Chapter 31: Electabuzz

Julian walked out of the hotel, the memory of his time with Chloe still fresh in his mind. He headed directly towards the Celadon Gym, determined to take on the challenge it presented. As he arrived at the gym's entrance, he was greeted by a group of young women in matching pink uniforms. Their faces lit up with excitement as they caught sight of Julian's striking appearance.

The leader of the group, a confident and enthusiastic gym guide, stepped forward with a friendly smile. "Welcome to the Celadon Gym! I'm Lily, and I'll be your guide through our challenges today. We're thrilled to have a trainer as talented and handsome as you join us."

Julian couldn't help but feel a bit flattered by the warm reception. He returned the smile and said, "Thank you, Lily. I'm here to test my skills and earn a badge."

Girl 1: "Sir, do you like perfume?"

Julian: "Well, I don't use any, but I don't dislike them either. I think they smell nice."

Girl 1: "Any person who likes perfume is welcomed inside the gym. Sir, please wait near the battle arena. I will go and call the gym leader for you."

Julian: "Works for me."

Julian walked inside the gym and made his way toward the battle arena. As he reached the arena, he took a moment to survey his surroundings. The battlefield appeared to be simple, with no obvious advantages he could exploit.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. Julian was eager to prove his skills as a Pokémon trainer and to face the gym leader in what promised to be a challenging battle. He knew that the outcome would depend not only on his battling abilities but also on the strategy and strength of his Pokémon. With resolve in his heart, he awaited the gym leader's arrival.

Julian strategized silently as he waited for the gym leader to arrive.

"I'll use Elekid in this battle," he thought to himself. "Even though he'll have a type disadvantage, this battle might help him gain the experience he needs to simulate his evolution into Electabuzz. And after that, I'll have to find an Electirizer so that he can evolve further into Electivire."

His determination burned bright, and he couldn't wait to put his plan into action. Julian knew that this gym battle was not just about winning a badge; it was also about the growth and development of his Pokémon team.

As Julian continued to ponder his battle strategy, the gym's atmosphere suddenly changed. A lady with striking blue hair, deep green eyes, and a form-fitting blue uniform entered the room. It was none other than Erika, the gym leader of Celadon Gym. Her initial surprise at Julian's striking appearance didn't distract her from her duty.

With grace and confidence, Erika walked to the opposite side of the battlefield and stood there, poised and ready. Her eyes locked onto Julian's as she awaited his approach. She exuded an air of elegance and determination, a true representation of her role as a gym leader.

Julian took a deep breath, pushing aside any distractions, and made his way to the battlefield. The intensity of the upcoming battle weighed heavily on him, but he knew that it was a crucial step in his journey as a Pokémon trainer. With a nod of acknowledgment to Erika, he was ready to give it his all.

The battle was about to begin, and both Julian and Erika stood at opposite ends of the battlefield, ready for the challenge.

Julian introduced himself confidently, saying, "I am Julian, and I am here to challenge you to a Pokémon battle."

Erika, the Celadon Gym leader, acknowledged Julian's challenge with a nod. She then explained the rules, "I, the gym leader of Celadon Gym, accept your challenge. We will each use three Pokémon in this battle. Unlike me, you will be able to switch Pokémon during our match."

Julian confirmed his understanding with a determined look, "I understand."

Erika wasted no time and initiated the battle, declaring, "Then let's start. Go, Tangela!"

Julian responded swiftly, releasing his Elekid onto the battlefield. Elekid emerged with an air of confidence, electricity crackling between its two horns. The stage was set for an electrifying battle between Julian and Erika.

The tension in the gym escalated as the battle began to unfold.

Erika raised an eyebrow, her voice carrying a hint of skepticism. "Aren't you a little overconfident using an Electric-type Pokémon against my Grass-type?"

Julian, however, remained composed. He replied confidently, "It's not overconfidence. My Elekid thrives on challenges."

Elekid responded to Julian's words with a display of power, generating even more electricity between his horns, attempting to intimidate his opponent. However, Tangela remained unfazed.

Erika wasted no time and commanded, "We will see about that, Tangela. Use Vine Whip and grab onto Elekid!"

Julian's quick thinking came into play as he countered, "Elekid, dodge, then use Swift!"

Elekid swiftly evaded the approaching Vine Whips, showcasing agility and speed. Then, he released a barrage of star-shaped projectiles with Swift, aimed at Tangela.

The battle between Julian and Erika was intensifying with each passing moment, and the gym's atmosphere crackled with anticipation.

Erika swiftly commanded, "Tangela, counter it with Sludge Bomb!"

The Swift attack and Sludge Bomb collided, creating multiple explosions. Julian wasted no time and continued his strategy, instructing Elekid, "Quick, Thundershock!"

Elekid responded promptly, sending a bolt of electricity toward Tangela. Although the attack hit, it wasn't as effective as Julian had hoped. Tangela, while hurt, managed to endure, thanks to its Grass-type resistance.

Elekid defended his companion proudly, stating, "Even though that Thundershock is strong, it cannot cause critical damage to my Tangela."

