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-Welcome to the Johto Region!-
Welcome! By clicking on this post, you have decided to start your wondrous journey as a Trainer in the Johto region. Your first stop would probably be New Bark Town, where you'd receive a starter Pokemon from Prof. Elm, one of the authorities on Pokemon eggs. Choose wisely - your starter Pokemon will become your long-standing partner on your journey.
More than likely, you're going to take the Johto Gym Challenge. If I may make a suggestion, you might want to start in Violet City, home of the famous Sprout Tower. Violet also houses the first Gym recognized by the Johto League - in keeping with the tradition of the Bellsprout at the Tower, Violet's Gym Leader is Merci Lovelace, and she's quite skilled in the use of Grass-type Pokemon.
No doubt your next destination would be the next Gym. But where would it be? Azaela Town, of course! In addition to being the home of Kurt(famous PokeBall creator) and the ever-popular Slowpoke Well, Azaela houses the second Gym on your journey. The leader in Azalea is Tabitha Stark, and her Poison-type pokemon have left many a challenger with a queasy feeling.
Between Azaela Town and your next (likely)destination would be the Ilex Forest, home of the Forest Guardian, Celebi. Be sure to leave an offering at its Shrine in the Forest's center!
Okay, so you've gotten through the Forest. After stopping by the Pokemon Day-Care on your way, you're probably in Goldenrod City by now. Goldenrod has many fine attractions - the Department Store, the GTS, the Magnet Train, and the Game Corner(just to name a few). However, you're probably in Goldenrod for your third Gym challenge, yes? Well you needn't worry, my friend - Jackson Vakarian, a phenom when it comes to Water-type Pokemon, will most likely be your opponent.
Three badges under your belt...where to next? Probably a ways north, to Ecruteak City. Ecruteak is rich in history, with key attractions being the Bell and Burned Towers(home to powerful legendary Pokemon) and the famous Ecruteak Dance Theatre. Ecruteak houses the fourth Gym recognized by the Pokemon League. When she's not on-tour with her band, Leila 'Liliel' Blanchard heads the Ecruteak City Gym. Her Dark-type Pokemon will rock your face off, so I suggest you bring earplugs.
Despite being the next logical choice for a League Gym, Olivine City isn't home to what'll be your fifth Badge...that would be in Cianwood City, which is reachable only by sea(via Routes 40 and 41). Perhaps along the way, you'll do some training in the Whirl Islands, famous for being the home of a powerful legendary Pokemon. The fifth Gym Leader on your path to becoming a well-known Trainer would be none other than Mark Lassiter, and his usage of Psychic-type Pokemon is quite remarkable(perhaps on par with a certain Gym Leader from Kanto).
For your sixth Badge, you'll have to head back to Olivine City. Perhaps after defeating the League Champion, you could take the ferry to another region...but more on that later. A few Trainers that've taken up residence in the Glitter Lighthouse would be more than happy to help you in honing your skills for the Olivine Gym Leader, one Lucas 'Luki' Istonia. His Ground-type pokemon have been known to shake the competition up a bit, so be sure to have a secure footing when challenging him.
For your seventh Gym, you'll have to do a bit of traveling north - and brave the perils of Mt. Mortar on your way. Your seventh Gym challenge would be in Mahogany Town. Perhaps after doing a bit of training at the Lake of Rage(directly north of Mahogany) - and checking out the Mysterious Souvenir Shop - you can challenge Leader Reno Morado. Be warned - his Electric-type Pokemon may leave you with a tingly feeling. If Reno isn't available, his understudy - Mahogany native Aisha Walker - will take his place. Don't let her size fool you, though; Aisha is just as powerful, if not more so, than her little brother . . .
After the harshness of the Ice Path, you'd probably arrive in Blackthorn City. Many notable Dragon-type Trainers come out of Blackthorn - and for good reason, considering that this city is home to the famed Dragon's Den. Kai Benihara - along with his Dragon-type pokemon in Blackthorn Gym - will stand in your way in order to access the Dragon's Den; he may be a new face, but don't underestimate him. He earned the right to call himself Blackthorn Leader; can you earn his badge?
So you've beaten the eight Gyms of Johto. Where are you going to show off your new-found power as a Trainer? Where else? The Indigo Plateau! The men and women of the Elite Four will make the Gym Leaders you've battled seem like young Trainers. Want to know who you're up against? Gladly~.
E4, First Position - Devyn Monroe, Water-type
E4, Second Position - Brandon Copeland, Steel-type
E4, Third Position - Theodore 'Teddy' O'Donnell, Fire-type
E4, Fourth Position - Shiori Ralston, Ice-type
Should you manage to defeat the Elite Four, one final challenge awaits you - the Champion herself.
Champion - Emily Milliardo, Sandstorm-based team
If you defeat the Champion, your position as a Trainer will be all but solidified. You and your partners will be forever immortalized in the Hall of Fame, and you will have finally gained the respect you fought so hardly for on your journey.
Now that you've become Johto's new Champion, what lies in store for you? Well...that's for you to determine, now isn't it?
