Pokémon: Generation By Generation

CHAPTER 8: [Pushing Through Mount Moon]

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Surprisingly, it didn't take hours at all. Three encounters, and boom.

---------------- Pokémon Summary ----------------

[Nickname: King]

[Species: Nidoran ♂]

[Typing: Poison]

[Level: 7]

[Nature: Naive]

[Ability: Poison Point (1/3 chance of applying Poison status on opponent when damaged with a physical attack.)]

[HP: 31 IV]

[Attack (↑): 31 IV]

[Defense: 31 IV]

[S.Attack: 30 IV]

[S.Defense (↓): 28 IV]

[Speed: 29 IV]

[Moves: Leer, Peek, Focus Energy]

[Held Item: None]

---------------- Pokémon Summary ----------------

Only 3 encounters, by the way. A far cry compared to finding Bolt, and I found a king in the crowd of peasants. Hell, I didn't even get the chance to grind for some levels on the Wild Pokémon.

Healing up my team once more in preparation for Mount Moon, I shoved the unneeded Pokémon that I caught at the same time as finding King, a Jigglypuff, into the PC, tallying to a total to 11 caught Pokémon.

Not bad pace, especially when I needed 40 total for a specific item from one of Professor Oak's assistants near Celadon City. A little low on Pokéballs for encounters in Mount Moon, but it would do for now, I guess.

With nothing left to do, I moved my avatar out from the Pokécenter and into the opening of Mount Moon.

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Mount Moon is exactly what you'd expect: a large cave inside a mountain filled with rocks and minerals. Usually in a Fire Red playthrough, I'd use an online map to find my way through the cave.

But since this world had nothing related to the Pokémon games—trust me, I tried searching for any resource regarding the games till Generation 9—I had to go the old-fashioned way of going in blind.

Side note: There are some games of Pokémon in this world that focus on the PVP aspect of Pokémon Battles, I'd be lying if I said that it wasn't cool.

Entering from the entrance of Mount Moon, I followed the maze trick of following the left wall, traversing to the west, and found a whole load of items while Battling the countless NPC Trainers on the first floor.

A TM of Bullet Seed, a Paralysis Heal, a Potion, a Rare Candy, an Escape Rope, and a Moon Stone. That's a lot of useful items, especially the Rare Candy for an instant level up on any Pokémon and the Moon Stone for a future Nidoking evolution for King.

Just the first floor had earned me 1,436 Pokédollars from 7 Trainer Battles, and everyone on the team increased by a level, with King, the new Nidoran♂ that I just caught, gaining 4 levels due to his low level.

So far so good; at this pace, I should be able to leave Mount Moon today with time to spare for some more grinding for levels.

And speaking about grinding, this place is an Electric-type Pokémon's heaven. The amount of Zubats that I'm encountering is just insane. I ran out of Thundershock PP twice and had to return to the Pokécenter to heal up the lost PP just from Zubats alone.

With the 1st Floor cleared, it was time to go down the ladders of the cave to access the lower levels. There were a total of three ladders leading down to another section of the 2nd Floor, so I started with the closest one to me, which was the one nearest to the entrance since I went to heal up my Pokémon for the Team Rocket fight.

Going down the ladders, I finally reached the 2nd Floor where a Team Rocket Grunt stood just a pixel block away from the ladder. The moment I step forward, a Battle is going to occur.

Opening the menu, I went into the POKEMON tab and organized my team before the inevitable battle.

---------------- Current Team Summary ----------------

---------------- 1st POKEMON SLOT ----------------

[Nickname: Zardon]

[Species: Charmeleon (♂)]

[Level: 20 (8%)]

[Nature: Lonely]

[Ability: Blaze (Boosts the power of Fire-Type moves when HP is below 1/3rds)]

[Moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Metal Claw, Smokescreen, Dragon Rage]

[Held Item: None]

---------------- 2nd POKEMON SLOT ----------------

[Nickname: Bolt]

[Species: Pikachu (♀)]

[Level: 19 (41%)]

[Nature: Timid]

[Ability: Static (1/3 chance of applying Paralysis status on opponent when damaged with a physical attack.)]

