji's leg with his head. Pidgeotto, perched on Kenji’s shoulder, fluffed his feathers, clearly pleased with the victory. Even Raticate, though he hadn’t battled, seemed to share in the celebration, his whiskers twitching with excitement.

As they made their way to the Pokémon Center, Haunter kept the mood light, his antics making Kenji chuckle despite the fatigue creeping into his bones. Ivysaur limped a little, but he refused to let his injuries dampen his spirits.

Once they reached the Pokémon Center, Kenji handed over Ivysaur and Pidgeotto to the nurse. "These two need some rest and healing," he said, patting their Pokéballs gently before handing them over.

After a short wait, his Pokémon were returned to him fully healed and raring to go. Kenji thanked the nurse and headed out, making a beeline for their usual cafe to celebrate properly.

The cafe was quiet, with the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore just outside. Kenji found a cozy corner and sank into a plush chair, the tension of the Gym battle slowly melting away. He ordered his usual iced coffee and a club sandwich, while his Pokémon happily dug into their poke food. Haunter hovered over the table, occasionally swooping down to snatch a piece of food from Raticate’s bowl, earning a playful growl in response.

Kenji gazed out at the sea, the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves bringing him a sense of calm. It was moments like these that made the journey worth it—the quiet celebrations, the bond with his Pokémon, and the satisfaction of a hard-earned victory.

But his peaceful moment was interrupted when a figure approached his table. A woman with a notepad in hand and a camera slung over her shoulder—a reporter. She smiled warmly as she stopped in front of Kenji.

“Excuse me, you’re Kenji, right? The trainer who just defeated Misty?” she asked, her pen poised to take notes.

Kenji blinked, surprised by the sudden attention. “Uh, yeah, that’s me. Can I help you?”

The reporter’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Congratulations on your victory! You’re one of the few trainers around here with two Badges already. That’s quite an achievement. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

Kenji nodded, leaning back in his chair. “Sure, go ahead.”

The reporter began scribbling notes as she asked, “How was the battle against Misty? I’ve heard she’s one of the toughest Gym Leaders around.”

Kenji smirked, remembering the fierce battle. “She was tough, no doubt. But we trained hard, and Ivysaur pulled through in the end. It was close, but we made it.”

The reporter nodded, clearly impressed. “And with two Badges now, what’s next for you? Are you planning to take on the other Gyms, or do you have something else in mind?”

Kenji shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. “I’ll probably keep challenging the Gyms. But I’m also interested in getting stronger, learning new strategies, and seeing where this journey takes me.”

The reporter’s eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief. “Speaking of getting stronger, have you heard about the Vermillion Tournament next week?”

Kenji shook his head. “No, what’s that?”

“It’s a special tournament being held in Vermillion City,” the reporter explained. “Trainers from all regions are coming to compete. And the prize… well, it’s something you might find interesting—a Tera Orb.”

Kenji nearly choked on his coffee. “A Tera Orb? Are you serious?”

The reporter nodded, smiling at his reaction. “Very serious. It’s a rare item, only found in the Paldea region, and it’s being offered as the grand prize. Would you be interested in participating?”

Kenji’s mind raced. The Tera Orb was exactly what he needed to take his team to the next level. He could already imagine Haunter or Ivysaur using it in battle, turning the tide with its incredible power.

He leaned forward, his decision made. “I’m in. Sign me up for the tournament.”

The reporter grinned, jotting down his response. “Great! I’ll make sure to get your name on the list. Good luck, Kenji—I have a feeling you’re going to make waves at the tournament.”

With that, she thanked him for his time and left him to his thoughts. Kenji sat back in his chair, his mind already on the battles ahead. He looked over at Haunter, who had been listening in, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“This is it, buddy,” Kenji said, a determined smile on his face. “We’re going to win that Tera Orb, no matter what. We’ll train harder than ever and show everyone what we’re made of.”

Haunter cackled in agreement, his hands flickering with excitement. Kenji took another sip of his coffee, the taste sweeter now with the thought of the challenges ahead. The journey was far from over, but with his Pokémon by his side and a new goal in sight, Kenji was more ready than ever to face whatever came next