Ash stood at the top of a hill looking over Pewter city, it had taken a while to get out of the forest even with the map. Something Misty blamed on him, like how she blamed everything else on him. The only upside was that he was able to find a Weedle that he caught easily.
It had actually be kind of fun despite being an easy capture.
Flash back
Ash had been lying in his sleeping bag; they were supposed to have left the forest yesterday but had gotten lost. In the end after wondering around aimlessly for a while they decided to set up camp since the combination of the dark and the trees made it impossible to tell where they were and where to go.
When Ash awoke he had a brilliant morning, Fearow saw still next to him-although he noticed it was actually closer to Misty that him but still-and his Caterpie was on the other side. Getting it to stay out at all wasn't easy since it was so weary of Fearow. He didn't understand why since Fearow always reassured him he would protect him.
He assumed it was a type thing.
As he stretched though he noticed something that made him smile, a Weedle, the small gentle Pokémon had clearly decided to join them during the night. But it wasn't Weedle joining them that made Ash smile. No it was Weedle's choice of a bed.
Evidently Misty's face was very comfortable as it was currently lying on top of her curled into a cute little ball. He rooted though a bag finally finding an empty poke ball that he had packed up the night before and holding it with a huge smile on his face.
He knew it was dishonest to catch a Pokémon in his sleep, but he was ok with waiting. He just wanted to have a poke ball when it came time to battle. He had heard stories of people defeating super rare Pokémon without poke balls. The people were rarely viewed as smart.
While he waited he decided to have some breakfast. Or what passed for breakfast when you're in a forest. A tough granola bar and some milk that was due to expire today. Or maybe it was yesterday, he was a little fuzzy on the date.
It was as he was drinking the last of his milk that a piercing scream sounded. He turned to see Misty huddled up behind her blankets with Weedle looking at her happily. "Get away, shoo. I don't like you" the Weedle took a step forward so she waddled three back falling over as she did so.
"Wow Misty, you seem to attract bug Pokémon. That's quite a skill" Ash said chuckling as the Weedle was joined by Caterpie and they continued to follow her around.
"Very funny, well I don't want them so" they took a step forward getting on her sleeping bag a little "DO SOMETHING"
Ash chuckled some more "Alright Weedle I challenge you to a battle" the small Pokémon didn't even acknowledge him "Ok…Caterpie use tackle attack"
Fortunately this small bug type did listen to him and rammed into the other with surprising strength. "Weedle" the Pokémon turned shooting small pins at the other Pokémon sending it backwards and causing it to let out a high pitch squeal of pain as it was bombarded by the poison type attack.
"Caterpie don't let Weedle push you around, dodge left" the pins missed "Now diagonally forward then roll" this worked well as the distance was completely closed "Now finish it with a tackle attack" it did so with gusto hitting its brown counterpart so hard it was knocked back leaving swirls in its eyes signifying its defeat.
"Poke ball go!" Ash threw the ball hard hitting the small Pokémon dead centre, it then spewed red light onto the small Pokémon absorbing it in its entirety.
It shook once, twice, three times. The red light flashed then finally it went pure white. "Alright I caught another bug type" Ash said walking over and picking the ball up.
"You've got to stop catching bug types, there so slimy and gross it's horrible" the so called tom-boy said squirming on the spot in horror. Ash just ignored her chuckling. He was planning on catching a lot more bug types after all. That and every other type he could find.
End of flashback
They hurried down to the Pokémon centre quickly arriving to find Nurse Joy behind the desk "Um, Nurse Joy…did you get transferred here or something?" he asked shocked to see her again, how had she gotten here so fast anyway.
"No, I've been here for a while now. Why do you ask?" her tone was as friendly as ever as she spoke.
"But, when we first met you were in Viridian city Pokémon centre" Ash said still confused as she seemed to not know who he was.
"Oh, you must be talking about my little sister" Ash thought it was weird since he didn't know many sisters who looked completely identical, twins' maybe but not sisters. "She told me all about you, very nice boy from what I've heard, I also think that poster might interest you" she said turning and turning away with the tray of his Pokémon to heal them.
He turned and saw a bright poster with information of the Pokémon league on it "The Pokémon league regional championships huh, that sounds-"
"Hah, like you'd be able to compete, to enter the regional championships you have to beat gym leaders from different towns and get the badges as proof. Can you do that?" she asked leaning in with a big grin-Ash was beginning to notice she was only happy when insulting him in some way.
"Sure, why wouldn't I be able to?"
