The next morning, Kenji woke early, the excitement of his next journey pushing him forward. With the Cerulean Gym victory fresh in his mind, he packed his gear, grabbed his iced coffee, and headed toward Route 5, aiming for Vermillion City. He decided to take the Underground Tunnel to avoid the bustling streets of Saffron City.
As he walked, the crisp morning air filled his lungs, and he couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the outdoors. The vibrant green of the trees, the sound of rustling leaves, and the distant calls of wild Pokémon reminded him of why he loved this journey so much. Along the way, several trainers challenged him to battles, each one providing a new opportunity for his Pokémon to grow stronger.
By the time he emerged from the Underground Tunnel onto Route 6, the sun was high in the sky, marking noon. Haunter, ever the playful spirit, drifted in and out of Kenji’s shadow, his mischievous grin never leaving his face. The rest of Kenji's team remained in their Pokéballs, resting after the battles.
Kenji spotted a serene lake nearby, its surface shimmering under the sunlight. It was the perfect spot to rest and enjoy the peace of nature. He walked over to the shade of a large tree by the lake, releasing his Pokémon to stretch and relax. Ivysaur, Pidgeotto, and Raticate appeared beside Haunter, each one basking in the tranquility of the moment.
“Alright, everyone, time to relax,” Kenji said, tossing some Pokéfood to his team. “You’ve all earned it.”
The Pokémon eagerly ate, enjoying the calm after the morning's battles. Kenji sat down beside them, pulling out his Pokédex to check their stats. He was pleased with what he saw.
“Haunter, you’re up to Level 33 now,” Kenji murmured, scanning the moves. “Looks like you can learn Shadow Ball. Let’s replace Night Shade with that.”
Haunter’s eyes glowed with excitement as the new move was added to his repertoire. Kenji then checked the rest of his team.
“Pidgeotto, you’re Level 28, still solid with Quick Attack, Wing Attack, Gust, and Sand Attack. Ivysaur, Level 30 now, with Razor Leaf, Take Down, Sleep Powder, and Vine Whip. And Raticate, Level 26—Swords Dance, Crunch, Quick Attack, and Counter. Not bad, guys.”
Kenji leaned back against the tree, a content smile on his face. “You’re all doing great. I’m proud of you.”
With that, he and his Pokémon drifted off into a peaceful nap, the gentle breeze and the soft rustling of leaves lulling them into a well-deserved rest. The day was still young, but for now, they would savor this moment of calm by the lake, preparing themselves for the challenges that lay ahead.
As Kenji and his team rested under the shade of the large tree by the lake, they were suddenly jolted awake. Haunter was the first to sense it, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a more serious expression as he hovered above Kenji, eyes narrowed. Pidgeotto, perched on a nearby branch, let out a sharp cry, flapping his wings in agitation. Kenji rubbed his eyes and sat up quickly, his heart pounding from the sudden alarm.
"What’s going on, Haunter?" Kenji asked, standing up and scanning the area.
Before Haunter could respond, a figure emerged from the trees—clad in the unmistakable black uniform of Team Rocket, a smirk plastered across his face. By his side was a massive, snarling Arcanine, its fiery mane bristling with energy. The Rocket Grunt, clearly one of the more experienced and confident members of the group, approached with a swagger that sent a chill down Kenji’s spine.
"Well, well, well," the Grunt sneered, crossing his arms as he looked down at Kenji. "Seems like I’ve finally found you. The boss will be pleased when I take those Pokémon of yours. That Haunter looks like a real prize."
Kenji clenched his fists, trying to keep his fear at bay. He’d never faced a Pokémon as powerful as Arcanine before, especially not a Fire-type. The Grunt’s confidence only made it worse, but he couldn’t let that show.
"Arcanine and I here," the Grunt continued, patting the massive Pokémon on its head, "we’re a force to be reckoned with. And just to make it easier on you, I’ll let you know—I’ve got a little something extra up my sleeve." He pulled out a TM case and tossed it up and down in his hand. "Stole this Dig TM from some Hiker’s house. Arcanine learned it in no time. Ready to give up?"
