So here it is, Ash's first gym battle with Brock. Let's see what Ash can bring to the table. Also, I do not own Pokémon
Pallet Town-Ketchum Household
As morning rose in Pallet Town, the three ladies woke up after a night of watching movies. Delia slept in her own bed while Grace and Jade decided to snuggle with each other on the couch.
Delia got up and started making breakfast for herself and her guests, just like how she always made breakfast for Ash and sometimes Serena if she ever came over. They had eggs and sausages along with pancakes. Delia's cooking was always good, and Grace and Jade complemented on her cooking.
Then after breakfast, the ladies went to a desk where Delia had a sewing machine and brought her supplies along with her.
"Okay you two, I have been making some of Ash's clothes for many years. Yes, I do buy him some clothes, but I also take the time to make some clothes for him, especially the outfit I gave him for his journey," Delia explained.
"Oh, that shows you really love your son," Jade said clasping her hands.
"I always have, and I always will," Delia replied as she put the pink fabric on the table, "And you ladies may not know this, but in addition to the dress, I'll also make Serena her accessories."
"Even her shoes?" Grace questioned.
"Yeah, I even found tips on how to make the sneakers that I gave Ash for his outfit. A bit complex, but I was able to pull it off," Delia said giving a wink, "The only thing I didn't make was his hat which he sent a million postcards to win."
"Why the hell would he need to send a million postcards to get a hat?" Jade asked.
"Because he really loves the Pokémon League Jade, and secretly I wasn't pleased that he sent so many postcards. Imagine the cramps he had in his wrist from writing those postcards or worse, how many trees were killed for the paper for all of those cards," Delia explained.
Grace and Jade couldn't believe that Delia made all of his clothes except for his hat. This was a woman who truly cared for her son. Though Grace and Jade cared for Serena greatly as well, it didn't match how Delia could sometimes go the extra mile.
"Hey, why don't we watch you make Serena's dress and all off her other stuff," Grace suggested.
"Yeah, we can take tips on how we could design clothes ourselves for Serena," Jade replied.
"That's a great idea, after I finish making this for Serena, you two can actually try making a few clothes yourselves to gain experience," Delia responded, "And when you start to get some experience, you can then work on Serena's outfit for when she gets into the Grand Festival."
Without further comments, Delia began to get started on making Serena's dress with Grace and Jade watching curiously. The two wanted what was best for Serena, and they knew they could trust Delia.
Pewter City-Pokémon Center
It was morning at the Pewter City Pokémon Center. Ash and Serena went to retrieve their Pokémon and Pikachu, and then Ash grasped his wrist as he had a little cramp that went and gone.
"Yeah, you should've not been writing all of those postcards mister," Serena sternly said with her hands on her hips, "Seriously, why a million postcards? And what about the trees?"
"I'm fine Serena," Ash responded.
"Okay, I have established a map of Pewter City into my system," Rotom Dex floating in front of the two Pokémon trainers showing a map of the city, "And according to my calculations, the Pewter City Pokémon Gym is three blocks north."
"Alright, well after my battle with Paul, I'm determined to be ready to beat the Pewter Gym and get my first Kanto badge!" Ash said with enthusiasm until he heard a growl from his stomach, "But first, can we get something to eat."
"Okay," Serena replied with a facepalm, "Besides we haven't had breakfast this morning."
Pewter City-Restaurant
Ash and Serena arrived at a restaurant to have some breakfast with Pikachu and Rotom Dex on their side. The two sat down and ordered their meals, and while they waited, Serena and Ash talked about Ash's upcoming battle.
"So, Ash, what Pokémon are you going to use for your gym battle?" Serena asked.
"Well lets see, since this will be my first gym battle I have to have Froakie come in to battle, and as for my second Pokémon, hmmm," Ash answered trying to think.
"Just remember Ash, the Pokémon Gyms Leaders are supposed to be tough," Serena told Ash.
Ash knew he was going to use Froakie because after all, he was his first Pokémon. The question though was who is going to be his second Pokémon? Ash had the options of Pidgey or Butterfree, but there was also Pikachu that he and Serena were both going to use. He wasn't completely sure on what Pokémon the gym leader had, but then Ash made his decision.
"I'll use Pikachu in this match as well," Ash responded.
"So, you're going to use Pikachu and Froakie?" Serena asked.
"Yeah," Ash answered.
