Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
Xxx
The Pewter Gym!
Ash, Cynthia and May stood in front of the Pewter Gym's entrance, looking at it with a challenging look. For the formers it was the official beginning of their conquest while for May it was the gym that would open her new challenge.
"Here we go." May walked in front of them, entering the gym. Ash and Cynthia followed her and squinted in the darkness. Suddenly, a bright light opened up, the aforementioned trainers looking away instinctively.
The gym was nothing new, made of bare rock and having a few bleachers at the side for spectators. The field was littered with rocks of all sizes, arranged randomly.
On the opposite side of the battlefield was a throne a little distance away, on which sat a bare chested tanned man with a calculating look. "Challengers!" He barked.
"You must be Brock." May answered back. The man nodded. "Then we issue you a challenge for the Pewter Badge!"
"I accept." Brock retorted. "Which of you will challenge me first?" He jumped from his position into the trainer box.
"I will." May stepped forwards, taking her own stance. "What are the rules?" Ash and Cynthia walked to sit on the benches on the side.
"You seem experienced." Brock commented. "How many badges do you have?"
"Eight Hoeen Badges." May answered simply.
"Then this will be a three on three battle with no substitutions." Brock replied. "Referee!" A young boy came running, stopping into the referee's position.
"I'll choose first." Brock grabbed a pokéball on his waist. "Go Tyranitar!" a large, bipedal, dinosaurian Pokémon with a green, armor-like hide covering its body came out, roaring intimidatingly at May.
"What is that?!" Ash exclaimed, pulling out his pokedex. It beeped.
"Tyranitar, the Armor Pokémon. Tyranitar has a heavily armored body that can withstand powerful attacks and is able to crush a mountain with one hand."
"What?!" Cynthia exclaimed. "It has that much power?!" May was calm, thinking over her response pokémon.
"Jolteon spotlight!" The Electric Type Eevelution came out, bristling its spikes at the pseudo legendary. One of Ash's pokéballs popped open, his starter, being Eevee, coming out and curling up in Ash's lap.
"What's up girl?" Ash questioned, running a hand through her soft fur. Eevee gestured towards Jolteon. She wanted to see an evolution of her fight!
"Looks like you've got an admirer Jolteon." May teased. The eevelution blushed a little.
"Are both trainers ready?" The referee asked. May turned all her attention on the battle, looking at Tyranitar and sizing him up and down.
She nodded all amusement and humor gone, a seasoned battler in its place. Brock nodded as well. "Then begin!" Brock was quick to command on that.
"Sandstorm!" But so was May.
"Thunder!" Jolteon shot a mighty blast of electricity dead on at Tyranitar. The Armor Pokémon was struck, roaring in pain as the current worked its wonder on his bulky form.
The sandstorm formed nevertheless, swirling around Tyranitar before swallowing the whole battlefield. May growled at the intense swirling amount of sand, thinking of a way around.
"Now Stone Edge!" Brock continued.
"Agility!" Jolteon blurred from his position, moving from one spot to another in a matter of moments. "Shock Wave!"
"Stone Edge to defend!" Tyranitar slammed his heavy tail into the ground, sharp rocks jutting out around him as a shield, and the Shock Wave bounced off uselessly.
"Pin Missile!" May pressed. Jolteon fired off tiny needles that passed through the small gaps in the Stone Edge and struck Tyranitar. They didn't hurt much but didn't tickle either.
"Earthquake." Tyranitar stomped on the ground, the earth shaking intensely. Jolteon jumped from one boulder to another, trying to avoid both the quakes and the sandstorm.
"How can Jolteon aim so accurately in the sandstorm?" Ash muttered.
"She's using the electrical discharge to track down Tyranitar's general location." Cynthia replied. "That Shock Wave was only to confirm his location."
"Okay then." Brock growled seeing the sandstorm not working. "Screech!" Tyranitar opened his jaw and unleashed an ear piercing yell. May covered her ears, flinching at the sharp sound, and stepped back instinctively.
"Now Dragon Pulse!" Jolteon slowed down from the Screech and was struck dead on by the pulse of draconic energy. Blasted away, Jolteon slammed roughly into a boulder and slid down wincing. "Stealth Rock!"
May winced as sharp rocks were stationed on the boulders of the field. That would be a problem. Jolteon got back up, growling at Tyranitar. "Thunder!"
"Dark Pulse!" A swirling double helix beam met the mighty Thunder, the two exploding upon contact. "That's all you have challenger?" Brock taunted. "I expected more."
"Agility!" May ordered. Jolteon began to blur from one side to another, Brock thinking carefully.
"Earthquake!" Tyranitar slammed his muscular tail on the ground, the earth shaking on his command. Jolteon weaved from one position of the quakes to another, circling Tyranitar and using the boulders for cover.
"Signal Beam." Jolteon appeared behind the Armor Pokémon, unleashing a green beam. It struck Tyranitar on his back, making him growl in pain.
"Iron Tail!" Tyranitar's tail lashed out, almost hitting Jolteon who moved away just in time.
"Thunder!" May pressed. Jolteon unleashed another blast of crippling electricity towards Tyranitar who endured it. "Now Double Kick!"
