Adventure 06 - The first Champions Challenge, battle

February

Following their arrival in Cerulean, Daisy generously offered Blight a place to stay at her mansion-like home. Upon settling in, Blight was warmly welcomed by maids who escorted him to his designated room for the night.

The next morning, Blight woke up early and made his way to the Cerulean bridge with a fishing rod he had discovered in the garage.

"Alright, team," Blight addressed his Pokémon. "According to the rumors, there should be an electric eel Pokémon somewhere around here, and it could give us the best chance of defeating the Champion in the upcoming challenge."

His Pokémon, including Dartrix, Bulbasaur, and Sewaddle, let out tired yawns, indicating their exhaustion. Unaware of their fatigue, Blight began fishing.

Minutes turned into hours, but Blight had yet to catch anything. Frustrated, he reeled in his line and inspected the rod.

"How the heck does this thing even work?" Blight muttered to himself. "I think we should try a different approach... Dartrix, do your thing."

Dartrix soared into the sky, flying around for about six minutes before letting out a screech. "Alright, Sewaddle, use String Shot!" Blight commanded. Sewaddle, perched on Blight's head, shot strings into the water. "And Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip to close it off!"

Bulbasaur extended its vines into the water, successfully pulling out a Magikarp. The team let out a collective sigh of disappointment.

"What are you doing?!" Bill exclaimed.

"Fishing, why?" Blight responded innocently.

"You're not supposed to fish like that on the bridge! You have to do it over there. And why are you even fishing?"

"I'm looking for the electric eel Pokémon to challenge Daisy."

"Why? You have three grass Pokémon; you'll have a huge advantage."

Blight paused for a moment, contemplating Bill's words. "...Grass can beat water types? Oh..." He suddenly realized.

Dartrix facepalmed itself, while Bulbasaur tried to process the fact that Blight was now its trainer.

"Also," Bill added. "Since you're participating in the Champion's Challenge, if you defeat Daisy, I can take you to Vermillion."

"Why Vermillion? What's there?" Blight inquired.

"The SS.Anne. There's a chance a champion might be on board, so it's the best lead for finding one."

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Pokémon Special Chronicles

Chapter Six

January

Blight was awestruck at the Cerulean Gym; he had seen Brock's gym, but this one was truly breathtaking. Daisy and her three sisters stood poised in their positions as Bill, the referee, announced the start of their official Champions Challenge.

"We're beginning already? No prep time at all?" Blight inquired.

"Yep, we have a show tomorrow and we can't waste time on this champions challenge," Daisy replied.

"But this is your literal job!" Blight exclaimed.

"No, it's actually our side job. We're just doing it for the money," Lily revealed.

"Now, Blight, the rules are different today. You can use three Pokémon, while the sisters can only use one each. No substitutions are allowed, and the winner of the best out of three rounds will claim victory in the champions challenge. Let's begin!"

"Sewaddle, it's your turn," Blight placed the bug Pokémon on the battlefield.

"Seely, go! Use Tackle!" Violet commanded.

Sewaddle swiftly retreated as Seel leaped into the water, ambushing Sewaddle with a powerful body slam from behind.

"Come on! Couldn't you have waited for my command?" Blight scolded his Pokémon.

"That Pokémon is adorable. Use Icy Wind!" Violet ordered.

"Dodge it!" Blight countered.

Seel inhaled a gust of air, but Sewaddle anticipated the attack and moved to the left. Unfortunately, Sewaddle dodged too early and was hit directly by the icy wind, knocking the bug Pokémon into the water and causing it to faint.

"That wasn't even an attempt, Sewaddle. It was just disappointing," Blight muttered as he returned Sewaddle.

The next sister arrived on the battlefield.

Lily released her pokémon into the battle, "Sirskit, I choose you! If these battles are going to be this quick, then I'm even more excited now."

"Bulbasaur, it's your turn," Blight said, turning his attention to his grass pokémon.

Bulbasaur stood confidently on the field, giving a determined glare to Sirskit, who was swerving left and right.

"Tackle!" Blight commanded.

Bulbasaur sprinted forward, launching herself for a tackle. However, Sirskit effortlessly dodged the attack by skating to the left. "Keep up the pace!" Bulbasaur turned around and charged for another tackle, but Sirskit skillfully circled around the Bulb pokémon, evading the move. "Bubblebeam!" Sirskit fired off a series of bubbles from behind Bulbasaur, pushing her almost into the water upon impact.