As Ash declared what Pokémon he was going to use in his gym battle, there was one other thing that was on his mind. What Pokémon was Serena going to use in her contest. Ash knew she was going to use Fennekin, but what about her second Pokémon. Was it going to be Beedrill or Pikachu?
"So what Pokémon are you going to use for your contest?" Ash asked, "I mean I know it isn't for a week, but it's never too early to start preparing."
"Hmm, I know that I will use Fennekin, but as for my other Pokémon," Serena said while tapping her chin, "Maybe I'll use Beedrill. If Pikachu is going to be used in your gym battle, then I don't want to wear him out."
"Pikachu," Pikachu replied.
"See Pikachu, even though we're both your trainers, we still have to make sure you get the proper rest," Serena told Pikachu petting him on the head, "So are you going to help Ash win his gym battle?"
"Pikachu!" Pikachu happily exclaimed meaning yes.
"That's great," Ash said.
After their little talk about their upcoming battles, Ash and Serena get their breakfast. Ash got himself some strawberry pancakes with a side of bacon, Serena got an egg and cheese omelet with hash browns, and Pikachu got…a bottle of ketchup. When Pikachu got his ketchup, he looked at it with lovey dovey eyes.
"Wow Pikachu, you seem to have a taste for ketchup," said Rotom Dex who noticed Pikachu with the ketchup bottle.
After getting his bottle, Pikachu started cuddling with the red ketchup bottle and then drinking from it. Then Pikachu did something a bit odd, he started to kiss the ketchup bottle like it was his girlfriend.
"Wow, it seems Pikachu takes a great interest in ketchup," Serena said.
"Yeah, I didn't realize Pikachu loves ketchup so much," Ash said looking at Pikachu, "But him kissing the bottle is a little creepy."
Pikachu sure did love ketchup, and he wasn't going to let anyone get in the way of his ketchup or they were going to get it. Hell, Jessie, James, and Meowth made that mistake at the Viridian City Pokémon Center when they broke the ketchup bottle that Pikachu had. All they did was make him angry, and that's what caused the electric mouse to go on a rampage against him.
As Ash and Serena were eating their breakfast, they found that the food was pretty good. Heck, the only thing they were eating were mostly cheap noodles and cheap frozen vegetables because they didn't properly learn how to cook. They figure it would be so nice if they could make food like this.
"How is everything?" the waitress asked.
"This is awesome, it's like the best thing I've ever eaten," Ash answered with a big smile.
"Yeah, I never had an omelet this good in my life," Serena said.
Their breakfasts were delicious, but they can't ever say that they're better than what their moms make for them. Still, the food in the restaurant was amazing. They would love to know who cooked their meals.
"Well you can thank our cook, he is one of the best," the waitress said.
"Hey, can we thank your cook personally?" Ash asked.
"Not a problem," the waitress answered as she left.
The waitress then returned with the cook. Ash and Serena got to meet the lucky chef who made their meals. He was tanned skin with spiky brown hair and had squinty eyes.
"You guys must really love my cooking," the cook said.
"Yeah, not anything compared to my mom," Ash responded, "Well because she's my mom and I got to always respect her cooking."
"Thank you very much mister uhm," Serena said as she trailed off.
"The name's Brock," Brock answered.
"Hey Brock, thanks again for making our breakfasts. Now I'm going to be totally pumped when I face the Pewter City Gym Leader," Ash told Brock.
"Pewter City Gym Leader, we'll guess what you're looking at him," Brock said pointing to himself.
"What!" Ash exclaimed.
"Yep, I'm the Pewter City Gym Leader. Working here is just a part-time job for me to go along with my duties as gym leader," Brock explained.
Ash couldn't believe it, the man who just made their breakfast was the Pewter City Gym Leader. It had to be pretty interesting for someone to balance out two jobs of working at a restaurant and being a gym leader. The question now is will Ash be able to get a battle with him now that he's working.
"Thanks for the food Brock, but I guess will be having our battle another day since you're working," Ash said feeling a little bad, "I was looking forward to my first gym battle."
"Hey, don't sweat it, we can have our gym battle today. I'm only here today for the breakfast shift. By noon I'll be able to open up the gym and we can have our match," Brock said giving a thumbs up.
"That's great, looking forward to seeing you," Ash said with a smile.
"Thanks, well I got to get back to work," Brock said, "See you later."
Brock returned to the kitchen. So, Ash was going to have his battle with Brock, and heck he was a pretty good cook. He could just imagine having him traveling alongside with him through Kanto cooking for him and Serena, but he was too busy with other stuff, so he didn't have time to do that. Though his cooking did take an interest in Serena.
