Second run in with Giovanni, and I had to completely rethink my strategy.
He still starts with Persian - Normal, but with dark moves which prevent me using my powerful psychics. Demands a fighting type, but it's hard to get one competetive.
Followed by a weird hippo thing I'd never seen which turned out to be pure ground. This thing was the bane of my existence. Guides suggested Venusaur, which should have made me happy because I fricken love grass types, but grass types just don't get quite that beefy! (...I wonder if Roserade would have worked? Ah no it's also grass/poison of course. ...Tangrowth?)
And lastly the prize: Raiku. Basically a non threat, I mained Rhyperior even before the recent community day.
I start with Mamoswine-
JK I immediately switch for Machamp, because the act of switching stuns the AI for a couple seconds. There's a timer on switching, but it's worth it.
Machamp proceeds to beat the stuffing out of this normal-type Persian for a few seconds, until the persian starts ineffectually using its dark quickmove. Off goes "Close Combat". It's blocked, and Machamp's defense falls.
All according to keikaku.
Machamp continues punching. The Persian is stunned by the move, but recovers and gets some painful dark claws off on the weakened defense- and Machamp uses Close Combat again.
Again blocked, Giovanni's shields are gone.
FourPunchMan falls quickly afterward. But unlike my Slaking opener, I've nearly killed that damn cat with just the fast moves.
In comes Mamoswine (DaRude) who gets the kill before the Persian can reaction. Charging up a Blizzard for DumbGroundHippo (headcanon). Smack, smack - despite every advantage, it's a tough battle because Team Rocket cheats like heck. seriously, their CP are like 12K versus my 2.5K. But they do get stunned a lot and that makes it work.
...Almost. DaRude goes down, it's just down to Rhyperior (Superior). Finishes off the stupid hippo, gaining some charge. In comes Shadow Raiku, getting smacked in the face with rocks. Eat Superpower! Our stats go down, but victory is at hand. Eat-
Oh shit it's got a move off- JK I KEPT A SHIELD
Rock rock rock rock and a final Superpower
Get wrekt!
For the second time, you cheating bastard!
Pokemon GO