Jolteon climbed onto a boulder and used it to further boost her in the hair. Brock saw what May had planned from the start. "Iron Defense!" Jolteon came crashing down on Tyranitar's gleaming silver armor and her strikes bounces off.
"Thunder!" May hurriedly yelled as Brock called for a Hyper Beam. The aforementioned blast of electricity met the destructive beam of energy, the two energies mixing and exploding.
Into Tyranitar's face.
Jolteon was thrown back from the big blast, crashing into another rock and breaking through it while Tyranitar stumbled back. Jolteon scrambled back to her feet slowly, panting as the pain of the strikes she endured made itself known.
Tyranitar stood back up, bruises, and burns littering his body from the many strikes. May bit her lower lip as she thought of another way to bring down the pseudo legendary. Even a Hyper Beam exploding on his face didn't do much.
"Tyranitar use Dragon Pulse!" Tyranitar formed the sphere a little bit more slowly this time, a show of his stamina burning out. May got an idea.
"Agility!" Jolteon disappeared from view, flashing from one spot to another and easily dodging the Dragon Pulse. Jolteon appeared in front of May, winded. "Baton Pass." Jolteon closed her eyes and vanished into her pokéball. May smiled. "Blaziken spotlight!"
The Fire/Fighting Type came out, giving the battered Tyranitar an analytic look. Ash looked at May confused.
"Was substitution allowed?" He asked.
"You cannot substitute manually but can use a move to substitute." Cynthia reminded. Ash looked at Cynthia strangely.
"How do you know that?" He questioned.
"Because I have read the Pokémon guidelines book many times." She answered cockily.
"Lucky You then." Ash grinned. Back on the battlefield, Blaziken suffered damage from the Stealth Rocks.
"Use Bulk Up Blaziken!" May ordered confidently. Her starter's muscles bulged a little while Tyranitar fired off a Dragon Pulse at him. "Agility into Brick Break!"
Blaziken dashed away, moving towards Tyranitar with both of his arms glowing crimson. A powerful chop hit Tyranitar's neck, followed by an uppercut. The pseudo legendary stumbled back. That hurt.
"Aqua Tail." Brock grinned. Tyranitar spun and threw his tail, enveloped in concentrated yet wild water, at Blaziken.
"Grab it with Thunder Punch!" Blaziken grabbed the thick appendage, gritting his teeth at the effort. A light jolt went through Tyranitar's body and he roared in pain.
"Thrash!"
"Close Combat!" May countered, meeting fire with fire. The two began to thrash against each other violently, ones strikes filled with blind fury and the others with a relentless fluid strikes.
Ash and Cynthia watched in awe at the never-ending strikes, eyes widening. That was some serious attacks they were dishing in. May frowned when she saw Blaziken get pushed back.
"High Jump Kick!" Blaziken quickly made his way back, ducking under another angry slash and then jumped up. His knee slammed into Tyranitar's stomach, throwing him back.
"Gr!" Brock growled his teeth. May smirked.
"Now use Power Up Punch!" Blaziken threw his orange glowing fist into Tyranitar's stomach with all of his might. Tyranitar groaned one last time before falling unconscious.
"Tyranitar is unable to continue! Blaziken wins!" The referee declared. May smiled and silently rejoiced. Outwardly, she looked analytically at Brock as he returned his pseudo legendary.
He knew about her Jolteon and about Blaziken. Both were tired from their battles and wouldn't last longer against any powerhouse. She needed to play her hands correctly.
"That was a nice strategy." Brock complimented. "Using Baton Pass to switch Blaziken in and using High Jump Kick to take out Tyranitar. The experience shows."
"Thanks." May smiled.
"From Blaziken's reckless yet fluid strikes to Jolteon's speedy run and gun strategy, you are prepared to switch to any style." Brock carried on. "However, you need more than that to win against me!"
Brock's next pokéball exploded, revealing a long, serpentine Pokémon with a silvery-gray body made up of rock-like sections. It stood tall against Blaziken, dwarfing all of them under its sheer size.
"Meet my starter Steelix!" Brock announced. Ash scrambled for his pokedex, aiming it at the Steel Snake with shaky hands.
"Steelix the Iron Snake Pokémon. It chews its way through boulders with its sturdy jaws. Its eyes can see in the darkness underground." Blaziken braced himself for the fight to come, looking at the Steelix with burning eyes.
"Can May even hope to defeat that beast of a pokémon?" Cynthia thought out aloud. "It's body is made of minerals that can withstand a lot of flames and are really sturdy. He is harder than a diamond."
"She must have a strategy for it." Ash told Cynthia firmly. "I'm sure of it!" May thought over her current options. Blaziken could deal some damage but it was next to impossible to take Steelix out with Blaziken himself.
"Are both trainers ready?" The referee asked. May broke her train of thoughts and nodded. "Then let the battle begin!"
"Dig!" Steelix jumped in the ground faster than May could react. Blaziken dashed from place to place, trying not to fall victim to the steel snake's unforgiving bind.
"That's not gonna work!" Brock grinned. The sand stirred and suddenly the whole field was enveloped into a sandstorm. May growled at that and tried to figure out a way.
