Greetings, Mgunnels3 here, and welcome back to Ash's Kanto Journey My Version. I appreciate some of the requests, and I still have more openings. We have Kanghaskan, Tyranitar, and Skarmory added to the Pokemon that Ash will own, and it was with Damien issues we'll get to much later in the story. Let's get this gym battle started, shall we?
Chapter 5: Showdown at the Pewter City Gym and New Friends
"Human Speech"
"Pokemon Speech"
We join our heroes as they finally arrive at their destination of their Journey, Pewter City, as both Ash and Misty are exhausted from their Journey through Viridian Forest.
"Wow, Pewter City, it's been a long time coming since we left Viridian City," Ash said to Misty and Flare as they were on top of a Boulder. Misty caught up with Ash.
"Yeah, given that we were training during most of that traveling, it is an understatement," Misty said to Ash, who nodded. "I think we should get our Pokemon healed, and we can think of what to do next regarding when to go to the gym," Misty said to Ash, who nodded in agreement.
"You two are here to participate in the gym challenge, huh?" A male voice said to the three of them who were looking around. "Down here," the voice said as a male with a beanie and a long beard. "By the way, you are standing on the rocks that I am selling, so can you please get off it," the man said to Ash, who got off the rock as he and Misty were beside him.
"Sorry sir, I thought it was part of the side of the hill here, and yes, both Misty and I are planning on challenging the Pewter City gym in a bit once we get our Pokemon healed," Ash said to the man, who nodded.
"Well, you're the 5th Trainer recently that has said that to me as of late, so I'll show you to the Pokemon center, given that I see one of your Pokemon is tired already. By the way, the name Flint," Flint introduced himself to Ash and Misty, who nodded, though Misty had a look that the name sounded familiar but left it alone as the four of them walked over to the Pokemon center.
Ash and the others made it to the Pokemon Center. Ash and Misty handed their Pokeballs and Flare to Nurse Joy, who happily accepted them. Ash was about to say something about Nurse Joy but remembered that his brother told him that there were multiple of them and Jenny's in the Kanto region, so he left it be as she took Flare and the other Pokeballs away to get healed as Ash and Misty took the time to sit down and relax a bit.
"So, while that is happening, we can get some food, and then we can talk about the plan," Misty said to Ash, who nodded as they noticed someone was also getting their Pokemon healed as Misty recognized him. "Speaking of the gym? Hey, Brock," Misty said to the man in a green vest-like shirt and brownish shirt underneath, who turned to see Misty walking toward him.
"Huh? Misty? What are you doing here? I thought you were back home. I didn't expect you to be out here, and who is this?" Brock asked Misty, who sighed and looked down.
"I guess that's one way of saying hello to a fellow gym leader, Brock. I got into an argument with my sisters, and I decided to go on my own to be a trainer rather than a gym leader. In fact, along with Ash here, I'm also challenging your gym," Misty said to Brock, who nodded in understanding.
"I see, and I welcome you as a challenger. Sadly, I just had a challenger recently, so you will have to wait until my Pokemon gets healed until we can face each other. Nice to meet you, Ash," Brock said to Ash and Misty. The former nodded. "So I take you are from Pallet Town. I had a challenger a few days ago that challenged me from it and told me that you would be challenging me someday," Brock said to Ash.
"I take that must be Gary. Yeah, he and I are rivals, but I will be watching the battle, for now, to understand gym battles better and then challenging you after Misty here," Ash said to Brock, who nodded.
"I can respect that. Sadly, I will have time for one battle today, so that you will have your battle tomorrow, Ash and Misty. You know how the gym battle rules are. Don't think I will go easy on you cause you are a fellow gym leader. My team for newer trainers and challengers like you, Misty, are being healed now, so you two will be facing two different teams," Brock said to Ash and Misty, who nodded.
"Same with me. My regular team is back home, so you will see what I have caught since I started my Journey here," Misty said to Brock, who nodded.
