Pokemon: Legends of Kanto

The road from Pallet Town to Viridian City was mostly quiet, the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional cry of wild Pokémon filling the air. Alex and Daniel walked side by side, their new partners trotting along beside them.

Riolu's ears twitched as it scanned the surroundings, always on alert. Growlithe, on the other hand, padded confidently, occasionally sniffing the air.

Daniel smirked. "You know, Viridian City's Gym Leader is rumored to be the strongest in Kanto."

Alex nodded. "Yeah, but he's not taking challenges from rookies. We'll need to defeat the other seven Gym Leaders first."

Daniel glanced down at Growlithe. "Then we should get stronger fast."

As if agreeing, Growlithe let out a bark, and Riolu clenched its small fists.

Before they could continue, the bushes rustled.

Alex instinctively reached for a Poké Ball. "Wild Pokémon?"

Suddenly, a Spearow shot out, its red eyes locking onto them as it let out an aggressive shriek.

Wild Pokémon Battle!

Spearow flapped its wings, diving toward Alex and Riolu.

Alex smirked. "Riolu, Quick Attack!"

Riolu blurred forward, dodging Spearow's Peck before striking it in the side. The bird Pokémon was sent tumbling, but it quickly recovered.

Daniel crossed his arms. "This is a good chance for you to catch your first Pokémon."

Alex nodded, already reaching for a Poké Ball. "Riolu, Force Palm!"

Riolu leaped forward, its paw glowing, before slamming Spearow into the dirt. The wild Pokémon let out a weak cry, struggling to rise.

Alex took his chance.

"Poké Ball, go!"

The ball flew through the air, tapped against Spearow, and sucked it inside with a red flash. It shook once… twice…

Click!

Alex grinned, picking up the Poké Ball. "Gotcha."

Daniel smirked. "Not bad."

Riolu let out an excited cry, pleased with their victory.

With that, they continued toward Viridian City.

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Viridian City - Pokémon Center

The bright neon lights of Viridian City's Pokémon Center welcomed them as they stepped inside. The familiar scent of medicine and food filled the air as Nurse Joy greeted them.

"Welcome! How can I help you?"

Alex placed his Poké Balls on the counter. "Could you heal our Pokémon?"

Nurse Joy nodded, taking their Pokémon for treatment.

As they waited, Daniel leaned against the counter. "We should battle again."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Already?"

Daniel grinned. "This time, two-on-two. Your new Spearow versus my Growlithe. Then, Riolu against my secret weapon."

Alex crossed his arms. "Secret weapon?"

Daniel smirked. "You'll see."

Before Alex could question further, Nurse Joy returned with their Poké Balls.

"All healed up! Have a great journey!"

Alex smirked, pocketing his Poké Balls. "Alright, Daniel. Let's battle."

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Viridian City Battle Arena

Outside the Pokémon Center was an official battle field, complete with spectator stands and battle markings. A few trainers gathered, sensing an intense match was about to take place.

Daniel and Alex took their positions on opposite ends.

A young trainer volunteered as a referee. "This is a two-on-two battle between Alex Ketchum and Daniel Oak! Begin!"

Daniel smirked. "Go, Growlithe!"

Growlithe landed gracefully on the battlefield, barking eagerly.

Alex grabbed his Poké Ball. "Spearow, you're up!"

With a flash of light, Spearow emerged, flapping its wings aggressively.

Battle Start!

Daniel made the first move. "Growlithe, Ember!"

Growlithe exhaled a burst of flames, heading straight for Spearow.

"Dodge and use Peck!" Alex called.

Spearow darted to the side, avoiding the flames before diving at Growlithe with its sharp beak.

Growlithe gritted its teeth as Spearow struck, but Daniel was ready.

"Growlithe, Bite!"

Growlithe lunged up, catching Spearow mid-air and slamming it into the ground.

Spearow struggled to rise, but its wings twitched in pain.

Alex sighed. "Spearow, return."

Daniel smirked. "One down."

Alex grinned. "But I saved my best for last. Riolu, you're up!"

Riolu landed on the field, eyes burning with determination.

Daniel smirked. "Time for my secret weapon. Go, Nidoran!"

A small, blue Nidoran♂ appeared, letting out a low growl.

Alex was surprised. "When did you catch that?"

Daniel chuckled. "Just before we arrived in town."

Alex narrowed his eyes. This wasn't going to be easy.

---

Final Battle: Riolu vs. Nidoran

Alex started first. "Riolu, Quick Attack!"

Riolu shot forward, striking Nidoran head-on.

Daniel didn't flinch. "Counter with Poison Sting!"

Nidoran's horn glowed purple as it jabbed Riolu, sending it skidding back.

Alex winced. If Riolu got poisoned, this battle would end fast.

"Alright, Force Palm!"

Riolu charged again, palm glowing as it slammed into Nidoran's side.

Daniel's eyes widened. "Nidoran, dodge!"

But it was too late.

A shockwave of energy blasted from Riolu's attack, sending Nidoran rolling across the battlefield.

It tried to stand—but its legs wobbled.

Alex grinned. "Paralyzed."

Daniel cursed under his breath. "Nidoran, Double Kick!"

Nidoran pushed forward, its tiny legs glowing, but the paralysis slowed it down.

"Now, Quick Attack one more time!"

Riolu blurred forward, landing a clean hit on Nidoran, knocking it out.

The young trainer acting as referee raised his hand. "Nidoran is unable to battle! The winner is Alex Ketchum!"

The gathered trainers cheered.

Alex smirked, recalling Riolu. "Looks like I win this round."

Daniel sighed, recalling Nidoran. "Yeah, yeah. Next time, I'll be the one on top."

They shook hands, their rivalry stronger than ever.

As the sun set over Viridian City, Alex looked ahead toward the road leading to Pewter City, where his first Gym Battle awaited.

This was only the beginning.

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End of Chapter 2

Word Count: 1,179

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Next up: Chapter 3 - Pewter City Gym Battle!