"Don't give up May!" Ash encouraged.
"You can do it!" Cynthia chimed in. May scowled as she spotted a large figure moving in the sandstorm. An idea lit up in her mind.
"Spin while using Inferno!" Blaziken quickly began to twirl on his toes, unleashing a constant stream of flames. The flames began to pick up on his spinning and he turned into a miniature tornado of flames.
The sandstorm around him began to turn into superheated sand, falling on the ground in sticky globs. The Fire Spin began to increase in power and range, weakening the sandstorm.
"Head Smash." Brock commanded simply. Steelix burst from the ground in the middle of the Fire Spin, moving towards Blaziken. The Fire/Fighting Type had no time to react as Steelix cut through his maelstrom of flames.
"Blaziken!" May screamed in alarm. Steelix slammed into his stomach, a sickening crunch resonating through the air, and Blaziken was sent flying to May's side.
Even Brock winced a little when Blaziken slammed into the wall behind May and collapsed like a sack of potatoes. It was obvious he was out cold.
"Blaziken is unable to continue!" The referee declared. "Challenger send your next pokémon in!" Eevee, Ash, and Cynthia let out sad sighs at the vicious attack.
May returned Blaziken, muttering words of encouragement to him, before selecting another pokéball. There was only one pokémon who could take Steelix down.
"Ninetails Spotlight!" The fire fox came out, growling its arrival. Its nine tails all were tense, shoulders hunched as she examined the burned Steelix. "Be careful! It took down Blaziken down easily!"
Ninetails nodded. That was enough information for her. "Are both trainers ready?" The referee asked again. May and Brock both nodded. "Then begin!"
"Dig!" Steelix jumped down into the ground but May was prepared.
"Flamethrower into the hole!" Ninetails was about to dash over when Steelix erupted from under her. She cried out in pain as Steelix's hard head hit hard.
So was Brock it seemed.
"What?!" May exclaimed in surprise. Brock grinned.
"Steelix had made many tunnels in the ground for faster movement during the battle with Blaziken." Brock explained. "That's why he was a little late."
"That's some strategy Brock has." Ash muttered. "Always planning ahead." They winced as Ninetails was almost pelted by sharp stones courtesy of Stone Edge.
"Okay then!" May growled. "Quick Attack straight towards Steelix!" Ninetails, instead of running away, began to run towards Steelix. Brock narrowed his eyes.
"Mud Slap!" Steelix threw wet mud towards Ninetails, who was unable to dodge due to her Quick Attack. It stained her face and caked around her eyes, reducing visibility.
"Flamethrower!"
"Wrap." Brock grinned. Steelix ducked under the stream of flames, quickly slamming his head into Ninetails' chest and throwing her high in the air.
"Thank You." May suddenly grinned back. "Confuse Ray!" Ninetails eyes glowed with a strange light and Steelix's pupils diluted. Brock paled as his Steelix began to thrash around.
"Snap out of it Steelix!" Brock tried.
"Will-O-Wisp!" Ninetails fired the ghostly blast of flames, striking Steelix and burning him. Brock was shocked at the strategy May was using.
"That was a great move!" Ash exclaimed.
"Yeah." Cynthia agreed. "Luring Brock in and confusing Steelix was really clever!" Ninetails was able to squeeze out of Steelix's grip and dashed back in front of May, glowing a soft red.
"And now Ninetails' healing up with Morning Sun." Ash grinned. Steelix kept on rampaging around the field, roaring as many of its strikes struck itself instead which in turn made his rampage more intense.
"Sandstorm!" Steelix's eyes miraculously came back to life, if only for a moment, and a sandstorm whipped up around him. May just smirked triumphantly.
"Overheat!" Ninetails breathed in before unleashing a large amount of fierce bluish flames towards the tornado of sands enveloping Steelix. It struck it and was held at bay.
"Don't give up Steelix!" Brock encouraged. Ash watched on at the battle of dominance while Cynthia's eyes were narrowed at the calmness May was eluding.
'Something's up.' The blonde decided.
"That confusion must be wearing off by now." Brock frowned. "Intensify the Sandstorm!" True to his command, the swirling sands expanded around the field, battering Ninetails as her Overheat weakened overtime.
"Sunny Day!" May ordered. A miniature sun lit up inside the gym, the Sandstorm weakening a lot due to it and Overheat picking up again. In fact, the swirling tornado around Steelix turned into a spinning inferno for Steelix.
"Steelix!" Brock cried out. He finally understood May's plan. Seeing May's smug look, he let out a chuckle. "You got me there."
"Thanks." There was a groan and Steelix collapsed. The inferno died down to reveal a thoroughly crisped and unconscious Steelix.
"Steelix is unable to continue! Ninetails wins!" The referee declared. "Gym Leader send out your last pokémon!" Brock returned his roasted iron snake and brought out his final pokémon.
"Go Aggron!" The Iron Behemoth came out, roaring his arrival. May tensed up. She could feel the power behind Aggron's roar. This was going to be an uphill battle that was for sure.
"What is that?" Cynthia brought out her pokedex and aimed it towards Aggron.
