"Okay, this will be a piece of cake! Snivy, use Leaf Blade!" Ash cried out as Snivy's tail glowed green and she vertically spun into Aerodactyl.
"We'll see about that. Aerodactyl, use your Bite attack to stop that Leaf Blade!" Brock commanded as his Pokemon bit down on the grass snake's tail, much to Ash and Snivy's shock and horror. "Now, throw her!" And she did just that, sending Snivy towards a rock.
"Snivy, use Vine Whip around that rock!" Ash cried out as Snivy wrapped her Vine Whip to wrap around the rock and spun around towards Aerodactyl.
"Whoa!" Brock was surprised by the sudden thinking.
"Great, now throw yourself at Aerodactyl and use Leaf Blade!" Ash commanded, hitting Aerodactyl fast and hard. "Yeah!" Snivy and Ash both looked happy as dust covered the field. Brock's expression didn't change.
"Great! Ash was able to turn this match around! If he keeps this up, he'll get that badge in no time!" Dawn cheered excitedly along with Piplup and Axew. Iris, however, looked more cautious and uncertain, which Dawn noticed. "Is something wrong, Iris?"
"Yeah. I don't think that Ash is anywhere close to being done with this battle. I mean, Brock doesn't look all that worried about Aerodactyl right now. Meaning Ash may not be out of the woods yet," Iris explained.
"Well, looks like we're down to needing to beat two Pokemon!" Ash cockily said.
"How pathetic," Paul grumbled, definitely not impressed.
"What?! But I just took out one of Brock's Pokemon. One that is likely to be very powerful too!" Ash argued.
"If you're so sure, then turn around," Paul pointed out.
Ash did just that, and as the dust cleared, saw that Aerodactyl was still flying, albeit not as well as before. "What?! But I defeated her! What's going on here?!" Ash demanded.
"You may need to be more careful with your type matchups. While it is true that Aerodactyl is a Rock-type, she also happens to be part Flying-type, which is strong against Grass-types like Snivy," Brock explained.
"Wait…What?! But…how?!" Ash was confused and shocked.
"You see, Aerodactyl is a Pokemon that I use in some of my battles in order to throw a curveball in my challenger's strategies. You see, I know that Water and Grass types can easily defeat Rock Pokemon. So, sometimes, I use Aerodactyl as a means of weeding out some of the Pokemon that Pokemon like Geodude or Rhyhorn would be weak to," Brock explained.
"So Brock began with Aerodactyl not just because she's strong, but also to stop Pokemon like Snivy!" Dawn realized.
"Looks like I was right," Iris noted as Dawn and Piplup looked at her in confusion. "Aerodactyl is far from being defeated. Ash and Snivy have a long ways to go."
"Grrr! Well then, Snivy and I will just need to try harder! Snivy, use your Vine Whip on Aerodactyl now!" Ash cried out as a vine was sent to smash Aerodactyl.
"Aerodactyl, dodge it!" Brock cried out as his Pokemon flew up higher, dodging the move.
"What?!" Ash and Snivy were shocked.
"Now, Aerodactyl, use Wing Attack on Snivy!" Brock commanded as Aerodactyl rushed for Snivy.
"Alright, Snivy, dodge that atta-," Ash began to command…only for Aerodactyl to reach Snivy and knock Snivy back into a rock. "Snivy, are you okay?" Ash asked as Snivy got back up and nodded with a lot of difficulty. "Perfect! Now then, let's try to hit from afar with Leaf Storm!" Ash commanded as Snivy sent out a flurry of leaves.
"That won't be enough. Aerodactyl, use Stone Edge, now!" Brock commanded as a bunch of stones were sent at the Leaf Storm, hitting it about evenly. However, some of the stones made it through and hit Snivy, knocking her to the ground.
