Chapter 3: Pewter City Showdown!
After finally making it past the Viridian Forest, Ash and Misty walked amongst the rocky path of Route 2 before Ash spotted something up ahead.
Running up on top of a big boulder, he sees a wide city below his feet.
"Alright, it's Pewter City!" Misty exclaimed as Ash sat amongst the rock.
"What a relief, I thought we'd be in that forest forever." He sighed.
"Pewter City is the city of stone. This place is famous for stone." A gruff voice said.
Looking down they saw a man with a beard and a red beanie on his head.
"Hey, who's the old guy?" Ash whispered to Misty.
"Beats me, never met him," she responded.
"The name's Flint, and you're sitting on some of my merchandise young man." Flint said, referring to Ash.
"Oops, uh sorry," Ash quickly stood up before looking at the price tags for rocks of shelves. "Wait, you mean you sell rocks?"
"Yep they're Pewter City Souvenirs." Flint confirms.
"Never heard of selling someone a rock before," Misty said coming down the steps.
"If you just got out of the Viridian Forest your Pokemon must be exhausted. Better get them to the Pokemon Center." Flint suggests.
"Could you show us where it is, please?" Ash asked.
"Of course, right this way," Flint said standing up.
"See? Looks can be deceiving. He's a nice guy." Ash said with a smile.
"Are you sure?" Misty questioned.
Then Flint appeared again and said, "By the way that'll be a two dollar charge for resting on my rocks."
They both looked wide-eyed and fell over at that. "So much for being nice..." Misty grumbles.
"Live a little Misty." Ash mutters.
Mumbling, they paid the man before he showed them to the Center.
Thanking him, they headed inside and right to the front desk.
Ash walked over and grabbed a Pokéball tray. He placed his team on the desk of Nurse Joy. "Please revitalize my Pokémon?" He asked her.
"Sure, right away Ash," Nurse Joy said with a nod, but Ash then caught that last part.
"Wait, Nurse Joy. How did you know my name?" He asked.
"Well not long after you've arrived, I received a call from Professor Oak. He described you and wanted to know if you had made it here safely." Nurse Joy answers. Well that was thoughtful of him. "And I heard about the accident." She said referring to what happened to Ash a couple of days ago. "I'm terribly sorry."
"It's OK, I'm trying to not let it get the best of me." Ash said. "But for Prof. Oak, be sure to tell him I'm alright, and uh can you point me in the direction of your phones?"
"Right down that way." She points to the right corner.
Thanking her, Ash walked up to one and dialed a number. Hearing it ring, a voice on the other line picked up. "Hello?"
"Hey mom." Ash said as a gasp followed.
"Hi honey, is everything alright?" Answering it Delia's face appeared on screen.
"I'm good. Just made it to Pewter City." Ash said
"Oh that's great. It's good to know you're doing ok so far," Delia said.
"Yeah I am in fact I actually have quite a few Pokémon on my team now." Ash said proudly.
"Good job Ash, make sure you take great care of them." Delia said.
"I will, and actually I managed to get one for you." Ash said, surprising her.
"For me?" She asked.
"I remember you telling me how you always wanted to have Pokemon of your own and after everything I've been through I thought you might like some." Ash smiles while taking out Pidgeotto's Pokeball.
"Ash, how thoughtful of you. You didn't have to do that," Delia smiles.
"But I wanted to. Figuring this Pidgeotto could help watch over your garden."
"Sounds perfect Ash. I promise to take good care of her." Delia vows.
Putting the Pokéball on the transporter nearby, Ash watched it flash before disappearing. A few seconds later it appeared on Delia's end.
"Here it is Ash," she said holding it up.
"Well mom, wish me luck. I'm taking on my first gym battle." Ash said.
"You're gonna do great honey, knock'em out for me!" She waved before hanging up.
Making his way back to meet up with Misty he saw a big poster on the wall.
"The Pokémon League Championship." Ash read aloud. Looking at it with excitement, Ash had always dreamed about competing in that very competition.
"It says here in order for you to compete, Trainers must collect a total number of 8 Gym Badges from trainers known as Gym Leaders in numerous cities by defeating them in a Pokémon Battle." Misty said reading the guidelines. "Think you can do it?"
"I'm definitely gonna try. And once I beat the Gym Leader here I'll move onto the next one." Ash said.
"You?" Flint laughs walking over. "You really think you can beat Brock the Pewter City Gym Leader?"
