Ch 5: Pewter city showdowns.
"Look I can see the end of the forest!" Misty shouted as she ran ahead of Ash and Serena. The group had been in the Viridian forest for 4 days. Except for the day they faced off against Isabel and her grunts, Ash and Serena spent several hours each day training their pokemon.
Thanks Ash's years of experience in how to train pokemon, Pikachu and Charizar's experience, and their now open aura connections with Ash, Butterfree and Pidgeotto had grown much stronger in the few days of training they had.
As the 3 made their way out of the forest, they found the way back to route 2.
"Finally, out of the forest. No more bugs." Misty said sounding very relieved.
"It's about lunch time, I'm sure after all the training we did today our pokemon are hungry." Ash said.
"You're right, besides this looks like a good place to rest." Serena said. The group set up on the side of the route as Ash and Serena gave each of their pokemon a bowl of pokemon food.
"So Ash what's your plan for facing the gym leader in Pewter city. He is a rock type, and none of your pokemon are very effective against rock types." Misty asked.
"Well Charizard and Pikachu have plenty of battle experience so I'm going to let them sit this one out. I want Pidgoeotto and Butterfree to battle the gym leader. As for my plan, I'm aware they're weak against rock types. That's why I had Pikachu tutor them each on a special move that will be very helpful. Not only that but Butterfree learned Confusion , which could be helpful." Ash said.
"What special move?" Serena asked.
Ash got up and turned to Butterfree and Pidgeotto.
"Guys show them your new attack." Ash said. Butterfree and Pidgeotto flew up before turning their wings metal and flying at a rock. Serena and Misty's eyes widened as they both smashed a large rock into pieces.
"Wow they learned Steel wing." Serena said.
"Pikachu taught them by showing them how he used Iron tail." Ash said.
"Well that will certainly come in handy against rock types." Misty said.
"They've been working really hard. I'm confident that they can beat the gym leader's pokemon." Ash said.
As the group continued to eat their lunch Pikachu heard rustling in a bush nearby. He looked over towards it and saw movement.
"Pika?" He said. Moments later a small light blue pokemon came out of the bushes and ran towards the group.
Serena noticed this and saw the pokemon running at Charla.
The pokemon was a quadruped, rodent-like Pokémon. It had large, spiny ears, oversized front teeth, red eyes, and a pair of whiskers on each cheek. It was light blue with several darker blue spots. There were two white claws on each of its paws. Its back was covered with small toxic spines, and it had a small forehead horn.
"What is that ,it's so cute." Serena said opening her pokedex.
"Nidoran . Its poison pin is quite powerful for its size, but its horn is smaller than a male's."
"A Nidoran, and it looks like a female." Ash said. The Nidoran walked up to Charla as she ate her special fire type food. The young Charmander looked up and saw the Nidoran standing in front of her.
"Ni." The Nidoran said sounding hungry. Charla heard the Nidoran's stomach growl. Charla sweat dropped before she picked up a piece of her food and offered it to Nidoran.
"Char." The Nidoran put it in her mouth, but being made for a fire types, the Nidoran hated the flavor and spit it out right in Charla's face.
"Ni." The Nidoran said sweat dropping as she realized what she just did. Charla's face turned red as she growled and stood up.
"Charla , stay calm." Serena said.
"Ni." The Nidoran said as she nervously backed up.
"Char Charmander!" Charla shouted as she opened her mouth and tried to blast the Nidoran with Flamethrower.
The Nidoran dashed across the ground past the other pokemon, knocking over their bowls of food. Pidgeotto, who always had a ravenous appetite was now also enraged and was about to fly after her when Charizard grabbed him.
"Grauu." He growled.
"Ott." Pidgeotto said disappointed. After the flamethrower ended, the Nidoran turned around and opened her own mouth as she unleashed a furry of poison stingers that flew through the air and hit Charla in the stomach.
"Charla!" Serena shouted. Charla stumbled backwards before growling at the Nidoran again. The Nidoran then rushed at Charla with her head aimed down.
" Charla use Flamethrower!" Serena shouted. Charla opened her mouth and unleashed another jet of fire right at the Nidoran. The small poison pokemon ducked down just in time to avoid the fire as it flew overhead. Once it ended the Nidoran ran right back at Charla.
"Growl!" Serena shouted.
Charla let out a growl that hit and reduced the power behind Nidoran's incoming attack. The Nidoran leapt up and tried to use double kick on Charla.
"Scratch on her left leg!" Serena shouted. Charla came forward and slashed across the Nidoran's left leg, knocking it aside.
"Now her right!" Serena shouted. Charla slashed Nidoran's other leg, knocking her back onto the ground .
"Flamethrower!" Serena shouted.