"Snivy! Are you okay?" Ash asked in concern as Snivy struggled to get back up. "Looks like we may be in big trouble. "Snivy, retu-," Ash began to command, only for Snivy to force herself back up, ready to still fight. "You wanna continue battling?" Ash asked as Snivy nodded. "Great, then use Leaf Storm once more!" Ash commanded as a flurry of leaves hit Aerodactyl, causing some damage but not knocking out the prehistoric Pokemon. "But-that should have defeated her!"
"You'll soon see that Aerodactyl and I are a mighty team. You did better than I expected, but you still have a ways to go. Aerodactyl, use Wing Attack once more!" Brock commanded as Aerodactyl rush at Snivy once more, knocking her down before Ash could respond.
"Oh no! Snivy!" Ash cried out as Snivy was knocked out with swirly eyes.
"Snivy is unable to battle. The winner is Brock's Aerodactyl!" Forrest gave the call.
"Whoa! That Aerodactyl is so fast!" Ash was in shock and awe as Pikachu agreed with a cry.
"I agree. Ash and Snivy were almost steamrolled by Aerodactyl," Iris noted.
"Yeah…but they were able to do some damage. So, Ash still has a chance at winning," Dawn reminded the wild girl.
"Perhaps…but I don't feel as though this Brock guy hasn't begun to take this battle seriously. If that is the case, Ash may be in serious trouble," Iris noted as Axew looked worried.
Ash picked Snivy up and brought her to Dawn and Iris, saying, "You did your best. Now, take a good rest." Ash then went back to the battlefield.
"I have to admit that your Snivy is indeed a very powerful Pokemon for being such a small Grass-type. However, you still have a ways to go before you'll be able to beat us and earn a badge," Brock warned.
"Brock has a point. You're clearly outclassed with your pathetic friendship talk and strategy. If you and your Pokemon wish to win, you'd better give up now and restart with a better and stronger team. Understood?" Paul rudely warned.
"Why you…! My Pokemon and I can still win this! Aipom, I choose you!" Ash cried out as the purple and cream colored monkey popped out of her Pokeball, looking joyful as she did so.
"So, you managed to get an Aipom, huh? Not a bad Pokemon, but clearly a bad matchup for a Rock-type Gym. Let's see if you can turn things around, though. Aerodactyl, use Stone Edge!" Brock commanded as Aerodactyl sent out a barrage of stones.
"We'll show you that we're the best out there! Aipom, use Swift!" Ash commanded as Aipom sent out a barrage of stars at the Stone Edge, hitting some of them evenly but leaving others to go past and hit Aipom, knocking her down. "Aipom! Are you okay?" Ash worried as Aipom managed to get back up with some trouble. "Great! Now, use Double Team!" Aipom generated many different copies of herself that popped up around the field.
"I can see that your goal is to make it harder to hit your Aipom. However, you're not going to fool us that easily! Aerodactyl, use Hurricane!" Brock commanded as Aerodactyl sent out a powerful windstorm that hit all of the copies of Aipom. However, Aipom seemed to vanish, as none of the visible copies were hurt. "Wha?!"
"Now, Aipom, use Focus Punch on Aerodactyl!" Ash commanded as Aipom fell from the roof and hit Aerodactyl square on the head. "Alright!" Ash cheered.
"Impressive! Ash used Double Team in a very creative way in order to avoid damage and get in an attack!" Dawn was impressed.
"I know. But…," Iris showed some concern as Dawn looked over at her. "Will it be enough to turn things around?"
Meanwhile, Aerodactyl had managed to get back up, obviously hurt by the attack but still standing.
"What?! But that attack should have sent your Aerodactyl packing!" Ash was shocked.
"I'll admit that you did a very good job at distracting me and Aerodactyl. You obviously have some quick and creative thinking in battle. However…you still have a ways to go before you'll earn my badge. Aerodactyl, use Wing Attack!" Brock commanded, his Aerodactyl rushing into Aipom before Ash could call for a Double Team. Aipom fell to the ground, knocked out with swirly eyes.
"Aipom is unable to battle. Aerodactyl wins!" Forrest gave the call.
