Andrew walked the familiar path from Viridian City toward Pallet Town, his team resting in their Pokéballs except for Pikachu and Gabite. The dragon-type had been out of his ball more often lately, slowly adjusting to freedom and companionship after his traumatic experience with Team Galactic.
Gabite walked close to Andrew's side, occasionally glancing up at his trainer as if to confirm he was still there, still safe.
"We're almost to Professor Oak's lab," Andrew said, reaching down to pat Gabite's head. The dragon-type leaned into the touch—a gesture that would have been impossible just weeks ago. "I want him to meet you properly. And I need to talk to him about… everything."
Seven badges gleamed in his case. Seven hard-fought victories. But the weight of what came next pressed on his mind.
Viridian Gym. Giovanni. The leader of Team Rocket.
Andrew knew from his previous life that Giovanni was one of the most powerful trainers in Kanto, specializing in Ground-types. But more than that—he was cunning, strategic, and had been personally interested in Andrew ever since the Silph Co. incident.
This wouldn't be just a gym battle. It would be a test.
Professor Oak's Lab - Arrival
The lab stood on the hill overlooking Pallet Town, just as Andrew remembered from his first visit. He approached the entrance and knocked.
The door opened to reveal Professor Gary Oak, looking tired but pleased to see him.
"Andrew," Gary greeted warmly. "Come in. I've been expecting you."
Andrew entered the lab, releasing his entire team. Pikachu, Charizard, Ivysaur, Gengar, Greninja, and Gabite all emerged, filling the lab's main area.
Gary's eyes immediately went to Greninja. "So Frogadier evolved during the Team Galactic incident. And with excellent timing, from what I heard in the reports."
"The bond between us deepened during that battle," Andrew explained. "I could feel what he was feeling. It was like… we were fighting as one."
"That's the foundation of the Bond Phenomenon," Gary confirmed. "You're getting close, Andrew. Very close." He then looked at Gabite, who stayed pressed against Andrew's leg. "And this is the Gabite you rescued."
"Yeah," Andrew said, kneeling beside the dragon-type. "Team Galactic had been experimenting on him. Trying to force evolution. He was terrified when I found him."
Gary's expression darkened. "Forced evolution experiments. That's barbaric." He studied Gabite carefully. "But he's bonded with you now. That's remarkable progress for a traumatized Pokémon."
"It took time," Andrew said. "But he's part of the team now."
Gary nodded. "Speaking of your team—you've come a long way since you started. Seven badges. Six Pokémon, all with strong bonds. You're ready for the Pokémon League, Andrew."
"But first, Viridian Gym," Andrew said quietly.
The room went silent.
Gary's expression became serious. "Giovanni."
"You know it's him."
"I've known for years," Gary admitted. "Giovanni—Gym Leader of Viridian City and secret leader of Team Rocket. The League has suspected it, but we've never had concrete proof. He's too careful, too well-protected."
"So when I battle him…"
"You'll be facing one of the most dangerous trainers in Kanto," Gary said bluntly. "He's not just strong, Andrew. He's strategic, ruthless, and he's been watching you specifically since Silph Co. This gym battle won't be like the others."
Andrew felt his team shift around him, responding to the tension in the room.
"I know," Andrew said. "But I have to do this. For the badge, and because… because someone needs to stand up to him."
Gary walked over to his desk and pulled out a folder. "I've been compiling information. Giovanni's battle style, his known Pokémon, his strategies. I want you to study this before you challenge him."
He handed the folder to Andrew. "His team is primarily Ground-types—Rhyhorn, Rhydon, Nidoking, Nidoqueen, and his ace: Rhyperior. All powerful, all highly trained. He favors overwhelming physical attacks and brute force, but he's also capable of complex strategies when needed."
Andrew opened the folder, studying the information. Photos of Giovanni's Pokémon, battle records, tactical analyses.
"Water, Grass, and Ice moves will be your best options," Gary continued. "But don't underestimate him. He's been a Gym Leader for decades. He knows how to counter type advantages."
"What about afterward?" Andrew asked. "If I beat him, if I get the badge—what happens then?"
Gary was quiet for a moment. "That depends on Giovanni. He might respect your strength and let you go to the League. Or he might see you as too much of a threat to Team Rocket's operations and act accordingly. Either way, be prepared for anything."
Andrew nodded, absorbing the weight of what Gary was telling him.
Training Session - Oak's Research Field
"Before you face Giovanni," Gary said, leading Andrew outside to the lab's training field, "I want to see your team in action. Show me what you've developed."
Andrew released his entire team, and they spread across the field.
"Let's start with Greninja," Gary said. "I want to see the techniques you've been working on."
Andrew nodded. "Greninja, show Professor Oak what we learned from Master Koga. Stealth mode."
Greninja seemed to melt into the shadows despite the bright daylight. His form became difficult to focus on, blending with the environment.
"Impressive," Gary noted. "The ninja training clearly took hold."
