During her travels on Route 9, Summer encountered a rock climbing instructor named Al and went to his rock climbing class. There, not only did she learn about rock climbing, she also repaired a father and son's relationship. She received a rock climbing case, including a helmet with a flashlight that would be useful in Rock Tunnel. After recovering in the Pokémon Center, Summer encounters an up-and-coming Trainer and battles his Onix. When the Trainer loses, he angrily releases the Onix. Will Summer be able to help Onix recover from the mental abuse from his former Trainer?

Chapter 27: The Lonely Onix!

The six of us had a late breakfast in the Pokémon Center's café. Because this Center was smaller, the café only served breakfast and lunch. Most of us were really sore due to the events of yesterday's rock climbing class. I had a hard time getting out of bed earlier, so it was amazing I was actually able to move, let alone eat.

Trying to rest as much as possible, I walked, or what I believed was walking, to a couch where the Pokémon League Association Network was on TV. It was a channel dedicated to battle news, strategies, and updates to current League and official tournament rules. They even showed footages of high-ranking battles and major tournaments around the world. I slouched on the couch, trying to stretch and rest at the same time. Luckily, no one was in the building to judge me. Lightning jumped on the couch and joined me.

"We will now begin Rising to the Indigo League: Up and Coming Trainers for the week of October 27, 2003." After the opening theme, the screen showed a man in a dark suit. He shuffled some papers on his light blue desk and said, "We have three Trainers for our feature today. First off is Weldon Leland of Pallet Town."

A picture of Weldon's face flashed onto the top right of the screen. "This young Trainer hails from the place where many young Trainers begin their journeys in Kanto. He is the youngest sibling in the Leland family, known for their battling knowledge and prowess. His battle style is all-attack, with a defense based on his offense. His knowledge of battling makes him a fierce contender, and he is halfway to the Indigo League. The winner of one of the S.S. Anne's tournaments, he currently is a heavy favorite to win this year's league."

After the segment, another face showed on the top right. It was a girl with fair skin, green eyes, and strangely, pink, curly hair. "Candy Carter from Celadon City is poised to become the first female student at Celadon Technical University to graduate with full honors and a perfect GPA. She already has the academic equivalent of five Gym Badges and plans to compete in the Indigo League after graduation. Her battle style is attacks with flair and poise, with her entire team consisting of female Pokémon. She also does fashion shows and the occasional Contest."

I hate people like that…Perfect in everything…I hope I don't have to run into her before the League…

Candy's face changed to a slightly tan boy with spiky green hair and brown eyes. "And finally, we have Carlos from Viridian City. He is a member of the Ace Trainer Association, a group dedicated to hardcore battling and competitive spirit. His team consists of fierce Pokémon known for their battling skills. He also has four Gym Badges and is another contender for the Indigo League. He also has a victory dance that's catching on with young Trainers, and we hope to capture it on TV soon!"

What a strange Trainer…

"It appears that's all the time we have. Thank you for watching. Catch 'em all and battle the best!"

The show ended and a commercial about a new pinball game played on the screen. I carefully got up and stretched some more. The extra rest really helped, and I was ready to go through Rock Tunnel. Lightning saw my replenished energy and eagerly jumped onto my shoulder. After checking out, I thanked the nurse and headed outside. The mountain air smelled fresh, as if it recently rained, but I didn't remember any rain hitting the rooftop last night. Before I could ponder much, I saw the mountains and a sign pointing to Rock Tunnel.

The entrance was pitch black; even the sunlight from outside couldn't penetrate the cave's black lighting. Remembering the helmet I got from yesterday, I put my backpack down and tried to find the rock climbing case. I was about to take it out when a boy shouted, "HOLD IT!"

I immediately looked around, dropping the case. I was about to ask who was there when I saw a boy slightly older than me with spiky, green hair and lightly tan skin. He wore a red track jacket and windbreaker pants, white tennis shoes, and black sunglasses that covered his eyes.

"Hey...aren't you Carlos, from Viridian City?" I asked.

Carlos snickered and took off his sunglasses. He spoke in a slight Spanish accent. "Sí. I'm surprised you recognize me, Señorita Summer from Littleroot Town."

"Well, I just saw you on TV and...wait...How do you know who I am?"

"I've seen you on TV too, señorita. You're becoming quite a buzz in the Kanto Region. Not too many Trainers come from Hoenn, after all."

"Ummm...is that the only reason why you shouted at me?"

