Chapter 18: Time in the Viridian Gym

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Hello Readers,

I've decided to go with a Sandile for James' team, which is a great choice! However, I've realized that the team might be lacking a tank or a defensive Pokémon.

If you have any suggestions or general opinions, please feel free to share them! You can also leave power stones if you'd like.

Thank you!

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As James ventured into the area that emulated a mountainous landscape, the fresh air filled his lungs, infused with the earthy aroma that only a natural environment could offer. Around him, Ground-type Pokémon played and trained with contagious energy. However, upon taking his first step into that space, he felt a vibration in the ground that made him stop dead in his tracks.

With an almost animalistic instinct, he jumped back just in time to dodge a swift and surprising attack. A Sandile, with its brown skin and black stripes, emerged from the ground like lightning, landing where he had just been a second before. The small Pokémon looked at James with bright, mischievous eyes, as if it had enjoyed the scare it had given him.

"Golduck!" James shouted as he released his water companion from its Poké Ball. Golduck appeared instantly, ready to protect him. However, upon seeing the Sandile, its expression shifted from alertness to curiosity.

Instead of attacking again, the Sandile began to roll on the ground, playing carefree as if there were no trainer and Pokémon in front of it. James watched the scene with a mix of surprise and amusement; the little reptile was simply enjoying the moment.

"It seems like it was just playing," James said, relieved but still cautious. "No need to fight."

Golduck nodded, relaxing as the Sandile continued its antics. James slowly approached the Pokémon that had startled him. The creature stopped and looked at him curiously, tilting its head as if waiting for a sign of friendship.

"Would you like to join my team?" James asked aloud, feeling an instant connection with the little Pokémon that seemed so full of life. Sandile watched him for a moment longer and then took a small leap forward, as if accepting the invitation.

James smiled widely as he crouched down to be at Sandile's level. The Pokémon looked at him with those bright eyes, full of mischief and energy. In that moment, he knew he had found something special.

James took a Poké Ball from his belt. With a determined motion, he threw the sphere toward Sandile. The Poké Ball spun through the air before opening and enveloping the small Pokémon in a bright light. Sandile was absorbed by the sphere, which began to rock back and forth.

James held his breath as he watched the Poké Ball tremble on the ground. Each movement seemed to beat in rhythm with his heart; it was a moment filled with tension and anticipation. Finally, after seconds that felt like an eternity, the Poké Ball stopped with a satisfying click.

"We got it!" James exclaimed as he picked up the Poké Ball from the ground with a radiant smile on his face.

Giovanni observed from the side with an approving expression.

"You made a good choice," he said. "A Sandile is a valuable partner in any battle, especially if you learn to harness its abilities."

James felt Giovanni's words resonate within him like an encouraging echo. He had made a brave and wise decision by choosing that playful Sandile as part of his team.

"Thank you," James replied sincerely. "I'm excited for what's to come."

As he stored the Poké Ball on his belt, he felt something inside him change; he was no longer just an indecisive trainer searching for his path. Now he had a new companion and a clearer mission: to prove his worth not only to Giovanni but also to himself and his Pokémon.

With that renewed determination shining in his eyes, James looked toward the mountainous horizon stretching before him.

Giovanni watched James with a mix of satisfaction and expectation. The young man had made a brave decision by choosing Sandile, and now it was Giovanni's responsibility to guide him on this new path. With a firm gesture, he pulled out a small notebook from his jacket and handed it to James.

"This is a gift for you," Giovanni said, his voice resonating with authority. "The Secrets of the Earth contains some of my experiences as a specialist in Ground-type Pokémon. It will be useful not only for better understanding Sandile but also for helping your other Pokémon learn moves that will benefit them."

James accepted the notebook gratefully, feeling the weight of knowledge it contained. Giovanni continued:

"I hope that in these two months before the Indigo Conference, you manage to evolve Sandile into Krokorok. It has great potential, but you'll need to focus on its training."

With those words began Giovanni's mentorship. The first session was an assessment of skills. Giovanni observed each of James's Pokémon as they performed their signature moves. Arcanine ran swiftly, showcasing its agility; Golduck demonstrated its mastery over water with fluid movements; Exeggutor used its leaves for precise attacks; Hitmonlee showed off its kicking prowess; Pidgeot soared high, performing aerial acrobatics; Tauros charged fiercely; Gengar appeared and disappeared among shadows; and Wynaut jumped joyfully, oblivious to the seriousness of the moment.

"Your Pokémon are strong, but there are areas where they can improve," Giovanni said while taking notes. "We need to design a personalized training plan."

The second session focused on battle tactics. Giovanni explained how to anticipate an opponent's moves and exploit their weaknesses. James listened attentively, absorbing every word as if they were secret strategies for winning battles.

