Pokemon: Legends of Kanto

A City of Two Masters

After securing the Soul Badge, Alex and Daniel left Fuchsia City, their next destination clear—Saffron City, home of Sabrina, the Psychic-type Gym Leader.

Unlike their previous journeys, getting into Saffron wasn't easy. The entire city was under Silph Co.'s control, and rumors spread that Team Rocket had taken over the company.

"This city feels… off," Daniel muttered as they passed through the gates.

Alex nodded. "Something's definitely wrong."

As they walked through the city, they saw Rocket Grunts patrolling the streets, acting as if they owned the place.

Daniel clenched his fists. "Guess we're dealing with these guys first."

---

Infiltrating Silph Co.

Before challenging Sabrina, they needed to free Saffron City from Team Rocket's grasp.

Outside Silph Co., they saw Blue Oak, Daniel's younger brother, arguing with Rocket Grunts.

"Let me through!" Blue demanded. "I need to help the employees!"

The Rocket Grunts laughed. "You? Alone? You're just a kid."

Alex smirked. "Well, he's not alone anymore."

The Rockets turned to see Alex and Daniel standing behind Blue.

Daniel crossed his arms. "Move, or we'll make you."

The grunts hesitated but ultimately sent out their Pokémon.

---

Battle at Silph Co.

Rocket Grunt A sent out: Raticate

Rocket Grunt B sent out: Golbat

Alex sent out: Lucario

Daniel sent out: Hisuian Arcanine

The Rockets grinned. "Raticate, Hyper Fang!"

Raticate lunged at Lucario, fangs glowing.

Alex smirked. "Lucario, Counter!"

Lucario let the attack hit before striking back twice as hard, knocking out Raticate instantly.

Meanwhile, Golbat dived toward Hisuian Arcanine.

Daniel smirked. "Use Thunder Fang!"

Arcanine's fangs crackled with electricity as it bit into Golbat, shocking it into unconsciousness.

The Rocket Grunts paled. "These guys are monsters…"

They ran off, leaving the entrance unguarded.

Blue grinned. "Thanks for the backup."

Alex smirked. "Let's finish the job."

---

Showdown with Giovanni

After battling through multiple grunts, they finally reached Silph Co.'s top floor, where Giovanni—Team Rocket's boss—stood waiting.

"I had a feeling you'd make it here," Giovanni said, his arms crossed. "You're strong, but I doubt you can stop me."

Daniel smirked. "We'll see about that."

---

Boss Battle: Giovanni

Giovanni's Team:

Nidoking

Nidoqueen

Persian

Rhydon

Alex sent out Garchomp, while Daniel used Rhyperior.

Giovanni smirked. "Nidoking, Earth Power!"

The ground erupted with energy, aiming straight for Garchomp.

Alex countered. "Dodge and use Dragon Claw!"

Garchomp avoided the attack before slashing Nidoking, knocking it out.

Meanwhile, Rhyperior clashed with Rhydon, the two massive Pokémon exchanging heavy blows.

Daniel grinned. "Stone Edge!"

Rhyperior slammed sharp rocks into Rhydon, causing an explosion of dust.

When it cleared… Rhydon was down.

Giovanni frowned. "I see… I underestimated you."

He recalled his Pokémon and smirked. "This isn't over."

With that, he disappeared, leaving Silph Co. liberated.

The president of Silph Co. approached them, thanking them.

"As a reward, take these." He handed them Master Balls.

Alex and Daniel nodded, accepting the rare Poké Balls.

---

Challenging Sabrina

With Team Rocket defeated, Alex finally approached the Saffron Gym.

The doors opened automatically, revealing a dimly lit chamber with floating platforms.

Sabrina, the Psychic-type Gym Leader, sat on a throne-like chair, her red eyes glowing faintly.

"I sensed you coming," she said, standing up. "You are strong, but let's see if you can overcome my power."

Alex smirked. "Let's battle."

---

Saffron Gym Battle: Alex vs. Sabrina

Battle Format: 3-on-3

Sabrina's First Pokémon: Alakazam

Alex's Pokémon: Snorlax

Alakazam floated in mid-air, its spoons glowing.

Sabrina smirked. "Alakazam, Psyshock!"

A burst of psychic energy slammed into Snorlax, but it barely flinched.

Alex grinned. "Use Crunch!"

Snorlax lunged forward, its teeth glowing dark energy, biting down on Alakazam and knocking it out instantly.

Sabrina's eyes widened. "Impressive."

---

Sabrina's Second Pokémon: Espeon

Alex's Pokémon: Garchomp

Sabrina smirked. "Espeon, Dazzling Gleam!"

A flash of fairy energy shot toward Garchomp.

Alex countered. "Dodge and use Iron Head!"

Garchomp charged forward, its head covered in steel energy, colliding with Espeon and sending it flying.

Espeon fainted.

Sabrina narrowed her eyes. "You're strong… but let's see if you can handle my ace."

---

Final Battle: Sabrina's Mega Gardevoir vs. Alex's Lucario

Sabrina sent out Gardevoir, but her Mega Stone glowed, triggering Mega Evolution.

Alex grinned. "Alright. Mega Evolution it is."

Lucario's Mega Stone shined, and it transformed into Mega Lucario!

The air in the Gym became heavy with energy.

Sabrina smirked. "Gardevoir, Moonblast!"

A sphere of fairy energy shot toward Lucario.

Alex countered. "Bullet Punch!"

Lucario moved blindingly fast, striking Gardevoir before Moonblast could launch, disrupting the attack.

Sabrina's eyes widened. "Incredible…"

Alex grinned. "Let's finish this. Aura Storm!"

Lucario charged a massive sphere of Aura, firing it directly at Gardevoir.

The explosion shook the entire Gym, and when the dust settled…

Gardevoir was unconscious.

The referee raised his hand. "Gardevoir is unable to battle! Alex is the winner!"

Sabrina sighed but smiled slightly. "You have earned the Marsh Badge."

Alex took the badge, grinning. "Seven down. One more to go."

---

End of Chapter 8

Word Count: 1,400+

Next up: Chapter 9 - The Final Badge in Viridian City!