Ash and Co. made it to Pewter City but as they did Ash was standing on a big rock.
"This is great!" Ash cheered in delight. "We are here in Pewter City now we can challenge the gym leader, right Pikachu?"
"Pika, Pika!" The electric mouse cheered
"Hold on Ash!" said Misty "Frist we got to get some rest."
"She right Ash." Serena agreed. "We are a little tired on the way here."
" Yeah big bro me too." Said little Zackie.
"Okay..." Ash sighed but understand his friends.
"Hey you kid!" a voice suddenly shouted.
Ash then turn and looked down at the from of the rock was a hermit with a red winter hat on his head he also had a beared on his face and cargo pants with an out doors shirt.
"Get off my rock!" He said "It's for sale."
"Oh sorry sir." Ash apologize while getting off the rock. "I did see you there."
The man then look at the kid with a stern look. "You're new here aren't ya?"
"Yeah me and my friends here are going to challenge the Pewter City gym." Ash said
"Oh you're not planning on using that Pikachu are you?" The man asked.
"Well yeah why?" Ash asked
"Well Brock's rock type are also ground types." The man said "And Electric moves are useless against them."
"Oh really?" Ash asked
"Friendly advice you might want to come up with a new strategy." The man said
"Thanks for the advice Mr." Ash said "But I'm sticking with Pikachu and the rest of my Pokémon."
"Well okay then my named is Flint by the way." The man said as he lean back against the rock.
"I'm Ash Ketchum." Ash replied as he ran to Pewter City. "And I'm going to beat the gym leader."
"Yeah Ash wait for us!" Misty shouted as she Serena, and Zackie fallow Ash.
But as they were running Flint said "Ketchum?"
Meanwhile as Ash and his friends running to the city something in the trees were watching them it was mostly tan furry looking creature.
Ash and his friends made it to Pewter City but when they made it to the gym the sign said 'Gym Leader will be back at five.
"Looks like we have some time to kill before we can challenge the gym leader." Ash said half disappointed but understanding e"Wat do you guys want to do in the meantime?"
"Well, there's a museum here that has a lot of rare fossils." Zackie said "We could check that out."
"Or we could grab some lunch." Said Misty
"Both of those sound like good ideas. Let's split up and meet back here at five to challenge the gym leader." Ash said
"Pika! Pikachu!" Creed Pikachu.
Ash Serena, Misty, and Zackie made their way to the Pewter City museum and saw the Pokemo on fossils like Aerodactyl Omanyte, and Kabuto. They were indeed amazed.
"Wow!" Zackie said in awe. "So cool big bro look!"
"Yeah they do Zackie." Ash agreed. "Wish they were still around."
"You know guys I've heard in Cinnabar Island they've got some kind of machine that can revived this Pokémon." Misty explained.
The others were very superseded and excited the idea of seeing this Pokémon alive.
"All this talk about fossil Pokémon reminds me of a friend back at summer camp." Ash took this moment Reminist of those days.
But little did they knew a few shady looking fellows were looking at the fossils and they had more sinister motives in mind.
"Remember what the boss said." One of them were whispering to the other. "Once we know what we need to know about these things we can learn how to used these Fossil Pokémon for Team Rocket."
"Right." They all whispered back.
It was now five pm and the gang when back at the Pewter City Gym. Ash was all fired up for having his frist gym battle Serena was a little concerned about Ash being over confident, While Misty just shacked her head in annoyance and Zackie was happy her get to see his brother battle.
They then entered and when they did they saw that the gym had bleachers sets for those to watch the battle. They then turn to see the battle field and it was a rocky terrain Appropriate for the Rock-type of Brock's gym.
"Who goes there?" A voice said
Ash and his friends turn to see a teenager with brown hair and his eyes naturally appear closed. In Red and Blue, he was shirtless and wears a pair of blue jeans and black shoes. In Yellow, Brock wears a red vest with a black T-shirt with white short sleeves, blue jeans, and sneakers. In Gold and Silver, he wears a long-sleeved orange shirt with black lining over a black v-neck shirt and green pants.
"I'm Ash Ketchum." Ash said being over Confidently "I'm here to challenge the gym leader!"
"I see well you've found him." Said the teen. "I'm Brock Harrison, Pewter City's Gym Leader. You can see just by looking at my Pokémon how rock hard my willpower is. My Pokémon are all hard as rock and have true-grit determination! That's right! My Pokémon are all Rock types! You're going to challenge me even knowing that you'll lose? That's what a Trainer's honor demands! So be it! Show me your best!"
