Summer and Brock arrived in Cerulean City to talk to Misty about the Legendary Birds. Although Summer wanted to help, Misty advised her to continue. Before getting too far along Route 9, Errol wanted to leave the team because of his recent performances. After some encouragement, Summer decides to help Errol with a Psychic move, although it's a work in progress. While continuing on her way to Rock Tunnel, Summer encounters a rock climbing class and reluctantly joins. What is the reason for her reluctance and can she help someone else conquer his fears?
Chapter 26: Climb to the Top!
Lightning and I continued hiking in the grass on Route 9. We spent the last two weeks training in the mountains and helping Errol learning a new Psychic-type move: Confusion. Unfortunately, it was more minor casualties that successes. But I knew over time, he would get the hang of it.
"Hey Summer, how far is it to this Rock Tunnel?" Lightning asked with a hint of tiredness.
I looked at my Pokégear. "It shouldn't be more than a few days."
"A FEW DAYS?! I like traveling and all, but this has been the longest we've been away from a Pokémon Center…"
I knelt down and petted her head. "I know, but it's still good to not rush things. Besides, it's not there's any rush to get to the Pokémon Center. I still have some supplies left."
We then felt the ground slightly shake. I nervously looked around, then saw a large boulder rolling down from the mountain ranges to the east. Lightning quickly climbed onto my shoulder, scared at the incoming rock.
Oh, no! I don't think Lightning can break that boulder! And it might be too late if I send out Blaze…what do I do?
Suddenly, a deep, gravelly voice boomed, "Rhydon, Horn Drill!"
A large, gray armored Pokémon with two arms, two legs, and a big horn broke the boulder into small pieces. Lightning and I were shocked but amazed of the Pokémon's strength.
I took out my Pokédex and pointed it at the colossal Pokémon. [Rhydon, the Drill Pokémon and the evolved form of Rhyhorn. Its horn, which rotates like a drill, destroys tall buildings with one strike. It stands on its hind legs, and its brain is well developed.]
"Miss!" A tall, muscular man in his 40s wearing brown and green hiking clothes ran towards us. His brown fedora covered his short, black hair and dark brown eyes. "Are you two okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine," I replied. "Thanks for saving us from that boulder!"
The man blushed and admitted, "Actually, I should be apologizing. Rhydon and I were making sure the cliffs here are safe when I accidentally pushed that boulder down the slope. I didn't expect anyone to be there. I apologize."
I smiled. "I appreciate the apology. My name's Summer, and this is Lightning, my Pikachu."
The man then paused and gave me a strange look. Noticing my confused face, his face immediately brightened up. "Oh, sorry about that. My name's Al. I teach rock climbing classes with my partner, Rhydon."
"Wow, that's pretty cool! Is that why you're scouting the area today?"
Al chuckled. "Pretty observant, Summer. Yes, I have a beginner's rock climbing class in an hour. You should join us; there's plenty of space left."
I looked up the mountains and started to shake at their immense height. "Uhh…I'm not too sure… I…have some issues with heights from large cliffs…"
"Don't worry, Summer. There's plenty of staff and chaperones that'll help anyone in trouble. Plus, you'll get free rock climbing gear!"
"Come on, Summer!" Lightning whispered into my ear. "It'll be good for you!"
I sighed. "If you say so, Lightning." I turned to Al and Rhydon. "Sure, I'll join."
"Great, Summer! Follow me."
Lightning and I followed Al and his Rhydon to an open grassy area a few miles away.
A large white canopy covered the majority of the field. Several men gathered around a dark blue pickup truck, removing large cardboard boxes from the trunk. When we got closer, I saw them removing the contents: rock climbing tools, ropes, and other equipment. After they finished unloading the truck, they checked the gear to make sure they were safe, then organized them on a long, white table.
"Here, Summer," Al said, motioning me to the registration booth. "You can sign on this sheet. Do you have a Rock, Ground, or Fighting-type Pokémon?"
"Yeah, I do." I took out Blaze's Pokéball and let him out.
"Excellent!" Al cheered.
"Lightning, are you okay with this?"
Lightning happily sighed. "Yes! A break!"
I smiled and returned her. I then looked at my starter. "Do you want to learn about rock climbing, Blaze?"
Blaze lifted up his arm confidently and said, "Yes, Summer! Let's do this!"
I smiled at my Pokémon's enthusiasm. Hopefully, he'll help me overcome my fears.
After I finished signing up, I saw a line of boys behind me.
