Chapter 48: Giovanni Vs Julian (1)

Gengar returned to the Pokémon Center and stealthily entered Julian's room. He found Julian lying on the bed with his eyes closed, seemingly unaware of Gengar's presence.

Seizing the opportunity for a prank, Gengar grabbed a marker from a nearby desk and approached Julian's slumbering form. However, just as the marker tip was about to make contact with Julian's face, Julian abruptly caught Gengar's hand in a lightning-quick reflex.

Julian chuckled, "Hoho, I see you were attempting to play a little prank on me."

He opened his eyes, sat up on the bed, and looked at Gengar, who was now trying to play it off.

Gengar chuckled mischievously, "[Hahaha, I was just trying to have some fun.]"

Gengar chuckled nervously while rubbing the back of his head, fully aware of his own mischievous nature. Julian simply shook his head, accustomed to Gengar's antics, and decided not to reprimand him this time.

Julian initiated a telepathic conversation, asking, "[So, can you tell me what's been happening inside the Viridian Gym?]"

Gengar began to relay the events he had witnessed in Team Rocket's underground base beneath the gym. He described how he had freed the captive Pokémon, provided details about Butch, Cassidy, and Giovanni's conversation, and shared all the pertinent information he had gathered during his time in the base.

Julian chuckled darkly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Hehe, those idiots are back, huh? They were lucky I didn't break them completely last time. But it seems like they're eager for another round."

Gengar nodded enthusiastically in agreement, expressing his concurrence with Julian's sentiment.

Julian's expression then shifted to seriousness. "But let's set that aside for now. What else did you discover inside the gym, Gengar?"

Gengar relayed the information, stating, "[Oh, I almost forgot. I encountered a peculiar Pokémon encased in metal armor, almost like a machine. It was connected to a large screen displaying strange patterns.]"

Julian's expression shifted, and he commented, "It sounds like you encountered Mewtwo."

Julian pressed for more details, asking, "Can you tell me more about it?"

Gengar continued, "[It was exceptionally odd. I attempted to provoke a reaction from it, but it remained as still as a statue. However, I could sense its life force, so I don't believe it's dead.]"

Julian inquired, "Did you attempt anything specific with it?"

Julian couldn't help but feel a pang of worry, concerned that Gengar might have inadvertently caused trouble during his encounter.

Gengar reassured him, saying, "[I just tried to provoke it by touching it and making funny faces, but it remained unresponsive.]"

Julian let out a sigh of relief. He pondered the situation regarding Mewtwo, his thoughts racing.

Julian thought to himself, 'It seems like Mewtwo is under complete control by Giovanni and won't take any action unless specifically ordered to do so. It's a good thing that Gengar didn't attempt to tamper with anything on Mewtwo; otherwise, it might have triggered a dangerous reaction.'

Julian addressed Gengar, "Alright, Gengar, prepare yourself for a potential battle against that Pokémon tomorrow. But for now, you should get some rest."

He returned Gengar to its Pokéball and then turned his thoughts toward the impending battle.

Julian reflected, 'Giovanni's got an extensive roster of Pokémon, and I have no clue which ones he'll deploy. Given that he's aware of my presence, he might use his most formidable Pokémon to exhaust or injure my team. Well, I'll be ready for whatever comes. My main concern, though, is not Giovanni or even Mewtwo, but Mew itself. I hope it won't be around during the battle, and if it is, I hope it doesn't interfere in any way.'

Julian spent a considerable amount of time contemplating the upcoming battle but eventually decided to set those concerns aside for the moment. He opted to meditate in an effort to calm his racing thoughts. Unbeknownst to him, he drifted into a deep slumber while still in the same position.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn began to filter into his room, Julian slowly stirred awake. He rubbed his eyes and stretched his limbs, a realization dawning on him.

Julian murmured to himself, "Looks like I fell asleep during my meditation."

Julian then proceeded with his usual morning routine. He ventured outside to engage in his daily workout with his Pokémon, relishing the quiet serenity of the early morning hours. After completing his exercises, he returned to his room and freshened up for the day ahead.

Julian made up his mind, saying, "It's time. Let's pay a visit to the Viridian Gym."