"Well we'll see about that let's battle!" Ash said.
Ash and Brock were now standing on the opposite sides of the Battlefield. While Zackie Serena, and Misty were setting on the bleachers.
"Before we begin I must asked how many badges you have?" Brock asked
"None...Yet." Ash said.
"Well then that means this is your first gym battle." Brock said "Then I'll used only two of my lower level Pokémon."
"Forrest get over here!" Brock shouted.
Then a boy who looks like Brock but it's about Zackie's age, entered the room and stand at the right side of the battlefield.
"This is my younger brother Forrest he'll be acting as referee for this battle." Brock said "He'll be explain the rules."
"Challenger since this is your first gym battle with no badges you can used as many Pokémon as you can." Forrest said "Likewise you are the only one who can substitute Pokémon during this battle, there are no time limits. You guys can send out you're Pokémon now!"
"Pidgey I choose you!" Ash said as he pulled out his Pokeball and sends out the tiny bird Pokémon.
"Pidgey!"
"Pidgey huh?" Brock said while disappointed while pullling out his Pokeball. "Bad choice...You failed to realize that Flying-Type Pokémon are weak against my Rock-Types like this one let's rock Geodude!"
Brock sends out his Pokeball and out came a rock with a mouth eyes and two arms with large hands on each ends.
"What's that Pokémon?" Ash asked as he pulled out his pokedex and it said. "That's Geodude, a Rock/Ground-type Pokémon," the Pokédex chimed. "Geodude is known for its sturdy body and powerful punches."
"Well Geodude may look strong but we'll still take it on!" Ash said Confidently.
"Battle began!" Forrest said.
"Pidgey use Quick Attack!" Ash ordered.
"What the?" Ash asked in shocked.
"What just happened?" Zackie asked
"Two things really." Misty said "Geodude is a Rock-Type so Pidgey's normal and Flying type moves won't do much damage plus with the effects of defense curl boosting Geodude's defense making it like trying to hit a wall."
"And now I think Geodude is about to counter attack!" Serena said.
Brock shouted, "Geodude, use Rock Throw!"
Then the Rock-Type Pokémon summoned some energy rocks and threw them at Pidgey.
Pidgey got hit by move and it fell to the ground face first.
Ash asked, "Pidgey, are you okay?" He was worried about his Pokémon.
"Pidgey," the flying-type responded.
Ash said, "Okay, back in action." He pointed at Pidgeot and said, "Pidgey, use Sand-Attack!"
Pidgey flapped its wings and used sand to attempt to blind Geodude.
Ash thought to himself. "We might not be able to take on Geodude head to head, but we can at least lower its accuracy to buy us enough time to come up with a counter attack."
"Rock Tomb!" Brock ordered.
Then Geodude summoned larger rocks and despite the Sand-attack, it was still able to hit Pidgey with a very super effusive damge.
"Pidgey!" The Flying fell to the ground knocked out.
"Pidgey!" Ash shouted.
"Pidgey is unable to battle Geodude wins." Forrest declared.
Ash then return Pidgey to it's pokeball. "Good job Pidgey, get some rest."
Ash took a deep breath, trying to come up with a strategy to turn the battle around. He knew he needed a Pokémon that could withstand Geodude's Rock-type attacks while also providing an advantage. After a moment of contemplation, Ash made a decision.
"Alright, Butterfree, I choose you!" Ash exclaimed as he sent out his butterfly-like Pokémon. Butterfree emerged from its Poké Ball, fluttering its wings gracefully.
"Okay, Butterfree, we need to focus on lowering Geodude's accuracy," Ash instructed. "Start off with a Supersonic attack!"
Butterfree obeyed, using its Supersonic move to send confusing sound waves towards Geodude. The waves enveloped the Rock-type Pokémon, causing it to waver and stumble a bit.
"Now, Butterfree, follow up with your Stun Spore!" Ash commanded.
Butterfree released a cloud of paralyzing spores towards Geodude. The spores floated in the air, aiming to make contact with the Rock-type Pokémon and potentially paralyze it.
Geodude tried to evade the spores, but its accuracy was compromised due to the Supersonic attack. Some of the spores managed to land on Geodude's rocky exterior, causing it to slow down and its movements to become sluggish.
"Now's our chance, Butterfree!" Ash encouraged. "Use your Gust attack!"
