Here I come again! This time, I get to catch my very first Pokemon!

Sorry this took so long, but we've got a whopper of an update for those of you who are still reading.

It was a brand new day, and the three of us were walking on Route 2 towards Pewter City. I still can't believe that this is happening. Going on an adventure with Pokémon...it's going to be amazing!

Of course, there were a few questions still going through my head. I was in the Anime, so how was I going to go about everything? Was I going to stick with Ash? Which Pokémon should I catch? And how should I train them? Can I even train them? Is that fair to them, forcing them to do things they may not want to do?

...Wait. That way lies Team Plasma. I'll just ask them what they want to do. Pokémon are intelligent, after all.

My thoughts were interrupted when Ash yawned. "How much longer until we get there?" he questioned.

"It'll take another day at most. Maybe if you stopped complaining, it would go smoother!" Misty jabbed.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah!"

...Kill me now. I really don't want to have to deal with this. I'd drown them out with music, but my phone's almost dead. ...I know!

"How about we take a break? We've been walking pretty much nonstop since we got up this morning," I pointed out. Camping was certainly an interesting experience. Never done that before. Still, it was interesting, I'll give it that much.

Ash and Misty stopped their squabble, and agreed. Pikachu hopped off of Ash's shoulder, while he let out Pidgeotto and Butterfree. Misty did the same with her Staryu. Goldeen obviously can't do much on dry land, and I guess Starmie is back at Cerulean Gym. ...I never did understand why she had both Starmie and Staryu though.

Anyway, I let Eevee out of her Pokéball as well. She immediately snuggled up next to my leg before skipping next to Pikachu and engaging in a conversation with him. I wonder what they're saying...

"{Was there something you wanted?}" Pikachu wondered. This Eevee sure was hyperactive, he'd say that much.

"{I'm just super excited!}" Eevee gushed. "{I'mgoingonanactualjourneywithaTrainerit'sgoingtobeawesomeand-!}"

"{Woah there! Tone it down, I can't understand a word you're saying!}" Pikachu interrupted.

"{Sorry,}" Eevee cringed. "{When I get excited my mouth kicks into overdrive.}"

"{Can't say I really blame you. Still, you might want to get a handle on that in the future,}" Pikachu pointed out. "{Anyway, did you want to ask me something?}"

"{Oh, right! Well, like I was saying, I'm super excited on going on a journey with a Trainer, and I was wondering if you could give me any tips on how to get along with my Trainer. You know, since you're a veteran and all,}" Eevee explained.

"{Don't know where you got that idea from. I'm not much of a veteran of anything, unless you want to count the 'I Hate Pokéballs Club',}" Pikachu commented. "{As for getting along with your Trainer, sorry, but you're asking the wrong 'Mon. I like Ash, and he's got his heart in the right place, but he's kind of a dunce, you know?}"

Eevee gave him a blank look. "{How would I know that considering I just met you guys yesterday?}" she pointed out.

"{Not the point!}"

Ah well, it's probably none of my business. I took out a random apple out of my bag and started munching on it. What to do...?

Well, in about a day or so, we'll be at Pewter City and Brock's Gym. Unless I somehow catch a Mankey, I'm not going to be able to do much with Eevee alone, unless I can teach her Dig. Hm...Nidoran can learn Double Kick, can't it? Maybe I should go look for one? They do appear on Route 2 in the games. And if I can poison Brock's Pokémon, I might be able to win through battle of attrition.

I paused in chewing my apple as another thought struck me. Would Brock even join the group since I'm here? ...Oh boy.

...

...No! Stop thinking about things like that! It's not going to get me anywhere! Anyway, if Brock doesn't join, then we might be in trouble. I don't know about those two, but the only food I really know how to make is pizza. We're either going to have to survive on granola bars, or learn how to cook. ...I hate granola bars, so I already know what my choice is. Jeez, how do Trainers survive if they're sent out at age 10 into the World?

...Then again, they might actually have basic survival skills. Which I don't. Despite being 19 and counting compared to Ash's 10. ...I feel stupid all of a sudden.

Okay, enough moping! I should teach Eevee how to use Dig! Let's see, how does that work again? The 'Mon in question digs a tunnel and attacks from underground is how it goes, if I recall correctly.

"Eevee!" I called. Eevee immediately scampered over to me. "I'm going to start teaching you how to use Dig, how's that sound?" I asked.