"Aggron The Iron Armor Pokémon. Aggron feast upon iron minerals and ferociously attack those who enter its territory." Ash quirked an eyebrow.
"This will be interesting."
"Aggron vs. Ninetails! Battle Begin!" The referee began.
"Flamethrower Ninetails!" May hollered. Ninetails opened her maw and unleashed a stream of fiery flames towards Aggron who calmly waited.
"Protect." A green barrier shimmered around the Iron Armor Pokémon, the flames washing over it uselessly. "Now Iron Defense!" Aggron's armor shined, thickening.
"Ninetails…" May began. Ninetails looked at the brunette and nodded. She began to run towards Aggron, flames coating her.
"Not gonna work this time!" Brock boomed. "Metal Sound!" Aggron's horns began to vibrate, a sickening voice coming out. Ninetails winced at the metal grinding against metal sound and Aggron reared his fist back. "Mega Punch!"
"Burn Up!" Ninetails' tails all stood on end and the Fire Fox unleashed a scathing blast of intense flames. Aggron groaned as the flames enveloped him, hiding him from view. His Mega Punch did pull through, however, and struck Ninetails on the neck.
"Gr." Brock gritted his teeth as the heat touched his dark skin as well. That was one awful Burn Up. He couldn't imagine what Aggron would've had to feel so close up.
"What's that move?!" Ash asked in alarm.
"That's Burn Up." Cynthia answered. "A move in which the user unleashes all of its fire which results in it losing its ability to use Fire Type attacks and the typing for some time."
"That's it!" May cheered. "Now Energy-" Her command stopped as a heavy thud was heard. The smoke swirled around Aggron and Ninetails, hiding them from view.
"Ninetails?" May called out worriedly. The smoke finally cleared to show Ninetails on the ground unconscious, Aggron standing over her triumphantly.
The Iron Armor Pokémon was in bad condition though, burned and weakened a great deal. May smiled while returning her Fire Fox. She did more than her part.
"Ninetails is unable to continue! Aggron wins!" The referee declared. May grabbed her final pokéball.
"Jolteon Spotlight!" The electric Eevelution came out, growling at the badly hurt Dual Steel/Rock Type. Aggron roared back defiantly.
"You've got some sharp brains May." Brock grinned. "You did more than many trainers do against my starter pokémon." May smirked back.
"I'm not just any trainer Brock." She looked at Aggron. "Admit it, you're beat."
"We'll see." Brock chuckled.
"Battle Begin!" Jolteon immediately blurred from view, Aggron looking around to spot the speedy yellow blur.
"Thunderbolt!" Jolteon unleashed the crackling blast of electricity that struck Aggron out of nowhere.
"Earthquake!" Aggron slammed his heavy tail into the ground, shaking it. Jolteon lost his footing and fell to the ground. "Now Double Edge!" Aggron lowered his head and began to rush towards the Electric Eevelution, a silvery reckless aura covering him.
"Wild Charge!" Jolteon got to her feet quickly and dashed towards Aggron, wild electricity, true to its name, covering her. The two met mid charge, respective energy exploding to damage the other and itself as well.
"Jolteon cannot counter Aggron's raw power." Ash argued.
"Maybe." Cynthia mused. True to her words, Aggron and Jolteon were a match for each other.
"What?" Ash asked bluntly. "How's that possible?"
"The Burn ailment." Cynthia replied. "If exposed to intense flames, a pokémon can be affected by the Burn ailment."
"I know that." Ash protested. "I was just asking what had happened." The two looked at Aggron and Jolteon. Jolteon was suffering from a bit of recoil while Aggron looked perfectly fine.
"Solid Rock." Brock told them. "It cancels any recoil a pokémon can suffer from." May smiled.
"However," She paused for good measure. "Aggron is done." They all looked at the Steel/Rock behemoth and saw him shudder. It fell down on the ground knocked out.
"How?" Brock asked baffled. May passed him a sweet innocent smile.
"The Burn alignment." She answered. "The more Aggron moved, the more he acted, the more it chipped away his health." She chuckled. "Solid Rock can only reduce recoil, but it can't take away any other damage."
"Aggron is unable to continue! Jolteon wins! The winner of his battle is the Challenger May Maple!" The referee declared finally. May smiled and returned her Electric Eevelution, smiling.
"That was a great battle May!" Ash congratulated. "You were epic out there."
"That were some nice strategies you used." Cynthia threw her two cents in. "Especially the approach with Steelix."
"Thank you guys." May replied.
"You fought smartly and brilliantly." Brock approached her. "For that I award you the Boulder Badge, the symbol of being as sturdy as a rock." May took it, looking at the shiny badge.
"One down, seven to go." May mumbled to herself. "Now, I think it's our beginner's turn." She gestured to Ash and Cynthia.
"Can you wait till lunch?" Brock asked. "The battlefield's all ruined and I have to get my team to the pokémon center."
"Sure." Ash shrugged. "We don't mind."
"Thank You." The trio of trainers departed the Gym and went to the Pokémon Center. May handed her tired pokémon to Nurse Joy while Ash and Cynthia sat in the lobby, revising their strategies.
When May walked over, she sat down. "May?" Cynthia began. May gave her a questioning look.