He stepped outside and mounted his bicycle, pedaling off towards the Viridian Gym. Upon arriving, he was greeted by a grand sight—a water fountain positioned between two grand staircases leading up to a massive, orange-colored building. Guarding the entrance gate were two burly men sporting gladiator-style uniforms. What Julian wasn't aware of was that these guards were new recruits, as the previous guards had been dismissed due to the interference of an "unknown entity".

Julian confidently approached the gate and halted before the two guards who were stationed there, blocking his path.

Julian declared, "I'm here to challenge the Gym Leader of the Viridian Gym."

The guards acknowledged his request and promptly stepped aside, swinging the gate open to grant him access. Julian entered the gym premises and took in the sight before him—a vast battlefield lay ahead, with a raised platform situated at the far end. On that platform, he discerned the faint silhouette of an individual seated in a chair. Julian recognized this figure as none other than Giovanni, the Gym Leader of Viridian Gym.

Giovanni observed Julian's arrival, his eyes fixed on the challenger. He had previously inquired about Julian's appearance from Butch and Cassidy, so he recognized him instantly.

Giovanni mused to himself, 'Well, I didn't have to wait long. If Butch and Cassidy's reports about his Pokémon are accurate, then they would be valuable additions to my team. To test his strength, why not send out some of my most formidable Pokémon? If he manages to defeat both of them, he should consider himself honored to be the first to witness my greatest creation. Hahaha.'

Julian introduced himself confidently, stating, "I'm Julian, and I'm here to challenge you to a Gym Battle."

Giovanni agreed, explaining the rules, "Certainly. It's simple: We each use three Pokémon, and the first one to lose all three will be the loser."

Julian acknowledged the rules with a nod, saying, "Alright, let's proceed."

Without even sparing a glance, Julian waved his hand dismissively and strode onto the battlefield. Giovanni couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation at Julian's casual demeanor, but he chose to keep it in check.

Giovanni responded with a hint of amusement, "Very confident, I see. Let's put your strength to the test. Nidoking, it's your turn."

He retrieved a Pokéball from his coat and released Nidoking onto the battlefield, causing a cloud of dust to rise as the fully grown Nidoking made its imposing presence known.

Julian observed Nidoking and remained self-assured. 'This Nidoking seems well-trained, but I believe I can handle it.'

With confidence, Julian called out his choice, "Kabutops, let's go!"

He tossed his Pokéball into the air, summoning Kabutops onto the field. The Pokémon's sharp blades gleamed menacingly, resembling the scythes of a Grim Reaper.

Giovanni mused silently, 'A Kabutops, an ancient Pokémon that once went extinct. But it's no surprise, as many fossils can be successfully revived.'

Outwardly, he remarked, "You've got a fine Pokémon there, but it won't fare well in this battle."

Julian's composed demeanor seemed to irritate Giovanni, but he chose to proceed without further words.

Giovanni ordered, "Nidoking, use Brick Break!"

Nidoking dashed toward Kabutops, raising a powerful hand to execute a Brick Break attack. If the move connected, it would deal substantial damage to Kabutops, possibly even causing severe injuries. However, Julian appeared confident that this attack would never land.

Julian remained calm as he commanded, "Dodge the attack, Kabutops! Then, counter with Blizzard!"

He communicated telepathically, "[After using Blizzard, follow up with Waterfall. Get behind Nidoking and use Metal Claw.]"

Kabutops swiftly evaded Nidoking's Brick Break and retaliated with a Blizzard attack. As the icy storm raged, Kabutops seamlessly transitioned into a Waterfall move, positioning itself behind Nidoking. With a fluid motion, Kabutops struck with Metal Claw, executing Julian's strategic combination.

Julian had no intention of prolonging this battle with ordinary Pokémon. With swift and calculated movements, Kabutops sprang away from the descending Brick Break attack, narrowly avoiding the damage. The shattered remnants of the ground scattered around them as the attack met the earth.

Kabutops wasted no time and promptly unleashed Blizzard, causing the immediate vicinity to plummet into freezing cold. The ground was swiftly blanketed in snow, and the chilling attack inflicted considerable damage on Nidoking.

