(Flashback, Five days ago)


As promised, Ed had decided to help Forrest with his request. They both stood outside the Pokemon Center battlefield.

"Alright! So, first thing first," Ed began saying as he took a page out, Pikachu looking from above his head. "I want information about Rhyhorn."

"Information?" Forrest and Rhyhorn look at him in confusion.

"His current skills and moves." Ed said as he pointed to a rock that was close by. "Let's start with a bit of speed, tell him to run all the way to that rock and back here."

Forrest nodded and looked at his partner, "Rhyhorn. Please run to that rock and back."

"Horn!" The spike rhinoceros blew air from his nose and charged at the rock. His stubby legs echoed the air as it reached the rock before stopping, turning around, and charging back at his trainer's side.

"Hmmm, as I assumed," Ed said as he began to take notes and look at Rhyhorn, noticing his lack of tiredness. "His speed is good, enough to deliver a powerful blow, but a bit slow in positioning." He looks at Forrest, "How much do you train him?"

"As much as I can." Forrest replied. "I had to take care of my brothers and sisters when Brock gets busy at times. Plus, I got school."

"Hmm, I see. And what did you have him do?"

"I helped him run a few laps around the house. Sometimes, my two little siblings would get on and ride him. He has been able to protect them from a few wild Pokemon that might attack them."

"I see. What about experience in battle?"

"Outside school training and Brock's, just a few scuffles with wild Pokémons."

Ed scribbled in his notebook, nodding, and understanding. ('Yeah, I think I see the picture right now.') It's good what he has, but they were going to face Flint and Lola, Gym-Level Trainers. And it's not like Brock would take him seriously enough in a fight. ('This is going to be a tough battle.') It's not like he wasn't expecting anything less.

"S-So?" Forrest asked, looking nervous at his Master's thoughts.

"...It's not bad. But as I said, compared to your parents, we need to double what training we can do." Ed said as he summoned Natsu. "We are facing your father, a Rock-Type Trainer beneath your brother in prowess, but nonetheless stronger. And your mother, a water specialist with an advantage." Forrest nervously nodded. "But, and this is something most trainers don't make, we have a thing called imagination."

"Imagination?"

"I'll be helping you on that," Ed looked at Natsu, "Natsu. I want you to go with Rhyhorn and train him. The routine we do every morning."

"You got it boss!" Natsu gave him the thumbs up before motioning to Rhyhorn to follow him. "Come rock guy! Let's do some stretches!"

"Horn!" Rhyhorn roared as he followed the lizard, having the determination to improve.

"Don't overwork yourself!" Forrest told him.

"Pikachu?" The electric mouse looked at his trainer. "Keep an eye on them. In case they both go reckless."

"Okay!" Pikachu jumped off and went to follow the duo.

"Now then," Ed sat down, Forrest followed through, "Let's start with strategy, we are going to face two veterans. They are Gym Leaders after all." Ed said as he began to draw a rough layout of what the battlefield could be.

"Um about that," Forrest chuckled nervously, "I…don't believe we need to take them that seriously."

('Ugh! Trust me, I know.') Ed thought, knowing how easy-going and airheaded both adults were. "Even so, we cannot underestimate any opponent. No matter how or why, once in the arena, we are in unknown territory."

A battle is a place where 50/50 exists and can evolve to 100 to favor anyone.

Besides, Flint and Lola might be comic relief, but they can't be that bad-


(Present Day)


"I think I need bleach in my eyes." Ed had forgotten one important detail. He underestimates the characters in general.

I mean, these two adults had pulled a Team Rocket Motto dance! Talk about cringe!

"Dad! Mom! Please, don't ever do that! Again!"

"Mr. and Mrs. Harrison. I have to concur with your son."

Both Flint and Lola were on their knees, a cloud covering their heads as shame as they got lectured by Forrest, who forced them into their current position after such childish displays as the Gym's introduction.

"What was that? It was so horrible!?" Even Pikachu gagged out.

"I have heard that you both came back from your respective trips weeks ago, but I didn't expect this." Celes said with annoyed sighs.

"Ehehehe." Both adults dared to chuckle in embarrassment.

"Also, what is this about the Gym changing its Type specialty?" She asked, remembering one of the reasons she came here.

"Oh!" Lola claps her hands in joy. "It was a thought I suggested when I came back! We keep having so many trainers charge in and challenging us! I thought it was the best course to have two Gym Leaders, and I can help out when my husband needs a break."

"I can understand that much, but I still don't see the need to change the Gym specialty from Rock to Water-types." Celes clarified. "Especially when there's already one."

"Oh! I just thought it might be a better challenge for those trainers!" Lola said with a smile. "I'm quite powerful, and I have beaten my husband before! Besides, my water sweeties are stronger than Rock Pokemon!"

"Mom!" Forrest got mad at what she said.

"Forrest, no screaming inside the Gym." Flint said. "Your mother, despite her words, is only thinking about the Gym's reputation."

"But Dad! This gym is meant for rock types!"

"Which is why we change the environment, and we aren't switching, we are making it both a water AND rock type Gym."

Forrest was getting mad until a hand landed on his shoulder. He looks at the side to see Ed, motioning him to breathe in. The young Harrison did as so, having memorized to not get angry so easily.

"...Mr. & Mrs Harrison." Ed looks at the adults. "I don't think I'm in a position to say anything in a family squabble. But may I say a few things?"

Both adults look confused but pay attention.

"Thank you." Ed took a deep breath, "Okay. First and most, I want to say that I do not have a problem with any change the Gym must make. That's entirely a decision made by you all."

"See, Forrest? This young man can-"

"However," Lola was cut short of her dialogue as he came with the important part. "I must asked, this Gym, who is officially the Leader?"

"That would be my oldest son, Brock Harrison." Flint replied.

"I see…Since this is his Gym, and you both are simply taking over from his absence, did he give consent?"

"Consent?"