[Moves: Thundershock, Growl, Tail Whip, Quick Attack, Thunder Wave, Double Team]

[Held Item: None]

---------------- 3rd POKEMON SLOT ----------------

[Nickname: Monkey]

[Species: Mankey (♂)]

[Level: 17 (1%)]

[Nature: Quirky]

[Ability: Vital Spirit (Prevents the Pokémon from entering Sleep status.)]

[Moves: Leer, Scratch, Low Kick, Karate Chop, Fury Swipes]

[Held Item: None]

---------------- 4th POKEMON SLOT ---------------- 

[Nickname: King]

[Species: Nidoran ♂]

[Level: 11 (87%)]

[Nature: Naive]

[Ability: Poison Point (1/3 chance of applying Poison status on opponent when damaged with a physical attack.)]

[Moves: Leer, Peek, Focus Energy]

[Held Item: None]

---------------- Current Team Summary ----------------

With the team arranged and ready, I walked forward as the Team Rocket Grunt's vision found my avatar, the Arc disappearing from my hands and sending me into the simulated world.

Manifesting into the interactive world, I quickly grabbed the first Pokéball to my left on my belt as the Team Rocket Grunt looked at me, surprised that I entered the 2nd Floor.

"Hey! You dare mess with Team Rocket? The strongest crime syndicate of Kanto?"

[TEAM ROCKET Grunt has challenged you to a POKÉMON BATTLE!]

And without any hesitation, he grabbed a Pokéball and threw it into the air. It bursts into light as a Sandshrew appeared.

[TEAM ROCKET Grunt sends out Sandshrew!]

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

[Species: Sandshrew]

[Level: 11]

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

Pathetically weak. I threw out my own Pokéball, with Zardon manifesting from the burst of light, roaring as he bared his claws at the opposite Sandshrew.

[Pokémon Trainer JOSEPH sends out Charmeleon!]

"Meleooon! [ﾉ(•Д•)ﾉ]"

---------------- Team Battle Information ----------------

[Nickname: Zardon]

[Species: Charmeleon]

[Level: 20]

[EXP: 8%]

---------------- Team Battle Information ----------------

Without any delay, I yelled out to Zardon.

"Dragon Rage!"

A dark teal aura enveloped Zardon as he took a deep breath, the flame on his tail flaring brighter. With a swift exhale, he unleashed a powerful Dragon-Type energy ball toward the Sandshrew.

The speed to charge up and release the attack was so fast that the Team Rocket Grunt had no time to react; the Dragon-Type move struck the Sand Pokémon, detonating on impact in a billowing dark teal cloud of smoke.

The smoke dissipated, leaving a fainted Sandshrew laying headfirst on the ground as Zardon gave a huff of fire. Staring in shock, the Team Rocket Grunt shook his head to snap out of his thoughts before Pokémon into its Pokéball.

"Tsk! Useless Pokémon! Deal with this, Rattata!"

[TEAM ROCKET Grunt sends out Rattata!]

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

[Species: Rattata]

[Level: 11]

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

... Level 11? Really?

"Dude, just send out all your Pokémon; you're weak as hell."

I couldn't help but sigh as I looked at the Team Rocket Grunt's lineup. Hell, even the kids on the 1st Floor had stronger Pokémon. Upon hearing my insult, the grunt's face turned red as he gritted his teeth.

"Y-You brat! Here you go then! Go, Zubat!"

[TEAM ROCKET Grunt sends out ZUBAT!]

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

[Species: Zubat]

[Level: 11]

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

I snorted at the low level of the Zubat, grabbing the second Pokéball on my belt and tossing it out, sending out Bolt.

[Pokémon Trainer JOSEPH sends out Pikachu!]

---------------- Team Battle Information ----------------

[Nickname: Bolt]

[Species: Pikachu]

[Level: 19]

[EXP: 41%]

---------------- Team Battle Information ----------------

Since he had two Pokémon on the field, I, in turn, sent out another one to "even the playing field," though I have no doubts that Zardon would sweep them both.

I wanted to save time, though, so I followed along as I gave my commands to my Pokémon.

"I'll put you out of your misery. Zardon, Dragon Rage. Bolt, Thundershock."

In a flash of purple and yellow, a thunderous boom erupted as the two Pokémon executed their attacks in perfect unison, sending both of my enemy's Pokémon crashing to the ground, unconscious.

