Pokemon SoulSilver - Onward to Viridian City

I went south from Pewter City to Route 2, heading toward Viridian Forest. I fought against a Bug Catcher before I made it to Viridian Forest. I made sure to use a Repel before I went inside, knowing I'd have to deal with a lot of weak Pokemon otherwise.

I fought against another Trainer when I started out, and Claire won the battle and grew to Level 58! I continued around a winding path, and found Dire Hit before I continued on with Edward behind me. I found a Blue Flute, then doubled back to fight another Bug Catcher. Edward grew to Level 58 during the battle with that Trainer, and he wanted to learn Thunder but I decided that the extra power wasn't worth the (relatively) low accuracy. Blake also fought in the battle, and he too grew to Level 58.

I told Blake to quit on a move called Aqua Tail, which was slightly more powerful than Waterfall but with less PP. I continued onward and soon found myself against yet another Bug Catcher, and this one had some high-level Metapods that could do little but Harden. I won the battle easily and continued on.

I found myself against yet another Bug Catcher, then went further south. I found TM77 (Psych Up) before I continued onward. Another battle with a Bug Catcher, another victory for my team. I soon found myself out of the forest, and went through a nearby gate through Route 2 to find a Researcher who handed over Sacred Ash, which revives all Pokemon. I found an Elixir before I went back on the main road again.

I fought against a couple more Trainers along Route 2, where Blake grew to Level 59, before I went south to Viridian City. I went to the Pokemon Center to heal my team before I started to explore. I found Cameron the Photographer, and got a picture taken before I moved on. I found the Gym, but it wasn't open, the Gym Leader was away.

I went into the Trainer House where I found several Trainers all relaxing, and I was told that battles were held in the basement. I went downstairs and saw their Ace Trainer, Cal, but decided not to fight. I'll continue onward soon, since there's nothing more to do here in Viridian City.

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 58)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 58)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 59)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 58)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 59)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Mt. Moon

I did some training with old Trainers I fought in Johto, and Claire grew to Level 57, before I took the train back to Saffron City. I flew back to Pewter City, then I headed east on Route 3 and found myself battling a few Trainers on my way to Mt. Moon.

By the time I got to Mt. Moon and healed my team at the Pokemon Center there, Blake grew to Level 57, and both Samuel and Seth grew to Level 58. I went into Mt. Moon ready for more adventure and battles. I went into the caves of Mt. Moon and found myself face to face with Aiden.

Aiden was surprised to see me in Kanto, and he told me he found it easy to train his Pokemon because some of the Trainers here were tough. Aiden knew I was strong, yet couldn't help but to challenge me.

I sent out Claire against his Sneasel, and Claire used Shadow Ball for great damage before it countered with Icy Wind for minor damage. Sneasel used Faint Attack next for massive damage, and Claire used Hypnosis to put Sneasel to sleep. While Sneasel was asleep, Claire tried to use Dream Eater but found it to be unaffected. Sneasel remained fast asleep as Claire used Shadow Ball for great damage, and she gained a bit of health with Shell Bell.

I switched to Edward, and Sneasel woke up to use Faint Attack for great damage. Edward used Thunder Punch to knock out Sneasel, then I kept him out to fight against Golbat. Edward hit it with Thunder Punch for massive damage, and it went down instantly.

Alakazam was sent out next, and I sent Blake out to fight against it. Alakazam used Reflect to raise it's defense before Blake hit it with Crunch for massive damage, a critical hit that knocked it out. I switched out to Samuel against Meganium, and Samuel missed with Fire Spin before it used Petal Dance for good damage. Samuel used Flame Wheel for great damage, then Meganium used Petal Dance again for good damage.

Samuel used Close Combat against Meganium for great damage, then it got confused and hurt itself in it's confusion. Samuel finished Meganium off with Flame Wheel, then Magneton was sent out. Samuel used Close Combat for massive damage, and Magneton went down instantly, then Samuel grew to Level 59!

I sent Blake out against Aiden's Gengar, and it used Confuse Ray to confuse Blake before Blake countered with Crunch for a one-hit KO. With Gengar down, I won the battle! Aiden was frustrated about his loss, realizing that even with his training it wasn't enough. He was frustrated with his Pokemon being weak, but felt that they were getting better after each battle. Aiden mentioned putting them through more training at the Dragon's Den before he left.

I went into the cave and up a ladder, then I found myself at the peak of Mt. Moon, a nice hilly meadow with some trees nearby. I saw a pond to the left, and a shop at the center. I went inside, and the boy told me that Clefairy visit the peak at night. I bought some Lemonade from the elder shopkeeper and went down another ladder to find myself on Route 4.

I think I'll go ahead and do some training on Route 4 before I continue on my way.

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 57)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 58)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 57)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 57)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 59)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Catching Ho-Oh

I went to Saffron City to heal Seth before I went on the Magnet Train back to Johto. When I got to Goldenrod City, I decided to fly back to New Bark Town to visit Mom, and see how much I had saved up and of course to see how she was doing.

Afterwards, I flew to Ecruteak City, and went through the Barrier Station to Bell Tower. When I got to Bell Tower, I spotted Morty, who told me the Legendary Pokemon didn't choose him. He said that wasn't the end of his future, and that he would continue training until he discovered a new future for himself. I agreed to be part of his training, and was told to call him on Tuesday night if I wanted to battle.

I went inside Bell Tower and headed to the ladder I remembered from before. The Monk ran up to me, spotting the Rainbow Wing I held, and told me to come through. I went up the ladder, then around and up another before I found a kind of maze with ramps going one-way through the place. I got into a battle with a wild Rattata, and escaped to use Max Repel to stop them from interfering.

Soon enough I found myself up another floor, and into another maze. I found a PP Up, and a ladder that went to a dead end on the next floor. I also found an Escape Rope, and a ladder that went to another dead end. The third ladder was the charm, and I found myself at the starting point for yet another maze.

I found a Rare Candy at the center of this maze, and had to make my way to the dead end I found the first time to go down. I used another Max Repel after my first wore off, and after some effort I found myself on the next floor. I grabbed a Max Potion and made my way across some old rope bridges. I found a Full Heal on my way out, and up another ladder to the next floor.

I started to wonder just how MANY more floors I would have to get through to find Ho-Oh, and what effort I would go through to catch it. I found a Max Revive along the way through the floor. I got a call from Lyra as I made my way through, telling me to take a Bulbasaur with me to Route 1 if I ever got the chance. I went along several warp panels, and found a Max Elixir as I went through.

I found a Nugget as I went along, finding myself going between two different floors on these warp panels. I found an HP Up as I continued on, then a Full Restore, until I finally found myself getting to the next floor and near the top. I walked slowly over a pair of rickety planks, and up another ladder where I saw Ho-Oh hovering above the tower.

I saved my progress, before I started the battle. Ho-Oh (Fire/Flying, Lv. 70) exerted it's pressure when I sent out Blake. Ho-Oh used Safeguard, before Blake hit it with Ice Fang for good damage. Ho-Oh used Safeguard again but it failed, then Ice Fang hit again for good damage. I switched over to Edward, who got hit by Punishment for massive damage. Ho-Oh used Punishment again, and Edward was struck down before he could attack, but he left Ho-Oh paralyzed.

I sent out Claire next, and she used Shadow Ball for good damage. Claire hit Ho-Oh with Shadow Ball again after Safeguard dropped, before she took massive damage from Punishment. I sent Blake out next, and Ho-Oh used Ancient Power for great damage. Blake missed with Ice Fang, but Ho-Oh was stopped by paralysis. Blake then hit Ho-Oh with Waterfall for great damage, and it was knocked out.

- - -

I reloaded, and started again. Ho-Oh used Safeguard, then Blake hit it with Waterfall for great damage. Blake hit it with Waterfall again, and it barely clung on in the red before countering with Punishment for great damage. I switched over to Claire, who got hit by Sacred Fire for massive damage and was knocked out instantly.

I sent out the one Pokemon who could take the punishment, Rayquaza, and then I sent out an Ultra Ball which did nothing. Rayquaza was holding up against Ho-Oh's attacks, but was taking lots of damage. I gave Rayquaza some Moomoo Milk, before it got hit by Punishment for great damage. I gave Claire a Revive, and then switched her in again.

Claire was knocked out immediately by Sacred Fire, and I wondered what I could do at this point. I decided to try using my Heavy Balls against it, and it did well with two shakes. Another one did nothing, and Edward took his second Ancient Power to be pushed to the red. Ho-Oh finished off Edward with Sacred Fire, and I had to switch to Blake again.

I tossed another Heavy Ball, two shakes before it broke out, and Ho-Oh used Safeguard again. I knew Heavy Balls were the way to go, with every other one making it struggle, but I had to switch to Rayquaza again after Blake was knocked out. I gave Rayquaza a Full Restore, then tried with another Heavy Ball.

Rayquaza took massive damage from another Ancient Power, then I tossed another Heavy Ball before Rayquaza was knocked out by Punishment. I sent Samuel out next, and Ho-Oh broke free from another Heavy Ball bfore knocking out Samuel with a critical hit from Ancient Power. I had only one Pokemon left, and considered using my Master Ball against Ho-Oh.

Ho-Oh broke free and struck down Seth with Punishment, and my whole team was gone.

- - -

I reloaded the game, and pondered how to proceed. Would it be best to just use my Master Ball against Ho-Oh? I knew I had several more Legendary Pokemon ahead of me, including a roaming Pokemon, and Heavy Balls seemed to help, but at the end of the day I wasn't sure what could be done.