"One of them anyway." Carlos took out a Pokéball and shouted, "I challenge you to a 1 on 1 battle, Señorita Summer!"

Although I would have done the same thing, I decided to wait and see what his Pokémon was. "Sure, Carlos."

"Va, Onix!" The Rock Snake Pokémon landed on the ground with a large crash. He roared fiercely, trying to scare me.

I stood my ground and took out a Pokéball, "Let's go, Swirls!"

Swirls landed softly and looked at her much larger opponent. She also didn't show any fear, since she saw an Onix before.

"Onix, Rock Throw!" Carlos commanded, pointing his index finger at Swirls.

Onix growled in agreement. He formed a rock from his tail and threw it straight towards the Water type.

"Swirls, dodge then use Water Pulse!"

She nodded and jumped over the boulder. An orb of water formed from her right hand, and when it was charged, she threw it at her opponent's body. Onix wasn't able to dodge and roared in pain from the super effective attack.

"Venga, Onix! Shake it off and use Slam!"

Onix nodded and lifted his tail at a tremendous height. He then slammed it down, hitting Swirls on the head.

"Swirls, are you okay?"

Swirls rubbed her head and said, "No sweat, dudette."

Carlos grinned and shouted, "Finalmente! Finish her off with Iron Tail!"

Onix was hesitant, but started to charge his tail.

Sensing it would take some time to charge because he's a larger Pokémon, I commanded, "Swirls, use Hypnosis!"

Swirls' eyes glowed purple and she released the rings from her hands. Onix tried to protect himself, but the rings hit his eyes, making him drowsy and crash to the ground in slumber.

"No!"Carlos shouted, pulling at his hair. "Get up you, lazy Pokémon!" But Onix refused to wake up

Swirls and I immediately became upset. "You should treat your Onix better."

Carlos then looked at me with hatred in his eyes. "Don't tell me what to do! You don't know anything about me!"

Onix stirred from his Trainer's shouting and slowly got up. "Finally! Use Dragonbreath!"

I was hesitant to attack, but I remembered I could only help by finishing this battle. "Swirls, counter with Water Gun!"

Swirls shot a forceful spray of water while Onix released a stream of green fire from his mouth. The two attacks collided, but I saw Onix had a hard time with managing his attack. The Water Gun quickly overpowered the Dragonbreath, striking Onix in the face. Onix roared softly and crashed into the ground unable to move.

"Great job, Swirls," I praised, rubbing her slimy head.

"Awesome work yourself, dudette."

Lightning rummaged into my backpack and pulled out some Oran Berries I harvested a few days ago

"Here, Swirls," she said, offering her teammate the food.

Swirls gladly took them and ate one. "Thanks."

"Ay caramba! You lost again!"

We all looked at Carlos, who was yelling at his injured Pokémon. Onix cowered in fear and started to breathe heavily.

"I'm getting tired of having to babysit a weak Pokémon!"

He grabbed Onix's Pokéball and threw it on the dirt. He lifted up his right leg and smashed the Pokéball with great force. Onix was then surrounded by a blue sparkling light. "Now get out of here" Carlos shouted, waving his arms.

Onix started to cry and slithered into Rock Tunnel. Carlos was about to walk into the Pokémon Center when I angrily shouted, "What did you do to that Onix?!"

He looked at me and sneered, "I released him. No harm."

"You did harm him! You were supposed to take care of him and accept his weaknesses!"

"If you're so worried about him, you go after him."

"I will." I left in a huff and walked into Rock Tunnel, with Swirls and Lightning carrying my backpack and following suit.

As I entered the pitch-black cave, I remembered why Al said I should wear the helmet. I felt for Errol's Pokéball and when I found it, I sent him out. His wide brown eyes were illuminating in the darkness.

"Errol, can you help me find the helmet in the rock climbing case?"

"Right away, Ms. Summer!"

I heard him hopping to my backpack and rummaging through it.

"Uhh...Summer?" Lightning timidly asked. "Can we go back into our Pokéballs?"

"Yeah…" Swirls added. "It's a little gnarly in here."

"Sure, no problem. Thanks for letting me know." I found their Pokéballs on my belt and tried to find them while returning them. Luckily, the beams didn't cross and instead went towards their respective owners. When I put their Pokéballs back, I was slightly blinded by a bright light.