"Char!" Charla shouted as she opened her mouth and engulfed the Nidroan in fire. Serena saw this as a good opportunity to catch a new pokemon. She took out a pokeball and hurled it forward. The pokeball hit the Nidoran and sent her inside. The group watched closely as the pokeball shook and flashed.
After another minute the pokeball stopped, showing that Nidoran was caught.
"Yes I caught her." Serena said. Despite her victory, Charla wasn't particularly excited that this Nidoran would be traveling with them now.
Serena let her new Nidoran out. The Nidoran came out and looked up at Serena.
"Hello Nidoran, my name is Serena. I suppose you already know Charla." Serena said as Charla turned her head away from Nidoran.
"This is Absol."
"Sol." Absol said bowing his head.
"This is Ash, and Misty." Serena said.
"Ni." Nidoran said before she gave a very painful look and kept off her back right leg.
"Nidoran are you ok?" Serena asked.
"Ni." Nidoran said sounding like she was in pain. Serena knelt down and looked at her back leg. It looked like it was dislocated, that was when Serena remembered how Nidoran hit the ground after Charla slashed her legs, she must have landed on her back leg.
"Oh no, her leg's dislocated. Ash can you help her?" Serena asked. Ash knelt down and looked at the leg.
"I'm sorry Serena, but I'm not that skilled in aura healing." Ash said.
"We'll need to get her to the pokemon center." Misty said. The group returned their pokemon as Pikachu climbed onto Ash's shoulder.
"Come on let's go." Serena said as she hurried down the road with Nidoran in her arms, and the other 2 close behind. Serena turned her head back and saw Ash and Misty close behind then Ash saw someone in front of her.
"Serena look out!" Ash shouted. Serena turned around just in time to see a young man walking in front of her before bumping into him. Serena and the young man both nearly tripped before they regained their footing.
"I'm so sorry." Serena said.
"It's alright." The young man said before he turned around. The young man was taller than Ash and looked like he was around 23 years old. He had tan skin with spiky brown hair and slanted black eyes. He wore a short sleeved orange t shirt with a green vest over it.
He looked down at Serena and his face turned red.
"Well , it appears love has brought us here lovely."The young man said.
"What?" Serena said nervously as she sweat dropped and backed up a little.
"Oh I hear your Kalos accent, Kalos the region of love. I see that now you have come to me." He said.
"Serena what's going on here?" Ash said as he and Misty walked up.
"Oh hey, this is Ash my boyfriend." Serena said. The young man's face turned crestfallen.
"Oh what misfortune has befallen me yet again." He said.
"Uh who is this guy?" Ash asked. Misty couldn't help but find the young man familiar. Like she had met him before.
"Sorry about that, I'm Brock. I was just heading back to Pewter city." He said before he noticed Nidoran's leg.
"Wait what happened to your Nidoran's leg?" Brock asked.
"She dislocated it when my Charmander battled her." Serena said.
"Oh your poor thing. Let me see her." Brock said. Serena wasn't so comfortable about handing off her Nidoran to a complete stranger, especially after what he just did. But she did want to help Nidoran and handed her to Brock.
Brock looked at Nidoran's leg for a minute.
"Yup that's dislocated, but it's not too bad." Brock said before he reached into his bag and took out a Sitrus berry.
"Eat this, it will numb the pain." Brock said. Nidoran began eating the berry while Ash put his hand on her leg.
"Alright one , two , three." Brock said before he thrusted his hand in a twisting motion. Nidoran grunted for a moment, but then opened her eyes when she felt her leg snap back into place.
"Ni!" She said. Brock set her down and Nidoran was able to walk around without a problem.
"Wow you fixed her leg. Thank you." Serena said.
"It was no problem." Brock said.
"How did you know what to do?" Ash asked.
"Well to be honest, I'm very fascinated about Pokemon anatomy. I really" Brock started before he saw what time it was.
"Oh no it's later than I thought it was. I'm sorry but I really need to go!" Brock said before he ran off leaving a cloud of dust where he was standing.
"Well he was a bit, strange." Ash said.
"He was, but at least he helped Nidoran." Serena said. Misty thought more about Brock and where she had seen him before.
Fifteen minutes later, the group reached the top of a hill and saw a city beneath them.
"Finally, Pewter city." Ash said as he and the others looked down at the city.
"Well now that we finally made it here, I need to get going. If I don't get back home soon, my sisters will kill me." Misty said.
"Alright it was nice seeing you again Misty." Serena said as she and Ash waved goodbye to her as she walked off.
"Well we should get to the pokemon center first. Then we can check out the gym." Ash said.
"Sound like a plan." Serena said. Ash and Serena made their way through the streets of Pewter city. They noticed that most of the people there had either bug or rock type pokemon with them. They occasionally saw a Pidgey or Nidoran.
