Pewter City Showdown

The week felt like it'd never end for Brock, the hours seemed to drag on and the days felt twice as long. He'd even struggled to complete his schoolwork, which was quite unusual for him as he was usually the first to complete it after Chloe and Giselle. Ash eventually took notice as Brock's cooking began to slip up as well and lose some of that delicious flavoring it had. He decided to shadow Brock after class ended for the day, surprised for a moment as Brock went to the room with the video phones.

Ash noticed Leaf was already there, chatting with a slightly older woman with short black hair who appeared to be wearing a kimono, she looked familiar... but Ash wasn't able to place it right then. And Janine was talking to somebody that looked as if it were her father, no doubt that was Koga the Fuchsia Gym Leader. Ash knew she was being groomed up to replace the guy and she was very much looking forward to it!

Ash then noticed Brock at the far end chatting to somebody that looked precisely like an older version of Brock, making Ash quickly realize that he must be talking to his father! He decided to stand back and wait for Brock to finish but he couldn't help but pick up what they were saying.

"Brock please, you don't have to come here! If something's bothering you then you can just tell me right here and now," His father appeared to plead to his son only for Brock to shake his head.

"No dad, this thing... it's too important to discuss on the phone. I need to see you in person!"

His father was silent for a moment before eventually uttering out a sigh as he held his forehead. "Well alright, I'm sure your mother and siblings will be quite pleased to see you return, son." He ended the call while Brock stood up and picked up his bag, Ash's eyes widening as he realized Brock was leaving for the weekend... and to Pewter City!

Brock noticed Ash, tensing up for a moment before rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "H-How much did you here...?"

"Enough, this is about you not wanting to be the gym leader isn't it?" Ash asked rather bluntly causing Brock to look rather nervous.

"H-How did you...?"

"Please, I might not be smart but that doesn't make me an idiot!" Ash waved his hand with a laugh. "Besides it's quite obvious, you never talk about it as much as Misty and Janine do, they never shut up about about it!"

"Well you have me there," Brock lightly chuckled, he paused for a moment before speaking up. "Would you like to come...?" He knew Ash was wanting to challenge the gym at some point and this would be a good opportunity to do so. Besides maybe having a challenger would help ease his father's mind?

"Yes please!"

"Espeon, Espe!" Espeon pleaded along with Ash while Brock laughed. "Go on and get your things then! My ride's getting here in an hour."

Ash quickly ran off to the dorms to get his things, passing by Serena who looked after him as he passed by. The girl was quite surprised at how friendly all of her new classmates were, though she had to admit she was rather grateful to hear that Damian kid had gotten himself expelled, honestly she feared that everyone would be rude to her since they'd already made their own little friend groups but everyone was rather nice apart from Leaf giving her the odd glare and growl!

Serena had actually hoped to spend some quality time with just Ash during the weekend but she noticed he appeared to be running off, not wanting to appear rude or insensitive she decided to hold off for now. Perhaps on the next regional trip she'd be lucky enough to head off alone with him somewhere.

Ash burst on into his and Brock's dorm, which was oddly quiet with Zach gone. Wally had gotten lucky and had the dorm that formerly belonged to Damien and his friends all to himself! Ash quickly started shoving some clothes into his bag before rushing back on out the door, flashing Brock a thumbs up to which the older male responded with a smile as their ride pulled on up. The two got in the back before the car took off, heading on down the road before getting onto the highway and heading in the direction of Pewter City!

When they'd get their Ash wouldn't admit it to Brock of course, but Pewter City seemed quite small and underwhelming compared to other cities he'd been too. There weren't any massive buildings that reached for the skies and the place was honestly quiet small, almost like a town instead of a proper city.

As they got out of the car, Brock pressed a button on his Rotom Phone to pay the driver before he took off again. Allowing Brock to began leading the way down the street and towards a large building that almost appeared as if it was made out of rocks, in fact if it weren't for the word 'Gym' chiseled above the doors Ash would have never guessed that this was a gym!

"Noiiii!" A massive shadow formed over Ash before a large bat-like dragon landed directly in front of him, Espeon leaped in front of Ash as her eyes shot blue threateningly before Brock held up his hand.

"Hold up," A familiar figure climbed off of the dragon's back before waving at Brock with quite the delighted smile.

"Sorry about running a bit late," Alexa laughed. "I had a bit of trouble!"

"Don't mention it," Brock waved it off, merely thankful his girlfriend had shown up to help support him along with his best friend coming along too! Brock felt a lot more confident with those two behind him.

Ash got out his Rotom Phone in order to quickly scan the strange new creature.