Eevee leaped for joy. I got the impression that she was psyched. Okay then, I'm not going to let your expectations down then! Ash and Misty stopped what they were doing and turned to see what we were up to.

Eevee and I walked off the main path and into the grass, near some trees. I didn't see any Pokémon around, so I thought it would be fine. In retrospect, I probably should have checked more thoroughly, but I'm glad I didn't.

Back to the moment, I started off by saying, "Okay, I guess the first thing we need to see is how deep of a hole you can dig," I suggested. Since Dig works by making a tunnel underground, it makes sense. Eevee complied, digging into the ground and immediately making a moderately large hole in the ground. She quickly disappeared down there. ...Wait, how's she going to get back up?

"Uh, Eevee? Did you angle the hole so you can get out?!" I called out. There was a faint "Vui!" sound, that sounded slightly annoyed. I'm going to take that to assume she did. However, unbeknownst to me, the way Eevee had angled her digging meant that the dirt that she had kicked up had been sent flying into the trees. The being in the trees didn't take too kindly to that, and attacked!

"GAH!"

I quickly ducked down to avoid my head getting taken off. Course, with how violently I did so, I stumbled and fell to the ground. "It's a Spearow!" I heard Misty shout. Picking myself off the ground, I saw that it was indeed the Tiny Bird Pokémon. What's a Spearow doing here? This is Route 2! I mean, I guess since Spearow live on Route 3, and this is the Pewter side of Route 2, then some could have moved over here, but still!

...Damn it, stop doing that brain! There's a Spearow after me! "Eevee! I could use your help here!" I yelled, dodging another attack from the Spearow.

"Spear-row!" it yelled. I get the feeling it's rather annoyed.

I held up my hands in defense. "Look, Spearow, we didn't realize you were there. How about we just leave you alone, huh?" I offered. All Spearow did was give me a look, then attacked me again with what looked like a Peck attack! Course, that was when...

"Vui!" Eevee burst out of the ground, knocking Spearow off balance. Oddly enough though, it didn't seem to have done any damage to Spearow. ...Wait, could that mean-?!

My phone chimed with the level-up jingle from the games. Wait, didn't I turn it off? Regardless, I took it out. 15% battery, yuck. But it was in Pokédex mode for some reason.

"Eevee has learned Dig," it said. I blinked. What, already? That was fast. Still wasn't going to help though, considering Spearow is a Flying-type.

"Alright, looks like we don't have a choice. Time for our first battle, Eevee! Sand Attack and Dig are going to be useless, so don't bother using them!" I declared. Eevee acknowledged that and got herself into a ready position.

Spearow cried out again, and rushed forward with a Peck. "Eevee, use Quick Attack!" I ordered. Eevee rushed forwards at high speeds, dodging around Spearow's rapid pecks and slamming into its side. The Spearow recoiled, but darted for Eevee again, not giving her tie to rest. Unfortunately, Eevee had to skid in order to brake her momentum, so Spearow was able to attack with what looked like a Fury Attack!

Eevee cried out in pain, causing me to bite my lips. Come on, think! How can I get her out of there?! ...Wait, that's it! "Eevee, use Baby-Doll Eyes!" I yelled quickly.

Just as Spearow drew its beak back to attack her again, Eevee opened her eyes widely. And cutely. D'aww...hey, snap out of it! I'm not the one it's supposed to be being used on! Anyway, Spearow took one look at Eevee's eyes, and hesitated to attack again. I felt a grin creep on my face. Baby-Doll Eyes has increased priority in the games, so I was hoping it would translate into the Anime. Looks like. Now, to strike while the iron's hot! "Use Tackle!" I called out.

Eevee got an evil look in her eyes, and slammed into Spearow, knocking it across the field. It looked a bit more battered than I thought it would though. ...Oh yeah! Eevee's Ability is Adaptability, so her STAB increases in power from 150% to 200% of normal.

As for Spearow, it was really irate. "Spear..." it seethed.

"Let's wrap this up! Use Quick Attack!" I commanded. Eevee launched into the fast attack, but Spearow had a cunning plan.

"ROW!" it yelled, its wings lighting up. Just as Eevee was about to connect, Spearow slammed its wings directly into her midsection, knocking her all the way back towards me.

"Vui!" she yelled in pain.

"Eevee!" I yelled in shock, running up to her.

"What was that?!" I vaguely heard Ash ask in shock behind me.