"Whoops! My apologies, Ms. Summer." Errol pointed the helmet away from my eyes and handed it to me. I put it on, adjusted it, and looked around the cave. Although the flashlight was bright, it didn't illuminate the entire room.

"Okay, we should spread out to find Onix," I said.

"Ms. Summer, I believe we should search as a pair. That, way we would not become lost."

"Good point, Errol. All right, lead the way!"

Errol happily bounced along and scanned the room for any large holes. We investigated every hole that would fit an Onix, but we couldn't find him. After about four hours roaming the three floors and quietly avoiding boys in Rhydon costumes arguing about their favorite Pokémon, I checked my Pokégear and saw it was 6pm.

"We should start camping out for the night, Errol. Although I want to keep looking, I'm pretty tired."

"Agreed, Ms. Summer. I spot a campground signpost and an opening. Perhaps we should camp there."

I nodded and followed Errol to the opening. When we got outside, we saw the sun starting to set over the mountain ranges west of us. We looked around the small campground protected by a ring of rocks. There was no one around, which made the place quiet and peaceful. I let everyone out, and we started to set up a small campfire.

As I was making the Pokémon food and setting a pot of water on the fire to boil, I heard Errol say, "Ms. Summer. A Pokémon's moving near the opening."

I looked in that direction and saw two large, narrow eyes staring at us. "Is that you, Onix? Don't be afraid."

"A-are you s-sure…?" he stuttered. His voice was deep, like Brock's Onix, but with a slight tone of fear.

"Of course! Right, everyone?"

They all nodded and made a space for him around the campfire. Onix slowly inched out of the cave and nervously made his way toward the open spot. When he saw everyone's genuine smiles, he felt more comfortable and started talking to everyone. Flower got him a spare food bowl and he nodded in thanks.

"All right everyone! Pokémon food's ready!" I shouted.

"Yay!" my Pokémon cheered. Everyone stood in line, got their share, and sat down, devouring the freshly made food. After that, I put some dried pasta into the boiling water and stirred it.

I saw Onix stayed in his spot and was confused at the Pokémon eating before their Trainer. I walked up to his bowl and poured some food for Onix.

"W-why are you feeding us first?" Onix asked.

"My food always takes longer to cook," I explained. "It's only fair to let everyone else eat first."

"Carlos never did that with us...We had to wait until late to eat dinner…and it's not freshly made food like this…"

Onix took a small bite of the food and growled happily. He then finished his meal in a large gulp. I smiled as I stirred my cooked pasta with some Oran Berries and dried herbs. While I ate, Flower spent the rest of the meal talking to Onix. I felt Flower understood his situation, as she comforted him with her vines and gentle smile.

When the sky turned dark, thousands of bright stars illuminated the night. We cleaned the dishes and got ready for bed. As I laid out my sleeping bag, a sudden gust of wind picked it up.

"Grab it!" I shouted. My Pokémon tried to reach for it, but the wind carried it upwards. Onix then quickly leaned out and grabbed my sleeping bag, returning it to me.

"Thank, Onix!" I was about to pet him but he slightly recoiled back.

"I'm sorry...I'm still not used to anyone touching me…"

"It's okay if you don't want to be petted. I understand."

Onix pondered this. "Will you ever hurt me?"

I was confused but worried about Carlos' influence on his mentality. "I would never hurt you or any Pokémon in anger. I learned that lesson when I first started on my journey, and I never want that feeling again."

Onix saw the sadness in my eyes and moved his head closer to my hand. My eyes brightened and I slowly petted him. He gave a soft, happy growl, closing his eyes in contentment.

"Now," I said, "to find a place with no wind."

"Let me solve this." Onix curled into a large circle, creating a large wind barrier. "This should keep everyone safe."

"Thank you, Onix. That's nice of you."

Everyone thanked him as well, and we climbed into the circle. After making ourselves comfortable, we watched the stars until we slowly fell asleep.

We all woke up to the sunrise and the Spearow screeching. I prepared breakfast while everyone else got the bowls ready. Onix helped Lightning put the sleeping bag away. After I gave the Pokémon their food, I ate my breakfast of circle oat cereal with Oran Berries.

Onix is really a great Pokémon, despite the abuse he got. Maybe...maybe I should…

"Summer?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and saw Lightning looking at me.

"We're ready to go. We packed everything."

"Oh, thanks everyone. I was just thinking about something."

I was about to return my Pokémon when I noticed Onix looked sad. He then turned towards the opening and began to crawl towards it.