Kenji’s mind raced. Arcanine was no joke, and with Dig in its arsenal, it had a powerful Ground-type move that could decimate his team. But he wasn’t about to back down.
"Let’s do this, Raticate!" Kenji shouted as his companion came forward, baring its sharp teeth and staring down the fearsome Arcanine.
The Grunt chuckled. "You think that little rat’s gonna stand a chance? Arcanine, let’s start with Flamethrower!"
Arcanine took a deep breath, and in an instant, a massive plume of fire erupted from its mouth, scorching the ground as it barreled toward Raticate. Kenji’s eyes widened in horror, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Raticate, dodge it and use Swords Dance!" Kenji ordered.
Raticate moved with incredible speed, darting to the side as the flames licked the earth where it had just been standing. Then, it began to glow with a fierce aura as it performed Swords Dance, sharpening its focus and massively boosting its attack power.
"Nice try," the Grunt sneered, "but we’re not done yet! Arcanine, use Dig!"
Arcanine roared, then leapt into the air before diving underground, vanishing from sight. Kenji’s heart raced. He knew Raticate wouldn’t be able to handle an Attack like Dig if it hit directly.
"Stay alert, Raticate!" Kenji warned, scanning the ground for any sign of Arcanine’s reappearance.
The ground rumbled, and before Kenji could react, Arcanine burst up beneath Raticate, delivering a crushing blow that sent the Pokémon tumbling across the battlefield.
"Raticate!" Kenji shouted, his heart pounding in his chest. But to his surprise, Raticate stood up, shaking off the hit. It was hurt, but not out of the fight. "Quick Attack, now!"
Raticate bolted forward with blinding speed, slamming into Arcanine’s ribs before it could react. The hit was solid, and Arcanine flinched in pain.
"You’re persistent, I’ll give you that," the Grunt said with a smirk. "But you’re outmatched. Arcanine, finish this with Bite!"
Arcanine lunged forward, fangs bared, aiming for Raticate’s throat. Kenji’s eyes widened—if that hit connected, it could be over.
"Raticate, use Crunch! Now!" Kenji yelled.
At the last second, Raticate’s own fangs glowed with a dark energy, and it bit down on Arcanine’s neck with all its might. The two Pokémon were locked in a brutal struggle, snarling and growling as they tried to overpower each other.
But Raticate’s Swords Dance-enhanced strength gave it the edge. With a powerful twist, Raticate flung Arcanine aside, the larger Pokémon crashing into the ground with a heavy thud. Arcanine struggled to get up, but its legs gave out beneath it, the battle clearly taking its toll.
"Arcanine, no!" the Grunt shouted in disbelief, running over to his Pokémon’s side.
Kenji rushed forward, pulling out a Potion and kneeling beside Arcanine. The Grunt stared at him in shock as Kenji began to treat the wounded Pokémon.
"Why… Why are you helping it?" the Grunt asked, his voice trembling.
Kenji looked up, his expression serious. "Because it’s not Arcanine’s fault. It didn’t choose this. And I’m not like you—my Pokémon aren’t just tools to me."
The Grunt, overwhelmed by guilt and the realization of what he’d become, took a step back, then another and called his Pokémon back, before turning and fleeing into the crowd gathered at the edge of Vermillion City.
"Wait!" Kenji shouted, but it was too late. The Grunt disappeared into the throng of people, leaving behind only the Dig TM that had fallen from his pocket.
Kenji sighed, picking up the TM and slipping it into his bag. "Guess I’ll make sure this gets back to its owner," he muttered, then turned to Raticate. "You did great, buddy. How about we teach you this move as a reward? No one will know."
Raticate gave a nod, and with a few clicks on the TM, Kenji taught Raticate Dig, replacing its Counter move.
Then, Kenji delivered the TM to the local police station, explaining the situation to the officers there. They thanked him, promising to return the stolen item to the Hiker.