Butterfree beat its wings rapidly, creating a powerful gust of wind that swept towards Geodude. The force of the wind combined with Geodude's reduced accuracy caused the Rock-type Pokémon to lose its balance.
"Great job, Butterfree!" Ash exclaimed, feeling a surge of hope. "Now, finish it off with a powerful Confusion!"
Butterfree's eyes shimmered with a silvery glow as it unleashed a barrage of energy towards Geodude. The Confusion attack struck true, dealing a significant amount of damage to the Rock-type Pokémon.
Geodude struggled to regain its composure, but the combined effects of the Supersonic, Stun Spore, and Gust attacks had taken their toll. It stumbled and finally collapsed, unable to battle any longer.
Forrest then said"Geodude is unable to battle! Butterfree wins!" The referee announced Ash's victory.
Ash grinned and pumped his fist in the air. "Great job, Butterfree! You did it!"
Butterfree flew back to Ash, landing on his shoulder as he recalled the victorious Pokémon. Ash turned to face Brock, determination burning in his eyes.
"Alright, Brock, I'm not giving up! Get ready, because I'm just getting started!" Ash declared, ready to continue the battle with his newfound confidence.
Brock recalled Geodude back in it's pokeball and then turn back to Ash and said "Not bad Ash but I've still got one Pokémon left, Onix let's Rock!"
Brock then threw his Pokeball and out came a large rock snake like Pokémon.
"Oooonnniixx!" It roared
Ash then pulled out his pokedex while saying "What's that Pokemon?"
The Dex then said "Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. Onix has a body made of rock that is extremely hard and durable. It tunnels deep underground at high speeds, causing tremors in the earth. Its massive size and strength make it a formidable opponent."
"Is that kind of thing is allowed for trainers starting out for battle?" Zackie asked
"Well Ash should be lucky Brock is just using his weaker rock types." Misty said
"Come one." Serena said worrisome.
"We'll still take it on, Butterfree use Stun Spore!" Ash ordered
Butterfree then flapped it's wing and spray its spores.
"Dodge it and use Rock Tomb!" Onix avoid the attack and then unleashed energy rocks that hitting Butterfree with super effusive damge.
"Butterfree!" Ash cried out as he saw the Bug type hitting the ground.
"Butterfree is unable to battle Onix wins!" Forrest declared.
"Oh poor Butterfree." Serena said sadly.
"Don't worry Serena." Zackie said turning to her. "Remember Ash have two Pokémon left."
"Yeah but there Pikachu and Charmander." Misty said "A very bad type mach ups."
Ash then return Butterfree to his Pokeball and said "You did great Butterfree take some rest."
Ash then thought to himself. "Onix looks really strong so need to hit him really hard."
"Okay Pikachu I choose you!" Ash said as he ordered Pikachu to the field.
"Pika" Pikachu then leaped to type field ready for battle.
"Pikachu huh?" Brock said "It's at it's cutest stage...It can't win."
"Oh yeah well see about that Pikachu used Thundershock!" Ash ordered
The electric mouse then zapped the giant rock snake. But nothing happened as Onix took no damage much to Ash's shock.
"What the?" Ash said superman.
"Clearly you haven't been doing your homework." Brock said "Electric type moves are useless against ground-types like Onix. Now you'll have to pay the price for it. Onix use headbutt!"
The Rock-type charged at Pikachu head frist hitting Pikachu with great force and it was send flying.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted seeing his friend on the ground. "Are you okay?"
Pikachu then got up damaged but still ready for a fight.
"Okay then we'll used Quick Attack!" Ash ordered.
"Pika!"
Then with great speed Pikachu was able to hit Onix but the rock-type looks to have token no damge.
"Normal type moves are not very effective on rock-types." Brock said "Onix use Rock Throw!"
Onix then summoned energy rocks to smashed Pikachu with great power and knocking Pikachu out.
"Pikachu no!" Ash shouted
"Pikachu is unable to battle Onix wins!" Forrest declared.
Ash then ran to Pikachu and then picked it up.
"You okay buddy?" Ash asked
"Pika Pika." The electric mouse said weakly but with a Reassuring smile.
Ash then gave Pikachu to Serena who glade to look after it while Ash return to the battle with his last Pokémon.
"The battle not over yet, This one for Pikachu!" Ash declared pulling out his final Pokeball. "Charmander I choose You!"
"Charmander!" Out came the fire type ready for battle.