[Opponent RATTATA and ZUBAT have fainted!]

[TEAM ROCKET Grunt has no remaining POKÉMON left!]

[Trainer JOSEPH wins the POKÉMON BATTLE!]

"... Ahaha."

Recalling his Pokémon back into their Pokéballs, an awkward silence hung in the air. The Team Rocket Grunt stood frozen for a moment, clearly at a loss for words, before he started to run for the ladder.

Which was behind me.

"Zardon, hit him lightly."

"Mel. [(¬‿¬)]"

With a roar, his face sprouting a smirk, Zardon blurred, moving at lightning speed. In an instant, he was upon the grunt, landing a direct punch to his face. The Team Rocket Grunt was sent spiraling to the ground, crashing into the dirt with a thud as he spluttered.

"W-What the? You aren't supposed to be hitting a Trainer with a Pokémon—"

"Meleon!"

The grunt flinched at the roar from Zardon, who blew a small Ember at the side of the fallen grunt, clearly threatening him with a fireball to the face as I walked toward the Team Rocket Grunt.

"Zardon, keep him down. Bolt, use Thunder Wave if he moves."

"Pi, pika pi!"

I patted the small electric mouse on the head, my grin growing as I stood menacingly before the grunt.

"How the tables have turned, huh? Now... this is a robbery. Give me all the money in your wallet."

[TEAM ROCKET Grunt hands over 352P for winning the POKÉMON BATTLE!]

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After grabbing the Star Piece just a few pixel blocks from the Pokémon Battle, I headed toward the second ladder of Mount Moon to clear that section of the 2nd Floor.

The Team Rocket Grunt in this area was dealt with just like the last one, and soon enough, I spotted an interesting item resting on the plateau: TM46 for the move Thief. It was a pretty solid Dark-Type move, especially for one of the strategies I had in mind for grinding money in the late game.

With the second ladder done, all that's left was the final ladder up northwest just above the Hiker NPC. Going through the ladder, I entered the final section of the 2nd Floor.

Just north from the ladder was a Revive. This will come in handy one day. Heading back south to the stairs, the Team Rocket Grunt was easily dealt with. Following the trail, I ran through the long and windy path and came across another Team Rocket Grunt.

I demolished the guy and continued my way. There's not much to talk about other than him getting obliterated by my team, which is very weird since Brock's team, although under-leveled compared to mine, gave me quite a time while normal Trainers are just... decent, at best.

Maybe it's because he's a Gym Leader?

Pushing those thoughts aside for now, I walked up the stairs, meeting a scientist-looking fellow who ran straight at me upon seeing me in his vision.

As I entered the simulated universe, a voice suddenly shouted at me with a shaky voice.

"Hey, stop! I found these fossils; they're mine!"

[Super Nerd MIGUEL has challenged you to a POKÉMON BATTLE!]

Looking at the supposit nerd, I unlatched Bolt's Pokéball as I tried to reason with the guy, an experiment to try to cancel the battle.

"Hey, I don't really care if you take them."

"Bull crap! y-you might be those undercover Team Rocket Grunts testing my loyalty, but too bad! Take him down, Grimer!"

... What? That didn't even make any sense!

A burst of light later, a Grimer appeared on the field, growling, and ewwww, that smells like rubbish-based perfume.

"Grrrimmmmm..."

It slurred, its toxic body bubbling with a slight smog of purple permeating into the air.

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

[Species: Grimer]

[Level: 12]

---------------- Opponent Battle Information ----------------

I held my breath as I tossed out Bolt's Pokéball.

---------------- Team Battle Information ----------------

[Nickname: Bolt]

[Species: Pikachu]

[Level: 20]

[EXP: 73%]

---------------- Team Battle Information ----------------

"Pikachu—pika bleh!"

See? Even Bolt recoiled in disgust, pinching her nose as I apologized.

"Sorry! Double Team into Thundershock!"

"P-Pika pika."

Shaking her head and concentrating on the fight—instead of the horrid smell—she suddenly blurred out of existence before reappearing on the field, creating clones of herself.

"Pika, pikachu!"

With a cry, they started to rush towards the Grimer, who acted upon its trainer's command.

"Sludge around you!"

"Grrrrrraaa!"