"Noivern, the Sound Wave Pokemon and the evolved form of Noibat. The ultrasonic waves Noivern releases from its ears are powerful enough to crush a boulder!"

"Oh wow, that sounds awesome!" Ash's eyes sparked as he could almost imagine fighting alongside or possibly even against a Noivern someday!

"Noi!" Noivern sounded pleased from the compliment as Alexa smirked before recalling him to his Pokeball as Brock edged closer to the doors of the gym, opening it on up before stepping on inside. The place was quite massive, which honestly made sense considering the gym specialized in Rock types and something like an Onix would need plenty of room to maneuver in, it was so big that the place even had a second floor where friends of gym challengers or even possibly civilians could safely spectate from if they desired. Ash also noticed a wall dedicated to the people who'd successfully beaten the gym, Gary would be pictured alongside his Wartortle and Umbreon while Leaf was in a following picture alongside Bulbasaur and a Shellder which meant she was recently here as she caught that during her previous Kalos trip! Giselle and her Cubone stood side by side with no other Pokemon present, indicating she soloed the gym and that was not for a lack of Pokemon! Ash had to admire her skill. Finally Flash's picture was the more recent one, Electabuzz standing proud next to him with its arms crossed while a Chinchou floated next to the Electric type.

Ash's heart thumped as he realized that everyone he knew taking part in the gym challenge other than Zach as he'd stated his disinterest in doing the Kanto League had already been through, he didn't want to fall behind! He had to, no... he needed to do this! He clenched his fists before looking at Espeon who nodded as they walked towards the battlefield where Brock's father was waiting.

"Ah, you must be that Alexa girl I've heard so much about!" Brock's dad spoke upon noticing Alexa standing beside Brock. "Might I say that Brock's words describe you quite well, I hope you're treating him well."

Alexa smiled, bowing her head lightly. "Thank you, I've never met anyone like him. He's quite considerate and caring towards everyone, both humans and Pokemon... and good looking too of course."

Brock laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his head nervously. "I-I didn't come here to show her off though,"

"Of course not," His father crossed his arms. "Would you just let it out already?"

"I-I..." Brock started to stutter before Alexa placed her hand on his shoulder, this seemed to help give him the boost he needed as he quickly shouted out. "I don't want to become the Gym Leader!"

His father smirked, shaking his head before laughing.

"Is that all? Why I might ask?" His father waved him on, wanting Brock to continue.

"I-I want to help Pokemon! I want to care for and raise Pokemon of all types and not specialize in a singular typing! To be honest I never really cared for becoming the Gym Leader, that was something you forced on me."

"I know," His father let out a sigh. "I'm sorry Brock but I was worried for the future of my gym, I have no gym trainers like most gyms do nor do I have any friends who have an interested in taking over. If something were to happen... but you don't need to worry, your brother Forrest already asked to become the next Gym Leader and I approved his request! He seems to genuinely carry a passion for it like myself and I just want to see my boys happy, all of them!"

Brock smiled before his father held up his hand. "But-" He aimed his arm towards Ash and began to point at him. "I want you to have your first and only gym battle with your friend there!"

Ash had an excited expression as he and Brock locked eyes before nodding at each other, Brock's father stepped to the side to act as referee while Brock took his position at the far end of the field. Ash and Espeon looked at each other for a brief moment before Ash stepped out onto the field.

"The gym battle between Gym Leader Flint's son, Brock and challenger Ash Ketchum will now be under way!" Brock's father shouted out. "Each side will be using two Pokemon and only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokemon!" He waved a flag, signaling for them to get the battle underway.

"Go Geodude!" Brock shouted, throwing forward a Pokeball and releasing his smaller Rock type!

"Geodude!"

"Let's go, Butterfree!" Ash threw the ball containing the butterfly Pokemon forward, Ash's first capture flying in the air in front of him and letting out a joyful cry.

"Freeeee!" Ash had decided to go with Butterfree and Espeon, after all they were his first Pokemon so it only made sense that they would be who he used in his first gym battle!

"Start off with Rock Polish!"

"Dude!" Geodude began polishing his body, sharply raising his speed stat.

"Confusion!" Ash shouted out.

"Freee!" Butterfree's eyes glowed bright blue as he lifted Geodude up before tossing him down to the ground with a hard thud.

"Dude..." Geodude got up with a groan before looking around in a dazed state, looking to have gained the confused status effect.

"Rollout!" Brock grit his teeth, hoping this would work as Geodude curled up into a ball and rolled towards Butterfree with incredible speed and force, slamming right into him and sending him crashing to the ground!