Afterward, exhausted from the battle and the chase, Kenji made his way to the Pokémon Center. The nurse took his Pokémon to be healed while he checked in for a room. His body ached, his mind replaying the battle with Arcanine over and over.
Once in his room, Kenji took a long, hot shower, letting the steam soothe his sore muscles. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving him feeling drained. When he finally crawled into bed, he barely had the energy to pull the covers over himself.
But before he drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t help but smile. His team was getting stronger, and so was he. And tomorrow, they’d be one step closer to the Vermillion Tournament.
"Goodnight, guys," Kenji whispered, closing his eyes. "We’ll keep pushing forward. Together."
And with that, sleep finally claimed him.
The next morning, the sunlight streamed through the curtains as Kenji stirred in his bed, blinking against the brightness. He stretched, feeling the familiar ache in his muscles from the battles and travels of the past few days. Despite the exhaustion, a sense of determination surged through him as he remembered the events of yesterday. He was in Vermillion now, one step closer to the tournament and his goals.
With a deep breath, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, his body still a bit sore but ready to face the day. After dressing quickly, Kenji headed downstairs to retrieve his Pokémon. The nurse smiled and handed over his Pokéballs, commenting on how strong they looked.
“Thanks,” Kenji said with a nod. “We’re going to need every bit of that strength today.”
He stepped outside, releasing Haunter immediately. The ghostly Pokémon materialized with a playful cackle, swirling around Kenji before settling by his side.
"Morning, Haunter," Kenji greeted him with a small smile. "Ready for another day of action?"
Haunter responded with a wide, mischievous grin, floating close to Kenji as they began their walk. But as soon as they exited the Pokémon Center, they were greeted by the sight of a large crowd gathered just outside.
Kenji's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What's going on?" he muttered, pushing through the onlookers to get a better view.
At the front of the crowd stood a tall, imposing man with a powerful build, his blonde hair slicked back in a military-style cut. He wore a green camouflage jacket over a sleeveless shirt, his muscled arms crossed confidently over his chest. His eyes were hidden behind dark sunglasses, but the smug grin on his face was clearly visible. Beside him stood an intimidating Raichu, its muscles rippling under its orange and brown fur as it sparked with electrical energy.
It didn’t take long for Kenji to recognize him—Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader of Vermillion City. He had an unmistakable air of authority and a towering presence that made the crowd part before him.
"So, you’re the kid who’s been making waves around here," Surge’s voice boomed as he pointed directly at Kenji, his grin widening. "I heard you came to Vermillion just for that fancy tournament, huh? Not even thinking about challenging my Gym first? That’s some nerve, kid."
Kenji felt a surge of anger boil within him. He hadn’t planned on challenging the Gym just yet, but the insult in Surge’s voice, the way he dismissed Kenji as if he were beneath him—it was too much to bear. His fists clenched at his sides as he stepped forward, his eyes locking with Surge’s.
"Maybe I didn’t challenge your Gym first because I wanted to make sure it was worth my time," Kenji shot back, his voice cold and steady. "But since you’re so eager to lose, let’s battle today. I’ll take you down before the tournament even starts."
Surge’s grin faltered for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he laughed—a deep, booming sound that echoed through the street. "You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that," he said, his tone still dripping with arrogance. "But you’ve got no idea what you’re up against. Raichu and I will make sure you regret that attitude, kid."
Kenji’s blood was boiling now, but before he could say anything else, Haunter floated in front of him, placing a cold, reassuring hand on his shoulder. Kenji glanced at his partner, who was giving him a gentle, confident smile, reminding him to stay calm and focused.
"Haunter’s right," Kenji muttered, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "We’ll beat him. Together."
Lt. Surge turned on his heel, his coat billowing behind him as he began to walk down the road towards his Gym, his laughter still ringing in Kenji’s ears. The crowd slowly began to disperse, whispering amongst themselves about the upcoming battle.
Kenji watched Surge’s back as he left, his jaw tight with determination. "We’ll see who regrets what," he murmured under his breath.
