Episode 5: Showdown At the Pewter City Gym
Over to Team Rocket, they started digging a hole, hoping that it'll trap Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel at the bottom.
"Jessie, I'm getting tired," James groaned.
"Stop your complaining!" Jessie scolded him. "If we want to capture Pikachu we have to dig up this pit trap pretty fast!"
"That's right!" James agreed. "If they're heading to Pewter City, they'll be coming this way!"
"So stop flapping your gums and keep digging!" Meowth said.
Team Rocket kept digging until the hole was deep enough. Then they concealed so well, they couldn't even tell where it is.
"Where's the trap?!" James exclaimed.
"Start looking for it," Jessie said.
"Is it here?"
"Or here?"
"Over here!"
They kept looking for it until they just gave up. They felt the ground move beneath their feet. Before they could look down, they fell right into their own trap.
"Why do I feel like a certain coyote?" James groaned.
"Meep meep..." Meowth said dazed from the fall.
Over to Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel, they finally made it out of Viridian Forest after venturing through for days. His recent encounter with the Heartless made Sora more skillful in a fight.
"There it is," Sora said.
"Pewter City," Kairi said also. "This is the first time that I have been here."
"You mean that you never been to Pewter City before?" Sora asked surprised.
"Well no," Kairi admitted. "I've lived in Viridian City my whole life. I have only been out sometimes to go on walks and pick the flowers that grew in them Also, I told you about camping with my dad."
"Right. We should hit the Pokémon Center as soon as we get there," Sora said.
"Good idea," Kairi nodded. "Our Pokémon must be pooped." She looked at Pikachu and Angel, and Sora nodded in agreement.
Sora and Kairi walked towards the city, so Sora stopped to rest his feet sitting on a nearby rock. Pikachu and Angel also took a break.
"Man, it's good to finally sit down after a long walk," Sora said.
"Chu," Pikachu huffed.
"Vee," Angel said.
"Pewter City is gray," a man's voice spoke. "The color of stone. This town has always been famous for stone."
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel looked down to see a tanned-skinned bearded man wearing a red bodega hat. His eyes seems to be squinted, it hard to tell if was awake or asleep.
"Who are you, mister?" Sora asked the man.
"The name's Flint," the man introduced himself. "And you're sitting on some of my merchandise, young man."
Sora and Pikachu looked at the rock he was sitting and quickly got off. Kairi giggled at how they jumped off like a cricket on a stick. The kids looks around to see the rocks placed on display.
"Sorry about that," Sora said. "But why all the rocks?"
"They're souvenirs," Flint explained. "I'm sure that you and your girlfriend would like some."
Sora and Kairi blushed and shook his head.
"Uh, no thanks," Sora said. "We're just passing by. But you think that you can point us to this city's Pokémon Center?"
Flint looks over to Pikachu who seems pretty wiped from the journey.
"Just take that road down there," Flint pointed on his right. "Follow it and you'll get there in no time."
"Thanks," Sora and Kairi said at once. Pikachu climbed on Kairi's shoulder and rested for the ride. They started to follow the trail. "He seems nice," Sora said smiling.
"I don't know about that," Kairi said getting a bad feeling.
"Oh, before you go," Flint called to them. They turned to look at them. "There will be a small fee for resting on my rocks."
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel fell in anime-style. Kairi knew that there was a catch.
"Told you so," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel added.
Sora chuckled nervously as an anime sweat drop runs down his head.
"You called it," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu deadpanned.
"I've got this," Kairi paid the man the required amount. It was a good thing for her that she didn't have to pay that much. "That should cover it."
"Thank you kindly, young miss," Flint nodded, tipping his hat. He watched the kids walk on the the trail he pointed to them.
They eventually made it to the Pokémon Center as Sora placed Pikachu and five of his Pokéballs on his tray. Kairi did the same thing.
"Could you revitalize our Pokémon for us?" Sora asked.
"Yes right away, Sora," the woman asked. Sora and Kairi looked as their eyes popped to see that it was Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy?!" Sora and Kairi asked in suprise.
"Yes I'm Nurse Joy," the nurse answered him with a smile.
