Journey Through Kanto | ✅

Chapter 49: Viridian Gym

Zia, KC, Emmy, Sky, Kirlia, and Kaida have finally made it back to Viridian City so Zia can get her eighth and final gym badge.

They walk through the city, looking for said gym at this moment. "Oh, looks like the Pokemon Center is up and running again." Zia stated as they passed by it. Last time Zia was here, by the time she left, the roof was blown off since she and Sky sent Team Rocket through it after they had tried to steal the Pokemon there.

"Yeah, at that point Emmy was still a little Snivy." Sky laughed as Emmy pouted. "You were only a Shinx still, I don't see why you're picking on me." She mumbled. "Yeah, but Sky already had a bit of battling experience. We would get Professor Oak to practice with us a lot." Zia chuckled.

"But I beat Gary! That's got to count for something." Emmy pushed. "Well, Gary didn't have a lick of experience then, and his Squritle was as new as you were. You had a type advantage and me, who had battled before." Zia told her as Emmy huffed in annoyance. "But, you still did really well. I'm sure you would've won even if you were against a Charmander." Zia added as she pet the Serperior, Kaida being held in her other hand.

Emmy look up at her. "Really?" She asked. "Yeah, I have no doubt. Do you, Sky?" Zia questioned. "Nope, Emmy's too hard headed." The Luxray answered. "Hey!" Emmy yelled, offended.

"Uh, sorry to interrupt guys, but there's the Viridian Gym." KC said as he pointed out the grandiose building as he used his other arm to hold Kirlia. "What are we waiting for, then? Let's go!" Zia exclaimed as she dragged them all to the entrance.

As they reached the steps that led to the door, Zia suddenly stopped and took a moment. "What's wrong?" KC asked worriedly. "Hmm? Nothing, I'm just... excited, nervous, a little bit of everything. I've been on this journey for so long already, have obtained so many friends, gone so many places, it's like I'm surprised it's so close to the end." She replied. It was true, her entry into the Pokemon League was right around the corner.

Kaida nuzzled her chin as Zia smiled down at her. "Even when you're done with the Pokemon League, your journey won't end. Another chapter will just begin. Now, let's go in there and get your eighth badge." KC encouraged as Zia grinned at him. "You're right KC, you've been a really great friend and traveling partner this entire time. I'm glad I met you in those bushes." Zia told him, chuckling a bit at the memory.

KC smiled at her, ruffling her hair. "You've been the same to me, Zia. If I hadn't met you, I'd either be hiding in the forest still, or in jail. So thank you." He said honestly. "Alright, enough with the sappy stuff, let's go." Emmy said as she nudged Zia forward, Sky doing the same to KC.

They suddenly heard mocking laughter behind them that made them stop and look. Gary pulled up in that red car of his as he looked at Zia. "Still playing with your cute little Pokepals, eh, Zia?" He asked as his cheerleaders cheered.

"Gary." Zia stated emotionlessly. "I thought you had given up on catching and training Pokemon. I figured you went back to Pallet. But, no. Here you are, still at it." Gary said. "Well, as you can clearly see, Gary, I have not given up." Zia said with a bit of annoyance leaking into her voice now.

"I bet you don't even have enough badges to get into the Pokemon League yet." He said arrogantly. "That's why I'm here, Gary. To get the last one I need. Man, you really aren't that bright sometimes, are you?" She asked, making him narrow his eyes.

"Either way, you have some catching up to do. As you can see, I already have ten badges." Gary stated as he held out his badge case. "Still think you have what it takes to become a Pokemon Master?" He asked the girl. "I never said I wanted to be a Pokemon Master. I just want to test my skill, along with my Pokemon's." Zia responded.