Chapter 15: Badges Galore & a Rematch!

I was cleaning my face and hands after the explosion on one of the broken water pipes. I was excited about what was going to happen. I was going to get my Volcano Badge! I still couldn't believe that Blaine had been the one who helped us. Zubat washed up as well, as I prepared for the battle.
"Well, are you ready?" Blaine asked me once I got back. Josh, Megan & Zach set up a makeshift battlefield. They sat on the sidelines with Officer Jenny & her copilot until the helicopters arrived.
"I'm as ready as I will ever be, Blaine!" I replied back.
"All right then! We'll begin! Go Ninetales!" Blaine shouted as he threw a Poké Ball. Out popped a large white fox with nine flowing tails.
"Heh. A Fire-type! Well, Graveler can take care of that thing!" I shouted as I threw Graveler's Poké Ball. The four-armed living boulder stood ready.
"Go!" shouted Zach as he started.
"Graveler! Use Rock Throw, now!" I shouted to Graveler. It jumped and threw itself at Ninetales.
"Ninetales, Agility now," Blaine said. Ninetales used it and easily dodged Graveler.
"Graveler, try your Seismic Toss!" I shouted. Graveler rushed and picked up Ninetales, then threw it up in the air.
"Ninetales, Flamethrower" Blaine said calmly. Ninetales jumped from the wrecked buildings and shot out a huge flame at Graveler.
"Use Harden!" I shouted.
Graveler managed to block the flames, but Ninetales ran up to Graveler and knocked it in a building with its Take Down. Graveler got up, but Ninetales was ready and used Fire Spin. Graveler was engulfed in the fire column and when it dissipated, Graveler was out.
"Graveler return!" I shouted as I held out its Poké Ball.
"Hah! Was that your best?" Blaine asked me.
"No way! I choose now, Gyarados!" I shouted as I threw its ball.
Gyarados roared out and towered over Ninetales. Ninetales tried a Quick Attack, but Gyarados was too fast and wrapped it up. Gyarados squeezed Ninetales, but it managed to slip out. It tried Flamethrower, but Gyarados used Hydro Pump and overpowered Ninetales. It was out.
"Ninetales, return!" Blaine said, "Go Rhydon!" he shouted. Rhydon appeared before Gyarados. It geared up for battle as its horn spun wildly.
"Go Rhydon! Body Slam!" Blaine shouted as Rhydon charged forward, jumped up, and slammed Gyarados.
"Gyarados! Use your Tackle!" I shouted to the giant.
Gyarados lunged forward and hit Rhydon. It landed hard in the ground but it wasn't out yet. Rhydon used its Horn Attack but bounced off Gyarados. I told Gyarados to use Hydro Pump, which Rhydon barely dodged. Blaine needed to think quick.
"Rhydon! Defeat it in one hit! Horn Drill now!" he shouted to the rock rhino.
"Horn Drill?" I asked.
"Matt, watch out! That attack will defeat Gyarados in one hit!" Josh shouted.
"Gyarados! Dodge it with Double Team!" I shouted.
Gyarados tried to dodge but Rhydon was quicker. It's horn spun around a lot as it hit Gyarados. Gyarados' eyes bulged out as it then fell to the ground, wiped out.
"Oh no Gyarados! Are you OK? Return!" I said as I returned it.
This was not good. Blaine would more than likely use that Magmar of his if I defeated Rhydon. Zubat could defeat Rhydon, but may not be able to stand Magmar's heat. It barely withstood the volcano earlier. I decided to use a Pokémon that could stand the heat.
"Flareon! I choose you!" I shouted.
"Flare! Flare!" the Pokémon shouted.
"Heh. A Fire-type. Rhydon, use Horn Drill to finish it off" Blaine shouted to Rhydon.
"Flareon! Smog attack now!" I shouted to my Pokémon.
Flareon shot out a large smoke cloud that blinded Rhydon. Rhydon started to cough. It was poisoned. I ordered Flareon to use Quick Attack, and the small fire-type knocked Rhydon down.
"Flareon! Use Flamethrower!" I shouted.
Flareon jumped up and unleashed its Flamethrower on Rhydon. At the end, Rhydon was gone. The fire along with the poison was too much for it. Blaine returned Rhydon and decided to send out his top Pokémon, Magmar. Its weary eyes glowed yellow. It was going to use Flamethrower.
