"Okay, gym badge number two, here I come." Brendan said enthusiastically.

"That's a different emotion than last time." Ash commented, as they exited the Pokemon Center.

"What can I say, the win gave me a boost in confidence." Brendan said. "Plus I did my research, Brawly is an expert in fighting types, which are week to flying types like Taillow, right?"

"Among other things, yes." Ash said, wondering where Brendan was going with this.

"So, my plan is to mainly use Taillow, and have Mudkip and or Seedot in reserves just in case." Brendan said.

"That doesn't seem like a full plan. I mean Taillow hasn't had a lot of experience battling yet." Ash pointed out.

"She'll be fine, as long as I keep in the air, she can't be hit." Brendan said.

"I'm just saying, you'd be surprised at what they can do for being fighting types." Ash said.

"You're just being paranoid." Brendan said. "I know you have experience, but I just have a good feeling about this."

"Okay, as long as you're sure." Ash said.

"Hey there, and welcome to the Dewford Pokemon gym." A guy in casual clothing said with a smile. "Which of you is here to challenge our leader Brawly?"

"I am, my name's Brendan and I'll be competing for my second gym badge." Brendan said.

"Awesome, head on back, and I'll let him know." The guy said.

"He seemed laid back." Brendan said.

"Maybe a bit too laid back." Ash said.

"This again, you're being paranoid." Brendan said.

"No, I just haven't met many gym trainers with that laid back attitude." Ash said. "It makes me curious as to what kind of gym leader Brawly is."

"So you must be my challenger, the name is Brawly." Brawly said, walking up to Brendan.

"I'll be in the stands." Ash said.

"Okay, this will be a three on three match between the gym leader Brawly, and the challenger Brendan. The match will be decided when neither side has any Pokemon available left to battle. Only the challenger may switch Pokemon at any time. Trainers whenever you are ready." A gym trainer said.

"Ready." Brawly said.

"We've got this." Brendan said.

"Come on out Machop!"

"Taillow, I choose you!"

"Machop use Karate Chop!"

"Taillow use Peck!"

Taillow dove at Machop, only to get swatted out of the way with ease.

"And this is what I felt was going to happen." Ash said under his breath.

"Taillow fly up and use Focus Energy!"

"Machop use Bulk Up!"

Every muscle in Taillow's body tightened as Machop's muscles began to bulge.

"Taillow use Quick Attack!"

"Machop use Karate Chop!"

Machop swung down on Taillow hard, this time the bird did not get back up.

"Taillow is unable to battle, the winner is Machop." The gym trainer declared.

"No." Brendan and Ash said in unison.

"Taillow return." Brendan said, recalling his Pokemon. "Come on out Seedot!"

"Machop use Karate Chop!"

"Seedot use Bide!"

Machop slammed down on Seedot as the grass type took the full force of the hit.

"Machop use Leer!"

"Keep holding that energy Seedot!"

The two Pokemon stood their ground watching each other.

"Machop use Karate Chop!"

"Seedot hold on!"

Machop struck Seedot once again, resulting in a loud crack as the grass type rolled away.

"Seedot!" Brendan exclaimed.

"Seed." Seedot said, struggling to hold in the energy.

"Send it out!" Brendan exclaimed.

An energy shot out from Seedot, blasting back Machop.

"Machop is unable to battle, the winner is Seedot!" The gym trainer said.

Ash couldn't be sure, but he was almost positive he could see a crack in Seedot's shell. Wasn't that supposed to be impenetrable?

"Great work Machop, come on back." Brawly said. "Let's see how you do with a change in the tide. Meditite come on out!"

"Seedot use Bullet Seed!"

"Meditite use Bide!"

Meditite held it's energy as it was hit by a flurry of seeds.

"Seedot use Harden!"

Seedot's body began to shine as he vibrated slightly.

"Seedot keep hardening!"

Seedot held itself upright as he kept reinforcing his shell.

"Now Meditite! Release it all!"

Meditite leapt forward, the stored energy in their fist as they made contact with Seedot.

"Seedot is unable to battle, the winner is Meditite." The gym trainer declared.

"Seedot return!" Brendan said. "You did great. Now, let's end this. Mudkip come on out!"

"Meditite use Focus Punch!"

"Mudkip use Water Gun!"

A stream of water shot out at Meditite, causing it to roll backwards.

"Meditite use Light Screen!"

"Mudkip use Mud Slap!"

Mudkip charged forward, hitting Meditite backwards as it began to set up psychic barriers around itself.

"Now Meditite use Focus Punch!"

"Mudkip stop it with a Water Gun!"

The stream of water shot forward only to be met with a strange resistance, keeping Meditite safe until the water attack had ended.

"Now Meditite, attack!" Brawly commanded.

Meditite rocketed its fist into Mudkip, sending the water type flying.

"Mudkip is unable to battle, the winner is Meditite." The gym trainer decided.

"Hey good effort." Brawly said, walking over to Brendan. "Let me guess, you got your first badge and rushed here as fast as possible?"

"How'd you know?" Brendan asked.

"I've seen a lot of trainers do it." Brendan said.

"Here's some advice, train around on the island. It may not look like much, but you'll find that there's plenty to do. Once you feel like you're ready, come and find me." Brawly said.

"Come on Brendan, let's get your Pokemon looked at, and then we can look at strategies." Ash said.

"Remember sometimes the strongest storm is the one that looks peaceful." Brawly said as they left.

"Any idea what that means?" Brendan asked.

"Not a clue." Ash sighed.

Later at the Pokemon Center

"Ashton, I'm sorry. I should've listened to you." Brendan said, as his Pokemon were being checked in the room in front of him.

"Hey, we all make mistakes when starting off." Ash said.

"You didn't." Brendan said.

"You met me after three regional journeys, and a few years on the road." Ash countered. "Trust me, I made my fair share of mistakes, some of them I have to live with."

"Ashton, what happened?" Brendan asked.

"It doesn't matter right now. Just be glad your Pokemon will be fully recovered by tomorrow, I have a few ideas on what to work on." Ash said.