Jason and I were currently out of the forest. The dusty path covered our shoes in dust as we walked towards Pewter City.
"How long is this?" Jason asked, looking at the endless dusty road ahead of us.
"I don't know. It shouldn't be much farther, we've been walking for...thirty minutes...maybe." I replied, trying to figure out how long we'd been in here.
"Are you sure we aren't going in circles?"
"Jason, it's a straight path. How could we be going in circles?"
Jason muttered something and just looked down at his shoes. I knew he felt stupid now. Like his mom, he often talked without thinking first.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, pointing his paw straight.
I looked up and saw a city creeping into view over the horizon.
"We made it!" I cried.
Jason took off running, happy to be near civilization again. I ran behind him, also happy to reach our destination.
Jason stood right outside the entrance to Pewter City and I slowed down and stood beside him. We took it all it.
"Well, let's go." I said after a minute, and walked into the city.
Jason followed me and we walked through the town. We located the Pokemon Center with ease and went in.
"Hello. May I help you?" Nurse Joy asked kindly.
"Yes, we would like our Pokemon healed." Jason said, motioning to himself and I.
"Certainly. Just place your Pokeballs into this tray." Nurse Joy instructed as she placed the metal tray on the counter.
Pikachu hopped onto the tray and we placed our Pokeballs on the tray too.
"We also need a room." I said before she walked off.
Nurse Joy nodded and walked to the machine with the tray. She placed the Pokeballs in it and walked back to the front of the counter.
"Trainer cards please." she instructed.
We slid our trainer cards to her and she typed in various information.
"There you are. Adam Ketchum and Jason Oak. You two have Room Ten. Have a nice stay. Your Pokemon will be ready in a few minutes." she said, handing both of us a card.
"Thank you," I said, putting the card in my pocket.
"Thanks," Jason said.
While I waited for my Pokemon, I glanced at the television which was currently showing the news.
"Well, folks! It's that time of year again! It's time for Pokemon Coordinators to sign up! Hurry and get your ribbon case and contest pass! Hurry! Hurry!" Lilian announced.
Some of the people watching became excited, saying to each other that they had already signed up and were looking forward to it. My dad had competed in Pokemon contests a few times, but I decided that kind of stuff just wasn't for me, so I ignored the outbursts of the people watching.
"Adam, Jason, your Pokemon are ready." Nurse Joy said suddenly.
I tore my eyes from the television and walked to the counter. I removed my Pokeballs and put them back on my belt. Jason did the same. Pikachu jumped on my shoulder again.
"It's five right now. Let's battle tomorrow." Jason said.
"Okay...fine with me." I replied.
We walked to the rooms area and found our room. We threw our bags onto one of the two beds and sat on them.
"I don't know about you, but I'm hungry for some real food. You coming?" Jason asked, standing up from the bed he sat on.
"Nah, I'm not hungry right now." I replied, a little distracted.
I saw Jason give me a weird glance and he hesitated before walking out of the room.
I sighed and flopped down onto the bed. I removed my sneakers so I could lay on the bed and not get dirt on it.
Where are you, dad? How will I find you? I just need a clue. I thought, frowning.
I glanced at Pikachu who was laying at the foot of the bed, curled up and napping.
If only I could see what Pikachu saw. What he experienced that day. What exactly happened. Who caused this. Who took him! Who wounded Pikachu so severely!
I sat up, frustrated with myself and what happened that day.
"If only I knew..." I muttered sadly. I had promised myself that I would find dad, but now it dawned on me: I had no idea where to start looking or who to ask. The police had already released all the info. that they had to mom and I. Maybe I just had to wait for a sign or something, but who knows how long that would take?
After a while, I slid off the bed and put my shoes back on. I headed to the cafeteria to eat since I was slightly hungry. As I walked down the halls and towards the cafeteria I heard some of the other people talking as they saw me.
"Is that the Champion?" one person asked as I passed.
"He sure looks like Master Ketchum." another said.
"Nah, he's older than that kid." another replied.