"Now much variety of pokemon around here is there." Serena said.
"No, it looks like there are a lot of bug and rock type trainers here. Then again we are close to Viridian forest, and Mt. Moon. I can see why." Ash said. Eventually they found the pokemon center and went inside.
Inside the pokemon center there were a large number of bug type trainers inside. There was a line in front of the counter.
"Great." Serena said.
"Nothing we can do but wait." Ash said. As the two waited Ash decided to ask one of the trainers if he knew about the gym leader.
"Da Pewter city gym leader. Yeah he's one nasty piece of work. He's been one of the leagues top gym leaders for years now. I's thought I'd challenge him before he retires. Didn't turn out well for me." The trainer said.
"Retiring?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, he's passing on the gym to his son. I'm go'in ta do some more training den I'm gonna challenge his son. Might have a chance den." The trainer said as Nurse Joy handed him his pokeballs back. Ash and Serena handed their pokeballs to Nurse Joy as PIkachu leapt onto the counter.
"Alright I'll get them back to you as soon as I can." Joy said. Ash and Serena walked over and sat down at a table.
"This gym leader sounds like he's really good. Are you sure you don't want to use Pikachu or Charizard." Serena asked.
"I'm sure. Butterfree and Pidgeotto need the won't be easy, but I have to give them a chance." Ash said.
"I suppose you have a point." Serena said. Several minutes later Nurse Joy came back with Pikachu and their pokeballs.
"Excuse me, your pokemon are ready." Joy said.
"Thank you." Ash said.
"No problem, good luck with your gym battle." Joy said. Ash and Serena got up before making their way through the city looking for the gym.
"Where is this place anyway?" Serena asked.
"I asked one of the trainers back at the pokemon center. He said it wasn't downtown but in the more suburban area. Apparently the gym leader's house is right behind it." Ash said. Eventually they made it to the more suburban area where they saw a large building that had a front made entirely out of rock with a door on the front. Engraved across the rock was the word "Gym".
"I guess this is it." Ash said. He knocked on the door and waited for a minute before the door opened.
Standing on the other side of the door was a boy who looked about 17 years old. He had tan skin with spiky brown hair and slanted black eyes. He almost looked like a younger version of Brock.
"Hello, can I help you?" The boy asked.
"Yes I'm here to challenge the gym leader." Ash said.
"Oh come on in I'll take you to him." Ash and Serena followed the teenager through the hallways.
"My name is Forrest, I'm the gym leaders son."
"Nice to meet you, I"m Ash."
"I'm Serena."
"Welcome to Pewter city, our gym here is very well known. My dad has quite a reputation as a gym leader." Forrest said.
"We've heard." Serena said. Forrest lead them to a large room with a battlefield in the center. The battlefield was covered in large rocks and standing on top of the largest one was a man.
The man was tall with a muscular body. He had tan skin with spiky brown hair and slanted black eyes. He too greatly resembled Brock. The man wore a sleeveless light tan shirt and dark green pants. As Ash walked in he could see a confident smile on the man's face.
"Dad, we have a challenger." Forrest said. The man leapt down from the rock and landed right in front of the group.
"Welcome to the Pewter city gym! I am Flint!" The man shouted in a very loud voice.
"Hello I'm Ash Ketchum, I've come to challenge you." Ash said as he extended his hand.
"I welcome your challenge Mr. Ketchum. For this is the Pewter city gym! We are the most rock solid gym in all of Kanto!" Flint shouted once again.
"So" Ash started.
"I have ran this gym for 20 years! I've loved every minute of it! My pokemon are as tough as diamond! I'm ready for any challenger!" Flint shouted.
Ash and Serena sweat dropped.
"Alright well I'm ready to battle." Ash said.
"Well here's the thing, you won't actually be battling me." Flint said.
"What?" Ash said.
"I've lived a long and full life. Training with my father to battle with rock types. Serving my nation as a captain in the Kanto Marines. Marrying the love of my life and having ten kids."
"Ten kids?" Serena said sweat dropping.
"And as I said, running this gym for 20 years. The time has come for me to pass the torch on to my oldest son. The tim has come for him to take his place as the Pewter city gym leader! Now meet my son!" Flint shouted as he turned around.
The 5 of them waited for almost a minute , but no one came.
"Uh." Ash said sweat dropping. Flint's face turned red as a fiery rage formed an fiery inferno around him.
"Is he on fire?" Serena said sweat dropping.
"Brock! Where are you!?" Flint screamed so loud it shook the room.
"Brock?" Ash and Serena said.
"Yeah my older brother." Forest said. Moments later they saw Brock that they met back on route 2 sprint into the room.
"Sorry dad I was just." Brock started.
"Waisting time reading those pokemon breeding books again! I've told you before today is the day you step up and take responsibility as the gym leader!" Flint screamed.