Once the crowd had fully cleared, Kenji turned back to his team. He released the rest of his Pokémon—Ivysaur, Pidgeotto, and Raticate—who all appeared before him, still showing signs of fatigue but ready to listen to their Trainer.
"Guys," Kenji started, his tone serious as he looked at each of them. "I know we just had a tough battle at Misty’s Gym, and I wanted to give you all a bit more time to rest, but we don’t have that luxury now. Lt. Surge just challenged us, and I’m not backing down."
Ivysaur grunted in acknowledgment, his leaf quivering slightly from the leftover bruises. Pidgeotto flapped its wings, showing it was ready to fight, despite its previous battle. Raticate bared its teeth, eager to prove its strength after the encounter with the Rocket Grunt.
Kenji crouched down to meet his Pokémon at eye level. "I’m going to do my best to only use Raticate and Haunter in this battle. I don’t want to push the rest of you too hard, but I need you to be ready, just in case. Surge is strong, and we’re going to need every bit of strategy and teamwork to win this."
Haunter floated closer, giving Kenji another encouraging nudge. The rest of the team nodded in agreement, their trust in Kenji unwavering.
Kenji smiled at them, feeling a surge of confidence as he stood back up. "Alright, let’s show him what we’re made of. We’ll rest up for a bit, and then it’s off to the Gym. We’re not just going to win—we’re going to make sure Lt. Surge never underestimates us again."
With that, Kenji and his team began to prepare themselves mentally and physically for the battle ahead. The sun climbed higher in the sky, and with each passing minute, Kenji’s resolve only grew stronger. Today, they would face one of the toughest challenges yet—but together, they would overcome it.
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Kenji found a quiet spot under a large tree near Vermillion City’s port. The gentle breeze carried the salty scent of the sea, and the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the docks provided a peaceful backdrop. He settled down on the cool grass, his Pokémon gathering around him. Haunter floated nearby, its ghostly form casting playful shadows over the group. Ivysaur, Pidgeotto, and Raticate sat close by, their eyes on Kenji, waiting to see what he had to say.
Kenji pulled out two small, gleaming candies from his backpack. The Rare Candies sparkled in the sunlight, capturing the attention of his team immediately.
“I’ve been holding onto these for a while now,” Kenji began, his voice calm but firm. “These are Rare Candies. Each one can level up a Pokémon by one level instantly. I’ve been saving them, waiting for the right moment to use them, and I think that moment is now.”
He looked over at Ivysaur, who met his gaze with determination. “Ivysaur, you’ve been with me from the start, and you’ve grown so much since we left Viridian Forest behind us. But we’re about to face one of our toughest battles yet, and I want you to be as strong as possible.”
Ivysaur nodded, understanding what Kenji was about to do. There was a mix of anticipation and excitement in the air as Kenji handed the two Rare Candies to Ivysaur. The Pokémon carefully took the candies, swallowing them one by one.
Suddenly, Ivysaur began to glow with a brilliant light. His form started to shift and grow, the light intensifying until it was almost blinding. Kenji and the others watched in awe as Ivysaur’s silhouette expanded, his vines growing longer and thicker, his body becoming more massive and powerful.
When the light finally faded, standing before them was no longer Ivysaur, but a fully evolved Venusaur. The massive plant on his back had bloomed into a large, vibrant flower, and his eyes glinted with newfound strength and determination. Venusaur let out a deep, resonant roar, showing off his power as the team erupted in cheers.
“Venusaur… you look incredible!” Kenji exclaimed, stepping forward to place a hand on his partner’s rough, yet warm skin. Venusaur looked down at Kenji, his expression both fierce and gentle, and nodded in acknowledgment.
Kenji then noticed something else—Venusaur had learned a new move. "Power Whip," Kenji muttered to himself as he checked Venusaur's stats on his Pokédex. The move was far stronger than Vine Whip, and he quickly made the decision to replace the old move with the new, powerful attack.