"Once our Pokemon gets healed, I'll meet you at the gym, so until then, see you around you two," Brock said as he walked off. Misty and Ash sighed.
Ash and Misty got some lunch and were thinking about what Brock meant by him using more than one team for challengers, which Misty noticed with Ash.
"As you know, since there are more trainers from regions other than Kanto showing up, Brock has been using Pokemon that his father owns as well. Since he's their Trainer's son, they are bound to listen to him as well," Misty told Ash, who now understood what Brock meant by that.
"Your team has come a long way. I mean, Caterpie is now a Metapod, and we have managed to get stronger Pokemon-wise, even though the amount of captures is the same," Ash said to Misty, who nodded and thought of something.
"Say, Ash, what will you do about your battle?" Misty asked Ash, who looked down. "You know that I'm willing to lend you my Pokemon on my team as they are willing to work with you during our journey through Viridian Forest, and all of your Pokemon are weak to fire types?" Misty said to Ash.
"I'll try my best with my team, and if I don't make it, I'll take one of your Pokemon for this battle. I'd rather try to earn my badges with my team and not just rely on others for it either; uh, no offense, Misty," Ash said to Misty, who shook her head.
"Spoken like a true trainer, Ash. There's nothing wrong with relying on your skills for battle, even at a disadvantage, but remember, nothing is wrong about lending someone else's Pokemon to help. My offer stands for just one gym battle, and I offered 'cause this is your first one," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"So the whole lending thing is for one gym battle. Is that the rule?" Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"If you need to use them for, say, a tournament that isn't the league, then that's fine, but that's the rule, Ash. Once you use your one help, it's not be used again, and I say the first gym battle is good enough reason to help with that," Misty said to Ash, who sighed and nodded in understanding.
"Humph, you're going to need more than just help if you are going to win against Brock. Not with that attitude, you won't," A male voice said. A young boy with blondish green hair and a reddish-brown jacket walked towards Ash and Misty.
"Oh, you must be the Trainer Brock mentioned earlier and not called for. Ash here is just starting as a trainer and is trying his best," Misty said to the kid, who shrugged.
"I'm not trying to be mean. I'm saying this cause I struggled with Brock myself and barely won my gym badge," the kid said to Misty, who calmed down as Ash let go of what the kid said. "Name's Trip: I'm not from this region. I'm from Unova originally, and my family moved out here after a while to start my Journey. While I don't have an Unova starter on my team, I see why this region is known for starting strong trainers. I'll watch both of your battles to see how well you two will stack up against Brock," Trip said to Misty and Ash.
"Nice to meet you, Trip, and look, I have my way of training and fighting, so let's not try to get at each other about how our battles were used," Ash said to Trip, who nodded.
"Fair enough. You already impressed me earlier with what you said about using your Pokemon for your first match before asking for help, so I'll leave that be," Trip said before taking his leave.
"Maybe at some point, we can try to be rivals, Trip," Ash said to Trip, who waved his arm out, showing that he'd think about it as Ash sighed and sat down. "So that's one of the trainers that came here to Kanto, huh?" Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Don't let him get to you, Ash. He doesn't know your history, and I've seen your training methods. You know what you are doing," Misty said as she was interrupted by an announcement.
"Will Ash and Misty arrive at the Pokemon Center to pick up your Pokemon? Please and thank you," Joy said as Ash and Misty finished eating. Luckily, meals are free to trainers as long as they can show it, as Ash and Misty head towards the Pokemon center as they arrive. "Here you go, you two, and Brock should be coming back to get his Pokemon soon as well," Joy said to Ash and Misty as Flare jumped onto Ash's shoulder. Ash grabbed his Pokeballs and Misty with her Pokeballs as they noticed that Brock was talking with Flint more like arguing.
"So you finally showed your face after years of abandonment with Mom and me, Dad? I'm surprised you are still in the area, and why didn't you just come home? We would've understood," Brock said to Flint, who removed his disguise, and he looked like Brock indeed, as Misty and Ash noticed this.