"Yes dad." Brock said as he slowly walked over. That is when he saw Ash and Serena.
"Hey it's you two from route 2." Brock said.
"You're the gym leader." Ash said.
"Wait you've met these 2 before." Flint said.
"Well I." Brock said nervously.
"We met him on route 2 earlier today." Serena said.
"What!? You were out playing when you should have been preparing for your first day as leader!" Flint screamed as Brock sweat dropped.
"Well actually he helped my." Serena started.
"Look at the time! Lola has dinner prepared by now. Serena, Ash would you mind joining us?" Flint asked.
"Sure thank you." Serena said. Flint lead them out of the gym and into his house behind the gym. His house seemed similar to the ones in Pallet town, only a little bigger. Though with ten kids Ash and Serena could understand why.
He lead them to the dinning room where they saw a woman sitting with 8 kids.
"Flint there you are, dinner is ready." The woman said. The woman was light skinned with regular brown eyes and short mahogany hair.
The 8 other children all greatly resembled Flint like Brock and Forrest did.
"Lola, this is Ash and Serena. Ash is going to be Brock's first challenger, so I thought it would be nice to invite them to dinner before the match." Flint said.
"Oh of course." Lola said. Ash and Serena sat down next to each other as Flint and his two sons also sat down.
"Thank you for having us." Ash said.
"Oh it's no problem. We love when challengers come to our gym." Lola said.
"Indeed and you will be Brock's first official challenger. That makes this a special occasion." Flint said.
"Well we actually met Brock earlier today on route 2. You see my Nidoran's back leg got dislocated and he was able to fix it." Serena said.
"Really?" Lola asked as she and the others turned to Brock.
"Well it was nothing special." Brock said.
"Exactly, you should have been preparing yourself son. Being a gym leader is a big responsibility and you treat it like a joke. Always running off to read your books and do strange things with your pokemon. You are a gym leader my son, a gym leader!" Flint shouted as he threw his arm up into he air.
Ash noticed a look of depression on Brock's face. At the same time Serena noticed the same expression on Forrest's face as he watched his father and older brother.
"So tell us more about yourselves." Lola said.
"Well I'm from Pallet down, I moved to Kalos 5 years ago. I competed in the Kalos league but lost to my brother. After that I spent 2 years training before I gained entrance into the NPC." Ash said.
"Really you're an NPC competitor, that means you're a professional trainer." Flint said.
"Yes I am." Ash said.
"Oh how ashamed I'm retired. I'd love one more battle against such a worthy opponent. Then again you're the perfect way for my son to get his start." Flint said.
"What about you Serena?" Lola asked.
"I was born and raised in Kalos. 5 years ago I traveled Kalos with Ash and competed in the Grand festival. I didn't win, but 2 years ago I did. After that I competed in performances in Kalos and now I'm giving a go at the Showcases here in Kanto." Serena said.
"How exciting, I love showcases." Lola said.
After dinner Flint got up and turned to Ash and Serena.
"Now that we've eaten I'd say we're ready for the battle." Flint said.
"Actually dad, there's something I need to take care of first." Brock said.
"What!? Son you owe this challenger a battle , it's your duty!" Flint screamed at Brock.
"It's alright I can wait." Ash said.
"Hmp, well you are certainly a kind young man. I hope your forgive my son's rudeness. In the meantime I could show you a little something." Flint said.
"Alright." Serena said. Forrest also got up and followed the others to Flint's private room. Inside were dozens of medals and trophy's as well as pictures of Flint and his rock pokemon.
"This is my accomplishment room! Everything outstanding I've done with my life!" Flint shouted. Ash saw many of the awards were for finest gym leader. He saw a picture of Flint when he just became the gym leader, and one of him in a Kanto Marine service dress uniform and Lola beside him in a wedding dress.
Another of him in his marine service dress, being given a medal by a marine general.
"You've certainly done a lot in your life." Ash said.
"Indeed, I only wish my son would take his own life as serious as I have." Flint said. Serena noticed Forrest looking up at a picture of his father with a look of envy in his expression.
"Grrr. What is taking Brock so long! He is the gym leader he should be battling you by now!" Flint shouted.
"We can go check on him." Ash said.
"Very well, his room is the last one on the left." Flint said. Ash and Serena walked down the hallway and got to Brock's room. Ash knocked on the door and waited for a response.
"Dad just give me a minute."
"It's Ash."
"Oh come in." Brock said. Ash opened the door and walked in with Serena. As they walked in they noticed a large stack of pokemon breeder books sitting on Brock's desk behind several medicines and other care tools.
Brock was sitting on his bed with a small Squirtle in his arms.
"There there, everything's going to be alright." Brock said. He looked up and saw the two in his room.