This is just like the fishing class all over again!
I left the line and walked around the field. I then stared at the tall mountain, noticing how much taller it looked now that we're closer to it. I then turned my attention to the participants. Although most of the boys were excited about rock climbing, one boy looked scared. He nervously glanced at his surroundings with his blue eyes and kept pushing his short blonde hair back. I was able to walk up to him when a man that looked similar to him marched over. He looked like the same age as Al, but slightly younger.
"Come on, Adam! Go get your equipment!" he shouted, patting his son forcefully on the back. The man's humanoid Pokémon crossed his arms and looked very serious. The gray-skinned Pokémon looked like he wore a black and gold belt and black briefs. He also had three ridges on his head.
Trying to be discrete while satisfying my curiosity, I turned off the voice option and pointed my Pokédex at him. [Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon and the evolved form of Machop. A belt is worn by a Machoke to keep its overwhelming power under control. Because it is so dangerous, no one has ever removed the belt.]
"B-b-but Dad…" Adam timidly whispered. I could barely hear the soft tone in his voice. "I-I d-don't want t-to do rock cl-climbing…"
His dad then gave him a stern look. "Look, son. You need to carry on our family legacy of rock climbers. Your Pokémon will help you."
"B-b-b… O-okay…"
But before I could talk to him, Al shouted, "All right, gather 'round everyone!"
Once we formed a tight group, the other teachers and chaperones gathered around Al.
"Welcome to this month's beginner's rock climbing class at the Rock Tunnel Mountains! How's everyone feeling today?"
Everyone cheered and yelled enthusiastically. While I clapped, I saw Adam didn't positively respond.
"Today, we're going to teach you about the basics of rock climbing, safety and equipment. After lunch, we then start climbing up this mountain. It should be an easy climb, no clouds or bad weather today! Now, ready for the lesson?"
Everyone immediately took out notepads and pencils from their bags. While the assistants and chaperones dispersed, Al showed us some of the tools for rock climbing: a rope with a hook, a pickaxe, gloves, a helmet with a flashlight, and a belt to hold everything.
As I took notes, I pictured the scenario of a rock climber. The Pokémon throws the hook on the rope to a place where there is a secure footing. The climber then puts on heavy-duty but flexible gloves and the helmet to protect himself. After tying the rope securely through the belt, both ascend the mountain by gripping onto the cliff, with the climber occasionally using the pickaxe to get a better grip. Once they reach a checkpoint, the Pokémon unlatches the hook and throws it up further. They continue climbing until they reach their destination.
After Al's lesson, we took our lunch break. Blaze and I walked a long table piled with sandwiches and Berries. After we grabbed some of each, we sat away from the others and ate our food on the grass. A gray muscular Pokémon that looked like a small child ran up to us and sat down next to Blaze. He had three brown ridges on his head, similar to Machoke, and looked really strong.
"Who's that Pokémon?" I wondered aloud. [Machop, the Superpower Pokémon. It continually undertakes strenuous training to master all forms of martial arts. Its strength lets it easily hoist a sumo wrestler onto its shoulders.]
"Adam, come here!" the Machop shouted, waving over his Trainer. His voice was the opposite of Adam's, loud and jolly.
"Oh, okay, Stark…C-can I join you, miss?" Adam asked, walking up to us.
"Sure," I said, smiling. "I'm Summer, and this is Blaze, my partner."
"It's n-nice to meet y-you, Summer…"
Blaze and Stark shook hands and ate together, giving us some time to talk with each other.
"So, how do you like the rock climbing class?" I asked, trying to make light conversation.
"I-it's fine…" Adam stated, but looked towards the ground. "But…to be honest…I don't really like it."
"How come?" I asked, pretending to not mention my earlier eavesdropping. His speech changed dramatically from stutters to seriousness.
"I…I'd rather be a spelunker. I prefer learning about caves rather than climbing up mountains."
"You should tell your dad about that."
"I-I don't know…He's so stubborn…and he cares more about his pride as a climber over my interests…"
"You should still tell him. You'll feel better if you do."
"Thanks, Summer. I'll try to do that…"
Noticing it was almost time for the climbing lesson, we finished our lunches and headed towards Al. Once everyone was gathered again, Al slowly put on his gear, giving us details on where they should be placed and how to attach them securely.
"Now…I bet you're all wondering about the hook on this rope," Al stated. After a few nods from his audience, he answered, "Instead of telling you what it's for, why don't we show it to you? Rhydon?"