"That definitely wasn't Wing Attack!" "Pi-ka!" And those were probably Misty and Pikachu. But who cares?!

"Eevee, are you alright?!" I asked. At her pained nod, I gritted my teeth. That...that was definitely Steel Wing. But how could a Spearow learn Steel Wing?! Last I checked, it could only learn it via TM or breeding. Then again, this is the Anime, where all game logic regarding moves can be thrown out. After all, Ash's Bulbasaur can/will use Dig, and I just taught Eevee Dig without the TM.

I hesitated regarding what to say next. "Eevee. I'm not going to tell you what you can or can't do in matters like this, but are you still up to this?" I asked.

"Vui! Ee~vui!" she said in a determined tone. ...I have no idea what she said. Man, it's times like this I envy people like N who can talk to Pokémon. Still, I can at least make an educated guess.

"Alright then. Let's finish this! You hear that, Spearow! You're going down!" I yelled at the Tiny Bird.

"Spearow!" It yelled in return, flying at Eevee. I backed up so that I wouldn't get in the way. ...Actually. I decided to run back to where I had laid my backpack down. I unzipped one of the pockets and took out one of my empty Pokéballs.

...What? That Spearow has Steel Wing! Of course I want to catch it! Speaking of...

"Eevee, Quick Attack, go!" "Vui!"

Once again, Eevee launched at Spearow. But as the bird flew at Eevee, it started spinning in a...drill-like...Oh come on! First Steel Wing, now either Drill Peck or Drill Run?!

"Eevee, dodge!" I yelled. Eevee used Quick Attack's speed to her advantage, leaping over the oncoming Drill Whatever-it-is. But rather than continuing to spin and chasing after her, like I expected, Spearow instead continued wobbling in the same straight line until it finally stopping spinning. It wobbled dizzily in the air for a second, before shaking its head clear and going after Eevee again. Now why did it do that?

I wonder...Could this Spearow not know how to use whichever Drill attack it is properly? If that's the case, then-! A cunning plan formed in my head. And it reached its apex when I noticed what was behind Eevee.

I yelled out my order even as Spearow initiated its Drill attack again. "Stand your ground, Eevee!" At her shocked look, I continued with, "Trust me!" At that, Eevee's face grew serious, and she did as I asked of her. Spearow grew ever closer. Closer...closer...now! "Jump!"

Eevee put those legs of hers to the test, rocketing straight above the oncoming Spearow. As Spearow was an object in motion, Newton's First Law took over and-.

*SLAM*

Spearow crashed directly into the tree that had been behind Eevee. I winced at that. Even though the Spearow had attacked, it was really just minding its own business, and now it had been sent into a tree. ...I'll apologize to it later. Right now, Spearow was unconscious and groaning. Good thing this isn't the games, where I'd lose my chance. A determined look of my own grew on my face. It was time.

"Pokéball, go!" I yelled, tossing the red and white sphere at Spearow. It hit the Tiny Bird, then opened up to draw it inside. You know, I kinda wonder how that works. Are they turned into data or energy or something? Anyway, Spearow was now inside the Pokéball, so it shook and flashed red on the button.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

-CLICK-

The shaking and blinking stopped, and sparkles were let off from the Pokéball. There was silence for a brief moment, before I walked over and picked the Pokéball up. My phone's Pokédex went off again automatically as I did so.

"Spearow, the Tiny Bird Pokémon. Very protective of its territory, it flaps its short wings busily to dart around at high speed. It has to flap its short wings at high speed to stay airborne. This Spearow is Male and has the Ability Keen Eye. He knows the moves Steel Wing, Drill Run, Peck, and Fury Attack."

Drill Run, huh? That's Ground-type, and not usually learned as early as this Spearow seems to have learned it. I wonder how it learned those moves to begin with?

...This better not be Arceus trying to help with whatever he needs me to do. I said I was going to do things myself and earn everything I do!

Still, a smile crept up my lips. I just caught my very first Pokémon. Sure, I've got Eevee, but starters don't usually count in that regard! A broad grin broke out of its confines.

"Aw yeah! Looks like we just caught a Spearow!" I announced, going into a pose that was a complete rip-off of the Ketchum next to me. Not that he could know that this early.

"Ee-vui!" Eevee cheered, before wincing in pain. I stopped my little dance of joy to turn to her.

"You alright, Eevee?" I asked in concern.

"Vui!" she denied, although I caught her wincing again. I just shook my head in amusement before tousling her head.