"Butter...free..." He soon got up, having quite the determined expression as he refused to give up!

"That's the spirit, Butterfree!" Ash shouted, praising Butterfree as he got into the air once more.

Brock smiled before throwing out his arm. "Let's go for another Rollout!"

"Dude!" Geodude punched himself however due to his confused state.

"Poison Powder, then follow up with Gust!"

"Freee!" Butterfree released bright purple powder from his body before quickly flapping his wings and sending the powder right towards Geodude, resulting in the Rock type taking damage along with getting the Poisoned status.

Flint crossed his arms with quite the impressed look. "That's some friend you've got there!"

"I know!" Brock smirked, knowing that Ash had set the stage for Espeon quickly taking Geodude out as Butterfree already looked like he wouldn't be up for much longer.

"Let's use Rollout once more!"

"Dude!" Geodude curled up before rolling towards Butterfree and slamming against the butterfly once more with quite the speed and power behind his movements! Butterfree then collapsed on the ground, finally looking defeated as his eyes reduced to swirls.

"Free..."

Flint waved his flag before pointing at Ash. "Butterfree is unable to battle, challenger please send out your next Pokemon!"

Ash returned Butterfree while noticing Geodude grunting out from the poison status, it didn't look like it'd take much to finish him off but he had to keep in mind that they still had Onix to deal with and he was Brock's strongest Pokemon!

"You ready for this, Espeon?!"

"Espe!"

"Geodude use Rollout!"

"Dude!" Geodude successfully managed to pull off another as he rolled off across the gym floor!

"Dodge with Quick Attack!"

"Espe!" Espeon quickly zigzagged across the gym floor, dodging Geodude and successfully maneuvering around him as the Rock type would keep going before crashing into the wall behind him.

"Dude..." Geodude laid dazed for a moment before getting up and moving back towards Brock.

"Alright Espeon, let's end this with Psychic!"

"Espe!" Espeon's eyes lit up bright blue as she lifted Geodude up before slamming the Rock type into the ground! Geodude looked perfectly fine for a brief moment however the Poison attack soon took effect. The Rock type's eyes rolled upwards before collapsing to the ground, swirls where his eyes once were as he ground out in defeat.

"Geodude is unable to battle!" Flint shouted with another wave of his flag as Brock and Ash were now on even footing!

Brock smirked, returning Geodude before looking at Ash. "You've done a great job so far, Ash but I'm afraid that this battle will come to an end here!" He held tightly onto a ball for a moment before throwing it forward, releasing his giant rock snake as Onix towered over Espeon and let out a loud roar that echoed throughout the gym!

"Espe..."

"You're right, I forgot how big Onix was..." Ash muttered as the size difference was quite ridiculous! A literal David versus Goliath battle was taking place here!

"Bind!"

Onix released another roar before lashing out with his tail, wrapping it around Espeon and giving the Eeveelution quite the squeeze as she cried out!

"E-Espe...!"

Ash lowered his head for a brief moment, Flint looking over at him before asking.

"Do you forfeit?!"

Ash then pulled back his trainer cap, looking up with a smirk. "Of course not, Brock did exactly what I thought he would! Espeon are you ready?!"

Espeon nodded before his trainer cried out. "Psychic!"

"The hell?!" Flint raised his eyebrow in confusion as Onix began to glow bright blue before being pried away from his grasp on Espeon, the Eeveelution breaking free before shooting a glare up at Onix as she threw the massive rock snake up against the ceiling, causing a huge dent before Onix went crashing to the ground below! He groaned in pain while Brock clenched his fists.

"Now let's end this with a Return!"

"Espe!" Espeon blasted off across the field like a rocket as dust rose up behind her before she slammed hard against Onix, causing the rock snake to utter out another growl of pain before going limp as Ash and Espeon's friendship and connection was far too strong for him to handle!

Flint looked at Onix's unconscious body before staring at Espeon. "Well I'll be damned... I have no idea what the hell just happened but... the challenger won!" Flint waved his flag as Brock returned Onix before stepping on out to shake Ash's hand. The two friends smiled at each other before Flint stepped forward and pulled his son into a tight hug.

"You did me proud out there, son! You may not be the future Gym Leader anymore but those battling skills are still something special!" Flint praised before looking at Ash. "And much like your taste in girls, your taste in friends seem to be just as good. Look out for this one, will you kid?" Flint asked Ash who nodded in response.

"I will!" The pair shook hands before Flint handed Ash a badge that resembled a boulder, a grin appeared on Ash's face as he shouted out. "Alright, I've got... the Boulder Badge!"

