Chapter 57 - Electabuzz Vs Gary

Julian reclined comfortably in a chair, savoring the warmth of the sun by the serene lakeside. His Pokémon were engaged in their usual training, which often resembled more of a playful game.

Julian reflected on the tranquil day, appreciating the absence of world-threatening Pokémon rampages and the absence of persistent young trainers always in his face. He cherished the serenity of the moment, yearning for it to extend indefinitely. However, he couldn't escape the reality that this peace would last only a day, for he knew that the two energetic trainers would soon arrive and bring their own brand of adventure and chaos.

A heavy sigh escaped Julian's lips as he contemplated the impending end of his peaceful days.

As the day melted into night and a new dawn arose, Julian found himself outside, deeply engrossed in training his Electabuzz. His goal was to ensure that Electabuzz would gain full mastery over its powers before evolving into an Electivire.

Amidst the rigorous training session, a voice suddenly called out from behind him.

Gary exclaimed, "Brother Julian!"

Julian turned around to find Gary standing there, energetically waving his hand in greeting. A resigned sigh escaped Julian's lips, for he knew that his days of tranquility were likely over with the return of this enthusiastic young trainer.

Julian acknowledged Gary with a nod. "Yes, Gary, I can see that you're back."

Gary's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he inquired, "I just got here today. Where's Grandpa?"

Julian responded, "He's off in Viridian Forest at the moment. There have been reports of rare Pokémon sightings there."

Gary's gaze shifted to Electabuzz, who sat with intense concentration, channeling electricity through its hands and body. It was on the verge of achieving complete control over its power.

Gary's eyes widened with admiration as he observed Julian's Electabuzz. "Wow, that's your Electabuzz?"

Julian offered a terse acknowledgment. "Yes, it is."

Although Julian didn't harbor any ill will toward Gary, he found his constant presence irksome. Desiring some solitude, he pondered a way to gently deter him.

Julian raised an eyebrow as Gary expressed his intent. "So, what brings you here?"

Gary's enthusiasm for a Pokémon battle was evident as he replied, "I'm up for a Pokémon battle!"

Julian regarded Gary skeptically before responding, "You're not ready yet."

Gary seemed taken aback. "What do you mean? I've already earned 11 badges. I bet even you don't have that many!"

Gary flashed a smug grin as he boasted about his 11 badges, clearly reveling in his achievements.

Julian's mind raced with thoughts. 'Eleven badges? Ah, I see now. He must have faced the temporary Viridian Gym Leader and not Giovanni and Mewtwo. He's become even more cocky.'

Julian retorted calmly, "Having 11 badges doesn't necessarily make you ready to face me. It's more about your strength, and I have my doubts."

Gary, undeterred, teased, "Brother Julian, are you afraid to battle me?"

Julian couldn't help but feel his patience wearing thin with Gary's persistence, and he decided it was time to put him in his place.

Julian's thoughts swirled with irritation. 'This cheeky young one, acting so arrogant without even a hint of stubble on his face. Let's show him what true arrogance looks like.'

Julian decided to take Gary's challenge, his voice tinged with a hint of condescension. "Well then, I accept your challenge. But here's the deal: you must defeat my Electabuzz first. If you manage to do that, I'll battle you properly. And just to give you a fighting chance, you can use as many of your Pokémon as you like against Electabuzz."

Gary, undaunted, responded with confidence. "Hah, I won't need more than one Pokémon for this."

Julian sighed in mild disappointment, shaking his head as he turned to approach Electabuzz.

Julian issued a directive to his Pokémon. "Electabuzz, handle this for me."

Electabuzz opened its eyes and locked onto Gary, who wore a confident smirk on his face. Electabuzz had keenly heard every word exchanged between Gary and Julian. While Electabuzz might not have been Julian's most powerful Pokémon, it certainly held the distinction of being the most arrogant among them. The sight of this young challenger, a mere child in its eyes, daring to taunt its master thoroughly irked Electabuzz. It couldn't help but feel that this brat was fortunate that Julian's other Pokémon were safely tucked inside their Poké Balls, sparing him from their collective wrath.

Electabuzz strode forward, positioning itself in front of Gary. Meanwhile, Julian, anticipating the likely outcome of the battle, returned to his chair. He covered his face with a cloth and drifted off to sleep, uninterested in witnessing the inevitable.