I decided to try starting out with Claire at the front. Claire hit Ho-Oh with Hypnosis, then attacked with Shadow Ball for good damage while it was asleep. Claire used Dream Eater next for good damage, and Ho-Oh remained asleep. I switched over to Blake, and Ho-Oh remained asleep, then it woke up and hit Blake with Punishment for great damage before Blake countered with Waterfall for massive damage.

I sent Claire out, and Ho-Oh used Sacred Fire for an instant knock-out. I sent Edward out next, and Ho-Oh used Safeguard before Edward hit it with Flash. Ho-Oh hit Edward with Punishment for massive damage, then Edward used Flash again. Ho-Oh missed with Sacred Fire, and Edward used Flash again to lower it's accuracy further.

After another couple Flashes to lower Ho-Oh's accuracy to minimum, I gave Claire a Revive then switched her out. Claire couldn't use Hypnosis because of Safeguard, and was then knocked out by Ho-Oh with Punishment. I sent out Rayquaza, then started using Heavy Balls against Ho-Oh.

Ho-Oh's attacks kept missing, and I kept trying out Heavy Balls with minimal effect. I switched to Samuel to use Rock Smash to push Ho-Oh into the red, then I used another Revive to get Claire back up on her feet. Samuel took massive damage from Sacred Fire, before I switched to Claire again, and Ho-Oh used Safeguard again.

I decided to try using an Ultra Ball, and it seemed more effective than the Heavy Ball. Safeguard wore off, and Claire put Ho-Oh to sleep with Hypnosis before I tried again. Ho-Oh woke up after a few tries and used Safeguard to stop Hypnosis from working again. I switched Rayquaza in and another Ultra Ball got Ho-Oh so close to capture.

Ho-Oh was getting weak, more effort to escape, and I knew I was so close. Ho-Oh seemed to gain a second wind and kept avoiding capture with only a single shake at most. Ho-Oh ran out of moves and had to use Struggle, and then it knocked itself out.

- - -

I was starting to wonder just what it would take to capture Ho-Oh. I didn't want to use my Master Ball on it, but it was looking like that was the only option. I decided to try my luck once more, same as before with Claire starting out to Hypnotize, then Blake to do massive damage.

Ho-Oh was only asleep for one turn to let me switch out Blake, who used Surf for great damage. Ho-Oh hit Blake with Sacred Fire for great damage before he countered with Waterfall for massive damage. I sent Samuel out to fight, doing a bit of damage with Rock Smash to push Ho-Oh into the red before I switched to Edward.

Ho-Oh knocked Edward out with Sacred Fire, and I knew Flash wouldn't work this time. I sent out Rayquaza, and tried using a few Ultra Balls, giving Rayquaza a Full Restore when he was hurt and burned. Rayquaza was knocked out after a few more Ultra Balls, and I had to switch to Claire.

Claire missed with Hypnosis, and took great damage from Ancient Power. Claire landed Hypnosis to put Ho-Oh to sleep, and kept trying with Ultra Balls. I tried a Dusk Ball as it was late, and it did little before Ho-Oh woke up and used Safeguard to protect against Hypnosis.

Ho-Oh kept missing attacks, and Claire missed with Hypnosis a couple times, but I kept at it with Ultra Balls before I finally, FINALLY caught it! After so much time and effort, I had finally finished the duo of Lugia and Ho-Oh!

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 56)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 57)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 57)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 57)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 56)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Catching Suicune

I flew from Pewter City to Cerulean City, then went north to the hill I remembered spotting Misty at. I found Suicune, and saved progress before going up the steps. Eusine was on my heels, knowing he was no match for me, and told me to go ahead and capture Suicune. He said he had known ever since spotting me at the Burnt Tower at Ecruteak City that Suicune would choose me. It seemed that Suicune had been waiting to battle against someone worthy. I saved progress after that, and started my battle.

I sent out Seth against Suicune, and saw that it was a far lower level than Seth was. I was worried about taking it down, so I started with Cut which missed, then it used Rain dance for enhanced water attacks. Seth landed a Cut for good damage, and then Suicune's Rain Dance failed as it was already in effect. Seth used Cut again for good damage, and then Suicune hit Seth with Aurora Beam for good damage.

Seth missed with another Cut, then Rain Dance failed again. I pondered sending out Claire, but I knew I needed to get Suicune worn further before I could attempt sleep. Seth hit Suicune with another Cut, and it went to the yellow. Seth gave Suicune another Cut, and it was a critical hit that knocked Suicune out.

I reloaded my game, and tried again. I kept going with Seth using Cut, and after several blows Suicune was in the red. I sent out Claire, and she used Hypnosis to put Suicune to sleep, and that's when I started tossing Pokeballs. First one did nothing, second one got one shake, third one did nothing. I kept at it, putting Suicune to sleep again after it woke up before trying again.

My fifth Pokeball, an Ultra Ball, caught Suicune! My Legendary Beast trio was complete! After the battle, Eusine complimented me on an amazing battle, having never seen such an intense battle. He bid us both farewell, no regrets on losing Suicune to me. I was just glad to be done with him after all that trouble.

I think next up I'll head back to Johto to find out if Ho-oh is waiting for me at the Burnt Tower, and to also do some training with all the Trainers itching for a rematch!

Current Team:

Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 57)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 56)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 57)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 57)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 56)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Pewter City and the Pewter Gym

I healed my team at the Pokemon Center, then I explored Pewter City. I found an old man on a hill who visited Johto long ago, and gave me the Rainbow Wing that he found there. I remembered the Silver Wing that I got to find Lugia, and I wondered if I could use the Rainbow Wing in the same fashion.

I spotted a couple Apricorn Trees to the north, and grabbed a Blu and Wht Apricorn before I explored further. I found the Pewter Museum of Science and checked out the Fossil exhibits, and also found a Scientist who could get Pokemon from Fossils. I gave him my Dome Fossil to convert into a Kabuto, and I left to get to the Pewter Gym.

My team consisted of:

Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 56)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 56)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 56)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 57)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 56)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

I went inside and found the Gym was a path through rocky terrain, and a winding path around to avoid the Trainers. I decided to take the direct route for some added training. The first Trainer had a Rhydon which went down to Leaf Blade, and the second Trainer had a Golem who also went down to Leaf Blade. After both battles, Seth grew to Level 57!

I found myself against Brock, and I knew my team was ready for the fight. Brock sent out Graveler and I sent out Seth against it. Seth charged up, and Graveler used Earthquake for great damage, before Seth hit him with Solar Beam for massive damage and an instant knock-out.

Rhyhorn was sent out next, and Seth used Leaf Blade for massive damage, another instant knock-out. Brock sent out Onix next, and Seth used Leaf Blade for massive damage, and Onix went down instantly. Kabutops was sent out next, and Edward went out to meet him head-on. Edward used Thunderbolt for massive damage and Kabutops went down easily.

I kept Edward in the fight against Omastar, and Thunderbolt did massive damage to take it out, then Edward grew to Level 57! With that victory, Brock was defeated, and I won the battle!

Brock told me that I was stronger than he expected, and admired the strength of my Pokemon to beat his team's defense. Brock handed me the Boulder Badge, and TM80 (Rock Slide) as thanks for the fun battle. Brock told me he would become a lot stronger, to match Trainers like myself and others out in the world.

I was surprised how easily I could beat that Gym, and I knew the rest would be easy with my continued training. Soon I would be Champion of the Indigo League, and then I could continue on to the next Region!

Current Team:

Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 57)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 56)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 57)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 57)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 56)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Long road to Pewter City

I decided to head east onto Route 15 to do more training and to explore the Kanto region. I quickly came across a class of children on a field trip, and started battling. The first child had Electric-Type Pokemon who went down against Seth and Claire, and the second had a pair of Psychic-Type Pokemon that Claire beat quickly.

The next Trainer I fought was their Teacher, with a Sunkern and Aipom. Seth used Sludge Bomb to take down Sunkern, and Leaf Blade took out Aipom. After the battle I exchanged phone numbers with the Teacher, and continued east. I snagged a Rose Incense, and then got into another battle. Seth won easily and I kept going east.

I encountered another Student and got into a battle, and Claire grew to Level 55! I found myself soon on Route 14 where I fought against a Bird Keeper, and Seth powered on through to reach Level 55 too. I went north and got into another battle, against a Trainer with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander, and Blake fought through all three for victory.

I went a bit farther north, and spotted Suicune staring at me atop the water, before it ran north. Eusine wasn't far behind, as usual, and told me he was starting to understand what Suicune is after. He wanted to keep the information to himself, but also wanted to be honest in front of Suicune. Eusine told me that Suicune prefers a hilly place near water, somewhere north, and I knew the perfect place that fit the description.

Eusine challenged me to find Suicune before him, and with a clear idea of where it would be I knew it would be mine. I fought against a Trainer with a Psyduck and beat him before I encountered another Trainer north of him. I won that battle too, and traded phone numbers with the Trainer before I encountered Cameron the Photographer who got a picture of me and my team.

I kept going north, and found Route 13 which was a large fence maze, going between Lavender Town and Fuchsia City. I got into a battle with a Hiker, and Blake took out all three of his Rock-Type Pokemon. I exchanged phone numbers with the Hiker before I started navigating my way through the maze.

I finally made it out of the maze, and with a few numbers traded and Blake having grown to Level 56, I continued east onto a bridge. I started north and found myself fighting several more Trainers standing along the bridge. Edward grew to Level 56 after a couple battles, then I had Seth training.