He then handed the rope and hook to his partner. Rhydon nodded and wrapped the end of the rope around his left arm. Holding the hook steady in his right hand, he scanned the mountain and threw it upwards. The hook flew into the air and pierced into a solid piece of rock about 50 feet above us. Everyone oohed and ahhed at the power and accuracy of Rhydon's toss. After Al showed us how to tie the rope around our belts using several complicated-looking but easy knots, he announced, "All right, everyone. Grab your gear, and we'll help you with throws and climbing positions."
After he said that, everyone except me and Adam immediately ran towards the tables, eagerly grabbing their equipment. Knowing there was no need to rush, I calmly walked over and picked up my equipment. After making sure I had everything, I saw Adam nervously eying the rope.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked.
Adam slightly jumped and looked at me like I was a ghost. "Y-y-yeah…I'm f-fine…"
I smiled, trying to cheer him up. "Don't be so nervous, okay?"
Adam was surprised at my encouraging words. "T-thanks…"
As I walked towards the mountain, I was happy I helped Adam feel a little better. But at the same time, actually climbing the mountain now terrified me.
"All right, Blaze," I said, trying to steady myself. "R-ready to practicing throwing?"
Blaze took the rope and said, "Don't worry, Summer. I'll be here to help you."
Suddenly, I heard yelling coming from my left. I turned towards that direction and saw Adam's father trying to help his resisting son.
"Come on, Adam!" he yelled, trying to tie the knots onto Adam's belt.
"N-no, Dad!" Adam stuttered. "I-I don't w-want to cl-climb!"
His father huffed and growled, "You need to do this, Adam! You'll ruin our legacy!"
Adam became frustrated and argued, "That's your legacy! I don't want to be a part of it!"
His father was shocked by his reaction. He bit his lip and said to his Pokémon, "Machoke, let's take a climb."
Machoke was hesitant to leave, but he relented. Both of them started climbing to the highest part of the mountain. Adam sat on the ground and started to cry. Stark tried to comfort him, but his Trainer didn't respond.
I was about to walk over to him when I saw Al doing the same. I decided to let him talk to Adam, feeling Al knew how to handle this better.
"Hi, Adam," Al said when he approaching the sad boy. "Are you okay?"
Adam looked up at his instructor and whispered, "Y-yes, sir…"
Al sat down and patted Adam's back. "You don't have to climb if you don't want to. We can talk about something else, okay?"
Adam smiled and asked, "W-what do you know about caves, sir?"
Al smiled back. "Actually, I know quite a bit about the caves in Kanto. Would like to learn about them?"
"Sure, sir!"
As they were eagerly talking to each other, I remembered what I was supposed to be doing. I nodded to Blaze, and he wrapped the rope around his left arm. He threw the hook upwards while jumping, increasing the height of the throw. Once the hook hit the rock around 20 feet, Blaze lightly tugged on the rope, making sure it was secure. Rhydon came over and gave us a thumbs up. Blaze grinned at the approval, tied the rope around his waist, and handed the rest of the rope to me.
I took a deep breath and tied it around the belt, remembering the knots Al showed us. After watching the other boys for several minutes, I had an idea on what to do.
Okay…here I go!
I grasped onto a small crack in the mountain with my right hand, then did the same with my left hand.
So far so good…now for the legs….
I found some wider cracks and placed my feet into them. Before going any further, I watched the other boys slowly climb the rocks with their Pokémon.
Blaze looked at the Pokémon and immediately started climbing up the mountain.
"Come on, Summer!" he shouted.
I took a deep breath and followed Blaze's path up the mountain. We focused on finding secure cracks and shifting our weight so it was easier to ascend. To my surprise, the excitement of exploring the mountain outweighed my fear of heights. Once we reached our destination, I gazed at the view of Cerulean City, a town with a tall dark tower, and a long, one-story building that looked abandoned. After that, I noticed how high we were…
Oh no…now I have to go back down?!
"Don't worry, Summer! I'll stay in place while you climb down. That way, I'll save us in case you slip!"
I nervously looked at my starter and felt he was telling the truth. After Blazed climbed down a little and anchored himself into some cracks, he looked up and gave me a thumbs up. I nodded and, carefully, descended the mountain until I reached the flat ground. Blaze then jumped down, bracing the impact as he landed.
"You did great, Summer!" he cheerfully praised.
I rubbed his head and said, "Thank you, Blaze."