"Of course I can,as soon as my Pokémon are all done healing. Take me to this Brock's gym, you'll see!" Flint looked at Ash unimpressed and even started laughing again, "Ha ha ha! You'll beat him? Ha ha ha." Ash glared at the man walking away.
"I really don't like that guy." Ash said.
"He could have phrased it better, but he does have a point though. Gym Leaders are much stronger than your average Pokemon Trainer." Misty admits.
"I know that." Ash said looking at her, still upset, which made Misty flinch at seeing his dull eye.
"So uh...what do you plan to do?" Misty asked, looking away.
"Right now I just need to sit down and think." Ash sighs.
"Wanna go get some food to help you think?" Misty suggests.
Feeling hungry himself, Ash nodded as they headed off towards the nearby cafeteria.
"The first thing I need to figure out is what kind of Pokemon the Gym Leader is gonna use." Ash said
"Well I don't think it's that hard." Misty said, gaining his attention.
"You know?" He asked.
"Remember what Flint said when we first met him?" She hinted.
"Pewter City is the city of stone...oh Rocks. He must use Rock types." Ash realizes.
"And if I recall, none of the Pokémon you have on you aren't very effective against Rock types." Misty points out.
"No, in fact almost all of them have a disadvantage." Ash said while sitting back in his seats. "If only Mystic knew some water attacks."
"And had limbs," Misty added, making Ash glare. "What? Just pointing out the facts."
"Bastet has Iron Tail, but she doesn't have near enough experience for a Gym Battle. And none of Videl's attacks would do much." Ash ponders.
"So what are you gonna do?" Misty asked again.
Ash finished his white rice and said, "Well obviously, start training. And think of some new moves for everyone."
Paying for his part of the bill, Ash went to go get his Pokemon.
"Well Ash. No more waiting. Your Pokémon are all back to normal." Nurse Joy said with a smile.
"Thank you Nurse Joy." Ash said, collecting them all.
Looking at his 4 Pokeballs he realized that Naga and Talon were probably his safest bets.
Exciting the center, Ash walked outside of the city and found himself in a clearing of the woods. The perfect place to train.
He released all of his Pokémon out, crying out in their tongues.
"Alright everyone our first gym battle is coming up and I need all your help making sure Talon and Naga are ready for it." Ash explains.
"Spear!/Ekans!" Both Pokémon cheered with excitement.
"Oh and I want you guys to meet our newest member, Videl." Ash said, gesturing to his Beedrill.
As all of them introduced themselves Ash was happy to see them all getting along.
He then asked them all to lend Talon and Naga a hand on getting ready for the battle, which they were eager to accept.
Little did they know Flint was watching them from his stand up on the hill.
He wasn't expecting the kid to be up here, wasn't he gonna challenge Brock right away?
Flying through the air, Talon was being chased by Videl as they practiced his evasiveness.
"Poison Sting Videl, and Talon don't let a single one hit you!" Ash yells.
As the poison needles rain down, Talon bobs and weaves, narrowly avoiding them.
Down on the earth, Naga was swimming with Mystic in the nearby pond. Who knew Ekans were excellent swimmers?
"Come on Naga! Swim through that water like you would through dirt!" Ash calls out.
Mystic caught up to her and gave her some tips. Diving underwater, she came back up by jumping up really high to get air.
"Yes! That's it!" Ash grins.
This could help her with her Dig ability in making a bigger impact.
"I can't let this Brock guy get a lot of hits in, so we need to be fast and hit harder." Ash said.
Next he had Talon switch for Bastet as she was leaping from tree to tree while chasing Talon through the branches.
"Bastet, Fury Swipes! Talon blocks them with Steel Wing!"
"Nya!" Bastet jumped from a branch and swung her claws down, right when Talon raised his bright glowing wings to block her advantage.
"Spear!" He used his left talon to kick her down.
"You know using your own Pokemon is good, but you're not really pushing yourself if you know what all the Pokemon can do." Misty said walking over. "I bet Naga could benefit from another training partner."
"You wanna help us?" Ash guessed turning to her.
"Well I know you probably don't want to borrow one of my Pokemon so I might as well help." Misty takes out a Pokeball and when it opens a white and red fish appears next to Naga and Mystic.
"Goldeen." It said.
Ash brought his PokéDex out and scanned it.
"Goldeen, the Goldfish Pokémon. Water Type. Goldeen has a wild temperament and will use its horn to smash its way to freedom if kept in an aquarium. It competes with others of its kind to determine which has the strongest, thickest horn."
Goldeen swam up to Mystic and Naga and communicated with them.
"Wow Misty didn't know you had a Pokemon like that with you." Ash said.