Ed internally smirks, ('Got them.') "You know. Since he has been the Leader longer than you two, you must have communicated and talked with him about these changes."

"..."

"...You did try to communicate with him first, right?" Lola nervously chuckled while Flint sighs.

"No. We have not."

"B-But we wouldn't want to bother our sweet boy after all the trouble he went through in our absences!" Lola quickly said. "I'm sure he would not have a problem-"

"Yes he would!" Forrest, and the rest of his siblings, who have appeared out of nowhere, shouted at her.

"Where did the little ones come from?" Celes asked in shock at seeing the rest of the Harrison Family appear like magic.

"Hmmm, so if I may assume correctly; you have not been in touch with your son." Ed summarized in thought. "Meaning that changing the Gym's Type could cause trouble."

"B-But it wouldn't be that much trouble, right?" Lola asked, trying to find a good thing.

Not like Ed was going to let her have it. But before he could…

"As a matter of fact," Celes spoke in, "It does. According to the official Pokemon Gym Leader Association, one must be classified by one type. You may have a Pokémon with an additional type, as long as the required type for the Gym is in it. Trainers come here expecting to fight that type. So imagine the problem it would have if a rock-type gym was now a water-type."

Seeing where she was heading, Ed followed through, "Yeah. Rumors can start when a trainer comes. The Pewter City Gym is also a Water-Type gym now? Without the consent of the original Gym Leader? That sounds like bad publicity. And don't get me started with the Conference; they might choose to inspect the Gym in secret. Worse, it may be deemed unfit to be a Gym and get closed."

Flint and Lola paled at that. "...That…would be bad."

"And Brock would be mad. I'm sure neither of you want your son to stop his journey after so long of taking care of the family, only to be forced to return over a slight miscalculation."

"Oh no!" Lola paled like a ghost. "My baby doesn't need that!"

"Which is why you should have been in touch with him before making the changes." Ed said as he slightly wink at Forrest, who smiled at what was going on.

It was his time!

"You are right!" Flint stood up with a serious glare. "My son has been a Gym Leader for eight years through my absence. I cannot change anything here without his consent."

"I agree!" Lola did the same. "We'll try to contact him right now-"

"HOLD IT!"

Both parents yelped in surprise when their second older son shouted at them. "Mom! Dad! I'm glad you see the error you were about to make, but I still stand by my opinion! The Pewter Gym should stay a Rock-Type Gym!"

Before either parent could protest, Celes made her move. "Hmm, I must say that your son makes a valid point." She crossed her arms together in thought. "There is already an official Water-Type Gym, no need for another one. But I can see the creativity in which you both think would benefit your family and the Gym, as well as the reasonable explanation for switching types from time to time."

"...What do you suggest we do, Ms. Mercury?" Flint asked in curiosity.

Celes simply shrugged. "Honestly, the most obvious choice. Let's settle all of this over a Pokémon Battle."

Ed and Forrest look at each other and nod while Lola and Flint look surprised before looking at the duo.

"Sounds fine to me." Ed said while placing his hand over Forrest's shoulder. "If you both agreed, let's make it a double battle; me and your son here against you two."

"...Reasonable and acceptable." Flint said, to his wife's surprise. "What are the terms?"

"Both teams will use only one Pokémon each, no substitution." Ed explained. "The battle will be over when both sides are unable to continue. Should we win, the Pewter Gym shall stay as it is, a Rock-Type Gym."

"And if you both lose?" Flint asked.

To his surprise, Forrest answered. "...I will not have a say in any changes you or Mom deemed necessary to the Gym."

Flint looked at his son…before glaring. "...Very well. I find the terms acceptable." He looked at Lola, "What about you?"

"I…have no objections." Lola said although you could see the worry in her voice.

"Alright," Celes clapped her hands, "Then, how about we prepare and get ready?" With a nod from both parties, they headed to their position to prepare.

"Forrest!"

The second son of the family was immediately swarmed by his siblings. "Hey guys. Sorry I have been gone for a few days."

"Yeah! Mom and Dad were sick when you told them you would be staying at the Pokemon Center." One of them says.

"Are you serious about fighting Mom and Dad?" The youngest asked.

"I am." Forrest replied without hesitation.

"But…can you win?"

"...Honestly, I'm not sure." Forrest said, however, had a smile of confidence. "But it doesn't matter now, I'm going to fight and that's all." He then turned to Ed. "Besides, I have my Boss here to help."

"Boss?!"

And that's the cue. "Hey kids. Nice to meet you all. Name's Edgard Martinez, please feel free to call me Ed."

"Ah! It's the guy that came second in the tournament!" And in a matter of seconds, they all surrounded Ed and Pikachu in curiosity.

"You were so cool in the finals!"

"Your Pokemons were so strong!"

"Are you fighting mom and dad?"

"Ah! What a cute Pikachu!"

"Can I pet it?"

"Can I have your autograph!?"

"Carry me!"

"No! Me!"

Ed and Pikachu sweated nervously as all the siblings began to bombard them with questions. ('Damn! One thing is fans, but children are…yeah.')

"Alright guys! Back off a bit from Boss!" Forrest quickly moves them all back a bit from Ed's personal space. "Sorry Boss. My siblings are curious."

"Why wouldn't they?" Ed chuckled. "So, how about some introduction?"

"Right!" Forrest suddenly clapped his hands and all the siblings made a line, left to right, oldest to youngest. "These are my siblings; Salvadore, Yolanda, Tommy, Cindy, Suzie, Timmy, Billy, and Tilly."

"Hello! Nice to meet you!" They all said.

"Nice to meet you all too." Ed said, "As I said, names Ed." He moves his shoulder with Pikachu holding on forward. "And this is my partner, Pikachu."

"Pika!" Pikachu greeted them.

And in a matter of seconds or nanoseconds, if I'm being honest, Pikachu found himself being held by Cindy and Suzie. "So cute!"

"So fast!?"

