A Heart of Gold: A Pok?mon Story
Iridium - Part 5
Union Cave
If I'm honest, Union Cave is not the most pleasant place in the world. It's cold, dark and damp. But I sucked it up and soldiered on. I came across an intersection in the cave, one that headed down deeper into the cave and one which went towards Azalea Town. I was in no rush so decided to explore in the cave's basement.
There was a firebreather who challenged me to a battle with his Vulpix, which was bad choice considering I had Totodile. My Pokemon had the advantage and used it to win. Past him was the stairs that took you to the basement. There wasn't much to see down here, just some rocks and a giant body of water. It wasn't a complete waste of time. I caught a Sandshrew
[SANDSHREW | F | Lvl 6] and found
TM39 (Rock Tomb).
Back on the upper level and now heading in the right direction, there were a few hikers there, all keen for a battle. Their rock and ground-type Pokemon were powerless to compete against my Totodile and Bellsprout, with the type advantage coming in very handy. There was yet another firebreather, Bill, who wanted a battle. His two Koffing were tough and in the process, my Spearow was badly poisoned. Fortunately I was prepared and used an Antidote. All was well. Soon after a Zubat was caught
[ZUBAT | M | Lvl 5].
Towards the ends of the cave, a Poke Maniac lay in wait. He used a Slowpoke which didn't seem to do much other than look brain-dead. Mareep had little trouble in defeating it. Finally I was at the end of the damp, cold cave. I walked out the exit and right into....
Route 33
...the damp, cold rain. It was absolutely bucketing down. "Stupid weather', I thought to myself. I ran towards Azalea Town but not before I was stopped by a hiker who insisted on a battle. I wasn't really in the mood for it but I obliged. Totodile was loving the rain and his almost seemed to hit with more power, as the hiker's Geodude found out. Machop was up next and Spearow was much too nimble and agile for it.
As Azalea Town came into sight the rain stopped. There seemed to be some sort of confrontation near the town's well. Words were being exchanged between a man and another man in black clothing with a big 'R' on his shirt. The R-man violently shoved the other man to the ground. That's the first time I've ever seen an adult cry and wasn't pretty. I gave the R-man a wide berth and made for the Pokemon Centre.
Azalea Town
After healing my Pokemon, I made my way to the Gym, only to see that it was blocked by another man in black. After seeing what that other guy did, I decided I'd wait him out. I made my way over to Kurt's house. Kurt was a reowned maker of Pokeballs and being a trainer, it was definitely worth going to see him.
Kurt invited me into his home but was in no mood to discuss Pokeballs. Instead he rambled on about Team Rocket and how they were chopping off the tails of Slowpoke and selling them for money. I remembered the men in black clothes and deduced that they must be part of Team Rocket. All of a sudden, Kurt announced he was going to teach Team Rocket a lesson and shot out the door, leaving his granddaughter on her own. How irresponsible! I hastily apologised and ran after Kurt.
Slowpoke Well
I chased Kurt all the way back to the well I had passed earlier, called Slowpoke Well. I clambered down into the well to find Kurt writhing in pain on the bottom. Seems as though he fell in and hurt his back. Instead of asking for an ambulance, he asked that I go in and take care of Team Rocket. And instead of calling the police, I decided to face the criminal organisation with my Pokemon.
The first three Rocket trainers were obviously Grunts, due to their weak Pokemon and poor battling. Their Rattatas, Zubats and Ekans' were tossed aside by my Totodile, Geodude and Mareep. At the back of the well, there were a few Slowpoke, all with their tails missing. They didn't seem to be in pain as they had the same dopey look they always have. There was one last Rocket there, and he seemed different. Turns out he was in charge here.
-Rocket Executive Proton-
V
Iridium v Proton
v
Proton seemed to be an executive within the Rocket Ranks. He mentioned he had a reputation of being the meanest and cruellest guy in Team Rocket. He gave me an option not to interfere, but I declined.
He sent out a Zubat. I was a bit disappointed as I thought that being an executive would entitle you to some better Pokemon. I sent out Mareep and one ThunderShock was enough to take it down. Proton seemed to be taken aback at how easily his Zubat was beaten but quickly regained his composure and sent out Koffing.
This Koffing was a lot tougher, so Totodile was sent in. Totodile was doing a great job but Koffing then used Poison Gas, weakening Totodile. I tried to recall Totodile but he wanted to fight on. I rummaged through my bag but found that the Antidote I used on Spearow in Union Cave was the only one I had. Totodile dug deep and a few Water Gun's later, hit its mark and Koffing was gone.
Iridium defeated Executive Proton
Totodile - 292 exp
Mareep - 91 exp
$480
Proton was clearly not happy about this loss. He explained that Team Rocket was broken up three years ago but that they continued their activities underground. He fired a warning to me and left with his crew. Kurt came through after they had left and advised we head back to his place.
Azalea Town
Kurt was thankful to me for my help in kicking Team Rocket out of the Well and Azalea Town. He said he would be glad to make Pokeballs for me and gave me a Fast Ball as a reward. One of the Slowpokes from the well belonged to his granddaughter and amazingly it's tail had grown back.
I rushed Totodile to the Pokemon Centre to cure it from its poisoning. Totodile looked great after the treatment and was brimming with health.
With all my preparations done, it was time to get my second Gym badge.
Summary
Pokemon obtained
Pokedex
Seen: 30 | Obatained: 14
Badges
Party
Totodile - Lvl 17
Spearow - Lvl 11
Geodude - Lvl 13
Mareep - Lvl 13
Bellsprout - Lvl 8
Egg
Credit for pictures go to Marriland and Bulbapedia.