"Look, I know that I let the family down. I couldn't face you all after I couldn't go far as a trainer, but I'm willing to return as a gym leader and a father. You can choose if you want to go on your own. I know that you wanted to for a long time," Flint said as Brock looked down and noticed Ash and Misty. "Think about it, son. I'll be going to see your mother and siblings," Flint said as he walked off.
"So, how long have you two heard all that?" Brock asked Ash and Misty, who walked towards him.
"Since you started yelling at him, I thought that name sounded familiar, and what does he mean by you wanted to do something other than being a gym leader, Brock?" Misty asked Brock, who sighed and turned to Misty.
"The truth is, Misty, I only became a gym leader after my father left us since my mother isn't a fan of battling. I would give the gym to the oldest of my siblings if this day came. As for what I wanted, I wanted to be both a Breeder and a doctor as I have the license to do both, but," Brock said.
"Your duties and family huh?" Ash said to Brock, who nodded.
"Well, I better get my Pokemon, and we'll head to the gym," Brock said as he went to Nurse Joy to get his Pokemon.
"Hey, maybe after our battle, Brock, you can come with us; I mean, it might help you out," Ash said to Brock, who smiled and nodded.
"I'll think about it, Ash, until you earn your badge, that is," Brock said as he got his Pokemon and walked towards Ash and Misty. "Let's head to the gym, shall we," Brock said to Misty and Ash, who nodded as they left for the gym.
Ash, Misty, and Brock arrive at Brock's gym. They saw Trip outside, waiting for Ash and Misty to arrive at the gym. Brock figured that he would do that as the group went inside. As it was a rocky battlefield, both Brock and Misty went to the Trainer's box as one of Brocks's siblings took over for ref, and Trip and Ash were on the sidelines watching the match, though Trip was wondering how Misty would not just Ash.
"The Pewter City gym battle between Misty Waterflower and Gym leader Brock will now begin. This will be a 2v2 battle with the challenger only allowed to use any substitutions, so let out your Pokemon, and we can begin the match," the ref announced as Misty and Brock pulled out their Pokeballs.
"Well, Misty, let's get this going, Rhyhorn. Come on out," Brock sent out his first Pokemon, who grunted and was ready to fight.
"Well, let's get this started, Tempest, come on out," Misty sent out her Pidgey, which confused both Brock and Trip, though Brock figured that her Pokemon might have some Steel Type moves on it and had to prepare for this fight.
"Pidgey vs. Rhyhorn, let the battle begin," the ref announced as Misty and Brock were ready to get this match going.
"Rhyhorn, use Rock Blast," Brock commanded the rock Pokemon as it fired the boulders at Pidgey.
"Dodge it and then use Twister," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who was using her speed to dodge those boulders quickly, showing why she's the leader's daughter, and blew a massive tornado towards Rhyhorn, doing some damage. However, the boulder managed to land a blow on Pidgey, who survived the attack. For now, both Pokemon were standing strong as Trip and Ash were impressed. "Now use Steel Wing and Aerial Ace," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who charged at Rhyhorn quickly.
"Figured that she has a move for Strength," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who charged at Pidgey as the two moves clashed, though Tempest managed to break through and send Rhyhorn back to Brock, knocked out as everyone was surprised.
"Rhyhorn is unable to battle Pidgey win," the ref announced as Pidgey puffed her chest to the win. Misty chuckles at this as Brock returns his Pokemon to it's ball.
"Well, I must say, Misty, even though you have battle experience before doing this and this isn't the original team, you are doing well for yourself," Brock said to Misty, who took this as a compliment as Brock pulled out a Pokeball. "This time, you won't get so easy with this battle, Cradilly. Come on out," Brock sent out his last Pokemon. Ash looked it up as it was one of the newer Pokemon from the Hoenn region.
Misty groaned as she knew this would be bad as it's both a Rock and a Grass-type Pokemon and her two remaining Pokemon are water-types. She knew that she would have to damage it without it getting the advantage against her.