"Hey guys, sorry for keeping you waiting for so long Ash." Brock said.
"It's alright, why do you have that Squirtle?" Ash asked.
"Well my little sister found him a few days ago with a hurt tail. I've been nursing him back to health ever since. It's where I keep disappearing too." Brock said.
"Brock I get the feeling you don't want to be a gym leader." Serena said. Brock sighed.
"Don't get me wrong, I love rock pokemon and I love my dad. But I've never really wanted to be a gym leader. I still like training and battling pokemon, but my true passion has been taking care of them." Brock said before he turned back to the Squirtle.
"Pokemon are such precious creatures, taking care of them is what I live for. I don't want to be a gym leader, I want to be a breeder." Brock said. Ash could understand Brock's love for Pokemon, as an aura guardian he shared such a love for the wonderful creatures.
"Pika." Pikachu said as he took a liking to Brock. Brock looked up at Pikachu.
"H'mm that's one healthy looking Pikachu." Brock said as he set Squirtle down.
"May I?" Brock asked.
"Sure." Ash said. Brock took Pikachu in his arms and carefully felt Pikachu's cheeks. Ash was impressed at how well Brock was handling Pikachu's cheeks, normally they would shock anyone other than himself.
"You've certainly taken good care of him. This Pikachu is in outstanding condition." Brock said before he noticed a large scar on Pikachu's back.
"Woah, what happened here? He's got a huge scar." Brock said.
"Pika." Pikachu said not wanting to remember the pain that the horrible Flare interrogator inflicted on him.
"That well, it's not something I like to talk about. Someone did something bad to him." Ash said.
"Who could do something so horrible." Brock said.
"So Brock if you want to be a pokemon breeder then why don't you tell your dad?" Serena asked.
"I want to, but I know how long he's wanted me to be a gym leader. It would crush him if I did that."
"But you can't live his life. You have to follow your own path." Ash said.
"I know, but every time I try to tell him I chicken out." Brock said.
"You can do it Brock." Serena said. Brock sighed.
Several minutes later Ash and the others were in the gym battlefield. Ash stood on one side, and Brock on the other.
"The battle between trainer Ash Ketchum and Leader Brock is about to begin! Both trainers are allowed 2 pokemon, and only the challenger is allowed to substitute their pokemon!" Flint screamed.
"Alright here goes nothing." Brock said as he threw a pokeball forward. A Geodude came out and flexed his arms as he stood on the ground in front of Brock.
"A Geodude, I thought he'd have one. Alright I choose you Butterfree!" Ash shouted.
"Free!" Butterfree said as he flew out.
"An Butterfree, he must have just caught him. They aren't native to Kalos!" Flint screamed to Brock.
"Alright Geodude use rock throw!" Brock shouted.
"Geo!" Geodude shouted as he picked up 3 large rocks and hurled them at Butterfree. Ash could have easily used Confusion to stop them. But then again Brock didn't know about Confusion, which meant he could surprise him with it later. Ash decided to save that for later as an ace up his sleeve.
"Butterfree dodge and use Stun spore!" Ash shouted. Butterfree used his improved speed from Ash's training to easily avoid each rock before flapping his wings and letting out a sheet of spores.
"Dig!" Brock shouted. Geodude burrowed himself underground as the stun spores flew over the ground.
"Outstanding my son!" Flint shouted.
"Rollout!" Brock shouted. Geodude burst out of the ground spinning as he flew at Butterfree.
"Dodge it!" Ash shouted. Butterfree narrowly avoided Geodude as he flew past him.
"Gust!" Ash shouted.
"Free!" Butterfree shouted as he unleashed a powerful wind and hit Geodude. Ash knew the attack itself wouldn't do much damage, but he hoped that the force of it hurling Geodude into the ground would.
"Geodude dig as soon as you hit the ground!" Brock shouted. Geodude aimed his hands at the ground and began digging as soon as he hit. Because of this he was able to avoid the impact .
"Yes you're doing great!" Flint screamed.
"Come up and use Rock throw from behind!" Brock shouted. Geodude bursted out of the ground and flew up behind Butterfree before pelting him in the back with a barrage of rocks.
"Free!" Butterfree cried out in pain.
"Butterfree!" Ash shouted as he felt Butterfree's pain.
"Yes! You've got him now son!" Flint screamed.
"Hold on Butterfree!" Serena shouted.
"Geodude use dig." Brock said. Geodude burrowed himself underground as Butterfree tried to find where he would surface.
"Looks like it's time to pull the ace up my sleeve." Ash said.
"Geodude come under him and use Rock throw!" Brock shouted. His Geodude quickly flew up and hurled several rocks up at Butterfree.
"Confusion!" Ash shouted.