"Remember," Giovanni said in an almost conspiratorial tone, "knowledge is power. If you can read your opponent like an open book, you'll have a considerable advantage."

The next phase was practical training. Giovanni organized combat simulations within the gymnasium. James faced experienced trainers as well as Giovanni's own Pokémon: Rhydon and Nidoking.

"Let's go!" James shouted as Arcanine charged at Rhydon—"Use Flamethrower!"

The fire lit up the room as Rhydon defended itself with a simple yet powerful strike. The battle was intense and every move counted. Through these simulations, James learned to adapt quickly and utilize the tactics he had learned.

Giovanni also set weekly challenges to keep motivation high. One such challenge involved defeating a specific number of challengers in the gymnasium. With each victory, James felt himself growing not only as a trainer but also as a partner to his Pokémon.

One afternoon during training, Wynaut decided to play around and jumped onto Gengar's head.

"Wynaut!" James exclaimed while laughing—"This isn't playtime!"

Gengar let out a small surprised cry before fading away, dropping Wynaut gently onto the ground.

"See?" Giovanni said with an amused smile—"Sometimes distraction can be your best strategy."

James couldn't help but laugh at the comical situation created by his little companion. However, he knew he needed to stay focused on his training.

In subsequent sessions, Giovanni taught James about analyzing opponents before battles. Together they reviewed past matches and discussed different trainers' styles and patterns.

"Every opponent has a story to tell," Giovanni explained—"Learn to listen to it and you'll be able to anticipate their moves."

Additionally, Giovanni showed him how to effectively use items during battles. He taught him about boosters and healing items that could change the course of combat.

With each lesson learned, James felt more prepared not only for the Indigo Conference but also for any challenges that lay ahead alongside his Pokémon.

As the sun began to set behind the simulated mountains of the gymnasium, James looked toward the horizon with renewed determination. He knew he was taking firm steps toward his dream and that each day alongside Giovanni brought him closer to becoming the Pokémon Master he had always wanted to be.

…

Giovanni stood in a corner of the gymnasium observing James from afar. The young trainer with his new Sandile by his side was facing off against an arrogant rookie challenger who entered confidently. The boy appeared not to have progressed beyond his first capture; he wore a branded shirt and cap that gave him an air of superiority. Giovanni smiled to himself recalling his own youthful experiences when ambition and arrogance had driven him too.

"What do you think of that kid?" Archer asked appearing silently behind Giovanni like a shadow. His tone was inquisitive—almost mocking—"Is this the rich kid you recruited?"

Giovanni kept his gaze fixed on James and the challenger without responding immediately. The scene was almost comical: an arrogant boy challenging a gym leader while James remained calm trying to pacify him.

"What's so special about him?" Archer continued—"Are you going to recruit him into Team Rocket?"

Finally turning toward Archer with a serious expression Giovanni replied: "All in due time."

Archer frowned sensing there was more behind his boss's decisions.

"Have you found any traces of Proton's fugitive?" Giovanni changed topics.

"I'm still working on it," Archer replied hesitantly before adding: "But… are you sure about recruiting that Proton? I don't think he fits the organization's ethos; he's like a rabid dog without morals or limits—he could turn on innocent civilians who aren't Team Rocket targets."

Giovanni crossed his arms watching how James tried calming down the challenger.

"That's exactly what we need in Team Rocket right now," Giovanni said firmly—"A dog we can hold by its leash until we need it unleashed—someone without scruples."

Archer looked at Giovanni skeptically but chose not to continue arguing knowing it was wiser not to question his boss's decisions at those moments.

...

Meanwhile, James prepared himself for receiving young trainer who had entered with such defiance. The boy looked at him disdainfully:

"I want to battle against the gym leader!" he demanded loudly and clearly.

James raised one hand signaling calmness: "Easy now," he replied serenely—"I'm James Morgan and I'll battle you."

The boy frowned upon hearing this: "You don't look like Giovanni," he retorted clearly disappointed.

James smiled faintly at this statement: "Giovanni only accepts challengers who defeat gym trainers or have six badges from major gyms," he explained patiently.

The boy fell silent for a moment processing this information before declaring arrogantly: "First I'll defeat you… then I'll go after Giovanni."

James frowned at this young man's challenging attitude but chose not to refute him instead asking: "Introduce yourself and follow me to the battlefield."

The boy straightened up puffing out his chest as if this would give him more importance: "I'm Michael Yaxley from Viridian City," he declared proudly—"And I will become the next champion!"

James nodded slowly guiding Michael toward battlefield sensing this battle might not be anything significant.

The referee positioned himself between them raising one hand signaling for match start:

"Let battle commence between Viridian Gym Trainer James Morgan and challenger Michael Yaxley from Viridian City!" announced clearly and firmly.