"Use Steel Wing and Aerial Ace Tempest," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who charged in at the fossil Pokemon. Only for it to grab her, which surprised everyone. "Twister, get out of there," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who tried to escape.
"Giga drain now and then end this with Ancient Power," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who sapped the energy out of Tempest and then was blasted by a pair of rocks and sent her to the boulders in the battlefield, knocking her out.
"Pidgey is unable to battle Cradilly wins. The match is tied with both sides having one Pokemon each," the ref announced as Misty returned her Pokemon to her ball, praised her, and put her ball into her bag.
"Not bad, Misty. You are strong, but your combo there is predictable, and you left yourself wide open during that attack. You still need more time as a new trainer," Brock said to Misty, who sighed.
"I must say, Brock is right about that, Ash," Trip said as Ash turned to him. "She's battled well, but she needs another strategy to win against Brock," Trip said as Ash looked to Misty.
"The problem that Misty is getting past is her remaining Pokemon are Water types outside of her Metapod, and that's not a Pokemon that can battle well here," Ash said to Trip, who looked at Ash, surprised upon hearing this.
Misty knew there was one way she could deal with this Pokemon and pulled out a Pokeball. "Squirtle, come on out," Misty sent out her last Pokemon, who looked at the Rock/Grass type and was ready to fight, though Misty was nervous.
"We got this, Misty. Just have faith in me. I have faith in your battle capabilities, so let's do this," Squirtle said to Misty, who was taken aback but nodded.
"Misty is talented and is capable of handling herself in a situation like this, which is why Squirtle trusts her, Ash. Here's hoping you don't have these issues when we fight against Brock?" Flare said to Ash, who nodded.
"Squirtle and Flare is right. I can't chock like this as a former gym leader, and as a trainer, I won't lose or hold back," Misty thought as she clenched her fist. "Use Water Gun now, Squirtle," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attack as it was fast enough before the Fossil Pokemon could react to it as it was blasted into the rocks.
"Now, use Sludge Bomb," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack right at Squirtle.
"Rapid Spin now, Squirtle, get out of there," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who spun and went out of the way of the Poison attack. "Now, Use Ice Beam," Misty commanded Squirtle, who fired the ice attack at the rock/grass type.
"Mirror Coat, now," Brock commanded his Pokemon. Misty was surprised that this Pokemon could know that move as the two attacked each other. Both Squirtle and Cradily were sent back injured from that attack. "Well, Misty, you are battling well, and I must say you impressed me so far, but it's time to end this match. Use Giga Drain," Brock said as his Pokemon fired the attack using its tentacles.
"Ice Beam and Water Gun, let's go, Squirtle," Misty commanded her Pokemon, who fired the attacks as the two moves clashed, causing an explosion. Both Pokemon were sent to the wall, knocking both out as everyone was surprised.
"Both the gym leader Pokemon and the challenger Pokemon cannot battle. The match ends in a draw," the ref announced as Misty and Brock returned their Pokemon. Ash was wondering what would happen next as Brock smiled at this.
Brock walks over to Misty, who also wonders what is happening next. "The rules state the badge's decision depends on how well the challenger does in battle when, in the event of a tie, it lies on me, and you earned the badge as a first-time trainer. You earned the Boulder badge," Brock said, handing it to Misty, who happily accepted it, placing it on her bag and clipping it.
"Well, Ash, we have time for our battle now if you want to have your match now?" Brock said to Ash. Surprised to hear that, Brock sighed. "When my father shows up to tell me that, it opens my day up. I would have only time for a trainer or two, but I want to see how well you are, and I will be using my team against you," Brock said to Ash, who nodded.
"That's fine with me, but you just had a battle. Aren't you tired?" Ash asked Brock, who nodded.
"I agree with Ash here, Brock. You can take a break, and then you can battle again," Misty said to Brock, who nodded.
"Be back here in an hour, and we'll have our match. Just a heads up, Ash, I'm not going easy on you either, so you better be prepared," Brock said as he left. Ash sighed.