"Aipom, return and get a good rest," Ash said as he recalled Aipom to her Pokeball.
"Two wins in a row! I can't believe it!" Dawn said worriedly.
"I knew it was a bad idea to have Ash come here without properly preparing! At this rate, Ash is definitely gonna lose!" Iris was getting worried as she then yelled at Ash, "Ash! Get out of there right now!"
"What?! B-But…no!" Ash declined as everyone else looked at him in shock. "I know we are having troubles right now. But…we can still win this! Now…which Pokemon should we use?" As Ash wondered which Pokemon to use, Pikachu stepped forward a bit reluctantly, knowing he had little chance of winning, but still wanting to try his hardest for Ash. "You…want to battle?" Ash asked as Pikachu nodded. Ash grinned joyfully as he said, "My third Pokemon will be Pikachu!" Everyone, from Snivy to Dawn and Iris, to Brock and even Paul looked at the pair as though Ash was insane.
"But…Ash! Pikachu is an Electric-type! He stands no chance here in a Rock-type Gym!" Iris reminded.
"A-Are you sure?! Ash, if you wish to surrender, you can do that. We won't shame you if it means keeping your Pokemon safe," Brock warned.
"I'm afraid to admit it…but Iris and Brock have a point. Please! Just pick another Pokemon if you wish to keep battling! There has to be another way" Dawn pleaded.
"But…Pikachu is willing to battle for me in spite of the odds! We can win this!" Ash cried out.
"W-well okay?" Dawn reluctantly agreed.
"Hmmph! That pathetic fool is just gonna lose. I knew it was a waste of time watching thai battle!" Paul grumbled, loud enough for Ash to hear.
Ash looked at Paul in anger. "We'll show you! Pikachu, use Thundershock!" Pikachu shot out a weak electric stream that hit Aerodactyl, causing a surprising amount of damage, but still leaving the Aerodactyl in the air.
"Looks like your Pikachu is tougher than I would have thought for being an unevolved Pokemon. But…he won't last for long. Aerodactyl, use Bite!" Brock commanded as Aerodactyl rushed towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge!" Ash cried out as Pikachu ran away, the two going in a circle around the gym.
"Amazing! Pikachu is even faster than Aerodactyl!" Dawn was impressed.
"I know! But…Ash is in trouble. Even if Ash and Pikachu are able to knock out Aerodactyl, Brock will still have two fresh Pokemon to battle with. And, unlike Aerodactyl, there's a good chance neither of them can be affected by Pikachu's Electric attacks," Iris said warily.
"Let's end this, Aerodactyl! Use Hurricane!" Brock commanded as the fossil Pokemon created a mighty wind gust that enveloped Pikachu. When the storm finally cleared, Pikachu was struggling to get back up. "I'm afraid that this battle might be over, Ash."
At this point, Paul was getting up to leave, much to the shock and frustration of everyone present as the battle could still go on. However, before Paul could leave, Pikachu managed to force himself back up and generated a powerful electric blast into the sky.
"Pikachu?" Ash asked in awe.
"Whoa! Pikachu managed to create such a powerful Thundershock!" Dawn was in awe, along with Snivy, Axew, and Piplup.
"I'd say that's more like a Thunderbolt. Pikachu learned a much stronger electric attack in order to help out his Trainer!" Iris was amazed. Meanwhile, Paul decided to sit back down for the moment. Interested in Pikachu's power and wanting to see if a victory would still be possible.
"Okay then, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" Ash cried out as Pikachu sent out a powerful bolt of lightning, striking Aerodactyl before she could dodge or be given an attack order. Afterwards, Aerodactyl fell to the ground with swirly eyes.
"Aerodactyl is unable to battle. Pikachu wins!" Forrest declared.
"Alright! We did it, Pikachu! We defeated Aerodactyl, Pikachu!" Ash cheered.
"You did great, Aerodactyl. Take a good rest," Brock said as he recalled his Pokemon.