"Well I couldn't exactly let Goldeen out in the middle of the forest could I?" Misty points out.
"So, what you had in mind?" Ash asked ready to get down to business.
"Goldeen, let's show these guys how it's done. If your Naga can land a hit on Goldeen in the water you might have a chance." Misty said.
"What do you say, Naga?" Ash turns to the rattlesnake, who nods with anticipation. "We accept your challenge."
"Then show us what you got." Misty said as Goldeen dived underwater.
"Ekans!" Naga dove into it as well and targeted Goldeen.
However, Misty just smirked as Goldeen dodged the attack with ease, surprising them.
"It's fast." Ash said. "Naga, use Poison Sting!"
Ekans fire poison darts like a machine gun, but Goldeen easily avoids them by swimming in a zig-zag.
"Again!" She fired once more, but like last time, didn't land a hit.
"Looks like someone forgot to do their homework." Misty said. "Goldeen is known to have the title of 'The Water Dancer',".
"Water Dancer?" Ash asked, never hearing that before.
"Be happy I just said you had to catch us, not battle us. Or you'd be getting the horn right about now." Misty points out.
Looking at the point on its head, Ash had to focus. "Naga!"
Hissing, Naga collected itself and swam up to face Goldeen.
Goldeen predicted this and dove underneath her.
"Now u-turn!" Looping around Naga dives down, gaining speed.
"Impressive," Misty mutters. "But it's no use for a swift swimmer!" She said as Goldeen swam in zigzags to confuse Naga.
"I may not be as fast, but I can do other things. Naga shoot up to the surface!" Swimming upwards, Naga flings out of the water before using the momentum to dive back down, gaining speed.
Goldeen turned around and gasped, seeing that Naga was literally right near her tail fin.
"Goldeen evasive maneuvers!" Misty gasps.
"Oh no you don't! Wrap!" Wrapping her tail around Goldeen's fin, Naga held on tight, preventing it from escaping.
Ash jumped up in joy. "Gotcha!"
"That was clever using the speed from the dive to catch up with us." Misty said, impressed.
"Well if a snake can slither well on the ground to catch their prey, they can do the same in the ocean." Ash said as Naga released Goldeen.
"Okay you might have a chance after all." Misty smiles impressed.
That made Ash happy to hear that his training has definitely paid off.
Heading inside, Ash went to get his Pokemon healed up before his match.
As he was about to sit down he noticed Flint standing by the door. "Flint?"
"Come with me." Flint said walking outside.
Ash wasn't sure if he wanted to; despite his attitude towards him earlier, but whatever reason he wants Ash to see, must be important. Telling Misty he'll be back soon, Ash followed Flint outside.
Making their way through the city, Flint didn't say a word to him for most of it.
"So uh where are we going?" Ash asks curiously.
"I was watching you," Flint said, breaking his silence.
"Huh?" Ash asked, confused.
"I was watching you train your Pokémon with your friend." Flint said. "Why didn't you head to Brock's Gym if you were confident you could win?"
"And go in there unprepared without a plan?" Ash said.
"You're smarter than you look kid." Flint said.
"Thanks…I think." Ash said, unsure if that was a compliment or an insult.
"And to answer your earlier question, we made it," Flint said coming to a stop near a house.
Peeking through the window they saw an older teen with spiky brown hair wearing an apron as a dozen kids who bare a strong resemblance to him were nearby.
"My skirt broke!" One of them came up to him crying.
"Alright, I'll get right onto it." The teen said with a calm smile.
"That's the Gym Leader?" Ash said not expecting that.
If all of those kids around him look exactly like him, then that must be all of them must be his siblings and he's the oldest.
"Brock has 10 brothers and sisters to take care of. That's why he had to run the gym. He can't go on a journey like most trainers." Flint explains.
"What about his parents?" Ash asked.
"Brocks good for nothing father left them; saying he was going to succeed in becoming a great Pokémon trainer, and hasn't been in touch with them since. As for his mother, she was tired of her husband's negligence and had to leave in order to find jobs to support her family." Flint explains. "Leaving Brock in charge of them all."
"Aw man now I kinda feel bad for him." Ash frowns.
"Are you still intending to fight him?" Flint asks, getting Ash's attention. "Even knowing what Brock has been through, do you still wish to challenge him to a battle?"
"Yes I do. I came here because I wanted to take on the league and I plan on getting in." Ash nods.
And Brock was his first step on making it.
"Well then you're gonna need some help." Flint said getting his attention.