"It's tough without switching out, isn't it?" Lily asked Blight.

"Switching out during a battle isn't my style, miss. Vine Whip!"

Bulbasaur attempted to whip the water pokémon, but Sirskit skillfully maneuvered around the vines, evading each attempt. "Ice Beam!" Sirskit momentarily paused and fired off an ice beam, hitting Bulbasaur and causing her to flinch due to the cold. "Bubblebeam!" Sirskit swiftly skated to the left, before unleashing another barrage of bubbles that sent Bulbasaur splashing into the water.

"That pokémon just won't stop moving. We need to find our opportunity," Blight remarked.

"I believe it's best if you accept your fate. Ice Beam!"

Sirskit halted for a moment, as in that split second, Bulbasaur's vines emerged from the water, wrapping around Sirskit, who retaliated with an ice beam. The ice slowly accumulated around Bulbasaur as she had recently climbed out of the water.

Blight complained, "What the hell?! Why did you do that? Now we're going to lose because of your stupid-"

Dartrix screeched, bringing Blight's attention to the bigger picture: Sirskit was unable to move. Seizing the opportunity, Blight quickly ordered Bulbasaur to use "Petal Dance!!!" Just as the ice was about to engulf Bulbasaur completely, a dazzling display of pink petals erupted from her bulb, unleashing a powerful hurricane-like attack on Sirskit.

The icy encasement shattered, and Sirskit was forcefully propelled upwards before crashing down, fainted.

"Nice job, Bulbasaur!" Blight exclaimed to the exhausted grass type, who promptly collapsed. "Alright, come back, girl."

Dartrix, fully aware that it would be the next contender, confidently landed on the arena floor. However, Daisy stepped up, recalling her Pokémon's strength, causing Dartrix's confidence to waver.

"Go, Golduck! Use Water Pulse!" Daisy commanded, releasing Golduck from its Poké Ball.

Blight, took a breath as he adjusted his cap to the back and declared, "Time to get good, let's pop off buddy."

As Golduck conjured a ball of water in its palm, intending to attack, Dartrix swiftly evaded the assault. Flying towards the left, Dartrix led the attack towards the water, only to abruptly soar into the sky again, redirecting the water attack to splash into the seafloor. In the meantime, Dartrix prepared for a powerful "Take Down," charging toward Golduck with its claws primed for a strike. Cleverly, Golduck sidestepped the bird Pokémon, avoiding the attack.

Now, it was Dartrix's turn to strike. "Leaf Blade!" In an instant, Dartrix veered back, wielding a sharp blade formed from leaves. However, Golduck intercepted Dartrix's attack with Psychic, halting the bird Pokémon's momentum and sending it crashing into the gym walls, resulting in a cloud of dust. Seizing the opportunity, Golduck looked back at Daisy, giving her a thumbs-up. Unexpectedly, Dartrix emerged from the cloud, slicing through Golduck. Stumbling backward, Golduck retaliated, harnessing Psychic to forcefully push Dartrix back into the gym walls once again.

Move back in there with another Take Down!" Blight commanded, urging Dartrix to lunge forward.

"Counter that with Slash!" Daisy commanded, prompting Golduck to charge forward and leap with its claws ready.

The two attacks collided, creating a powerful gust of wind that forced Blight to grip the top of his cap to prevent it from blowing away. After exchanging a brief glance, the Pokémon disengaged and circled around, preparing to charge at each other again with the same attacks.

This back-and-forth continued, with the Pokémon repeatedly colliding in a clash of powers. However, Dartrix managed to outsmart Golduck by switching legs mid-attack. Reacting swiftly, the water type ducked under the attack and, as Dartrix soared past, Golduck soared up and delivered a devastating slash to the flying Pokémon's beak. The impact sent Dartrix flying backward, almost colliding with Blight, who swiftly sidestepped out of harm's way.

Dartrix hit the wall, and fell to the ground, "Come on, get up! Get up!" Blight exclaimed urgently.

Struggling to regain its footing, Dartrix fought to get back up on its feet.

This battle has been incredibly thrilling, Blight, but it's time for me to bring it to an end. Hyper Beam!!!" Daisy declared confidently.

"Come on, Dartrix, get back on your feet! It's using Hyper Beam!" Blight exclaimed urgently.

