A Quick Stop.

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We finally arrived in Viridian City after a long trek through Route One. The wild Pokémon were numerous, and they seemingly all wanted to battle. Daisy and I managed to push through it all, but we were exhausted.

Viridian City consisted of a lot of trees throughout most of the city. Then there was a Pokemon center, behind it was the Trainer House and next to that was the Poke Mart. Behind the Trainer House there was a house and behind that one was another. At the top-right corner was the Viridian City gym.   

"I cannot wait to get to a PokémonCenter. Poor Venonat has been knocked out for a while." Daisy mumbled, looking at her Pokémon's Poké Ball sadly. 

How're you holding up, Squirtle? I asked. Squirtle gave me a thumbs up but he had scratch marks all over him and looked exhausted. He had insisted on fighting every battle, so he was pretty badly scuffed up.

I set my sights on the Pokémon Gym at the back of the city. The orange building stood out next to everything else in the area.

Daisy followed my gaze. "You know, Viridian City's Gym might be a bit much for you. I hear this guy makes you battle him before you can take on the gym to test if you're ready. His name is Evaluator Joey, he uses a Raticate." Daisy told me as we walked into the Pokémon center and went to get our Pokémon healed.

The quaint interior of the building provided a bit of relief from the rural Route One. A few trainers were lounging around inside or chatting. One man was fighting with the PC next to the Nurse's counter, trying to get it to work.

We handed our Poké Balls to the Nurse at the front desk, and she placed them onto a machine that sent energy into the spheres.

"Are you sure you want to try taking it on? I won't stop you, but he might be a bit above our current level." Daisy asked and I pondered the thought, I didn't see any point in putting my Pokemon in unnecessary harm. Pewter City wasn't far away, so I could start my Gym Challenge there. I shook my head, I wasn't going to challenge him.

We retrieved our healed Pokémon. "So I guess we should just move onto Pewter City then? I better pack some potions and antidotes for the trip through the forest. Even though they added a bunch of signs I still hear stories of bug catchers getting lost." Daisy sighed and she left the Pokémon Center. 

I followed after her and watched as she went in the direction of the blue-roofed building. I figured I might as well train a bit while waiting for Daisy. I went to a dirt battlefield in the city and threw my Poké Balls in the air, and my four friends appeared.

Charmander was yawning and about to nod off, Bulbasaur was smiling, Pikachu had his always blank expression, and Squirtle was glaring at the three. He looked at them as if they were new recruits to the army he would have to whip into shape.

Alright, everyone, I want you to all train so start battling each other! I told them, I still didn't fully understand it, but I assumed it was like talking. I imagined I was projecting my thoughts out, and it seemed to work.

Squirtle smiled and tackled Bulbasaur, who did not look ready for it. Pikachu stood up and walked over to Charmander slowly, Charmander was lying on the ground trying to sleep.

Bulbasaur flew backward, his smile had faded but he didn't look like he wanted to battle. Squirtle clearly wasn't worried about the type disadvantage, maybe he knew Bulbasaur didn't know Vine Whip. Squirtle ran forward again and Bulbasaur tried to sidestep but Squirtle was too quick.

Pikachu used Thunder Shock on Charmander, which caused him to jolt upwards and get into a sloppy battle position. His claw began glowing and he jogged forward while Pikachu used Thunder Shock again. 

Charmander slowly moved his claw to block the incoming electricity, but it was too quick and he was electrocuted once more. Charmander shook off the electricity while Pikachu's position hadn't changed from the start of the battle.

Bulbasaur was still recovering from the previous attack when Squirtle ran forward again. Bulbasaur jumped at the incoming Pokémon and they collided heads. Squirtle was quick to recover while Bulbasaur was dizzy and left wide open. 

Squirtle took the opportunity to run forward, grab Bulbasaur's front right leg, and flip him over. Bulbasaur was sent flying and crashed onto the grass. A bit disoriented from the sudden move.

Charmander seemed to be waking up for the first time in forever and ran forward much faster, this time landing a Scratch. Pikachu sent another Thunder Shock towards him but he managed to dodge this one, charging at Pikachu again. This time, Pikachu ducked under the swipe and jumped forward, knocking down Charmander.

Bulbasaur had landed on his back and was still slightly dizzy from before. Squirtle dashed towards him, but this time Bulbasaur's vines shot out from his sides and pushed him back onto his feet. 

Bulbasaur was able to move out of the way of Squirtle's attack. Then, he smacked Squirtle's surprised face with one of his vines and backed up. 

Bulbasaur, you learned Vine Whip! That's perfect!  I commended him, and Bulbasaur smiled at me before Squirtle charged forward once more.

Charmander was jolted again by Pikachu's Thunder Shock. The lizard fell over, seemingly out of energy. Then, Charmander seemed to surge with energy and he opened his maw, sending a blast of fire into the electric mouse. Pikachu was thrown back by the fireball, though his expression was still the same as always. 

Charmander stood up, getting a second wind from having learned Ember. Charmander lunged at Pikachu, remaining determined to win as he approached the opposing Pokémon.

Bulbasaur picked up Squirtle with his vines and threw him into the ground. Squirtle dizzily stood up but then fell unconscious moments later. I recalled the water turtle and went over to Bulbasaur, patting his head.

Good job buddy, that was some quick thinking! I thought encouragingly. I looked down at Squirtle's Poké Ball and shook my head. On the other hand, you can't let yourself get carried away. You were doing well for a while, though. Then I turned my attention back to Charmander and Pikachu's battle.

Charmander swung his claws at Pikachu with an unfamiliar level of ferocity. It seemed like something had galvanized the Pokémon, and he was now giving it his all. Pikachu jumped back repeatedly, trying to evade the various strikes.

Charmander launched out another blast of fire. The flame crashed into Pikachu, and the electric mouse rolled across the ground and got up to his feet. Pikachu narrowed his eyes and unleashed a blast of electricity, slamming into the Fire-Type Pokémon again. 

Pikachu dashed across the ground, using his speed to close the distance between himself and Charmander. The lizard tried to swipe at Pikachu, but the mouse ducked under the strike and then grabbed onto Charmander. Pikachu unleashed another blast of electricity, and Charmander began to sway.

It seemed as though Charmander was going to hang on, but the Pokémon tumbled over and fainted. Huh... Hold on! I noticed that the Fire-Type was snoring, having fallen asleep. Really? Did you give up at the last minute? I returned Charmander and sighed. 

Then, I picked up Pikachu. You did great, pal! I told him, and Pikachu smiled faintly. He jumped onto my shoulder and Bulbasaur walked up to my leg. We started to head back to the Pokémon Center, and Daisy was waiting by the entrance.

My friend noticed me and her face lit up. "Hey, Red!" She waved, "I got plenty of supplies for our trip through the forest. Plus, my map should be able to help if we get lost. I'm ready to go when you are" She told me. 

I told her that I would be ready after healing my Pokémon, and we strolled into the Pokémon Center to have my Pokémon restored. After they were healed, Daisy and I walked out of the city and towards Route Two. 

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