"Free!" Butterfree shouted as his eyes glowed violet and he caught the incoming rocks with his physic energy then hurled them back at Geodude.
"Geodude look out use Dig!" Brock shouted. Geodude trued to use dig, but the rocks were moving too fast, and smashed into him.
"Geo!" Geodude grunted as he was forced into the ground.
"Now use Steel wing!" Ash shouted.
"Steel wing!?" Brock shouted in complete surprise.
"Free!" Butterfree shouted as he flew in and smashed Geodude with his now metal wings.
"Geodude!" Brock shouted as his pokemon was knocked unconscious.
"Geodude is unable to battle. Don't be discouraged my son!" Flint screamed.
"Alright great job Butterfree."Ash said.
"Free!" Butterfree said sounding proud of himself.
"Geodude return, I'm still proud of you. Alright go Onix!" Brock shouted. The massive rock snake pokemon came out of his pokeball and roared at Ash and Butterfree.
"An Onix, this won't be easy." Ash said.
"Onix use Rock tomb into dig!" Brock shouted.
"Grouuh!" Onix roared as he hurled a barrage of rocks up and towards Butterfree the burrowed his way underground.
"Confusion!" Ash shouted. Butterfree used his Psychic energy to catch the rocks.
"Dig." Brock shouted as the rocks were hurled back towards the ground.
"Dragon tail!" Brock shouted. Butterfree burst out of the ground behind Butterfree and smashed his tail into Butterfree's back with all his might.
"Butterfree!" Ash shouted.
"Free!" Butterfree cried before smashing into the ground and fainting.
"Butterfree is unable to battle, outstanding son!" Flint screamed.
"Butterfree return, you battled great. Alright this is it, I choose you Pidgeotto!" Ash shouted.
"Ott!" Pidgeotto sqwuaked as he flew out.
"Onix use Rock tomb!" Brock shouted.
"Pidgeotto dodge and use Steel wing!" Ash shouted. Pidgeotto flew in avoiding or knocking the incoming rocks aside with his metal wings.
"Dig!" Brock shouted.
Onix quickly burrowed himself underground before Pidgeotto could reach him.
"Dragon tail!" Nix shouted. Onix's tail came out of the ground and smashed into Pidgeottos back.
"Nice work Onix." Brock said.
"Pidgeotto use Gust on the tail!" Ash shouted.
"Ott!" Pidgeotto shouted as he hit Onix's tail with wind and dragged the rest of Onix out of the ground.
"Steel wing!" Ash shouted. Pidgeotto flew forward and smashed his now metal wings into Onix's neck.
"Nice hit Pigeotto." Ash said.
"Onix use Dig." Brock said. The Onix burrowed his way underground once again as Pidgeotto kept his eyes on the ground looking for movement.
"Smack down!" Brock shouted. Onix burst out of the ground and hurled a curved rock at Pidgeotto.
"Dodge it!" Ash shouted.
Pidgeotto tried to move , but the rock was so small he didn't see it in time and was clipped by it. After the rock hit Pidgeotto was hurling to the ground.
"Wrap!" Brock shouted. Onix wrapped his immense body around Pidgeotto , squeezing him tighter and tighter.
"Ott!" Pidgeotto sqwuaked in pain.
"Come on Pidgeotto you can break free!" Serena shouted.
"That's it son you've got him on the ropes!" Flint shouted.
"Pidgeotto use Sand attack!" Ash shouted. Pidgeotto managed to move his talons up and hurl a burst of sand into Onix's eyes. The massive rock snake shook his head and fidgeted, unable to see clearly.
Now Pidgeotto could feel an opening as the wrap lost it's pressure hold on him,
"Steel wing!" Ash shouted. Pidgeotto flew up and smashed both his wings into Onix's face, knocking him out.
"Onix!" Brock shouted before his rock snake's head slammed into the ground.
Flint sighed.
"Onix is unable to continue. he winner is trainer Ash Ketchum."
"Alright we won Pidgeotto!" Ash shouted.
"Ott!" Pidgeotto sqwuaked sounding very proud of himself.
"Onix return, I couldn't ask any more of you." Brock said. After his Onix was return, Brock saw his father standing in front of him.
"Brock I want you to listen to me, I know this was your first battle as a gym leader and you were hoping to win. But loosing is part of being a gym leader, I've lost plenty of battles before, it happens. What matters is what you learn from it, and either way I'm proud of the way you battled." Flint said.
"Thanks dad, but." Brock said as Ash and Serena both nodded to him. Brock took a deep breath.
"Dad there's something I need to tell you." Brock said.
"What?" Flint asked.
"I, I don't want to be a gym leader." Brock said.
"What!?" Flint screamed so loud that it shook the gym again.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you this earlier, but It's just not my passion. I really want to become a pokemon breeder, I've always loved." Brock started.