"Huh? But I just finished training?" Ash said.
"You want to beat Brock don't you?" Flint asks.
"Yes." Ash nods.
"Then come on." Flint said standing up.
Couple of minutes later..
Night fell upon them as we now see Ash and Flint near a riverbank. Flint looked over the water and spotted something. Reaching in, he pulls out 2 large boulders. "Ah, perfect."
"What the heck is this supposed to be?" Ash asks.
"For your training, what else?" Flint placed them in front of Ash.
Deciding to see what he was up to, Ash let out Talon and Naga.
"Now, I want you to picture these boulders as Brock's Pokémon." Flint says.
Slowly both Pokemon faced a boulder.
"Now use whatever attacks you have at your disposal and try to break them." Flint instructs.
Going first, Talon charged at the boulder and activated Steep Wing and collided with his boulder.
"You barely even chipped it. Do it again. And don't stop until these boulders shatter." Flint said.
Growling, Spearow struck the rock again and again.
Using Dig, Naga comes up from underground and rams into the boulder from multiple angles.
"Instead of popping in random places, try to visualize where the rock is from underground," Flint said.
Following his instructions, Naga dug underground again and rammed into the boulder.
Her result, made a crack at the bottom of it.
"Now as for your flying type try doing small effective movements to save energy and focus on the attacks." Flint said
"Think you can do it buddy?" Ash bends down. "Remember, start small."
"Spear." Flying in, Talon swings Steel Wing, hitting the boulder before tilting his wings allowing him to fly around and strike again.
And managed to chip off a few pieces of grabble.
"Well at least we're making progress." Ash said looking on the bright side.
"We're not leaving this spot until those boulders are broken." Flint said, making them cringe.
This was gonna take awhile.
Hours passed and with each strike, both Pokémon broke those boulders apart piece by piece.
The two Pokémon were sweating messes, exhausted to the brim from their intense training.
"Come on guys almost there. Hit those boulders with everything you got!" Ash said equally tired.
"Spear." "Ek." Both turned to each and nodded. Naga dove underground and Talon swooped towards his boulder with his wings glowing and smashed the rock into pieces
"Yes!" Ash cheers before the two Pokémon collapse to the ground exhausted.
Ash picked them up. "You guys. I think we're ready."
"Ekans.." "Spearow.." Although tired, the two put on pleased faces, happy to have gotten a bit more stronger.
Looking at the sky, they see the moon was up. "Looks like we'll have to challenge Brock tomorrow." Ash said. "Oh and thanks Flint for-" Ash stopped when he turned to see that Flint wasn't there. "Flint?"
"Ash?" Turning around he saw Misty coming over. "What are you doing out here all by yourself?"
"Flint was helping me train for my battle." Ash said.
"Flint?" Misty said in shock.
"That was my same reaction."
"Well where is he?" Misty asks, looking around.
"I don't know. I thought he was here." Ash said
"Well anyway it's getting late, I think you should postpone that battle till tomorrow."
"Probably a good idea. Talon and Naga can't move another inch." Ash agrees.
Returning his Pokémon, Ash and Misty headed back to the center, unaware that Flint was watching them leave from up the hill.
"Hmm he might have a chance. It's small but it's a chance." Flint admits.
The next morning...
Ash and Misty stood in front of a building entirely made out of stone with the words, "PEWTER GYM" imprinted on the front.
"Well Ash, this is it," Misty said.
"I'm ready. Time to win me a badge." Ash said psyching himself up.
Pushing the doors open, they walked in only for the lights to be off.
"Who goes there?" A light shined on the other side of the room showing Brock who was dressed in brown cargo pants, an orange shirt and a green vest as he sat with his legs crossed.
"Gym Leader Brock, I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, and I'm here to challenge you." Ash said
As Brock steps down he notices Ash's scars and raises an eyebrow.
"Well Ash is this your first gym battle?" Brock asks.
"It is." Ash said, giving a nod.
"A gym match is different from other battles. This match is for Pokémon league authorization. There are special rules." Brock explains.
"And what are the rules?" Ash asks in curiosity.
"We'll each use 2 Pokémon each with no time limit. I'm prohibited to swap Pokémon out, but the challenger, that being you, can switch at any time you feel is right." Brock said. "Understood?"
"Got it." Ash nods.
Brock then turns to Misty. "Are you here for a Gym Match as well?"
She shook her head. "Not me, just spectating."
"Then please make your way up there to watch safely." Brock said, pointing up to the railway.
As Misty made her way up to the stands she was suddenly joined by Brock's siblings.