"Amazing! Not only did Ash and Pikachu learn a new attack, but they were able to defeat Aerodactyl!" Dawn was amazed.
"True…but they still have a long way to go. Remember what I said earlier? Brock still has two fresh Pokemon to battle with," Iris warned.
"You know, rarely in a Gym battle have I seen my opponent manage to learn a new move in the middle of such a battle. So, win or lose you've accomplished something. However…I'm afraid this battle is about to end. Onix, I choose you!" Brock cried out as he sent out a large rock snake, who proceeded to roar. In an instant, the once brave Pikachu lost his nerve at the sight and sound of the much larger and fully-prepared for battle Pokemon and he retreats to Ash.
"Hey! This is your battle, Pikachu! Remember, you were able to defeat that Aerodactyl so easily! You can do this!" Ash tried to encourage his main Pokemon.
"Remember, though, Ash! Aerodactyl had already been weakened. Onix, on the other hand, hasn't taken any damage at all!" Iris warned.
"Your friend is right. Onix, use Dig!" Brock commanded as Onix burrowed underground with ease.
"What the…?! Pikachu run to try and avoid Onix, quickly!" Ash cried out. However, just as Pikachu began to run, Onix popped up right next to Pikachu, just barely missing him.
"You see, Onix is my most powerful Pokemon…and my very first. Ever since I was able to own a Pokemon, Onix has been my partner. We've trained for years to get to our current level. And…I'm afraid you won't be beating us today. Onix, use Iron Tail!" Brock commanded as Onix's tail glowed white.
"Pikachu, dodge and use your Thunderbolt, now!" Ash cried out as Pikachu once more barely dodged the move and zapped the massive Onix. However, Onix was left unfazed by the jolt.
"Ash, Onix is a part Ground-type! Stop thinking like a little kid and give up with the Electric attacks!" Iris scolded.
"Your friend is right. Your Pikachu may be stronger than expected, but he's definitely not raised as well as he could be. You won't be beating Onix with ineffective Electric-type moves," Brock agreed.
"Grr! If that won't work, then Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash commanded as Pikachu rushed for Onix.
"Onix, use Rock Throw!" Brock commanded as Onix sent out a bunch of stones to trap Pikachu. Pikachu wasn't hurt…but he was unable to run any longer.
"Pikachu, jump up above the rocks!" Ash commanded.
However, before Pikachu could do that, Brock commanded, "Onix, Bind it, now!" Onix coils around Pikachu, and squeezes him tightly, causing him a lot of pain.
"Pikachu! He's gonna be crushed!" Dawn cried out in worry.
"I know! I should have tried harder to convince him not to battle yet," Iris said sadly.
"Pikachu, please! Use Thunderbolt one more time!" Ash cried out as Pikachu made another attempt at zapping Onix…only for the jolt to do nothing. Ash and the others, except for Paul, looked on in horror as Pikachu cried out in pain as a result of the Bind attack. Finally, Ash cried out, "CUT IT OUT!"
"Do you surrender?" Brock asked sternly.
"I… I do," Ash reluctantly decided as tears entered his eyes and Onix dropped Pikachu. Ash ran over to Pikachu and picked him up as Iris and Dawn ran over to try and console Ash.
Paul, meanwhile, got up and left. But not before saying, "It's just like I thought. He's a pathetic Trainer that won't be making it far at all. This was a waste of time."
Our heroes leave the Gym, looking to be in poor spirits as a result of Ash's crushing loss at the Pewter City gym.
"I…I lost," Ash said miserably.
"Well…it was a good try at least, Ash. You managed to knock out one of Brock's Pokemon at least," Iris reminded Ash. "You still did better than I initially expected you to do."
"I think what Iris meant is that you still did a fairly impressive job in this Gym Battle. You just need to try harder next time. Doesn't that mean anything?" Dawn tried to console her friend.
"Maybe…but we still-," Ash cried before he got interrupted.