"Look at him with his hat! It's so adorable!"

"It's so fluffy! I didn't know it could have that!"

Pikachu sweat in discomfort as both young siblings snuggle their faces at him. "Uh, Boss? A little help?"

"Alright, please calm down young ones." Ed quickly took Pikachu off their hands. "Pikachu is a little uncomfortable when he is touched without consent. They will zap you."

"Ah~"

"But he looks so cute~" Cindy and Suzie whined in sadness.

"And I'm sure he is grateful you think that of him." Ed placed Pikachu down. "But I'm sure you two and him would enjoy the affection if you ask first."

Pikachu stares at his trainer, horrified at what he said. He looked at the two young Harrisons who had stars glowing in their eyes.

"May we please pet you?"

..

.

Pikachu felt betrayed and disappointed in himself. For once, he had wished his trainer was selfish. Now, he had to be held by two children while getting a pet and a hug.

('I will remember this.') Pikachu thought as he glared at his trainer from the stand.

Ed sweatdrops and gave him an apologetic look. ('Sorry buddy, but I can't handle more than two kids.')

All members of the Harrison Family, plus a reluctant electric mouse, sat as they waited for the battle to start. On one side, Ed and Forrest stood, the former taking a deep breath at the start of his official Gym Battle and the latter sweating in excitement and worry. On the other side, Flint and Lola, the male had a tough look while the female had a somewhat worried expression.

Celeste had taken the pleasure of standing as referee. "The battle between Gym Leader's Flint and Lola Harrison, and the challengers Ed and Forrest will now begin! This will be a two vs two, each team will use one Pokemon, no substitution! The battle will be over as one-sided Pokemons are unable to continue!" She looked at the leaders and challengers, "If both sides are ready, please send your Pokemon!"

"Alright! Natsu, come to my aid!"

"Rhyhorn, let's do it!"

"Golem! I choose you!"

"Marill! Help mommy!"

All four trainers threw their poke-balls and out came their respective Pokemons. Natsu and Rhyhorn came out along with an oval rock creature with short limbs and a face of a reptile, and a small round blue rat with a white belly and a tail with a round blue ball on the end.

Ed quickly took his Pokedex. "Golem, the Megaton Pokemon! Its shed is extremely durable, not even dynamite can damage it!" "Marill, the Aqua Mouse Pokemon! The buoy on its tail has oil that helps them float, so it will never drown!"

('Their two most powerful Pokemons.') Ed thought as he narrowed his eyes. ('At least on terms of the anime that is.')

"Now! I declare this fight officially…" Celeste raised her hand and signaled. "Started!"

At that, Forrest made the first move. "Rhyhorn! Use Take Down!" Rhyhorn blew steam as he charged forwards on the small parts of the ground, carefully moving on the spots that had water.

"Golem! Stop him with Rock Throw!" Flint ordered. The Megaton Pokemon grabs some debris with his arms and throws it in the direction of Rhyhorn. Rhyhorn pushed forward and smashed his head on the rock, grunting as he began to push the boulder in place.

"Natsu! Help him out with Rock Smash!" Ed made his move, Natsu dashing forward with his fist glowing.

"Marill! Water Gun! Don't let Charmander get close to Rhyhorn!" Lola commanded. Marill jumps high in the air and inflates the cheeks before shooting a torrent of water at Natsu.

The fire lizard widened in fear before reacting to his instincts and jumping to the side, the water hitting the ground with a powerful result of destruction. "Damn! That's way too powerful!" If he didn't dodge, he would have been a goner.

*Boom!*

"HORN!"

Natsu looked up and saw that Rhydon was overpowered by Golem's Rock Throw and was sent flying backward, his back heading his way. "Agh!" He yelped as he jumped away, Rhydon hitting his previous spot hard.

"Rhyhorn!" Forrest yelped in fear and worry.

Natsu quickly stood up and went to Rhyhorn's side, pushing him to stand up. "Come on, big guy! I know you ain't done that soon!" He grunted as Rhyhorn groaned and moved to the side, flipping back to his feet. He shook his head and glared back at Golem.

"O-Oh dear." Lola said with a worried look as she turned to Flint. "D-Darling? Don't you think you are being a bit rough?"

"...Perhaps." Flint spoke, not looking worried one bit. "But right now, that's not my son I'm fighting." He then commanded Golem, "Use Earthquake!"

"Eek! Marill! Jump on Golem!"

Marill perks and immediately jumps on Golem's body just as Golem jumps high and lands hard on the rocks, creating a massive shake that rumbles the water. Both Rhyhorn and Natsu struggle as the attack hits them, the fire-lizard having trouble standing still.

"Natsu! Jump on top of Rhyhorn!" Ed yelled out. At the command, Natsu jumps on the sturdy rhino's back, holding tight to him.

"Hold your ground, Rhyhorn!" Forrest commanded, Rhyhorn growling as his four legs held strong at the waves of earth and the splashing of the water on him. He shivered at the feeling of his one weakness but never faltered.

"Marill! Aqua Tail!"

Marill jumped from Golem and flew high, its round ball of a tail suddenly getting an envelope in a miniature whirlpool. "Ma~Rill!" It shouted as it headed at the duo with its tail forward.

"Oh no!" Forrest panicked. "She is coming! What do we do?!"

"Forrest. Tell Rhyhorn to use Scary Face." Ed states as he places a hand on his subordinate.

"Eh?!" Forrest looks at him in shock before nodding in understanding. "Rhyhorn! Scary Face!"

Rhyhorn closed his eyes and turned to Marill, and opened them, giving the hardest glare he could muster, his face shadowed in evilness. The result made Marill flinch back a little, and lack focus for a second.

Ed took his chance, "Natsu, Flamethrower!" The Charmander smirks before taking a deep breath and fires his flamethrower, heading directly and colliding with Marill's Aqua Tail.

It clashed for a few seconds before Marill was sent flying back by the power of the Flamethrower, and into the water, yelping in pain at the landing.

