Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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Liam was left to wait on the side by Florian Waterflower, but it wasn't long before Florian returned with a spring in his step. 

His face beamed with joy as he walked over, shaking Liam's hand vigorously, so moved that he was almost in tears.

"Thank you, man! I can finally go home!"

"Hehe."

Feeling overjoyed, Florian initially considered giving Liam the Cerulean Cascade Badge outright as a token of gratitude. However, Liam firmly declined.

- No way. I've been waiting to take you on to achieve my Hundred Victories milestone. You're not getting off that easy!

Unaware of Liam's inner thoughts, Florian mistook his refusal as an act of righteousness and couldn't help but admire him a little.

Soon, the two arrived at the Gym's battle arena. Liam stood on a square floating platform that wobbled slightly beneath him. He looked across at Florian, who stood steady on his own platform without so much as a tremor.

It was a true water-type arena. 

Surrounding them was a vast expanse of blue water, with only five round floating platforms scattered between them. The entire area was encased in thick glass, reminding Liam of the walls of an aquarium.

As the battle was about to begin, Florian suddenly clapped his hands three times. Liam raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Moments later, a crowd of people poured into the space outside the glass walls. 

Within two minutes, the arena was jam packed by a cheering audience.

"Whoa! Gym Leader Florian is about to perform another Pokémon battle challenge! Time to see him crush another rookie!"

"Yeah, it's been over half a month since the last one! I'm so excited!"

"Go for it, kid! Don't chicken out—we believe in you!"

Liam turned toward the voice, feeling a bit touched, but then…

"We believe you'll get stomped with a 3-0 sweep! I've bet my life savings on it! Don't let me down!"

"Ugh!!" Liam nearly spat blood in frustration. 

He glanced at Florian, silently asking if he intended to do anything about this.

Florian just gave a sheepish shrug, indicating he couldn't control the crowd.

Liam let out a soft sigh, then drew a PokéBall. His expression turned serious as he signaled the referee to start.

"The Cerulean City Gym Challenge is about to begin!" the referee announced loudly, speaking into a microphone. 

"The challenger, an unknown Trainer from Pallet Town—Liam! And the Gym Leader, the dashing and unbeatable Florian Waterflower!" 

"This will be a one-on-one battle, with each side using three Pokémon. The Gym Leader cannot switch Pokémon mid-battle, but the challenger may switch freely. The match ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle, or if one side forfeits. Both Trainers, please send out your first Pokémon!"

A vein popped on Liam's forehead. The referee's blatant bias made him want to kick him into the water.

Florian, clearly embarrassed, tried to smooth things over. "Haha, don't mind that! It wasn't my idea. Let's just get started. My first Pokémon is… Staryu!"

As soon as Florian finished speaking, a golden-brown Staryu leapt out from an underwater tunnel, landing gracefully on a floating platform. It struck a pose for the crowd, earning thunderous cheers.

"Show them what we've got! You're up, Nidorino!" Liam's expression was icy as he threw his PokéBall. In a flash of light, the purple Nidorino appeared, standing firmly on the platform and locking eyes with its opponent.

"Boo!"

When Nidorino appeared in the arena, it was met with a resounding chorus of Boos. Clearly. The croud was unimpressed by Nidorino's simple entrance.

"Does this rookie not have better Pokémon? Sending out a land-based one in a water arena? Rookie move! Good thing I bet on a 3-0! Kid, you're the best—dinner's on me after this!" the same voice called out.

Liam chuckled but didn't let the comment bother him.

"Nidorino, huh? This water arena isn't in your favor. Are you sure you want to use it? I don't mind if you want to switch," Florian said kindly, trying to be helpful.

"Thank you, Gym Leader, but I have my own plan. Shall we begin?" Liam replied with a polite nod, thanking Florian for his kindness.

Seeing Liam's determination, Florian didn't know what to say, but he decided in his heart to take it easy on him and not embarrass him too much. He then signaled to the referee to start the match.

"The Cerulean Gym Challenge—begin!"

"Yeah! Let's go!" the crowd roared.

Liam noticed Florian wasn't rushing to attack, so he took the initiative.

"Nidorino, use Poison Sting!"

"Nido!"

Nidorino lowered its head, firing a barrage of purple needles straight at Staryu.

"Jump into the water to dodge!" Florian commanded.

"Hyah!"

Staryu leapt backward into the water, skillfully avoiding the attack.

"Staryu, use Water Gun!"

"Hyah!"

Staryu surfaced and unleashed a stream of water from its core, shooting it at Nidoran.

"Dodge to another platform and use Toxic Spikes!" Liam countered.

"Nido!"

Nidorino jumped to a nearby platform, avoiding the Water Gun. It then shook its body, scattering purple spikes across the water and platforms.

"Toxic Spikes? Are you expecting me to switch Pokémon? Don't underestimate me! Staryu, use Swift!" Florian's voice carried a hint of frustration.

"Hyah!"

Instantly, Staryu started spinning rapidly, sending a flurry of golden stars flying toward Nidorino. The stars struck their target, causing Nidorino to wince in pain. Just as Staryu landed back in the water, Liam seized the moment.

"Nidorino, finish it with Thunderbolt!"

"What?! Thunderbolt? That's impossible!" Florian exclaimed in shock.

Nidorino growled, its body crackling with yellow electricity. In an instant, a powerful bolt of lightning surged into the water, electrifying the entire arena.

"This… This can't be!" Florian stared in disbelief.