"So, looks like you managed to lose, like I expected," A voice said. Everyone looks ahead and sees Flint standing in front of them.
"Yeah?! And what of it?! Can't you see Ash is sad right now?! We don't need any crushing reminders right now!" Dawn yelled as Iris and Snivy shook their heads.
"Calm down, Dawn. So…What is it you want anyway, Flint? I doubt that you're just here to make Ash feel worse," Iris said.
"Come with me," Flint says as he walks towards a nearby store filled with rocks of varying shapes, colors, and sizes. Everyone follows Flint inside, with Pikachu, Snivy, and Aipom resting after having been given berries from Iris to help them recover from the losing battle.
"First off, I'm sorry for sounding rude earlier. Second, keep in mind that everyone loses sometimes, you can't let that get you down," Flint tried to console.
"You know, Flint has a point. And remember, you're still a rookie Trainer. So what if you lost this time? You can try again later and perhaps manage a win!" Iris said comfortingly. However, Ash still looked upset.
"I don't think he's sad just because he lost, you guys…," Dawn noted.
"Dawn is right…I know I lost! I also know I shouldn't be such a cowardly crybaby over losing! But I didn't just lose, I stunk! I was lucky to knock out even one Pokemon and even then it took everything I had to even manage that!" Ash yelled.
"You know, you could always tra-," Iris tried to suggest only for Ash to continue.
"But not only that…I also got my Pokemon hurt in a losing battle! Especially Pikachu! I shouldn't have taken my Pokemon's feelings for granted like I did. But…it doesn't matter. Brock's way better then me. I could never enter a league match if I can't beat him!" Ash yelled as tears rolled down his face. Pikachu, Snivy and Aipom looked at Ash sympathetically, wanting to tell him that their losses weren't his fault.
Before he could, though, Flint said something. "I'll admit that you're right about one thing. Brock is very good. His own talents could take him much further than simply being a local gym leader."
"Yeah, but why has he never been in a regional championship himself?" Ash wondered.
"I agree. Brock was very powerful, even for a Gym Leader. But I also have to ask why he's never tried to work for a bigger goal?" Iris asked.
"You kids ask a good question as naive as it is. You see…Brock has his reasons," Flint cryptically said.
"Huh?" Ash was surprised as he stopped crying.
"What do you mean?" Dawn asked.
"I'm not sure. But I guess we're about to find out," Iris said.
"Correct. Please follow me, kids," Flint said.
"But…where are we going?" Dawn asked.
"To see what Brock's home life is like in contrast to his work one," Flint answered.
It took a few minutes of walking, but soon the Trainers and their Pokemon saw, from a nearby window, Brock at home, taking care of his many siblings as most of them were playing around.
"I tore my skirt!" One girl cried out.
"All right. All right. I'll sew it up for you," Brock, wearing a pink apron, tenderly said as he approached with a needle and thread.
"Huh?" Ash was confused.
"Is that really Brock?" Dawn asked, surprised to see how differently he seemed.
"It does seem like it. I guess a first impression doesn't tell you everything about everyone," Iris noted.
"Maybe…I knew he cared about Pokemon and was decently respectful and all, but this?!" Ash was amazed.
"I know! It's like he's almost a different person at home!" Dawn agreed.
Meanwhile, Brock was still trying to sew up his sister's skirt, who was starting to get impatient. "Is it done yet?"
"Just a minute," Brock said. —-
Our heroes are seen walking with Flint through Pewter City.
"So Brock has to handle both his duty as a gym leader AND look after his family?" Dawn asked.
"Correct. He has a lot on his plate to worry about," Flint confirmed.
"Wow. I sure never thought of Brock like that," Ash said.
"I can relate. I knew Gym Leaders had lives outside of their job, but this is a new one! How many siblings does this guy have?!" Iris wondered.
"Brock has ten little brothers and sisters to take care of, missy," Flint confirmed.
"That-is a lot of siblings. How does one family have that many?!" Iris was shocked.