"Yes?" The brunette asked.
"Are you sure I can win using only Fenniken and Nidoran?" She began. "Geodude I can handle. But what about his Onix?" For the first time since meeting May, Cynthia showed hesitance in her eyes.
May placed her hand on the blonde's shoulder consoling. "Do you trust yourself?" Cynthia nodded slowly. "Do you trust your pokémon?" Cynthia nodded again. "Then why are you worrying?" She looked at Ash. "Right Ash?"
Ash was lost in his own thoughts, not even paying attention to what Cynthia and May were discussing. "Ash?" May snapped her fingers in front of his face, snapping him out of his trance.
"Yeah?" Ash asked after a mild startle.
"I was asking…" May exhaled. "Don't tell me you're nervous too?" Ash passed her a sheepish smile. May let out an exasperated sigh.
"It's normal to be nervous." Cynthia told her a little annoyed.
"I didn't mean to offend you or anything." May said defensively. "I'm just surprised you two are nervous even after all the preparations."
"Well, it is our first battle." Ash defended them. "Like Cynthia said, it's normal to be nervous."
"Listen guys," May began. "I know it is okay to be nervous. I was nervous as well when I fought my first Gym Battle but the remedy to it is to just think of it as another battle."
"Well, it isn't just any battle." Ash protested. "It's our First Gym Battle." May sighed in defeat.
"Whatever you believe in." She stretched. "Your Gym Battle is in, what? Three hours?" They nodded. "I'm going to go take a stroll around Pewter. I'll see you at the Gym." She winked before getting up and walking out of the pokémon center.
"Um…" Ash said as an awkward silence followed. "What should we do now?"
"Why don't we-" She was cut off as Nurse Joy approached them.
"You're Cynthia, right?" She questioned. The blonde nodded. "There's a phone call for you." The blonde, confused but curious, got up. She approached the phone Nurse Joy told her about and sat down on the chair.
"Cynthia Carolina." The voice on the other end called.
"Yes?" She spoke back uncertainly. The blank screen suddenly lit up to show the face of a light colored teen with cyan eyes sporting a red jacket over a white shirt. "Ryan?!" Cynthia spoke up in surprise, opening her video call as well.
"The one and only." Ryan replied cockily. "How's it going? Enjoying your journey so far?"
"Yeah. It's been… adventurous so far." Cynthia answered. "So, how's it going in Sinnoh?"
"It's a great place. You should've started your journey here instead of in Kanto." Ryan suggested. "You can still cancel your Kanto Route and take the Sinnoh Route instead if you want to."
"Nah." Cynthia shook her head. "It's cool here. It's a lot of fun here as well."
"Your loss then." He shrugged. "Anyway, I wanted to send you a gift."
"A gift?" Cynthia parroted. Ryan nodded. "What kind?" Ryan held up a pokéball.
"This." He placed it in the transporter and it zipped from his place to Cynthia's teleporter. "Enjoy."
"What's in this pokéball?" She questioned. "And why exactly are you sending me a gift in the form of a pokémon?"
"I know how much you miss Sinnoh Cynthia. Don't lie to me." Ryan said coolly. "Just think of it as a gift that Sinnoh's the best region there is. Easy as that."
"It's hard, true," Cynthia admitted. "But I wouldn't go as far as to say it's the hardest. Kanto is hard too."
"Whatever helps you sleep." Ryan relented. "Anyway, I need to take care of other things so bye." He smiled.
"Bye Ryan." Cynthia waved. Ryan smiled one last time before the call cut off. She looked at the pokéball Ryan had sent her and gripped it tightly. "Let's see what it is outside."
She got up and saw Ash look at her questioningly. Gesturing him to follow her, Cynthia walked out of the Pokémon Center and threw the pokéball in the air.
It opened up to reveal a small, light green bipedal pokémon with a rose in each hand, bowing elegantly to Cynthia. "A Roselia?" Cynthia pulled out her pokedex.
"Roselia, the Thorn Pokémon. Its flowers give off a relaxing fragrance. The stronger its aroma, the healthier it is. This Roselia is Female and has the ability Natural Cure. It knows the following moves: Mega Drain, Growth, Poison Sting, Magical Leaf, and Leech Seed."
"Where did you get the Roselia from?" Ash questioned. Cynthia grinned and told her about the call from Ryan. After it cleared up, Ash had another question. "Who's Ryan?"
"He's a childhood friend of mine." Cynthia said off handedly. "We met in Celestic Town before I moved to Kanto. We keep in touch."
"Nice friend you have then." Ash smirked. Cynthia smirked back.
"Thanks for the compliment." She ignored Ash purposely, knowing full well the trainer was slightly troubled at his new discovery. She crouched next to Roselia. "Hey Roselia, my name is Cynthia Carolina. I'm on a road to become a Pokémon Professor. Would you like to come with me?"
Roselia nodded happily. Ryan had told her everything about Cynthia anyway. "We'll do a lot of stuff together so don't worry!" Roselia nodded.
"Why don't you use her for your battle here?" Ash asked. "She's a Grass Type and Mega Drain can be nifty against Brock's Onix."