The bridge turned out to be Route 12, and as I continued north I got into a few more battles. I found myself in front of a house on the dock, owned by the youngest brother of the Fishing Guru. I told him I enjoyed fishing, and he handed over the Super Rod.

I fought a few more Trainers north of the house, and Seth grew to Level 56. I went north toward Lavender Town through a Double Battle and several normal battles. Claire grew to Level 56, then I went to the Pokemon Center in Lavender Town to heal my team. After I left the Center I headed back to Route 12 and then went west toward Route 11.

I started through a large field with several Trainers walking through natural paths in the grass. I fought against a Psychic, and after the battle Samuel grew to Level 57! I continued west and battled against a couple Youngsters and a Psychic before I came across a Snorlax in the road.

I knew that a Pokemon Flute could wake Snorlax, but I didn't have a standard Flute on me at the time. I decided to check my radio now that I had access to the Kanto stations, and lucky enough I found a Pokemon Flute station playing. I got into a fight with the Snorlax when it woke up.

I sent out Edward against the Snorlax, and he used Thunderbolt for great damage, before Snorlax used Block to stop Edward from escaping. Snorlax gained some health with it's Leftovers, and then Edward used Thunderbolt for great damage and caused paralysis. Snorlax couldn't do anything because of the Paralysis, but it did gain some health with Leftovers. I tossed a Heavy Ball and it failed, and Snorlax gained a bit more health with Leftovers.

Edward used Thunderbolt again, a critical hit that knocked out Snorlax. I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to capture it, but I did have it's pre-evolved form, Munchlax, in Sinnoh, so I could get a Snorlax later. With the route to Diglett's Cave cleared, I went inside.

I spotted a man inside who was somehow surprised when he spotted a lot of Diglett who crawled out from underground. I went down below and headed north, then got topside again. I spotted a house south of my position, and the man inside gave me a Nugget as thanks for visiting, before I went north, cut down a tree, and found myself in Pewter City.

I healed my team at the Pokemon Center, and got ready to see the sights of this new city. I couldn't wait to get my next Gym Badge.

Current Team:

Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 56)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 57)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 56)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 56)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 56)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Fuchsia City and the Fuchsia Gym

There wasn't much to see in Fuchsia City, aside from Pal Park which allowed for the transfer of Pokemon from previous games. I decided that the only thing for me to do was to go to the Fuchsia Gym and get my fifth Indigo League Badge.

My team consisted of:

Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 54)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 54)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 55)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 54)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 55)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

I went inside, and was told by the adviser that all the Trainers inside looked like the Gym Leader, and I would have to find out which one was the real one. I walked forward, and bumped into an almost invisible wall. I realized I would need to navigate an invisible maze if I wanted to find the Gym Leader through all the duplicates.

I went to the right and up, and the first Trainer I came across was a duplicate. She sent out Nidoqueen while I sent out Blake, and a couple Ice Fang attacks took it down. The second Trainer was a camper who sent out Nidoking, and Blake knocked it out easily with Ice Fang. The third Trainer was another duplicate, and Blake and Samuel both took down their team.

The fourth Trainer turned out to be the real Janine, Gym Leader of the Fuchsia Gym. Janine sent Crobat out first, and I sent Blake out against it. Crobat used Confuse Ray to confuse Blake, and Blake hurt himself in his confusion. Blake snapped out of confusion the next turn and used Ice Fang for massive damage, before getting hit by Wing Attack for good damage. Crobat used Confuse Ray again, and Blake hurt himself in his confusion.

I sent out Edward and he got hit by Wing Attack for minor damage, then he got hit by Supersonic to become confused, and hurt himself in his confusion. Crobat used Wing Attack again for good damage, then Edward struck it down with Thunderbolt. Blake grew to Level 55, and Edward gained some decent experience too.

Next up I sent out Claire, and Janine sent out Weezing. Claire hit Weezing with Shadow Ball for massive damage, and it countered with Sludge Bomb for minor damage. Janine used a Full Restore to heal it, then Claire used Hypnosis to put it to sleep. Claire used Dream Eater for massive damage that knocked out Weezing while also healing Claire of all damage.

I sent out Samuel when Janine sent out Ariados, and he used Flame Wheel against it for an instant knock-out, then Samuel grew to Level 56! Venomoth was sent out next, and I kept Samuel in the fight. Samuel used Flame Wheel for massive damage which knocked it out instantly. Another Ariados was sent out, and I kept Samuel going. Samuel used Flame Wheel for massive damage, and Ariados went down instantly, and I won the battle!

Janine gave me the Soul Badge, and she handed over TM84 (Poison Jab) as well. She told me she would apply herself, determined to become better than her father and me. I left to the Pokemon Center to heal my team, ready to continue my journey.

Current Team:

Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 55)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 54)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 55)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 54)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 56)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Heading to Fuchsia City

I went west after I healed my team at the Pokemon Center, and started on Route 16. I found a house to the north, and talked to the old man inside, who told me a trendy phrase, "Money Rate" and asked that I use it in trendy ways.

I continued on and went south on my Bike on Route 17, the Cycling Road that went downhill to Fuchsia City. I found several bikers going down the road, all itching for a fight. The first sent out Gulpin, and I sent out Claire to take it down.

I fought against another Biker, who sent out Weezing, and Claire took it down. Upon victory, Claire grew to Level 54, and I traded phone numbers with the Biker before I continued south. I kept going south and soon found myself against a pair of Bikers, and got into a Double Battle. Claire and Blake got through the 4 Pokemon without much difficulty, and then I rolled further south.

I got into another battle, against a Biker with a Seviper. Blake beat it quickly, and I moved on, finding myself at the start of Route 18. I fought against one more Biker, and by the end Blake grew to Level 54! I went east after I got through a gate, and fought against a couple Bird Keepers, and Seth grew to Level 54 while Edward grew to Level 55!

I quickly found myself in Fuchsia City, and went to the Pokemon Center to heal my team. I would explore this city later, and aim for my fifth Badge!

Current Team:

Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 54)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 54)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 55)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 54)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 55)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Celadon Gym

I went in to the Celadon Gym with Samuel at the ready. I wasn't sure how difficult the challenge ahead would be, considering the lack of training my team could receive in Kanto. Inside were tunnels and planters all covered and filled with flowers and grass. There were also sprinklers running to keep the plants watered. I had never seen such a lively place before.

My team consisted of:

Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 53)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 54)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)

I had Seth cut a small tree down, then I went ahead and moved left to encounter a pair of Trainers wanting to battle. Samuel and Rayquaza went out against their Victreebel and Vileplume, and my team won easily. I went around and battled another Trainer, and Samuel took out all 3 of her Pokemon and grew to Level 54!

I decided to have Claire at front to get training, and to see how well she could do against these Trainers. I quickly came across another Trainer, and she pointed out that all my opponents here have been girls. Claire was up against an Exeggutor, and luckily enough her speed allowed her the first strike, the only strike needed to win the battle.

Another Trainer, a Beauty wanted to battle, and Claire was ready to take on the challenge. Paras was sent out first, and Shadow Ball made short work of it, then Carnivine went down as well after a couple hits from Shadow Ball. Finally Parasect was sent out, and barely clung on after Shadow Ball hit it, only to do minor damage with X-Scissors. Claire hit it with Shadow Ball again and won the battle.

After cutting down another small tree, I faced the Gym Leader, Erika. After I told her I was from Johto, she told me she had been practicing Pokemon Battles as well as Flower arrangements. I hoped my team was ready for the challenge ahead!

I sent out Samuel, and she sent out Jumpluff. Samuel used Flame Wheel for massive damage, then Jumpluff countered with Sunny Day which could only help MY efforts to beat her. Erika used a Full Restore to heal her Jumpluff, before Samuel used Fire Spin to trap it and keep it damaged. Jumpluff used Leech Seed to draw health from Samuel, but he countered with Flame Wheel to knock it out before it could.

Victreebel was sent out next, and I kept Samuel in the fight. I was worried when I saw Victreebel was Level 56, 2 Levels higher than Samuel, but with Sunny Day and Victreebel's lower defense I knew he could do it. Victreebel used Grass Knot for good damage, then Samuel countered with Flame Wheel for massive damage, and managed to knock it out in one blow! Samuel gained a lot of experience, and grew to Level 55!

Bellossom was sent out next, and I kept Samuel in there to fight. Bellossom was the same level as Victreebel, which gave it a single Level advantage now! Samuel used Flame Wheel for massive damage, and Bellossom clung on and used Sitrus Berry to regain some health before it countered with Solar Beam for great damage. Leech Seed did some good damage to heal Bellossom too, then Samuel took it out with Flame Wheel.

Tangela was next, and with the injuries Samuel had sustained, I decided he had enough for today. I sent out Rayquaza, and he flew high to avoid Wring Out from Tangela before it went down hard to Fly. With Tangela down, I won the battle!

Upon victory, I received the Rainbow Badge from Erika. She was happy with the battle we had, and gave me TM19 (Giga Drain) as a reward too. Erika told me that defeat left her with a bitter aftertaste, but also spurred her to do better. I hoped I wouldn't have to find out how good she could be!

Current Team:

Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 55)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 53)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 54)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Celadon City

I went south onto Route 5 and found a house, and the old lady inside gave me a Cleanse Tag after telling me a shadow hung over me. She claimed I was safe afterward, but from what her granddaughter told me I had nothing to worry about in the first place.

I made it to Saffron City, then I went west to Celadon City on Route 7. I found a Mental Herb on the north part of Route 7, then I continued west. I spotted an entrance to the underground path, which I remembered being locked down a ways. There was a sign on this one, from the Celadon Police, saying that it was locked because of complaints from residents of uncouth Trainers holding battles down there.

