Andrew stood outside the Viridian Gym, staring up at the imposing building. Unlike the other gyms he'd challenged, this one felt different—darker, more foreboding. The architecture was sharp and angular, designed to intimidate.
His team was with him—Pikachu on his shoulder, the others in their Pokéballs. They'd spent the last three days training, preparing, studying Giovanni's battle style from the folder Professor Oak had given him.
Ground-types. Overwhelming power. Strategic brutality.
Andrew took a deep breath and pushed open the doors.
Inside Viridian Gym
The interior was stark—industrial lighting, a professional battlefield with reinforced flooring, and stadium seating that was currently empty except for a few gym trainers who served as witnesses and referees.
At the far end of the battlefield stood Giovanni.
He was exactly as Andrew remembered from the Silph Co. broadcast—tall, imposing, wearing an immaculate suit. His expression was calm, calculating, and when his eyes met Andrew's, there was recognition and assessment.
"Andrew," Giovanni said, his voice smooth and authoritative. "Son of James and Jessie. The trainer who's been disrupting Team Rocket operations across Kanto. Welcome to Viridian Gym."
Andrew walked forward, meeting Giovanni's gaze steadily. "I'm here to challenge you for the Earth Badge."
"I assumed as much," Giovanni replied. "You've collected seven badges. This is your final test before the Pokémon League. Tell me—do you know who I am? Beyond the gym leader title?"
Andrew hesitated, then decided honesty was better than pretense. "You're the leader of Team Rocket."
Giovanni's eyebrow raised slightly. "So you know. And yet you still came."
"I came for the badge I earned," Andrew said firmly. "And because someone needs to stand up to what Team Rocket does—hurting Pokémon, exploiting people, treating living beings like tools."
"Noble sentiments," Giovanni said. "Your parents said similar things when they left my organization. I respected their decision then, and I respect your conviction now. But respect doesn't mean agreement." He gestured to the battlefield. "This will be a six-on-six battle. Full intensity. I will not hold back, and I expect the same from you."
"You'll get it," Andrew promised.
The referee—a gym trainer—stepped forward. "This is an official gym challenge! Gym Leader Giovanni versus Challenger Andrew! Six Pokémon each! The battle ends when all of one trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue! Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"
Round One: Greninja vs Dugtrio
"Dugtrio, establish dominance," Giovanni commanded.
The three-headed Ground-type emerged, its heads moving in perfect synchronization.
"Greninja, let's start this!" Andrew called.
The water-type landed gracefully on the battlefield.
"Dugtrio, Earthquake!"
The entire gym shook violently. Greninja was thrown off balance but managed to stay upright.
"Water Shuriken!"
Greninja formed the shuriken and hurled it—super effective against Ground-types. The attack struck hard, and Dugtrio took significant damage.
"Dugtrio, Dig!"
The Ground-type burrowed underground, disappearing from sight.
"Greninja, listen for movement! Use your ninja training!"
Greninja closed his eyes, sensing vibrations through the ground. When Dugtrio burst from below, Greninja had already moved—using Shunshin to teleport-dodge.
"Water Pulse—into the hole!"
The water attack poured into Dugtrio's tunnel. Moments later, the Ground-type emerged, soaking wet and weakened.
"Finish it—Water Shuriken!"
The final attack struck. Dugtrio collapsed.
"Dugtrio is unable to battle!"
Giovanni recalled his Pokémon without expression. "Competent. But expected. Let's see how you handle this. Nidoqueen."
Round Two: Greninja vs Nidoqueen
The massive Poison-Ground type emerged, towering and intimidating.
"Nidoqueen, Ice Beam!"
Andrew's eyes widened—Giovanni had coverage moves. The ice attack struck Greninja, dealing heavy damage despite the type disadvantage.
"Greninja, Shunshin!"
Greninja vanished and reappeared behind Nidoqueen.
"Water Shuriken!"
But Nidoqueen was durable. The attack struck, but the Poison-Ground type endured.
"Superpower!"
Nidoqueen's fighting-type attack caught Greninja hard. The water-type was thrown across the battlefield.
"Greninja!" Andrew called.
His partner struggled to rise, badly hurt.
"One more Water Shuriken—everything you've got!"
Greninja formed the shuriken with trembling hands and threw it with all his remaining strength. The attack struck Nidoqueen's wound from the previous hit.
Both Pokémon collapsed simultaneously.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled Greninja. "You were incredible. Rest now."
