Coauthor: Nitro Zeus

Pewter Gym

Hilbert, Serena with Caterpie on her shoulder, and James were in the stands ready to watch the battle between Ash and Brock.

"As Gym Leader, I shall show my pokemon first." Brock gripped his pokeball. "Geodude, go!"

Brock sent out a rock with two arms and a face, and Ash took out his pokedex:

Geodude, The Rock Pokemon. Found in fields and mountains. Mistaking them for boulders, people often step or trip on them.

"Alright buddy, this it. Our first gym battle." Ash whispered to Pikachu. "You okay holding off for now?"

Pikachu jumped down to Ash's side. "Pi. Pika.

Ash nodded and gripped Nidoran 's pokeball. " Nidoran , I choose you!"

The poison point pokemon appeared before Ash with clear determination. "Nidoran!"

"Hm, I suppose I should have expected a pokemon like that given your Pikachu." Brock shook his head. "A poison pokemon is just as bad or worse than your Pikachu."

"We'll see about that." Ash replied angrily.

"Begin!" Forest shouted.

Ash VS Brock (P. I)

"Geodude, rock throw!" Brock commanded.

Geodude picked up a big rock from the ground and threw it at Nidoran.

"Dodge it!" Ash panicked, and Nidoran was barely able to dodge. "That was close. Nidoran use leer."

Nidoran leered at Geodude who wasn't affected emotionally, but its defense lowed by a stage. Brock raised an eyebrow since most trainers would go on the offensive.

"Very good Ash." Brock nodded. "You might provide a challenge after all. Geodude, follow their lead and set up with Rock Polish."

Geodude began to shine, and his speed sharply rose.

" Nidoran , his speed could be a problem now." Ash warned. "Stay on your guard."

"Let's just see how 'staying on guard' works out for you Ash." Brock stated. "Tackle now!"

Geodude flung himself at Nidoran with surprising speed.

"Meet him head on with peck!" Ash declared.

Nidoran charged at Geodude as well and got the hit in before being flung back.

"Did you really think your Nidoran could overpower my Geodude?" Brock questioned.

"I wouldn't know unless I tried." Ash declared as Nidoran recovered.

The truth was he hoped poison point would activate, but it didn't leading to Ash having to bluff his way out.

"Well, let's see how your trying strategy does against this." Brock smirked. "Geodude, roll out!"

Geodude tucked in his arms and began spinning before rolling at Nidoran .

"Nidoran , hold your ground and start prepping the move we've been working on." Ash declared. "Fire on my command."

Nidoran opened his mouth as a sphere of ice energy began to form.

"What is…" Brock's eyes went wide. "This kid isn't the novice I thought him to be." He called out to his pokemon. "Geodude, get out of there!"

"Ice beam Nidoran !" Ash declared.

It was too late. The Geodude's speed was working against him resulting in the pokemon taking the full force of ice beam. The rock pokemon's speed, not to mention how new Nidoran was to his move, still resulted in Geodude hitting the poison pokemon.

"Hang tough Nidoran ." Ash panicked.

"Geodude, rock throw again!" Brock shouted.

Ash was only left with a moment to think as the rock came his pokemon's way. "You're tougher than Brock thinks Nidoran , so show him you won't be deterred. Use peck on the rock!"

"Nidoran." The poison pokemon declared boldly.

He ran forward and jumped at the rock leveling his horn at it. Nidoran managed to knock the rock off course sending it flying towards the balcony. Caterpie saw this and panicked. He fired an electro web which ensnared the rock and sent it crash below the balcony.

"Caterpie, you protected us." Serena hugged her little bug. "Thank you."

Caterpie smiled before glowing white and evolving prompting Serena to take out her pokedex:

Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon. Metapod is the evolved form of Caterpie. Using a hard shell to protect its body, it prepares for its next evolution.

Type: Bug

Ability: Run Away

Sex: Male

Current Moves: Tackle, String Shot, Bug Bite, Electro Web, Harden

"Congratulation Serena." James stated.

Serena smiled. "Thanks, James."

"I'm really sorry Serena!" Ash shouted. "I'll try to be more careful."

Serena blushed as Ash turned to face the battle again. "He's so selfless."

Hilbert sweat dropped before leaning over to James. "Is she always like this?"