The battlefield he noted a number of large, rugged boulders in the low light. Ash stood on the right side of the field while Brock was on the left side.
Hearing a bell, the match commenced. "Geodude, go!" Throwing his first ball, Brock sent out a rock creature with a pair of arms and a face on the front.
"A Geodude huh? Alright, Talon! I choose you!" Ash throws out his own ball, releasing the bird who caws out with a shrieking cry.
"You really are a newbie. This is just embarrassing." Brock said.
"I'd save that kind of talk for later." Ash said. "You'll be surprised at what's about to happen."
"Geodude Tackle!" Brock said, as Geodude charged in kicking this battle off.
"Agility!" Ash said. Talon sprung into action as he sped out of the way in the nick of time before Geodude could land its hit. "Now Steel Wing!"
"Brick Break!" With a glowing fist, Geodude meets the attack head on and the two Pokemon clash.
"Peck!" Ash said as Talon pecked Geodude in the face to break its concentration.
Using this opening, Talon smacks Geodude with one Steel Wing, making it tumble backwards.
Brock stood there with a surprised look on his face. "Well now, I didn't expect that." Perhaps he was too quick to judge how the battle was going to play out.
"Not bad Ash." Misty said, impressed.
"Geodude, Iron Defense!" Brock said as Geodude crossed its arms together and glowed, briefly boosting his defense.
Growling, Ash didn't like this. As if Rock Types weren't tough enough. That move just made things harder.
"Now Rock Throw!" Grabbing a few boulders from off of the ground, Geodude threw a couple at Talon.
"Agility!" Using his speed, Talon quickly avoided getting crushed.
"Bring them down on the field!" Brock calls out as the rocks create a giant dust cloud.
"Spear.." Now Talon was having a hard time seeing through all of this dust.
"Use Whirlwind and blow it all away!" Ash said.
Flapping his wings, Talon blew away all the dust revealing Geodude hiding in the middle.
"Steel Wing!" Diving down, Spearow divebombs Geodude, knocking him to the ground.
"Geodude, Rollout!" Brock said. Recovering, Geodude curled into a ball and tackled Talon at close range.
"Spear!" Talon screams in pain, smashing into a boulder.
"Now charge!" Spinning again, Geodude raced across the field.
"Fly up!" Flying up, Talon narrowly dodges the attack as Geodude destroys the boulder.
Can't get too close, otherwise Talon would get an easy knockout.
"You can't stay in the air forever. You'll just be stalling the inevitable." Brock said.
"Not if I knock you down first! Talon Leer!" Ash said as Talon glared at Geodude, lowering its defense.
"Now Steel Wing!"
"Dodge it and use Mega Punch!" Brock said.
Narrowly avoiding Steel Wing, Geodude punches Talon in the face.
'Okay coming in from the front won't work. I need to get around it somehow.' Ash thought.
"Use Rock Throw again!" Brock said. Geodude began throwing rocks again to flatten Talon.
"Whirlwind!" Flapping his wings, Talon sent the rocks smashing down around Geodude creating a cloud of dust, but this time Talon disappeared.
"Where'd it go?" Brock asked as he and Geodude looked around for it.
"Steel Wing!" Coming in from behind Talon rams into Geodude.
"Dude!" Geodude cried in pain, feeling twice the damage from the attack and landing. "But where?" Brock looked in disbelief.
"Used your own trick against you. Again!" Coming up from the side, Talon rams into Geodude.
Sending him rolling into a boulder.
"Geo.." Sliding down on it, we see swirls in his eyes.
"Talon, not bad." Misty said, impressed.
Brock's siblings on the other hand were not so happy about this.
"Return, Geodude!" Brock said, holding up Geodude's Pokéball as a flash of red light shot out, recalling Geodude back into the ball.
Talon flew back to Ash and landed on his shoulder. "Awesome job Talon," Ash said petting his chin.
"Spear." Talon smiles.
"Alright Ash I'll admit that was impressive. But I know for a fact that strategy won't work again. Not against Onix!" Brock threw a Pokeball into the air and a giant rock snake Pokemon appeared.
"Woah, an Onix.." Ash said. No way Talon could defeat something as big as that. "Return Talon," Ash said, returning him back to his ball, before taking out his second Pokémon. "Go, Naga!"
Throwing it in the air, Ash's Ekans appeared on the field.
"Nice to know you're not one of those trainers who uses the throwaway strategy." Brock said.
"No way, not after coming this far." Ash said.
"The throwaway strategy?" Misty asks.