Giovanni studied Andrew with increased interest. "Your Greninja's speed and technique are impressive. You've trained well. But durability wins long battles. Nidoking, your turn."
Round Three: Ivysaur vs Nidoking
"Ivysaur, I need you!"
The Grass-Poison type emerged, ready for battle.
"Nidoking, Megahorn!"
The Bug-type attack—super effective against Grass-types—came fast.
"Dodge with Vine Whip—swing!"
Ivysaur used his vines to vault over the attack.
"Solar Beam—start charging!"
"Nidoking, don't give him time! Thunder Punch!"
The electric attack struck Ivysaur, interrupting the charge and dealing significant damage.
"Ivysaur, Sludge Bomb!"
The Poison-type attack struck Nidoking, dealing decent damage despite the type resistance.
"Again—Thunder Punch!"
"Vine Whip—grab his arm!"
Ivysaur's vines wrapped around Nidoking's punching arm, stopping the attack.
"Now, Solar Beam at point-blank range!"
The grass-type energy gathered and fired directly into Nidoking's chest. The Poison-Ground type roared in pain and collapsed.
"Nidoking is unable to battle!"
But Ivysaur was badly hurt from the Thunder Punches.
Giovanni sent out his next Pokémon. "Rhyhorn, Rock Blast!"
Multiple rocks launched toward Ivysaur—super effective against Grass-types.
"Ivysaur, try to dodge—"
But Ivysaur was too slow. The rocks struck hard, and the Grass-Poison type went down.
"Ivysaur is unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled him. Three of Giovanni's Pokémon down, two of Andrew's.
Round Four: Charizard vs Rhyhorn
"Charizard, you're up!"
The dragon roared, flames blazing intensely.
"Rhyhorn, Rock Blast!"
"Fly up and counter with Flamethrower!"
Charizard took to the air, avoiding the rocks and unleashing fire. But Rhyhorn's Rock-Ground typing made it highly resistant to Fire-type moves.
"Rhyhorn, Stone Edge!"
Sharp rocks shot upward toward Charizard—super effective against Flying-types.
"Dodge and use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard weaved through the rocks and dove, his claws glowing with draconic energy. The super-effective attack struck Rhyhorn hard. The Rock-Ground type staggered.
"Dragon Dance!"
Charizard performed the ancient ritual, boosting his speed and attack power.
"Rhyhorn, Earthquake!"
But Charizard was airborne—Earthquake couldn't reach him.
"Dragon Claw again!"
This time, boosted by Dragon Dance, the attack was devastating. Rhyhorn collapsed.
"Rhyhorn is unable to battle!"
Giovanni's expression remained calm, but Andrew could see respect in his eyes. "Rhydon, show them evolution's power."
Round Five: Charizard vs Rhydon
The evolved form of Rhyhorn emerged—larger, more powerful, with a drill-like horn.
"Rhydon, Stone Edge!"
Sharp rocks launched at incredible speed.
"Dodge and Dragon Claw!"
But Rhydon was faster than its pre-evolution. Some rocks struck Charizard's wing, damaging it.
"Rhydon, Horn Drill!"
The instant-KO move came fast.
"Charizard, blast it away with Fire Blast!"
The star-shaped fire attack struck Rhydon, pushing it back and preventing Horn Drill from connecting.
"Now, while it's recovering—Dragon Claw!"
Charizard's boosted attack struck hard, but Rhydon's incredible defense absorbed much of the damage.
"Megahorn!"
The Bug-type attack caught Charizard as he tried to retreat. The dragon crashed to the ground hard.
"Charizard!" Andrew called.
His partner struggled to rise, wing damaged, breathing labored.
"One more attack," Andrew said. "Dragon Claw—give it everything!"
Charizard roared and charged, claws blazing with draconic energy. The attack struck Rhydon with all of Charizard's remaining strength.
Both Pokémon collapsed.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled Charizard, pressing the Pokéball to his chest. "You were amazing."
Giovanni recalled Rhydon. "Your Charizard's determination is admirable. But we're not done yet. Rhyperior—my ace."
Round Six: Pikachu vs Rhyperior (Brief)
The massive Ground-Rock type emerged—Rhydon's final evolution, towering and covered in armor-like plating. This was Giovanni's strongest Pokémon.
"Pikachu, I need you!"
The mouse Pokémon leaped onto the battlefield, electricity crackling.
"Rhyperior, Stone Edge!"
Massive rocks launched toward Pikachu.
"Quick Attack to dodge—then Thunderbolt!"