"No! You are the gym leader Brock! You can't shirk your duties and you can't quit!" Flint screamed.
"What? But dad I." Brock started.
"No buts son, I've spent years preparing you to become gym leader and you will become the gym leader!" Flint shouted.
"Hey , if he doesn't want to become the gym leader you can't make him." Ash said.
Flint turned and faced Ash.
"I'm afraid this doesn't concern you Ash." Flint said.
"Brock's passion is to become a pokemon breeder, your's may be this but he's not you. You can't force Brock to become the gym leader if he doesn't want to." Ash said.
Brock was amazed at how Ash was standing up to his father like this, being how intimidating he could be.
"He is my son, and I know what's best for him." Flint said. That was when Ash had an idea.
"Wait Flint, you said earlier that you wished you could have one last real challenge before retiring right." Ash said.
"Yes." Flint said.
"What if I agreed to a one on one battle with you and I'll use one of my strongest pokemon." Ash said.
"H'mm, a NPC class trainer using one of his NPC class pokemon. I'm intrigued." Flint said.
"There's one condition, if I win then you let Brockl choose his own path." Ash said.
"Interesting, and if I win?" Flint said. Ash turned to Pidgeotto, what he was going to risk wasn't just his to wager. Pidgeotto was reluctant, but knew what it meant for Brock if Ash won and agreed.
"If you win, then I don't get a badge for beating Brock and he get's another chance to beat me." Ash said.
"What?" Brock said. He couldn't believe that Ash, someone he just met was willing to risk his gym badge in a battle against his father so he could choose his own path. Serena and Pikachu could both believe it, they knew that was the type of person Ash was.
"H'mm, it would be a very good battle. I haven't faced a worthy opponent for some time, very well Ash you have yourself a deal." Flint said. Forrest, who was watching from he sides, was very excited that he would get to see his father take on a professional trainer.
Ash stood on one end of the battlefield while Flint stood on the other.
"The battle between senior gym leader Flint and challenger Ash Ketchum is about to begin." Brock said.
"Alright time to show you the power of a rock hard pokemon. Go Golem!" Flint shouted. A colossal Golem came out of the pokeball and shook the ground as he slammed his feet into it.
The Golem was the largest and fiercest looking Golem he had ever seen.
"Geez, that Golem looks tough." Serena said.
"Alright we can do this. I Choose you , Pikachu!" Ash shouted. Pikachu leapt down onto the ground in front of As and growled as his cheeks sparked.
"A Pikachu? Then again, looks can be deceiving. I won't be underestimating him. Golem use Earthquake!" Flint shouted.
The Golem leapt up into the air and slammed his feet into the ground before a massive earthquake shook the entire building.
"PIkachu Agility!" Ash shouted. Pikachu leapt from place to place as rocks fell down, and leapt off them and safe areas of the ground.
"Iron tail!" Ash shouted.
"Defense curl!" Flint shouted. The massive Golem curled himself up as he tightened his defenses and braced himself.
Pikachu leapt up and slammed his now metal tail into Golem's body. Despite Pikachu's power, and how effective his attack was. Golem's strong defensive nature and his defensive curl allowed him to maintain his stance, while still taking damage though.
"Brick Break!" Flint shouted. Golem raised his arm and smashed it right into Pikachu's stomach, hurling Pikachu back.
"Use Stone edge!" Flint shouted.
"Pikachu use Agility and Iron tail! Ash shouted. The Golem smashed his hands into the ground and came up with dozens of sharp rocks before hurling them at Pikachu.
Pikachu turned his tail metal and used his agility to either avoid the rocks, or smash them to pieces with his tail.
"Bull doze!" Flint shouted. The massive Golem charged across the ground right at Pikachu.
"Pikachu use Iron tail between his legs. " Ash said. Pikachu leapt forward and between Golem's legs before smashing them both with his tail.
Golem tumbled forward rolling across the ground.
"Iron tail!" Ash shouted.
"Defensive curl!" Flint shouted. The Golem regained his footing and curled himself up in a defensive manner as he absorbed as much of Pikachu's attack as he could.
"Brick break!" Flint shouted. Golem slammed his right fist into PIkachu, hurling Pikachu back towards the ground.
"Earthquake!" Flint shouted. Golem slammed his feet into the ground causing a massive seismic quake that hit Pikachu and hurled him back.
"Pika!" Pikachu grunted in pain.
"PIkachu hold on!" Serena shouted.
"We've got him now, use Earthquake!" Flint shouted. Golem leapt up and smashed his feet back into the ground causing another seismic quake.
"Pikachu agility!" Ash shouted. Pikachu sprinted across the battlefield avoiding each seismic wave just as he did the first time.
"Stone edge!" Flint shouted.