"Now, Shunshin!"
Greninja vanished completely and reappeared twenty feet away in an instant. The speed was incredible.
"That's the technique you created," Gary said, fascinated. "Combining Quick Attack with stealth principles. That's innovative, Andrew."
"Water Shuriken!"
Greninja formed the signature shuriken on his back and hurled it. The attack struck a training dummy with devastating force.
"Excellent control and power," Gary observed. "Greninja's evolution has brought out tremendous potential."
"Charizard, your turn!" Andrew called.
The dragon roared and took to the air.
"Dragon Dance!"
Charizard performed the ancient ritual, his speed and power increasing visibly.
"Follow up with Dragon Claw!"
Charizard's claws glowed with draconic energy as he struck a reinforced target. The impact created a small crater.
"You've been training that combination," Gary noted. "Dragon Dance into offensive moves. Smart—it turns Charizard into an escalating threat."
"And we've been working on something else," Andrew said. "Charizard, Blast Burn!"
Charizard unleashed the devastating fire attack. The explosion was massive, shaking the ground.
"Now, immediately into Flamethrower!"
This was the theory Andrew had discussed with Ash—Blast Burn Cancel. Normally, Blast Burn required a recharge period. But if Charizard could immediately follow up with another move…
Charizard strained, flames erupting from his mouth even as his body tried to lock up from Blast Burn's recoil. The Flamethrower was weaker than normal, but it fired.
Gary's eyes widened. "You're attempting to bypass Blast Burn's recharge?"
"We're not there yet," Andrew admitted. "But we're getting closer. Eventually, Charizard should be able to chain attacks without the mandatory rest period."
"That would be revolutionary," Gary said. "No one's successfully executed that technique consistently. If you can master it…"
"It'll give us an edge against powerful opponents," Andrew finished.
They continued training, with each team member demonstrating their abilities:
Ivysaur showed mastery of Solar Beam and precise Vine Whip control.
Gengar demonstrated the multi-projectile Shadow Ball technique and perfect timing on detonations.
Pikachu executed the Chidori with incredible precision, the spiraling electricity concentrated into a piercing lance.
Gabite was still learning, but showed promise with Dragon Claw and Dig.
After an hour of demonstrations, Gary called them to stop.
"Your team is strong, Andrew. Very strong. You've developed custom techniques that give you advantages most trainers don't have. But Giovanni has decades of experience. Don't let confidence become overconfidence."
"I understand," Andrew said.
Gary placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm proud of you. When you started this journey, you were talented but inexperienced. Now you're becoming a trainer who could genuinely compete at the highest levels. Your parents would be incredibly proud."
Andrew felt emotion well up. "Thank you, Professor."
That Evening - Dinner at Oak's Lab
Gary had invited Andrew to stay for dinner, and they sat in the lab's kitchen area with Andrew's team resting nearby.
"Tell me about your plans after the League," Gary said. "Assuming you qualify—which I believe you will—what comes next?"
"I want to challenge all the regional leagues," Andrew said. "Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar. I want to experience everything, become stronger, and eventually…"
"Return Ash's hat to him at the World Tournament," Gary finished with a knowing smile.
"Yeah," Andrew confirmed, touching the brim of the iconic cap. "That's the goal."
"It's a worthy one," Gary said. "Ash did the same thing—traveled every region, challenged every league. That journey made him who he is. It'll do the same for you."
They ate in comfortable silence for a moment before Gary spoke again.
"Andrew, I need to tell you something. After you defeat Giovanni—and I believe you will—things are going to change. Team Rocket will know you're a serious threat. They may try to interfere with your League challenge. They may go after your parents to get to you. You need to be prepared for escalation."
Andrew's jaw tightened. "I won't let them hurt my family."
"Your parents can handle themselves—they were Team Rocket operatives for years. But they need to know the danger. Call them tonight. Warn them."
Andrew nodded. "I will."
"And one more thing," Gary said seriously. "When you face Giovanni, don't reveal everything your team can do. Hold back some techniques, some strategies. If he reports your full capabilities to Team Rocket's upper leadership, you lose the element of surprise for future encounters."
"You think there will be future encounters?"
"I think Team Rocket's plans are bigger than we know," Gary said grimly. "Silph Co. was just one piece. The coordination with Team Galactic suggests something larger is brewing. You've already made yourself a target by stopping their operations. This won't end with one gym battle."
Andrew processed this, the weight of what lay ahead settling on his shoulders.
"But that's tomorrow's problem," Gary said, his tone lightening slightly. "Tonight, rest. Spend time with your team. Tomorrow, you can travel to Viridian City and prepare for the battle."
Video Call Home - Late Evening
Andrew sat in the guest room Gary had provided, his Pokédex open with a video call connecting.
James and Jessie appeared on screen, Meowth visible behind them.
"Andrew!" Jessie said warmly. "We heard you got your seventh badge! Congratulations!"
