Pokemon: Legends of Kanto

Arrival in Cerulean City

After an intense battle in Pewter City, Alex and his Pokémon took some time to rest before heading toward Cerulean City.

The journey wasn't easy—Route 3 and Mt. Moon were filled with wild Pokémon and eager trainers looking for battles.

Alex took every chance to train.

Riolu improved its Counter and started learning a new move—Aura Sphere, though it wasn't perfected yet.

Spearow trained to use Aerial Ace more precisely.

Along the way, Alex caught a Magikarp, knowing its potential when it evolved into Gyarados.

As he finally reached Cerulean City, he spotted a familiar figure waiting near the Pokémon Center.

Daniel Oak.

"About time you got here," Daniel said with a smirk.

Alex crossed his arms. "I take it you already won your badge?"

Daniel held up a Cascade Badge. "Misty's no joke. But she's got a real weakness to Electric-types. My Jolteon made quick work of her."

Alex rolled his eyes. "I don't have an Electric-type. Guess I'll have to do this the hard way."

Daniel grinned. "Let's see if you can handle it."

Without another word, Alex walked toward the Cerulean City Gym.

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Inside Cerulean Gym

The moment Alex entered, he could smell chlorine in the air.

The Gym had a large Olympic-sized pool, with floating platforms serving as battle arenas. The water sparkled under bright lights, and at the far end stood Misty, the Gym Leader.

She smirked. "Another challenger? Let me guess—you're here for a Cascade Badge."

Alex nodded. "I'm Alex Ketchum from Pallet Town. Let's battle."

Misty nodded. "Alright. Two-on-two battle. If you can defeat me, you'll earn the Cascade Badge."

The referee stepped forward. "This will be a two-on-two battle between Challenger Alex Ketchum and Gym Leader Misty. Begin!"

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Battle Start!

Misty pulled out a Poké Ball. "Go, Staryu!"

With a flash of light, a Staryu appeared, floating in the water. Its gem core pulsed with energy.

Alex smirked. "Spearow, let's go!"

Spearow emerged, flapping its wings aggressively.

Misty made the first move. "Staryu, Water Gun!"

Staryu shot a jet of water toward Spearow.

Alex reacted quickly. "Dodge and use Fury Attack!"

Spearow twisted in mid-air, dodging the attack before diving toward Staryu, landing a rapid series of pecks.

Staryu spun in the water, shaking off the attack.

Misty grinned. "Not bad. But let's see if you can handle this. BubbleBeam!"

Staryu fired a fast stream of bubbles, hitting Spearow directly!

Spearow screeched, struggling to stay airborne.

Alex clenched his fists. "Spearow, hang in there! Use Aerial Ace!"

Spearow glowed white and shot down like an arrow, slamming into Staryu at full speed.

Staryu flew out of the water, crashing onto a floating platform.

The gem in its core flickered… then went dark.

The referee raised his hand. "Staryu is unable to battle!"

Misty recalled Staryu, nodding. "Not bad, Alex. But you won't win that easily."

She pulled out her second Poké Ball.

"Go, Starmie!"

A massive Starmie emerged, spinning rapidly, its gem pulsing brightly.

Alex frowned. "That thing looks strong…"

Misty smirked. "Starmie, Thunder Wave!"

A pulse of electricity shot forward, hitting Spearow!

Spearow twitched, paralyzed.

Alex gritted his teeth. "Spearow, can you move?"

Spearow struggled to fly but was moving slower than before.

Misty's eyes gleamed. "Now, Water Pulse!"

Starmie fired a spinning orb of water, slamming into Spearow with full force.

BOOM!

Spearow was thrown back, hitting the ground hard.

It didn't get up.

The referee raised his hand. "Spearow is unable to battle!"

Alex sighed. "You did great, Spearow. Return."

He pulled out his second Poké Ball.

"Riolu, let's finish this!"

Riolu landed on the battlefield, staring at Starmie with determination.

Misty raised an eyebrow. "A Fighting-type? Against a Water/Psychic Pokémon?"

Alex smirked. "Riolu's tougher than he looks."

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Final Battle: Riolu vs. Starmie

Misty started strong. "Starmie, Psywave!"

Starmie's gem glowed, sending a wave of psychic energy toward Riolu.

Alex narrowed his eyes. "Dodge and use Force Palm!"

Riolu jumped high, barely avoiding the attack before slamming its glowing palm into Starmie's core.

A shockwave rippled through the battlefield.

Starmie spun wildly, barely regaining balance.

Misty smirked. "Not bad. But let's see how you handle this. BubbleBeam!"

Starmie fired another barrage of bubbles, hitting Riolu head-on.

Riolu skidded backward, shaking off the attack.

Alex clenched his fists. "Alright, time to end this. Riolu, Aura Sphere!"

Riolu's eyes glowed blue. A ball of pure energy formed in its hands, pulsing with power.

Misty's eyes widened. "Starmie, dodge!"

Too late.

Riolu fired Aura Sphere, the attack homing in and slamming into Starmie's core.

BOOM!

Starmie spun out of control, hitting the water hard.

The gem in its core flickered… and then dimmed.

The referee raised his hand. "Starmie is unable to battle! The winner is Alex Ketchum!"

The Gym fell silent.

Then, the crowd erupted into cheers.

Alex grinned, running over to Riolu. "You did it, buddy."

Riolu smiled, breathing heavily but victorious.

Misty walked over, shaking her head. "That was impressive. Riolu's Aura Sphere was something else."

She held out a blue badge.

"This is the Cascade Badge. You earned it."

Alex took the badge, feeling pride swell in his chest. His second Gym Badge.

Daniel, watching from the stands, smirked. "You're improving, Ketchum."

Alex pocketed the badge, looking toward the next challenge:

Vermilion City.

The journey was far from over.

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End of Chapter 4

Word Count: 1,220

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Next up: Chapter 5 - The Shocking Challenge of Vermilion City!