"I wonder what his secret is to his good cooking skills?" Serena asked herself.
Pewter City-Pewter Gym
Ash, Serena, Pikachu, and Rotom Dex arrived at the Pewter City Pokémon Gym around 12:30 PM so they could give Brock time to get ready. The building was a giant grey rock with big doors in the middle. They didn't have a hard time looking for this gym thanks to Rotom Dex's ability to give them a layout of the city.
"According to my calculations, this must be the Pewter City Pokémon Gym," Rotom Dex said looking at the building.
"It is, there's a sign reading Pewter Gym," Ash said pointing to the sign in front of the gym.
"Well we still arrived and that's what matters," Rotom Dex said spinning around.
This was it, Ash was now going to attempt to get his first badge. Ash didn't know what Pokémon Brock was going to be using, but he was going to give it his all. Ash walked up to the door and opened it, and he went inside.
Ash and Serena looked around the gym and saw it had yellow walls with stripe patterns, a grey platform in the middle, dirt, and grey boulders. So, this was where Ash was going to have his battle.
"Well, this must be the place," Ash said.
"You got that right," a voice called out.
Ash looked ahead and saw that it was none other than Brock. He was now wearing an orange shirt with a green vest, brown pants, and blue and white sneakers.
"So not only are you a cook at the restaurant, you're also the gym leader. Pretty nice," Ash said with his arms behind his back.
"Yeah, I only would work there about twice or three times a week for a little extra money for what I have planned," Brock said.
"Planned?" Serena questioned.
"I can talk more about that later, but for right now I believe we are going to have a gym battle, aren't we?" Brock questioned.
"You bet we are," Ash said excitedly raising his fist, "I'll be getting my first Kanto Badge from you Brock."
"I don't think so, you see we gym leaders are meant to be tougher than an average trainer and if you want to get into the Pokémon League then you have to beat all eight of us," Brock explained crossing his arms, "Now what is your name mister?"
"Ash Ketchum," Ash answered.
"Ash Ketchum," Brock said with a pause, "Are you by any chance related to Red Ketchum?"
Ash was shot down when he heard the name Red Ketchum. That was his father who he hasn't seen in a long time. Ash at times wondered what's dad doing.
"Yeah, Red Ketchum is my father," Ash answered with despair.
"Is something wrong?" Brock asked.
"It's nothing, I just haven't seen him in almost four years and he wouldn't tell me what he's doing," Ash explained.
"I'm sorry I asked that, it's just that I heard Red Ketchum was once the champion of the Kanto Region until he departed for unknown reasons and passed the title on to Blue Oak," Brock explained, "Sorry I brought that up."
"It's okay," Ash said feeling a little better, "You brought that up because my dad was once had the title of Kanto Champion. It is an honor to be the son of a former region champion though."
"Thanks, my father ran the gym before I did, and he battled him for a Boulder Badge. My dad told me that Red was one of the best trainers out there," Brock explained, "And I really hope you can show that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Give me a good battle."
"I will but let me warn you that I am a beginner so don't expect me to be invincible or something," Ash told Brock.
"Understood," Brock replied until he called out to someone, "Hey Forester, are you ready."
Brock then looked around and then Ash and Serena saw a boy who looked almost like him. He had spiky brown and squinty eyes like Brock and wore a green striped polo shirt with blue pants and red shoes. This boy happened to go by the name Forester.
"I'm ready Brock," Forester said.
"Who's that?" Ash asked.
"Oh, my apologies, this is my little brother Forester. He's going to be officiating the battle, and it's also a way I want him to learn how to be a gym leader," Brock explained.
"Be a gym leader? Are you planning on quitting?" Serena asked.
"Oh no, my brother isn't going to be leaving the gym soon. We can talk about that after the battle," Forester told Serena, "Now I believe it's time for your gym battle."
So, Forester who happens to be Brock's brother was going to be officiating the battle, and it appears he was going to be a future gym leader. Did Brock have something planned that has him working both at a restaurant and a Pokémon Gym? Brock would try to explain later, but right now it was time for Ash's first gym battle.
Ash was standing on one side with Pikachu on his side while Brock was on the other side. Serena was behind Ash along with Rotom Dex, and she was ready to cheer him on. It could also be a way to pick up some tips before her Pokémon Contest.
"This is an official gym battle between the challenger Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and the gym leader Brock! This will be a two on two battle and only the challenger will be allowed to substitute Pokémon!" Forester announced.