"Iron tail!". Pikachu hurled his tail forward and smashed each of the rocks that came at him.
"Defense curl." Flint shouted.
"Between his legs!" Ash shouted. Pikachu leapt through Golem's legs and smashed them both with his tail. Golem lost his stance and fell forward before rolling onto his back.
"Iron tail!" Ash shouted.
"Pika chu!" Pikachu shouted as he leapt up and over Golem, before smashing his tail into Golem's face.
"Golem!" Flint shouted. Golem's eyes were swirly as he lay on the ground unconscious.
"Golem is unable to battle. The winner is Ash and Pikachu!" Brock shouted.
"Alright we did it!" Ash shouted.
"Pika!" Pikachu shouted.
"Yes, they did it!" Serena shouted. Flint sighed as he returned his Golem.
"Very well, a deal is a deal." Flint said as he walked over to Brock.
"Son, you need to know that I just wanted the best for you. Being gym leader has been one of the greatest honors I've ever had the privilege of being." Flint said.
"I know dad, but it's just not what I want to do." Brock said.
"So you really want to be a pokemon breeder. Well , if it truly is your passion, then perhaps it is for the best. It's just." Flint said as he started to tear up.
"With you gone who will take up the position as gym leader, I can't do it forever. Will our gym be doomed to end!" Flint screamed.
"Dad!" Forrest shouted.
Flint turned and saw his son in front of him.
"I've been trying to tell you this for months, I want to become the gym leader!" Forrest shouted.
"What?" Flint said.
"I've always wanted to become the gym leader like you. I love training pokemon and watching you battle trainers. It's what I want to do." Forrest said.
"Really!" Flint said as his tears of woe turned to tears of joy.
"I also want to be an officer in the military like you." Forrest said.
"You really want to join the marines!" Flint said.
"Actually the army." Forrest said.
"Well, I suppose I can compromise." Flint said.
"Dad you're forgetting something." Brock said as he pointed to Ash.
"Oh yes of course." Flint said as Forrest handed him a badge.
"Ash, for defeating the gym leader here you have earned the Boulder badge. " Flint said as he handed it to Ash.
"Alright one, down 7 to go." Ash said.
"PIka!".
"Ott!".
After another trip to the pokemon center, Ash and Serena made their way to the entrance of route 3.
"Alright route 3 should take us to Mt. Moon. We'll have to traverse through it to get to route 4, which will take us to Cerulean city." Ash said.
"You know Ash, that was a very kind thing you did today. Putting your badge on the line so Brock could pursue his own dream." Serena said.
"He has the right to pursue his own dream. It just seemed like the right thing to do." Ash said.
"Well it's thing like that that make me love you." Serena said as she wrapped her arms around Ash and passionately kissed him as his face turned red.
After a minute she withdrew.
"Come on let's go." Serena said. The two turned back to route 3 when they heard someone behind them.
"Hey wait!" A familiar voice shouted. Ash and Serena turned around and saw none other than Brock running towards them.
"Brock?" They both said.
"There you are." Brock said as he reached them.
"I never had a chance to thank you for what you did back at the gym. You risked your badge so I could have a chance to follow my dreams. That's one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me." Brock said.
"It was nothing, you were very kind to us this morning when you fixed Nidoran's leg." Ash said.
"So you two are traveling around Kanto right?" Brock asked.
"Yeah why?" Serena asked.
"I was actually wondering if well, I could join you." Brock said.
"What?" Ash and Serena said.
"Traveling around Kanto would allow me to see so many different types of pokemon and learn so much about them. It would be a great chance for me to start my path as a pokemon breeder. So if you wouldn't mind me traveling with you." Brock said.
Ash and Serena thought about it for a minute. In truth they had hoped for a chance to have a journey just the two of them. However, Brock seemed like a very kind and friendly young man and they remembered how great it was traveling in a larger group.
Pikachu also took a liking to Brock and thought it would be nice to have him along with the group. The 3 looked at each other and nodded.
"Brock we'd love for you to travel with us." Ash said.
"Really! Thanks you guys, we're going to have a great time traveling Kanto!" Brock shouted. Ash , Serena, and now Brock continued down route 3 towards Mt. Moon and their next adventure.
Author's note
Yup Brock has officially joined the group like I said he would.
For those of you wondering there will be another female traveling companion who will join the group. I won't say who, but I can tell you they haven't been introduced yet in this story. But I did hint at who they would be in one of my notes in the last story
Like in the last story Ash will not catch any legendary pokemon.
Like I said before I do plan on having Ash catch every pokemon that he caught in Kanto , and more. I won't spoil who the new ones will be though.
For those of you who may ask if Brock will have a thing for Serena again, the answer is no. That was a one time thing.
So until next time, please review, comment, suggest, or ask.