"Yeah. Nice idea." Cynthia smiled. "What do you say Roselia? Want to battle against Brock?" Roselia agreed spontaneously. "C'mon then, let's have lunch and we can go forward to have our battle."
"Sounds like a plan." The blonde returned her Grass Type and the two walked back inside the Pokémon Center. They stepped into the cafeteria and, taking their food with them, sat on two parallel chairs.
"Do you think Roselia alone can take on Onix?" Cynthia asked Ash worriedly.
"Don't know." He replied honestly. "We'll see after seeing her in action. Try to win the first battle as easily as you can. His Onix is the real deal."
"I know." Cynthia took a deep breath. "Maybe we're overthinking it." She looked him in the eye. "It's a Gym Battle, not something in which we will die if we lose."
"Yeah." Ash looked around. "My strategies are ready. I hope my pokémon can pull through with them. I believe in them, no doubt about it."
"Besides, even if we lose, we can try again." Cynthia grinned. Ash nodded.
"And we'll hit back twice as hard." The two finished their lunch and carried on with their conversation until it was time. Getting up, the duo of trainers began their trek towards the Pewter Gym.
"Where's May?" Ash asked, looking around. He found no one in sight.
"She may be busy." Cynthia suggested. "Or she forgot."
"That's unlikely." Ash frowned. "May's very sharp minded from what I know of her." Cynthia decided not to respond.
"Let's begin our battle. She might show up." Ash decided to go with the flow and the two entered into the gym. Brock was waiting already, sitting on his throne with a stone-faced look.
This battlefield was plain, perhaps due to the rocky field being only one. May's battle had ruined it a lot anyway.
"Who of you will fight me first?" He asked. Ash and Cynthia exchanged a glance. Cynthia nodded and Ash stepped back. "Let's begin. It's your first Gym battle?" The referee ran to his position.
"Yup." Cynthia responded.
"Then this is a two-on-two gym battle. Only the challenger may substitute their pokémon." He grabbed a pokéball from his belt. "Go Geodude!"
The Boulder Pokémon came out, taking a fighting stance immediately. Cynthia thought over her options before throwing her own pokéball. Fenniken came out, yipping at Geodude aggressively.
"You get the first move." Brock smirked.
"Flame Burst!" Fenniken unleashed the explosive blast at Geodude, striking him quickly. Geodude stumbled back, wincing at the burning sensation.
"That was quick." Brock noted a little alarmed. "Geodude, use Rock Throw!"
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Fenniken began to move around, dodging between the rocks easily. "Now use Flame Burst!" Another blast struck Geodude.
"Rollout!" Geodude curled up and began to roll towards Fenniken who yipped and jumped out of the way. Cynthia thought over her next move.
"Another Flame Burst! Aim it in front of Geodude!" Cynthia hollered. Fenniken formed another projectile near her mouth, aiming a little ahead of Geodude. She then unleashed it, the flame exploding under him and throwing the Rock/Ground Type in the air.
"Gr." Brock growled. "Okay then." He smirked. "Mega Punch while landing!" Geodude uncurled, starting his descent. His right fist was enveloped in a white glow as he aimed his Mega Punch at Fenniken.
"Quick Attack to dodge!" Fenniken waited until the last second and jumped back. Geodude's Mega Punch struck the ground, cracking it, and Fenniken blasted a Flame Burst on his face.
"This is getting annoying." Brock snarled. "Rollout!" Geodude corrected himself, rubbing his sore right fist, before rolling up and moving towards Fenniken.
"Same strategy as before Fenniken!" Cynthia called out. Fenniken aimed her Flame Burst just like before but this time, Geodude steered out of the way and almost managed to hit Fenniken.
"I won't fall for the same tricks twice!" Brock chuckled. Cynthia smiled slyly.
"Okay then Brock." Cynthia thought over her plan. "Fenniken! Heat Wave!" Fenniken took a deep breath, reaching deep within her core. Geodude was approaching her fast. 'C'mon Fenniken.' Cynthia thought.
Finally, her eyes opened and she unleashed a large wave of flames that struck Geodude. Geodude was swallowed by the flames and slowed down by a lot, enough for Fenniken to side step and move away.
"Mega Punch Geodude!" Brock took advantage of the proximity. Cynthia decided to bite the bullet.
"Take it and use Hypnosis!" Fenniken stepped purposely into the punch, eyes shining a hypnotizing pink. Geodude punched her in the cheek hard, head whipping to the side, but Fenniken managed to land her Hypnosis.
"Oh no!" Brock gasped, realizing his mistake. Geodude fell asleep in front of Fenniken, snoring away peacefully. "Fenniken! Return for now!" Cynthia called her starter back. "Roselia Battle Dance!"
The Thorn Pokémon was summoned. "Mega Drain!" Roselia shot two glowing green vines from her roses, the vines wrapping around Geodude and beginning to suck his life force out of him.
"Gr!" Brock growled. This was beginning to go south real fast. Roselia sighed in pleasure, basking in the energy her Mega Drain was providing her.
"End this with Magical Leaf!" Cynthia dealt the finishing blow. Roselia fired off glowing leaves at Geodude, striking him hard. Geodude groaned one last time before falling unconscious.