"Flareon! Use your own Flamethrower!" I shouted.
Both Pokémon shot out Flamethrowers at the same time. The flames started to fight each other, but eventually went past each other and hit both fire Pokémon. Neither were damaged all that much.
"Flareon! Time to use your Quick Attack!" I shouted.
"Magmar! Use Slash!" Blaine shouted.
Magmar ran up and tried to slash Flareon, but it was too slow as Flareon jumped up into Magmar's gut. Magmar was tackled to the ground as Flareon jumped up, ready for more. Flareon used Fire Spin, but Magmar jumped up and slashed Flareon in the face hard. I told Flareon to use Ember, but it didn't work as Magmar rushed through the flames and tackled Flareon.
"Magmar! Use Fire Punch!" Blaine shouted.
Two fireballs appeared on Magmar's hands as it started punching Flareon hard. I didn't know what to do. Just then, Flareon's eyes lit up with fire, as it jumped back, ready for battle.
"Huh? What's up with Flareon?" I wondered. I pointed my Pokédex at it.
"Rage. This move allows the Pokémon's attack power to rise with each hit. It will keep on fighting until its opponent is defeated." Dexter said.
Flareon rushed Magmar fast and tackled it before Magmar could react. Magmar hit Flareon with a Flamethrower, which just got it madder. It rushed Magmar and started headbutting it mercilessly. It bit Magmar's arm and tossed it to the other side of the arena. Magmar rushed up and Skull Bashed Flareon hard. Flareon just grew angrier and Skull Bashed back.
"Magmar! Fire Blast!" Blaine shouted.
Magmar got up and shot out a five-armed fire ball. As it headed towards Flareon. It shot back with a Flamethrower. The Fire Blast & Flamethrower battled with each other, until Flareon stopped its flame and dodged the Fire Blast. Magmar, surprised at Flareon's speed, was too slow to see Flareon come up on its side and Tackle it. Magmar hit the ground, and struggled to get back up. It finally got back up and stared at Flareon, then blanked out and fell down again. Flareon let out a big sigh. Blaine was shocked.
"All right! We did it! Great job Flareon!" I shouted as I ran up and hugged Flareon. Flareon gave a small cry in agreement, then passed out in exhaustion. I returned Flareon to its Poké Ball for a rest. Blaine walked up to me.
"You battled well. Your skills are impressive. Here's another riddle. What's red but not hot? Hah! The answer is a Volcano Badge!" Blaine said as he made a small fireball-shaped badge in his hands. He placed in my hands. I admired it just as the helicopters arrived.
Officer Jenny dropped us off just outside Viridian City, where the next badge was, then flew off. We got some R&R at the Pokémon Center. Megan fell asleep while Josh ate a cheeseburger. Zach read a magazine and I made a log in my Pokédex about what had happened. Joy had finished healing all of our Pokémon about 30 minutes later. All of them were sleeping. We decided to get some sleep too. The next morning, after some breakfast I decided to challenge the local Gym Leader. I only needed one more badge to get into the Pokémon League. Zach led me to the Gym. It was a large, domed building that was painted white with gold decals on it. I requested a battle and was let in. Inside, we saw a huge field lit by torches.
"So, you're the ones who want to challenge me?" a figure said sitting in a chair above the field.
"I sure do! My name is Matt and I challenge you to a Pokémon Battle for an Earth Badge!" I shouted.
"Heh. Do you really expect to beat the great Gary Oak?" Gary said as he stepped into the light.
"Gary Oak? You mean Professor Oak's grandson?" Megan asked.
"Wait! I thought Giovanni was the Gym Leader here." Zach protested.
"Yea, he was, but I kicked him out. Now I'm in charge of the Earth Badge"
Gary said as he held up a leaf-shaped badge.
"OK then, how many Pokémon?" I asked.
"3 on 3!" Gary said.
I nodded.
"OK then! Go Arcanine!" Gary shouted.
"Arrrrr!" shouted the large fire dog.
"In that case I will use Graveler! Go!" I shouted.
"Graveler!" the rock man said.
"Arcanine! Fire Spin!" Gary shouted.
"Graveler, Earthquake now!" I shouted.
Arcanine shot out a spiral flame column, but Graveler dissipated it by jumping up and used Earthquake. Arcanine was hit but not down. I called for Rock Throw, but Arcanine's Flamethrower sent it back. I told Graveler to use Mega Punch, which did heavy damage. Gary called for Fire Blast, but Graveler used its Seismic Toss attack to deflect it back at Arcanine. Finishing it off with Strength, Arcanine was out. Gary returned Arcanine.