"What you doing here in Pewter City? Did you get transferred or something?" Sora asked not understanding what was going on.
"I would think it's possible," Kairi said.
"The Nurse Joy you two met in Viridian City is my little sister," Nurse Joy explained. "I'm the older Joy."
"Is that right?" Sora asked letting it all sink in.
"Yes," the nurse nodded. "I have a photo right here." She took out a photo with a whole bunch of Nurse Joys. Sora was amazed by how there's many of the same person. She points to one. "That's my little sister right here." She points to the one next to her. "And that's me."
"The resemblance is uncanny," Sora said.
"We may all look alike, but we're all different. My sister told me quite about you, Sora. About how you stood up to that Team Rocket like that," Nurse Joy said.
"I'm not gonna take all the credit. Kairi did that calling that Team Rocket goon an old witch," Sora said.
"She can't insult my mom and walk away. I wouldn't let it stand," Kairi said.
"Anyway, thanks for your help, Nurse Joy," Sora said. Nurse Joy smiled.
"Anytime," Nurse Joy said. She went into back and they waited. As soon as they sat down, Sora heard a familiar voice.
"Sora?" A girl's voice asked. Sora and Kairi turned and saw it was Leaf.
"Leaf!" Sora said.
"I can't believe it! You're here in Pewter City, too! What a coincidence!" Leaf said.
"Are Ash and Gary here, too?" Sora asked.
"No, they already left. And I'm the only one here. I thought I was until I saw you," Leaf said.
"I'm just glad to see a familiar face," Sora said.
"What Pokémon did you choose?" Leaf asked.
"I pretty much ended up with a Pikachu, but long story short, we're making quite a connection," Sora said. Leaf smiled.
"You're lucky to have a Pikachu, because I had a hard time finding one when I was in the Viridian Forest. But it was worth it, because I almost gave up looking for one," Leaf said. She looked at Kairi. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you. My name's Leaf."
"It's nice to meet you, Leaf. I'm Kairi. I know a little about you from Sora," Kairi said. Leaf smiled.
"It's nice to meet you, Kairi," Leaf said. Sora smiled as both girls shook hands. They became instant friends. The bell rings, letting Sora and Kairi know their Pokémon are healed. They went to pick them up.
"Thanks again, Nurse Joy," Sora said.
"You are welcome, Sora and Kairi," Nurse Joy said.
"Oh, your Pikachu is such a cutie," Leaf cooed. She then looked at Kairi's Eevee. "Oh my gosh! An Eevee!" She took out her Pokédex and scanned Angel.
Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon
Type: Normal
It can evolve into a variety of forms. Eevee's genes are the key to solving the mysteries of Pokémon evolution.
"Does this little cutie belong to you, Kairi?" Leaf asked.
"She does. Her name's Angel," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Oh, such a cute name," Leaf said. "Say, have you eaten yet? If not, would you like to join me for lunch?"
"That'll be great," Sora said.
With that said, Sora, Kairi, Leaf, Pikachu, and Angel went into the mess hall and had their lunch there.
"Sora, you know you'll be taking on Rock-type Pokémon, don't you?" Leaf asked.
"Yeah. The only Pokémon I got that can handle that with no problem is Bellsprout. But I feel Bellsprout won't be enough," Sora said.
"So, Sora has been working on teaching Pikachu how to use Iron Tail," Kairi said.
"I see. How's it coming?" Leaf asked. Sora didn't want to tell her about the Keyblade, the Heartless, or the fact that he can use magic, because he figured she would think he was crazy.
"Um, it's a work in progress," Sora said. That was the half-truth.
"Well, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it," Leaf said. Sora was glad to have a supportive friend.
"Did you earn your Gym Badge yet?" Sora asked.
"I did. The Gym Leader goes by the name of Brock. He gave me a hard time in our battle," Leaf said.
"Brock, must be a hard rock," Sora said. "Hey, I'm a poet, and I didn't know it!" This made Kairi and Leaf laugh.
"Good one, Sora," Leaf said, laughing. "You were the funniest one in our class." Sora blushed. "I can tell you, there wasn't a crying child he couldn't make smile."
"I don't doubt it," Kairi said. She blushed a little as she smiled at him.