"You can't win because gym leaders are different then everyday Pokémon trainers. There much tougher and don't make stupid mistakes like that samurai guy" she leaned forward a huge smile taking over her face "Tell you what, if you ask really nicely I'll help you out"
"Wow Misty that sounds great, thanks" Misty stood still, almost as if debating whether or not to make him beg or not, making Ash feel extremely uncomfortable as she deliberately dragged it out.
"Ok, I'll help you. You see Brock-the pewter city gym leader-specialises in Rock types which are often also ground type. This means they have a double weakness to water"
"How about you borrow some of my Pokémon, we could start a Pokémon-sharing relationship" she explained, Ash had never heard of one of those but was smart enough to figure it out.
"Yeah Misty that sounds great but since this is my first gym battle I want to use my own Pokémon only." He began going through the type advantages and disadvantages he knew. Sadly he quickly realised that he was at type disadvantage with any Pokémon he used, except Magikarp, he only had bug or flying types which would obviously struggle. It was made worse by Caterpie and Weedle being newly caught and first evolution.
Pokémon-Pokémon-Pokémon
By the time they had arrived at the gym Ash had decided to use Magikarp. He had chosen this for a few reasons, the first being that he wanted Magikarp to evolve since that's what the professor had asked him to do.
The second was that it wasn't at a type disadvantage. The third and most significant was that Magikarp could use dragon rage; he knew that with that move to get him out of a tough spot this was possible at least.
"Ash, I REALLY don't think this is a good idea" she tried for the hundredth time to convince him.
"All my other Pokémon are at type disadvantages, besides I need Magikarp to evolve"
"Well yeah but-" Ash cut her off.
"Don't worry I'll be fine, I'll just use dragon rage and that should cover it" he explained pushing the doors to the gym open confidently.
As soon as he entered he was confronted by a child no older than himself. He had tan skin, brown hair and small eyes-really small eyes. "Hi, I'm Forrest are you here for a gym battle?"
The boy-presumably the gym leader asked- "Yeah, that's why I'm here"
"Great then we'll battle over there" he pointed to the right where no visible battle field laid, flicking a switch and making the lights illuminate the ground before a large field covered in boulders and other rocks sprouted out from the side taking up the entire floor "If you win you can have a boulder badge, is a one-on-one ok with you?" Ash nodded and soon they were on opposite ends of the battle field preparing for battle.
"I thought the gym leader was called Brock"
"He's busy right now but I'm also the gym leader and can accept any challenge"
"Oh, ok"
Ash looked out at the field; he noticed there was no water which meant Magikarp wouldn't be able to move as well. He would need to end this quickly. "Rhyhorn I choose you" the large rock-skinned beast appeared on four legs, its powerful horn threatening as it glared around looking for its opponent.
"Magikarp I choose you" Ash yelled throwing the poke ball and in a burst of light the fish appeared on the field looking at the much large opponent.
"Ma-Magikarp" it said looking at the much larger opponent rebelliously.
"Come on Magikarp I know you can do this" Ash encouraged from the side-line waiting for the match to begin.
"Rhyhorn use horn attack" Forrest yelled as way of beginning the match.
"Magikarp dodge using splash then, dragon rage" This caught Forrest's attention, could this Magikarp really use such a powerful attack. 'This trainer must be very skilled…crap' he thought looking as the Magikarp successfully dodged the attack 'Crap. Crap. Crap' he then watched as the Magikarp started charging the attack. But it was small, not looking like what Forrest thought a dragon rage was.
Forrest had to actively refrain from snickering; this trainer was a complete idiot. He was going to win this and prove he could be a gym leader no problem!
Misty was equally as unsupportive as she knew Magikarp-having raised so many herself-and could tell that this was about to go poorly.
Ash though was confident, he had seen Magikarp do it to beat Fearow and now he would do it again.
Rhyhorn charged preparing for another horn attack, which if it connected would definitely take Magikarp out- no way something so small could take being attacked by something so big. Magikarp looked at the approaching behemoth with fear in its eyes as it tried desperately to conjure the attack that it first used just a few days ago.
The ball of yellow light began forming, first appearing to be little more than a dot, and then growing in size as Magikarp's opponent approached. When it finally fired Rhyhorn was just inches away.
The attack connected with its horn, the force creating a large explosion and sending the opponents Pokémon crashing into and subsequently though the rocks and boulders of the battle field. "Yes Magikarp you did it, you beat Rhyhorn" Ash yelled jumping up and down delighted at their victory.
This didn't continue for very long though.
