After arriving in Pewter City, Summer and Samir visit the Pewter City Museum and learn about the Legendary Birds. Samir and Summer then confide about seeing a member of a Legendary Trio. Summer will now challenge Brock for her first Gym Badge. During the battle, Summer starts to doubt if she can win. Will Summer be able to overcome her doubts?

Chapter 8- The Beginning of Chasing Dreams

Samir, Lightning, and I woke up to a bright morning and got ready for the day. I can't believe today's me first Gym battle! I nervously thought. As we packed up, I kept dropping my things. Lightning picked them up, but she knew why. We got breakfast from the cafeteria, but I could barely eat.

Samir noticed this and said, "You should calm down, Summer. You and your Pokémon worked hard for this challenge."

"Samir's right, Summer," Lightning said, holding onto my hand.

I took Lightning's paw and said, "Thanks, Lightning and Samir. We'll do our best." We then checked out and left the Pokémon Center. Samir, Lightning, and I headed to the Pewter City Gym, left of the Pokémon Center.

A tall, rocky, gray building with a sign saying "Pewter City Gym" greeted us. I became nervous again and hesitated going into the Gym.

"Come on, Summer," Samir said calmly. "Open the door and get the first step over with." I nodded and slowly walked to the door, but it suddenly swung open. I immediately jumped back, causing Lightning to fall off my shoulder. "You okay, Lightning?" I asked. Lightning got up and nodded. I looked up and saw Weldon emerging from the Gym with a smile on his face.

"That battle was so easy with Bulbasaur," he smugly said to himself. He then saw us and showed us a rock pin in his jacket. "Jealous, Summer?" he boasted.

I quickly smiled and said, "Not really, since I'll win today and get one too."

"Feeling overconfident again, Summer?" Weldon teased.

"Nope, just confident," I said, trying not to remember our last encounter. "My Pokémon and I will win."

Weldon gave a small sneer and said, "I'll wait for the results on Kanto TV. Well, I'm off to Mt. Moon for training. See you later." He walked off to Route 3, where the boy blocking the way let him through. Turning to face the door and taking a deep breath, I confidently opened the door, and we entered the Gym.

The Gym had a large battle arena filled with jagged rocks, a tall ceiling, a large screen television, and a flight of stairs leading to a viewing walkway.

Samir said, "I should go up to the walkway."

"Okay," I said. I then told Lightning, "Why don't you and Errol go with Samir and watch the battle?"

Lightning said, "Sure, Summer!"

I sent out Errol, and he said, "I wish you luck, Ms. Summer. Ms. Lightning and I shall cheer for you, Ms. Swirls, and Mr. Blaze!"

I smiled and said, "Thanks, you guys." Lightning and Errol followed Samir upstairs.

I walked into the battle arena and saw Brock coming out of a set of double doors.

"Hello, Summer," Brock said with a wave. "Welcome to the Pewter City Gym, the Rock-type Gym in Kanto. I've been looking forward to this battle since we met. Are you ready to start?"

I nodded and said, "A little nervous, but I'm ready."

A panel on Brock's right side opened up and showed two Pokéballs. He picked up both Pokéballs and attached them to his belt. A man wearing a referee's uniform came out from the double doors and stood in a small rectangle by the middle of the arena. The referee said, "This battle will be a two on two singles battle, with the challenger being allowed to switch her Pokémon. The challenger also has the first move. The winner will be decided when the opponent's two Pokémon are unable to battle. Do you agree to these rules, Summer from Hoenn?" I nodded and thought, It's finally time!

Brock took a Pokéball off his belt and said, "Alright, Geode, time for battle!" A boulder Pokémon with two arms came out of the Pokéball. He looked sturdy and ready for battle.

I recognized the Pokémon as Geodude and looked it up in my Pokédex. It said [Geodude, the Rock Pokémon. It climbs mountain paths using only the power of its arms. Because they look just like boulders lining paths, hikers may step on them without noticing.]