"Looks like you’re more than ready for this battle," Kenji said, grinning at Venusaur. The rest of the team gathered around, admiring Venusaur’s new form and celebrating the evolution. They all knew this would give them a significant advantage against Lt. Surge.
After the excitement died down, Kenji pulled out some poke food from his bag and shared it with his team. As they ate, Kenji sipped on an iced coffee he had bought earlier, the cool drink refreshing him in the warm afternoon sun. The team was in high spirits, enjoying the moment of peace before the storm.
Once everyone had eaten their fill and relaxed a bit, Kenji stood up, feeling the weight of the upcoming battle pressing on his mind again. “Alright, guys,” he said, recalling Pidgeotto, Raticate, and Venusaur back to their Pokéballs. “It’s time.”
Only Haunter remained outside, hovering close to Kenji as they made their way toward the Gym. The path was lined with trees and flowers, but Kenji’s mind was focused on the challenge ahead. The closer they got, the more determined he felt.
Finally, they arrived outside the Gym. A crowd had gathered once more, likely having heard of the impending battle. As Kenji and Haunter approached, the onlookers parted, whispering excitedly about the showdown that was about to take place. Kenji stood tall, his heart pounding with anticipation, ready to face whatever awaited him inside.
Kenji pushed open the doors to the Vermillion City Gym, feeling the electric charge in the air as he stepped inside. The Gym was a vast, industrial space filled with metal flooring and walls, wires running across the ceiling like a web of power lines. The room was dimly lit, with flickering fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow on the battlefield. At the far end, Lt. Surge stood with his arms crossed, a confident smirk on his face. The towering Gym Leader radiated an intimidating presence, his military uniform crisp and his blonde hair perfectly in place.
"Welcome, kid!" Lt. Surge called out, his voice booming through the Gym. "I heard you've been making waves in Cerulean, but this is Vermillion! You think you can handle the power of my Electric-type Pokémon?"
Kenji's heart pounded in his chest, but he met Surge's gaze without flinching. “I’m not here to back down. Let’s see if your reputation is as big as your mouth.”
Surge’s grin widened. "I like your spirit, kid! But you're about to learn the hard way that no one messes with the 'Lightning American!' This Gym is my battlefield, and you're just another rookie trying to play soldier!"
As Kenji walked forward to the battlefield, he noticed a crowd had gathered along the sidelines, some standing on the metal walkways that lined the upper levels of the Gym, eager to watch the showdown. Their murmurs filled the air, a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Kenji reached for his first Pokéball. "Raticate, you're up!" he called, tossing the ball into the air. With a flash of light, Raticate appeared on the battlefield, its sharp eyes locked onto Lt. Surge.
Surge chuckled and pulled out his own Pokéball. “Let’s start this off with a bang! Go, Voltorb!” He tossed the ball, and the spherical Pokémon materialized, its expressionless face focusing on Raticate. It rolled in place, crackling with pent-up energy.
“This isn’t going to be easy, Raticate,” Kenji muttered, eyeing the Voltorb warily. “But I know you’ve got this. Use Dig!”
Raticate darted forward, claws digging into the metal floor as it quickly burrowed underground. The metal reverberated with the sound of its movement, and the crowd leaned in, eager to see how this first exchange would play out.
Lt. Surge didn’t waste a second. “Voltorb, set up Reflect!”
Voltorb’s surface shimmered as it generated a barrier of light, preparing to soften the blows of Kenji’s Pokémon. But before it could brace itself, Raticate erupted from the ground beneath it, slamming into Voltorb with a devastating Dig. The impact sent the Electric-type flying across the battlefield, sparks flying as it hit the ground.
“Not bad!” Surge admitted, his grin never wavering. “But you’re about to see what happens when you mess with power! Voltorb, Self-Destruct!”
Kenji’s eyes widened. “Raticate, get underground! Now!”
Voltorb began to vibrate violently, its entire body glowing with an intense, white-hot light. It let out a high-pitched whine, the sound of its impending explosion filling the Gym. The crowd gasped, some of them stepping back instinctively from the battlefield. Just as the Voltorb reached its breaking point, Raticate disappeared underground once more, burrowing just in time.