"You're a stubborn little gal, aren't you?" I asked wryly. "Take a load off, Eevee. You've deserved it," I said, calling her back into her Pokéball. Clipping both hers and Spearow's onto my belt, an idle thought crossed my mind. Should I give them nicknames? I don't usually do so, but I've started to get into the habit lately. Hm...I'll ask them later.

"Hey, congratulations!" Misty said as I walked back to the group.

I rubbed the back of my head. "It was all Eevee. I didn't do anything," I denied.

"That was still pretty cool!" Ash said. Really? "But what were those moves Spearow was using?" he wondered.

"Steel Wing, and Drill Run. You don't normally see Steel Wing on a Spearow, and as far as I know Drill Run is usually only learned by really experienced Spearow," I explained.

"You certainly know a lot about Pokémon," Misty noted. Well, when you've played the games like 500 times...

"I'm kind of a geek like that. I'm kinda hopeless with camping though," I admitted.

"That explains some of the things from yesterday," she snarked. Oh come on!

"Excuse me if I don't normally set things on fire every single day," I said, rolling my eyes. "Anyway, let's go. Time waits for no man, or mon for that matter," I declared. And so we headed back off on the road.

I can't believe I was able to catch a Pokémon like that, though. Thanks a lot, Eevee! I'll make it up to you when we get to Pewter!

It was a day later, and we were still walking to Pewter. I know expecting it to be as short as the Game Route is a bit ludicrous, but does it really take two days to travel from Viridian Forest proper to Pewter? Yeesh. I feel sorry for people who walk on foot.

...Oh wait, that's me. Never mind. Man, I can't wait 'til Spearow evolves. Then I won't have to deal with walking everywhere.

...Crap, Ash walks everywhere even when he has flyers. Well, it'll be good exercise at the very least. I guess. Help.

Oh, never mind that! Apparently, Ash saw something off in the distance, because he just jumped off on top of a rock. I leaned forward to see, and saw skyscrapers. Oh yeah, now I remember. I guess this is the opening to Episode 5 then.

"Yay, Pewter City!" Misty cheered, running up alongside me to see the city a bit closer.

"Phew!" Ash sighed, sitting down on the rock. "For a while there, I thought I was going to be in this forest for the rest of my life!" he said dramatically.

"You know that technically we left Viridian Forest two days ago and are on the Pewter side of Route 2, right?" I pointed out.

"Same difference!" he proclaimed.

"Pewter City is grey: the color of stone," an unfamiliar voice chimed in. Leaning down, we noticed some hobo-looking guy sitting beneath the rock. As it turned out, it wasn't exactly a cliffside we were standing on.

"This town has always been famous for stone," he continued. I recognized him immediately. It was Flint, Brock's dad and the former Pewter Gym Leader. ...Okay, I'm not entirely sure on that last point, but I know he's going to be the Gym Leader after Brock leaves, so it still counts, right? I think it does, anyway. He has a Golem and Rhydon if I remember correctly, so he's probably pretty strong too.

"Chronos, what are you doing? Come on!" Misty called. She, Ash, Pikachu, and Flint had already started walking towards Pewter. Damn it all! Stop spacing out all the time when thinking about things!

"Uh, right! Sorry!" I apologized, rushing down the ladder that was there and following after them. However, before we left, I noticed something shiny out of the corner of my eye. Turning, I saw what it was.

What's Flint doing with a Dawn Stone of all things? Where'd he get it?

...I can't let this opportunity slip me by. These things are really rare in the games. Who knows when I'll get another chance to get one?!

"Hey, wait a sec. Is that a Dawn Stone?" I asked of Flint. The rock salesman paused, no doubt wondering how I knew what it was.

"Yes, it is. Actually, there's an interesting story behind how I obtained it. This punk kid from Sinnoh challenged the Gym last week. He dropped it when he left the City. I was going to return it to him, but he had already left by the time I noticed," he explained.

Punk kid from Sinnoh? Please tell me that's not Paul. I mean, it makes sense that he'd be here in Kanto at this point in time, but I really don't want to have to deal with him. Anyway, he dropped the thing, so MINE!

"How much is it?" I inquired.

"3100 Pokédollars," was his reply. I blanched at that price. That is literally more than I can afford, since I only had the 3000 beginning Trainers started with. I haven't gotten into any Trainer battles yet, after all.