After they ate, they stepped back out in the lobby.
"It's great to see you, Sora. I just gotta head out to Cerulean City. Maybe, Ash might he there, and we can all get together," Leaf said.
"That'll be great," Sora said.
"It was nice meeting you, Kairi," Leaf said.
"You too, Leaf. I liked hanging out with you," Kairi said.
"I did, too, Kairi," Leaf said.
With that said, they said goodbye to Leaf as she took her leave. She walked pass a teenage boy with spiky brown hair and tan skin. He He wore an orange t-shirt, a lime green cargo vest with 4 pockets, a dark brown belt with a gold buckle and dark red pockets, brown jeans and blue-gray sneakers with white trim. As he spots Nurse Joy and he dashed right over to her. Sora and Kairi were caught off guard by the sudden speed he had.
"Nurse Joy, it's always a joy to see you!" The teenage boy said in a flirty tone. Just then, another boy wearing a striped shirt that is olive-green, and regular green. He also wore blue jeans, and light brown shoes.
"Brock, we came to pick up our Pokémon, remember?" The younger boy reminded him.
"Right, little brother," Brock said.
"Stop me if this is obvious, but I'm gonna guess that's Brock," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I think you're right, Sora," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"I think this should be a good time to ask him," Sora said. He approaches Brock from behind.
"Um, excuse me, I was told you're the Gym Leader of the Pewter City Gym," Sora said as Brock and his brother turned around and saw him.
"Yeah, I'm Brock. And this is my little brother, Forrest. You're a Pokémon Trainer, right?" Brock asked.
"Yeah. My name's Sora and we traveled from Pallet Town and Viridian City to get here," Sora said. Brock noticed Kairi, Pikachu, and Angem with him.
"So, are the both of you challenging him?" The boy asked.
"It's just him," Kairi said. "My name's Kairi, and this Angel."
"Eevee," Angel said. Brock smiled and pets her.
"Hello, Angel. It's nice to meet you," Brock said. "How long have you been traveling?"
"Just a few days," Sora said.
"And how many Gym Badges have you earned?" Brock asked.
"None. The Gym in Viridian City is closed right now," Sora said.
"Hmm. I did hear rumors of the Gym Leader there being away," Brock said.
"We haven't even met him before, and we don't know where he could go," Forrest added.
"Anyway, Sora, I will have to ask you to wait until tomorrow, because my Pokémon needs their rest, and we have to head home for dinner," Brock said.
"That's okay," Sora said. This gave Sora an excuse to get Pikachu to learn how use Iron Tail.
"But, if you like, I would like to invite you to dinner, because you could use a home-cooked meal," Brock said.
"We don't wanna be a problem," Sora said.
"It's not a problem," Forrest said. "Brock is a great cook."
"Well, since you offered," Sora said. He didn't want to be rude since Sora and Kairi were invited for dinner. They left the Pokémon Center and heads towards Brock's house. They were unaware of Flint watching them from the shadows.
They arrived to the house and entered inside. They saw eight other kids; four boys and four girls when Brock opened the door. And also they all shared Brock and Forresa's appearance.
"We're back," Brock announced. The other kids went up to Brock and Forrest. "We have guests with us, and they'll be joining us for dinner tonight."
"Who are they?" One of the other boys asked.
"This is Sora, and this is Kairi. Sora, Kairi, meet our other brothers and sisters. Meet, Salvador, Yolanda, Timmy, Cindy, Suzy, Tommy, and these two are Billy and Tilly," Brock said.
"What a family resemblance," Sora said.
"Where's mom?" Forrest asked.
"In the other room. She's on another habit," Salvador said. They walked in and they saw a woman wearing a pink top and a white long skirt. She has a lot of opened books.
"You mean, she's still at it?" Brock asked.
"Still at what?" Sora asked.
"Oh, my mom has taken interest in some research on history," Brock said.
"Hello, Brock dear. Didn't hear you come in," Brock's mother said. She sees the two kids. "Oh, we have guests, how nice. My name is Lola."
"Nice to meet you," Kairi said. "I'm Kairi. And this is Angel."
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"And I'm Sora," Sora introduced. "And this is Pikachu."