Rhyhorn soon stood, looking worse for wear but still definitely able to battle as it stared down Magikarp. Ash cursed under his breath but soon regained his composure "Magikarp, give him dragon rage again and he should be beat"
"Rhyhorn don't give him the chance, charge at him and give him a strong horn attack" Forrest yelled trying to not panic as he noticed his Rhyhorn how had a noticeable limp.
Magikarp opened its mouth, preparing for a dragon rage attack with the small ball of light forming all the while Rhyhorn continued to move closer. It was far slower due to the limp but clearly was refusing to give up.
Finally Rhyhorn reached Magikarp and Magikarp released its dragon rage, but Ash knew something was off. The ball of light, the attack that was supposed to end this fight was too small, much too small. It wasn't even half the size of the first attack.
It hit at point blank once more; smoke and dust flew into the air obscuring the battle field. Ash was unable to do anything more than watch and hope Magikarp had somehow pulled though. Soon the smoke cleared and the two Pokémon came back into view.
Magikarp was exhausted; about to collapse in a heap but it appeared that Rhyhorn wasn't much better. Although it hadn't been knocked back like the last time it had clearly still sustained injury. Its horn had a crack going through its entirety and all of its armour was marred with small cracks and dents.
Neither was in good condition to battle.
"Rhyhorn, now's your chance use stomp before he can get away" Forrest commanded excitement clear in his voice, the prospect of winning getting the better of him making him ignore his Pokémon's condition.
The foot came down before Ash could re-act Magikarp letting out a pained cry as it was almost defeated on the spot. Rhyhorn then tried to again without order but Magikarp was able to splash away, lying to the side clearly injured and seemingly unable to battle.
"Now Rhyhorn, charge and finish this with horn attack" Forrest ordered and as if Rhyhorn already knew what he was going to say the tank like Pokémon began charging at the helpless fish. Ash watched and encouraged Magikarp but it soon became evident he couldn't do anything more.
"Magikarp return" Ash yelled shooting the red ray at his Pokémon, he knew that even one more attack from Rhyhorn would be his end.
"What? Are you surrendering?" Forrest asked still not recalling his Rhyhorn. He looked at Ash and could see the disappointment on his face.
"…yes, I surrender. You win" Ash said turning and preparing to leave. He heard Forrest returning Rhyhorn and the sound of Misty coming towards him but didn't look.
"Everybody stop" everyone in the room turned to see a tall boy with dark skin and small eyes standing in the open doorway. "This is not a valid gym battle" the boy continued walking into the room with an air of confidence.
Ash watched as he approached Forrest who seemed to almost shy away from him. "H-hey bro" Ash's former opponent stuttered walking backwards slightly to get away from the taller version of himself, but he just continued walking.
"Don't bro me, I saw everything" Brock announced gesturing for Ash and Misty to approach.
"So you saw me win, impressive huh" Forrest prodded having forgotten his earlier apprehension "I guess you can leave the gym to me after all" he announced proudly gesturing to the battlefield.
"No Forrest, I can't, and based on what I saw today I don't think I will be able to ever" Brock said harshly standing tall as he looked at his brother.
"B-but I won why wouldn't you be able to leave the gym to me?" Forrest asked confused just like Ash and Misty were since they thought he was the gym leader.
"Forrest, after that first attack by Magikarp your Rhyhorn's leg was severely injured. You had no way of knowing that the second one wouldn't be as strong and if it had been Rhyhorn could have ended up in the Pokémon centre for weeks" Brock said scowling at his brother.
"Of course I knew, it was easy to tell" Forrest replied with a wave of his hand looking almost as smug as Gary always looked.
"No, it wasn't. No body, even its trainer saw it coming. You were needlessly endangering your Pokémon, you need to know when to quit" he turned to Ash who still looked confused "When Ash knew his Magikarp couldn't take anymore he surrendered to ensure its safety. That is what you should have done"
"I still won" Forrest pouted turning away. Brock sighed deciding to ignore his brother for now.
"Your Magikarp fought well but is too tired and injured to continue, you should head to the Pokémon centre to get it healed" Brock advised calming down.
"Right" Ash yelled turning and running out the doors with Misty screaming at him to not leave her behind.
Pokémon-Pokémon-Pokémon
Later on Ash and Misty were at the Pokémon centre. They had checked in Magikarp, who Nurse Joy had diagnosed as having a severe case of exhaustion but he only had some relatively minor injuries aside from that. She said that if Ash hadn't taken it out of the fight it would be allot worse and as it was she suspected a day of rest would be enough.
Ash still couldn't help but blame himself he should have known Magikarp couldn't do such a powerful attack so many times, and because he didn't this happened.