Lola yelped in worry. "Marill! Are you okay, my love?!"

"M-Marill." Marill replied with a close eye as it swam up to the shore.

"Wow!" On the visitors' stand, Yolanda gasps in surprise. "What just happened?"

"I-I don't know." Salvadore replied, equally shocked at the performance his brother and Boss did.

('Impressive.') Celeste thought as she understood the plan. ('He used Scary Face to slow down Marill's movement, allowing Charmander to deliver a blow that caught it off guard. Not making critical damaged but making sure neither of them get hit at a super effective attack.')

"Rhyhorn! Take Down again!" Forrest quickly commands, Rhyhorn releasing steam again and charging forward.

"Golem! Use Rock Throw again!" Flint command. Golem quickly grabs another big rock and prepares to throw it

"Natsu! Flamethrower at Golem!" Ed said, Natsu quickly stood as if he was on a surfboard and spewed fire at Golem, who took the hit to the face, staggering back with the rock on his head almost falling off.

Enough time for Rhyhorn to reach and deliver his attack at Golem, forcing the Megaton Pokemon to yelp in pain and let go of the rock, which fell away from his grip and into the ground with a 'thud'. Golem was sent rolling back and into a small spot with water, drenching him.

"Golem!" Flint shouted at seeing his partner drench, which made the poor thing panic as he got out of the pond and quickly began to shake the water off. Not noticing the incoming Charmander with its glowing fist, "Look out!"

"Hit him hard, Natsu!" Ed commanded Natsu to deliver his Rock Smash move on Golem's face, sending the Megaton Pokemon rolling back once again. Golem yelped as his rolling came to a stop.

"Ooh! A direct hit!" The siblings flinched altogether.

"Marill! Water Gun and push Charmander back!" Lola quickly acted at seeing her husband's Pokemon getting hurt. Marill fired his water yet again, making Natsu yelp as he ran back.

"Rhyhorn! Quick, block the attack with Harden!" Forrest commanded, taking Flint, Lola, the siblings, and Celes by surprise.

Rhyhorn jumps between Natsu and the water attack, his body momentarily glowing in a green aura before taking the attack head-on, growling in pain but not backing down. With a huff, he pushed the water off, quickly shaking the droplets off.

"What?!" Tommy screeched in disbelief. "That Water Gun was strong but bro's Rhyhorn looked unaffected!"

"Alright! Great job, Rhyhorn!" Pikachu cheered from the stand.

Lola was the most shocked, not expecting the outcome. "That…should have made a critical hit." She said as she stared at Rhyhorn, who blew steam from his nose. ('He doesn't appeared to have any coating, and I can see him shaking…Could it be that its resistance build up?') She thought before looking at her son, who was looking quite shocked at what happened. ('Just what has he being doing the last five days?')

Meanwhile, Forrest watches in shock, not believing that he had just done that…and worked out! ('It work…the training work!') He looked at Ed, who was nodding in satisfaction. "Boss! It worked!"

"That it did." ('Just glad it SOMEHOW did! Dear God, this shouldn't have work!') Ed was sweating inside his mind. The training he had suggested for Rhyhorn wasn't supposed to work this well!


(Flashback; four days ago, close to a river)


"You…what?" Forrest and Rhyhorn looked at his teacher as if he had gone and formed another head.

"I know it sounds crazy and…harsh, but," Ed sometimes gets a bit too scared when one needs to be creative. "I want Rhyhorn to…stand in there." He said as he pointed to a small clearing…that was surrounded by a body of water.

"...Boss. You know that Rhyhorn is a Rock-Type Pokemon, right?" Forrest asked, his partner trembling in fear

"I do." Ed chuckled. "And I know that all rock-type pokemon have this natural fear of their type-weakness, but here me out! We are going to face a water-type Pokemon." Ed took out of nowhere a board, with a sluggish Rhyhorn drawing along with him surrounded by water. "What I think of doing is that we sharpened both his reflexes and defense. No matter what I think, Rhyhorn won't have enough speed to properly dodge any water from your mother's Pokemon, which is why I want to focus on defense." He quickly drew himself into the water with a water gun. "I will swim around the lake with a water gun that I somehow found lying around without a name of property. I want Rhyhorn to close his eyes and try to focus his hearing on me. I will attack with my gun water and I wanted him to use Harden, boost up his defense and withstand the water."

"That's…a bit terrifying." Forrest said, looking at Rhyhorn's paled form.

"I know. And this is just a suggestion. If neither of you both want to do it, it's fine. I have another few ideas." Ed wanted to make clear he wasn't going to force either of them with this idea. "I'm just taking in consideration your…wish to prove to your mother that Rock-Type Pokémon are strong."

"...Is this like how you made Pikachu face Tyranitar, even though you had the disadvantage?" Forrest asks in sudden excitement, remembering how Ed had bested Cardin's Rock-Type Pokémon. "Like how Pikachu' lightning somehow manages to destroy a rock?!"

"That's…information that I'm still trying to figure out. But I guess it might." Ed scratches his neck. "But if there's one important lesson I know, it is that anything can happen on the battlefield. Keep calm, play it cool. Look around and understand your options." The more he spoke, Forrest and Rhyhorn began to look at him like a superhero in a monologue. "Advantages are important, but so is guiding the team. With the right guidance, trust and training, even a Cartepie can beat a hungry Ekans. A ten-year old idiot with the mind of a 5 year-old and the creativity of a pro taught me that."

"Eh?" Forrest felt his brain stop working. "What?" What Ed said, that last part, made absolutely no sense.

"Trust me. I'm still shocked by his mentality." Ed rolled his eyes. "Point is, surprises are the best plan, but they are at their pinnacle when it is done in the middle of the fight. That's what makes Pokémon Battles and Trainers quite exciting, to know what we bring into the battlefield." He looks at the duo with a serious look, "But to do some of them, we need to make a few sacrifices. We can do anything amazing, but we aren't invincible. That's why I need to know if you both are willing to do this."