"When a trainer knows they're gonna lose they have their Pokemon just chip away at Brock's Pokemon until he takes it down hoping the next round is easier." One of the older siblings explains.
"That's just pathetic." Misty cringed.
"Onix, use Screech!" Brock said as Onix roared loudly, creating sound waves that struck Naga.
Ekans." Naga cringed in pain as her defense was lowered.
"Uh oh." Ash said knowing where this strategy was going.
"Now Tackle!" Onix slams his head down to the field as Naga quickly sprung out of the way.
"Naga, use Poison Tail on the head!" Ash said.
Leaping up off the rocks, Naga slams a poison-coated tail but all it seems to do is shake Onix up.
"Not enough." Brock said as Onix swatted Ekans away but when it did a purple line appeared on its face. "Oh no!" Brock gasps.
"Yes, the poison worked." Ash grins.
He knew Poison Tail wasn't going to damage Onix enough, and instead was hoping to poison it.
"Onix and I aren't ones who can go down easily. Use Rock Throw!" Brock said as boulders rained down.
"Use Dig!" Ash said as Naga dug underground, dodging the attack.
'Now it's time to put all of that training into motion.' Ash thought.
"Onix, Bide your time." Brock says as Onix stands there, motionless.
"What's he doing?" Misty whispers while the siblings leaned against the rails.
Suddenly bursting out of the ground Naga rams into Onix, dealing super effective damage.
"Alright, now do it again!" Ash said as Naga dove underground. Onix just stood there and Brock didn't say or do anything.
Bursting out of the ground, Naga knocks Onix back, sending it crashing to the ground.
This almost seemed too easy. Why wasn't Brock attacking or defending?
It's like he's waiting for something, but what?
"It's like he wants to give Ash the win, why isn't he doing anything?" Misty questioned.
"Hardly. No way Brock is giving him this win." One boy said.
"If anything he's going to win." A girl said.
"How do you know that?" Misty asked.
"Because that guy just walked into Brock's trap," the oldest kid of the bunch said with a smile.
"Alright Naga one more time!" Ash said wanting to finish this.
As Naga was about to move in, Brock sharpens his gaze.
"Now Onix unleash Bide!"
Standing tall, Onix roars as its body glows red and it fires a white exploding energy that struck Naga, making it cry out and fall backwards.
"Naga!" Ash gasped. "What was that?!"
"Earlier when you used Dig the first time, I told Onix to 'Bide his time'," Brock explained. "And guess what the keyword was?"
"That wasn't words of encouragement, that was an attack." Ash realized.
"Correct. Bide makes the user endure the foe's attack and then fires it back at twice the power. I let you attack me twice just so I could store enough energy to make my attack become stronger." Brock explains.
"And since Dig is super effective both attacks made it deal lots of damage." Ash cringed, seeing bruises all over Ekans.
"It's over from here on out," one of the twins said.
"Yeah, big bro is gonna win!" The other said.
"It's not over yet." Misty said. Cringing Onix felt the sting from poison.
'The poison is still working but I don't know if we can last much longer.' Ash thought.
He could use Dig again, but what if Onix uses Bide again? They can't risk something like that!
"Onix, use Skull Bash!" Spinning its body to resemble a tornado, Onix attacked, wrecking up the field as it moved in.
"Naga! Dodge it!" Ash yelled. Naga jumped out of the way, just briefly getting grazed.
"Ekans." Naga cringed, falling sideways to the ground.
"Naga.." Ash panicked. This was bad, REALLY bad.
"Do you surrender?" Brock asked, getting his attention.
"S-surrender?" Ash asked.
"You put up a good fight, but as you can see, your Pokémon is getting in pretty bad shape. As a trainer, it's your responsibility to see if they're still able to battle or not." Brock said.
Pausing, Ash knew he was right but does he really want to forfeit his first gym battle?
Naga was worn and who knows how much energy Talon has left?
'What do I do?' He thought now backed into a corner only HE could get out of.
Reaching up, Ash grabbed his head but when his hand grazed his scars he flinched in pain.
However that pain was just what he needed to snap him out of it.
He couldn't give up now, not after the hell he went through just to make it here.
"Naga." Ash called out. "Can you hear me?"
"Ek..Ekans?" Naga lightly hissed, lifting her head.
"I know you're exhausted but be honest with me. Can you keep fighting?" Ash asks.
Everyone waited for her response as Naga slowly raised her body up in an upright position as she glared daggers at Onix. "Ekans!" She hissed.