"No way! Evolutionary Stones go for 2100 at the Celadon Department Store!" I protested. Granted, they only sold the Fire, Water, Thunder, and Leaf Stones as far as I was aware, but still!

Flint considered this. "Hmm...you did know what it was. I suppose I could lower the price slightly," he rationalized. "2500. That's as low as I'm willing to go," he declared. I groused a little at that, but I knew it was reasonable of him. Man's got to eat after all.

"Oh, fine. Where do I pay you?" I asked.

"Center. That's where I do all my transactions," Flint grunted, picking the Dawn Stone up. With that, he continued to show us the way. Misty sidled up to me as we walked towards the Pokémon Center.

"Hey, just what is a Dawn Stone anyway?" she asked. Eh? Oh right, she's a Kanto girl. I guess she wouldn't really know what it was.

"It's an Evolutionary Stone mostly native to Sinnoh." Well, at the very least, Gen IV is when they were introduced. That counts, right? "It only evolves certain Pokémon that would otherwise evolve naturally into a different form. They have to be a specific gender depending on which one it is too," I explained. To my knowledge, only Snorunt and Kirlia can use it, but knowing Game Freak Gen VII will probably have some more.

"Man, you were right. You are a geek," she snarked. I simply rolled my eyes and remained silent. I'm not going to let her get to me like that.

Oh look, we've arrived at the Center. Man this place is big. I guess it's because this is a major city and these places are supposed to give free board to Trainers. ...How does that even work? Free healthcare, free board and food, one could argue that this is too good to be true.

...Don't question it. Again, that way lies Team Plasma, and who wants to associate with them? N is alright, I guess, but fuck Ghetsis.

Aaaand I've spaced out again, because Ash was asking why Nurse Joy was here in Pewter when he last saw her in Viridian. Oh, Ash...

"Hey. Do you want this or not?" Flint's voice cut in. Turning in surprise, I noticed him holding a QR scanner along with the Dawn Stone. Hard to tell because of his hat, plus he's obviously where Brock and his siblings got their squinty eyes from, but I think he's annoyed.

"Oh, right. Sorry. Hang on, my phone ran out of battery: I need to plug it in," I explained, rummaging in my bag for the charger cable. As it turned out, it was buried under my spare clothes along with, surprisingly, my laptop. Well, at least I can watch my saved Precure and Kamen Rider episodes, as well as play my downloaded games when I get bored.

And Darkwing Duck. Can't go wrong with DW, after all.

Anyway, with my phone plugged in and getting charged, I was able to let him charge me for my new Dawn Stone. My poor digital wallet...I've only got 500 Pokédollars in there. I hope cash payments are a thing like they are in the games, or I'm going to be broke if I so much as look at a Super Repel. Still, I put away the Dawn Stone in my bag. I may never get a chance to use it, but it's good to have at least.

Meanwhile, Ash and Misty were arguing about whether he could get all 8 Badges needed to enter the League. Flint noticed this and walked over to them.

"Don't tell me you plan on challenging Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader?" he asked in disbelief.

"Of course I do!" Ash said indignantly. He then proceeded to say that he'd beat Brock, just as soon Pikachu and his other Pokémon were healed. I shook my head at this. He's a long ways away from the veteran he'll be later in the series. Even if said veteran tended to act as if he was on a sugar rush.

...That reminded me, I needed to sign up for the League. I don't think I am right now. And how am I going to deal with Brock anyway? I have Eevee and Spearow, and they have super-effective moves, but that alone can't do everything, especially in the Anime. This may be more challenging than I thought.

But what's life without a little challenge?

Yep, that's Brock alright. Standing on the Gym Leader's side of the rocky field. It's still so surreal. Hopefully I'm not going to mess things up.

"Well, you've definitely come to the right place. I'm the Pewter City Gym Leader. My name's Brock," he introduced himself.

I nodded, stepping up to the challenger's position. "I'm Chronos Rivers, from Celadon City. And I'm here to challenge you!" I declared. Is it just me, or is that coming out much more naturally than it should? ...Whatever. Think about it later.

"Alright. How many Badges do you have?" Brock asked stoically.

"If I beat you, I'll have earned my first," I told him.

"No Badges? Alright then. The rules for this will be as follows: both of us can use up to 2 Pokémon, and only you as the challenger may switch out. The goal is to defeat both of my Pokémon. Any questions?" he asked.

"Nope," I shook my head in the negative.