"Sometimes." James stated. "It's not as bad as you think."

"Let the battle resume!" Forest declared.

Ash VS Brock (P. II)

"Nidoran charge in!" Ash declared.

"Geodude, tackle!" Brock declared.

Geodude charged at the poison pokemon; however, the prior ice beam had really done some damage resulting in slower movements. Still, Ash knew Nidoran was slow on the draw with ice beam, so he had to go with a different move hoping for the

"Use peck!" Ash declared.

The two pokemon collided, but this time Nidoran managed to overcome Geodude knocking him away. The rock pokemon hit the ground and had swirls in his eyes.

"Geodude is unable to battle." Forest declared.

"Good job Geodude." Brock told his rock pokemon as he returned him.

"Please send out your next pokemon." Forest requested.

Brock put his pokeball away and pulled out another. "Go Onix!"

When the second pokemon appeared, Ash took out his pokedex:

Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. By twisting its large and powerful body, Onix can quickly bore through the ground at 50 miles per hour.

"Nidoran , you did great." Ash held out his pokeball. "Return and take a rest!" He looked to his buddy. "You up for a battle Pikachu?"

"Pika!" Pikachu declared as he ran onto the field.

"Now it's three VS two." Serena stated. "Ash has the advantage."

"Not really." Hilbert replied with a sad smile. "Ash may have more pokemon, but Nidoran wasn't looking to good. Not to mention, a gym leader saves their ace until the end. In short, this battle is just getting started."

James noticed that Serena was starting to worry, so he decided to assure her. "Don't worry Serena. Ash can still win. He just needs to play his cards right."

Serena flashed him a grateful smile before looking back to the battlefield.

"Begin!" Forest declared.

Ash VS Brock (P. III)

"Onix, use Dragon Rage!" Brock instructed.

Onix let out a battle cry as he opened his mouth and charged up a sphere of dragon energy.

"Dodge with quick attack and strike that rock snake with iron tail!" Ash shouted.

Onix fired off the attack, but Pikachu was out of there. The mouse then drew in close and coated his tail with steel energy before slamming it into Onix.

"He must have taught all his pokemon super effective moves. Smart." Brock nodded. "Onix, bolster your defense with harden!"

Steel energy briefly washed over Onix as his defense rose by one stage.

"Pikachu, we can't let him set up like this." Ash declared. "Get in there and strike with iron tail."

"Use rock throw as a barrier and dodge Onix." Brock replied.

Onix struck the ground with his tail resulting in rocks being thrown about.

"Dodge!" Ash panicked.

Pikachu had to cancel his iron tail, but he was able to dodge all the rocks.

"As you can see Ash, my Onix is in a league of his own." Brock stated with a smirk and his arms crossed. "You might as well give up now."

"No way." Ash declared. "My pokemon and I never give up until the battle is over."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu wholeheartedly agreed.

Serena blushed as she gazed at Ash lovingly. James smirked while Hilbert sweat dropped as they noticed this.

Brock took note of his opponent. "Ash clearly loves his pokemon and has been holding up rather well. Most trainers with his line up would be struggling and would have given up."

"Let's go Pikachu!" Ash was fired up to win. "Get in there with another quick attack and run up his body while striking with iron tails back-to-back!"

"Onix, more rock throws!" Brock countered.

"Don't back done buddy!" Ash declared. "You have the speed advantage so use it!"

Onix crashed his tail into the ground throwing up rocks which Pikachu weaved through before jumping onto the rock snake. The mouse's tail then radiated steel energy as he ran along the pokemon and began hammering in hits. Onix cried out in pain.

"Onix, store up your damage with bide!" Brock commanded.

Onix didn't try to stop Pikachu and took the damage from two, consecutive attacks.

"Ash, get Pikachu out of there!" Hilbert shouted.

Ash had been smiling, but he was now confused. "What do you…"

"Unleash your energy Onix!" Brock commanded.

Onix glowed with white energy that fired off in all directions hitting Pikachu.

"Pikachuuuuuu!" Pikachu cried out in pain as he was knocked off.

"Everyone watched on shocked as Pikachu hit the ground with swirls in his eyes. Onix was left panting before he couldn't remain conscious much longer and collapsed with swirls in his eyes as well.

"We have a double knock out." Forest declared. "Onix and Pikachu are unable to battle."