"Geode is a great Pokémon to battle against starting Trainers," Brock said. "Which Pokémon do you choose, Summer?"

"I have a pretty good idea," I said with a smile. "Let's go, Swirls!"

Swirls came out and said, "Time to party, dude."

Geode smiled and said in a deep voice, "Right back at ya."

The TV suddenly made a noise. I looked at the screen and saw my face and Brock's on the opposite ends of the screen. Two circles each appeared next to our faces, representing the number of Pokémon. Geode and Swirls' pictures lit up in the circles closest to our faces, and the other two circles were blank.

"I see," Brock said, stroking his chin. "Using type advantages is helpful, but we'll see how it goes."

The referee waved his arms and yelled, "Battle begin!"

I nodded and commanded, "Okay Swirls, use Bubble!" Swirls nodded and shot a strong stream of bubbles from her mouth.

Brock commanded, "Geode, charge through those bubbles with Tackle!" Geodude charged through the bubbles and got closer to Swirls.

Wait, I thought. That's similar to the strategy Weldon's Sparrow used on us! "Swirls, dodge to your right!" I commanded. Swirls dodged in time, surprising Geode. It worked! Swirls's flexible skin allowed it to dodge faster! I saw Geode took some damage from charging through the bubbles. "Okay, Swirls. Let's use that move you learned yesterday."

Swirls nodded and said, "Ready when you are, dudette."

I nodded and commanded, "Swirls, use Hypnosis!" Swirls focused her eyes on Geode, and they emitted purple glowing rings. The rings hit Geodude, causing him to fall asleep.

"What an unusual strategy," Brock said, slightly impressed. "Come on, Geode! You need to wake up!" Geode kept sleeping and ignored his commands.

"Yeah!" Swirls shouted confidently. She seemed to really enjoy the battle.

I then saw she had a glint in her eyes. I commanded, "Swirls, use Bubble again!" Instead of bubbles, Swirls shot a stream of water from her mouth. She and I were surprised, and I recognized the attack as Water Gun. Geode finally woke up, only to be hit by the stream Water Gun. Geodude fell back and fainted. On the TV screen, Geode's picture turned black.

The referee said, "Geode is unable to battle. Swirls is the winner!"

"Yes!" I cheered. "Great job Swirls!"

Swirls smiled and said, "Thanks, dudette."

I saw Swirls was getting a little tired and said, "Why don't you take a break, Swirls?" She nodded, and I returned her.

Brock returned Geode and said, "Not too bad for a new Trainer, using a status condition move to turn the tides."

"Thanks, Brock," I said, smiling at the compliment.

Brock took out his second Pokéball and said, "The battle's just beginning! Now, Onyx, show them your strength!" He sent out his last Pokémon, a long rock snake Pokémon who took up most of the height of the Gym.

I became a little nervous and thought, That Pokémon's huge! I scanned the Pokémon with my Pokédex. It said [Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. There is a magnet in its brain that prevents an Onix from losing direction while tunneling. As it grows older, its body becomes steadily rounder and smoother.] "This is going to be tough," I said to myself. I took out my other Pokéball and said, "Let's go, Blaze!"

Brock was surprised at my choice and said, "Interesting choice. Fire-type moves aren't effective against Rock types. You know that, right?"

I firmly nodded and said, "Yes, I know." Blaze looked ready to give it his all.

Onyx looked at the tiny Torchic and said, "Give me your best shot."

Onyx and Blaze's faces lit up the blank circles. The referee waved his arms and yelled, "Battle begin!"

"Okay Blaze, use Growl!" I commanded. Blaze growled loudly, stunning Onyx a little. But Onyx shook off the Growl as if nothing happened. I was surprised but knew this was the strength of a Gym Leader's Pokémon.

Brock smiled and said, "Onyx is used to loud noises from tunneling a lot underground. Now, use Tackle!"