"Very well then. Let's begin," Brock said, snapping his fingers. The entire Gym shook as the rock battlefield was moved into position. Brock then took out a Pokéball. "Go, Geodude!"

I had already made my decision for my first Pokémon. "Eevee, let's go!" I called. The two of us humans sent both of them out at the same time, the cute and fluffy Eevee versus the floating rock that is Geodude.

"An Eevee? Odd choice to use in a Rock-type Gym," Brock commented.

"Looks can be deceiving. I'm confident that Eevee can win this," I countered.

"If you're so sure-"

"I am sure. Let's just do this."

"Fine."

Brock started off. "Geodude, use Tackle!" he ordered. The floating rock complied, dashing at Eevee. Naturally, she leaped back from the attack. Geodude didn't let up though, continuing to try to attack her. I looked at this pensively, before I realized what he was trying to do.

"Eevee, he's trying to box you in! Use Quick Attack to jump over him!" I called.

"Vui!" Eevee said in reply, using the speed of Quick Attack to apply power to her feet and leap back to the center of the field.

"That's not going to help. Geodude, use Rock Tomb!" Brock ordered. Wait, what?

To my complete shock, Geodude punched the ground, causing four large rocks to spring up around Eevee. She was trapped. Then, the rocks started moving in, no doubt to constrict her until she gave up.

Damn it, I didn't want to have to reveal one of my trumps this early! I was planning to save Dig for Onix, while using Adaptability to my advantage to have Eevee do hit-and-run attacks with Quick Attack. Since Adaptability raises STAB from 1.5x to 2x, and since Normal-type attacks do .5x to Rock-types, Eevee's Normal-type moves would do normal damage. But she doesn't have any other way to get out of this!

"Eevee, get out of there! Use Dig!" I yelled. I heard a muffled "Ee!" before the Rock Tomb slammed together. Geodude moved the rocks away, only for there to only be a hole where Eevee was supposed to be. I let out a sigh of relief at that.

"So, you taught your Eevee Dig," Brock mused.

"Yeah. Didn't want to have to use it so quickly, but I guess that's just how things ended up going," I commented.

"An ingenious move to be sure. Geodude, watch out! That Eevee could pop up from anywhere!" he cautioned. Geodude looked all around, ever wary of Eevee resurfacing. In fact, he was so focused on the space around him that he neglected to look below him, where the ground started shifting.

Brock saw it. "Geodude, watch out!" he called. But it was too late.

"Vui!" Eevee flew up from underground, striking Geodude right under the chin. The attack knocked Geodude directly into one of the rock formations, kicking up a dust cloud. The cloud faded to reveal an unconscious Geodude.

I grinned in relief. "Yes! Great job, Eevee!" I congratulated. Eevee leaped for joy, bouncing around like a grasshopper. Hm...I forget, can Eevee learn Bounce? Note to self, remember to look that up later.

Meanwhile, Brock returned Geodude back to his Pokéball. "I see that you've trained your Eevee well. But that's not going to be enough to help you against this! Go, Onix!" he declared, tossing the Rock Snake's Pokéball forward. It was let out and...

Um...

Yeah...

...That is a lot bigger in person. Eevee looked a bit nervous too. Um...

"Onix, use Tackle!" YAH! Okay, think think think!

"Eevee, use Quick Attack to dodge!" I frantically said. Eevee immediately raced off to avoid Onix's attack. Come on, think! Options; I need options!

...Wait, got it!

"Eevee, use Sand Attack!" I called out. Eevee immediately kicked up sand all around her. As Onix was pursuing her, the sand immediately got in his eyes, blinding him for a brief time. Onix roared in anger, thrashing about here and there.

"Get out of there! Dig!" I yelled, Eevee immediately leaped into the hole she had used earlier and started digging away.

"Get a hold of yourself, Onix! That Eevee'll have to come out eventually!" Brock yelled. And he was right. Eevee had to come out eventually. And there was no other way for me to attack Onix right now. I gritted my teeth as I waited.

Eventually, the ground near Onix's tail started shifting. Brock immediately reacted to that. "There it is! Use Bind!" he commanded. The instant Eevee exited, she got swept up by Onix and was caught in the Bind attack, her very life getting squeezed out of her.

I immediately panicked. "OKAYOKAYISURRENDERISURRENDER!" I hurriedly yelled.

"Onix, let it go," Brock stoically said. Onix immediately stopped, dropping Eevee to the floor. I quickly ran up onto the field to go grab her.