"Looks like the damage was just too much for him to hold on." Brock recalled his Onix. "You made me so proud."

Ash ran out to collect his Pikachu. "Pikachu."

The mouse looked up at his trainer. "Pika."

Ash could tell his partner was apologizing, but the trainer wouldn't have it. "You gave it your all buddy and tied with an Onix." He smiled proudly. "There's no way I could have asked for more." He looked at Brock. "Is it alright if I bring my pokemon to my friends, so he can rest?"

"Very well." Brock crossed his arms since he had to play the tough gym leader. "I'll allow it."

"Thank you." Ash stated before making his way over to the stands.

"Ash can still win, right?" Serena asked as she stared sadly at her crush.

"It'll be hard." Hilbert stated. "Like I said, gym leaders save their aces for last, and Brock's ace deserves that tittle." This upset Serena because Ash had worked so hard. "That doesn't mean he shouldn't try. Ash has the advantage of thinking outside the box."

Serena gave the guy a weak smile before looking to Ash who approached them. "Serena, can you look after Pikachu for me while I finish this?"

"Of course, Ash." Serena accepted the pokemon. "I'll make sure he's well taken care of while you focus on the battle."

"Ash, don't lose sight of the goal." Hilbert instructed. "You're close, but Brock's last pokemon is a tough one."

"You got this Ash." James voiced. "Remember what you said to Brock earlier. You and your pokemon won't give up until it's over."

"Thank you, everyone." Ash nodded before returning to the battlefield.

"You're up Ryhorn!" Brock declared.

Ash got out his pokedex:

Rhyhorn, the Spiked Pokémon. Rhyhorn is known for its physical power, and its considerable offensive and defensive battle skills.

"A tough pokemon." Ash threw out Nidoran "Nidoran , are you up for another battle?"

Nidoran looked from Ryhorn to Ash before nodding firmly. "Nido."

"Then, let's do this." Ash stated.

"Begin!" Forest declared.

Ash VS Brock (P. IV)

"Nidoran , leer!" Ash commanded.

"Ryhorn, scary face!" Brock commanded.

Ryhorn's defense lowered by a stage while Nidoran was intimidated, and her speed lowered by two stages.

"Now, tackle!" Brock declared.

Ash held out his hand. "Ice beam!"

The ice energy began to build prompting Brock to act. "Transfer into bulldoze and keep going!"

Ryhorn began shaking as he charged. When the ice hit, it still did damage, but the bigger pokemon pushed on through slamming into Nidoran . The poison point pokemon hit the ground and had given all he could as there were now swirls in his eyes.

"Nidoran is unable to battle." Forest declared.

"Now, the match is practically tied up." Hilbert stated. "It'll all comes down to how well Ash can use what little advantage he got."

"Ash, you can do it." Serena thought. "You can get your first badge."

"Nidoran return!" Ash retrieved his pokemon and looked at the pokeball. "You did really well out there, so take a well-deserved rest."

"You're down to your final pokemon Ash." Brock crossed his arms. "Can they stand up to my Ryhorn."

I know she can." Ash stated determined. "I choose you, Pidgeotto!" The bird pokemon appeared and used her wings to stay off the ground. "It's up to you now Pidgeotto. Our friends got us down to his last pokemon, so let's give this everything we got!"

"Pidgeotto!" Pidgeotto declared fired up.

"Begin!" Forest declared.

Ash VS Brock (P. V)

"Let's do this Ryhorn." Brock declared. "Bring that bird down with Rock Tomb!"

"Pidgeotto use agility to dodge. Then, get in close and use steel wing!" Ash declared.

Pidgeotto flew fast avoiding rocks which fell before her wings shined with steel energy. The bird slashed them into Ryhorn dealing great damage.

"Use Scary Face to slow that bird down!" Brock declared.

"Use Agility to counteract it!" Ash countered.

"Smart move Ash." Brock praised. "Still, you're not the only one who can teach your Pokémon a tricky move. Ryhorn use icy wind."

Ryhorn glowed with ice energy as the air around Pidgeotto grew colder greatly hurting the majestic bird.

"Show that air whose boss with gust Pidgeotto!" Ash declared and Pidgeotto blew the cold air away. "Now, fly in and hammer away with steel wings!"

Pidgeotto flew in close and began hitting Ryhorn.