But Ground-types were immune to Electric-type moves. The electricity dispersed harmlessly.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
The Steel-type move struck Rhyperior, but the massive Pokémon barely felt it.
"Rhyperior, Rock Wrecker!"
The devastating Rock-type attack—Rhyperior's signature move—launched like a cannon. Pikachu couldn't dodge in time.
The attack struck with overwhelming force. Pikachu was thrown across the battlefield and crashed down, unconscious.
"Pikachu is unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled his partner, jaw tight. Three Pokémon left against Giovanni's ace.
Round Seven: Gengar vs Rhyperior
"Gengar, you're up!"
The ghost-type emerged, grinning mischievously.
"Rhyperior, Stone Edge!"
"Phase through it!"
Gengar became intangible, the rocks passing through harmlessly.
"Shadow Ball barrage!"
Gengar created eight Shadow Balls and fired them simultaneously. The ghost-type attacks struck Rhyperior—Ghost moves were neutrally effective, and the sheer number of projectiles dealt solid damage.
"Rhyperior, Earthquake!"
The ground shook violently. Gengar, being a Ghost-type that floated, was less affected but still took some damage from the shockwave.
"Gengar, Sludge Bomb!"
The Poison-type attack struck, but Rhyperior's massive bulk absorbed it.
"Rhyperior, Megahorn!"
The Bug-type attack caught Gengar before he could phase out. The ghost-type was struck hard and fell.
"Gengar is unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled him. Two Pokémon left—Gabite and one more that hadn't battled yet.
Wait. Andrew counted mentally. He'd used Greninja, Ivysaur, Charizard, Pikachu, and Gengar. That was five.
He still had Gabite.
But Gabite was still recovering, still learning to trust battle situations after his trauma with Team Galactic.
Andrew looked at Giovanni, then at Gabite's Pokéball.
"Gabite," Andrew said quietly, "I need you. I know you're scared. I know battles remind you of what Team Galactic did. But I trust you. And I need you to trust me. Can you do this?"
The Pokéball shook slightly in his hand—Gabite responding even from inside.
Andrew threw it. "Gabite, let's show them what we're made of!"
Round Eight: Gabite vs Rhyperior
Gabite emerged, and for a moment, Andrew saw fear in his partner's eyes. The dragon-type looked at the massive Rhyperior and trembled.
"It's okay, Gabite," Andrew said gently but firmly. "I'm right here. We're together. Remember—you're not alone anymore."
Gabite looked back at Andrew, and something in the dragon's expression hardened. He turned to face Rhyperior, fear being replaced by determination.
"Rhyperior, Stone Edge!"
"Gabite, Dig!"
Gabite burrowed underground, the rocks missing. From below, he struck Rhyperior's legs—super effective Ground-type attack against the Rock-Ground type.
Rhyperior stumbled but didn't fall.
"Gabite, Dragon Claw!"
Gabite's claws glowed with draconic energy as he struck. The super-effective attack dealt serious damage.
"Rhyperior, Earthquake!"
The ground shook. Gabite, being a Ground-type himself, resisted the attack partially but still took damage.
"Gabite, you're doing great! Dragon Claw again!"
Gabite struck again, his confidence growing with each successful attack.
"Rhyperior, Rock Wrecker!"
The massive rock attack launched. Gabite tried to dodge but was caught by the edge of the blast. The dragon-type was thrown backward, badly hurt.
"Gabite!" Andrew called.
The dragon-type struggled to stand. He was exhausted, hurt, but his eyes burned with determination. He'd come too far, trusted too much, to give up now.
And then Gabite's body began to glow.
Andrew's eyes widened. "Gabite…?"
The light intensified, enveloping the dragon-type. His form grew larger, more powerful. Wings erupted from his back. When the light faded, Garchomp stood there—a powerful Dragon-Ground type, fully evolved.
"Garchomp!" the newly evolved Pokémon roared, his voice deeper and filled with newfound power.
Giovanni's eyes widened slightly—the first real surprise Andrew had seen from him.
"Evolution during battle," Giovanni said. "Your bond with that Garchomp must be incredibly strong for it to overcome its trauma and evolve."
"We trust each other," Andrew said simply. "Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"
Garchomp moved with incredible speed—far faster than Gabite had been—and struck Rhyperior with devastating force. The massive Rock-Ground type staggered.
"Rhyperior is recharging from Rock Wrecker! Stone Edge when you can move!"
But Garchomp was relentless. "Dragon Rush!"