Very quickly I found myself in Celadon City, the "City of the Rainbow's Colors" as the sign said. There were a variety of things to be found in Celadon City, including the Celadon Department Store and the Celadon Game Corner. I decided to explore the City a bit before checking out those major destinations.

I found a restaurant that was having an eating contest, and Blake drooled behind me as I checked out the competitors. I noticed one in particular, with pink hair, and I recognized her as Maylene, the Veilstone Gym Leader from Sinnoh. She was surrounded by bowls, and told me she that she goes on diets during training, and was excited to take part in this contest and eat as much as she wanted.

I went to the Celadon Game Corner and tried my luck. It was run by Mr. Game who had it set up like the Game Corner back in Goldenrod, and of course I had no luck in it. I was glad that I couldn't lose coins trying this game, but frustrated that I could never get anywhere other than getting a single coin at a time and just quitting. I was glad I already had Porygon thanks to the blatant lies of that rich man in Sinnoh, or I'd be quite angry at the wall put up to get it.

I decided to spend some time at the Celadon Dept Store next, and got several items Mom had picked up for me while I was traveling. I went up to the 2nd Floor, and there I found Crasher Wake, another Gym Leader from Sinnoh! He handed over a Turtwig Mask for my Pokemon to wear, and I put it in the Fashion Case. He also gave me the Chimchar Mask, and the Piplup Mask too. I wondered if I would find any other Sinnoh Gym Leaders here, and wondered why they were all in Kanto?

I bought several items at the Celadon Dept Store for healing my team, then I left after seeing all the items were the same as could be found in the Goldenrod Dept Store. I came across a Condominium, but found nothing to do inside and just let it be. Having explored the city as much as I could, all I had left to do was to battle in the Celadon Gym.

Current Team:

Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 53)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 53)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - The Cerulean Gym

I went back to Cerulean City to heal my team at the Pokemon Center, then I went to the Cerulean Gym to battle Misty.

My team consisted of:

Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 53)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 53)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

I went inside the Gym, and spotted people hanging around, Swimmers and Sailors. I decided to fight a Sailor next to the pool first. He sent out Horsea, and I sent out Edward, and a Thunderbolt took it down easily. Seadra was sent out next, and another Thunderbolt took it down and won the battle.

I decided to get to Misty through the pool, and thus through a few Swimmers. The first had a Golduck who went down quick with a Thunder Punch. The second Swimmer had a Cloyster who went down easily to Thunderbolt. The third Swimmer had a pair of Seaking who were also beaten easily, and Edward grew to Level 54!

Finally I went up against Misty. She had been expecting me, of course, and told me not to take her too lightly. Misty sent out Golduck, and I sent out Edward. Edward used Thunderbolt for an instant knock-out, then Quagsire was sent out and I sent Seth out against it. Seth used Leaf Blade for massive damage, and Quagsire went down instantly thanks to it's double-weakness to Grass-Type moves.

Lapras was sent out next, and I decided to keep Seth in the fight. Seth used Leaf Blade for massive damage, but it clung on to counter with Ice Beam for massive damage. Misty used a Full Restore to heal Lapras, then Seth hit it with Leaf Blade again for massive damage. I switched to Edward, and Lapras was given another Full Restore to heal. Edward used Thunderbolt for massive damage, and Lapras became paralyzed, unable to move. Edward finished off Lapras with Thunder Punch before it could be healed again.

Starmie was sent out last, and I kept Edward in the fight. Edward used Thunderbolt against it for massive damage, and it barely clung on. Starmie used a Sitrus Berry to restore some health, then countered with Ice Beam for good damage. Edward knocked Starmie out with Thunder Punch, and won the battle!

After the battle, Misty handed over the Cascade Badge, and also gave me TM03 (Water Pulse) for my victory. Misty asked if Johto had powerful trainers, and told me she would someday go on a journey to battle with powerful Trainers.

I went back to the Pokemon Center to heal Edward and Seth, and wondered how much longer this journey through the Indigo league would take. I was glad to be done with the odd Gyms of the Johto League, and happy to fight a normal variety of Pokemon in the Indigo League Gyms, but still I wanted to continue through to the next game soon.

Current Team:

Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 53)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 53)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Looking for Misty

I took the magnet train back to Saffron after another failed attempt to grab a Lapras, then I went north over Nugget Bridge. Without the Gym Leader at the Cerulean Gym, there wasn't much for me to do at Cerulean City.

I encountered a School Kid, who told me I needed to beat him and five other Trainers to win a fabulous prize. The kid's Oddish went down quickly against Claire, then we continued east. The second Trainer was a Lass, and her Wigglytuff went down to Samuel while her Granbull went down against Edward.

The third Trainer was another School Kid, with a pair of Pokemon. Claire knocked out his Tangela, and she grew to Level 53. I sent Edward out against his Vaporeon, and it was an easy victory. The fourth Trainer was a Camper, who sent out Nidoking against Edward. Edward took a lot of damage from Earth Power, and did nothing with Thunder Punch. I switched out to Seth, and he knocked it out after taking some serious damage.

I healed up Seth and Edward, and continued on. Before I could get far, I got a call from Baoba telling me they added even more items, and that should be plenty for me to work with. I got the feeling I wouldn't be getting any more calls about objects, but as I had yet to do anything with the objects I wasn't exactly worried about even more being added.

I had to fight the fifth AND sixth Trainers together in a Double Battle. I sent out Edward and Blake, but had to switch to Seth and Samuel for their first two Grass-Type Pokemon. After a battle of some length, Samuel and Seth both came out on top against the various Grass-Type (and one Flying-Type) Pokemon with Flame Wheel and Sludge Bomb.

I fought against another Trainer who claimed to just be waiting for me so he could beat me after I was worn down by the other Trainers. I fought his Porygon with Edward and it went down easily. I left the small forest, and talked to another Trainer to receive a Nugget for my efforts. Afterward, he wanted to take me on himself, and I had no choice. Blake and Edward were able to get through all 3 of his Pokemon and win the battle, and Edward grew to Level 53.

I soon came across a cottage, and went inside. I talked to the old man inside, and he told me his grandson was Bill. He told me that Bill is in Johto, and that he does something with PCs, so he's currently house-sitting. I thought it funny that the old man didn't realize the importance of his grandson's work. He then asked to see a Lickitung, but as I didn't have one I couldn't help him out. I made a mental note to return with a Lickitung later.

I came across Misty on the top of a hill, with a boy. He got shy when he noticed me and left, and Misty was upset at me for bugging them. Misty called me a pest, before she spotted my Johto Gym Badges. She realized I must be quite strong, then invited me to come to Cerulean Gym to take her on.

Current Team:

Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 53)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 53)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Changes at the Safari Zone

I got on the Magnet Train at Saffron City, and soon found myself back in Goldenrod City. I hopped on Rayquaza and flew to the Safari Zone, eager to find out what Baoba had been doing to it!

I went inside, and met up with Baoba, who told me he had been waiting for me. He told me he had an epiphany for a new attraction, which he called Object Arrangement. Baoba told me that I could place objects on the field as I play at the Safari Zone, and that the types of Pokemon I'd see would change depending on the objects I place. He told me he would call me on the Pokegear if something else comes up.

I asked for more details, and Baoba told me that I could place the objects anywhere except on stairs and grass where Pokemon appear. He told me I could place up to 30 objects in an Area, though I doubt I'd need to place even half as many objects in an Area. I was told it was easy to place objects, that I just needed to find an empty place I wanted objects to be and select them from a list, though I was warned that larger items need larger spaces.

Removing objects was apparently easy as just checking on the item. I was told by Baoba that there are many different objects, some that look like grass, trees, boulders, water, and other types of objects. Baoba told me that there would be more objects to come, and I could see how many items were in an Area on the map. The last bit of info was that swapping Areas would remove all objects.

I decided to head in after switching out a couple Areas, and then went around the place to find some new Pokemon. I found a Larvitar (Female, Lv. 17, Rock/Ground) who I named Sophia. I left after a time, and switched an Area out to try for another Pokemon. I went to the Rocky Beach Area and found several Lapras who just refused to be caught. I keep on trying but ran out of Safari Balls, and I decided to call it quits for now.

With new systems in place at the Safari Zone, I wondered what kinds of Pokemon I could find with the new Objects...

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 52)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 52)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Running Errands

I went to the Magnet Train Station, and found that I couldn't board without a pass, which the guard wouldn't explain how to get. I talked to someone nearby who mentioned the Copycat Girl, and I went over to visit with her. I found out that she was missing one of her Poke' Dolls, and asked me to find it for her. As a reward, she would give me a Magnet Train Pass. I was told to check in Vermilion City for the doll.

I got to Vermilion City on Rayquaza, and I had a hunch on the location of the doll. I went to the Pokemon Fan Club, and sure enough I spotted the Clefairy Poke' Doll on the table. I talked to the old man who ran the Club, but he only had more stories to tell. I spotted a guy standing by the doll, and he told me since he couldn't catch a Clefairy he was making do with the Poke' Doll that he found.

I informed the guy that it belonged to a girl in Saffron City, and she missed it a lot. He gave up the Poke' Doll and let me bring it back to her, and said he would befriend a real Clefairy one day. I left the Pokemon Fan Club, only to run into Steven Stone, from Hoenn! I wondered what he was doing all the way in Kanto, and he told me he was looking for a Pokemon called Latios. He was investigating why Latios, a Pokemon from Hoenn, decided to head to Kanto.