"Alright Pikachu, you're up," Ash said pointing to Pikachu.
"Pika," Pikachu said jumping in.
"A Pikachu huh, not a good choice Ash. My first Pokémon will be Geodude!" Brock exclaimed as he threw his Pokeball.
Coming out of the Pokeball was a grey boulder with eyes and arms floating in the air. The Pokémon Brock sent out was a Geodude.
"Geodude," Geodude replied.
"I better analyze this Geodude," Rotom Dex said beginning an analysis on Geodude.
#074-Geodude: Rock Pokémon
It uses both hands to climb precipitous cliffs. People who see it in action have been known to take up bouldering.
So, with the Mouse Pokémon Pikachu on the battlefield for Ash and the Rock Pokémon Geodude on Brock's side, Ash's first gym battle was under way. Serena and Rotom Dex could only watch, but they would cheer Ash on.
"Alright Pikachu use Thundershock!" Ash called out.
Pikachu gathered electricity and unleashed a Thundershock attack on Geodude. As Geodude was hit by Thundershock, he wasn't being phased on bit. Geodude felt like he was hit by nothing, and Ash couldn't believe it. Did Ash do something wrong or was Geodude that powerful? After all, gym leaders were meant to be tougher.
"What happened? Why didn't Thundershock work?" Ash asked himself.
"You don't get it do you, Thundershock is an electric type attack and Geodude who is a rock-type Pokémon is also a ground-type Pokémon, and electric attacks have no effect on ground Pokémon," Brock explained, "So you made a bad choice in attack selections, and now your Pikachu's electric attacks are useless."
It just made Ash pretty angry with himself, an electric attack was going to do no good on Geodude who also was a ground-type. Pikachu's attack options were now pretty much put in shackles, and Brock made the next move.
"Now Geodude use Tackle!" Brock yelled out.
Geodude charged at Pikachu with a Tackle attack and knocked the Mouse Pokémon to the wall. Pikachu moaned in pain, and Serena and Rotom Dex gasped.
"Pikachu are you alright?" Ash asked Pikachu.
"Pikachu," Pikachu answered with a tough tone even though he was in a bit of pain.
"Alright Pikachu, now try and use Agility!" Ash yelled out.
Pikachu shook himself off and began to run around the gym at light speed with his agility, and Brock looking towards Pikachu.
"Alright Geodude use your Rock Polish," Brock told Geodude.
"Geodude," Geodude replied as he started to shine.
"And follow it up with Rollout," Brock told Geodude.
The Rock Pokémon started to ball up and roll around the gym until he smacked right into the lightning speed Pikachu. Pikachu was knocked into the air screaming leaving Ash shocked.
"But how did Geodude catch up to Pikachu?" Ash asked himself.
"You don't get it do you, Rock Polish greatly helps increase the speed of a Pokémon and when Geodude used Rock Polish, he was able to become faster than Pikachu when he used Rollout. My Geodude is pretty experienced so there is no way Pikachu can keep up with him," Brock explained.
Ash was gritting his teeth at knowing how bad the situation with Pikachu was, and Serena just clasped her hands and watched with worry on her face. Rotom Dex just had a curious look on its face, but it knew things were bad for Ash.
"Don't give up Pikachu use Quick Attack!" Ash called out to Pikachu.
Pikachu came back at Geodude with a Quick Attack, and then Brock made his move.
"Dodge and use Rock Throw!" Brock yelled out to Geodude.
Geodude got out of way of Pikachu causing the electric mouse to slam himself into the ground. Then Geodude got out a rock and threw it hard at Pikachu while he was trying to get up. The rock slammed onto Pikachu causing him to fall down on his stomach. Pikachu was not getting up as Geodude took out the Mouse Pokémon. Ash couldn't believe that Geodude beat Pikachu.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, the winner is Geodude!" Forester announced.
"Pikachu," Ash said as he ran up to Pikachu.
Ash was holding Pikachu in his arms looking at him knowing what pain he was in. Serena couldn't believe that Ash lost, but they could agree on one thing, Brock was definitely good and that Geodude was pretty skilled as well.
"Are you okay buddy?" Ash asked feeling worried.
"Pika," Pikachu answered.
"Hey, you did great. Now take a good rest," Ash told Pikachu.
Ash took Pikachu back to the sidelines and handed him to Serena. Serena was now holding Pikachu and Ash went back to his spot on the battlefield. Ash only had one Pokémon left while Brock still had two. If Ash was going to get that badge, he was going to need to beat both of his Pokémon with his last Pokémon.