"Hmm. Pretty good, but no match for Venusaur! Go!" Gary shouted.
"Saur!" the giant roared.
"Venusaur! Razor Leaf attack!" Gary shouted.
Venusaur did as it was told, and with one hit Graveler was out. I recalled Graveler back. "Raichu! I choose you!" I yelled out.
The mouse Pokémon appeared and was ready for a battle. Venusaur Tackled Raichu, but the Raichu bounced back and fought back with Quick Attack. Venusaur used Razor Leaf, but Raichu's Light Screen deflected them. Raichu jumped up and used its tail to Slam Venusaur. Gary told Venusaur to use Vine Whip, and wrapped Raichu up. Venusaur started slamming Raichu up and down.
"Raichu! Try Thunderbolt!" I shouted.
Raichu charged up and sent a thunder bolt down the whips and hit Venusaur. Venusaur was critically injured.
"Raichu! Finish it off with Take Down!" I shouted.
Raichu did as it was told, ran up, and tackled Venusaur. The giant plant was knocked back, but unable to get up.
"All right! Just one more to go Raichu!" I shouted.
"Return Venusaur!" Gary said, "Heh. You're not as bad as you look. But there's now way you will beat, Eevee! Go!"
A small, brown, fox-like Pokémon appeared.
"Huh? An Eevee? Hah! This will be easy! Raichu, Thunder!" I shouted.
Raichu charged up its Thunder, but Gary was ready.
"Eevee! Skull Bash!" he shouted.
Eevee ran up very quickly and bashed Raichu before it could unleash its attack. The attack managed to make Raichu faint in one hit.
"Raichu! Are you OK? You did your best, return." I said, "Hmm. That Eevee is fast, so I need to pick a fast Pokémon. Zubat! I choose you!" I shouted.
My faithful friend flew out to the field in front of Eevee.
"Eevee! You can beat it in one hit! Skull Bash!" Gary shouted.
Eevee charged towards Zubat, but Zubat just flew up and Eevee missed.
"Zubat! It's time for a Whirlwind!" I shouted.
Zubat nodded and sent a powerful wind attack at Eevee, knocking it back.
"Eevee! Use Tackle!" Gary shouted.
Eevee did as it was told and tackled Zubat hard.
"Zubat! Use Wing Attack!" I shouted.
"Eevee! Double Team!" Gary yelled out.
Zubat flew to attack Eevee, but got confused as suddenly, 10 Eevees appeared before Zubat. They all attacked, but Zubat was lucky that they all missed.
"What we need to do is get all those Eevees in one shot! Zubat! Gust now!" I ordered.
Zubat flew up and flapped its wings hard, creating a huge tornado. All the Eevees were swept in the tornado, but the real Eevee managed to jump out. A little dizzy from the Gust, Zubat took this opportunity to bite onto Eevee's leg, and proceeded to use Leech Life to drain Eevee's power.
"That's it Zubat! Keep it up!" I said.
"Whoa. This is an intense match." Megan stated.
"Sure is, both Zubat and Eevee seem equally matched" Josh said.
"Eevee! Use your own Bite! Now!" Gary shouted.
Eevee bit hard onto Zubat's wing. Zubat was hurting but continued to suck life away. Both of them dug deeper.
"Zubat! Let go now!" I said.
Zubat let go and wearily flew up into the air. Eevee, breathing hard, was poised for battle.
"Eevee! Quick Attack! Finish it off!" Gary yelled.
Eevee charged towards Zubat.
"Zubat! Screech now!" I said.
Zubat let out an ear-piercing screech. Eevee stopped in its tracks and covered its ears. With its defense lowered, I called for a Take Down. Zubat rushed towards Eevee and slammed it head on. Eevee got back up, ready for more. Gary told Eevee to use Focus Energy, then a Tackle. I called for Zubat's Toxic attack, leaving Eevee heavily poisoned and stopping its Tackle. I told Zubat to use Whirlwind and knock it back, but Eevee jumped up and Body Slammed Zubat. Gary told Eevee to pummel Zubat with Skull Bash, and with Zubat's wing injured, it couldn't dodge it fast enough. There was only one chance.
"Zubat! Supersonic now!" I called out.