Ash grew a smile on his face as he turned to Brock and stated, "There's your answer Brock. No, we're not giving up! Not yet!" He said before grabbing the brim of his hat, turning it around. "It's time to get serious!"
Needless to say this surprised everyone. Especially Brock. An impressed smile appeared on Brock's face. "Very well, let the match continue! Onix, Rock Throw!"
Roaring, Onix slams his tail onto the ground, making rocks fly up from the field and rain down.
"Evasive maneuvers, go!!" Ash said.
Using serpent-like movements Naga slithers around avoiding the boulders.
"Bind!" Onix leapt at Naga in order to catch her.
"Poison Tail!" Swinging a poison-coated tail Naga damaged Onix but as she pulled back Onix wrapped its tail around her, trapping her.
She cringed as Onix began to squeeze her tightly.
"Naga, Acid!" She heard Ash say.
Spitting purple sludge at Onix, the damage was doubled since it was already poisoned, doing enough damage for her to escape.
"Now Slam!" Hearing the command, Naga crawled all around Onix, aiming for his head.
"Onix, shake that snake off of you!" Brock said.
Swinging his head around violently, Onix smashed it against the ground trying to throw Naga off, but the worst part was the poison was really starting to kick in, making each attempt hurt it.
"Go!" Ash yelled as Naga roared as she sprung in the air, raised her tail high and then brought it down onto Onix's head in a fell swoop.
Roaring in pain, Onix smashes to the ground face first causing the arena to shake.
Everyone in the building tried to hold onto something for balance as everything died down. When we look at Onix we see swirls in its eyes.
Ash stood there speechless as he realized what just happened. He realized he was the victor. "I-I won?" A big smile then appeared on his face. "I won!!"
"Yes! He did it!" Misty cheers.
Smiling weakly, Naga collapsed completely exhausted.
Ash picks her up. "Naga, I'm very proud of you. Both you and Talon." He said happily.
"Ekans." The rattlesnake softly nuzzles her head to his face, making him laugh.
"Brock lost?"
"I don't believe it."
His siblings were all in disbelief. He had that kid on the ropes, and all of a sudden, he lost it all. One of them, 2nd eldest, ran down the steps to him. "F-Forrest?"
Brock kneels down to Onix and rubs his head. "You put up a good fight, Onix. Great job." Onix gently grunts at the remark.
"Brock!" Brock turns, seeing the kid run up to him. "Forrest?" He asked.
"Why? Why did you lose?" Forrest asked. "You had him right there. I don't understand."
"I'll tell you what happened. They just wanted it more. So much so that they were willing to take us down." Brock smiles.
"But.." Forrest tried to say, but couldn't find the words.
"You'll understand one day," Brock said ruffling through his hair. "But right now I have to finish my duty."
Slowly walking up to Ash, Brock stopped in front of him.
"I'll admit, Ash you surprised me today. You beat me with 2 Pokemon who were at a complete disadvantage. I'm impressed." Brock said.
"Well I had a little help," Ash said looking up to Misty.
"Well you won and because you did you earned this." Reaching into his vest Brock pulls out a gray octagon-shaped badge. "This is the Boulder Badge. Congratulations." He said holding it out for Ash to take.
"My first badge." Ash smiles while taking it.
"Better make sure you put it somewhere you won't lose it." Brock advises.
"I know just the place." Opening the left side of his jacket lightly, Ash pins the Boulder Badge inside of it.
"You know Ash the way you and your Pokemon rallied at the end. Shows just how much you care for them. Despite those scars you're a nice guy." Brock said.
Surprised by the compliment, Ash touched his scar once more. First Samurai, now it was Brock who didn't think he was a freak.
He gently smile. "Thanks Brock. You're a pretty nice guy too."
Smiling Brock turns to his siblings. "Can you guys bring Onix and Geodude inside? I want to take them to the Pokemon Center before the end of the day."
Nodding, the 10 of them returned his Pokemon and ran into the house.
"Wow big family." Ash said.
"Be happy they didn't dog pile on you. First time I was losing a gym battle, they took the challenger down themselves." Brock said.
"Yeesh, looks like they take their love for family a bit too far," Misty said, coming down to join them.
"The truth is I don't really like being a gym leader much. I like taking care of Pokemon much more than battling with them." Brock admits.
"You mean like a Pokemon Breeder?" Ash asks.
"Exactly. That's always been my dream. To become the World's Best Pokemon Breeder, but I can't leave my family. They need me." Brock said.
Ash silently nodded, knowing exactly why. "I'm sorry to hear that. I wish there was something I could do."