"So, what's your next Pokémon?" Brock questioned.
Ash took out his special blue Pokeball. Serena saw that Pokeball, and she knew who was in that Pokeball. No wonder, it was no surprise Ash was going to bring Froakie into this battle.
"Froakie I choose you!" Ash yelled out sending out Froakie.
Froakie came out of the Pokeball and onto the battlefield. Froakie was looking at the Geodude on the other side, and Brock was a bit in shock of what Pokémon Ash sent out.
"Whoa, I never seen that Pokémon before," Brock said in amazement.
"Allow me to introduce you to Froakie. He is my first Pokémon, and he is a water-type Pokémon in case you're wondering," Ash said introducing Froakie.
"Froakie," Froakie responded.
"A water-type Pokémon taking on my Geodude, that's a good strategy. Since Froakie is a water-type Pokémon, he has an advantage on Geodude since Geodude is a rock-type and ground-type Pokémon. Water attacks do super effective damage on rock type and ground type Pokémon, so Froakie should have a huge advantage in type. But remember, just because you have a type advantage doesn't mean you can win. Some Pokémon trainers are able to help toughen their Pokémon through the types they're weak against, and that can go for other gym leaders too," Brock explained.
"Well then, I'm going to have Froakie beat Geodude and whatever other Pokémon you have planned for me," Ash told Brock.
Brock just crossed his arms while Ash looked at Brock with a bit of an angry look showing that he wants to win. Things were not good with Pikachu, so he could only hope things go better with Froakie.
"Come on Ash," Serena quietly said to herself holding Pikachu.
"Alright Froakie use Quick Attack!" Ash yelled out.
"Rollout!" Brock yelled out.
Froakie came at Geodude with a Quick Attack, but Geodude was once again too fast as he slammed into Froakie with Rollout. Froakie was sent flying to the wall, and the only thing Ash could do was go on offense.
"Keep going with Rollout!" Brock called out to Geodude.
"Froakie use Bubble!" Ash hollered.
Froakie unleashed a flurry of bubbles, but Geodude kept plowing through them like they were nothing. This couldn't be real, that Geodude was really strong, and then he smacked Froakie again with Rollout. This wasn't happening, Ash was on the ropes by Brock's Geodude, and this is still his first Pokémon! What was going on!
"Froakie," Ash said with worry, "Come on Froakie, get up!"
Froakie was weak, but the Bubble Frog Pokémon got up. Froakie wanted to keep fighting, but that Geodude was strong. Then something happened to Froakie, he started to have a blue glow around him.
"What's going on with Froakie?" Ash questioned.
"I hate to say this Ash, but this needs to end now. Geodude use Tackle," Brock told Geodude.
Geodude was coming at Froakie with Tackle, and Ash needed to come up with something or else Froakie was finished. Still, what was that blue glow? Ash noticed it too, but he was too focused on trying to beat Geodude.
"Alright Froakie use Water Pulse!" Ash yelled out.
Froakie sent out a powerful Water Pulse attack at Geodude, and the Rock Pokémon was hit hard by the attack. The fact that Geodude was a rock and ground type Pokémon, and that Water Pulse was a water attack made the attack hurt four times more. Geodude was knocked to the ground, and Froakie landed on his feet.
"Geodude is unable to battle, the winner is Froakie," Forester announced.
Ash could relax a little bit, but things were still tense. Froakie just barely beat Geodude, but what did that blue glow have to do with Froakie.
"What happened to Froakie? Where did that blue glow come from?" Serena asked Rotom Dex.
"I know what that is, it's Froakie's special ability Torrent," Rotom Dex answered while they look at Froakie, and Ash was hearing this too, "Torrent is an ability that allows water-type attacks to be more powerful when a Pokémon is near critical health."
"That means Froakie is getting exhausted," Serena gasped.
"I'm afraid so, and Brock still has another Pokémon. That Geodude was powerful, so who knows what his last Pokémon is able to do," said Rotom Dex.
"Geodude return!" Brock called out recalling Geodude, "Good job Geodude. Now you take a good rest, you deserve it."
Brock was looking at Ash and Froakie. The Bubble Frog Pokémon was getting worn out, and Ash was feeling tense. He could tell that he was likely going to get this battle.
"Well Ash, you were lucky to beat Geodude. However, my next Pokémon is going to mark the end of this battle," Brock said pulling out another Pokeball, "Come on out…Onix."
