"We've finally reached Golden City."
Having taken the main road this time, Robert arrived at the outskirts of Golden City just before 3 p.m. A half-hour walk was all that remained before he would enter the heart of the bustling city.
"Pichu!"
Perched on Robert's shoulder, Pichu's eyes sparkled with excitement as it leaped down, taking in the sight of the towering buildings ahead. Although it loved the wilderness, it had also grown fond of the city's vibrant energy after spending time in urban areas.
Robert chuckled at Pichu's enthusiasm. "It looks like you're just as happy as I am. Let's—"
Before he could finish, a voice suddenly called out from behind him.
"Excuse me! Are you a Pokémon trainer? If so, I'd like to challenge you to a battle!"
"Hmm?"
Hearing the unexpected challenge, Robert slowly turned around. He had half-expected to see an eager Bug Catcher or a Youngster with a Rattata, but to his surprise, the challenger was neither.
Instead, standing before him was a young man with an athletic build, wearing a brown-blue jacket, black jeans, and a hat. A backpack was slung over his shoulder, and his confident expression showed that he was no ordinary trainer.
Robert raised an eyebrow. "And who might you be?"
The young man grinned. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Makino, a traveling trainer from the Hoenn Region. I've come to Kanto to challenge its gyms and prepare for this year's Indigo League."
Robert's interest was piqued. "The Hoenn Region, huh? That's quite a journey. I've heard a lot about it." He extended a hand. "I'm Robert, from Pallet Town. I accept your challenge."
Makino shook Robert's hand firmly. "Great! Let's make it a three-on-three battle. Is that okay with you?"
Robert nodded. "Sounds good."
"In that case," Makino said, stepping back and grabbing a Poké Ball from his waist, "as the challenger, I'll send out my first Pokémon!"
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the Poké Ball into the air. A bright flash of red light erupted from it, revealing a Pokémon with a raccoon-like face, brown fur, and jagged cream-colored stripes running across its body.
"A Zigzagoon," Robert mused as he eyed his opponent.
[Pokédex Entry: Zigzagoon]
Species: Tiny Raccoon Pokémon
Type: Normal
Height: 0.5m
Weight: 18.5kg
Ability: Gluttony – Eats berries earlier than usual.
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Tail Whip, Sand Attack, Headbutt, Double Team, Dig
Strength Level: Intermediate
Makino smirked. "Zigzagoon may not look like much, but it's fast and unpredictable."
Robert wasn't fazed. "Pichu, you're up first."
"Pichu~!"
The tiny Electric-type Pokémon eagerly hopped forward, sparks crackling on its cheeks.
Makino raised an eyebrow. "You're using a Pichu? That's an interesting choice."
Robert simply smiled. "You'll see why soon enough."
Makino pointed forward. "Zigzagoon, use Tackle!"
"Counter with Thunder Shock, Pichu!"
Zigzagoon dashed forward, but before it could make contact, Pichu's cheeks sparked as it released a surge of electricity.
ZAP!
A bright bolt of lightning struck Zigzagoon mid-charge, causing it to yelp as its body stiffened from the shock. It skidded to a halt, its fur bristling from paralysis.
Makino's eyes widened. "No way! That was way stronger than I expected from a Pichu!"
Robert smirked. "Underestimating your opponent is a mistake."
Makino gritted his teeth. "Zigzagoon, shake it off and use Sand Attack!"
Zigzagoon, still twitching from the paralysis, managed to kick up a spray of dirt toward Pichu.
"Jump and dodge it!" Robert commanded.
Pichu leaped into the air, effortlessly avoiding the attack.
"Now, finish this with Quick Attack!"
"Pichu~!"
Like a yellow blur, Pichu shot forward and slammed into Zigzagoon. The impact sent the raccoon-like Pokémon tumbling backward. It let out a small groan before its eyes swirled, signaling its defeat.
Makino sighed. "Zigzagoon is unable to battle. Well played." He recalled his Pokémon and smiled. "Your Pichu is a lot tougher than I gave it credit for."
Robert chuckled. "Thanks. Who's next?"
Makino pulled out another Poké Ball. "Let's see how you handle this one. Go, Breloom!"
A flash of red light revealed a bipedal, mushroom-like Pokémon with powerful legs and clawed hands.
Robert's eyes narrowed. "A Breloom, huh? A Grass/Fighting type. That makes things more interesting."
[Pokédex Entry: Breloom]
Species: Mushroom Pokémon
Type: Grass/Fighting
Ability: Effect Spore – May inflict sleep, poison, or paralysis when touched.
Moves: Mach Punch, Leech Seed, Stun Spore, Giga Drain
Robert thought for a moment. "Pichu, you've done well. Take a rest. Go, Pidgeot!"
With a burst of air, Robert's majestic Pidgeot emerged from its Poké Ball, spreading its wings wide.
Makino smirked. "Breloom, use Stun Spore!"
"Blow it away with Gust!"
As Breloom released a cloud of yellow spores, Pidgeot flapped its wings forcefully, creating a strong wind that scattered the spores harmlessly.
Makino clicked his tongue. "Alright then, Mach Punch!"
Breloom dashed forward at blinding speed.
"Dodge and use Aerial Ace!"
Pidgeot gracefully evaded the incoming attack before diving down with incredible precision, its wings glowing white.
SLAM!
Breloom was struck hard, sending it flying backward. It crashed into the ground and lay still.
Makino sighed. "Breloom is unable to battle. You're good."
Robert nodded. "Thanks. Who's your final Pokémon?"
Makino smirked. "This one's my strongest. Let's see if you can handle it. Go, Blaziken!"
A tall, humanoid Pokémon with red and yellow plumage appeared. It cracked its knuckles, flames igniting around its wrists.
Robert's eyes widened. "A Blaziken? This will be a challenge."
Makino grinned. "You bet. Blaziken, use Blaze Kick!"
"Counter with Air Slash!"
Blaziken's fiery kick was met with a razor-sharp blast of air. The two attacks collided, creating a small explosion.
The battle raged on, with both sides exchanging powerful moves. Pidgeot landed some solid hits with Aerial Ace, but Blaziken's speed and power proved formidable.
"Blaziken, use Thunder Punch!"
Robert's eyes widened. "Pidgeot, dodge!"
But it was too late. The electrified fist struck Pidgeot hard, sending it crashing to the ground.
"Pidgeot is unable to battle!"
Robert recalled his Pokémon and smirked. "Looks like I saved the best for last. Go, Charmeleon!"
The fiery lizard emerged with a determined roar, flames flickering on its tail.
The battle continued fiercely, with Charmeleon and Blaziken exchanging Flamethrowers, Dragon Claws, and Blaze Kicks.
Finally, after an intense struggle, Charmeleon landed a decisive Dragon Claw, knocking Blaziken out.
Makino sighed but smiled. "That was an amazing battle. You're strong, Robert."
Robert nodded. "You weren't too bad yourself. Let's battle again someday."
Makino grinned. "Count on it!"
As they shook hands, Robert felt even more eager for his next challenge. The Indigo League was getting closer, and he was ready for whatever came next.
To be continued...
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