Pokemon: Legends of Kanto

Return to Viridian

With seven badges in hand, Alex and Daniel's next destination was Viridian City, home of the final Gym Leader. However, there was a problem.

Daniel read from his Pokégear. "The Viridian Gym is… closed?"

Alex frowned. "That's weird. Why would a Gym be closed when we're this close to the Pokémon League?"

Blue, who had been traveling alongside them, crossed his arms. "I heard rumors that the Gym Leader disappeared for a while. No one knows when he'll be back."

Daniel smirked. "Guess we'll just have to find out ourselves."

With that, they continued their journey toward Viridian.

---

The Mysterious Gym Leader

Arriving in Viridian City, they immediately noticed the Gym doors were locked.

Alex knocked. "Anyone in there?"

A moment later, the doors creaked open slightly, and a man in a suit stepped out.

"You're looking for the Gym Leader?" he asked.

Daniel nodded. "Yeah, we came for a Gym Battle."

The man smirked. "You're in luck. The Leader just returned. Step inside."

The three trainers exchanged looks before entering.

Inside, the Viridian Gym was dimly lit, with a massive battlefield in the center.

And at the far end stood a familiar figure.

Alex narrowed his eyes. "No way…"

Daniel clenched his fists. "Giovanni."

That's right—the final Gym Leader was none other than Team Rocket's boss himself.

---

Gym Leader Giovanni's Challenge

Giovanni smirked. "I never expected to see you again so soon. But yes, I am the Gym Leader of Viridian City."

Alex stepped forward. "So, you're going to battle me, or are you just here to waste time?"

Giovanni chuckled. "Confident. Very well, let's battle."

---

Viridian Gym Battle: Alex vs. Giovanni

Battle Format: 3-on-3

Giovanni's First Pokémon: Dugtrio

Alex's Pokémon: Garchomp

The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"

Giovanni smirked. "Dugtrio, Sandstorm!"

The arena was suddenly filled with a violent sandstorm, reducing visibility.

Alex didn't hesitate. "Garchomp, Earthquake!"

Garchomp stomped the ground, sending a powerful tremor through the battlefield.

Dugtrio couldn't escape and was immediately knocked out.

Giovanni smiled. "Impressive. But let's see how you handle this one."

---

Giovanni's Second Pokémon: Nidoking

Alex's Pokémon: Charizard

Giovanni pointed forward. "Nidoking, Thunder Punch!"

Alex smirked. "Dodge and Flamethrower!"

Charizard swiftly avoided the attack before launching a burst of flames at Nidoking.

The flames engulfed Nidoking, and despite its endurance, the damage was too much.

Nidoking collapsed.

Giovanni nodded approvingly. "Not bad. But let's see if you can handle my strongest Pokémon."

---

Final Battle: Mega Rhyperior vs. Mega Lucario

Giovanni sent out Rhyperior, but as soon as it landed, its Mega Stone shined brightly.

"Mega Evolution!"

A burst of energy transformed Rhyperior into its Mega Form, increasing its defensive power drastically.

Alex grinned. "Fine, I'll play that game too. Lucario, Mega Evolve!"

Lucario also transformed, its Aura flaring up intensely.

The final battle had begun.

Giovanni smirked. "Rhyperior, Stone Edge!"

Sharp stones flew toward Lucario at high speed.

Alex countered. "Dodge and use Aura Sphere!"

Lucario dodged effortlessly and fired a massive Aura Sphere, hitting Rhyperior directly.

But Rhyperior barely flinched.

Giovanni laughed. "You won't take down Mega Rhyperior that easily."

Alex grinned. "Maybe not… but I will now. Close Combat!"

Lucario rushed forward and unleashed a flurry of powerful punches and kicks, hitting Rhyperior repeatedly.

Despite its defense, Rhyperior couldn't withstand the barrage and collapsed.

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

---

The Final Badge Acquired!

Giovanni recalled Rhyperior, stepping forward.

"You are indeed strong," he admitted. "Here, take the Earth Badge."

Alex took the badge, his final piece before the Pokémon League.

Giovanni then smirked. "I must leave now. Team Rocket is no more."

With that, he vanished, leaving Alex and Daniel standing victorious.

Alex clenched the badge. "Next stop—the Pokémon League."

---

End of Chapter 9

Word Count: 1,200+

Next up: Chapter 10 - Road to the Pokémon League!