With a deafening blast, Voltorb exploded in a massive burst of energy. The shockwave rattled the metal walls of the Gym, and a cloud of smoke and debris filled the air, obscuring the battlefield. The crowd let out a collective gasp, watching with bated breath to see what would emerge from the smoke.
As the dust began to settle, the battlefield was revealed. Voltorb was gone, reduced to nothing but scattered pieces of metal and circuitry. The ground where it had stood was scorched black, the floor dented and cracked from the force of the explosion. But as the smoke cleared further, Raticate emerged from a new hole, panting heavily but very much alive. The crowd erupted into cheers, impressed by the Pokémon's survival and quick reflexes.
Kenji let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “You did great, Raticate,” he said, relief washing over him. He looked across the battlefield at Lt. Surge, who was still grinning, though there was a gleam of something more dangerous in his eyes now.
“Not bad, kid,” Surge said, his tone both impressed and taunting. “But that was just the warm-up. Voltorbs are easy to replace. Let’s see how you handle the real power of the Vermillion Gym!”
The crowd’s excitement was palpable as they eagerly awaited the next round. Kenji knew this battle was far from over, but the victory over Voltorb had given him a much-needed boost of confidence. He glanced at Raticate, who returned to his side, ready for the next fight.
“Ready for more? I'll keep you in for the next one too.” Kenji asked, his voice filled with determination.
Raticate nodded, baring its sharp teeth in anticipation.
“Then let’s show them what we’re made of,” Kenji said, steeling himself for the challenges ahead.
The crowd buzzed with excitement as Lt. Surge prepared to send out his next Pokémon. Kenji could feel the tension in the air, his heart still racing from the close call with Voltorb. Raticate stood by his side, still catching its breath but determined, ready for the next challenge.
Surge’s grin grew wider as he reached for another Pokéball. “You’re tougher than I thought, kid. But let’s see how you handle my ace!” He tossed the ball into the air with a confident flourish. “Raichu, show them what real power looks like!”
With a flash of light, Raichu appeared on the battlefield, its cheeks sparking with electricity. The Electric-type looked even more menacing than before, its eyes filled with a fiery determination. The crowd erupted in cheers, some of them chanting Raichu’s name, clearly excited to see Surge’s signature Pokémon in action.
Kenji felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple. “This is going to be tough, Raticate,” he muttered. “But we’ve got the advantage if we play this smart.”
Raticate nodded, its eyes locked on Raichu, ready for the battle ahead.
Lt. Surge didn’t waste a second. “Raichu, start with Thunderbolt!”
Raichu’s cheeks flared with bright electricity, and with a fierce cry, it unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt that surged across the battlefield toward Raticate. The air crackled with energy as the bolt streaked toward its target.
“Raticate, Dig!” Kenji commanded urgently.
Raticate swiftly burrowed into the ground just as the Thunderbolt reached it. The bolt struck the metal floor instead, sending sparks flying in all directions, but Raticate had already disappeared underground. The crowd leaned forward, watching with bated breath as the battlefield fell silent, everyone waiting for Raticate to reemerge.
Surge’s eyes narrowed. “You think you can hide from us? Raichu, be ready! Hit it the moment it comes out!”
The ground rumbled as Raticate moved beneath the surface, and then, with a burst of earth and metal, it sprang up directly beneath Raichu, landing a powerful Dig attack. Raichu let out a sharp cry as it was thrown into the air, crashing back down with a heavy thud.
“Raichu, Quick Attack, now!” Surge barked.
Raichu, despite the hit, quickly sprang to its feet and launched itself at Raticate with blinding speed, slamming into it before Raticate could react. The force of the attack sent Raticate skidding across the battlefield, barely managing to stay on its feet.
Kenji gritted his teeth. “Raticate, use Swords Dance! We need to hit harder!”