I stretched out my hand and shouted, "Wait, Onix!"

He turned around, and asked, "What is it?"

I looked at my Pokémon, who were also curious about my reaction. I took a deep breath and kept my hand out. "Onix. Would like to join us on our journey?"

Onix was shocked. "W-what? Why me?"

"You're quite strong despite what Carlos says. You're also kind and very understanding. I would love it if you can battle alongside us. And if it's okay with you, can I nickname you Rocky?"

Onix was touched by my compliments, but he hesitated. After some thought, he lightly touched my hand with his tail. "I'd love to join you...Summer."

I smiled back and took out my last spare Pokéball. "Let's do our best, Rocky!"

I threw my Pokéball at him, and he happily let it hit his head. Rocky was captured inside, and the Pokéball shook three times, then sat still. I picked up the Pokéball and happily returned everyone except for Errol.

"Ready to continue, Errol?" I asked, putting on my backpack and helmet.

He saluted. "Of course Ms. Summer!"

He happily hopped into the dark cave and I followed him. After a few hours, we made it outside and saw a tall tower in the distance. I was about to return Errol and head in that direction when I saw Carlos looking at the mountains.

Carlos saw me and took off his sunglasses again. "So, you've actually made it out. Did you find that weak Onix?"

I gave a small smile, trying to hide my anger. "As a matter a fact, I did."

Carlos laughed and wiped away some tears. "How pitiful. You of all Trainers should know better."

"Make him rue those words, Ms. Summer!" Errol shouted.

I nodded at Errol and looked at Carlos angrily. "Maybe it's you who should consider that statement. Why don't we have another battle?"

Carlos chuckled and took out a Pokéball. "Por supuesto. I have a feeling I know who you're going to choose."

I took out Rocky's Pokéball. "Rocky, let's show Carlos our bond!"

Rocky came out and saw his former Trainer. He immediately crawled behind me, cowering.

Carlos laughed again. "What a coward."

"Don't talk to my Pokémon like that!" I angrily defended. Errol also angrily glared at the antagonistic Trainer.

"We'll see after this battle. Va, Weepinbell!"

A yellow bell-shaped Pokémon with a wide mouth and two leaves on his side came out of Carlos' Pokéball. His large eyes stared angrily at Rocky. I took out my Pokédex and scanned the unusual Pokémon.

[Weepinbell, the Flycatcher Pokémon and the evolved form of Bellsprout. At night, a Weepinbell hangs on to a tree branch with its hooked rear and sleeps. If it moves around it its sleep, it may wake up to find itself on the ground.]

"Come on, Rocky," I said, petting his head. "Let's make our first battle together count."

Rocky saw my smile and felt reassured. He left his hiding place and crawled in front of Weepinbell and Carlos.

Carlos ran his right hand through his hair. "This should be facíl. Weepinbell, Razor Leaf!"

Weepinbell shook his leaves, releasing a flurry of smaller leaves toward Rocky's head.

"Rocky, dodge then use Rock Throw!"

Rocky listened to my commands and eagerly moved his head to the right. He then created a rock with his tail and threw it at his opponent.

Carlos grinned. "No está mal, but it's pointless. Weepinbell, dodge with Vine Whip and use Poisonpowder!"

Weepinbell released two vines from his sides and used them to push his body away from the hurtling rock. He then opened his mouth and released a cloud of purple spores. Rocky couldn't dodge the spores, and when they touched him, he twitched in pain. He looked a little sick and slightly purple, but he still wanted to keep battling.

This looks bad… Carlos has a good strategy since he knows Rocky's strengths and weaknesses. But I think I know how to counter that defense.

"Rocky, use Dragonbreath!"

As Rocky breathed in deeply, Carlos chuckled. "Seriamente? That's your next move? Weepinbell, you know what to do."

Weepinbell nodded and used his vines to jump into the air.

I grinned at Weepinbell's decision. "Now, Rocky! Use Slam!"

Rocky smiled as well, lifted up his enormous tail, and smashed it over Weepinbell's head. Because the Grass and Poison type Pokémon had a harder time dodging attacks in midair, he took the full damage and crashed into the ground.

"No!" Carlos screamed, pulling at his hair. "Get up, Weepinbell!"

His Pokémon slowly got up, but he looked exhausted.

"Great job, Rocky!" I praised. "You're doing really well!"

"Thanks, Summer," he said, still wincing in pain from the poison. "It's actually really fun battling with you."