Forrest looks down at the ground. What Boss said made sense, but it also meant to put his partner in grave danger, traumatizing him if we go far in the saying.

Before he could think further, he heard Rhyhorn taking a step forward and releasing steam out of his nostrils. "Horn!"

"Rhyhorn?" Forrest looks at him. "You…wanna do it?" The rhino Pokemon nodded at him. Having a look of determination in his eyes, willing to go with this experience for him. "...Alright! We'll do it!" Forrest clenched his fist in excitement.

Ed smiled. "Alright."


(End of Flashback)


('Not gonna lie, putting Rhyhorn in that position was a little bit cruel. But in the end, it work out.') Ed thought as he remembered how terrified the Pokemon was as he had to stay there and get hit by water before it slowly changed into a simple shivering puppy while sporting a harsh glare. ('He can now hold a water gun face first without problems, but it's now a matter of quantity and quality.')

"Go…" Flint's Golem stood up from the attack and shook the pain away.

"Golem!" Without looking, Flint commanded. "Sandstorm!" The Megaton Pokemon blew steam from his nostrils before raising his hands and summoning sand out of nowhere and covering the arena with sand and disappearing Golem and Marill.

"Shoot!" Forrest said as he covered his face from the sand. "He blocked our view! Rhyhorn! Be careful!"

"Natsu! On Rhyhorn! Don't get away from him!" Ed said while taking out his glasses and putting them on.

Natsu quickly slid next to Rhyhorn, his gifter scarf flowing in the air, covering his face from the sand slapping.

"Rollout!"

From the sand, a rolling boulder came, spinning at full force at Rhyhorn, who was forced to hold back in pain before the rolling Golem jumped backward and rolled deep in the storm.

"Water Gun!"

A water attack came from behind, making Rhyhorn yelp in pain at the hit from behind and scaring Natsu from getting squashed. "EEK!"

"Rock Throw!"

A large rock was sent flying in their direction, forcing the Natsu and Rhyhorn to jump away to dodge the attack.

"Keep it up!" More water guns and rocks began to appear randomly, forcing the Pokemon duo to dodge and run away.

('Shoot! So that was the plan!') Ed narrowed his eyes as he saw the plan Flint made.

('He used Sandstorm to hide their Pokemons and attack from their view, forcing Rhyhorn and Charmander to stay in one place and not be able to see where they are attacking.') Celes thought, having figured out the plan of attack from the Gym Leaders. ('As expected of Flint 'The Wall', he put a huge distance between victory by placing a wall in their way.')

"On no. It's dad's specialty." Yolanda said.

"And with Mom's Marill using water attacks, it's going to be a problem." Salvadore sweat. "They have them right in their palms unless they move."

"But Sandstorm is in effect! Rhyhorn is okay, but what about Charmander?" Cindy points out. "It's already getting hurt by the sandstorm. It's holding on thanks to Rhyhorn's hide but now what?"

Back in the fight, Forest began to panic a little, this technique is something he was afraid that he would do that move. With his mother on his side, it was going to be hard to even dodge or even win. They can just stay away and attack in many ways and he wouldn't have time to do anything. ('What do we do? Rhyhorn is probably at his limit after that Water Gun.')

Sure enough, Rhyhorn was having a hard time standing up from tanking hits and protecting Natsu, "Boss! Rock-guy is here reaching his limit! We need to do something!" Natsu shouted while trying to find out their opponent's move.

('I know!') Ed gritted his teeth. What should he do now? Attacking randomly is bad. Worse, those two haven't used their best moves. Probably to not hurt the other-('Wait…But what if…')

('It…could work out.')

"Forrest." Ed placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, making him turn. "I got an idea, but we need to be quick." The young Harrison perked and brought his ear close to hear the plan.

"Honey." Lola turned to look at her husband. "Let's start finishing this."

"A-Alright." Lola felt bad. She knew that she had to put aside her feelings in this match, but it didn't change the fact that it was their son who they were fighting. "Maril! Use-"

"Natsu! Crane-Style, Flamethrower!"

"Huh?" A collective pattern of questionable looks appeared at the command of Ed.

Natsu perks at the command and stretches his arms before swinging like a ballerina. He spewed fire from his mouth as he spun, surrounding both him and Rhyhorn inside, hiding them and protecting them from the storm.

"What the heck is that?!" Timmy asked.

"Charmander just formed a protective sphere!" Cindy exclaimed in shock.

('That's…!') Celes felt amazement at the sphere almost looking like Protect. ('You use an offensive attack to make a strong defense against the sandstorm…') She couldn't help but chuckle at that. ('Just what else can you think of, Ed? But now what?')

"Impressive." Flint recovered from the surprise. "You managed to find a way to stop the sand from hurting you."

"Well, that's true." Ed said with a smirk.

"But you also made things worse, because you just trapped both of you!" Flint nodded to Lola.

"Marill! Surf!" Lola commanded as Marill jumped out of the water and summoned a huge wave of water from below.

"Ma~rill!" Marill cried as she surfed the top of the wave, heading through the sandstorm with a determined expression.

And in a sweep, the big wave reaches and swallows the fire sphere.

"Oh no!" The siblings screamed in horror at the display.

"Natsu! Rhyhorn!" Pikachu had managed to get off Billy and Tully and scream in fear and panic at his friend's fate.

('...') Celes glared at the field, waiting to see the results.

From the Gym's side, Flint crossed his arms while Lola was having a panic attack inside, hoping to not hurt her son's precious partner.

From the Challenger side, Forrest sweats in worry while Ed narrows his eyes behind his glasses.

Soon, the water began to clear up, reaching the point of revelation as the Sandstorm effect was off. As expected, there was no fire sphere anymore.

But at the same time, there is no sight of the creator and its partner.