Brock threw his Pokeball out onto the battlefield and coming out was a giant grey snake made of boulders along had a horn on her head. Ash, Froakie, Serena, and Pikachu all gasped at the terrifying creature in front of them, Onix.
"What is that thing?" Serena asked.
"It's an Onix," Rotom Dex answered beginning his analysis.
#095-Onix: Rock Snake Pokémon
Onix has a magnet in its brain. It acts as a compass so that this Pokémon does not lose direction while it is tunneling. As it grows older, its body becomes increasingly rounder and smoother.
Onix was standing tall in front of the tiny little blue frog. Froakie was not at full strength to fight this Onix, but one thing Ash did gain from Rotom Dex was that Onix was also a rock and ground type like Geodude. Still, it didn't mean Froakie was guaranteed victory.
"Alright Froakie, lets give it everything we've got. Use Water Pulse again," Ash told Froakie.
Froakie unleashed another watery wave at Onix which was powered up by Torrent, but Onix was phased only a little bit.
"Onix use Rock Tomb!" Brock yelled out to his Onix.
Onix summoned a whole bunch of boulders to seal Froakie in. Froakie tried to get out of the Rock Tomb, but he was too weak to bust through the boulders. Now Froakie was at Onix's mercy.
"Froakie use Water Pulse again!" Ash yelled out.
"I don't think so, Onix use Rock Throw!" Brock retorted.
Froakie used Water Pulse again to break one of the boulders to free himself, but the Bubble Frog Pokémon wasn't able to get away from Onix's Rock Throw in time. Froakie was smashed on the ground by Onix's attack, and Froakie was getting up slowly.
"Froakie hang in there," Ash called out to Froakie.
"Alright Onix use Bind," Brock told Onix.
Froakie was trying to stand up, but Onix grabbed Froakie with her tail. Froakie was getting crushed by Onix's grip, and the Bubble Frog Pokémon couldn't wiggle out of this mess. All Ash's could do was helplessly watch Froakie struggle while Serena stood there in disbelief that Froakie was being crushed.
Froakie tried to get out, but it was no use, Onix was too powerful and Froakie was too weak. Froakie hated to admit it, but there was no way he could get out of this one. He was glad Fennekin wasn't out to watch him suffer.
"Now use Slam to throw Froakie down," Brock told Onix.
Onix slammed Froakie onto the ground, and Froakie laid there unable to move. Froakie couldn't believe it, but he failed Ash. Froakie wanted to do everything to help Ash, but he just can't seem to be strong enough for him.
"Froakie is unable to battle, the winner is Onix. Which means the winner of the Pewter City gym match is Brock," Forester announced.
"Froakie no," Ash said looking at Froakie.
"I can't believe it, Ash lost," Serena said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said weakly.
"They aren't kidding when they say that gym leaders are tougher trainers. Brock has proven to be one tough Pokémon trainer," Rotom Dex said, "But if Ash wants access to the Pokémon League, he'll have to beat him."
Brock called back Onix and told her that she did a terrific job. Ash on the other hand decided to walk up to his Froakie instead of calling him back. He picked up his Froakie and cradled him in his arms. Ash looked like he was going to cry.
"Froakie, are you okay," Ash said tearing up.
"Froakie," Froakie answered weakly.
"You did a great job Froakie. I want you to take a good rest okay," Ash said to his Froakie.
Froakie didn't care that Ash said he did a great job. Froakie was feeling sad that he couldn't win for him. Froakie was thinking of himself as pretty weak right now because he couldn't save him from the Spearow, he couldn't save them from Team Rocket, he wasn't able to do enough in Ash's battle against Paul, and now he just lost Ash's gym battle for him.
There is a saying that every defeat will make you stronger, and Froakie is hoping that those times he failed Ash will make him stronger in future challenges. The one thing Froakie definitely wanted to be strong for was that sadistic Pokémon assassin.
"You did a pretty good job for a beginner," Brock told Ash as he approached him.
"Really? But I lost," Ash said as he wiped his tears.
"Hey, you're a rookie and you're going to take some time to grow," Brock responded, "By the way, if you want I can take your Pokémon to my house."
"Wait, take Froakie to your house?" Serena questioned.
"Not just Froakie, but Pikachu as well," Forester replied.
"Are you, inviting us to your house?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, it's something I'm wanted you to know about me and why I have another job along with being a gym leader," Brock answered, "Come on over and I'll show you."