"Espeon!" Espeon cried out along with Butterfree as he burst out in order to celebrate with the pair. As Flint prepared to take a picture of Ash and his Pokemon, Brock noticed something standing in the shadows. He slowly began moving towards it before leaping back with quite the surprise and shock on his face as he realized it was Croagunk! The Poison/Fighting type stared up at Brock, remaining completely silent apart from his croaks.

"Y-You followed me...?" Brock was surprised, wondering how that was even possible but decided it better to not question it. Stranger things have happened after all. "All these months...?"

Croagunk's gazed then turned to Brock's belt and before Brock could say a word, the frog Pokemon tapped an empty ball and disappeared in a beam of red light! Brock sweated upon the actions that had just occurred but looked down at the ball with a light smile as he promised to take good care of Croagunk like he had with his other Pokemon! Alexa then walked on over before pulling Brock into a kiss as the pair soon wrapped their arms around each other and held each other in a close embrace, Ash gazed at them before taking that as his cue to leave. Heading on out before using his Rotom Phone app to get a ride back to Vermilion City, thankfully due to his victory over a bunch of traveling biker trainers the previous weekend he had a bit of spending money so he could easily afford getting a ride back by himself!

Ash showed off the Boulder Badge as they returned to school the following Monday, Misty seemed quite spooked upon seeing him with the badge. Flickering her eyes nervously as she knew it wouldn't be long until Ash inevitably challenged the Cerulean Gym and met her sisters, seeing quite the embarrassing state that the gym was currently in!

Serena however clasped her hands together with quite the warm smile across her face. "Good job, Ash! I wish I could have been there to see it!"

"Well maybe you can come see the next one!" Ash grinned at Serena before Leaf let out a growl.

"Oh why don't you just invite the whole class while you're at it?!" Leaf growled in annoyance as Ash took that quite literally!

"Sure, we could all go together!" Misty hung her head before hitting it against her desk with a groan, hoping that Ash wouldn't be wanting to go anytime soon! It was bad enough the challengers would see her sisters but everyone else as well? How embarrassing!

"Hey Ketchum, hold up!"

"Hm?" Ash turned to see Flash holding out a piece of paper to him. "What is it?"

"Well you know Fall break is coming up and Zach sent me these to hand out to you and a few others. He's inviting us to the Tapu Koko festival that happens around this time of year in Alola, he's not demanding we go but he's putting the option out there if ya wanna come to Alola and see the fights or catch some Pokemon!"

"Say no more, I'm in!" Ash smirked. "It's been weeks since we've seen him and I'm honestly excited to see what Alola is like!"

"There's a lot of beautiful wome-" Brock stopped himself as he remembered Alexa, he wasn't perfect as he still had 'incidents' but he didn't go flirting with every pretty women he saw anymore. "And the Pokemon look cool too, I wouldn't mind adding one to my team so I can study it and know more about the region first hand!"

"Think of all the Water types there!" Misty excitedly exclaimed as stars filled her eyes. She had managed to catch something during the previous Kalos trip but she was keeping it a surprise as she wanted to shock Ash the moment the two battled it out! "That do a great deal in getting me towards becoming a Water Master!"

"And we can evolve our Pokemon," Giselle nudged Flash. "He should know how the Alola forms work, we'll ask when we get there."

"And beaches, heheh..." Leaf nervously blushed as she looked towards Ash, seeing it as the perfect chance to reveal how she felt!

"You guys are going to Alola? Have fun, beaches aren't really my thing." Sabrina shrugged, waving off Flash as he tried giving her a ticket.

"I'll go! Gosh I can't wait to find a Salazzle!" Janine gushed out.

This chapter's a tad bit shorter than the others... but I told what was needed to be told. I may not show all the captures Ash's classmates make as I do want there to be some surprises when he eventually battles certain ones, like Misty. Other than Shellder as that is part of a future flashback, the only current classmates of Ash that will have every capture be seen are Leaf, Serena, Brock, Zach, and post gym Misty. I would show Gary's but part of why I liked their battle was him showing off a Pokemon that he deliberately held off from showing Ash to keep it a surprise.

And yeah Ash has Froakie and Treecko but it felt in the spirit of things to use his first Pokemon to win his first gym.

Brock's arc is over but his story is only beginning as Croagunk has joined his team and provided a massive power boost while Brock is also free to pursue his goal without feeling the pressure of taking over his father's legacy!

And yeah, Ash will be going to Alola soon. It won't be next chapter as something else is happening first but it'll be the one after. What kind of Pokemon, ships, and friends await in the Alola region?