Raticate took a deep breath and began to move in a rapid, precise pattern, sharpening its focus and raising its attack power to new heights. Its eyes gleamed with newfound strength as it finished the dance, muscles tensing with raw power.
Lt. Surge’s grin faded slightly, realizing the danger. “Raichu, Double Kick! Don’t let it get the upper hand!”
Raichu dashed forward and launched two rapid kicks at Raticate, the first blow hitting hard and fast. Raticate grunted in pain, but it held its ground, its eyes locked on Raichu.
“Now, Raticate, Dig again!” Kenji shouted.
Raticate burrowed underground just in time to avoid the second kick. The crowd gasped, watching as Raichu staggered from the missed attack, clearly frustrated.
“Stay sharp, Raichu!” Surge called out. “We’ve got to time this perfectly!”
Raichu’s ears twitched, trying to anticipate where Raticate would surface. The ground rumbled once more, and then Raticate erupted from beneath Raichu, slamming into it with a devastating Dig. The attack hit even harder this time, thanks to the Swords Dance boost. Raichu let out a pained cry as it was sent crashing to the ground again.
But this time, Raichu didn’t get up as quickly. It was hurt, clearly struggling to stay in the fight. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, the tension palpable as they watched the fierce exchange.
Surge’s expression darkened. “Raichu, it’s time to finish this. Use Hyper Beam!”
Kenji’s eyes widened. “Raticate, hurry and finish it with Crunch!”
Raichu’s eyes glowed with a deadly orange light as it began to charge the Hyper Beam, gathering all its remaining energy into one final, massive attack. But Raticate was faster. It lunged forward with bared fangs, sinking them into Raichu with a sickening Crunch. The sound of the impact echoed through the Gym, followed by a cry of pain from Raichu.
Raichu’s Hyper Beam fizzled out as it slumped to the ground, the life drained from its eyes as it fainted from the powerful bite. The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, some in disbelief at the sheer intensity of the battle they had just witnessed.
Lt. Surge stared in shock as his Raichu lay defeated, the mighty Electric-type that had won him so many battles bested by Kenji’s Raticate. He clenched his fists, clearly not used to losing, but then slowly nodded, accepting the outcome.
Kenji exhaled, his heart still pounding in his chest. “You did it, Raticate… We did it.”
Raticate limped back to Kenji, clearly exhausted but victorious, its chest heaving with heavy breaths. Kenji knelt down and patted it gently, pride swelling in his chest. “You were amazing out there.”
Lt. Surge approached, a grudging respect in his eyes. “You’re tougher than I thought, kid. That was some battle.” He extended his hand to Kenji for a handshake.
Kenji shook his hand, feeling the weight of the victory as the crowd continued to cheer. Raticate let out a tired but triumphant cry, and Haunter emerged from Kenji’s shadow, grinning proudly at their victory.
As the crowd began to disperse, Kenji looked at his Pokémon with a mixture of relief and pride. They had won, but it hadn’t been easy. The battle had been harsh, pushing them to their limits, but it had also shown Kenji just how strong they had become together.
“Let’s get you all healed up,” Kenji said softly, returning Raticate to its Pokéball. He then turned to Haunter, who was floating beside him. “We’ve got a badge to collect.”
With that, they turned and walked out of the Gym, the echoes of the battle still fresh in their minds.
As Kenji stepped out of the Gym's main arena, the adrenaline from the intense battle still thrumming in his veins, he was greeted by the receptionist at the front desk. She smiled warmly, clearly impressed by the match that had just taken place.
“Congratulations on your victory, Kenji,” she said, holding out a small case. Inside was the Thunder Badge, its lightning bolt design gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Beside it lay a TM disc. “This is Lt. Surge’s Thunder Badge, and this TM contains Thunderbolt. You’ve earned them.”
Kenji took the case, feeling the weight of his achievement settle in his hands. He could hardly contain his excitement as he pocketed the badge alongside his others, a tangible reminder of how far he’d come.
“Thank you,” Kenji said, his voice brimming with pride. “This means a lot.”