With that, Ash, Serena, Rotom Dex, Brock, and Forester left the Pewter Gym. It was a shame that Ash had to lose his first gym battle, but that wouldn't stop him in the future. Right now, the two kids from Pallet Town and Rotom Dex were wondering what is Brock up to?
Pewter City-Brock's House
It was an honor to visit Brock in his house. Seriously, when did a challenger ever get invited to visit a gym leader's house? The four immediately took off their shoes and put on the pink slippers right at the door.
Ash was carrying Froakie while Serena carried Pikachu. Both of them could've gotten a good nights sleep at the Pokémon Center, but why did Brock want them to bring their Pokémon here?
"Okay, put Pikachu and Froakie on the table," Brock told Ash and Serena.
Ash and Serena set the two Pokémon on the table with Rotom Dex watching in curiosity. Brock took a look at the two Pokémon and started by observing Pikachu.
"So, what is he doing?" Serena asked Forester.
"He's seeing where Pikachu is hurt after his battle with Geodude," Forester answered.
Pikachu was feeling a little weary around Brock, but the electric mouse Pokémon decided to behave for him. Besides, after being a bit rotten to the humans for a while, Pikachu thought it was time to mature when he met Ash and Serena.
"Hmm, you got a couple of bruises so all you need is a Super Potion," Brock said looking at Pikachu.
Brock took out a Super Potion and sprayed it on Pikachu. Pikachu was starting to feel better after being treated with the Super Potion. The electric mouse Pokémon was back on his feet.
"Pikachu," Pikachu responded happily.
"Pikachu you're okay," Ash happily said as he jumped into Ash's arms for a hug.
"Wow Brock, you treated Pikachu," Serena said in amazement.
"Yeah, I'm actually practicing to be a Pokémon doctor and I'm using my time at the gym and my part-time job at the restaurant to save up money to attend Pokémon nursing school," Brock explained.
"Wow, so you're going to start being a doctor to sick and injured Pokémon?" Serena happily asked.
"Yes, he is, and after he goes away to school I'm going to take over as the Pewter City Gym Leader. The reason I have to be around for most of his battles is, so I can learn about what it's like to be a gym leader," Forester explained, "Brock wants to do everything to try and help any Pokémon in need of help."
"That's great, and you did a great job with Pikachu," Ash complemented.
"Thanks, but it was nothing. Pikachu just needed a Super Potion for some bruises, but I haven't gotten a chance to get to serious injuries like broken bones or diseases. I might have to go to a Pokémon Center to see how that's handled," Brock explained.
So, it was a great thing to hear that Brock would soon leave the gym to be a Pokémon doctor. However, that didn't mean Ash was not going to wait for him to leave and face Forester for a badge. Come on, Gary possibly beat him for a badge, and Paul might have too, so Ash knew it's only fair that he tries to beat Brock for his Pewter City Gym Badge.
"Now it's Froakie's turn," Brock said turning his attention to Froakie, "This will be a great experience for me since I've never seen this Pokémon before."
Brock took a close look at Froakie, but Froakie nervously backed away. Froakie didn't want any human near him except for Ash, but all Brock wanted to do was help Froakie.
"Froakie," Froakie said nervously.
"Froakie listen, Brock just wants to take a look at you. He's not going to hurt you," Ash told Froakie.
"Froakie, Froakie," Froakie angrily said at Ash.
"Froakie, that was our gym battle against Brock. Yes, his Onix put you in this condition along with his Geodude, but it was mostly a fun competition for all of us. Brock never wanted to hurt you, in fact it looks like he's trying to make you feel better," Ash explained to Froakie, "Just let him look at you please."
"Froakie," Froakie said weakly as he continued to back away from Brock.
"What's wrong with Froakie?" Brock asked, "All I wanted to do is help."
There was then a silence in the room. It was a tough thing for Ash to tell him the story of what was in his surroundings when he was an egg. The same went for Fennekin as both of them went through the same scarring moments when they were in their egg stages which has really hurt their trust on humans. Froakie was the only Pokémon Brock actually saw though.
"Okay Brock, listen. Me and Serena are going to tell you and Forester a story about not only my Froakie," Ash told Brock when he paused, and Serena brought out her Fennekin, "But also Serena's Fennekin."
Brock saw the other Pokémon that Serena sent out which was her Fennekin. Brock was amazed by seeing that Pokémon as well, but the focus was on the story that Ash was about to tell him about Siegfried.