Garchomp's entire body glowed with draconic energy as he charged. The super-effective Dragon-type attack struck Rhyperior with overwhelming force.
The massive Pokémon crashed to the ground and didn't rise.
"Rhyperior is unable to battle!"
Silence filled the gym.
Giovanni had lost all six of his Pokémon.
Andrew still had Garchomp standing.
The referee raised his flag. "All of Gym Leader Giovanni's Pokémon are unable to battle! The winner is Challenger Andrew!"
After the Battle
Andrew stood on the battlefield, breathing hard, as Garchomp returned to his side. The dragon-type was exhausted but proud, having overcome both the battle and his own fear.
Giovanni recalled Rhyperior and walked across the battlefield. His expression was unreadable, but when he reached Andrew, he extended his hand.
"That was one of the most impressive battles I've had in years," Giovanni said. "Your team's strength, your bond with your Pokémon, your tactical adaptability—all exceptional. You've earned this."
He reached into his jacket and produced a badge shaped like a green leaf—the Earth Badge.
Andrew accepted it with trembling hands. Eight badges. All eight Kanto gym badges.
"You're qualified for the Indigo League," Giovanni said. "In two months, you'll face the Elite Four and the Champion. Continue training. You have potential to go far."
"Thank you," Andrew said.
Giovanni's expression became more serious. "But we need to discuss something else. Walk with me."
He led Andrew to a private office within the gym. Once the door closed, Giovanni's demeanor shifted slightly.
"You know I lead Team Rocket," Giovanni said, sitting behind his desk. "And you've been a persistent problem for our operations. Silph Co., the Game Corner, the Team Galactic smuggling ring. Each time, you've interfered."
"Because what Team Rocket does is wrong," Andrew said firmly, standing his ground despite the intimidating presence.
"Perhaps," Giovanni acknowledged. "But organizations like Team Rocket exist because there's demand for what we provide. We're symptoms of larger problems in society."
"That doesn't justify hurting Pokémon."
"No," Giovanni agreed, surprising Andrew. "It doesn't. And that's why I've made a decision."
He stood and walked to the window, looking out at Viridian City.
"Team Rocket, as it currently exists, has become… inefficient. Corrupt. Many of my subordinates have forgotten our original purpose—to provide power to those without it, to challenge systems that oppress the powerless. Instead, they've become the oppressors themselves."
He turned back to Andrew. "Watching you battle today, seeing your conviction, your bond with Pokémon who chose you despite trauma and fear—it reminded me of why I became a trainer in the first place. Before ambition consumed me."
Giovanni reached into his desk and pulled out a small box.
"I'm disbanding Team Rocket," he said. "Effective immediately. I'll dismantle our operations across Kanto and cut ties with organizations like Team Galactic. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen."
Andrew's eyes widened. "You're… you're really doing that?"
"Consider it my acknowledgment that you were right," Giovanni said. "And I was wrong. Your generation—trainers like you who genuinely care about Pokémon as partners—represents the future. My way is the past."
He opened the box, revealing a small stone that glowed with rainbow light—a Key Stone.
"This is a parting gift," Giovanni said, handing the box to Andrew. "A Key Stone—necessary for Mega Evolution. I've studied the phenomenon extensively. Your Charizard has the potential for Mega Evolution. When you find a Charizardite stone—either X or Y variant—this Key Stone will allow you to unlock that power."
Andrew accepted the box, stunned. "Why are you giving me this?"
"Because you'll need every advantage you can get," Giovanni said seriously. "Team Rocket may be disbanded, but other threats exist. Team Galactic, Team Magma, Team Aqua, Team Plasma—criminal organizations across every region. And some of my former subordinates won't accept disbandment peacefully. You've made yourself a symbol, Andrew. A symbol of what trainers should aspire to be. That makes you a target."
He placed a hand on Andrew's shoulder. "Be careful. Train hard. And when you reach the World Tournament someday, remember this moment. Remember that even those who've lost their way can find it again when shown the right path."
Andrew didn't know what to say. He'd expected a fight, a threat, maybe even violence. Not… this.
"Thank you," he finally managed. "For the badge. For the Key Stone. And for… changing."
Giovanni smiled slightly—a real smile, not the calculating expression he'd worn before. "Thank you for showing me I needed to. Now go. You have two months before the Indigo League. Use them wisely."
That Evening - Video Call with Professor Oak
Andrew sat in his Pokémon Center room, all his team healed and resting. The Earth Badge sat with the other seven in his case. The Key Stone rested in its box on the table.