The receptionist nodded, her smile never fading. “You really proved yourself out there. Lt. Surge doesn’t go easy on anyone, and your Raticate handled that battle like a true veteran.”
Kenji chuckled, thinking back to the fight. “I was planning to use Venusaur too, but Raticate’s a real fighter, no doubt about that. We’ve been through a lot together.”
With a final nod, Kenji turned and made his way out of the Gym, Haunter floating by his side. The streets of Vermillion City were bustling, and news of his victory must have spread quickly because people cheered as he passed by.
“Great job, Raticate!” “You’re awesome, Kenji!”
The voices of passersby filled the air, and Kenji couldn’t help but smile. The support from the crowd felt like a warm embrace after such a tough battle.
After a short walk, Kenji arrived at the Pokémon Center. He handed Raticate’s Pokéball to the nurse. “He took a few hard hits out there. Make sure he gets some good rest.”
“We’ll take care of him,” the nurse assured him, taking the Pokéball with practiced care.
With Raticate in good hands, Kenji decided to head over to the Tournament Stadium to sign up. He’d heard rumors about the tournament being a big deal, and now that he had three badges under his belt, it seemed like the perfect next step.
The Tournament Stadium was an impressive sight, a large, modern building with banners advertising the upcoming event. The inside was bustling with activity, trainers from all over the world milling about, some chatting, others practicing with their Pokémon in designated areas.
Kenji approached the registration desk, where a friendly attendant greeted him. “Here to sign up for the Vermillion City Tournament?”
“Yeah,” Kenji replied, nodding. “What are the rules?”
The attendant handed him a booklet. “The tournament is a single-elimination format. Each trainer can use up to three Pokémon per match, and substitutions are allowed. All Pokémon must be registered before the first round, and items are permitted during battles. The winner will receive a Tera Orb, and there’s a big prize pool for the finalists.”
Kenji’s eyes lit up at the mention of the Tera Orb. It was the reason he was here, after all. “Sounds good. I’m in.”
After completing the necessary paperwork, Kenji was about to leave when he noticed a trainer standing nearby, studying him with interest. The trainer had a confident air about him, with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. He had dark hair, partially covered by a cap, and wore a jacket with the Naranja Academy emblem.
“Hey,” the trainer said, approaching Kenji. “You must be the guy who just beat Lt. Surge. Impressive. I heard that Lt. Surge hadn’t lost a battle in years.”
“Thanks, but Raticate did most of the work,” Kenji replied, intrigued. “Are you entering the tournament too?”
The trainer nodded. “Yeah, I’m from the Paldea region. Naranja Academy is actually behind this tournament, scouting for strong trainers worldwide. It’s part of their initiative to find champions from every region.”
Kenji’s interest piqued. “So they’re looking for the best of the best, huh?”
“Exactly,” the trainer said. “Winning this tournament could open up a lot of doors. Plus, that Tera Orb is no joke. It can give your Pokémon a massive edge in battle.”
Kenji grinned, feeling more determined than ever. “I guess I’ll see you in the tournament then.”
The trainer smirked, a glint of competitive spirit in his eyes. “Looking forward to it.”
With his registration complete, Kenji headed back to the Pokémon Center. The day had been long and full of excitement, and he could feel the fatigue beginning to set in. After retrieving Raticate from the nurse, who assured him that his Pokémon was fully healed and ready to go, Kenji made his way upstairs to his room.
As he sat down on the bed, Kenji released Haunter from his Pokéball. “Tomorrow’s going to be intense, Haunter. We’re really moving up in the world.”
Haunter floated around the room, his mischievous grin a constant, but there was a gleam of determination in his eyes. He was ready, just like the rest of the team.
Kenji lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts drifted to the upcoming tournament, the possibilities that lay ahead. But for now, all he could do was rest and prepare for the battles to come.
“Time to relax,” Kenji murmured to himself as he closed his eyes, his mind already drifting toward tomorrow’s challenges. He knew it was only going to get tougher from here, but he was ready. He had his team, his badges, and now, a new goal in sight.