After the story
"It just angers me that people like that are out there in the world!" Brock exclaimed feeling upset and angry, "I'm so glad that Professor Sycamore gave you those Pokémon as your starters."
"Now you know why Froakie is afraid of you, it's because of him," Ash responded.
Brock took the time to calm down, and then he got down to Froakie's level. Brock looked at Froakie in the eyes. Froakie still felt tense, but despite how squinty Brock's eyes were, he had worry in them.
"Froakie listen to me. I'm sorry something like that had to effect your lifestyle and emotions, but I want you to know not all humans are like that. There are good humans out here in the world like your friend Ash and his friend Serena. Froakie, I'm one of the good humans too along with my brother here. You have to find the time to let another human other than Ash lend you a helping hand, and I'm one of them. I just want to take a look and see what could be wrong with you," Brock explained to Froakie.
Froakie turned his face to Ash, and his best buddy agreed. Ash wants Brock to trust him with Froakie, and that he does need to learn how to trust other humans. With that, Froakie leaned towards Brock and the tanned skin boy was now looking at the Bubble Frog Pokémon.
"That's a good Pokémon," Brock said looking at Froakie, "You pretty bruised up after your little encounter with my Onix. Don't worry, this will make you feel better."
Brock pulled out a Hyper Potion which was stronger than a Super Potion. He sprayed it on Froakie, and in just a matter of seconds, Froakie was feeling 100%. Froakie was jumping up and down happily.
"See Froakie, everything is alright," Ash told Froakie.
"Great job Brock, you know what you're doing with Ash's Pokémon," Serena complemented.
"Thanks, but I still think they should spend the night at the Pokémon Center. Hey afterwards I'll be generous to give you guys dinner if you want," Brock suggested.
"That sounds awesome," Ash said.
"I'd love that," Serena replied.
Pallet Town-Ketchum Household
Late evening has arrived in Pallet Town as Delia spent all day working on Serena's dress. Delia dedicated the whole day making Serena's outfit for when she took the stage in the Pokémon Contests, and Grace and Jade couldn't believe she spent a whole day making something for their daughter who was friends with Delia's son.
The dress was red with pink underneath and had two white shoulder straps with a red bow that would be around her chest area. The dress wasn't all Delia was able to create for Serena, she also made her a pair of fancy red flats with gold circles on them, white gloves with pink bows around the wrist parts, a black choker with a gold circle, and a shiny black ribbon with a pink bow so it could be used to make her hair into a ponytail, but Delia did purchase some black pantyhose.
"Delia, that looks amazing," Jade said clasping her hands, "I think our little Serena will look beautiful in that dress."
"Well I spent all day working on this for someone who happens to be a very good friend of Ash," Delia told Jade, "After all I did spend a whole day making Ash's traveling clothes."
"I can't wait to send this over to Serena," Grace said looking at the dress, "I think we got some tips on how we can design some clothes in the future."
"You really do?" Delia asked happily.
"Yeah, but no were not going to become fashion designers," Grace said jokingly, and seriously they weren't going to be fashion designers.
Grace and Jade weren't going to argue, the dress was beautiful along with the accessories that went with them. Now there was only one thing that needed to be done, and that was to deliver this to Serena.
"Okay, we heard Ash and Serena are in Pewter City and that there will be a Pokémon Contest there in a couple of days. If we act now, the dress should be delivered to Serena by tomorrow," Delia told Serena's moms.
"Okay, we might want to let her know," Jade suggested.
"Good idea let's call her tonight," Grace suggested.
"I agree, and I will box this dress, shoes, and other accessories up to be mailed to the Pewter City Pokémon Center," Delia said, "I know Serena will love this."
So, it was time to deliver the dress to Serena, and thank Arceus they were not sending her a million postcards just like how Ash did that with the Pokémon League to get his hat.
Interesting fact, the outfit Delia made for Serena for her Pokémon Contests in the Kanto Region is the same outfit she wears in her Pokémon Showcases in the anime. Her moms Grace and Jade were taking the time to learn how to make clothes, so they can make Serena another outfit together for when she enters the Kanto Grand Festival.
Well sorry everyone, Ash lost his battle to Brock, but now we got to learn that he is already practicing on being a Pokémon doctor, which explains why he has another job along with being a gym leader. That is so he can pay for Pokémon medical school.
Ash will not have his rematch with Brock until after the Pewter City Pokémon Contest which will be in two chapters, because the next chapter will introduce new rivals for Ash and Serena. Later!
Chapter 10: Three New Rivals