"Geodude is unable to continue! Roselia wins!" The referee declared. "Gym Leader send out your last pokémon!" Brock returned his downed Rock/Ground Type and grabbed another one.
"Good luck trying to beat this big guy!" Brock chucked his pokéball. "Go Onix!" The Rock Snake Pokémon came out, roaring intimidatingly at the comparatively tiny Thorn Pokémon.
"This is it Roselia." Cynthia uttered in a low voice. "The final stretch." Roselia nodded and readied herself.
"Battle Begin!" The referee declared. Onix immediately dug deep into the ground, leaving Roselia alone on the battlefield.
"We need to Leech Seed him." Cynthia whispered to Roselia. "Use Magical Leaf all around the battlefield. Obscure yourself from view." Roselia nodded and began to unleash a never ending storm of glowing leaves.
"You'll regret doing that!" Brock grinned. Onix burst under Roselia, throwing her high in the air.
"Will I?" All the Magical Leaf turned back to Onix's exposed form, striking against his rocky body. Onix roared in pain, Brock sweating from the change in terms. "Leech Seed!"
"Sandstorm! Blow the leaves away!" Onix roared and a large sandstorm obscured the battlefield from view, battering the Magical Leaves away and leaving Onix hidden.
Onix groaned in pain as the Leech Seed sucked some energy out of him. Cynthia chuckled. "Now use Mega Drain!" Roselia aimed her left hand towards Onix, two tendrils moving forward. They wrapped around the Rock Snake and began to drain him even further.
"Damn." Brock cursed as his Onix trembled before falling down. They waited for the sandstorm to die down since it was evident Onix was out.
Once it did, the referee made his call and Cynthia was declared the winner. Ash blinked at the quick second round Cynthia had. "That was fast." He commented.
"Great tactic out there Cynthia. You'll go far, believe me." Brock handed her a badge which she gladly accepted. Showing it to Roselia and the newly summoned Fenniken, she beamed.
"You're turn Ash." Ash nodded and, exchanging a quick fist bump with her, walked into the challenger's trainer box. Brock sent his two pokéball with a boy who looked mostly like him.
"Let's see how prepared you are." Brock grinned and grabbed another two pokéballs.
"I was born ready!" Ash responded. Brock announced the same rules as before and threw his selected pokéball. To Ash's pleasant surprise, instead of a Geodude, a Graveler came out.
"Let's see how you handle Geodude's evolved form!" Brock boomed. Ash thought over his options.
'Skylar, Zeus, and Eevee. Who can take on that Graveler?' Ash frowned. Zeus was a straight no since its Electric Attacks wouldn't be of any use. Eevee had Iron Tail and the speed to match Graveler while Skylar could be useful against Brock's Onix.
"Eevee I choose you!" Ash's starter came out, yipping at the taller Graveler. "Be careful Eevee!"
"Let the battle begin!" The referee began.
"Test it with Quick Attack and Shadow Ball!" Eevee burst into action, circling Graveler and firing a Shadow Ball at its back. Graveler was hit and stumbled a little.
"Rollout!" Graveler curled up and sped up towards Eevee who yipped in surprise but managed to dodge.
'It's not that defensive and its reaction time is slow.' Ash noted. 'It compensates for its low speed with Rollout.' Ash nodded and thought over his next move.
"Meet him head on with Iron Tail!" Ash new about its speed, defensive capabilities, and typing. All that left was power. Eevee quickly circled around and ran towards Graveler at speed. Her tail stiffened and shone with a silvery gleam.
"Rollout!" Brock commanded. Eevee, after almost nearing Graveler, jumped and rolled in the air, her tail smashing into Graveler's curled form.
The two held against each other for a few moments, their momentum cancelling the other's out. Eevee gritted her teeth as she tried to push forward while Graveler's speed slowed drastically.
"Ok." Ash nodded. He now knew about Graveler's damaging capabilities as well. Eevee tried one last push before jumping back. Graveler, likewise, rolled back. Eevee landed in front of Ash, tail having lost its silvery glow.
Graveler uncurled and awaited further instructions. There was a medium sized crack at his forehead, evidence of Eevee's powerful Iron Tail.
"That's some power." A new voice said. They all turned to see May walking in and sitting beside Cynthia. "Don't mind me, carry on." Brock and Ash nodded.
"Why are you so late?" Cynthia questioned. "You missed my battle!" May blushed in embarrassment.
"Sorry for that." May apologized, face red. "Did you win?" Cynthia nodded and showed her the Boulder Badge. "Congratulations." They heard a groan and found Eevee smashing another Iron Tail into Graveler's back.
"Ash is using the hit and run strategy." Cynthia explained to her. "He figured it was the best way to utilize Eevee's power and speed."
"That's one nice strategy then." May grinned. "Let's see what else he has against Brock."
"Mega Punch Graveler!" Graveler tried to punch Eevee but the Evolution Pokémon kept on dodging, zooming from left to right with ease.
"Iron Tail!" Eevee skid back, dodging a Mega Punch and gaining ground, before jerking her silver tail forward. It smashed into Graveler's arm and forced it back. "Another!"