While Ash was blaming himself Forrest came in and checked Rhyhorn into the centre for a stay too. Evidently the Pokémon had been injured and tired by the battle as well and needed treatment. "Hey Forrest" Ash greeted his usual excitement no longer present in his voice.
"Huh" Forrest turned to see the trainer he had beaten earlier that day "Oh, hey Ash. How's your Magikarp doing?"
"Nurse Joy said he should be ok with a day or two of treatment but…I'm still worried" Ash admitted trying to ignore the look of pity from Misty, he hated being pitied. He would rather her make fun of him than her pity him.
"You don't need to be, Nurse Joy is an excellent nurse. I'm sure she'll be able to get Magikarp into great condition" Forrest reassured patting the slightly younger boy on the shoulder.
"It's not that, I know she will be great. I just…I just feel like I shouldn't have let Magikarp battle" Ash said and was immediately slapped by Misty. "What was that for?"
"You can't refuse to use Magikarp in battle just because it's not strong yet. That's the whole reason it needs to battle" she yelled looking like she might slap him again.
"I know that…" he trailed off but a warning look from Misty forced him to continue "I just feel guilty for letting Magikarp get injured trying to win the battle for me" Misty's glare softened slightly and she raised a hand to nurse his cheek, she almost seemed to feel guilty for slapping him, but Ash knew that was impossible.
"You can't think like that Ash. Pokémon get injured all the time, obviously you shouldn't dismiss it but it is unfortunately something that you'll have to get use to if you're going to be a trainer" Forrest advised calmingly taking a seat next to Ash.
Silence took over the room as all in it thought about Pokémon and battling. Eventually Ash's face changed slightly to a more confident one and he nodded showing his understanding. "Yeah I guess your right"
Forrest smiled at this adjusting in his seat to face Ash, for a while they talked about nothing in particular, just idle chat about Pokémon-the only thing they knew they had in common-and eventually the topic got to the gym.
"The problem is that my brother doesn't want me to be a gym leader" Forrest complained sitting back and folding his arms in a childish way. "He still thinks I'm just a little kid" Misty fought the urge to point out that he was behaving like a little kid right now, or that he was only about ten which would make him being a gym leader exceptionally rare.
"He should be happy that I want to run the gym, it would mean he could go on a journey" Forrest continued folding his arms tighter and huffing.
"Your brother wants to go on a journey too" Ash repeated dumbly, he never really thought about gym leaders going on journeys before.
"Yeah, you see the reason my brother runs the gym is that my father is sick and can't run it himself. This meant that my brother never got to go on a journey since he had to take over running the gym straight away. Now that I'm old enough I want to run the gym, but Brock won't let me have his Onix"
The last statement confused Ash "What does taking Brocks Onix have to do with anything?"
"It's the gyms signature Pokémon. According to dad the person who runs the gym always has to have an Onix. Brock got an Onix as his first Pokémon but I got Rhyhorn" Forrest explained gesturing to the counter with a pout.
"So go and catch an Onix yourself" Ash said as if doing so was the easiest thing in the world.
"I would but…" he drifted off looking in a different direction blushing in embarrassment.
"But…" Misty probed her curiosity peaked.
"While there is rumour of one living in Mount Moon, it's believed to live at the lowest level. I tried going down there by myself a few days back but I … got lost" he finished once again breaking eye contact.
They sat in silence for a few seconds as they all thought about what Forrest had said; finally Ash's face lit up as if a light bulb had gone off in his head. "I know, I'll come with you to make sure you don't get lost again"
"Ash, he wants to not get lost not be lost forever" Misty yelled hitting him on the arm playfully. Ash turned and glared at her for a second before returning his focus to Forrest "So what do you say?"
"Well that real nice and all-" Ash ignored his nervous tone completely and started bouncing from excitement.
"Great, pack your things and we'll leave first thing in the morning" Ash yelled pushing the helpless child towards the door.
"But uh, um" Ash continued to ignore him as he turned grab Misty by the hand and charged forward ready for the journey in Mount Moon, or at least ready to prepare for the journey.
A/N
I decided to do an au version of the stay in Pewter City and was so proud of my original idea…then hen looking into Forrest as a character saw that the original anime has him become a gym leader. Initially it wasn't even him, it was camper Jerry from the games but then I remembered all Brocks siblings from the anime and went with it for the one I could name. At least the Onix part didn't come up in the anime.
The reason I chose this is because I knew I couldn't do the Flint story as well as some other people have in the past and didn't want to fail in comparison, although I don't think it would have been hard to beat the original anime version but still, wanted something different.
Please review with your thoughts of this chapter what's happening with the characters and the story in general.
Please review-repeating it as if that will make you do it.