Gary shot a frustrated glance at Julian but knew he had no choice but to face Electabuzz first.

Determined, Gary declared, "Electabuzz, even though you appear strong, I'm confident that I can defeat you. Nidoking, I choose you!"

Gary's Nidoking stepped onto the battlefield, its gaze fixed firmly on Electabuzz.

Gary, exuding confidence, began to explain his strategy. "Given that Electabuzz is an Electric type, its moves won't have any effect on my Nidoking. This should be an easy victory."

Electabuzz, however, met Nidoking's fierce gaze with a smug expression. It seemed to look down on Nidoking, as if the opposing Pokémon were merely an inconsequential insect. Nidoking, not one to tolerate such arrogance, bristled with fury. But the situation escalated as Electabuzz continued its taunting, pushing Nidoking's patience to its limits.

Electabuzz, still taunting Nidoking with a smirk, continued its barrage of insults. [Hey there, look at you—a feeble little bug. I bet your trainer didn't even feed you properly, did he?]

Nidoking's patience wore thin, and its fury ignited, evident in its tense posture and narrowed eyes. It appeared poised to charge at any moment.

Gary, however, recognized the change in Nidoking's temperament and tried to regain control of the situation. "Nidoking, don't pay any attention to him. Use Mega Horn!"

Despite Nidoking's anger-fueled charge, Electabuzz maintained its smug demeanor. It merely sidestepped Nidoking's Mega Horn attack with ease.

As Nidoking closed in, Electabuzz seized the opportunity, swiftly delivering a devastating Ice Punch right to Nidoking's stomach. The powerful blow sent Nidoking hurtling backward, crashing onto the ground with a thud. It lay there, unconscious and defeated.

Gary stood there in sheer disbelief, unable to process what had just occurred. His Nidoking, one of his strongest Pokémon, had been effortlessly dispatched by a single move. In frustration and disappointment, he returned Nidoking to its Poké Ball.

His gaze shifted to Electabuzz, which gestured for him to send out his next Pokémon. Then, Gary turned his attention to Julian, who remained asleep, seemingly indifferent to the battle. It was clear to Gary that he had allowed overconfidence to cloud his judgment.

With newfound determination, Gary retrieved another Poké Ball and sent out his next Pokémon, ready to approach the battle with greater seriousness.

Gary, undeterred by the previous defeat, retrieved another Poké Ball and released Kadabra onto the battlefield.

Electabuzz, still wearing a smug expression, regarded Kadabra with an air of superiority.

Gary quickly issued his command. "Kadabra, use Psychic to lift Electabuzz and slam him into the ground!"

Kadabra promptly initiated its Psychic move, causing Electabuzz to levitate off the ground. However, Electabuzz remained utterly unfazed by its predicament. With remarkable composure, Electabuzz unleashed a powerful Thunder attack.

In an instant, the surroundings darkened, and a colossal bolt of lightning struck Kadabra with devastating force. The electric discharge left Kadabra incapacitated, its body still crackling with residual electricity. Gary's Kadabra had been defeated.

Gary stood frozen in shock, watching his Kadabra fall to Electabuzz's overwhelming power. He was now faced with a daunting dilemma, uncertain of which Pokémon in his lineup could possibly stand a chance against Electabuzz.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

Professor Oak's voice resonated with wisdom as he advised, "Gary, it's time to stop. You're still a long way from even making a dent in Electabuzz's strength."

Gary turned around to find his grandfather, Professor Oak, standing there.

Gary greeted him with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Grandpa."

Professor Oak offered some sage advice. "You should return to the lab and let me treat your Pokémon, Gary. It's true that losing can be a valuable experience, helping you grow and improve. Also, please refrain from disturbing Julian right now; he usually takes this time of day to rest when he has nothing else to attend to."

Gary nodded in acknowledgment and retreated into the lab. Professor Oak shook his head, watching his grandson with a mixture of understanding and concern. He recognized that Gary had been somewhat spoiled, which made him more receptive to Julian's tough approach. Oak believed that this experience would contribute to Gary's growth.

Turning his attention back to Electabuzz, Professor Oak handed it a handful of berries. "Electabuzz, hold onto these berries. I gathered them in the Viridian Forest. When Julian wakes up, give them to him."

Electabuzz accepted the berries with a nod and watched as Professor Oak returned to the lab.