The group decided to go and get Misty's Pokemon healed and for Ash to devise something for his strategy, which Misty noticed. "You sure you don't want to use my Pokemon, Ash? I'm willing to let you use Buizel for this battle, given that she hasn't battled in the gym more than the others?" Misty suggested to Ash.
"Sorry, Misty, but my mind is made up, and I don't know what Brock will be using in this battle, but I can't let that get to me either. If I lose, then yes, I will use him, but right now, I need to put more faith into my Pokemon and not rely on others for a win," Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Fair enough, Ash. If you want that, I won't stop you," Misty told Ash.
"While the team won't blame you for doing that, Ash, I'm glad that you said that as my trainer, I am not scared of rock types, and I won't let them get to me either," Flare said to Ash, who nodded.
"I think I've seen enough here to see that you are serious about your Pokemon, not just battles, Ash," Trip said to Ash, who turned to Ash. "I wish you the best of luck in your match cause if your team is in a worse situation than Misty, you will need more than luck to beat Brock. I'm saying this cause Misty knew what she was doing out there, and you are still doubting your skills as a trainer as if something is holding you back," Trip said to Ash, who sighed and knew that he was right, and Flare noticed. "I'll see you two at the gym," Trip said as he walked off.
"Ash, you can't let your brother's success or be compared to him keep getting to you. Ever since what happened day one, you've been either second-guessing yourself or trying to do something different from your style," Flare said to Ash, who was taken aback by this. "Remember, Ash, you aren't the only ones who want to win in a battle here. We do as well. We joined your team to get stronger, and we also trust you as our Trainer. I may not know my father's legacy, but I know that I am following my way of battling, not his, and not letting his celebrity status get to me, so please, Ash, you have nothing to worry about."
"Flare is right, Ash. Since your fight with Team Rocket and our discussion in Viridian City, you have been letting what happened get to you. You're not your brother, and I don't see that in you as a Trainer Ash. Your team trusts you enough, and I know how that whole related to famous people can get to you as I was always compared to either my mother or sisters, and they think I won't ever be like them as the youngest of my sisters," Misty said to Ash who was listening and looking down.
"I don't think that was necessary, Misty, is what I would say, but I think Ash needed to hear that; I think that hour is coming soon. You going to be ready, Ash?" Flare said.
"Yeah, I think I am ready, and thanks, you two. I needed that. I am unsure how I will handle Team Rocket one day, but I'll have to deal with Brock in our first gym match. Let's go," Ash said as the two smiled and nodded as they got up and the group left.
Trip heads the whole thing and can tell that Ash is struggling with more things internally, but he will ask when he gets the chance.
Ash and Brock were both in the Trainer's boxes. As it was time for Ash's battle, Flare was beside Ash, ready to fight.
"Now for the second battle against Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town and gym leader Brock will now begin. As said before, this will be a 2v2 battle with the challenger allowed only to substitute Pokemon, so now will both trainers let out their Pokemon, and we can begin," the ref announced.
"Well, Ash, I hope you will not disappoint me in this battle today as I am willing to give you a battle now, so you ready to fight?" Brock said as Ash nodded. "I hope you are Graveler. Come on out," Brock sent out his first Pokemon, which Ash was thinking about what to use for his first Pokemon.
"Okay, Spearow, come on out," Ash sent out his first Pokemon as Brock realized what was going on, and Misty let out Tempest to see her Cousin in battle.
"Go, Cousin, you got this. I managed to win on my first one before losing to his second Pokemon," Tempest said to Spearow, who had a sweatdrop, as did Ash and Misty.
"I think that's making things worse for him, girl," Misty said to her Pokemon, who giggled as Spearow sighed, shook his head, and turned to the rock/ground type Pokemon ready to fight.
"I have faith in you, boy, so no worries, so let's begin this fight, Brock," Ash said to Brock, who could tell that Ash does care about his Pokemon, though Ash's last name does ring a bell. Still, he was going to leave it alone for now.
