Morning sunlight filtered gently through the clouds above Celadon City, wrapping the vibrant metropolis in a warm, glowing haze. Multicolored rooftops stretched in neat rows, while flowerbeds along the streets overflowed with blooming roses and tulips. The sweet fragrance of flowers and fruit blended with the creamy scent drifting from nearby drink shops, creating an atmosphere full of life—completely different from Lavender Town's quiet simplicity.
Holding Shuppet in his arms, Ren stood at the entrance of the Pokémon Center and took a deep breath. The lively energy of the city washed away most of his lingering fatigue. After a night of rest, Shuppet had fully recovered. Now nestled in his arms, it looked around eagerly—one moment staring longingly at berry cakes in a dessert shop window, the next captivated by a Butterfree fluttering among the flowers, like a curious little glutton unable to sit still.
Following his plan, Ren first completed a routine check-up for Shuppet, then headed to the crafting area to prepare a fresh batch of specialized Pokéblocks.
This time, he incorporated Chesto Berries, Pecha Berries, and Cheri Berries into the mixture, combining their properties with Ghost-type energy. The result was a supply that could restore stamina while also countering sleep, poison, and paralysis.
Shuppet crouched at the edge of the workstation, sniffing eagerly. Its eyes were fixed on the finished Pokéblocks, its small body swaying impatiently as it waited to be fed.
Ren smiled and pinched its soft cheek. "Easy, easy. There's plenty."
Shuppet immediately began nibbling, clearly satisfied. A bit of berry paste stuck to the corner of its mouth, but it didn't even notice. Its adorable expression drew soft laughter from Nurse Joy nearby.
"You two are really close," she said warmly. "This little Ghost-type Pokémon is incredibly attached to you."
After finishing preparations, Ren carried Shuppet straight toward the Celadon Gym at the city's center.
The Gym resembled a massive glass greenhouse. Green steel frames and transparent panels allowed sunlight to pour in, illuminating the entire space. The sign at the entrance depicted a blooming Venusaur—clearly marking it as a Grass-type Gym.
Stepping inside, Ren was immediately enveloped by dense Grass-type energy. Lush vegetation covered every surface—vines climbed stone pillars, flowers bloomed in every corner, and even the battlefield itself was surrounded by greenery, like a hidden forest sanctuary.
Gym Trainers gathered nearby, their expressions a mix of anticipation and tension. The Celadon Gym was known for its tricky status effects and exceptional endurance.
At the center stood Erika.
Dressed in a pale green kimono, her dark hair neatly arranged, she exuded a calm and elegant presence. Gently twirling a leaf in her fingers, she looked up as Ren approached.
"Welcome to the Celadon Gym. I am Erika," she said softly. "This will be a one-on-one battle. When a Pokémon can no longer battle, it is defeated. Are you ready?"
Ren tightened his hold on Shuppet and nodded firmly.
"I'm ready. Let's do this, Shuppet."
He gently placed Shuppet onto the battlefield. The small Pokémon immediately steadied itself, its bright red eyes locked onto Erika's Poké Ball. A faint ghostly aura surrounded it as it entered battle mode—yet it still couldn't help nudging Ren's hand, seeking reassurance.
"Go, Bulbasaur!"
A flash of red light—
A green Bulbasaur leapt onto the field. The bulb on its back pulsed faintly, its gaze sharp and focused as Grass-type energy flowed steadily around it.
"Battle begin!"
"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"
Two flexible vines lashed out like whips, cutting through the air with speed and precision, sealing off all escape routes.
"Shuppet, sidestep—use Shadow Sneak to get behind it!"
Shuppet shifted sideways like a phantom, narrowly avoiding the vines before transforming into a streak of shadow and slipping behind Bulbasaur. Dark energy gathered at its claws—
Strike!
Bulbasaur staggered forward from the impact, its bulb swaying from the force.
But Erika remained calm.
"Sleep Powder."
Soft pink spores spread from the bulb, drifting like a fine mist over Shuppet.
Too late to fully evade—
Shuppet inhaled some of it.
Its eyelids drooped. Its body swayed.
The onset of sleep.
Ren's heart tightened slightly—but he stayed composed. Viridian Power flowed gently through his fingertips, reaching Shuppet and steadying its mind.
"Shuppet, stay focused! Use Night Shade—clear it away!"
Dark energy surged.
A burst of Night Shade scattered the powder and struck Bulbasaur at the same time, sending it tumbling backward. Its energy dropped visibly.
"Finish it—Shadow Claw!"
Shuppet darted forward, its claws glowing with ghostly energy. The strike landed cleanly—
Bulbasaur collapsed.
"Bulbasaur is unable to battle!"
Ren exhaled quietly.
But he knew—
this was only the beginning.
Erika recalled Bulbasaur, a trace of approval in her eyes.
"Now… face my main partner. Vileplume."
A larger Pokémon appeared, its massive petals unfolding. Grass- and Poison-type energy intertwined around it, far stronger than before. Its presence alone brought a heavy pressure to the field.
"Battle continues!"
"Vileplume, Petal Dance!"
A storm of razor-sharp petals erupted, raining down relentlessly. The battlefield was nearly covered—Shuppet's movement space shrank drastically. It dodged frantically, but several hits still landed, draining its stamina rapidly.
"Poison Powder!"
A cloud of violet spores spread.
This time—
Shuppet couldn't avoid it.
Its body trembled as poison took hold, nearly causing it to fall.
This was the true difficulty of a Grass-type Gym—
relentless disruption.
Status effects layered one after another, making escape nearly impossible.
Ren could feel Shuppet's pain—and its refusal to give up.
A warmth stirred in his chest.
He remained calm.
"Don't force it! Use Trick—disrupt its rhythm!"
Psychic energy pulsed outward.
Vileplume's movements faltered. Its attacks lost their flow.
That was the opening.
"Now—Shadow Claw into Night Shade! Finish it!"
Shuppet unleashed everything it had left.
A precise Shadow Claw struck first—
followed by a full-powered Night Shade.
The dark energy engulfed Vileplume completely.
It fell—
its petals wilting as it hit the ground.
"Vileplume is unable to battle! The winner is—Ren!"
For a moment, silence filled the arena—
then applause erupted.
Erika stepped forward, recalling Vileplume, admiration clear in her eyes.
"Your command is calm… and your bond is truly exceptional. Even in disadvantage, your Pokémon fought with everything it had. That is something many Trainers lack."
Ren quickly rushed forward, catching the exhausted Shuppet in his arms. Viridian Power flowed at full strength, soothing its injuries and easing the poison.
Shuppet nestled weakly against him, yet still rubbed its cheek against his, letting out a soft, proud sound.
Erika presented the Rainbow Badge.
"This is yours. It represents the recognition of Grass-type Pokémon—and the strength of your bond."
Ren accepted it with both hands.
The badge bore the image of a blooming Venusaur, warm to the touch and faintly infused with Grass-type energy.
His third badge.
Sunlight streamed through the glass dome, illuminating both Trainer and Pokémon. The Rainbow Badge gleamed brightly, while the Keystone in his bag pulsed faintly in resonance with Shuppet's energy.
As they stepped out of the Gym, Shuppet peeked out, clutching the badge proudly.
Ren smiled, gently stroking its head.
This victory had not come easily—
from the double-battle struggle in Cerulean…
to the status-heavy trial of Celadon…
every challenge had strengthened their bond.
Next—
they would head toward Fuchsia City,
to face the Fighting-type Gym.
Under Celadon's warm sunlight, their journey continued forward.