But Kabutops wasn't finished yet. In a graceful leap, it soared high into the air, summoning a torrent of water with Waterfall. The cascading water crashed down upon Nidoking, forcing it to its knees. Despite Nidoking's formidable strength and robust defenses, the power of Ice and Water-type moves was taking its toll. Nonetheless, Nidoking still showed resilience, a testament to its strength.

Giovanni was left utterly stunned by the swift and overwhelming turn of events. The combination of moves executed by Julian and Kabutops had been both rapid and powerful. Giovanni's attempts to intervene were futile; Nidoking had barely been able to react to the Waterfall before Kabutops utilized it as a cover to flank the Pokémon.

With remarkable agility, Kabutops positioned itself behind Nidoking, striking with a ferocious Metal Claw attack aimed at the back of Nidoking's head. The devastating blow sent Nidoking crashing to the ground.

Julian seized the opportunity, wasting no time to conclude the battle. He commanded decisively, "Kabutops, finish this with Ice Beam!"

Before Nidoking could mount any resistance or attempt to recover, the icy blast of Ice Beam struck with precision, causing the formidable Pokémon to faint on the spot.

Giovanni was left in a state of profound shock, witnessing one of his most potent Pokémon succumb in under a minute. His mind raced with thoughts of Kabutops' speed and power, envisioning the potential it held.

Giovanni mused internally, 'Impossible. Kabutops is swift and powerful. I must obtain it for myself; it will make me even more formidable. Hahaha.'

Julian couldn't resist a sly comment as he remarked, "Well, your Pokémon didn't even last a minute. Is this what they call the most powerful Gym in Kanto?"

Julian's sarcastic remark didn't go unnoticed by Giovanni, and it kindled a simmering anger within him. However, he managed to maintain his composure.

Giovanni conceded, "Hmph, I didn't anticipate this turn of events; I underestimated you. But my next Pokémon will demonstrate the true strength of the Viridian Gym."

Giovanni continued, "Go, Aggron!"

A massive Aggron entered the battlefield, its very presence exuding a sense of cruelty and power. It was evident that this Pokémon was both formidable and ruthless.

Julian's thoughts raced as he evaluated the situation. 'An Aggron, just as I suspected. Giovanni possesses Pokémon not native to Kanto. Let's see if it can withstand an attack from Infernape. He hasn't had a challenging opponent since evolving; perhaps this Aggron will provide some stimulation.'

Julian swiftly made his move, recalling Kabutops to its Pokéball. He then retrieved another Pokéball from his belt.

Julian declared, "Go, Infernape!"

With a deft toss of his Pokéball, Infernape materialized on the battlefield. As Infernape made its entrance, the temperature in the arena began to climb noticeably. Julian skillfully manipulated the heat, intentionally raising it to create an intimidating atmosphere. His strategy bore fruit, as even the formidable Aggron, with its steel and rock attributes that dampened the impact of fire-based attacks, could sense the rapidly escalating temperature.

Infernape's command over fire had transcended the ordinary, granting it the ability to manipulate flames with precision. It could raise or lower the temperature at will, among other capabilities.

Giovanni, too, experienced the abrupt shift in the arena's ambiance. As the temperature continued to soar, he found himself perspiring, uncomfortable under the oppressive heat.

Giovanni couldn't help but recognize the immense power emanating from Julian's Infernape. It was abundantly clear that this Pokémon surpassed Kabutops in terms of strength, and Giovanni's mind churned with the realization that all of Julian's Pokémon might possess such formidable abilities.

Unbeknownst to Giovanni, Julian was quietly plotting to conclude the battle with a decisive one-hit move.

Julian communicated with Infernape through their telepathic bond, relaying a precise sequence of commands. Infernape acknowledged with a determined nod, its fiery aura intensifying as it activated its Hidden Ability, Iron Fist, enhancing the power of its punching techniques.

Giovanni, who had momentarily lost focus, returned his attention to the battle. However, he found himself reacting too late to intervene.

Julian declared, "Go!"

Upon Julian's command, Infernape's response was immediate. With a resounding roar, it ignited a massive pillar of flames that shot upward, piercing through the ceiling and creating a gaping hole. The citizens of the city, witnessing the extraordinary display, were initially alarmed, believing it to be a volcanic eruption. However, the absence of any nearby volcanoes quickly dispelled that notion.