"Spearow vs. Graveler, let the battle begin," the ref announced as Ash and Brock were ready.
"Graveler, use Rock Polish and then Rollout," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who used the two attacks and headed toward Spearow.
"Careful, Ash Rock Polish boasts speed. If you don't be careful, that'll be the last of your worries," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"Double team and then use Drill Peck," Ash commanded Spearow, who used double team before the Rollout could hit him and then slammed his beak into Graveler before it could recover to catch the flying type. "Now, Steel Wing," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who slammed his wing into Graverler. "Feather Dance now before it could do more damage," Ash said as Pidgey recognized that move from her father.
"So it seems like he inherited that move from my dad and his mother after all, clever," Tempest said to Misty, who nodded.
"That'll help with this gym battle, that's for sure," Misty said to Tempest and turned to Ash.
"It seems like Ash took a better look at his Pokemon's moveset before the battle. He's playing smart, still new but smart enough," Trip told Misty, who nodded.
"Ash, you really think that is going to help you, then you got another thing coming. Use explosion," Brock commanded his Pokemon, and Ash realized Brock was ready to end this quickly.
"Double team and then Aerial Ace, get out of there," Ash commanded his Pokemon, who used the clones to soften the blow and got out of the explosion with the flying move, which barely worked as it got clipped from the blast. "Spearow!" Ash said as Misty, Tempest, and Trip were surprised by this as he barely got to Ash's side of the battlefield, panting heavily. That clipped on him did some damage.
"Graveler is unable to battle Spearow wins," the ref announced as Brock returned his Pokemon.
"I can see what you were trying to do, Brock; you were trying to make it harder for me to come back if that battle ended in a tie," Ash said to Brock, who smirked.
"I must say you are good, but I do feel bad for you given that you are using Pokemon that aren't good against my Pokemon," Brock said as he pulled out his last Pokemon. "My partner, Pokemon Steelix, come on out," Brock sent out his last Pokemon.
"So his Onix evolved, I see," Misty said to Trip and Ash, who turned to her. "His Steelix was his first Pokemon before he became a gym leader, so you are looking at a tough Pokemon."
"Spearow, you going to be okay with battling against him? I mean, you are at a worse disadvantage than before?" Ash asked Spearow, who shook his head as Ash nodded. "You can go to your Cousin. We'll finish this," Ash said to Spearow, who nodded and went to where Misty was beside his Cousin to rest as Ash turned to Flare. "You ready, girl?" Ash asked his starter, who nodded as she ran to the battlefield.
"I see. She's your starter as well, clever given the type advantage against him, but we won't go easy on you either," Brock said to Ash, who nodded. "Steelix, use Rock POlish and then use Dig," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who spun up and dug underground.
"Keep calm and try to sense it, and then use Dragons Dance to get out of the way," Ash said as Flare tried to sense where he was and used the move.
"Iron Head now, Steelix," Brock commanded him as it came from under Flare and barely missed her. "Dragons Breath now, Steelix," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack.
"Flamethrower now," Ash commanded her, who fired the attack as the two moves clashed, causing an explosion only for Flare to be missing. Ash realized what was going on, as did Brock.
"Oh no, you don't. Ash Iron head on the ground now, Steelix," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who was coming into the hole where Flare went into.
"Careful and use Flamethrower before it reaches you," Ash commanded her, firing the attack as it was hitting Steelix and coming towards her as if it was taking the fire attack in. "Dragons Dance and then use Dragon Claw. Get out of there now," Ash commanded her, who used the attack. She could stop the attack and barely get out of there and slashed Steelix.
That attack barely did damage, but it was enough to escape the incoming Iron head attack as Steelix recovered. Brock was impressed by how Ash handled this, as Flare was still raring to go.
"Humph, not bad, Ash. She's properly raised to go toe-to-toe with my Pokemon, but let's see how you will continue the fight," Brock said to Ash. "Stone Edge," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who slammed its tail on the ground as pillars of rocks were sent toward Flare and hit her, sending her to Ash's side.