"Ryhorn, ground that bird with smack down!" Brock countered.

Ryhorn reared up before coming down on top of Pidgeotto managing to pin her.

"No!" Ash panicked. "Come on, you can get out!"

"Pidgeotto!" Pidgeotto tried to struggle, but she could barely move.

"What will you do now Ash?" Brock asked.

"Pidgeotto…" Ash grits his teeth. "I…"

"Pidgeotto!" Pidgeotto was glowing white as small orbs of water appeared around her.

"What's going on?" Serena asked.

"Pidgeotto must have wanted to win just as much as Ash and didn't want him to call the match. Through that determination, Pidgeotto learned hidden power." Hilbert replied.

"Hidden power?" James asked. "What's that?"

"It's a move with a type that is determined the first time it's used. That can be great because it could give a pokemon coverage they'd never have otherwise." Hilbert smiled. "Pidgeotto just got one lucky draw because that hidden power is water type."

The orbs of water slammed into Ryhorn causing him to reel back in pain and freeing Pidgeotto.

"Pidgeotto, that was amazing!" Ash declared. "Press the advantage with steel wing!"

The bird pokemon flew forward and slammed her wings into the opponent as she flew past. Ryhorn fell to the ground.

"Come on buddy!" Brock pleaded. "Can you still fight?"

Ryhorn slowly rose, and Brock smiled thinking the battle was still on. Then, Ryhorn collapsed with swirls in his eyes. He wouldn't be getting back up.

"Ryhorn…" Forest hesitated, but he rose the flag. "…is unable to battle. Since Brock's pokemon are unable to battle, the winner of this match is Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town."

Everyone, but Brock who sighed, was silent. The gym leader returned his Ryhorn, and Ash gained a huge smile.

"Alright!" Ash ran onto the field and hugged his. "You were amazing Pidgeotto."

Pikachu, James, Serena, and Hilbert were cheering while walking, in Serena's case running, down the stairs.

"Ash, you were spectacular!" Serena exclaimed excitedly.

Ash was petting his bird. "It was all Nidoran , Pikachu, and Pidgeotto's doing." He smiled at his bird. "Especially Pidgeotto. Without her hidden power, we wouldn't be here now."

"You're wrong Ash." Hilbert butted in. "To win any battle, the trainer and pokemon need to work together. Your Pidgeotto could feel your desire to win, and if she didn't trust you, hidden power wouldn't have worked."

Ash looked on in amazement. He never considered himself to be an equal part in battles.

"He's right Ash." Brock spoke from behind him while holding out the grey, rough edged circle. "As the winner of this match, I present you with an official Boulder Badge."

Ash took the badge and stared at it. "ALRIGHT!" He jumped with excitement. "WE JUST WON... A BOULDER BADGE!"

"Ash really is amazing." Serena smiled. "It's hard to believe he's been a trainer for less than two weeks."

Hilbert nodded. "Your style is still rough around the edges, but that will come with experience. Plus, creating a bond with your pokemon is half the battle, and that's a half you've won."

James was just impressed. "He really could win the whole thing. At the very least, I think he'll be able to win the next seven badges."

Brock smiled sadly as he realized he may have been too hard on the kid. "Hey Ash."

"Yeah?" Ash questioned as he turned to face the Pewter Gym leader.

"I want to apologize, since I may have been too hard on you and your pokemon." Brock stated sincerely.

"Don't worry about it, Brock." Ash smiled while shrugging it off. "If I'm honest, all it did was motivate me to battle harder."

"Secondly, I want to request something." Brock stated.

Ash nodded. "Anything."

"The truth is, I want to be more than a gym leader. I want to be the best Rock trainer I can, and the way to accomplish that, in my eyes, is to join an Elite Four." Brock explained. "I can't travel because I got to look after my siblings."

"Brock." Ash gave him a sad smile. "I'm sor…"

Brock put his hand up. "Don't apologize because you've done nothing wrong. The fact is, I love my siblings. All I want is for you to contact me if you come across any rock trainers with experience on your journey."

Ash was about to say something when the gym doors opened, and Flint walked in.

"Flint what are you doing here?" The group, minus Broc,k asked.

Flint ignored them and came to stand before Brock. Without a word, he pulled on his beard, revealing it was fake, and pulled off his hat. With those items gone, Flint looked like an older Brock.