I knew why Latios came to Kanto; it was looking for it's sibling, Latias, which I had captured in Hoenn and brought with me from there. I assume since it couldn't find her in Sinnoh, it decided to look for me instead. I was glad to have the chance to get the sibling, and complete the duo for my collection, even if I hadn't intended for my capture of Latias to have such consequences.

Steven Stone told me about Soul Dew that Latios looks for, a gem-like item. He told me that it was possible it's visit to Kanto had to do with Soul Dew, but I knew better. He told me it would be difficult to find without any machine to track it, but I knew my Pokegear could do the job. After Steven left, I checked out my Pokegear and found Latios on the map, on the east side of Kanto. I wanted to start after it, but I figured I needed to get more done first.

I went back to Saffron City, and gave Copycat the Clefairy Poke' Doll she lost, which she identified by a tear at the right arm. She handed over the Magnet Train Pass, and told me she got it from the rail-company man when they tore down her old house. I left, wondering what else could be affected by the return of the Power Plant, and realized the Radio Tower is probably running again.

I flew over to Lavender Town, and talked to the Director, who thanked me for getting the Power Plant running again. He told me that he still had his job thanks to me, and he loaded an EXPN Card on my Pokegear. He told me that with the EXPN Card, I could tune in to even more radio programs in Kanto.

I decided to call it a day after all that running around. I decided that I would head back to Johto tomorrow to find out what Baoba had been doing to the Safari Zone, as well as get rematches with all the people who had been calling me from Johto!

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 52)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 52)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Cerulean City and the Machine Part

I left the Power Plant, surfed back onto the route, and then I went west on Route 9 toward Cerulean City. I got into a battle with a Picnicker and a Hiker as I made my way west, and both went down easily against Seth. I found a Full Restore, and continued on to fight another Picnicker. Seth got through the battle easily, and grew to Level 53!

I found a Max Potion, and fought a Camper. Samuel beat his team easily and grew to Level 53, then Claire beat a Camper before I found myself in Cerulean City. I went to the Pokemon Center and healed my team, then nearby I was told by a citizen that a shady-looking person went into the Cerulean Gym.

I went inside, and was immediately bumped into by a Rocket Grunt. He apologized for running into me (more than I can say for Simon...) and tried to get away quickly for fear of being seen. He told me to forget I saw him, then he pushed past me. I left the Gym and ran after him, finding him on Route 24 on Nugget Bridge. He noticed me and ducked between a pair of lovers, and I confronted him.

I realized he was a foreigner with the unusual way he talked, apparently the only member of Team Rocket from outside the region, and promised to give up his secrets if I could beat him in a fight. The Rocket Grunt sent out Golbat, and I sent out Claire. Claire hit it with Shadow Ball, and it went down instantly. The Grunt told me that he stole the Machine Part, and hid it in Cerulean Gym.

I informed the Rocket Grunt that Team Rocket had been defeated and broken up, and he was left wondering what to do now. He decided to go back to his home country, to start a new Team Rocket there. I wondered if I would have to fight them elsewhere later on...

I got a call from Warden Baoba right after, who told me they came up with new objects. I still couldn't get back to Johto to find out what he was talking about or what these objects would do, but I was excited to get back soon to get more rare Pokemon!

I went inside the Cerulean Gym, which was empty, and looked around the inflatable tubes to find the Machine Part. I hopped on my bike and returned to the Power Plant, and I gave the part to the Manager. Soon the Manager had the part put where it was needed, and the Generator was up and running, providing power to the whole Kanto region! He handed over TM57 (Charge Beam) as thanks, and I flew to Saffron City to see if the Magnet Train could take me back to Johto.

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 52)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 53)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 53)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 52)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Through the Rock Tunnel to the Power Plant

I left Lavender Town, heading north up Route 10 and through a couple Trainers, where Blake grew to Level 53. I found TM69 (Rock Polish) nearby before I went into the Rock Tunnel. The Rock Tunnel was extremely dark, and I needed Edward to use Flash to light my way before I started on through with Seth behind me.

I got into several battles with wild Pokemon who were much, much weaker than my team, and I decided to use the Repels I had stocked up so I wouldn't waste time getting through. I found TM56 (Fling) and tried to find my way through. I found myself climbing down a ladder to a lower floor, then I moved around a path, hoping I didn't need to train my Pokemon to use Rock Climb before I found a ladder heading back up.

I ran across an area and over a raised rock before I found myself heading down another ladder, then down a couple paths I found a Revive and a PP Up, before I found myself heading up another ladder. I got a call from Wilton in Johto asking to have a battle to pass the time, but until the Power Plant was operational again, the Magnet Train was still down. After I got to the top of the ladder, I headed north and east, and soon left the cave.

Fortunately for me, there was a Pokemon Center located right next to the Rock Tunnel entrance, and I healed my team. I was told the Power Plant was south of the Center, so I went to the river, hopped on Blake, and surfed down there. When I went inside, I talked to several Security Guards and Scientists, who told me that a part was stolen from the new Generator, which had been recently renovated to power the Magnet Train. I was also told the Power Plant Manager had been stressing out a lot because of it, at times sad and other times furious, and occasionally just laughing at the desperate situation.

I met the Manager, and he was angry, wondering who would dare steal a part from the generator. The Manager told me he spent so much time fixing the Generator, and would make the thief pay. I started to leave, but then the Security Guard near the entrance got a call, and he informed a nearby Scientist that a shady character has been loitering around Cerulean City. The Police Officer asked me to go to Cerulean City to find the person and get the part back, and I was only too happy to help.

I could accomplish two goals at Cerulean City; get the part for the generator, and get my 3rd Gym Badge from the Indigo League. I knew with the Electric and Psychic Gyms both beaten, my team could easily handle the rest of the Indigo League Gyms. I couldn't wait to get through the Indigo League and move on to the next region, to see new Pokemon, cities, and people.

Current Team:

Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 52)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 53)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 52)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 52)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 52)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Lavender Town

I had hoped to fly over to the Safari Zone in Johto, but apparently that trip would be too much for Rayquaza. I was surprised that a Pokemon that spent it's time high up in the Ozone Layer wouldn't be able to fly between Kanto and Johto, but I knew I'd be able to return on the Magnet Train whenever the trouble at the Power Plant was solved.

I went east onto Route 8 and found some odd little building obviously leading to an underground path, but the door was locked and damage to the sign made it impossible to read. I found a trio of bikers south of the building going off the path, and they called themselves the Kanto Pokemon Federation Trainer group. With such a colorful name I had no idea what their intentions were, but they did want to battle.

Claire tore through the team of the first biker, Dwayne, without trouble.  The second one, Harris, mentioned that the cops shut down their Underground Path nearby. Claire was knocked out by Harris' team, but Edward got revenge for her. I revived Claire and fought against the third biker, Zeke, and Claire took out his team and grew to Level 52! I grabbed TM41 (Torment) just south of the trio, and continued on.

I fought a few more Trainers along the way, and Edward and Seth both grew to Level 52. I also got a few calls from Mom, who was apparently at the store spending all the money I asked her to save for me. I hoped I had SOME funds remaining at home as I made it to Lavender Town.

The first thing I did in Lavender Town was to heal my team, and to grab the several berries the Deliveryman was holding for me. I started exploring, and I found the Lavender Volunteer Pokemon House, in which volunteers helped care for homeless Pokemon. They told me that the man who owned the house, Mr. Fuji, was at the House of Memories.

I checked out the House of Memories next, a small building which held the graves of several Pokemon, with underground chambers hidden somewhere that only Mr. Fuji could enter as was explained by a mourner. I found Mr. Fuji, who complimented me on the way I had been raising my Pokemon. I spent some time to mourn for the departed Pokemon, then I moved on to explore the rest of the town.

I explored the Kanto Radio Tower next, and found the Station Director running around panicking because he couldn't broadcast without power from the Power Plant. I also talked to the Music Director, who told me I needed an EXPN Card for my Pokegear if I wanted to listen to the Kanto Radio programs.

I found the Name Rater there as well, but I didn't need his services. I knew I would have to continue north to find my next challenge, but for now I think I'll call it a day.

Current Team:

Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 52)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 52)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 52)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 52)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 52)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Saffron City and the Saffron Gym

When I started looking about the city, I quickly found Mr. Psychic's House. I went inside, and went up to the man, who just stared at me for a little bit before he decided I wanted TM29 (Psychic) and handed it over. I offered no complaints as I pocketed the TM, then left.

I walked the streets, looking at all the buildings around the city, and soon found myself in front of Silph Co. I went inside, hoping to explore the building of this major company, but because of the issues of electricity at the Power Plant, the elevator going up wasn't working. I couldn't tour the building, but the security guard at the elevator felt sorry for me wasting my time to visit, and he handed over Up-Grade, an item to make Porygon evolve.

I soon came across the house of the Copycat Girl. I noticed a Blissey downstairs before I went up the stairs to meet her. Immediately she dressed like me, and started trying to talk like me, then she got out of the costume. I told her to stop mimicking but she told me it was her main hobby. I checked out some of her Poke Dolls, and noticed one was a real Pokemon, a Banette. A curious find from the Hoenn Region, I wondered how she had managed to find it in Kanto.

I went ahead and visited the Magnet Train Station, but because of problems at the Power Plant I couldn't go back to visit Johto. I wasn't too worried though, the S.S. Aqua could take me back whenever I wanted. I went to do a bit more exploring, and I found the Poke' Mart. I grabbed all the items Mom had bought for me from the Deliveryman, then oddly enough I found TWO different Gyms. One on the right, a normal-looking Pokemon Gym, and then one on the left, an old building with a sign similar to a standard Gym.