"Eh?!" Now, this time, it was Flint who looked surprised. "Where are they?!"

"Did I drown them!?" Lola held her hair in horror. "I-I mean, I don't think Surf was that strong, r-right?!"

As the two parents began to panic (No, really. I could see a giant drop of water coming out while they started to do a random gimmick.) Ed waited patiently with his hand on Forrest's shoulder, who was deep breathing.

"Ma?" Marill had landed on the ground and was looking for her opponent. She carefully walks around before seeing something below her. She got close and saw a metal rock-

"Now!"

"Rhyhorn! Horn Attack!"

The metal rock shone, and the ground below Marill began to shake, causing the small blue rat to almost losing her balance before Rhyhorn burst out of the ground, the shiny rock being his horn, "Horn!" With a cry, he punctured his horn on Marill's stomach, hurting and sending her flying.

"WHAAAAAAAT?!" The reaction of everyone.

('He was under the ground?!') This time, Celes couldn't stop her shocked expression. ('When?! And How?!')

"Marill!" Lola screamed as her sweet Pokemon was sent flying.

Forrest didn't wait for a second, "Quick! Take Down! Full force!" Rhyhorn blew steam and began to charge at the falling Marill.

"Oh no you don't!" Flint quickly made his command. "Golem! Earthquake!"

"Go!" Golem jumped high before landing on the ground, creating a massive quake that shook the earth and water, making cracks in the field.

"Rush forward!" Forrest commanded, Rhyhorn kept running as, in serious luck, part of the ground rose with him running, creating a small cliff. "Jump!" Once reaching the tip, Rhyhorn then delivered, somehow, an amazing leap, dodging the Earthquake attack.

*Bang!*

And connected his attack against Marill.

"Ma-rill!" The water-type Pokémon cried as she was then sent crashing at sound speed, going past Lola and Flint, who flinched at the sound of the crash. The Water specialist looks behind, and gasps in horror at her sweet Pokémon sliding off the crack wall…unable to move anymore.

"Marill is unable to battle!" Celes inform after seeing the state Marill was in.

"No way!"

"Forrest did it!"

"He beat Mom's Marill! With Rhyhorn!"

"Alright!"

The shout of disbelief and amazement from the siblings was just a tiny fraction to Forrest as he felt his heartbeat. "I…I did it…" He couldn't believe it, he managed to defeat his mother!

"Don't celebrate yet!" Ed quickly broke his stupor. "Golem's still in the game!"

"R-Right!" Forrest shook his head before concentrating once again. He looks at his partner, breathing heavily, and looks to be at his last stand. "Boss…He's at his limit."

"What do you want to do?" Ed asks.

"...Help me win." Forrest stated his desire.

"Then let's do it in one final move." Ed smiles at hearing the young Harrison's determination. "Just hold him still for a moment."

"Got it!"

"Impressive!" Flint looked at his son with a proud smile after getting off his shock. "You got strong, Forrest! I didn't see that coming!"

"Thanks Dad! But praise me when this is over!" Forrest said before pointing forward. "Rhyhorn! Harden and use Take Down one more time!" The rick rhino's body glowed green, boosting his defense before charging forward.

"Well said! Golem! Full power Rollout!" Flint commanded. Golem quickly began to charge his spin attack before dashing forward.

Both Rhyhorn and Golem clash, two unstoppable forces trying to push one another with their fight. It was an even fight, but Rhyhorn was starting to lose his edge, getting pushed back as his injuries were starting to affect him, yet he simply grunt and put all his strength into this final push.

('Seem that it would be over soon.') Flint thought as he could see the losing strength of Rhyhorn. ('I can tell Golem won't last more. I must admit that this fight was far harder than expected. And I still need to fight that young man's…')

It was at that moment that Flint Harrison made a realization.

('The boy's Charmander! Where is it?!') Flint widened his eyes as he noticed the lack of fire lizard. He looked around but no matter what, he only saw water and rock. ('How did I forget such an important detail!')

On the stand, Pikachu was looking up, smiling. "You better give him a good wallop!" He cried.

Celes momentarily looks back, hearing Pikachu and noticing his stare. She follows his view and… "Dear me. I don't think I can even understand that." She felt like laughing.

"Honey!" Lola, having called Marill back and thanked her for her effort, called Flint while pointing upward. "Look!" Flint and the siblings turned in the direction she was pointing, and couldn't stop their gawking from appearing.

"No way…So that was the plan!" Flint exclaimed, realizing what was happening now.

On the ceiling's beam was none other than Natsu, standing with his arms crossed and his scarf flowing around like a damn superhero. "Boss! I'm in position and they found me!" You could hear the excitement in his tone.

('Heh! Guess the gig is up!') Ed smirk.


(Flashback)


"Listen up." Ed whispered to Forrest the plan. "I'm going to camouflage their view with Flamethrower. Once it's done, I'll tell Natsu and Rhyhorn to dig a hole on the ground and hide Rhyhorn there."

"Hide? But how? He is too big!" Forrest asked. There wasn't going to be enough time to make a hole large enough for the two of them or even hide!

"To hide that is. Which is why we are going to force Marill to use Surf." Ed informs, shocking Forest by the idea. "The dirt that would be dragged with it will cover Rhyhorn and hide him in the hole. He'll use Harden and hang on. With some luck, the confusion would bring Marill close to him, allowing him to use Horn Attack."

"That's…actually risky, yet a good plan!" Forrest exclaimed in amazement before asking in concern. "What about…Natsu?"

"Easy. Once the hole is done, Rhyhorn will help Natsu jump into the air and into the ceiling. With the sandstorm and fire shield, nobody would notice him going, and when Rhyhorn comes out the hole, they will focus on him. Natsu will stay hidden and whatever happens after attacking Marill will be up to you. He'll be your air support only once."

"Right!" Forrest nodded at the plan. "Let's do it!"