Julian wasn't discouraged. He declared confidently, "The battle has just started. Let us continue, Elekid. Use Swift again!"

Erika, determined to counter, ordered, "Counter it again, Tangela, using Sludge Bomb!"

But Julian had something else in mind. "Use Thundershock now!" he exclaimed.

Erika, initially confident in her strategy, suddenly noticed Julian's broad smile and realized her mistake too late.

Tangela attempted to dodge the Thundershock but was still affected by it. As it moved to dodge, Julian's next move became clear. Tangela had successfully grabbed Elekid with Vine Whip, but it was precisely what Julian had anticipated.

Julian's smile widened, and he revealed his cunning plan. "What are you going to do now?"

Erika's face shifted from a smile to a frown as she realized her predicament—the tables had turned, and she was now in a vulnerable position.

As the battle reached a critical moment, Julian seized the opportunity to press his advantage.

"Elekid, Shock Wave now!" he commanded.

Erika, realizing the danger of her situation, urgently instructed Tangela, "Quick, Tangela, let go of Elekid!"

Elekid unleashed a powerful Shock Wave, a surge of electricity that surged towards Tangela.

In a sudden burst of determination and quick thinking, Elekid seized the moment. As Tangela attempted to release its Vine Whip, Elekid reached out and firmly grabbed hold of the vines with its hands. With a surge of power, Elekid unleashed a Shock Wave that surged not only through the Vine Whip but directly into Tangela itself.

The combination of the Shock Wave and the lingering after-effects of the previous Thundershock resulted in a devastating attack. Tangela was overwhelmed by the intense shock, causing it to convulse and suffer a massive amount of damage. Erika watched in dismay as her Grass-type Pokémon, unable to bear the powerful electrical assault, became incapacitated.

Erika sighed in resignation, realizing that her Tangela was no longer able to battle. She returned Tangela to its Poké Ball and conceded, "Tangela is unable to continue. Well done, Julian. You've won the first round."

Julian nodded with a sense of accomplishment. "Thank you, Erika. It was a great battle. I look forward to the next round."

The Celadon Gym battle had only just begun, but Julian had already demonstrated his strategic prowess and determination. Erika, despite her setback, maintained a sense of grace and professionalism as she prepared her next Pokémon for the battle ahead.

Erika couldn't help but acknowledge Julian's clever strategy. "You were actually waiting for that after-effect to flare up again so you could simulate it to make it more powerful," she remarked.

Julian grinned in response, his confidence unwavering. "Well, you're right, but you figured it out a little too late."

Erika, while admitting defeat in the first round, was gracious in her praise. "I have to admit that your Elekid is indeed strong."

Julian, appreciative of Elekid's efforts, commended his Pokémon, saying, "Elekid, you did great."

Elekid, basking in the praise, seemed to puff out his chest with pride. As Julian praised him, Elekid's demeanor suddenly shifted. He began to glow with an intense energy, surprising both Julian and Erika.

Julian couldn't hide his astonishment, thinking, 'Who would have thought that just praising him a little would have simulated the evolution? But it's a good thing.'

The evolution of Elekid into a more powerful Electabuzz marked a significant milestone in Julian's journey as a Pokémon trainer. The newly evolved Electabuzz stood taller and stronger than before, exuding an air of confidence and power.

Julian couldn't help but shake his head in amazement, realizing that his special training and care had resulted in such remarkable growth. He couldn't hide his satisfaction, thinking, 'Looks like my special training and care can turn any Pokémon stronger and bigger. Haha!'

Curious to learn more about Electabuzz's newfound strength, Julian activated his system to display Electabuzz's updated stats:

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**Status - Electabuzz**

**Level - 30**

**Age - 3 years**

**State - Happy**

**Bond - 80%**

**HP - 80**

**Attack - 100**

**Defense - 70**

**Sp. Atk - 120**

**Sp. Def - 110**

**Speed - 105**

**Move Set - Leer, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Low Kick, Swift, Thunder Wave, Iron Tail, Brick Break, Thunder Punch**

**Abilities - Static (Unlocked), Vital Spirit (Unlocked)**

---

Julian couldn't hide his excitement as he examined Electabuzz's improved stats and the new moves he had learned. He remarked to himself, 'Looks like Shock Wave and Thundershock have been upgraded, and he even learned two new moves: Brick Break and Iron Tail.' This evolution had undoubtedly enhanced their chances in the ongoing gym battle and beyond.

Erika, despite her initial confidence, couldn't help but feel a tinge of nervousness when she saw Elekid evolve into the even more powerful Electabuzz.

Undeterred, she commanded her Weepinbell into action. "Go, Weepinbell!"

Julian, now with Electabuzz at his side, was ready to continue the battle. "Electabuzz, let's continue!"

Erika instructed her Weepinbell, "Weepinbell, use Razor Leaf!"

Weepinbell responded by launching sharp, spinning leaves at Electabuzz. However, Julian was quick to react, countering with a powerful Thunderbolt. A surge of electricity crackled through the air, intercepting and burning the incoming Razor Leaves to a crisp.

Erika, determined to regain control of the battle, ordered Weepinbell, "Spread sleeping powder all over the battlefield!"