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Children, I have been looking into the history of the Palamecian Empire. And I found it very interesting," Lola said.
"She has a habit of getting into different hobbies and interests. Last month she tried to juggle yu-yu sticks, and before that, she tried ballet," Brock said.
"Brock was here when I was learning how to yodel!" Lola said, almost singing.
"Mom, Sora and Kairi will be joining us for dinner, if you don't mind," Forrest said.
"Oh, how nice. You two could use a home-cooked meal. Especially you," Lola said, pointing at Sora.
"Huh?" Sora asked.
"You're nothing but skin and bones," Lola said with concern. "We're going to put some meat on those bones of yours."
After a little while, Sora stepped outside to train. Sora had let out Bellsprout to help. Bellsprout has practiced his Vine Whip move as Pikachu continued to try and learn Iron Tail. Pikachu kept on trying and trying.
"Okay, Pikachu, keep on trying. Don't give up. If I could learn to use magic, you can learn to use Iron Tail," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Pikachu on practicing to use Iron Tail. Pikachu tried and failed, but he didn't give up. He eventually got it done with success. Kairi and Angel had stepped out and watched Sora, Pikachu, and Bellsprout train. Brock has stepped out. He watched Sora train as well, and he grinned. Kairi turned to Brock.
"Been there long?" Kairi asked.
"Not too long. I was going to tell you that dinner's ready. Seeing Sora, I could already tell he's got a bright future ahead of him," Brock said.
"A bright future?" Kairi asked.
"Sora will make it big as a Pokémon Trainer, I know it, so I wanna see it for myself," Brock said.
"Yeah, I saw it for myself," Kairi said. She stood up. "Sora, dinner time!" Sora turned to Kairi and nodded.
"Okay. Let's go inside," Sora said.
Sora and Kairi had let out their other Pokémon as Brock has prepared some Pokémon food for them. The Pokémon happily ate the food provided to them.
After dinner, Sora slept in one of the guest rooms provided to him.
"Pika," Pikachu said, laying on his back.
"You've said it, buddy. Brock sure can cook," Sora said, almost burping. "I wonder what other good delights Kairi will cook up." Pikachu grinned at Sora.
On the very next morning, Sora woke up and came downstairs to have some breakfast. He saw Kairi cooking the meal.
"Good morning, Sora," Kairi greeted.
"Morning. Where's Brock and his family?" Sora asked.
"Brock and Forrest went ahead to the Gym to get ready. Lola and the rest went out somewhere," Kairi said. "So, I asked Lola to cook breakfast for you, she didn't seem to have a problem." The breakfast consisted of eggs, over easy, crispy bacon, wheat toast, and some orange slices. She poured a glass of orange juice for him. She placed Sora's plate in front of him. She placed her own plate down and sat down.
"Wow, this looks great," Sora said. "Now, for the taste test." He took his fork and cuts some of the eggs, and he took a bite. "And that's a pass."
"I'm glad you liked it, Sora," Kairi said.
"Man, how did you learn to cook like this?" Sora asked.
"My mom taught me. Before that, I didn't even know how, so I almost burnt down the house. My parents weren't happy about it, but I can tell you. My mom taught me how to do it properly, and I got it right after some practice. Also, my grandma helped with some other recipes," Kairi said. "Have you ever cooked anything before?"
"Well, somehow, I could only make grilled cheese sandwiches; with a burnt aftertaste," Sora said. "Karen can do a little better than I can."
"I am looking forward to tasting your grilled cheese sandwiches sometime, Sora," Kairi said. That made Sora smile and blushed.
"Well, I got better over time, so I'll be more than happy to make you one, if you want," Sora said.
Sora and Kairi happily ate their breakfast. After they finished, Sora and Kairi washed the dishes they used and placed in the dishwasher. They stepped out of the house and started to make their way to the Gym. They arrived to the Pewter City Gym, and entered inside. The lights weren't on.
"Welcome, Sora," a familiar male voice said. The lights came on. Brock sat with his legs crossed. He then stood up. "Just before we begin, this is your very first Gym battle, so don't expect it to be easy."
"Then I'll have to do it the hard way," Sora said.