I decided to check on this old Gym first, and found a man at the back of the room. He told me that the Karate King, the Fighting Dojo's master, was training in Johto. It seems I had found the Fighting Dojo, but without a master the building was going unused. I didn't know what exactly it would be used for to begin with, but there wasn't a point in spending more time there, and I left.

I went inside the Saffron Gym, and found it to be a high-tech facility. I was in a small room, with a warp tile at the corner. I would have to navigate several rooms through different warp tiles to reach the Psychic Gym Leader at the end. I wasn't in a rush to get to the end, because I wasn't sure how strong the Gym Leader would be. I knew my team needed more training, and the Trainers around Kanto had proved they wouldn't be much help.

I first found myself against a Medium who sent out Bronzor, and I sent out Claire. Claire used Shadow Ball for massive damage, then Bronzor used Safeguard. Claire hit Bronzor with Shadow Ball again and knocked it out, then Hypno was sent out next. Claire used Shadow Ball to knock out Hypno, and she grew to Level 51 before the battle ended.

I went onto a warp tile, and found myself in another battle against a Psychic, and I sent out Claire against his Kadabra. Claire used Shadow Ball to knock it out, then Girafarig was sent out next. Claire's Shadow Ball wouldn't affect Girafarig, then it used Skill Swap against her to switch abilities. I switched Blake out, and Girafarig used Skill Swap to switch abilities with Blake. Blake used Crunch for massive damage, and Girafarig just barely hung on before using Skill Swap again. Blake finished it off with Ice Fang, and the battle was won.

I went onto another warp gate and found myself against another Psychic. I sent out Blake against the Psychic's Mr. Mime, and Crunch did massive damage to knock it out, then Blake grew to Level 52. Exeggcute was sent out next, and Blake stayed in the fight. Blake used Crunch for massive damage, and knocked it out instantly, and he did the same for another Exeggcute that was sent out, and the battle was over.

I went onto another warp gate and fought against another Medium, and Blake went through her team with no problems. I wandered around the rest of the warp gates through several rooms before I found myself before the Gym Leader, Sabrina. She said she knew I was coming, that she had a vision of my arrival 3 years ago. Sabrina told me she doesn't enjoy battling, but it's her duty as a Gym Leader to give Badges to whoever has proven themselves worthy.

Sabrina started the battle with Espeon, and I sent out Claire. Claire used Shadow Ball for massive damage, and Espeon barely clung on to use Psychic for massive damage, and Claire went down hard. I sent out Blake, and Sabrina used a Full Restore to heal Espeon fully before Blake used Crunch for massive damage and also lowered it's defense! Espeon used Psychic for massive damage, but Blake finished it off with another Crunch.

Alakazam was sent out next, and I kept Blake in the fight. Alakazam used Energy Ball for massive damage, and knocked out Blake. I sent Edward out next, and Alakazam used Reflect to increase it's defense before Edward hit it with Thunder Punch to knock it out in a single critical blow!

Mr. Mime was the last one out, and I decided to keep Edward in the fight. Edward hit Mr. Mime with Thunder Punch for good damage before it used Light Screen to increase it's special defense. Edward used Thunderbolt next for good damage, then Mr. Mime used Mimic to learn Thunderbolt. I had Edward use Flash to lower it's accuracy, but Mr. Mime managed to land Psychic for great damage.

Edward used Thunder Punch on Mr. Mime again for great damage, and it became paralyzed, stopped from action because of it. Edward hit Mr. Mime again with Thunder Punch, and that knocked it out and won the battle!

After the battle, Sabrina told me that my power far exceeded what she foresaw. She pondered that perhaps the future was impossible to fully predict, and she handed over the Marsh Badge. She realized that my power was beyond her psychic abilities, and she handed over TM48 (Skill Swap) which allows the user to swap abilities with the target.

Another battle done and I left the Saffron Gym, and got a call from Baoba. He told me he came up with new objects, and with them I should be able to meet lots of different Pokemon. I remembered the call I got from Baoba before I went on the S.S. Aqua, and I realized I needed to head back to the Safari Zone to find out what he was talking about.

Two Badges down, 6 more to go. I just hope the rest go more smoothly than this did!

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 51)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 51)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 52)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 52)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 51)

Pokemon SoulSilver - The road to Saffron City

I went north from Vermilion City and started through Route 6, where I quickly found TM62 (Silver Wind) and a Trainer eager to battle. The Picnicker sent out Cherubi, and I sent out Claire, and a single Shadow Ball knocked it out and won the battle. I hoped to myself that other trainers would either get more powerful, or that the Gym Leaders stay weaker, but I don't know yet. I just know that if the Gym Leaders actually get even stronger, then I need stronger opponents and Pokemon to train against.

I soon came across a pair of twins who wanted to battle. I sent out Claire and Edward, and they sent out Plusle and Minun. Claire hit Minun with Shadow Ball to knock it out instantly, then Edward hit Plusle with Strength to bring it to the red, and it missed a Thunder attack. Claire put Plusle to sleep with Hypnosis, then Edward knocked it out with Strength to win the battle.

I quickly found myself in another battle, against a Camper who sent out Slakoth against Claire, and her Shadow Ball turned out to be useless against it, while it used Amnesia to raise it's special defense. Claire missed with hypnosis, and Slakoth lazed about. I switched to Edward, and Slakoth used Amnesia again, then Edward used Strength for massive damage while it loathed about. Edward used Strength again and won the battle, and then he grew to Level 51.

I walked a few paces and found myself at the gate to Saffron City, and I found myself surprised that I would already have gone through the whole route. Nearby was an underground tunnel to Cerulean City that was closed while the issues at the Power Plant were fixed. I went through the gate and found myself in Saffron City.

I think I'll explore this new city later, right now my team needs their PP restored at the Pokemon Center. I'm glad that I didn't need to take such a long path to Saffron City, but I do worry about the training my team will need to continue on if Trainers and wild Pokemon are all too weak to offer much experience. I almost wish Team Rocket would come back again so I could get some decent training done!

Current Team:

Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 50)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 50)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 51)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 51)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 52)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)

Pokemon SoulSilver - Vermilion City and the Vermilion Gym

After healing my team, I explored Vermilion City for a time, and I met the Fishing Dude, elder of the Fishing Bros. He asked if I met the Fishing Guru at the Lake of Rage, and told me to show the Guru any Magikarp I've caught because he's been looking for the greatest Magikarp around.

Down the street I went up a few stairs to a large raised lot, where an old man and his Machop were preparing the land for construction, but the old man said he lacked funds to start. I decided to help him out a bit by having Samuel crush some boulders with Rock Smash. While doing so, I found a Diglett, but I let it go as it wasn't my focus. I found another Diglett in another rock, and had Seth take it down when it's ability wouldn't let us run.

I came across a Pokemon Fan Club and went inside. I met a woman with a Bayleef, and then I talked to the Chairman of the Pokemon Fan Club (which I would assume would include the whole world of Pokemon...) and he told me he raised over 150 Pokemon. I decided to listen to his tale of Pokemon, and he told me about his Rapidash. When he finished, he handed over a Rare Candy which I pocketed.

I did a bit more exploration, and found out a few things, like how the Magnet Train Station is located in Saffron City, and that there was a nearby sleeping Pokemon, a Snorlax, blocking both the path onward and Diglett Cave nearby. With little left to explore, I decided to challenge the Vermilion Gym for my first badge in Kanto.

I went inside and was told that the traps to the Gym Leader had been out of order for some time, but had been recently repaired. I looked around, and saw the room filled with trash cans. I wondered why an Electric-Type Gym would use trash cans as some kind of puzzle, but I forged ahead.

I found myself in a Double Battle, and they sent out Jolteon and Electrode while I sent out Seth and Rayquaza. Jolteon used Helping Hand, then Rayquaza struck down Electrode with Dragon Claw, and then Seth used Leaf Blade to knock out Jolteon. Next up they sent out Voltorb and Electrode, and Rayquaza knocked out Electrode with Dragon Claw, but got paralyzed by it's Static ability, then Voltorb used Screech to lower Seth's defense before he countered with Leaf Blade to knock it out. Unfortunately Seth was paralyzed by Static as well, and so both were greatly slowed down.

Finally they sent out Magnemite and Electrode, and I had my team switch out to Samuel and Claire. Electrode used Screetch to lower Samuel's defense, then Magnemite used Shock Wave on Samuel for good damage. Claire used Shadow Ball on Electrode to push it to the red, then Samuel used Flame Wheel to knock out Magnemite, and after that Electrode used Rollout on Claire for minor damage. Claire used Hypnosis to put Electrode to sleep, then Samuel finished the fight with Rock Smash and won the battle.

Samuel had gotten paralyzed by static, just as the other two had, and I had to stop back at the Pokemon Center to get my team healed before I went looking through the trash cans. The Vermilion City Gym Leader was behind a wall of electricity, and I had to look inside the trash cans to find the two switches that would power it down.

I found the first switch on my first try, and my second try found the second switch. With that "puzzle" lucked out, I moved forward only to be stopped by an old man who didn't want me to fight the Gym Leader. Seth used Leaf Blade to knock out his Pikachu, and again to knock out his Flaffy, and he was hit by Electrike's Shock Wave for minor damage, and stopped by paralysis he caught from Pikachu's Static ability. Electrike used Thunder Fang for minor damage, then Seth won the battle with Leaf Blade once more. At the end of the battle, Seth grew to Lv. 51!