Infernape wasted no time, hurtling toward Aggron at breakneck speed, further accelerated by its Flame Charge. As the fiery spectacle continued, Giovanni couldn't help but notice something unusual occurring beneath them.

Giovanni, realizing the impending danger, urgently shouted, "Not good, AGGR-"

But before he could complete his warning, Infernape, amidst its potent charge-up, abruptly vanished, reappearing instantly in front of Aggron. It left a scorching trail of flames in its wake, a breathtaking display akin to teleportation, leaving Giovanni stunned.

Infernape materialized right in front of Aggron, and with the accumulated might from its ability and three honed skills, it unleashed a devastating strike. Aggron was caught entirely off guard, unable to comprehend the lightning-fast assault. The next instant, he found himself violently embedded into a wall, an agonizing surge of pain coursing through his body as he succumbed to unconsciousness.

A single, thunderous punch launched Aggron backward, producing a resounding boom upon impact. As the dust settled, the astonished onlookers were met with the sight of an unconscious Aggron firmly lodged within a wall beneath the elevated platform where Giovanni had been seated. The gym leader himself had been knocked off his chair, tumbling to the floor due to the shockwave generated by Aggron's fall. Giovanni's expression was a mix of disbelief and uncertainty, his eyes fixed on Infernape as if it were an otherworldly entity. Doubt began to creep into his thoughts, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his once unwavering confidence.

Giovanni found himself grappling with an overwhelming realization. Doubt and uncertainty clouded his thoughts as he contemplated the formidable force before him. He couldn't help but question whether even his most powerful creation could stand a chance against this monstrous Pokemon. It was abundantly clear that Infernape possessed unmatched speed and strength, leaving Giovanni to wonder how such a formidable creature could exist.

Despite his initial shock and bewilderment, Giovanni, ever the composed leader of a formidable criminal organization, managed to swiftly regain his composure. With his emotions tamed, he could once again approach the situation with a semblance of logic and strategy.

Giovanni chuckled to himself, a renewed sense of confidence returning to his demeanor. He reminded himself of Mewtwo's formidable Psychic abilities, realizing that there was still a strong contender at his disposal. His earlier fears and doubts had momentarily clouded his judgment, but now he felt more composed and ready to strategize with Mewtwo's abilities in mind.

The unsettling fear that had taken root in Giovanni's heart continued to exert its influence, causing him to neglect a critical aspect of the battle. His focus remained singularly fixed on Infernape, and he failed to consider the possibility of a third, unknown Pokémon in Julian's arsenal. This irrational fear had, in turn, significantly clouded his judgment, leaving him vulnerable to potential surprises in the battle.

Giovanni: "Hahahahahaha, such a strong Pokémon you have there. After seeing your Pokémon, I have decided that you are worthy to witness my most powerful Pokémon, my greatest creation, the strongest Pokémon."

As Giovanni continued to speak, Julian couldn't help but notice the peculiar and comical appearance of Giovanni's hair, which was split down the middle by an obvious bald stripe. The sight of Giovanni's hairdo, combined with his eccentric laughter and cryptic statements, left Julian both bewildered and intrigued. He couldn't anticipate what Giovanni's "greatest creation" would be, but he knew this battle was about to take an unexpected turn.

Julian couldn't help but entertain the thought that Gengar, with its mischievous nature, might have played a part in Giovanni's current hair predicament. While he pondered this possibility, he couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Giovanni's cryptic behavior and sudden decision to reveal his "greatest creation" only added to the intrigue of the battle, making Julian all the more curious about what was to come.

Julian struggled to contain his laughter as Giovanni continued to speak, spouting what sounded like the usual nonsense. But then, a distinct noise captured his attention. He turned his gaze towards the origin of the sound and watched in astonishment as a massive wall slowly rose, revealing an imposing figure within the room, encased in a formidable machine-like armor. It stood there, motionless for a moment, before taking deliberate steps out into the open.

Giovanni exclaimed proudly, "Behold, my greatest creation."

Julian thought to himself, Finally.