As Onyx charged at Blaze, I commanded, "Dodge it!" Blaze easily dodged, but when Onyx hit the floor, the building shook.

"You have quick Pokémon," Brock acknowledged. "But I know how to deal with that. Onyx, use Rock Tomb!" Onyx summoned a circle of large boulders from the sky. The rocks fell down, trapping Blaze in the middle.

I was stunned and thought, What can I do? Blaze's trapped!

Then I heard Blaze say, "Summer, calm down! Think about how I can get out of here!"

You're right. Thanks, Blaze. I calmed myself down and thought of an escape route.

Brock commanded, "Onyx, use Tackle in the circle!"

As Onyx charged his head towards Blaze, I thought about the rocks blocking the way and the new move Blaze learned yesterday. "That's it!" I yelled. "Blaze, use Focus Energy, then Tackle through the rocks!" Blaze immediately focused himself and charged at a smaller rock. He burst through the rock, narrowly avoiding Onyx. "Yes!" I said to myself. Blaze smiled at me, but I noticed he took some damage from breaking through the rock. "Blaze," I said. "Take a break." Blaze was a little surprised but he nodded. I returned him and sent out Swirls. Blaze's picture showed a dark outline while Swirls's picture lit up again on the TV screen.

Brock stroked his chin and said, "Interesting decision. Let's see what happens now."

I need to end this soon. I don't know how long my Pokémon can continue! "Swirls, use Hypnosis!" I commanded. Swirls sent out the purple rings, but this time, Onyx blocked the attack with his tail. Swirls and I were surprised at the defense.

"We won't be tricked again!" Brock yelled. "Use Rock Tomb!" Onyx trapped Swirls in another circle of rocks. "Now use Tackle!"

Knowing Onyx's power, I commanded, "Quick, Swirls! Use Water Gun!" Although the Water Gun slowed Onyx down, he was still able to break through and hit Swirls. Swirls's picture turned black on the screen.

"Swirls is unable to battle. Onyx wins!" The referee shouted.

I sadly returned Swirls and said, "Thanks for your help."

"Is there a problem, Summer?" Brock asked. He noticed my sad face and said, "You can't doubt yourself and your Pokémon, no matter what happens during a battle. If you don't have faith in your Pokémon, you'll never win."

He's right. I can't doubt the trust I have with my Pokémon. We worked hard together, and we'll win together. I became determined and said, "Let's do this, Blaze!" I sent Blaze out again, who was still tired from earlier but ready to go. Blaze's picture lit up. I noticed Onyx was getting tired, and we were close to the end.

"All right, Summer!" Brock shouted. "Give me everything you got!"

"Okay!" I said with a smile. "Blaze, use Focus Energy!"

As Blaze focused himself, Brock smiled and commanded, "Onyx, use Bind!" Onyx grabbed Blaze with his tail and squeezed him. Blaze tried to squirm free, but it was no use.

I saw Blaze getting more tired and thought, This isn't good. There has to be a way to break that bind. "Blaze, use Ember!" I commanded. Blaze shot flames at Onyx's face but it didn't do much damage.

Brock said, "It's too late now, Summer."

No, it's not too late! Blaze and I will win! "Blaze," I commanded with a firm voice. "Don't give up! Use Ember again!" Blaze looked at me confidently and this time, Onyx groaned in pain from the flames and let Blaze go.

Brock became concerned and asked Onyx, "What's wrong?" I saw small flames coming from Onyx's body. "This isn't good. Onyx will not only take damage from the burn, but his moves are now weaker. But we can't give up either! Use Bind!"

"Quick, Blaze! Dodge and use Focus Energy!" I commanded. Blaze jumped out of the way and focused himself again. "Now use Ember!" The attack became stronger from the Focus Energy and hit the weakened Onyx. On the screen, Onyx's picture turned black. After Onyx collapsed onto the ground, the referee yelled, "Onyx is unable to battle! The winner is Blaze, and the victory goes to…Summer from Hoenn!"