Zubat sent many sonic waves at Eevee, confusing it and making it hurt itself. I told Zubat to use Swift, and hit Eevee right in the face. It tried to use it again, but Eevee's Barrier blocked the swift stars. Gary told Eevee to use Take Down, and I called for Take Down also. The two Pokémon soared to each other. Eevee jumped up to hit Zubat, but Zubat dove down and up under Eevee.
"All right! Do it Zubat!" I shouted.
Zubat lifted Eevee up and dropped it down on the ground hard. Eevee struggled to get back up, but it couldn't and fell down, fainted. I jumped for joy and hugged the tired Zubat. Zubat wearily fell into my arms. Gary just stood there with his mouth open. He jumped down and inspected Eevee. After returning it to its Poké Ball, Gary came over to me and handed me an Earth Badge.
"All right! I got the badge!" I shouted.
"That's twice in a row I lost. I think its time to do some training" Gary said, as we left.
I went back to the Pokémon Center to get Graveler, Raichu, and Zubat healed up. After a few hours they came out rejuvenated. As we walked out, I heard a familiar voice.
"Well, well well. I had heard you came down here, and what do I find? A loser and his Poké-pal!"
It was Randy!
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I just came by to see if my old friend was all right. I heard you put up a tough fight against Gary" he said.
"Yea, and I won too" I told him.
"Heh, you had to struggle. I managed to beat him easily a few days ago. Not one of my Pokémon were beaten" Randy said.
Just perfect. This day was going to be good until he showed up.
"Do you have enough badges to enter the Pokémon League yet?" Randy asked me.
"Of course I do! I just got my 8th one today!" I told him.
Randy then proceeded to show me the 11 badges that he had won. I was steamed.
"Whoa, that's a lot of badges!" Megan said.
"Yea. He's a good trainer." Josh said.
Oh yeah, thanks for helping me out, I thought.
"So do you think a weak trainer like yourself can win in the Pokémon League?" Randy asked.
"Weak? I beat you in Viridian Forest, didn't I?" I replied back.
"Hah! That was a long time ago, but I've improved greatly since then. Wanna see?" he asked.
"Sure. You'll lose to me again!" I said.
We went out to the fields in Route 2 to battle. Zach reffed the battle. Randy started with a Golduck. With it being a Water-type, I sent out Raichu. I started the battle with Thunderbolt. Golduck sent a small Hydro Pump blast into the electric attack to block it. Golduck rushed to Slash it, but Raichu's Agility dodged it. Raichu jumped up and used Thunder, but Golduck's Barrier attack blocked it. Golduck then used Disable to paralyze Raichu. It then rushed up and used Fury Swipes. Knocking Raichu back, Golduck rushed to Scratch, but Raichu's Swift knocked back Golduck. Golduck jumped up and beamed down on Raichu. Raichu sent a Thundershock at Golduck, but the blue duck used Confusion to send it back at Raichu. Raichu was hurt. It was about to attack, but Raichu fell down, fainted. I recalled Raichu and Randy called back Golduck.
"OK, I will use now, Primeape! Go!" Randy called out.
"OK then. Go Flareon!" I shouted.
The two Pokémon stared at each other. Flareon started with Flamethrower, but Primeape used Agility to dodge. Primeape then appeared above Flareon and Mega Kicked Flareon. Flareon Quick Attacked Primeape and knocked it back, but Primeape's Low Kick send Flareon into a tree. Flareon shook the hit off, but when it looked up, Primeape hit it with Mega Punch. I told Flareon to use Fire Spin, but Primeape Leered Flareon before it could do the move, then Scratched Flareon, defeating it. Flareon was bushed. I ran over to it, and returned it to its Poké Ball. Randy returned Primeape.
"That's it! Graveler! I choose you now!" I shouted as I called out my Rock-type.
"OK Magneton! You're up!" Randy shouted.
"Graveler has the advantage here" Josh said.
"Maybe, but so did Raichu against Golduck" Megan stated.
"Good point" Zach replied.
"Graveler! Use Earthquake!" I shouted.
"Magneton! Light Screen!" Randy yelled.