He called Professor Oak, who answered immediately.
"Andrew! I watched the battle! That was incredible! You actually defeated Giovanni! And Gabite evolved into Garchomp!"
"Yeah," Andrew said, still processing everything. "But Professor, there's more. Giovanni… he's disbanding Team Rocket."
Gary's expression shifted from excitement to shock. "He's what?"
Andrew explained everything—the conversation, the decision, the Key Stone.
Gary sat back in his chair, stunned. "I never thought… Giovanni disbanding Team Rocket voluntarily. Andrew, do you understand what this means? You didn't just win a gym badge. You may have changed the course of Kanto's entire criminal landscape."
"I know it sounds crazy, but I believe he meant it," Andrew said.
"I do too," Gary replied. "Giovanni is many things, but he's not a liar. If he said he's disbanding Team Rocket, he'll do it." He paused. "But he's right about one thing—his subordinates won't all accept this peacefully. You need to be careful."
"I know," Andrew said. "Which is why I want to tell you about my plan for the next two months."
Gary leaned forward, listening intently.
"I'm going to Mt. Silver," Andrew said.
Gary's eyes widened. "Mt. Silver? Andrew, that's one of the most dangerous mountains in Kanto. The peak is freezing, the wild Pokémon are incredibly powerful, and trainers have gotten seriously hurt there."
"I know," Andrew said. "But I also know it's where the strongest trainers go to push themselves to their absolute limits. I have eight badges, but that's not enough for the Elite Four. I need to become stronger. My team needs to become stronger. And Mt. Silver is where I can do that."
"Two months of isolated training," Gary said slowly. "Andrew, that's… intense. Are you sure?"
"I'm sure," Andrew said firmly. "My team is strong, but we need to be stronger. I need to master these custom techniques completely. Charizard needs to perfect the Blast Burn Cancel. Greninja and I need to push toward the Bond Phenomenon. Garchomp needs to learn to control his new power. Two months of focused, intense training is exactly what we need."
Gary was quiet for a long moment. "If anyone can do it, it's you. But promise me—check in regularly. I want to know you're alive and safe."
"I promise," Andrew said. "And Professor… don't tell anyone where I'm going. Not my parents, not my friends. I don't want anyone worrying or trying to follow me. This is something I need to do."
"Understood," Gary said. "When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Then rest tonight. Mt. Silver will test you like nothing else has. But I believe in you, Andrew. You and your team have already accomplished the impossible. You can do this too."
After the call ended, Andrew looked at his team, all of them gathered around him.
"Tomorrow, we head to Mt. Silver," he said. "Two months of the hardest training we've ever done. It's going to be brutal. Freezing cold, dangerous wild Pokémon, isolation. But when we come down from that mountain, we'll be ready for anything the Elite Four can throw at us."
His team responded with sounds of determination. They'd come this far together. They'd go further still.
Andrew touched the brim of Ash's cap, making a silent promise: I'm getting closer. Just a little more.
Eight badges earned. Two months of training ahead. Then the Indigo League.
The journey continued.
And Andrew was ready to face whatever came next.
The Next Morning - Departing for Mt. Silver
Andrew stood at the edge of Viridian City, his backpack loaded with supplies for two months of isolated training. His team was with him, ready for the challenge ahead.
He looked back at the city one last time, then turned toward the distant mountains where Mt. Silver waited.
No turning back now.
Only forward.
Meanwhile - Team Rocket Headquarters
In a darkened conference room, several Team Rocket admins and executives gathered, watching a recorded message from Giovanni.
His face appeared on screen, his expression serious and final.
"Effective immediately, Team Rocket is disbanded. All operations are to cease. All facilities are to be closed in an orderly fashion. All Pokémon obtained through illegal means are to be released or surrendered to proper authorities. This organization no longer serves its original purpose. It ends here."
The message ended.
Silence filled the room.
Then one admin—a woman with cold eyes—spoke up.
"Giovanni has gone soft. But Team Rocket's mission doesn't end just because he says so. We'll continue our work. In the shadows if necessary. And that boy—Andrew—he's the reason for this. He turned Giovanni against us."
"What do you propose?" another asked.
"We wait. We rebuild quietly. And when the time is right, we remind the world why Team Rocket was feared. Starting with James and Jessie's son."
The others nodded in agreement.
Giovanni might have disbanded Team Rocket officially. But some of its members had no intention of stopping.
The storm wasn't over.
It was only beginning.