Eevee soon opened up a barrage of Iron Tail against Graveler, utilizing her tail skillfully. Brock smiled a little at Eevee's powerful attacks. He had no doubt those two new trainers would go far.
"One last Iron Tail!" Eevee spun before delivering a clean strike. Graveler groaned in pain before succumbing to the strikes.
"Geodude is unable to continue! Eevee wins!" The referee declared. "Gym Leader send out your last pokémon!"
Eevee walked back to Ash, sitting on her haunches next to his leg. Her breathing was a bit more labored, evident by her form. Brock grabbed his second pokéball and threw it, revealing a form similar to Ash, Onix.
"Just as I expected." Ash grinned, confidence showing on the outside. Inside, however, he was intimidated. 'It's even scarier in person.' Ash shuddered. 'Here goes nothing.'
Ash threw the pokéball containing his avian, Skylar. The Pidgeotto shrieked per arrival, landing in front of Ash and glaring at Onix, not scared in the slightest.
"Onix use Rock Throw!" Brock hollered. Onix roared and, digging his tail into the ground, flung gravel and earth at Skylar. The bird quickly took to the air, weaving around the strike.
"Quick Attack! Circle him!" Ash ordered. Skylar titled a little, doing as directed. Onix looked around, trying to keep an eye on the speedy and nimble Pidgeotto.
"Sandstorm!" Onix roared, dust, and sand rising in the air. Immediately, they turned into a twister and swallowed the whole battlefield. Ash bit his lip, thinking about another strategy.
"Speed up using Quick Attack!" Ash didn't want to reveal any more of Skylar's attacks soon hence the move. Skylar sped up more, turning into a tan blur. Onix's eyes tried to spot the bird but she was too fast.
"Just wait." Brock told him. "She'll slow down soon enough." Ash realized his strategy then and there. As long as Skylar stayed in speed and moved in unpredictable patterns, Onix couldn't hit her.
"Steel Wing!" Ash ordered. "Open up!" Skylar's wing glowed shimmering steel and she began to speed up around Onix, striking him left to right in a wild manner.
The sandstorm, while hurting her, also took away a bit of visibility so she had to go in blind swoops sometimes. Brock growled as Onix kept on getting pelted by Steel Wings.
"That's a nice strategy." Cynthia commented.
"Capitalizing on Skylar's speed and raw power to deliver powerful Steel Wings. Impressive." May smirked. "Let's see how Brock reacts now."
"Try to dodge Onix!" Brock cried out. Onix groaned, body already aching for so many hard strikes. Skylar swooped in for another strike, Brock watching the losing battle with narrowed eyes.
Xxx
Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Pewter…
"Reporting for duty sir." A man in black and white clothing with a red 'R' insignia in the left side of his chest spoke.
"Is everything ready for today's attack?" A man asked. His face was shrouded in darkness, everything about him eluding mystery.
"Yes sir!" He reported. "The only trainers in the vicinity are three beginning trainers, an experienced veteran, and the Gym Leader Brock. Two of the beginning trainers are having their gym battle currently while the experienced trainer and Brock had a Gym Battle and are tired."
"Are you sure these are the only trainers?" The man asked. The man nodded his head.
"Absolutely!" The man nodded.
"Tomorrow's attack should go just as planned. Nothing should go amiss." He warned.
"We'll try our best!" He responded.
"Best is not enough." He snapped. "I want results." The call ended and the man swallowed.
He had to do this or he would have his skin.
Xxx
"Skylar!" Ash cried out as his bird landed on the ground harshly, Onix's tail lashing out at her. The Skylar squawked defiantly and got up, taking to the air.
"That must've hurt." Cynthia winced. May nodded. Skylar panted, bruises all around her body. The battle was going as planned until Onix managed to clip her.
Skylar had lost her balance and Onix wrapped up around her. However, after a lot of struggle and pain, she managed to get away. Onix this time managed to land a direct hit which resulted in her falling down.
"Let's end this." Ash declared. She nodded. "Skylar! Use Quick Attack to boost your Steel Wing!"
"Meet her head on!" Onix raised his tail, shoving it towards Skylar.
"Now! Dodge!" Skylar steered out of the way at the last way. Passing the tail, she had nothing between her and Onix and so, landed a clean Steel Wing.
Onix was sent crashing into the ground, landing hard. He groaned one last time in pain before going unconscious. Brock was stunned for a moment at the tactic Ash showed before smiling and returning his snake.
"That was a great move Ash." He complimented as the referee declared Ash the winner. Reaching into his pocket, he showed Ash the badge. "Proof of your outstanding performance against me." Ash took it and smiled.
"Not mine, our outstanding performance." Ash smiled. Skylar let out a small shriek while Eevee yipped happily. He showed them the badge, Cynthia and May joining Ash.
"Epic-" Cynthia was cut off by a yell.
"Brock!" The Gym Leader in question turned to see a small girl that vaguely resembled him run towards them. She looked very frightened.
"What happened?" Brock asked.
"Someone… has… attacked… the… pokémon center."
Xxx
Ending on a high note to leave you all in pending. Review for sure, it gives me motivation.