"I know! Maybe someone should have told their parents to be careful not to have too many kids!" Dawn agreed.
For a moment, Flint looked a bit annoyed before continuing. "So, you see, Brock has a lot to worry about at home, so he could never leave town for regional championships."
"Well, that's a kind and noble reason to stay at home," Dawn noted in awe as Piplup agreed.
"I agree. Brock seems to be one very amazing guy, both as a Gym Leader and as a parent," Iris agreed.
"Hold on, though. I know Brock is pretty much a young adult, but…Doesn't he have a mom or a dad? Couldn't they help him care for his family?" Ash wondered as Pikachu and Snivy nodded in agreement.
"Yeah! What, did they just abandon him to go on vacation and never came back?!" Iris demanded as Axew nodded in agreement.
Flint, once again looked a bit annoyed, but also very sad. Then, Flint answered, "His good-for-nothing father left the family to become a Pokémon trainer and they never heard from him again. Brock's heartbroken mother tried her best to hold things together, but, sadly it became too much for her to handle and she left as well. No one knows where she left to. Brock's the only one his little brothers and sisters have left."
The trio of teen Trainers looked touched by what Flint had said about Brock. "I must say Brock sounds like an amazing guy. I feel for him though. Having to raise five brothers and five sisters on his own sounds like a big ask," Iris noted teary-eyed, with Axew similarly looking like there were tears in his eyes.
"I agree. Maybe someday he can get some help with raising his siblings. So, Ash, what do you think about all this?" Dawn asked as she and Piplup were bawling at the story.
"I agree with both of you. However, I better not listen to any more sad stuff. Next time I have a match with Brock, I might not have the heart to beat him otherwise," Ash answered. At this, everyone looks at Ash in surprise…even his Pokemon.
"But, but you said that, you said you could never win a match with Brock," Flint reminded Ash.
"Yeah, well I changed my mind about that! I wanna be a Trainer and Master that people can look up to. Who can serve as an inspiration for others to want to better themselves. I can't do that if I just give up. This time, I'll train up my Pokemon for this upcoming battle without expecting to just walk into a win! Is that okay, you three?" Ash asked his Pokemon. Within seconds, Pikachu, Aipom, and Snivy looked at each other before nodding happily.
"I don't think I need to tell that that was a yes," Iris said as Axew popped out of her hair and nodded.
"If you need training partners, we can offer some help. After all, I'm…kinda in need of some more training myself," Dawn meekly admitted. "Seeing your battle showed that combinations aren't the only thing we need to work on."
"Great! I'd be more than willing to train together. Now we just need to find a great place to begin training and we're set!" Ash said, looking pumped up.
"That may be a bit challenging, though, Ash. I've paid attention while we were walking and nowhere in Pewter City looks like it'd fit that role," Dawn noted.
"Actually…there may be one place that you kids can train at," Flint said.
"I think I know what you mean, Flint," Iris said.
"Welcome to Don George's Battle Club! Here, you can battle many various opponents and work to improve your battle skills at to your heart's content! So…what do you two wish to do today?" The man, named Don George, asked.
"My name is Ash from Pallet Town and me and my friends are here to work on improving our battle skills for my Gym Battle re-challenge," Ash answered as Pikachu, Snivy, and Aipom agreed.
"And my name's Dawn and I'm here to train to be ready for my upcoming Pokemon Contest in Cerulean City in addition to helping out my friend Ash!" Dawn confirmed.
"Iris and Axew are our names and…we're just here to watch them train," Iris lamely said.
"Well, regardless of your reasons for being here, I hope that you all train hard and enjoy yourselves while you're here!" Don George said.
"Wow, Iris and Flint! You were right about this place! This is gonna be a great place to train for our upcoming battles!" Ash thanked the duo.
"Thanks! You know, Don George comes from a family just like the Nurse Joy family. There are many Don Georges across Unova and even a few in other regions as well. Their Battle Clubs have been specially built to help Trainers improve their battle skills and even prepare for specific battle scenarios!" Iris explained.