I quickened my pace and pushed open the metal doors that lead to the cafeteria. I spotted Jason sitting at a table by himself.
I grabbed a tray and got into a line for a burger. I paid for my food and walked over to where Jason sat.
"Dude, you okay?" Jason asked as soon as I sat down.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking." I replied, unwrapping the burger.
Jason just nodded and let the matter drop. He scooped the last bit of what I assumed was pasta and ate it.
I was halfway through the burger.
"Maybe we should buy some food and take it with us." Jason said.
"You can't do that. The Pokemon Center doesn't allow that." I replied and took another bite.
Jason sighed and went to throw his trash away. I didn't want the rest of the burger cause its once delicious taste turned into the taste of cardboard.
I got up and threw away my trash and followed Jason out of the cafeteria.
Once we were back into our room, Jason gathered his hygiene items and went to the showers.
I felt grimy, but I didn't go. Instead I removed my shoes, my jacket, my hat, and my socks, and placed them neatly on my backpack. I then climbed under the covers and laid down. Pikachu woke up from the shift of the bed and climbed up to the pillow and laid down. Suddenly, I remembered something.
"You need to eat, you didn't eat." I scolded Pikachu.
"Cha." Pikachu said, closing his eyes.
I sighed and was going to get out to get him food, but Pikachu's cheeks threatened me with a thunderbolt. Pikachu was mocking me, "Move and you get shocked." is what he was saying.
I sighed and placed my head on the pillow. I quickly fell asleep and didn't even known when Jason returned.
The next morning, I opened my eyes to find the room filled with sunlight. I glanced around the room and saw Jason asleep in his bed. Pikachu's eyes opened and looked at me.
"Hungry?" I asked him.
He shook his head. I leaned down and retrieved my backpack. I removed some Pokemon food and handed it to Pikachu after opening it.
"Chu." he said stubbornly.
He doesn't want Pokemon food. He wants ketchup. I thought.
"Sorry, but no ketchup with your food until lunch." I said.
Pikachu just looked at me, but he ate.
"I'll be back in a little while." I said, rubbing Pikachu's head and getting off the bed.
I gathered my own hygiene items and left the room to get a shower.
I walked through the halls, feeling refreshed since I had showered. I reached into my pocket for my key and paled. I left the key in the room.
"Great, just great." I muttered.
I knocked on the door and waited. After waiting a few moments, Jason didn't come to the door. I knocked again, but louder this time.
I pressed my ear to the door trying to figure out if he was up. I waited again, but still Jason didn't come to the door.
I knew if I yelled people would complain since many were still asleep, like Jason was.
I kicked the door and heard a groan come from the room. The door was unlocked and Jason opened it a second later.
"Dude?" he asked annoyed.
"Sorry, forgot my key." I said stepping in.
Jason muttered something and sat on his bed.
"You can go back to sleep you know." I said.
"I know, but we have gym battles to get done." he muttered as he rubbed his eyes.
I only nodded my head and placed the half-finished Pokemon food back into my backpack.
Jason was already dressed so I guessed he fell asleep in his clothes.
"Let's go!" he cried, getting off of his bed.
He stumbled slightly and regained his balance before he fell onto the floor.
"Nice one." I said, laughing.
"Shut up, Adam." he said, grabbing his backpack.
I grabbed my own backpack and Pikachu hopped onto my shoulder.
We exited our room and left the Pokemon Center. We walked through Pewter City until we were in front of the gym.
"Well, let's go." I said, stepping towards the doors.
As soon as I stepped towards the doors, someone walked out and collided with me.
I groaned and sat up.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize someone was coming in." a very familiar voice said.
Once my eyes focussed, I saw a man who had to be in his late twenties early thirties. He had brown hair that was spiked, dark skin, and slits for eyes. He wore a doctor jacket over his orange shirt and tan pants.
"Okay, either I'm seeing an old friend, or his son." the man said.
I stood up and Pikachu hopped back onto my shoulder.
"Long time no see." I said, feeling a pain in my back since I landed on my back.
"Yes, it has been some time, Adam."