Rocky's tail suddenly began to glow silver. I realized his tail kept glowing, meaning he could fully use Iron Tail.

"H-how did you get him to perfect Iron Tail?" he asked in shock. "I was trying to teach him that for weeks!"

I sheepishly answered, "I guess it's in response to our bond of Pokémon and Trainer…"

Carlos paused at my words, then angrily commanded, "Weepinbell, finish this battle with Mega Drain."

As Weepinbell focused a green energy through his closed mouth, I commanded, "Quick Rocky, use Iron Tail!"

Rocky nodded, and despite his pain, swung his silver tail onto Weepinbell's face. Weepinbell rolled backwards but kept focusing. Before I could do anything, Carlos' Pokémon opened his mouth and used the energy that absorbed Rocky's energy. As Rocky groaned in pain, the cumulative effects of the poison made his body shake. He collapsed onto the dirt, unable to move. Although Weepinbell absorbed the remainder of Rocky's energy, he collapsed from exhaustion.

"Todo bien!" Carlos enthusiastically shouted. "I did it! Go, me!"

As he did his victory dance, I immediately ran over to Rocky.

"Are you okay, Rocky?" I asked.

Rocky didn't answer me, and I became worried. Once I got towards his head, I saw big tears streaming from his closed eyes. I gave Errol a silent nod, and he immediately rummaged into my backpack. I then looked at my newest Pokémon, sat down, and softly petted him. Rocky stopped crying and sadly looked at me, as if he wanted to apologize.

"You did really well, Rocky," I praised, continuing to pet him. "You even perfected Iron Tail, despite us battling for the first time. That's a great accomplishment."

"T-thank you, Summer," Onix whispered, giving a soft smile.

"Here you are, Ms. Summer," Errol said, hopping over to us. He had a pile of Sitrus and Pecha Berries in his wings.

"Thanks, Errol." I took the Berries from Errol and fed them to Rocky.

The Rock Snake Pokémon immediately felt better and stood up. He then nudged me and Errol, and we had a group hug. I was about to return Rocky I saw Carlos. He stopped dancing and was confused by my actions with Rocky.

Carlos asked, "Why aren't you upset, Señorita Summer? You lost!"

I got up and said, "Just because we lost, doesn't mean I need to scold my Pokémon. That's not how Pokémon should be treated. If you acknowledge the loss, help them heal, and continue working with them, you'll be able to do much more than just win battles."

"More than winning battles? I'm a little confused."

"Take my Hoothoot Errol for example. We practiced his Foresight to detect things besides fast-moving Pokémon. It was a lot of work, but it was also fun when he was able to do it. Without him, I wouldn't be able to get out of Rock Tunnel faster."

Carlos thought about my words carefully. "I…I never thought of that. No one has ever shown me any other way of treating Pokémon. I always cared about winning that I didn't consider my Pokémon's feelings at all. If you could bring out Onix's-or should I say Rocky's-power from giving him encouragement, maybe I should do the same. I'm sorry I treated you that way, Rocky."

Rocky nodded and shook Carlos' outstretched hand. The Trainer then walked towards his wounded Weepinbell and picked him up. "Weepinbell, lo siento. I made you work so hard without considering your feelings. I promise to work with you and my other Pokémon and get stronger together."

Weepinbell was surprised by his Trainer's kind words but softly nodded in agreement. Carlos smiled and returned him. He then put his sunglasses back on and said, "Good luck on your journey, Señorita Summer. I hope we can meet again soon."

I giggled and said, "Likewise, Carlos. Good luck with working on the bonds with your Pokémon."

Carlos nodded and walked back into Rock Tunnel. I returned Rocky and was about to send out Lightning when a dark fog covered the air.

"Umm…Errol?" I nervously asked.

"Yes, Ms. Summer…?"

"Could you lead the way to the Lavender Town Pokémon Center?"

He saluted. "Of course, Ms. Summer! Follow me!"

He hopped into the fog and followed him into it, unaware of the events happening in the town.

Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy

Errol (Hoothoot, male): Rash Nature, moves: Foresight, Growl, Hypnosis, Peck; learning- Confusion

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss

Flower (Bulbasaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder

Rocky (Onix, male): Lonely Nature, moves: Rock Throw, Slam, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Questions for the Chapter:

What do you think of Summer's last addition to her Kanto team?

What do you think of Carlos?

What awaits Summer in Lavender Town?