"Flare, you okay? You want to call it a battle?" Ash said to Flare, who groaned to get up. While she wanted to agree with Ash, she turned to him and shook her head, though she didn't fault Ash for saying that. "There has to be something we can do to get the upper hand against Steelix. Even if we managed to get a better speed advantage on him, he'd try to counterattack against me," Ash thought as he realized something. It took some time for its attack to get to him; even with Rock Polish speed boost to the battle, it wasn't enough, and Flare also noticed. "We need to get back to that Iron Head or Dragons Breath Clash," Ash whispers to Flare, who nods.
"Humph, whatever you are planning, you won't get the advantage to use it. Rock Polish and then use Stone Edge," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who used the two attacks and then launched the attack towards Flare.
"Dragons Dance and then Dig, get out of there," Ash commanded her, who dodged the Stone Edge, barely getting out of there.
"Oh, no, you don't use Dragons Breath and Iron Head. End this," Brock commanded his Pokemon, who fired the attack and headed straight toward Flare.
"That's what we wanted to hear. Use Flamethrower full blast Flare," Ash commanded her, who used Flamethrower to muster a full blast of fire towards the steel snake Pokemon. It was still colliding toward her as the two Pokemon were in a power struggle to the point that neither was giving up.
However, something was happening as Steelix was starting to heat up from the Flamethrower, Flare managed to break through the Dragon Breath and hit it as it managed to land an Iron Head towards Flare, causing an explosion as both Ash and Brock were covering their faces from the explosion both were worried about their Pokemon as the smoke clears as both Pokemon were still standing panting heavily as both Ash and Brock were surprised.
Something has to give, and one who did it was Steelix, who couldn't take it anymore and fell instantly, which surprised Ash, though Brock was impressed.
"Steelix is unable to battle. Charmander wins, and the winner with two Pokemon is Ash Ketchem from Pallet Town," the ref announced. Ash couldn't believe that he pulled that off. Flare was about to pass out as Ash ran over to her, holding her in his hands in celebration.
Trip smirks and takes his leave. He sees Ash as a rival for him as Misty and Spearow run over to Ash. Spearow nuzzles Ash, and Ash chuckles as Brock returns his Pokemon to its ball. Brock walks over to Ash, who notices.
"I must say, Ash, for your first battle, you handled it very well; you earned that win; even if you had called the match, you earned my respect as well," Brock said to Ash, who looked down.
"Nothing was wrong with that, Ash. Nobody on the team would've blamed you for calling it knowing that Spearow would've struggled even worse than against Graveler," Flare said to Ash as Spearow nodded, and Ash sighed.
"Thanks, you guys, you made me feel better regardless of my decision there," Ash said as the two chuckled at him.
"This will be my last battle as a gym leader, as my father has agreed to take over the gym after this battle. That's why I suggested that to battle today. The Boulder Badge is yours. Even if you called the match, you earned it through the willingness to take your Pokemon's safety into account," Brock said, handing his badge to Ash, who happily accepted it.
"Thanks, Brock, but I'd rather earn my badges than get them through sympathy or anything like that. Uh, no offense," Ash said as Brock nodded in understanding.
"Come on, Ash, take it as a compliment, and there's nothing wrong with that from time to time as long as you gave it a good battle, or were you planning on using some of mine in the rematch," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"I wouldn't blame you for either, Ash. We'll leave tomorrow. That way, I can be with my mom and siblings one last time before we leave, and I appreciate you two allowing me to come with you guys," Brock said to Misty and Ash, who nodded.
The group left the gym for the Pokemon Center as Ash was still thinking about that last moment during the match.
"You took a risk and went with it, Ash, and we both earned our badges today," Misty said to Ash, who nodded.
"What are you going to do when we reach Cerulean City," Ash said to Misty, who looked down. "We will be heading to Mt. Moon tomorrow, and it's a full day's walk if we don't run into issues, and we did discuss that soon enough," Ash said to Misty.