"How have you been, Brock?" I asked.
"Good. What about you?"
"Holding up."
"How have you been, Jason?" Brock asked.
"Good...I guess." Jason replied.
"Well, I guess you two are here to challenge the gym?" Brock asked.
"You bet!" we cried.
"Pikachu, how have you been?" Brock asked.
"Pika. Chu." Pikachu said.
"Well, good luck. I have to get back to the Pokemon Center. Just as a heads-up, the Pokemon in the gym just had a checkup."
Brock placed a hand on my shoulder before leaving.
"Okay, so who took over the gym if Brock is the doctor?" Jason asked.
"Well, we'll find out." I replied, stepping up at the doors again.
We walked into the Pewter City gym. The gym on the outside was just like dad told me. The inside had changed a little.
The battlefield was a dirt field with darker brown tiles covering around the field. The bleachers were just regular bleachers. There were stadium lights that were shining on the field, but the gym leader was nowhere to be seen.
"Hello?" I asked into the empty battlefield.
"We're here to challenge the gym leader." Jason stated.
A noise came from the bleachers and I glanced towards the bleachers. I spotted a guy who was either in his late teens or somewhere around his twenties.
He has brown spiked hair, slit eyes, and a dark skin tone. He wore a dark blue shirt, tan shorts, and blue and white sneakers.
"I'm Forrest, Pewter's City's Gym Leader! I believe in ROCK hard defense! That's why all my Pokemon are Rock-type. Still want to challenge me?" the guy now known as Forrest said, walking down the stairs of the bleachers.
Jason and I nodded, determined to get our first gym badges.
"Okay. Who's first, then?" Forrest asked, walking to his side of the field.
"You go ahead, Jason." I said, already going to the bleachers. I wanted to watch and see how the gym leader battled and which Pokemon he would use, so I would be more prepared for my battle.
Jason nodded his head and walked to his side of the field.
"Okay, the rules are simple. Three Pokemon only. The challenger is allowed substitutions only. The loser will be whoever has no Pokemon left at the end of the battle." Forrest explained dully.
"Okay, then." Jason replied.
A referee hurried to the middle of the field with two flags.
"The battle between the Gym Leader, Forrest and the challenger, Jason will now begin!" he cried.
"Steelix, let's show them!" Forrest cried, throwing his Pokeball. A giant grey rock snake appeared. This was my first time seeing a Steelix up close. I had seen pictures and knew that they were among the longest Pokemon in existence, but this was amazing!
"Charmander, go!" Jason cried tossing his Pokeball.
"Steel! Steelix." Steelix said to Charmander.
"Char! Charmander!" Charmander cried happily.
"Go ahead, Jason." Forrest said.
"Alright, Charmander! Use Smokescreen!" Jason commanded.
Smoke covered the field and I watched, hoping he wasn't going to use my technique. I was planning on saving it for my battle with Forrest. If he saw it now and figured out a way to counter it, it would be useless to me!
"Use Sandstorm, Steelix." Forrest ordered.
A sandstorm started, which blew away all the smoke, and the two moves cancelled each other out. Forrest, Jason, the referee, and Charmander shielded their eyes as best as they could.
"Now, Steelix! Use Bind!" Forrest cried.
Steelix lunged at Charmander, its tail trying to grab the Fire-type.
"Dodge! Then use Metal Claw!" Jason cried.
Charmander was able to avoid, but Steelix kept on trying to capture Charmander so he could bind him.
Charmander stopped dodging and jumped right onto Steelix's tail, bounced off, and used Metal Claw right on Steelix's head.
"Alright, Charmander! Now, Ember!" Jason cried.
Steelix was still in pain from the Metal Claw. The Ember hit Steelix, who cried out in pain.
"Steelix, use Rock Throw!" Forrest cried.
"Dodge it, Charmander! Use Smokescreen again!"
Steelix's Rock Throw started, but Charmander's Smokescreen covered the field. A cry was heard, coming from Charmander.