"Eevee, are you alright?!" I asked in concern. She tried to give me a courageous look, but eventually fainted. I gritted my teeth hard at that. I had forgotten how ruthless Brock could be in a Gym battle, and even though I know Eevee agreed to this of her own free will, it still seems...I don't know how to describe it, but I don't like it.

"Rest for now, Eevee. You did the best job you could," I quietly said, returning her to her Pokéball. With that done, I walked back to my side of the field.

"Are you going to continue? You still have one Pokémon left," Brock pointed out. ...What do I do? Is it fair to both Eevee and Spearow if I keep going? I mean, yeah they didn't object to this, but I didn't want them to get hurt or anything.

Should I just...give up?

...

...

Like hell! "Spearow, let's go! Time to win this!" I declared, tossing the Tiny Bird's Pokéball forwards. In the usual blaze of white light, Spearow was revealed, cawing to the heavens...at least until he noticed Onix.

"Sending a Spearow out? Risky, but if it's anything like your Eevee, it's probably got some tricks of its own," Brock mused.

"Spearow, start flying! Don't let Onix grab you!" I ordered. Spearow cawed in reply, taking flight. Onix attempted to grab Spearow, but he managed to dodge around all of the Rock Snake's lunges.

"Onix, grab it with a Bind!" Brock called. Onix attempted to do so, but lunged in the wrong area. I guess the Sand Attack Eevee had gotten off had managed to do the trick. Still, he was off guard. Time to take advantage! Now, which attack has more power again? ...Got it!

"Spearow, use Drill Run!" I ordered. Spearow looked a bit taken aback by that, but complied, spinning in a drill-like way directly at Onix.

Brock was flabbergasted. "Drill Run?! Onix, dodge!" he frantically ordered. Onix attempted to, but being a giant snake made out of rocks, it couldn't move fast enough, letting Spearow hit it directly. Onix went flying across the field, collapsing on top of the rocks. He had fainted.

I blinked at this. That seemed too easy. Then again, maybe it was a critical hit? Drill Run has an increased chance of those.

...Wait, that means I won. I WON! WE WON!

"YES! We won!" I cheered. Spearow stopped flying dizzily in the air and swooped down to the floor, landing in front of me. "Great job, Spearow!" I complimented. Spearow preened himself, giving me a look that screamed "And you thought otherwise?"

"You too, Eevee," I said gently, bringing out her Pokéball. But, I'll tell her when she's recovered. No need to excite her like that.

Brock was still completely out of it. "You taught your Spearow Drill Run?" he asked incredulously.

"Actually, he knew it when I caught him," I shrugged.

Brock gabbed like a fish for a bit, before pulling himself back together, calling back Onix. "Right, well you beat me. Under League regulations, that means I have to present you with the Boulder Badge," he said, holding the hexagon-shaped Badge out at me. I took it from him gingerly. I just won a Gym Badge. This is Awesome! But Brock wasn't finished yet.

"Here's your cash prize, redeem it at the Center next time you stop by there," he said, handing me a paystub...thing. And then he gave me something that really made my eyes widen.

"And this is also for you: TM39, containing Rock Tomb. You know, you're pretty lucky. This is my last copy. I'll need to send in a request to get more," he mentioned. I gingerly took the TM from him, being careful not to scuff it. As I went digging for my TM Case, he started commenting on something else. "By the way, that TM was made with new manufacturing techniques pioneered in Unova. There are no usage limits on it," he mentioned.

"Seriously? Sweet!" I cheered. That was always something I was glad Gen V did, removing the usage limits on TMs. No more need to buy 500 copies when you needed to teach multiple Pokémon the same move, just reuse the TM.

"Thanks for everything, Brock!" I acknowledged, holding out my hand to shake. He did so, and right after we finished, I remembered about Ash. "Oh yeah, a friend of mine is probably going to swing by himself to challenge you," I mentioned.

"Suppose I better warm up the Gym's healing machine. I expect I'll be seeing you again with him then?" Brock asked.

"Yep! Catch you later!" I said in goodbyes. With his nod, I returned Spearow to his Pokéball, and immediately exited the Gym. After doing that, I couldn't help myself.

"WOOHOO! YEAH!" I cheered, leaping into the air.

Episode 03 - Fin

Badge get! Anyway, I've gotten my first Badge! If you're wondering where the original first chapter went, by the way, I've deleted it because...I felt like it, that's why.