Right after I said that, the ground slightly shook. I immediately paused, thinking there was going to be an earthquake. But the shaking stopped, and a strange humming sound filled the air. Although it sounded similar to Team Rocket's radio frequency, this one had more of a crackling sound to it.
A shout then echoed above us. Everyone looked up and saw a man being attacked by a Machoke. As he dodged the Pokémon's fist, the belt around Machoke's waist fell to the ground.
"Oh, no! Dad!" Adam fearfully shouted. He started to turn pale and couldn't move. I then ran over to Adam and Al, seeing what I could do to help.
"This isn't good!" Al said. He then pointed to a spot above the two figures on the mountain. "Rhydon, over there!"
Rhydon nodded and threw a hook in that area. For some reason, the hook changed direction in mid-air and hit a rock below them.
Al gritted his teeth. "Everyone, come down the mountain! We'll help you with the descent."
The assistants on the mountain climbed to the boys and guided them down. Although everyone was scared, they focused on the descent and made it safely.
"Now what to do with them?" Al wondered. "Why is Machoke attacking him?"
I looked at the fallen belt and picked it up. "It must be because Machoke's belt fell off. If it does, Machoke becomes uncontrollable."
Al said, "I can try flying up to them, but I think that'll only make things worse."
"I can try to give the belt to Adam's father," I offered. "Maybe he can put it back on and calm his Machoke down."
"But that's dangerous, Summer! I don't think you and Blaze should go!" Al warned.
I looked at the two determinedly. "I know it's dangerous! But I know Blaze has the strength to distract him, so we can put the belt back on. I also have my other Pokémon as well, so I should be fine."
Al saw my face and slowly nodded.
"Be careful, Summer…." Adam cautioned.
"Thanks, Adam. I'll help get your dad and Machoke down. Ready, Blaze?"
"Of course, Summer!" he said, arm raised. "Let's climb!"
I wrapped the belt around my waist and started to climb. Luckily, our hook was still securely attached to the mountain, so we reached the first leg of the mountain. Seeing that Adam's father and his thrashing Machoke were 50 feet above us, I pointed the same place Al wanted to anchor earlier. Blaze removed the hook from our location and threw it in that direction. To my surprise, the hook accurately hit the rocks. Although I would have questioned this event since Al's hook didn't fly straight, saving the two was more important.
Blaze and I then carefully climbed to where Adam's father and Machoke were. I couldn't help feeling the mountain was giving off some sort of mystical electrical energy, but that was the least of my concerns. I knew I had to be more careful in case the mountain may shake from another mini-earthquake. When we finally reached the two, Adam's father was trying to fend off his attacker.
"Adam's father!" I shouted, trying to get his attention. "This should help your Machoke!"
I showed him the belt, and he said, "Thanks! But how are we going to put it back on? Machoke's not going to let anyone come close!"
After he said that, he dodged another blow from his Pokémon but started to lose his grip. While I thought of a plan, Errol sent himself out.
"Ms. Summer! Allow me!"
I was a little confused by my Hoothoot's words, but then I realized what he was trying to say.
"But, Errol...You haven't mastered that move yet!"
"But what better chance to practice than now? Please, Ms. Summer!"
I took a deep breath and knew Errol was right. I handed Errol the belt, and the Owl Pokémon flew towards the Machoke.
"All right, Errol! Remember to concentrate and focus your energy through your eyes."
He nodded and focused his eyes on the belt in his talons. They slowly glowed magenta, and eventually the belt was surrounded by the same glow. Errol slowly let go of the belt and was able to control it with his eyes. Blaze and I gave him a thumbs up, not wanting disturb his concentration.
But as Errol was about to move the belt towards Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon saw the movement behind him and punched at Errol. The Flying type was able to dodge, but the change in concentration made him drop the belt. As Errol dived to retrieve it, Machoke broke free from his rope and charged after him.
"Errol, look out!" I shouted.
Doing a brave but foolish thing, Blaze untied the rope around his waist and jumped towards the falling Machoke. Errol got a hold of the belt but froze when Machoke came towards him, arms extended. Blaze caught up with the Fighting type and used Double Kick, pushing him to the left and into the ground below. I couldn't see what was going on, but I knew my Pokémon and Al can handle it.
I carefully moved sideways to a flat surface on the mountain. Just as I landed, I felt the electrical energy from the mountain disappear. Not thinking about this, I took out a Pokéball.
"Flower, use Vine Whip and save Adam's father!"
Flower came out of his Pokéball and nodded. She sent out two vines that wrapped around the man's and carried him to our location. Once he landed on the rock, a hook flew up towards my left and secured itself to a pointed rock. In ten minutes, Al's face popped up.