I cured Seth of his paralysis with my last Paralyze Heal, and knew I'd have some issues with that particular ability as seemingly every Pokemon here had it. I met the Gym Leader, Lt. Surge, who called me a little tyke, and told me it wasn't smart to challenge him, but it did take guts. I couldn't wait to shut this smug asshole up, and I knew he would go down against my team.

Lt. Surge sent out Raichu, and I sent out Seth. Both were Level 51, so I knew I had some difficulty ahead. Raichu used Shock Wave for minor damage, and Seth absorbed light. Raichu used Double Team to increase it's evasion, and it worked to avoid Seth's Solar Beam. I was hesitant to have Seth try a physical attack, but knew I needed to make the effort. Raichu used Thunder Wave, rendering my worry moot anyway, and then paralysis stopped him from attacking.

Raichu used Double Team again, but Seth used Leaf Blade against it for massive damage, and it barely clung on at the red. Lt. Surge used a Full Restore to heal Raichu up, and Seth was stopped by paralysis again. Raichu used Double Team again, and Seth hit it with Sludge Bomb for great damage, but no poison. Raichu used Shock Wave again for good damage, then Seth was stopped by paralysis again.

I decided to take a page out of Lt. Surge's book, and gave Seth a Full Restore to heal him up and cure him of paralysis. Raichu used Shock Wave again for good damage, and then another Shock Wave for good damage, before Seth hit it with Leaf Blade to knock it out!

I kept Seth in the fight when Lt. Surge sent out Electrode, and Electrode used Double Team to increase evasion before Seth absorbed light. Electrode used Double Team again, but it was ineffective as Seth hit it with Solar Beam for massive damage, and it was a critical hit that knocked Electrode out cold!

Electabuzz was sent out next, and it was even stronger than Raichu. Electabuzz used Light Screen to raise it's special defense, but it didn't do anything against Seth's Leaf Blade, which did massive damage before Electabuzz used a Sitrus Berry to regain some health. Electabuzz hit Seth with Shock Wave for good damage, then Seth used Leaf Blade to knock it out!

Another Electrode was sent out next, and it used Double Team to increase evasion, and so Seth missed with Leaf Blade. Electrode used Charge Beam next for good damage, then Seth countered with Leaf Blade for massive damage, though he was also paralyzed by Electrode's Static ability. I decided that Seth had done enough, and that the others would want in on the action.

I sent out Samuel, and Lt. Surge used a Full Restore to heal Electrode, but at least the Light Screen wore off. Electrode missed with Screetch, then Samuel hit it with Close Combat for massive damage that knocked it out instantly! Samuel was paralyzed by the Static ability, but he grew to Level 52!

Magneton was sent out last, and I was doubly glad to have Samuel already in the fight. Magneton used Double Team to increase it's evasion, but Samuel hit it with Flame Wheel for massive damage, and it just clung on in the red. Lt. Surge used a Full Restore to heal Magneton, then Samuel hit it with Close Combat for massive damage and an instant knock out!

Lt. Surge had lost against my team and I, and I was glad to have wiped the smirk off his face. I'm a  Pokemon League Champion, in Hoenn, Sinnoh, and now Johto, and I wasn't about to lose with this team to some upstart soldier parading around as a Gym Leader! I received the Thunder Badge from Lt. Surge, and TM34 (Shock Wave) before he told me to head north to Saffron City.

I healed my team before I started north, proud of Seth in particular for his strength during this challenge. I knew we were ready for anything the future might hold!

Current Team:

Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 51)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 50)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 51)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 52)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 50)

Pokemon SoulSilver - A cruise to Kanto

After relaxing for a week, I found myself back home, in my room. I went downstairs and met with Mom, who told me Professor Elm had something to give me. I left my house and visited Professor Elm's lab, and he handed over an S.S. Ticket to go to Kanto, aboard the Fast Ship S.S. Aqua docked at Olivine City. Elm asked me to give Oak his regards before I left, and Flew off to Olivine City.

I went south to the Olivine City docks, and I met Professor Oak there. He told me I was starting to have the attitude of a Champion, and that it was time for my Pokedex to match who I am. Oak upgraded my Pokedex with National Mode, and now I could accurately record my Pokemon from Hoenn and Sinnoh as well as any others I might come across!

Professor Oak trusted me to do my best to fill the National Pokedex, then remembered he needed to record a radio show at Goldenrod Radio Tower. Before he left, Professor Oak told me to drop by his Pokemon Research Lab at Pallet Town.

I talked to the sailor at the entrance to the boat, and I showed him the S.S. Ticket, and he moved aside to let me board. Before I could take a step though, I heard my Pokegear ringing. I received a call from Baoba, Warden of the Safari Zone. He informed me he thought up a new way to play, called Object Arrangement. Baoba told me he would give me more details at the Safari Zone, and I knew I'd have to visit later.

I boarded the ship as the last passenger, and the S.S. Aqua set sail. Suddenly I was toppled over as an old man ran into me. He excused himself, saying that he was in a hurry. He explained that his granddaughter was missing, and to let him know if I found her. I decided that my priority before anything else would be to find his granddaughter.

Before I could start looking, I got a call from Mom, who told me she had an item waiting for me at the next Poke' Mart. I went looking through the ship for that little girl, and the first room I checked held a Firebreather who wanted to fight. He sent out Koffing, and I sent out Blake. Blake used Waterfall for massive damage, and knocked it out instantly. Another Koffing was sent out, and another Waterfall knocked it out. Flareon was sent out last, and Blake used Surf to knock it out and win the battle.

I left the room and was shown my own cabin, where I could rest my team after a few battles. I checked another room to find the crew's resting quarters. I left to check another room, empty, then I went to the other side of the floor to be informed by a sailor that most of the passengers were Trainers who were looking to fight in their cabins. I knew I'd have my work cut out for me as I kept looking for that little girl.

I explored a few cabins, got into some battles, and through it all Seth grew to Level 50. I soon found myself at the entrance to the engine room, but I was stopped by a Sailor who told me he had a coworker somewhere on the boat neglecting his responsibilities, and asked that I find him. I agreed, remembering a Sailor I saw sleeping in what I assumed were crew quarters.

I found the lazy Sailor, woke him up, and beat him in a battle caused by his irritation at being called out for sleeping on the job. He promised to get his act together and work hard, then ran off to the engine room. I came back there soon after and talked with the Sailor who had been guarding the entrance to the engine room, and he let me pass after telling me the lazy Sailor had come back and gotten yelled at for his slacking.

I got into another battle with a girl in the engine room, and I beat her quickly before I went up a ladder, and found the Captain's cabin. I went inside and found the little girl I was looking for had been pestering the Captain. I was going to bring her straight to her grandfather, but she wanted to play first. I agreed to a game of hide and seek, and she ran off to hide. The Captain thanked me for getting her out of there, he seemed too old to deal with little kids!

I soon found the little girl, then I brought her back to her grandfather, who was extremely grateful to me for finding her and playing with her too. He handed over a Metal Coat, and then the Captain announced over the intercom that we had arrived in Vermilion City in Kanto.

I left the boat and made my way across the docks, where I spotted Suicune again, who stared at me for a few moments before running across the water. Eusine was quick to appear, having missed Suicune once more, but he made note of a pattern to our sightings, that Suicine seemed to like water.

I made it to Vermilion City, and I went straight to the Pokemon Center to heal my team before I would start exploring. A whole new league was ahead of me, and I hoped it would go more smoothly than the last!

Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 50)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 50)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 51)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 51)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 50)

Pokemon SoulSilver - The Elite Four

I had to get a lot of training done before I was finally ready to take on the Elite Four, but that wasn't all I had to do. I know from Hoenn that the Pokemon that fight at your side through the league aren't necessarily the same ones that will win you the Championship.

I looked at my team, and knew they weren't quite as varied in abilities as they should be, but one in particular wasn't as strong as I needed them to be. Lucas is a good Pokemon, he has helped me from the very beginning as Pidgey, and has done his best in every battle. Thanks to Lucas I was able to get the Fog Badge, and the Legendary Beasts, as well as to get around the Johto Region easily.

Unfortunately, Lucas doesn't shine in any stat except Speed, with a secondary in Attack, and unfortunately neither are quite at a level where he's able to do much. I decided to change up my team, and I grabbed Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 70) and went about training the rest of my team to around Level 50. I knew Rayquaza would be 20 levels above the most powerful Pokemon the Elite Four had to offer, and with both the power and speed to beat any enemy it might come across.

Through all the training, Seth learned Leaf Blade in place of Razor Leaf, and Samuel learned Fire Spin in place of Leer, but I turned down another couple attacks that I felt weren't going to be a good fit for my team. After days of training, I felt my team was ready. I couldn't wait to finish my journey through Johto and start on the next league.

My team consisted of:

Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 50)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 49)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 50)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 50)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 49)
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 70)

I wanted to start off with Blake, my starter from this region. I met Will, the first of the Elite Four, in an odd room with glass cubes floating all about. Will told me how he had trained his Psychic-type Pokemon all around the world, and that he'd finally been accepted into the Elite Four. He told me losing wasn't an option, but he was in for a rude awakening.

Will sent out Xatu, and I sent out Blake. Blake used Crunch for massive damage, and Xatu went down instantly. Jynx was sent out next, and Blake used Crunch to knock out Jynx too. Exeggutor was sent out third, and a Crunch from Blake did massive damage, but it clung on and used Psychic for great damage. Another Crunch from Blake knocked out Exeggutor.