Dartrix shook off the daze and smirked, removing its glasses.

Swiftly, Dartrix leaped into the air, unfurling its wings and casting a shadow over Golduck to obscure the sunlight.

Blight knew what Dartrix prepping for, so he pointed his finger up and exclaimed, "Shadow Sneak!" A 'kaw' echoed through the battlefield as a shadow materialized behind Golduck, revealing Dartrix within it.

Dazzlingly quick, Dartrix glided through Golduck's legs, causing the Pokémon to stumble and misfire its hyper beam, shooting it harmlessly into the sky. Seizing the opportunity, Dartrix switched tactics and transformed its attack into a swift "Leaf Blade," ruthlessly cleaving through the water Pokémon.

With a defeated slump, Golduck collapsed to its knees, then faceplanted onto the ground, unconscious. A moment of solemn silence enveloped the air before Dartrix and Blight celebrated their victory with a triumphant fist pump.

"You clever bird, Trix! I can't believe you pulled off that awesome fake out," Blight praised, admiration twinkling in his eyes.

Dartrix responded nonchalantly, shrugging and wearing a mischievous smirk.

Daisy, Lily, and Violet approached Blight, their eyes widened with excitement and admiration. The sisters exchanged glances before bursting into applause and cheers.

"Congratulations, Blight! You've defeated our champion's challenge with such impressive strategy and skill," Daisy exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride.

Lily chimed in, "And that Shadow Sneak move? Absolutely genius! You had us completely fooled."

Violet added with a wide grin, "Not to forget that Leaf Blade finish! It was perfectly executed. You've truly earned your victory."

Just as the celebration reached its peak, Bill, a friendly and experienced Pokémon Trainer, approached Blight with a warm smile. "Congratulations on your victory, Blight! You and Dartrix put on an incredible performance," he praised.

Blight's enthusiasm took a momentary pause as he remembered the conversation he had with Bill earlier. Say, you mentioned something about heading to Vermillion City. Is that offer still open?" he asked, a hopeful glimmer in his eyes.

Bill nodded, his enthusiasm matching Blight's. "Absolutely!"

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Post Chapter

February

"So let me get this straight, you want Dartrix to join you guys for the performance?" Blight repeated, seeking clarification.

"Yes, your Dartrix would be a great addition to our performance," Lily confirmed.

"In what way?" Blight inquired.

"Dartrix is unique with its blue hair stripes and hailing from another region," Daisy explained.

"Actually, there are many Pokémon from other regions here," Bill interjected.

"Look, we just need an additional grass Pokémon. We want to stand out because most of our Pokémon are water types, and people are getting tired of that," Violet revealed their intention.

"I guess it's up to Dartrix," Blight mused.

Dartrix, wearing a smug expression, gave a nod in agreement. Daisy excitedly hugged Dartrix, spinning it around.

"This is amazing! Now, dive!" Daisy exclaimed.

Daisy tossed Dartrix towards the water, but the bird Pokémon managed to regain control and prevent itself from splashing in. Dartrix shook its head at Daisy before stepping down next to Blight.

"Seems like Dartrix is not interested," Blight observed.

"What? Come on, Dartrix, it's just a little water," Daisy pleaded.

Dartrix crossed its wings and turned away, disappointing Daisy. Then Blight felt a vibration in their pocket and pulled out Bulbasaur's Poké Ball.

"What's going on?" Blight asked the grass Pokémon.

Bulbasaur, from inside its Poké Ball, indicated that it wanted to perform for Daisy. Daisy noticed this and grabbed the ball from Blight's hand.

"Hey!"

"Are you serious? Do you really want to perform with us?" Daisy questioned.

Bulbasaur nodded.

"You're amazing, Bulbasaur, you know that," Daisy complimented.

Bulbasaur responded with a cocky expression, causing Blight to roll their eyes.

A few moments later

Bulbasaur gracefully flipped onto the ground.

"Oh my Arceus?! Your Bulbasaur is a natural performer!" Lily exclaimed.

"She's a bit of a diva, so-" Blight began, only to be interrupted by Bulbasaur slapping them with its vine.

"What the hell-"

Bulbasaur slapped Blight once again.

"Do it again, I dare you-"

Bulbasaur obliged. Blight sprinted towards the grass Pokémon but was quickly tripped into the water. Bulbasaur chuckled while Dartrix let out a weary sigh.