When the smoke cleared, Steelix looked the same but Charmander was now breathing hard since the Rock Throw had hit him. Being a smaller, weaker Pokemon than Steelix and Rock-type attacks being super-effective, Charmander didn't look like it could take another hit!
"Finish it with Iron Tail!"
"Charmander, dodge! Then use Ember!"
Steelix's Iron Tail just missed Charmander. Charmander quickly spun around and jumped up to Steelix's head and used Ember. But instead of embers coming out of his mouth, a long searing beam of flames was released instead! That was no Ember, it was Flamethrower! Charmander had learned a new move, and just in time!
Steelix cried out in pain and fell towards the ground.
"Steelix is unable to battle! The winner is Charmander!" the referee cried.
Forrest returned his fallen Pokemon, praising it before placing the Pokeball back on his belt.
"Good job, Charmander. Take a rest." Jason said, returning his partner.
"Not bad. Nice job using Charmander's speed to your advantage, using it to dodge all of those attacks. And a stroke of luck that it happened to learn Flamethrower in mid-battle. Geodude, go!" Forrest said, throwing another Pokeball.
"Butterfree, go!" Jason cried, throwing his Pokeball.
"Geo!" Geodude cried.
"Free!" Butterfree cried, fluttering happily in the sky. Jason had an advantage over Forrest, with Butterfree being in the air, and out of reach.
"Butterfree, use Silver Wind!" Jason cried, as Butterfree released a wave of silvery gusts.
"Dig, quick!" Forrest cried.
But Geodude wasn't fast enough and got hit by Butterfree's Silver Wind. It seemed that Jason was once again taking advantage of the Rock Pokemon's lack of speed. He had to strike fast, strike hard.
"Now, Butterfree! Use Supersonic!"
Butterfree used the move and everyone covered their ears from the ear piercing, high pitched sound. Geodude was now confused.
"Geodude, snap out of it!" Forrest cried, but Geodude was still confused, and began hurting itself in confusion.
"Silver Wind, again!"
The Silver Wind hit Geodude and the attack snapped it out of confusion.
"Use Sandstorm! Try to knock Butterfree out of the sky!" Forrest commanded, knowing he would have a better chance if Butterfree was on the ground.
"Butterfree, flap your wings quickly! Blow away the sand!" Jason cried shielding his eyes as the sandstorm hit.
Butterfree fought the sandstorm to the best of its ability, but it was starting to lose as its stamina began to wane away.
"Butterfree, Silver Wind!"
Butterfree started using its Silver Wind, which added more power in pushing away the sandstorm, but the sandstorm was still going on. Eventually, the sandstorm stopped and when it did, the Silver Wind which Butterfree was still using hit Geodude, full force.
"Geo!" Geodude cried out.
"Finish it with Confusion!" Jason shouted.
The Psychic attack ended the battle as Geodude fainted.
"Geodude is unable to battle! Butterfree wins!" said the ref.
Forrest returned his Pokemon and thanked it.
"Good job, Butterfree!" Jason cried, returning it.
"I must admit, your Butterfree is one tough Pokemon, being able to withstand my attack for that long. I didn't think I would be in this kind of a jam. Let's see how well you do against my strongest Pokemon!" Forrest said, grabbing his final Pokeball.
"Rhyperior, let's do this!" Forrest cried, throwing his last Pokeball.
"Spearow hasn't battled yet. Is Jason using her? He should use Butterfree and Spearow to weaken Rhyperior to the best of their abilities, then use Charmander and his Metal Claw." I muttered to myself.
Jason seemed stumped about who to use. Rhyperior seemed like the toughest one yet! He glanced and grabbed a Pokeball.
"Spearow, go!" Jason cried.
Spearow flapped high above Rhyperior.
"Spearow, use Pursuit!" Jason cried.
I was shocked. I didn't know that Spearow knew Pursuit. The attack hit Rhyperior, but did little damage.
"Megahorn!" Forrest cried.
"Dodge it quick, Spearow!" Jason cried.
Spearow went to dodge, but didn't fly away fast enough. Megahorn hit Spearow and she fell towards the ground, fainted after only one hit.