"Other bad move." Brock said "Fire type Pokémon are weak against Rock-types."
"Oh yeah well that doesn't mean I'll give up Charmander use Ember!" Ash said
The fire type then shot embers from it mouth and hit Onix but like before with Pikachu's quick attack it did little damge.
"Hmmp. Onix use Bind!" Brock ordered.
Onix the wrapped around Charmander and squeezing it.
"Now use Rock Throw!" Brock ordered.
Onix then shot more rocks and hit Charmander squarely and the fire was not back on the ground.
"Come on Charmander you can do this!" Ash yelled "Get up!"
Charmander then picked himself up not wanting to give up.
Brock then thought to himself. " His tenacity is admirable but it will be enough."
"Okay Charmander use Scratch!" Ash ordered.
The Fire-type the charged at the rock-Type but still did little damge.
"Onix end this with Rock Tomb!" Brock ordered.
The Rock-type the unleashed large energy rocks and hit Charmander with great power and Charmander is out.
"Oh no Charmander!" Ash saod as he picked up his Fire-type friend.
"Charmander is unable to battle Onix wins!" Forrest declared "And the winner is the gym leader Brock!"
"Ah man Ash lost." Zackie said sadly.
"Don't worry Zackie." Serena said "Ash well get a rematch right?"
Serena turning to Misty who said "Well it's up to them really. I just hope Adh learn something from this."
Brock then recalled his Onix back in it's pokeball and then walk straight to Ash.
"Hey, Ash," Brock began, his voice filled with both understanding and determination. "I know losing can be tough, especially when you put everything you have into a battle. But remember, every defeat is an opportunity to learn and grow as a Trainer."
Ash looked up at Brock, his eyes still reflecting his disappointment. "But Brock, I thought I had a good strategy. What went wrong?"
Brock nodded, acknowledging Ash's frustration. "Your strategy was good, Ash, but battles aren't just about strategy. They're also about experience and knowing your Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses. In this case, your Charmander was at a disadvantage against my Onix, a powerful Rock and Ground-type Pokémon."
Ash frowned, his brows furrowing. "So what should I have done differently?"
Brock smiled reassuringly. "First, remember that type matchups are crucial. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of different Pokémon types is essential. Water and Grass-types have an advantage against Rock-types, so if you had a Pokémon like Squirtle or Bulbasaur, they might have fared better in this battle."
Ash's eyes lit up with realization. "I see! So it's not just about my Pokémon's moves, but also about their types and matchups!"
"Exactly," Brock replied, pleased to see Ash grasping the concept. "But that's not all. Building a strong bond with your Pokémon is equally important. You need to understand their abilities, personalities, and train them to their fullest potential. That way, you can bring out their strengths even in the toughest battles."
Ash nodded, a newfound determination shining in his eyes. "You're right, Brock. I won't let this defeat discourage me. I'll train harder, learn more about type matchups, and build stronger bonds with my Pokémon."
Brock patted Ash on the back, a proud smile on his face. "That's the spirit, Ash! Remember, every great Trainer faces setbacks, but what matters is how you bounce back and grow from them. I believe in you, and I'm sure you'll become an amazing Pokémon Trainer."
With those inspiring words, Brock stepped back, giving Ash some space to reflect on their conversation. Ash took a deep breath, feeling a renewed determination surging through his veins. He knew that with hard work, perseverance, and the guidance of his friends and mentors, he would become the Pokémon Master he aspired to be.
And so, with his head held high, Ash made a promise to himself that he would never stop learning, never stop improving, and never give up on his dreams. The road to becoming a Pokémon Master might be long and challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on, armed with the lessons he had just learned from his defeat.
Later Ash Serena, Zackie, and Misty went to the Pokémon center so he can health up his Pokémon. But while they were waiting Zackie was having some Snacks while looking after the Pokémon egg. Misty was reading a Magazine with elite four member the ice warrior Lorelei on the cover. Then there Serena feeding her Pokémon Bulbasaur and Nidoran, but then she turn to Ash who was thinking what he could do for his rematch with Brock.
"Hey Ash." Serena said getting his attention.
"Yeah?" Ash asked.
"I'm sorry you lost your frist gym battle." Serena said.
"It's fine." Ash said "But I'm not giving up just yet. All I need is a new Stragy but how?"
Serena was happy to her that and as she was turning back to her Pokémon she saw a poster that said. 'Pewter City Contest' and it peeked her interest.
"Pokémon contest?" Serena said
To be continued