"I like your spirit, Sora. Spirit's not enough to make it in this battle," Brock said. Forrest stepped in, standing at the podium.
"Forrest, what are you doing here?" Kairi asked.
"I'm acting as the referee for the battle. You're welcome to watch," Forrest said.
"Sora," Kairi said. Sora turned to Kairi.
"Yeah?" Sora asked.
"Good luck," Kairi said.
"Thanks, I'm gonna need it," Sora said.
"Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
Sora and Brock got into position to begin the battle.
"The Gym battle here in the Pewter City Gym is about to begin! Sora, since this will be your first Gym battle, I should explain that each one of the Gyms has their own set of rules for battle. For example, this will be a two-on-two Pokémon battle! Also, you will be permitted to make substitutions anytime during the battle, and the Gym will not! There is no time limit either. Also, the battle will be over if two of either Trainer's Pokémon is unable to battle, and if you shall win, you will be rewarded the Boulder Badge!" Forrest explained.
"Well said, Forrest," Brock said. "Sora, do you understand the conditions he has explained?"
"Yeah, I do!" Sora said.
"Good," Brock said, taking off his shirt. "Now, let's get this battle started!" He took out a Pokéball and threw it. "Geodude! Go!" His Pokéball opened and out came a brownish-gray boulder Pokémon. It has bulging, rocky eyebrows, trapezoidal, brown eyes, and a wide mouth. Its arms are muscular with five-fingered hands. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Geodude, the Rock Pokémon
Type: Rock/Ground
Geodude are often mistaken for rocks and boulders, and as a result, they're either stepped on, or tripped over. Geodude also holds contests by bashing into each other, seeing which one is the hardest.
"A Rock-type and a Ground-type, so I know who to send out," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Bellsprout!" His Pokéball opened and Bellsprout sways his body upon entry.
"Bell, Bell, Bellsprout, Bell," Bellsprout said.
"I thought you would start up with Bellsprout. You made a wise move by picking a Pokémon that to counter my Geodude, but it's not enough! Geodude! Use Tackle!" Brock ordered. Geodude charged at Bellsprout.
"Dodge and use Growth!" Sora ordered. Bellsprout dodged by swaying his body and then gave off a light green energy and raises his attack power. "Now, use Vine Whip!" Bellsprout sends out his vines and smacked Geodude with it.
"Use Defense Curl!" Brock ordered. Geodude curls itself into a ball, protecting itself from Bellsprout's Vine Whip. "Use Mega Punch!" Geodude dashed at Bellsprout with its fist surrounded in a black orb of energy. Geodude then lands a punch on the Flower Pokémon. "Bellsprout! Use Growth, and then Vine Whip!" Bellsprout builds up his attack again and sends out another Vine Whip.
"Defense Curl!" Brock ordered. Geodude raises its defenses with another Defense Curl. "Use Rock Throw!" Geodude releases circular multi-colored waves from its body, white orbs of aura appear in front of itself, before rocks form inside the orbs, leaving a white glow around the rocks. It then shoots the rocks towards Bellsprout.
"Dodge it!" Sora ordered. Bellsprout manages to dodge Geodude's Rock Throw. The rocks kept on coming down and one of the rocks lands a hit.
"Use Mega Punch!" Brock ordered.
"Bellsprout!" Sora shouted. Bellsprout dodged and grabbed Geodude with his leaves. Bellsprout then gave Geodude a toss. "Way to go, Bellsprout! Use Vine Whip!" Bellsprout gave Geodude a smack with Vine Whip.
"Defense Curl!" Brock ordered. Geodude raises its defenses again, but Geodude has taken some damage despite its raised defense. "Vine Whip, one more time!" Bellsprout gave Geodude one more Vine Whip and it results in a knockout.
"Geodude is unable to battle! Bellsprout wins!" Forrest announced. Brock called back Geodude and he smiled.
"Get some rest, Geodude. You've earned it," Brock said kindly. He smiled at Sora. "Well done, Sora. I'm impressed. You're a whole lot better than I thought you were. Now, to use my second Pokémon." He took out another Pokéball and threw it. "Onix! Go!" The Pokéball opened and Onix emerged from inside and gave out a loud roar. Sora took out his Pokédex and scanned Onix.
Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon
Type: Rock/Ground
Onix burrows at high speed in search of food. The tunnels it leaves are used as homes by Diglett.
"Onix sure is much bigger than in person I thought. But like they say, the bigger they are, the harder they fall," Sora said. "Bellsprout! Use Vine Whip!"
"Onix! Use Bide!" Brock ordered. Onix endured Bellsprout's Vine Whip.
"Vine Whip again!" Sora ordered. Bellsprout gave Onix another hit with Vine Whip. Onix's body gave off a red glow from each hit.
"Fell for my trap. Each time an attack his Onix after using Bide, power builds up and then releases depending on the damage Onix took," Brock said in his thoughts.
"Use one more Vine Whip!" Sora ordered. Bellsprout sends out Vine Whip again. Onix fired a powerful, white beam. It was able to take down Bellsprout.
"Bellsprout is unable to battle! Onix wins!" Forrest announced. Sora called back Bellsprout.
"I should have said, the bigger they are, the harder they hit," Sora said. "You were awesome, Bellsprout. Get some rest." He looked at Pikachu. "Okay, this is it. Your first Gym battle, so you ready?"
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"Okay, go!" Sora said. Pikachu stepped in to battle.
"I know Sora plans to use Iron Tail on Onix, but he will never get a chance to use it after I get done," Brock said in his thoughts.
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered.
"I thought as much. Onix! Use Bind!" Brock ordered. Onix wraps its tail around Pikachu and squeezes.
"Pikachu!" Sora exclaimed.
"Bind again!" Brock ordered. Onix kept on squeezing Pikachu.
"I can't use electricity to hurt Onix, so what can I do?" Sora asked. Onix then lets go of Pikachu. "You alright, Pikachu?"
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Onix! Use Rock Tomb!" Brock ordered.Onix becomes outlined in white energy and raises its head. Multiple gray rocks outlined in white energy then form around its head in the shape of a ring. The glow around Onix then fades, causing the rocks to fall down on the ground.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge!" Sora ordered. Pikachu manages to dodge by using Quick Attack. The rocks kept on falling. "Iron Tail!" Pikachu swings his tail and breaks the rocks with Iron Tail. "Iron Tail again!" Pikachu dashed at Onix.
"Use Bide!" Brock ordered. Onix's body glows red once again. It was too late to call off the attack, so Pikachu lands a hit on the Rock Snake Pokémon.
"Shoot! Onix is using Bide just like the last time! Every time I attack with it, Onix builds up energy, and then shoots it out. Got no choice but to attack. Pikachu! Use Iron Tail again!" Pikachu jumped and gave Onix a smack with another Iron Tail. It builds up even more energy. "Iron Tail!" Pikachu gave Onix one more Iron Tail, and it lands a successful hit.
"Now!" Brock said. Onix fires a white beam of energy right at Pikachu.
"Pikachu!" Sora shouted.
"Pikachu!" Kairi gasped.
"Eevee, vee!" Angel also gasped.
Pikachu uses his tail as a spring and jumps out of the way. Everyone were amazed by what Pikachu was doing.
Outside, Flint looked inside the Gym and he watched in amazement by how Pikachu was able to jump and avoid the beam of energy.
"Pikachu! That was awesome! Use Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu rolls in the air and slams Onix hard in the head. The Rock Snake Pokémon then fell backwards on the ground, making the ground shake.
"Onix, get up!" Brock called out. Onix tried to get back up, but Onix was too exhausted to do so. Onix was knocked out.
"Onix is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! The winner of the battle is Sora!" Forrest announced. Sora was awestruck by how he won it.
"I don't believe it! I won! I just won my very first Gym battle!" Sora exclaimed with joy. Sora ran towards Pikachu and he ran towards Sora. They high-five each other. "We did it, buddy!"
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu said.
"Yes, you two did," Brock said, calling back his fallen Onix. "You exceeded my wildest expectations, worked together. The unity between the two of you is what brought you victory." Brock smiled. Forrest walked up to his brother and took out a small chest. Brock opened it to reveal a badge that is a simple gray octagon. "As proof of your victory here in the Pewter City Gym, I present you with this. The Boulder Badge." Sora took his Gym Badge and he smiled.
