Pokémon: Starting With An Overpowered Gameboy Advance

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Fiancée? Jasmine?

Does the protagonist have a backstory?

Wait—there is one!

Chris suddenly remembered that the protagonist in the **Emerald** game version is named Brendan, and his hometown is Shallow City in the Johto Region. Because of his father Norman's work, Brendan moved to Littleroot Town to begin his trainer journey. (In the manga version, Norman's child is named Ruby, whose appearance is very similar to Brendan's, making them almost like counterparts—just as Sapphire and May mirror each other.)

Chris couldn't recall much more information since he learned these details by chance. Still, he felt compelled to revisit the second floor of his house in Littleroot Town to check his diary after finishing the Petalburg Gym challenge.

As for Jasmine, Chris immediately thought of Jasmine, the Steel-type Gym Leader from the Johto Region. The girl standing before him bore a striking resemblance to her. But wouldn't a Gym Leader rarely leave the city where they live? Right?

In which city does Jasmine work as a Gym Leader?

Olivine City, home of the Glitter Lighthouse.

Jasmine and Brendan's hometown are not in the same city.

Fiancée… emmmm… what is happening here?

"Alright," Chris agreed hesitantly. This part of the plot wasn't in the game at all, and he had no idea how things would unfold next.

"No, no, I'm just here in the Hoenn Region for the Contest Spectacular competition," Jasmine quickly clarified. "I decided to stop by Petalburg City to visit my uncle and aunt before returning to the Johto Region. I'm worried about the Glitter Lighthouse in my absence; I hope nothing happens while I'm away."

Jasmine waved her hands nervously.

If Chris had any doubt earlier about this being *the* Jasmine, Gym Leader of Olivine City, he now had none. After all, Olivine's Gym Leader is responsible for protecting the lighthouse and caring for Amphy, the Ampharos that provides light for it.

"I understand; Gym Leaders shoulder the heavy responsibility of safeguarding their Region," Norman said. As a Gym Leader himself, he could relate to Jasmine's challenges. Turning to her, he added with a warm smile, "When you and Chris get married someday, he can move to the Johto Region to help you with your duties."

Jasmine's face turned scarlet. She nodded shyly but remained silent.

"Chris, this one's for you." Norman suddenly gave Chris a good-natured nudge with his foot.

"Got it!" Chris replied, resigned. *Marriage? Is that really where this plot is heading?*

Having wrapped up the Petalburg Gym storyline, Chris figured he wouldn't be returning here anytime soon.

"By the way, why are you back today?" Norman asked, breaking the moment.

Finally, Chris had the chance to explain. He quickly retrieved his four Gym Badges, presenting them proudly.

"I've already beaten four Gyms, so I'm here to challenge the Petalburg Gym."

Norman nodded slightly, a flicker of pride in his eyes as he looked at Chris.

"Not bad. You've been progressing quickly. But don't expect me to go easy on you, kid. In fact, I'll give it my all to ensure you're strong enough to compete at the Ever Grande Conference. I don't want you embarrassing me!"

Chris thought to himself, *It doesn't matter if you go all out or not. Your Slaking's Truant Ability will be all the help I need!*

"I'll be the referee!" Jasmine chimed in, her interest piqued at the prospect of a battle between her future husband and future father-in-law.

"Alright!" Norman agreed.

Everyone quickly took their places. Both trainers stood in their respective positions, while Jasmine eagerly picked up the referee's flags, ready to officiate the match.

"The battle now begins! This is the Petalburg Gym Challenge. Trainer Chris will face off against Petalburg Gym Leader Norman. Each side has three Pokémon available, with no substitutions allowed. The battle ends when one side has no remaining Pokémon," Jasmine announced, raising her flag to mark the start.

"The Gym Leader sends out their Pokémon first."

Norman stepped forward, raising a Poké Ball confidently. With a swift toss, the ball opened mid-air, releasing a powerful **Kangaskhan**, its imposing presence emphasized by the LV48 hovering above its head.

Chris immediately noted the intensity of this battle. *This is a big step up from the Lavaridge Gym,* he thought. Considering his options carefully, Chris selected his Poké Ball and threw it. 

His choice? **Blaziken.**

The logic was clear—Blaziken's Fighting type had an advantage over Kangaskhan's Normal type. Additionally, Chris planned to leverage Blaziken's **Speed Boost** Ability. If he could stack its effects during the battle, he would stand a much better chance against Norman's dreaded Slaking, especially if it used powerful moves like **Smelling Salts**.

Once both Pokémon were on the battlefield, Jasmine waved her flag and declared, "The battle begins!"

"Blaziken, **Bulk Up**!" Chris commanded.

"Kangaskhan, **Mind Reader**!" Norman countered.

To everyone's surprise, neither side initiated an attack. Instead, both Pokémon began setting up their respective strategies.

Blaziken struck a powerful stance, its muscles flexing as an intense aura surrounded its body. Its **Bulk Up** raised both its Attack and Defense, while its **Speed Boost** Ability gradually increased its speed. A perfect setup, maximizing its potential for the coming rounds.

Meanwhile, Kangaskhan closed its eyes, holding its hands together in concentration. Even the baby in its pouch mimicked the gesture, calming itself. After a few moments, Kangaskhan reopened its eyes, their sharp, focused gaze now locked onto Blaziken.

The move **Mind Reader**, in-game, ensures that the next attack will not miss. In real-world terms, the technique sharpened Kangaskhan's mental focus, allowing it to track Blaziken's every move with precision. Smoke, mist, or even **Double Team** wouldn't be able to fool it now.

"Blaziken, **Double Kick**!" Chris ordered, deciding to go on the offensive. *Time to show Norman what the protagonist's father is up against!*

Blaziken dashed forward at incredible speed, its movements like a blur of red light as the sun filtered through the dojo's windows. In a blink, Blaziken was beside Kangaskhan, pivoting on its left foot to deliver a powerful kick with its right leg aimed at Kangaskhan's head.

Kangaskhan reacted swiftly, raising its muscular arm to block the first kick with ease. Yet, the sheer force behind the attack made the Normal-type stagger back, its feet digging into the battlefield. 

Blaziken immediately followed up, its momentum unbroken. Pivoting smoothly, it spun and unleashed the second kick of its **Double Kick**, striking Kangaskhan squarely. The force of the blow pushed the massive Pokémon back several steps.

Kangaskhan grunted, but quickly regained its footing. Crossing its arms, it activated **Protect**, nullifying the lingering force of Blaziken's attack.

Norman chuckled, clearly unfazed. "**Force Palm** as a follow-up? Did you pick that up from Brawly?" he asked with a knowing smile.

Lowering his hand slightly, Norman gave his next command. "Kangaskhan, **Outrage**!"