"But there's something I can do." A familiar voice said.
Looking to the corner of the gym they saw Flint leaning against the wall.
"Flint?" Ash said as Flint took off his hat revealing a face similar to Brock's.
"Dad." Brock glares, surprising him.
"W-what?! You mean you're the good for nothing dad that left them?" Ash gasped.
"That's me," Flint nods. "I couldn't succeed in becoming a Pokémon Trainer. I felt so ashamed that I thought my own family didn't wish to face me."
"Are you freaking serious? You were here the whole time?" Ash said frustrated.
"Dad, why didn't you just come home? We would've accepted you in with open arms." Brock questioned. "You know mom is really working the late nights because of you?"
"How could you let your family go through that?" Ash asks.
"I have no excuse. I wasn't there when you all needed me." Flint said.
"And why were you so eager to help Ash?" Misty asks.
"To be frank, I'm not sure myself," Flint said. "Maybe because he reminded me of my younger self."
"Really?" Ash said in disbelief.
"Strange and optimistic. That's what I thought."
"But that's not all is it?" Ash asks.
"No. Truth be told you surprised me. I thought you were going into this like a total amateur. Challenge Brock right out of the gate and come back to the Pokemon Center a loser, but I was wrong. You handled everything so differently than what I expected and I guess I wanted to see if you really could win." Flint admits.
Ash was astonished by his words, and every last word spoke the truth. "Well,I'm glad I proved you wrong." He smiled.
"It's time I stopped running away and be there for my family." Flint said turning to Brock. "Brock go on your journey and fulfill your dream. I'll take over as the Gym Leader and at the house."
"Dad." Brock said, a little surprised.
"I don't expect you to forgive and I bet you probably have a million things to get off your chest so lay it on me. I deserve it." Flint said.
Brock however opened up his vest and handed Flint something.
"Here." He said giving Flint a sew and needle, making him confused. "Eh?!"
"Suzie always rips her dresses so you better learn how to sew. And Timmy only eats cold spaghetti for breakfast. Tommy likes cornflakes for dinner." Brock listed a bunch of things for Flint to remember while Flint freaked.
"Slow down! Slow down! I can't write down that fast!"
Brock continued on, "Cindy sleepwalks so you have to tie a bell on her wrist, the twins never want to take a bath together," he continued.
Instantly Ash and Misty struggled to hold back their laughter.
Boy was Flint in for ALOT of work.
Later on that evening...
Ash and Misty were heading out of the limits of Pewter City. Ash was still focusing on his Boulder Badge. "Ash, how long are you gonna keep looking at your badge?" Misty laughs.
"As long as I can, I just can't believe I won." He said feeling proud of himself.
"Well don't get full of yourself. You only need 7 more left if you wanna make it to the league," Misty warned. "And it only gets harder and harder from here on out."
"Then I'll just keeping working hard until I get them all." Ash declares placing it back into his jacket.
"Hey! Ash! You guys, wait up!" Hearing a voice behind them, they see Brock catching up to them with a big backpack on his back.
"Brock?" Misty said surprised.
"Sorry I'm late. It took me a lot longer than I expected to get dad up to speed on everything. I wanted to ask you something before you left town." Brock said.
"What's wrong?" Ash asks.
"I wanted to ask if I could come with you guys?" Brock asks, surprising them.
"Really?" They said simultaneously.
"I just don't feel like going at it on my own just yet and I thought since you were planning to go to the other gyms you wouldn't mind another traveling companion." Brock points out.
Looking at the other, Ash and Misty could see it would be nice to travel with one more person. "Sure, I don't mind." Misty said.
"Thank you guys." Brock said as they continued walking down the path.
"So how did your siblings take the news that dad's home?" Misty asks.
"Let's just say it's mom's turn to pursue her interests while he has to do the hard work." Brock chuckles.
Ash and Misty both laughed. "Flint's gonna need all of the luck he can get."
"Yes he is." Brock smiles.
With his first gym badge under his belt and a brand new travel companion with former Gym Leader Brock. Ash and his new friends continue on towards the next gym and even more challenges.
To Be Continued...
Party Data:
Ash: Spearow (Talon), Magikarp (Mystic), Meowth (Bastet), Ekans (Naga), and Beedrill (Videl)
Sent to his mother: Pidgeotto
Misty: Goldeen
Brock: Geodude and Onix
Hope you all enjoyed Chapter 3! The Gang's all here. I wanna thank my friend, Bloombolt, for Beta reading the chapter before posting.
I'll see you all next time.