"Not only that, but Don George has some ways to make it easier to beat Brock," Flint said.
"Really?" Ash was in awe.
"Of course. We also have some classes to help make it easier for new Trainers to challenge Brock and his variety of Rock-type Pokemon," Don George confirmed.
"That sounds pretty cool! So, Dawn, Pikachu, Snivy, Aipom, are you ready to get the show on the road and begin our training?" Ash asked as his Pokemon nodded.
"I'm more than ready to improve my battle skills as well!" Dawn said. "So, Piplup, Buneary, you ready to begin?" Dawn asked her partner Pokemon. Both nodded in agreement as well.
"Perfect! Now, let's go!" Both Trainers said as they and their Pokemon ran off to begin training, except for Snivy, though who shrugged and walked off after them…though not without smiling.
"So, Flint, how did you know about these special classes? Did you take anyone else here in the past?" Iris wondered.
"Uh…Well, it's been nice helping you kids out. Time to go!" Flint ran off before he gave a concrete answer.
"Well, that was certainly strange," Iris said.
"Tell me about it," A voice said.
"Misty? Is that you?" Iris asked.
"Of course! What other red-haired Water-type Trainers are there?" Misty asked.
"So, where have you been? I'll admit I was kinda surprised to see that you left us earlier. Though, at the same time, not too much considering Ash's earlier ego," Iris noted.
"Simple…I got back some of my Pokemon from the Gym and had some battles to prepare for future battles, understood?" Misty said a bit bitterly.
"I guess…so…we better go and see what those two plan on doing now," Iris said as Axew nodded. "You coming with, Misty?"
Misty sighed before answering, "I guess. Maybe they'll give me some ideas on what I can do in the future."
And so, Misty and Iris left to follow and see what Ash and Dawn planned to do to get ready for their respective battles…
"Hmph. Classes to know how to battle Brock? Sounds basic. Right, Snivy?" A boy in an orange jacket asked his starter, who responded with a nod.
"So, Trip, I take it you wanna go for a Gym Battle already?" A woman asked the teen boy.
"Professor Juniper, I know that you wanted to expand my horizons by having me accompany you to Kanto, but I kinda fail to see what being in the boonies will help me grow as a Trainer," Trip said.
"Trip…I know you want to become stronger. Working with your Pokemon to get there will certainly help, and it's great to see your progress after only a few weeks of being a Trainer. However, treating your fellow Trainers with respect is also important for you to understand. We can't judge one region's Trainers as being superior, after all," Professor Juniper reminded.
"I agree. Most regions have excellent Trainers. I don't see how they can be special here or in Johto, however," Trip stated as Snivy looked smug.
"Trip…please try to consider that strong Trainers are more than just power or their home region. But…maybe if you wish to show your strength to me and Alder…," Professor Juniper said teasingly.
"Alder?" Trip began to be interested.
"Improving your skill here may be a good place to start. After all, the Trainers here "aren't that great" so you have nothing to worry about," Professor Juniper suggested.
"I know you're trying to mess with me," Trip noted.
"I'm trying to help you," Juniper said.
"But…I can see your point. You know what? I'll prove myself and my Pokemon's skills by beating Brock," Trip said.
"Good for you all, Trip. Now, good luck!" Juniper said with a bow.
"I don't need luck. Now, where is the sign up for the Brock defeat class?" Trip wondered as he and Snivy walked off.
So, what do you guys think? I'm trying to do something interesting with this story by incorporating characters and elements from a variety of different Pokemon anime. Also, sorry for using Aerodactyl for the first Gym Battle. I just wanted to come up with an interesting battle setup and also wanted to show that Gym Leaders have a variety of different Pokemon. Also, I ran out of Rock-Pokemon from Kanto.
So, do you guys want for me to do a chapter focusing on the next Gym Battle or would you like to see the Training first?