"I'll think about it when we get a chance in Mt. Moon, but I think I'll try my best against my sisters if they are willing to battle, that is?" Misty said with uncertainty in her voice, which Ash and Flare noticed, but let it go as Flare sensed someone was watching them.
"Show yourselves now; we know that you have been following us since Viridian Forest," Flare called out as two dragons came out, a Redish-white one and a Blueish-white one interested in both Ash and Misty. "A Latias and a Latios, what are two legendaries doing here?"
"It's a long story, and we're not too privy to humans, but we've heard that you helped with Poachers a week back, and we saw your battles, so we agreed to let you two take us in," Latios said to Misty and Ash as he was interested in Misty more than Ash as a trainer while Latias was for Ash.
"Hold on, you two, and we're still new to being a trainer and unsure if we're ready to use legendaries?" Ash said to the two.
"You won't be using us in those gym battles if you were wondering. We can agree to that. Right now, we need to be with those we can trust, and you don't have to worry about us taking up space on your team, you'll see," Latias said to Ash, who looked down and looked at Misty.
"Well, if you two are sure, then sure, we can let you join us, though we have a new friend joining us tomorrow," Misty said to the two, who nodded.
"Oh, we know, and we can tell he's trustworthy, so please, no worries from us," Latios said to Ash and Misty, who nodded and took out a Pokeball for the two as Latias tapped the ball that Ash had and Latios for Misty and they were caught and exited out of their balls shortly after.
"Well, that's weird, but welcome to the team, you two, and we can discuss deals and demands tomorrow if that is fine with you two?" Ash said to the two, who nodded as they went invisible, showing that clutter with traveling wouldn't be an issue. "Well, we will have to explain this to Professor Oak and Brock at some point?"
"If he hadn't realized that by how our captures have been, Ash. But we can't just tell everyone cause of what they told us," Misty said to Ash, who nodded as the group left.
The next day came as Ash and Misty were waiting on Brock, and Latios and Latias were above their trainers, invisible as Brock finally arrived with the group.
"Sorry, I'm late. You guys had to get a few things before we could leave," Brock said to Ash and Misty, who nodded. Ash noticed that Brock also had a translator that must've been given to him by his father. "Well, let's go to Mt. Moon," Brock said to Ash and Misty, who nodded.
"Say, Ash, aren't you going to tell him?" Misty whispers to Ash.
"We'll discuss it when we get the chance," Ash told Misty as Brock noticed, but let it go as the group left for Mt. Moon.
"To think that I will be traveling with the younger brother of champion Red," Brock said to Ash, who wasn't surprised. "I know that you aren't trying to hide that, Ash. I didn't want to say something to you, and I can see you are different from him so far. No worries, so come on, let's go," Brock said as Ash nodded. The group ran off, and the Lati twins followed suit as well.
With a badge in hand and new Pokemon added to the team, Ash, Misty, and Brock now make their way to Mt. Moon and Cerulean City, the site of their next destination. What else is in store for our heroes as their Journey continues?
Stay Tuned.
Done and done. Yes, this chapter is longer than usual, especially if you read my other stories, where the longest is 5600. Funny enough, chapter 14 was actually this long when I first wrote that in Unova when it came out before the revisions. Before I get you changed, Brocks team, etc., I was planning this in the reviews as it's not just Kanto Pokemon in this story. As for Unova Boy Trip, I did say that I was adding a rival from that region, and if you read that story, you know I did fix a few things with him. We'll see him more often in this story, so please give it time. And he's just one of many we'll run into. You'll see the next chapter. This reminds me that I am still taking new Pokemon and rivals for the story. As for the Lati Twins, I mentioned this before, but don't worry about them being used a lot, like gym battles only if needed, and they will be used in the league or Team Rocket if they have to. That said, we're off to Mt. Moon. We're getting a few new Pokemon added to the team, and no, Ash will not be handed Badges. He'll earn them in this story. Please review, and we'll see you next time.