Its body condensed slightly before bursting outwards, toxic waste expelling from its body and fired in every direction. Some of the Bolts running on the field got taken out by the purple projectiles, but the majority of them survived as the original Bolt dodged the attack.

"Good dodge! Get close and hit him with your best Thundershock!"

"Come on! Poison Gas!"

The Grimer breathed in, attempting to breathe out its poison into the air, but got interrupted as the real Bolt appeared behind the Sludge Pokémon, using the chaos to sneak up behind it.

"PikachuuuUUU!"

Bolt fired a powerful Thundershock, electrocuting the Grimer with her electricity, causing it to groan in pain. It slumped slightly, electricity sparking around its body as she moved out of the way to maintain good space between them.

[Opponent GRIMER is Paralyzed! It can't move!]

"Now, while it's stunned! Hit it!"

"Grimer, move!"

"Pika, pikachuuuuUU!"

"Griiiiim!"

Another Thundershock erupted from Bolt, and the Grimer cried out in pain, its wails echoing through the cavern with the worried tone of its Trainer. Smoke from the electrocution filled the battlefield, blocking my view.

A few seconds later, my Bolt walked out of the smoke with a casual look on her face, the smoke soon dissipating to reveal a fainted Grimer whose body was starting to fall apart.

[Opponent GRIMER has fainted!]

"Pi, pika pika."

And she looked so nonchalant too as she stretched her body! I grinned as I patted her, feeling a harmless jolt that danced around her fur.

"That's my girl, great job!"

And she leveled up to 21, learning the move Slam; that's a plus. Most likely due to Grimer being a rare encounter, the experience gain from that is leaps compared to the Team Rocket Grunts' average Pokémon.

While the nerd was busy recalling his Grimer, I made the decision to continue with Bolt, who jumped to the field with laser focus, prepared for anything coming in her way.

Another Pokéball is tossed into the air as a Koffing appeared, floating in the air.

"Consecutive Smog into Poison Gas over the arena! Don't let that Pikachu get close to you!"

The nerd immediately yelled once Koffing took the stage. With a deep breath, it blew out harsh fumes of poison; the poisonous smell could be smelt even from here. Was this guy trying to kill himself and bring me down too?

Making sure that I covered my face with my t-shirt, I quickly gave a command.

"Slowly wait for a chance and Thunder Wave. Then, Quick Attack into Thundershock!"

"Pika!"

She replied, understanding her next actions as she quickly moved out of the way to dodge the heavy gas of purple. Skillfully, she ran and outmaneuvered her way around the toxic arena, waiting for a chance to retaliate.

The Koffing, after using consecutive Poison-Type moves, eventually started to slow down, its energy waning from the continuous effort.

Bolt, noticing the chance, quickly acted as she closed the distance with a flash before firing a wave of electricity. Sparks flickered as the wave approached the tired Koffing, engulfing it in Electric energy.

[Opponent KOFFING is Paralyzed! It can't move!]

"Punch it, Bolt!"

With a determined cry, Bolt sprang into action, glowing in a hue of white as she instantly closed the distance of a few meters in a blink of an eye with Quick Attack, slamming her lithe body into the floating Pokémon, the impact so heavy that a loud bang sounded.

Without wasting the precious opportunity, she channeled as much Electric energy as she could muster.

"Pika... CHUUUUUUUU!"

Screaming at the top of her lungs, she erupted into a burst of brilliant yellow, unleashing a powerful Thundershock that crackled through the air and struck the paralyzed Koffing with fierce intensity.

As the luminous glow slowly faded, I could hear Bolt's slow, tired breathing, her body slightly trembling from the exertion. The battlefield was momentarily silent, the air thick with the lingering scent of ozone and poison, when a solid thud sounded.

[Opponent KOFFING has fainted!]

"W-What is with this Pikachu?! There's no way it's this strong!"

Miguel stuttered, pointing at Bolt shakily in fear. I shrugged.

"She's just built different."

"I..."

He looked constipated, but the fear of facing Bolt once more with his remaining Pokémon overcame his pride as he recalled Pokémon and raised both hands in a surrender pose.

"I forfeit."

[Super Nerd MIGUEL has forfeited!]

[Trainer JOSEPH wins the POKÉMON BATTLE!]

Huh, so the NPCs can forfeit too. That's an interesting fact to know.