Weepinbell released a fine mist of sleeping powder that filled the arena. Erika anticipated that Electabuzz, like most Pokémon, would succumb to the drowsy effects of the powder. However, to her surprise, Electabuzz remained unaffected. His determination and heightened power seemed to have granted him immunity to the sleeping powder.

Julian couldn't hide his satisfaction as he saw Electabuzz standing strong. Erika, on the other hand, realized that the battle had taken yet another unexpected turn, and she had to quickly rethink her strategy.

Erika was left in disbelief as her plan had seemingly failed. She couldn't understand how Electabuzz had resisted the effects of the sleeping powder.

Julian, always quick on his feet, provided an explanation. "Electabuzz has an ability called Vital Spirit, which prevents it from falling asleep."

Erika was now faced with a difficult situation. She knew that attempting to make physical contact with Electabuzz would only lead to the same fate that had befallen her Tangela earlier.

Before Erika could formulate a new strategy, Julian acted decisively. "Electabuzz, use Quick Attack!"

With a burst of speed, Electabuzz darted forward, striking Weepinbell before Erika could issue a countercommand. Weepinbell was sent flying backward from the force of the attack, and Erika watched in dismay as her second Pokémon was now unable to battle.

Julian, having taken the upper hand in the battle, was ready to continue the fight, and Erika knew that she needed to quickly come up with a plan to turn the tide back in her favor.

Julian had taken control of the battle with Electabuzz's impressive display of power. As Erika sent out her third and final Pokémon, Gloom, Julian knew that this matchup could be challenging due to Gloom's unique abilities.

Julian was well aware of Gloom's capabilities and the pungent stench that emanated from its petals. He was quick to strategize, warning Electabuzz, "Keep your distance from Gloom."

Erika had underestimated Julian's strategic prowess, assuming that she could exploit Gloom's advantage. She realized her mistake too late, as Julian had already anticipated the danger. Electabuzz remained vigilant, ready to maintain a safe distance from Gloom's noxious emissions.

Erika knew that her only chance to turn the battle in her favor was to get Gloom close to Electabuzz. With determination in her eyes, she prepared for the next phase of the battle, ready to challenge Julian and his powerful Electabuzz.

Erika pressed on with her strategy, commanding Gloom to use Acid. Julian, ever watchful, immediately ordered Electabuzz to dodge the incoming attack. Electabuzz evaded the Acid, which landed on the ground, causing the surface to bubble and rot.

Julian was well aware of the potency of Acid attacks and the danger they posed to most Pokémon. He knew that Electabuzz needed to stay on its guard to avoid such harmful moves.

Erika, recognizing that getting Gloom close to Electabuzz was crucial, tried to take advantage of what she believed to be a distraction. She urged Gloom forward, saying, "Gloom, get near Electabuzz while it's distracted."

However, Julian knew his Pokémon well. He countered Erika's move confidently, explaining, "Electabuzz always has his attention on his opponent, even if he's not looking. He is never distracted. Electabuzz, send it back using Swift!"

Electabuzz reacted swiftly, unleashing a barrage of star-shaped projectiles with Swift. Gloom was struck multiple times, causing it to roll back from the force of the attack. Erika's plan had been thwarted, and Julian's strategic thinking was proving to be a significant advantage in the battle.

With the battle reaching its climax, Julian decided to bring it to an end. He commanded Electabuzz confidently, "Let's finish this, use Thunderbolt!"

Electabuzz responded by generating a powerful Thunderbolt that crackled with electricity. Erika, knowing the odds were against her, desperately urged Gloom to dodge, but it was already too late. The Thunderbolt struck Gloom, overwhelming it with its intensity and causing the Grass/Poison-type Pokémon to faint.

The battle had been decisively won by Julian, particularly after Elekid's evolution into Electabuzz. From that point on, the matchup had been overwhelmingly one-sided.

Erika, acknowledging Julian's victory, returned Gloom to its Poké Ball and presented him with the Rainbow Badge, a symbol of his triumph in the Celadon Gym.

Julian accepted the badge with a sense of accomplishment, and with the Rainbow Badge in hand, he walked out of the gym, one step closer to his goal of becoming a Pokémon Champion.

Julian contemplated his journey as he left the Celadon Gym with the Rainbow Badge in hand. He couldn't help but reflect on the progress he had made so far.

"I already have seven badges," he thought, "but the eighth badge will be very difficult. The last badge is in Viridian City, and Giovanni is the gym leader. I have to defeat Mewtwo. It's fortunate that I have Gengar, and Mewtwo is still severely limited as it's under the control of that machine, which hinders its battle potential."

As he walked, Julian let go of his concerns about the challenges that lay ahead. He considered the three months that had passed since he embarked on his journey, and he knew that it would soon come to an end. However, he also looked forward to the adventures that awaited him in the future.

Julian's determination burned brightly as he contemplated the possibilities. "I will travel everywhere in this world, and if possible, even outside this planet. But for that, there is still a long journey ahead." With those thoughts in mind, he continued his quest to become a Pokémon Champion and explore the vast world of Pokémon.