Graveler's Earthquake reached Mangeton, but the Light Screen cancelled it. Magneton used Screech to lower Graveler's defenses, then attacked it with Swift. It didn't do a lot of good, so Graveler retailiated with Mega Punch. Magneton took the hit, then Tackled Graveler. I called for a Body Slam. Graveler jumped in the air, but Magneton used Teleport to dodge and re-appear behind Graveler. Randy said to use Sonic Boom. Magneton send 3 metal blades at Graveler, sending it in the air and slamming it hard in the ground. Graveler was out. I couldn't believe it. Three straight losses. Randy returned Magneton as I returned Graveler.
"Why you! Gyarados! Take care of him!" I shouted.
The huge, snewy, beast appeared and loomed over everyone.
"All right Vileplume! You're up!" Randy shouted.
The living flower appeared in front of Gyarados. I told Gyarados to use Tackle, which knocked Vileplume into a tree. Vileplume used Acid on Gyarados. Gyarados reeled in pain, and washed it off with Water Gun. I told Gyarados to use Hyper Beam, which Vileplume used Solar Beam to counter. Both beams struggled to overcome each other, but the Solar Beam shot through the Hyper Beam and hit Gyarados. Randy told Vileplume to finish it. Vileplume jumped up and spun around. Large pink petals appeared around it and shot towards Gyarados. The Petal Dance hit Gyarados, making it reel back in pain and dropping to the ground. I recalled my fainted Pokémon as Randy called back his.
"All right! Go Raticate! You can do it!" I shouted.
"Heh. I choose Rapidash!" Randy shouted.
The large, brown, rat faced off against the bigger, flaming horse. I told Raticate to start off with Focus Energy, then use Super Fang. Rapidash used Agility and was quicker than Raticate. Rapidash appeared away from Raticate and used Growl to lower the Focus Energy. Then Rapidash jumped up and unleashed its Ember at Raticate. Raticate used Take Down against Rapidash, but the horse got back to its hooves and Stomped Raticate. I told Raticate to use Hyper Fang, but Rapidash's mane burned Raticate badly. Randy said to finish it, and with one Fire Spin, Raticate was out. We both returned.
"This was a surprising match." Megan said.
"Randy is really strong" Josh said.
"I don't think Zubat can beat all 6 of his Pokémon" Zach stated.
"Zubat! It's up to you! Go!" I told my flying friend.
"OK I'll choose my own Flying type! Farfetch'd! Go!" Randy called.
Farfetch'd twirled its leek and stared at Zubat. Zubat started with Wing Attack, and knocked Farfetch'd back. Farfetch'd used Swords Dance to increase its power and sent Zubat back. Farfetch'd then threw its leek and hit Zubat. Zubat then flew forward and used Take Down. Farfetch'd fought back with Peck. The bird managed to get Zubat in a Fury Attack combo, which hurt it. Zubat tried to use Whirlwind, but Farfetch'd's Agility was too fast for Zubat. Zubat's Gust attacks were too slow for Farfetch'd, who appeared behind Zubat and slammed Zubat with it's leek. Zubat fell down fast into the ground, making a small crater. Farfetch'd landed on the ground calmly and twirled its leek. I ran up to Zubat and picked it up. It could barely talk.
"Hah! You've gotten weak Matt! I expected a better battle from you!" Randy said.
I just stared at him with anger. At the Pokémon Center, I sat on the bench, moping. I couldn't believe I lost so horribly. If I was going to win in the League, I was going to have to be better. Zach, Megan, and Josh walked in and talked to me.
"Hey don't get so down, you'll have your chance" Zach told me.
"Maybe, but if everyone in the Pokémon League is as tough as Randy, I don't stand a chance!" I said.
"Well, you still have over a month until the League begins, so maybe you can train and get stronger than Randy" Megan suggested.
"Yea. With the win, Randy may become over confident and not train as much, which would give you an advantage" Josh said.
Just then, Joy came out and said that my Pokémon were healed. I walked out back, where they were all next to a pool. All 6 of them were moping, just like me.
"Hey guys. How are ya?" I asked them. All 6 gave weak cries.
"I know how ya feel, but we can't let this get us down! We have a lot of time to train hard and become more powerful than Randy" I told them.
"We can head back to Vermilion. There's plenty of terrain there to use." Zach said.
All of my Pokémon finally lifted their heads.
"Of course, we'll have to train hard, so we can't be lazy" I told them.
All of them nodded in agreement. It was settled. The next day, we rode on Lapras to Vermilion City. Raticate, Raichu, Zubat & Gyarados decided to go the hard way to the city. Now our training begins.

To be continued...

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