Chapter 8: Rising Tensions in Viridian City

Night settled over Viridian City, but its calm was fleeting. The Pokémon Center, often a beacon of solace for weary Trainers and their injured Pokémon, had turned into a scene of chaos. Smoke filled the air, alarms blared, and Trainers scrambled to protect their partners. Amid the turmoil, Gary stood outside, arms crossed, observing the escalating situation with an air of detachment.

"Team Rocket again," he muttered, narrowing his eyes at the large hot-air balloon hovering over the building. The unmistakable red "R" emblazoned on its side announced their involvement.

Gary adjusted his gloves and released two Poké Balls. Exeggutor and Growlithe emerged in flashes of light, ready for action. Exeggutor's newly evolved form towered over its companion, its three heads scanning the scene with heightened awareness.

"Exeggutor, Growlithe, stay sharp. We're heading in."

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Inside the Pokémon Center

Ash and Misty stood at the forefront of the chaos, defending the Pokémon Center from Team Rocket's brazen assault. Koffing's Poison Gas and Arbok's Bite had caused panic among the Trainers. Nurse Joy frantically worked to secure injured Pokémon in their capsules while Pikachu, still recovering, lay on a stretcher.

"You'll never get away with this!" Ash yelled, fists clenched.

Jessie smirked. "Oh, please. You're out of your league, kid. Koffing, use Sludge Bomb!"

The dark purple sludge flew toward Ash and Misty, who barely dodged in time. Pikachu, weak but determined, tried to stand but collapsed again.

"Stay down, Pikachu!" Misty said, shielding the electric mouse.

Ash gritted his teeth. "We can't let them win. Misty, help me stall them until—"

The glass doors of the Pokémon Center burst open. Gary strode in with Exeggutor and Growlithe flanking him. His confident smirk and calm demeanor immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Out of the way, Ash. I'll handle this," Gary said, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Ash bristled. "Gary! This isn't about showing off! Team Rocket is trying to—"

"Save the lecture," Gary interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "This isn't my first run-in with these clowns."

Jessie raised an eyebrow. "Another brat? Do they hand out egos at Pallet Town now?"

Gary smirked, unbothered by the insult. "You're one to talk. Growlithe, use Flamethrower on the gas!"

The Fire-type Pokémon barked and unleashed a stream of flames, dispersing Koffing's Poison Gas and forcing Jessie and James to retreat a few steps.

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A Strategic Showdown

"Arbok, Bite that Exeggutor!" Jessie ordered.

"Exeggutor, Reflect!" Gary countered.

The massive Grass/Psychic Pokémon emitted a shimmering barrier that deflected Arbok's attack effortlessly. The snake Pokémon recoiled, hissing in frustration.

"Koffing, Smokescreen!" James shouted.

Dark smoke engulfed the battlefield, reducing visibility. Gary smirked. "Growlithe, use Ember to light it up!"

Growlithe's embers ignited the smoke, causing a small explosion that cleared the air. Team Rocket coughed and stumbled, momentarily disoriented.

"Exeggutor, Confusion!" Gary commanded.

The towering Pokémon's eyes glowed, and a psychic wave enveloped Koffing, lifting it into the air. With a flick of Exeggutor's mind, Koffing was hurled into Arbok, knocking both out cold.

Ash watched, his frustration giving way to reluctant admiration. Gary's control over his Pokémon was seamless, his strategies precise.

Jessie clenched her fists. "We're not done yet! Wobbuffet, go!"

The blue Pokémon emerged, saluting confidently.

Gary raised an eyebrow. "A Counter specialist, huh? Cute. Growlithe, hold back. Exeggutor, it's your show. Use Leech Seed!"

Exeggutor fired a cluster of seeds that latched onto Wobbuffet, sprouting vines that drained its energy over time. Jessie panicked as Wobbuffet struggled against the parasitic plants.

"Use Counter!" she screamed.

Wobbuffet glowed as it prepared to retaliate, but Gary had already anticipated the move.

"Exeggutor, stall it with Hypnosis."

Exeggutor's heads synchronized, their eyes glowing in unison. Wobbuffet swayed, its glow fading as it succumbed to sleep. The Leech Seed continued to sap its strength.

Gary crossed his arms. "You should know better than to bring a defensive Pokémon to an offensive fight. Exeggutor, finish this with Confusion."

The psychic energy blasted Wobbuffet out of commission. Jessie and James stared in disbelief as their last Pokémon fainted.

"This isn't fair!" James whined.

Gary smirked. "Life isn't fair. Now get lost before I call Officer Jenny."

Realizing their defeat, the Rocket trio retreated to their balloon, shaking their fists in anger.

"You haven't seen the last of Team Rocket!" Jessie shouted as the balloon disappeared into the night.

---

After the Battle

As the smoke cleared, Nurse Joy and the other Trainers emerged from their hiding spots. The injured Pokémon were safe, thanks to Gary's intervention.

"Thank you for your help," Nurse Joy said, bowing slightly. "Your timing was impeccable."

Gary shrugged. "Just doing what any competent Trainer would. Besides, I couldn't let those idiots damage the place before I stocked up on more supplies."

Ash approached, still simmering with mixed emotions. "I could've handled it, you know."

Gary rolled his eyes. "Sure you could. Maybe next time you'll try thinking before charging in headfirst."

Misty placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, calming him. "He's not wrong, Ash. You did great, but Gary's strategy was solid."

Gary smirked. "Listen to her, Ashy-boy. Maybe you'll learn something."

Ash opened his mouth to retort, but Misty gave him a look, silencing him.

Gary turned to his Pokémon. "Exeggutor, Growlithe, good work. Let's head out."

The two Pokémon beamed at the praise before returning to their Poké Balls.

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A Bigger Picture

Outside the Pokémon Center, Gary paused, glancing at the city skyline. The events of the night had only reinforced his belief: strength and preparation were paramount.

"Team Rocket's getting bolder," he muttered to himself. "If they're this active here, who knows what they're up to elsewhere?"

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the premium Fire Stone he had purchased earlier. He ran his thumb along its smooth surface, feeling the raw power within.

"Growlithe, your turn is coming soon," he said softly. "But not yet. We have bigger fish to fry."

As the moon cast its glow over Viridian City, Gary made his way to his next destination. His journey was far from over, and he welcomed the challenges ahead with a confident smirk.

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To Be Continued...