"Alright!" Ed turned to the field. ('I can't believe I'm doing this, I feel like a kid!') He thought before doing something that was discovered during training. "Natsu?"

"Yeah?" Natsu asks telepathically.

That's right. He learned telepathic talk with his Pokémons. Complete utter BS. Favoritism right here and way too soon. Everybody, give the author a thumbs down for lack of creativity.

"Here is the plan…"


(End of flashback)


('That's right, Flint.') Ed pushed his glasses, ('Rhydon last stretch is just a bait. The real attack is here!') "Natsu! Let's go!"

Without a second, Natsu leaped off the beam, Assassin's Creed-style, and headed down head first. "Here I come!"

"Shoot!" Flint panics at the coming fire lizard. "Golem! You need to move!"

The spinning Golem steers to the side, only for Rhyhorn to grunt and block his movement. "Horn!"

"Sorry Dad! But he is not going anywhere!" Forrest exclaimed. "Finish it off, Boss!"

"Right behind you." Ed extended his hand forward. "Rock Smash!"

Natsu reeled his right hand as it glowed, with a battle cry, he delivered his attack on top of the spinning Golem, a massive explosion of white and dust covered the arena.

Everyone took cover from the small arcs of winds. The siblings dove down with Pikachu, Celes cover her face to stop the dust to get into her eyes, and the Gym Leaders and challengers did the same except Ed who had his sunglasses on.

The dust began to clear up, and opposite trainers and groups looked toward the results. The debris reveals Natsu, Rhyhorn, and Golem still standing. The Lizard Pokémon had delivered his fist on Golem's top head (How? No idea. Probably because this place is magical or the author decided it) and Rhyhorn had its horn on its lower rocky chest. The silence went through the air, with the huffing sounds of the fighting Pokémons…Before ever so slowly, Golem slid to the side and slump down, followed by letting out a grumbling pain.

"Golem is unable to battle!" Celes proclaims after a moment, raising her hand towards the challenger's side. "The victors are Charmander and Rhyhorn! Meaning that the winners of this fight are Ed and Forrest!"

"...Forrest won."

"Yeah…he did."

"Against Mom and Dad."

"HE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!"

Pikachu almost died from an overloading sound in his ears. "Too loud!"

Back on the side, Forrest's legs gave in and fell on his butt. He was breathing heavily while feeling his heart go at Mach 6. "I…I did it…!" He saw it, yet can't still believe it!

"Horn!" Rhyhorn appeared in front of him and gave him a tackle hug. Forrest flinched in pain but ignored it as his hit allowed his mind to accept what had transpired.

"Rhyhorn! We did it!" Forrest shouted as he hugged his best friend, who cried in affection and joy.

"Boss!" Natsu ran to Ed, who had opened his arms and allowed the lizard to jump to him. "Did I do good?" He asks.

"So-So." Ed said with a '_' expression.

"SO-SO?!" Natsu screams at him in shock.

"Hrk!" Ed burst a chuckled at his poor attempt to be funny after a match. "Sorry! Sorry! Bad joke. You did amazing." He patted Natsu's head, his shock replaced with joy. He then looks at Forrest, "Congratulations, Forrest. We won-Gah!"

"WE DID IT BOSS!" Forrest had tackled and embraced him, surprising Ed and sending Natsu flying off his arms. "We won!"

"Y-Yeah, we did." Ed sweat drops and chuckles at the affection he was getting.

..

.

At the end of the fight, all competitors were in the middle of the battlefield. Flint and Lola are on the right, Golem standing next to his trainer after getting healed up by a Hyper Potion, and on the left were Ed and Forrest, Rhyhorn next to his trainer while Pikachu and Natsu were on his shoulders.

"...So with this. I believe the discussion of what the Gym should be has come to an acceptable end?" Ed said, trying to stay serious, with Forrest sporting the same expression.

"Yes…" Forrest and Lola had their eyes shadowed by their eyes. "And I think there's only one thing to say…" His tone became slightly harsh…before water began to fall through his cheek. "That I'm so proud of you!" He exclaimed while crying.

Before Forrest knew it, Lola leaped from her place and caught him in a hug while smiling so brightly. "My baby is so strong like his parents and his brother! I'm so heartfully proud of you too!"

"M-Mom!?" Forrest got embarrassed by his mother's affection and the upcoming lips that he was trying to push away from his face, worse when Flint joined in.

"...They are taking this far better than I expected," Celes commented, coming close to them while looking surprised at the family love squabble.

"They should. They still are a family, despite their view." Ed said. Although he couldn't help but remember his own family. ('I wonder how they are doing right now…') Did they manage to move on after his death?

"Ehem!" After a while, Flint coughed into formality. "Well, as promised, the Pewter Gym shall stay a Rock-Type."

"Can we leave the designs at least?" Lola gave the puppy eyes, "I think the Gym would be far more alive with them on."

"I don't think that's a problem, my love." Flint looked at his son, "Forrest. I am forced to acknowledge you grow in this fight. You have proven courage, maturity, and hardened will. I expect nothing less from a Harrison."

"...Thank you, Dad," Forrest said with a smile.

Flint looks at Rhyhorn. "And the same goes to you, Rhyhorn. You fought tooth and horn alongside my son and never backed down. Keep going like that and stay by his side."

"Horn!" Rhyhorn blew steam in gratitude.

Finally, Flint turned to Ed, "And you, young man. You have shown me a match that can only be considered worthy of a Pokemon Battle. I can see now why you managed to make it to the finals." He then proceeds to bow his head at him, taking everyone by surprise. "Also, I thank you for not only helping us see a mistake that would give us trouble, but taking care of my son and training him."

Ed quickly raised his hands. "Please, raise your head. There's no need to thank me so much. I simply said what I thought would help you all."

"And it did." Flint said before positioning himself straight. "For that simple act, and your display of cooperation with my son and your Pokemon, I give you," he then extended his hand at him, the diamond shape badge that Celes won, "The Boulder Badge."