I…I did it! I actually did it! I took a deep breath and sat on the ground, exhausted from the battle. Blaze ran towards me and I hugged him. "You did really well, Blaze," I said.

Brock returned Onyx and walked towards me. He held out his hand and said, "You and your Pokémon battled well."

I took it and got up with his help. "Thanks, Brock. I couldn't have won the battle without your advice."

Brock smiled and said, "I'm glad to help. I hope you remember that in future battles." He then took out a pin from his pocket and showed it to me. It looked like a brown stone. "This is the Boulder Badge, the symbol for defeating the Pewter City Gym."

My hand slightly trembled as I took the badge from Brock's hand. I carefully put the badge into my Badge case.

Brock said, "I'll update your Trainer status once you leave. Every time you beat a Gym Leader, you get a cash reward added to your Trainer ID. At this Gym, each winner receives 1,400 Pokédollars."

I was still in shock from winning, but I muttered, "Thank you."

Brock said, "Let's go see Samir." I nodded and followed him to the Gym lobby. When we got there, Samir and my Pokémon were waiting for us.

"Well done, Ms. Summer!" Errol said.

"Yeah," Lightning agreed. "You guys were awesome!"

"Thanks you guys," I said, fully recovered from the shock.

I then looked at Samir. He smiled and said, "Congratulations on winning your first Gym badge! You're now one step closer to the Indigo League!"

"Thanks, Samir," I said with a sad smile. "But now it's also time for your dream to start too."

Samir paused then frowned. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

Brock saw our faces and said, "Cheer up you two. This should be a great day for the both of you. And I'm sure you two will see each other again."

I nodded and smiled. "You're right, Brock." Samir agreed with me. I then remembered something he said yesterday. "So, Brock…" I slyly asked, "how was the date yesterday?"

Brock blushed and said, "Well…it didn't go as well as I wanted. She made fun of my frying pan pick-up line and my Pokémon's unoriginal nicknames." Brock then cleared his voice and said, "Anyway…" Brock took out his brown Pokégear. "why don't we exchange numbers? That way, we can keep in touch."

"Sure," I said, taking out my Pokégear.

After exchanging numbers, Brock told Samir, "It'll be some time until the orientation. Why don't you and Summer have lunch? I'll meet you at the museum."

"Sure, sounds great," Samir said.

Brock waved goodbye, and we left the Gym. We had a quiet lunch at the Pokémon Center. Our Pokémon were more upbeat than we were, and I felt they wanted to cheer us up.

"Hey, Summer," Samir said slowly. "Can we come say goodbye to you guys before we head to the museum?"

"Sure," I said, a little down. We finished lunch and walked to the entrance of Route 3. Thankfully, the tour boy was gone. I looked at Route 3, then back to Samir.

"Well," Samir slowly said. "Guess it's goodbye for now. Thanks for traveling with me."

I said, "Thanks for traveling with me, too. Good luck with your internship. Why don't we battle when we see each other?"

"Sure, I'd loved to see the changes in your team," Samir said.

"Likewise, Samir," I said with a smile. Samir and I side hugged, and he, Banksia, and Terry walked to the museum. I held back tears and Lightning nudged me.

"You okay, Summer?" she asked. She and my other Pokémon looked concerned.

I wiped my tears and said, "I'm fine, guys. Brock's right, we'll meet again. Now, let's go to Cerulean City!"

Everyone cheered and we walked on Route 3.

Pokémon: Blaze (Torchic): Brave Nature, moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Focus Energy

Errol (Hoothoot): Rash Nature, moves: Tackle, Growl

Swirls (Poliwag): Relaxed Nature, moves: Bubble, Hypnosis, Water Gun

Lightning (Pichu): Adamant Nature, moves: Thundershock, Charm, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

When will Summer and Samir meet again?

What should Brock do to finally get a date?