"My very first Gym Badge," Sora said. He placed it in his Badge Case. Kairi and Angel walked up to Sora.
"One down, seven to go!" Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Yeah," Sora said.
They all stepped outside as Brock was about to point them to where to go next.
"Your next Gym battle should be right a-" Brock said as they spotted Flint. "Hey, you!" Flint flinched. "What are you doing there?!"
"I'm gone!" Flint said, starting to run. As he ran, he bumped into Lola, making her fall. The beard and hat goes flying. Brock was suddenly angered as Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, Angel, and Forrest ran up to him.
"Brock, what's up?" Sora asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu added. Forrest recognized him.
"Wait a sec! Dad?" Forrest asked.
"Dad?" Sora and Kairi asked.
"Hi, Brock. Hi Forrest," Flint said.
"Flint, what are you doing here?" Lola asked. "And where have you been?"
"It's a long story," Flint said.
"It better be a good story, dad!" Brock said.
"The last time we heard, you were traveling to be a much better Pokémon Trainer. What happened?" Forrest asked.
"It's like this, son," Flint said. "I failed. Miserably. I was too embarrassed and ashamed to show my face at home. So, I stayed away."
"Flint," Lola said.
"If that's the case, then what was with the disguise, and the rock shop?" Sora asked.
"Well, I was worried someone would recognize me and I used the fake beard and hat to hide my true identity. Also, the reason for my rock shop so you would put it is to make money to buy food," Flint explained.
"Makes sense," Sora said.
"But that is no excuse for running out on your family!" Brock said.
"You're right, Brock. And you have every right to be mad at me," Flint said. "I wouldn't blame you if you never can forgive me."
"Flint, I forgive you," Lola said. Flint turned to his wife.
"You do?" Flint asked.
"Of course I do. I don't care if you're a failure or a success, because my love for you is so much stronger than anything else I have taken interest in," Lola said. "I worried about you and wished you to come home."
"Oh, Lola," Flint said, embracing his wife. She embraces him back. "I'm sorry, my dear Lola. I promise to never leave you again." Sora and Kairi blushed as they watched on. They looked at each other and then, away. But they could see how nice a sight it was to see.
The whole family got together for the first time after Flint being away and they invited Sora and Kairi to join the celebration, but the kids were just looking at their parents feeding each other and making lovey dovey noises. Kairi was looking at them sweetly while Sora just ate his meal, enjoying his dinner.
"Mom, Dad, come on," Tommy said.
"We're at the table," Cindy said.
"That's gross," Suzy said.
And this went on throughout the meal.
On the next moring Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel took their leave and started to say goodbye to Brock and his family.
"You kids can make your way to Cerulean City by making it over Mount Moon," Flint said to them. "It should take you two at least less than a day."
"Thanks," Sora said.
"You've been such good hosts," Kairi said.
"Pika, Pi," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Just take of yourselves out there," Brock said.
"We will," Kairi said.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel waved goodbye to the big family smiling and waving. As Brock watched them leave, he knew there was something between them the moment Kairi asked his mother to cook a breakfast for Sora. Something more than a simple friendship.
Flint and Lola looked at Sora and Kairi smiling warmly at them. They could tell that there was a spark between the two of them. It reminded them of their younger days.
Meanwhile over to Team Rocket. They dug their way back to Virdian Forest.
"Finally!" James panted. "We made it!"
They all looked around and something seemed awfully familiar to them. They got of the hole and looked around.
"This doesn't look like Pewter City to me," Jessie said.
"I don't remember that many trees in a city either," James pointed out.
"You two idiots! We're not in Pewter City at all!" Meowth yelled.
"What do you mean?" Jessie asked, when they looked around and saw that they were in a Beedrill nest. The Beedrill attacked them, making them yelp in pain as they started to run for their lives once again.
"Why couldn't we have ended up being stepped on like in the anime?!" James shouted running.
"At least that is safer for us!" Jessie yelled.
"Stop breaking the fourth wall and run!" Meowth called out.