"Really?!" Ed was shocked. "You mean this match counts as a gym challenge?"

"But of course. Rules state that you are to beat the Gym Leader, which is me." Flint explained.

"W…Well then," With a smile, Ed accepted the badge. "I accept this."

"Congratulations Boss!" Forrest cheered, being accompanied by his siblings and Pokemon.

"Thanks." Ed said as he showed Natsu and Pikachu the badge, "See this? We did it."

"This is a badge?" Natsu narrowed his eyes. "Is a bit smaller than I thought it was."

"And we have to get eight of these things to enter that League." Pikachu commented.

"Congratulations, Ed." The young trainer turns to Celes, "It seems that we both are official rivals with badges."

"Heh! Guess so." Ed put the badge in his pocket. "Thanks for being the referee for this."

"No problem." Celes said with a smile. "Thank you for giving me such a wonderful show. I have seen things I never thought were possible." She said before turning around. "Anyways, as sad as I must say, I will take my leave. I have an important errand to do." She waved back at him. "Let us meet again soon, Ed."

"Sure! Have a good day!" Ed said as he and his Pokemon wave her goodbye.

"Boss!" Forrest came rushing to him, Rhyhorn right behind him.

"Forrest." Ed said as he crossed his arms. "I must say that this has been a wonderful experience."

"Same!" Forrest said before bowing his head, Rhyhorn doing the same. "Thank you for the training…and the help."

Ed nodded, with Natsu and Pikachu crying their respective names. "You are welcome. And with this, any business in town has been fulfilled."

"Are you leaving now?" Forrest asks.

"Yep." Ed took out his Town Map. "It's 10:38 AM. I didn't expect to finish this fight this early. If I hurry, I can go through Mount Moon and reach Cerulean City before the sun goes down."

"Aw man." Forrest looked down in sadness. He wanted him to stay a little longer.

"Sad, I know. Time is little for a trainer like me." Ed said before he grabbed his bag and took out an item. "But before I leave, here." He handed Forrest two wristbands, colored in green and black while having an 'E' that had a cowboy hat with sunglasses and a sentence. "One for you and the other for whoever you want."

"Wristbands?" Forrest looks at them in confusion.

"A memento for you, and one piece of advice," Ed explained. "There will be times when you will feel depression winning, that no matter who supports you or the positive things will raise your morale." Ed took one out and wrap it on his wrist, "Whenever that happens, look at your wrist and read it."

Forrest read the sentence in the wristband. "Non-Deficere?" He read in confusion.

"It means 'Never Give Up.' No matter what." Ed placed his hand on his pupil. "My uncle and teacher was a man who I had to admire. No matter how many times he lose or got beaten, he never gave up. Not in his dreams. Not on his career. Not even when almost everyone turns his back on him. He showed me that if I have a dream and I want to make it real, no matter what, I must never give up. Stand up with each fall, and learn from every mistake." Admiration was in Forrest's eyes (Author note: All right! That's it! How in the world does he know that- HE HAS SLIT EYES!) as he felt those words hit his heart home. "So whatever dream you want, I tell you; never give up."

*Sniff!*Sniff!*

On the back, you can see Flint and Lola sniffing while the siblings look with neutrality. "Such encouraging words!~ He must be a great man!" Forrest felt like dying in embarrassment at his parent's outburst.

('He has it rough.') Ed, Pikachu, and Natsu thought at the same time.

"Boss!" Forrest spoke up, making Ed flinch in surprise at the outburst at his sudden change of tone. "I…I know that I still have much to learn; much more than I could imagine. In today's battle, I was able to win because of your guidance and training." he clenched his hands, "That's why I'm going to get stronger! To become a worthy trainer like my brother…and someday, I will take over this Gym! And when I do…" He bows his head once again, "Please come back and challenge me to a proper battle!"

"...Sounds like a plan to me." Ed couldn't help but smile. ('Brock. Your brother is something alright. I said it once and again I do; you must have been proud of him.') He extended his hand to shake him. "Let's meet up, and next time, you better defeat one of my Pokemons."

Forrest looks at him with a happy smile before accepting his hand. "I will!"

"Horn!" Rhyhorn cried, looking at Natsu and Pikachu with determination.

"You better be strong, rocky!" Natsu said with a grin. "I will be even stronger than before! Don't expect any mercy or hold back!"

"Yeah, same from me!" Pikachu said, sporting a pump-up expression. "I lost in the tournament, but I won't lose so easily again!"

And thus, a small rivalry between Master and pupil was created over six days. Two young trainers with exceptional skills make a promise to one day see each other and have a battle. Who knows? Perhaps the pupil will be able to surpass his teacher.

"Waaaaaaaaah! So beautiful!

"I'm so proud of my son!"

They just had to ruin it.

"Booo! Mom and Dad ruin the moment!" Yolanda jeered, followed by the rest of the siblings to jeered at their overly-love parent's display.

"...Actually," Ed suddenly remember something. " Can I ask for a request from you all before I leave?" That caught everyone's attention.


(Later)


"Alright! Everyone in position?" Ed asked as he adjust his phone in position.

"Yep!" Flint said as he and his family stood in front of the Gym, the parents holding their youngest childrens while the rest stood in front, tallest to youngest. Rhyhorn, Golem, and Marill were also out and standing next to their trainers. "You may start!"

"Alright!" Ed tap the timer and quickly went to the family before positioning himself on the ground, Pikachu and Natsu with him and next to Forrest. "Thanks for this, Harrison Family."

"No problem, Ed! It's a shame our oldest isn't here, but this will be one great family photo!" Flint said.

"I love this idea! Please give a copy when you can!" Lola said while hugging Billy close to her.

"Sure. Here it comes!"

3…2…1…*click*


And so, with his first Gym Badge in his possession, Ed officially started his journey to enter the Pokémon League. With new friends and rivals, just what awaits this young man on his Pokémon journey? Only time will tell!