Slowbro was sent out next, and Blake used Crunch for massive damage, then Slowbro used Curse to lower it's speed but raise it's attack and defense. Blake used Crunch again for great damage, then Slowbro used Psychic for good damage. Will used a Full Restore to heal Slowbro, then Blake used Crunch yet again for great damage.

I switched to Edward, then Slowbro used Curse again to raise it's attack and defense. Edward used Thunderbolt and did massive damage, and Slowbro was knocked out. I kept Edward in the fight when Xatu was sent out last, and he used Thunderbolt for massive damage, and Xatu went down instantly. With his last Pokemon knocked out, Will lost, and the first battle was over!

- - - - -

I moved on, and healed Blake before I switched Samuel for first position. I then talked to the second member of the Johto Elite Four, Koga. He bragged about the various status effects his team could cause, and told me that Pokemon aren't only about brute force.

Koga sent out Ariados first, and I sent out Samuel. Samuel used Flame Wheel for massive damage, and Ariados went down. Crobat was up next, and I decided to let Claire have a shot against it. Claire used Shadow Ball for massive damage, then Crobat used a Sitrius Berry to heal a bit before it used Double Team to raise it's evasiveness. Claire missed with Shadow Ball, then Crobat used Wing Attack for good damage. Claire hit Crobat with Hypnosis, and it fell asleep, then Claire used Dream Eater to do massive damage and knock it out while healing herself fully.

Venomoth was sent out third, and I sent out Samuel against it. Samuel used Flame Wheel for massive damage, and it went down instantly like Ariados did. Forretress was sent out next, and I kept Samuel out to fight it. Forretress used Protect, and thus avoided damage by Flame Wheel. Samuel was able to hit it with Flame Wheel afterwards for massive damage, and it was knocked out.

I decided to send Claire out against Koga's final Pokemon, Muk. Claire used Hypnosis to put Muk to sleep, then she used Dream Eater for massive damage, but Muk clung on and woke up to use Minimize to increase it's evasiveness, then Muk used Black Sludge to heal. Koga used a Full Restore to heal Muk fully, then Claire missed with Shadow Ball. Claire missed with Hypnosis after, and Muk used Minimize again. I knew that I would have a tough fight ahead if things kept up like this.

Claire managed to hit Muk with Hypnosis again, then she used Dream Eater for massive damage, a critical hit that managed to knock out Muk. Koga was out of Pokemon, and with that I won the second battle! Koga admitted defeat, and that he hit my Pokemon with everything he could. I moved on, ready to fight the next battle.

- - - - -

The third member of the Elite Four was Bruno, a master of Fighting-Type Pokemon. He told me he always trained to the extreme because he believed in the potential of his Pokemon. I was ready for his strength, and he could see that. He claimed I would bow down to his overwhelming power, but I knew better.

I sent Claire out against his first Pokemon, Hitmontop. Claire used Shadow Ball for massive damage, then Hitmontop burrowed it's way underground. I had Claire use Destiny Bond, then Hitmontop attempted to use Dig, but Claire's ability, Levitate, stops all Ground-Type moves from hurting her! Claire used Shadow Ball again and knocked out Hitmontop.

Hitmonlee was sent out next, and I kept Claire in the fight. Claire used Hypnosis and put Hitmonlee to sleep, then she used Dream Eater for a one-hit KO. Hitmonchan was sent out next, and I kept Claire in the fight. Claire missed with Hypnosis, and got hit by Ice Punch for great damage, but then Claire managed to hit Hitmonchan with another Hypnosis, and then Dream Eater did massive damage and healed Claire.

Hitmonchan was still asleep, but was woken up when Bruno used Full Restore to heal it fully. Claire hit it with Shadow Ball for massive damage afterward, meaning most of the health it regained was lost. Claire used Shadow Ball again to knock out Hitmonchan, then she grew to Level 50.

Onix was sent out next, and I sent Seth out against it. Seth used Leaf Blade and Onix was knocked out instantly, then Machamp was sent out next, and I decided to send out Rayquaza. Rayquaza flew up high, then Machamp used Revenge for minor damage, before it was hit by Fly for massive damage, and so Bruno's last Pokemon was knocked out.

Bruno accepted his defeat, and realized he had no right to say anything about it. He told me to go face my next challenge, and I was all too glad to do so. I was happy to see all my hard work, all the training my Pokemon went through, had paid off with fairly easy battles up until this point!

- - - - -

The last member of the Elite Four was in a dark room with large crystals growing near the entrance. She introduced herself as Karen, and told me she loved Dark-Type Pokemon. Karen told me she was known for overpowering tactics. I knew I was up to the challenge, and the battle started.

I sent out Samuel, while Karen sent out Umbreon. Samuel used Close Combat for massive damage, and knocked out Umbreon in a single blow. Samuel's defense and special defense both went down, but he grew to level 51!

Murkrow was sent out next, and I sent out Edward against it. Edward used Thunderbolt on Murkrow for massive damage, and it was knocked out in instantly. Houndoom was sent out next, and I sent Samuel to battle it. Samuel used Close Combat for massive damage, and it was knocked out instantly as well, though his defense and special defense both went down further.

Gengar was the fourth of Karen's Pokemon, and I decided to send Claire out against it. Claire used Shadow Ball for massive damage, and Karen's Gengar was knocked out in a single blow. Vileplume was sent out last, and I sent Samuel out to fight against it. Samuel used Flame Wheel for massive damage, and Vileplume clung on to use Stun Spore to paralyze Samuel.

Karen used a Full Restore to heal Vileplume, and then Samuel missed with Fire Spin. Vileplume used Petal Dance for good damage, then Samuel hit it with Flame Wheel for massive damage. Vileplume clung on, and used Petal Dance for good damage, before Samuel ended the fight with another Flame Wheel. Karen's last Pokemon fell, and I was victorious once more!

Karen commented on the views of Pokemon being strong or weak, saying how that was only the selfish perception of people. She told me that skilled Trainers should try to win with their most beloved Pokemon, and for the most part I agreed, though I knew I had switched out Lucas for Rayquaza for this fight. Karen told me she liked my style, that I understood what was important, then told me to go on and fight the Champion.

- - - - -

I continued on, and found myself in a golden room with statues nearby and gears moving in the walls. I thought it was a bit much, but I guess if you're the Champion you can do whatever you want... I was surprised when I went up and found Lance waiting for me!

Lance told me he had been waiting for me, that he knew I would eventually reach him. He told me that there was no need for words, that battle would determine which of us was stronger. I was ready, this was why I brought along Rayquaza!

Lance sent out Gyarados, and I sent out Rayquaza, but his attack was cut by Gyarados' Intimidate ability. Rayquaza used Dragon Claw for massive damage, then Gyarados used Ice Fang for great damage. Lance used a Full Restore to heal Gyarados, then Rayquaza hit it with Dragon Claw for massive damage. Rayquaza went high, and avoided another Ice Fang, then it hit Gyarados hard with Fly to knock it out!

Dragonite was sent out next, and I kept Rayquaza in the fight. Rayquaza used Dragon Claw for massive damage, and it went down instantly. Another Dragonite was sent out, and I kept Rayquaza out to fight it, with another Dragon Claw from Rayquaza to knock it out too.

Aerodactyl was sent out, and I sent out Blake against it. Blake's Bell activated and allowed him to hit Aerodactyl with Waterfall, and it's massive damaged knocked out Aerodactyl instantly. Blake grew to Level 51, and then I sent out Rayquaza again against Lance's next Pokemon, another Dragonite.

Rayquaza used Dragon Claw against Dragonite for massive damage, and it went down with a single blow. Rayquaza grew to Level 71, and then I decided to send Edward out against Lance's last Pokemon, Charizard.

Edward hit Charizard with Thunderbolt, and it did massive damage, but Charizard countered with Shadow Claw for great damage. Lance used a Full Restore to heal Charizard, then Edward used Thunder Punch for massive damage. Edward finished Charizard off with Thunderbolt, and the battle was over. I had beaten Lance, and become Champion of the Johto League!

Lance saw that I had become powerful, and told me that my Pokemon had responded to my strong and upstanding nature. Lance said that I would continue to grow strong with my Pokemon, and then the doors behind him opened, and a woman named Mary ran up with Professor Oak. Apparently they would have witnessed the battle, had Professor Oak slowed her down.

It had been some time since I had last talked to Professor Oak, and he told me I looked more impressive than last we talked. He complimented me on my conquest of the Johto League, and told me my dedication, trust and love for my Pokemon made this happen. Professor Oak told me that because my Pokemon believed in me as a Trainer, they persevered.

Mary wanted to interview me, but Lance told me it was getting too noisy, and asked that I come with him. I went in through the doors behind him, avoiding the interview for now, and I entered my information into the computer. Lance told me it had been a long time since he had been there, and told me I AND my team would be commemorated with the other League Champions for all eternity.

I am now Champion of the Hoenn, Sinnoh, AND Johto Leagues, and I've got a ways to go yet. Still, I'm glad to have achieved such an easy victory after so many difficulties getting to the Elite Four. I started to wonder about my team, if they were able to stand up to the power of the Elite Four, but fortunately hard work and good tactics won the Championship.

Current Team:

Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying, Lv. 71)
Seth (Victreebel, Grass/Poison, Lv. 49)
Edward (Electabuzz, Electric, Lv. 50)
Blake (Feraligatr, Water, Lv. 51)
Samuel (Infernape, Fire/Fighting, Lv. 51)
Claire (Gengar, Ghost/Poison, Lv. 50)