"Son, I'm sorry…" Flint was cut off by a mean right hook delivered by Brock.

The man fell to the ground holding his hurt left cheek. It looked like Brock was going in for another blow, but Hilbert and Ash restrained him. Still, Brock struggled.

"Brock, let him speak." James spoke up.

Brock stopped struggling, but he was clearly angry. "Why?"

"Look, I know a thing or two about terrible parents." James replied causing Brock to give him a hard stare. "My parents only wanted me to be what they wanted and never took my feelings into consideration. They still don't. They want me to be a gentleman of society.

I've always wanted freedom to find my own dream and be my own person. All my life, I wanted to hear those words your father said, and for them to mean it. They never have, but your father does. You don't have to forgive him, but at least hear him out."

Brock calmed down and looked to Flint. "Alright, what do you have to say?"

"Brock, I'm sorry." Flint stated. "Because of me, you had to grow up too fast. I left you. Left all of you and held you back from your dream; however, I want to make it up to you. To all of you." I know what I did was unforgivable, but I want you to go on a journey. I'll stay here and do the job I should've been doing all this time."

Brock thought it over. He never thought this day would come and expected to see all his siblings off on their journeys. Now, his father was here and at least trying.

"I forgive you." Brock finally stated.

"Brock I..." Flint began surprised.

Brock held up a hand. "Just because I forgave you, doesn't mean the others will."

"I know, but I will do everything in my power to make it up to them as well." Flint promised.

"Before that, I should tell you somethings." Brock stated with a hard glare.

"I understand." Flint stated.

The father was bracing himself for a deserved, tough scolding, but he was confused when Brock handed him a note pad and pen. The gym leader then went on to list several responsibilities, tips, recipes, schedules, and anything else related to the gym or his siblings.

Everyone was in shock that a teenager could do so much… let alone remember it off the top of his head. Flint was struggling to write it all down. After Brock reintroduced Flint to his siblings, he packed and went to the Pokemon Center.

On the Road

Ash and his group went to the Pokemon Center themselves with the trainer having his pokemon taken by Nurse Joy for healing. Once they arrived, the group waved Hilbert off as he continued his journey. Once the pokemon were healed, the group started walking onwards.

"Hey guys!" Brock was running after them. "Wait a minute!" The group stopped and Brock caught his breath as they turned to face him. "Thank Arceus I caught you."

"Did we leave something at the gym?" Ash asked.

"No. Nothing like that." Brock assured. "I just wanted to know if I could travel with you guys?"

At Brock's request, Ash turned his travelling companions. James and Serena nodded showing that they'd welcome the guy along. Ash didn't have a problem with it; however, certain thoughts were going through his mind.

Ash remembered how Pikachu was defeated in Viridian, and how good having Hilbert around to help him train was. "They don't have a problem with it; however, I have one condition before you can join us."

"What is it?" Brock asked curiously.

"I want you to be my couch." Ash stated. "Train me to be stronger."

James and Serena didn't think Ash would request such a thing.

"Is that all?" Brock smiled. "Being your couch will allow me to grow as well, so I have no reason to deny you." He held out his hand. "I agree." The two of them shook on it. "So, where is our next destination?"

"Not sure Brock." Ash shrugged. "Guess wherever has the closest gym."

"Don't forget the Battle Chateau. Serena chimed in with a friendly smile. "I think I'm ready to challenge one again. Especially if I get a little training in on the road.

Brock pulled out a map of Kanto. "Well, how about Cerulean City? It's got a gym which specializes in water types, and its own Battle Chateau. Plus, it's just through Mt Moon, so we could make it in about a week."

Ash and Serena looked at each other, smiled, and nodded.

"Given their reactions, it sounds like our next destination is set." James declared.

So, the group happily set off on their journey once more with Brock getting to know more about his new travelling companions.

The poll will official close, and per the request of those who voted, Brock will be joining the group; however, two breeders for an extended journey would start to bore. That is why Brock's dream was changed. Let's face it. The guy eventually dropped being a pokemon breeder in favor of a becoming a pokemon doctor anyways, so I didn't think this would be to much of a stretch. As for granting Brock a third pokemon, you can thank NEW Pokémon Teams for Kanto by Lumiose Trainer Zac