"Spearow is unable to battle. Rhyperior wins!" announced the referee.
Jason returned Spearow before she hit the ground and said, "You did good, Spearow."
"Butterfree, let's go!" Jason cried, throwing Butterfree's Pokeball.
"Use Dig, Rhyperior." said Forrest.
Rhyperior went under the ground and Butterfree just fluttered above the field, waiting.
"Sleep Powder in the hole!" Jason cried.
Butterfree flew over the hole and the Sleep Powder was released into the hole.
"Now!" Forrest cried.
Rhyperior came out from under the ground, but it looked drowsy and disoriented. It suddenly closed its eyes and collapsed, emitting a snoring kind of noise.
"Sleeping." I muttered to myself as I watched.
Jason seemed to be thinking for a minute.
"Return!" Jason cried returning Butterfree.
He threw Charmander's Pokeball saying, "Charmander, I choose you again!"
Charmander reappeared and Jason acted fast. "Metal Claw, quick!"
Charmander hit Rhyperior with the Metal Claw.
"Wake up!" Forrest cried. But Rhyperior remained motionless.
"Keep up the Metal Claws!"
Multiple attacks hit Rhyperior who was still asleep. With Steel-type attacks being super-effective against Rock Pokemon, Rhyperior was taking a lot of damage and didn't even know it!
"Come on! Wake up, Rhyperior!" Forrest yelled. Upon hearing this, Rhyperior finally woke up.
"Use Horn Drill! Finish it quickly!" Forrest shouted, looking desperate to get back in the fight!
"Use Smokescreen while running!" Jason countered.
Charmander used Smokescreen while it ran towards Rhyperior. Rhyperior got confused by the smoke and couldn't see. It used the move where it last thought Charmander was. The smoke cleared and Charmander was nowhere to be found.
But I noticed something that Forrest didn't. There was a small glowing red spot on the battlefield. I laughed softly to myself when I figured out what Jason had done.
"Rhyperior-" Forrest started, but stopped when the ground under Rhyperior started to break.
"Do it, Charmander! Metal Claw!" Jason cried.
Charmander's Metal Claw broke through the ground and then hit Rhyperior as Charmander leaped up from underground.
Rhyperior fainted after crying out in pain.
"Rhyperior is unable to battle! Charmander wins! The victor of this battle is the challenger, Jason!" the referee cried.
Forrest seemed shocked by the way he had lost, but returned his Pokemon.
"Good job, Charmander!" Jason cried, hugging his partner.
I walked down to the ground to congratulate him. He stood back up when Forrest approached him.
"Well Jason, I must say, the technique you used was very different. What did you do?" Forrest asked.
"Charmander hid underground in the tunnel Rhyperior dug with Dig. Since Charmander doesn't know dig, he used his Flamethrower to weaken the rocky ground, making it easy to break through." Jason replied.
"Well Jason, you won. Here is the Boulder Badge." Forrest said presenting the cushion that held the badge on it.
Jason picked up the badge and looked at it.
"Alright, the Bolder badge!" he cried, holding it up in the air.
He then removed his gym badge case and put it inside.
"I will battle you tomorrow." Forrest said, looking at me. "The Pokemon need a rest."
"I got my first gym badge." Jason said proudly as we walked back to the Pokemon Center.
"Yeah. I must say the last round was awesome. Did everything really come naturally to you?" I asked.
"Yeah it did. I wasn't completely sure Charmander could pull it off, but he did." Jason replied.
I just nodded my head and thought about what I was going to do to win and get my first badge.
"You made up for your type disadvantages like Fire and Flying types by using your speed to your advantage." I said to him.
"His Pokemon may have been more powerful physically, but you can't hit what you can't catch." Jason replied. "With your battle tomorrow, you've got a tough act to follow."
"Well, I have a Bulbasaur, a Grass Pokemon. And Pikachu has had success when battling Rock Pokemon, too. I should be fine." I said confidently.
Author's Note: So Jason has won his first gym badge. How will Adam fare in his battle?
Find out next time on Pokemon NG!