"Come on, you two! Let's get you down."
We saw Rhydon climb up and motioned me to come closer. I returned Flower and walked towards him. Rhydon then lifted me up towards his chest and jumped down. I closed my eyes tightly as we fell, then Rhydon used his tail to soften the landing. I wobbly got out of his arms and slowly nodded a thank you.
Adam and Stark comforted his father's Machoke, who recovered after having his belt back on. He looked miserable physically, but his face fell when he saw his injured Trainer.
"Sorry, boss," he grunted.
Adam's father placed a comforting hand onto his Pokémon's shoulder. "I'm just glad you're okay, Machoke."
I looked at my Pokémon and thankfully, they weren't badly injured.
"Blaze, please don't try that stunt again, especially 70 feet above ground!"
Blaze slightly hung his head in shame. Errol patted his friend's back and hooted a soft thank you. After I returned the both of them, Adam's father approached me.
"You must be Summer, correct?"
"That's right. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I want to thank you for two things."
Two things?
"First, I want to thank you for saving me. Your Pokémon are well trained and truly care for each other. Second, thank you for opening my eyes about my son. I know you talked to him earlier about his dreams of becoming a spelunker. I was too prideful to allow Adam a chance to try other things, and I almost paid the price for it."
"Son?" he said, looking at Adam. "I'm sorry I made you do something you never wanted to do. Can you forgive me?"
Adam teared up but spoke calmly, "Of course, Dad! I actually learned a lot here, despite not wanting to come. Can I try climbing again when I'm older?"
The two then embraced each other tightly. "Of course, Adam. Why don't we explore a cave together next month?"
Adam furiously nodded as he sobbed onto his father's shoulder.
"I'm impressed, Summer," Al praised while we watched a reunited family. "You and your Pokémon showed courage and perseverance. Traits I truly admire. I have something for you as a token for completing the beginner's rock climbing class. He led me to the white tables where the assistants were packing up and waving goodbye to the participants.
Al picked up a large brown case and opened it. Inside was a white helmet with a Flash brand flashlight, a durable reusable Escape Rope with a grappling hook attachment, carabiners, a book about climbing knots, and a Pickaxe guaranteed to crush small boulders and hang onto mountains.
"All of these are for you, in case you go climbing or exploring caves like Rock Tunnel. It also has the shrinking and expanding functions for easy transport."
"Thanks, Al!" I closed the case, pressed the shrink button on the top, and placed it into my backpack. We then waved goodbye to Adam, his father, and their Pokémon before they headed back to Cerulean City.
Al scanned the cleanup and offered, "If you're heading to Rock Tunnel, I can give you a lift. I'm heading to the Pokémon Center there."
I felt Lightning's Pokéball shake vigorously, as if she was excited about not having to walk for a while. I giggled and accepted the offer. We walked to Al's dark blue truck and I hopped into the passenger's seat. Al returned his Rhydon, sat on the driver's seat, and started the truck. We waved goodbye to the assistants and drove to the Pokémon Center
"So," Al asked. "What'd you think about rock climbing?"
"I thought it was fun. A little scary at first, but it was very interesting."
Al laughed. "I'm glad to hear that! It'll take some practice, but I'm sure you'll get it in no time."
Al then paused and continued, "You know, you remind me of someone my nephew keeps talking about. He's a Trainer as well, so maybe you'll see him on your journey."
"Really? Maybe I will. Hopefully he's not like my rival, Weldon."
"Hmmm… What's this Weldon like?"
I thought it was strange he was asking about Weldon, but I still answered, "He's kind of a pain, and he doesn't like me because I'm from Hoenn. But he is a strong battler…"
"I see. Don't worry too much about his dislike of your home region. I think he has a reason that's not about you."
I hope so…But how does he know this much about Weldon?
"Oh, look! We're here already!"
I looked out the window and saw the familiar red roof. Al parked by the building, and we both got out of the truck.
"Good luck on your journey, Summer," Al said, extending his hand. "I hope we meet again."
"Me too, thanks for today, Al." I shook his hand, waved goodbye, and went into the Pokémon Center to stay the night.
Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy
Errol (Hoothoot, male): Rash Nature, moves: Foresight, Growl, Hypnosis, Peck; learning- Confusion
Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap
Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss
Flower (Bulbasaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder
Questions for the Chapter:
Any people you want to see again?
What caused the electrical energy on the mountain?
