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Viridian City
From Saffron City, Kai donned his new gear and followed the forested path leading to a city surrounded by dense woodlands Viridian City.
Although Viridian City is small, it serves as a crucial transportation hub and an important economic centre in western Kanto.
It's also the final stop for trainers en route to the Indigo Plateau to compete in the Indigo League!.
However, its proximity to the Viridian Forest often leads to wild Bug-type Pokémon wandering into the city, causing minor inconveniences for its residents.
As a place where Giovanni had ruled for many years, the influence of Team Rocket runs deep here.
Kai felt a tinge of unease walking the crowded streets, wary of a possible ambush from Team Rocket remnants.
But the sight of bustling people and vigilant police patrols reassured him. It was evident the Pokémon League and law enforcement had heightened security, likely rivalling even that of Celadon City.
After weaving through most of the city, Kai finally arrived at the Viridian Gym.
The gym's modest size was noticeably limited, perhaps, by the vast surrounding forest.
Despite this, the two-story building exuded grandeur, its entrance adorned with the familiar Pokémon League emblem.
For a moment, Kai wondered if he'd stumbled upon a consulate instead of a gym!
The austere design reflected Giovanni's preference for understated yet commanding aesthetics.
Before Agatha (better known as one of Kanto's Elite Four) took over as the interim Gym Leader, Viridian Gym had a notorious reputation.
It wasn't because of Giovanni's formidable skill, but rather his gym's exclusivity often closed to challengers without explanation. Many hopeful trainers had found their doors firmly shut.
With Agatha at the helm, the gym maintained its fearsome reputation. Her expertise in Ghost-type Pokémon and her sharp intellect made this one of the toughest challenges for unprepared trainers.
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Inside the gym, Kai explained his purpose to a staff member and was promptly escorted to meet Agatha.
The seasoned Elite Four member eyed Kai with curiosity. There was something familiar about his voice, but she couldn't immediately place him.
It wasn't until Kai's Haunter emerged from its Poké Ball that Agatha made the connection.
"So, it's you!" she said with a mix of surprise and recognition. "The masked man 'Player,' wasn't it? We fought side by side against Team Rocket. I thought you might be some undercover agent. Turns out, you're just a wandering trainer challenging gyms!"
Kai scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "Trainer is my main Occupation. As for that mission, well, I was just doing my duty as a good citizen!"
"An interesting young man, indeed," Agatha mused before pivoting to the matter at hand. "I'm already familiar with your strength. There's no need for the standard three-on-three format. Let's settle this with a single battle winner takes all!"
Kai blinked in surprise. "Wait, what? You're one of the Elite Four! That's hardly fair to me. If my Pokémon faints, I'll lose the challenge outright!"
"Exactly." Agatha's sly smile deepened. "This will test your courage and strategy. But don't worry, this is a gym battle, not an Elite Four match. I won't use my strongest Pokémon."
With little choice, Kai agreed.
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The Battle Unfolds
The two trainers took their positions on the battlefield.
Viridian Gym's arena was an eerie, western-style hall. Ornate murals, carved pillars, and intricately painted ceilings gave the space a hauntingly elegant atmosphere.
Dim lighting added to the mystique, casting long shadows across the arena floor.
Agatha released her Pokémon first. "Come out, Mismagius!"
The Poké Ball opened to reveal a dark, ghostly Pokémon. Its glowing red eyes, flowing ghostly tendrils, and necklace-like red gems gave it an intimidating presence.
Kai considered his options. Against a pure Ghost-type like Mismagius, most of his team wouldn't have much advantage except one. He grabbed a Poké Ball and called out:
"Let's do this, Ivysaur!"
The green light from the ball revealed Ivysaur, who stepped forward with determination.
The contrast between the small grounded Grass-type and the floating, sinister Mismagius was stark.
"Ivysaur?" Agatha raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd send out Haunter."
Kai smirked. "Why reveal my ace when you're holding back?"
"We'll see." Agatha's eyes gleamed. "I hope you won't regret this decision!"
At the referee's signal, the battle began.
"Ivysaur, Razor Leaf!"
"Mismagius, Shadow Ball!"
Ivysaur's vines shook as razor-sharp leaves flew toward Mismagius, colliding mid-air with its Shadow Ball.
The resulting explosion sent debris flying, but neither Pokémon faltered.
Agatha's expression sharpened. "Mismagius, use Confuse Ray!"
Kai anticipated this. "Ivysaur, counter with Leech Seed!"
As Mismagius released a dazzling Confuse Ray, Ivysaur launched a seed from its bud.
Both attacks hit their marks. Ivysaur briefly wobbled, affected by confusion, while the Leech Seed latched onto Mismagius, wrapping it in glowing vines that began sapping its energy.
Kai clenched his fists. "Shake it off, Ivysaur! Use Vine Whip!"
Despite its confusion, Ivysaur lashed out with two sturdy vines, landing a direct hit on Mismagius.
"Don't let it overwhelm you! Break free with Shadow Ball!" Agatha commanded.
Mismagius retaliated, shattering the vines with an explosive Shadow Ball. The Ghost-type hovered higher, clearly battered but not ready to give in.
Kai's strategy was paying off. The Leech Seed continued to drain Mismagius's health, giving Ivysaur a fighting chance despite its confusion.
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The tension in the room was palpable. Both trainers were pushing their Pokémon to their limits.
With every move, the mysterious Viridian Gym seemed to grow darker, its haunting atmosphere amplifying the intensity of the battle.
Would Kai's Ivysaur triumph over Agatha's fearsome Ghost-type? Or would Mismagius prove too elusive to defeat? Only the next few moves would decide the outcome.
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