"Thanks, Mom," Andrew said. "But I need to talk to you about something serious."
Their expressions shifted immediately, recognizing his tone.
"What's wrong?" James asked.
"My next gym battle is at Viridian City," Andrew said. "Against Giovanni."
The color drained from both their faces.
"Giovanni," Jessie whispered. "He's still the Gym Leader there?"
"And still leading Team Rocket," Andrew confirmed. "Professor Oak says I need to warn you—after I battle him, things might escalate. Team Rocket might come after you to get to me."
James and Jessie exchanged glances, something unspoken passing between them.
"We left Team Rocket years ago," James said quietly. "But we always knew there might be consequences. Giovanni doesn't forgive betrayal easily."
"We can handle ourselves," Jessie added firmly. "We've been preparing for this possibility. But Andrew—you need to be careful. Giovanni is dangerous. Not just as a trainer, but as a person. He's ruthless."
"I know," Andrew said. "But I have to do this. For the badge, and because he needs to be stopped."
Meowth leaned into frame. "Kid, your old man and I worked for Giovanni for years. He ain't like the other gym leaders. He don't just battle—he dominates. And if he sees you as a threat to Team Rocket…"
"I understand the risks," Andrew said. "But I'm not backing down."
Jessie smiled, tears in her eyes. "That's our boy. Just… promise us you'll be smart about it. Don't take unnecessary risks."
"I promise."
"And Andrew?" James said. "Whatever happens during that battle—we're proud of you. You've become everything we hoped you'd be and more."
"Thanks, Dad. I love you guys."
"We love you too," they said in unison.
After the call ended, Andrew sat with his team, all of them sensing his contemplative mood.
Greninja sat beside him, their bond allowing the water-type to sense his trainer's mixture of determination and concern.
"Tomorrow we head to Viridian City," Andrew said to his team. "The day after, we challenge Giovanni for the eighth badge. This is it—the final gym battle before the Pokémon League."
His team responded with various sounds of determination—Charizard's roar, Pikachu's spark, Greninja's focused nod, Gengar's mischievous grin, Ivysaur's confident stance, and Gabite's growl.
"We've trained hard," Andrew continued. "We've grown together. We've faced impossible odds and come out stronger. Giovanni is powerful, but we're ready. We fight together, we trust each other, and we don't give up. That's what makes us strong."
He looked at each of them. "Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow we prepare. And then… we show the leader of Team Rocket what we're capable of."
The Next Morning - Departure
Andrew stood outside Professor Oak's lab, his team ready, his resolve hardened.
Gary walked him to the gate. "Remember everything we discussed. Study that folder. Use type advantages but don't rely on them exclusively. And most importantly—trust your bonds with your Pokémon. That's your greatest strength."
"I will," Andrew promised.
"And Andrew?" Gary smiled slightly. "Good luck. I'll be watching the battle—gym battles at this level are recorded. Show everyone what you're capable of."
Andrew adjusted Ash's cap on his head, a reminder of the promise he'd made and the trainer he aspired to become.
"I will. Thank you for everything, Professor."
He began the walk back toward Viridian City, his final gym challenge waiting.
The storm was coming.
But Andrew was ready to face it.
Meanwhile - Viridian City Gym
Giovanni sat in his private office within the Viridian Gym, reviewing reports on his desk. Photos of Andrew at various gym battles, intelligence reports on his team composition, analyses of his custom techniques.
A knock at the door.
"Enter," Giovanni said calmly.
A Team Rocket operative entered, bowing. "Sir, our scouts confirm the trainer Andrew is returning to Viridian City. He'll likely challenge the gym within the next few days."
"Good," Giovanni said, studying a photo of Andrew standing with his Greninja. "James and Jessie's son. The boy who's disrupted our operations at Silph Co., the Game Corner, and interfered with our arrangement with Team Galactic. He's proven to be… persistently problematic."
"Should we eliminate him before he reaches the gym?" the operative asked.
"No," Giovanni said firmly. "He's coming for his eighth badge. I'll give it to him—if he's strong enough to earn it. I want to see firsthand what makes this boy such a threat to our organization."
He closed the folder, his expression unreadable. "Prepare the gym battlefield. Full regulations, no interference. I want a legitimate battle."
"And if he wins?"
Giovanni's eyes were cold. "Then we'll know exactly how dangerous he truly is. And we'll act accordingly. Either way, this meeting will be… enlightening."
The operative bowed and left.
Giovanni returned to studying Andrew's file, a slight smile playing at his lips.
"So, Andrew. Son of traitors. Disruptor of operations. Let's see if you're truly as formidable as the reports suggest. Or if you're simply a talented child playing at being a hero."
He pressed a button on his desk. "Prepare my team. I want them at peak condition. This battle deserves my full attention."
Outside his window, Viridian City bustled with normal activity, unaware that one of the most significant gym battles in years was about to take place.
The final badge.
The final test.
And afterward, everything would change.