Beta Read and Edited by Vital Info. Thank you for giving me advice and thoughts about putting world building into the story.
I'll be sure to remember this. Even though you are a temporary Beta Reader for me, I thank you.
The role of a Beta Reader is still up for grabs if anyone is still interested. You have to have some experience in paraphrasing, a little world building, and writing for the job.
I'm still in dire need of one, so please respond if you can.
Chapter 5: Pewter City, Off to a Rocky Start
"Look, there's Pewter City!" Misty shouted out from the edge of a cliff as Ash and Pikachu approached her and saw a city beneath their feet.
"What a relief!" Ash sighed as he and Pikachu sat on a boulder to catch their breath. "I thought we were gonna be roaming in that forest forever." He muttered, and Pikachu gently squeaked in agreement.
"I hope I never have to go back there any time soon." Misty sighs relieved.
"You and me both," Ash remarked, relieved that he wouldn't have to deal with her screaming at the sight of a bug Pokémon for a long time, but it's time to get back to business. "Now that we've made it, it's time for me to get ready for my first badge," he added, eager to head down to find the gym.
"Before we do anything else, we should probably go and find the Pokémon Center." Misty advised.
Pausing, Ash had to admit, after all those battles his team could use some rest. "I guess you make a point," he said, looking down at Pikachu.
"Pewter City, the city of stone. This town is famous for stones." A male voice said.
Looking below to their feet, they saw a bearded man with a red beanie over his head sitting nearby. "Hey, who's this guy?" Ash wondered.
"Beats me," Misty shrugged as the man introduced himself to them.
"The name's Flint, and you're sitting on some of my merchandise, young man." The man, Flint, responded without even turning to Ash.
Yelping, Ash quickly got off the rocks before realizing something. "Wait, you sell rocks?" Ash asks.
"That's right, and not just any rocks. Some of these rocks contain hidden treasures. Fossils may be hidden inside. Some are infused with gems like stardust and even small pieces of gold. It's a gamble as you may get a dud, but fortune favors the bold." Flint says with a nod. "They're Pewter City souvenirs, want to buy some?"
"Ehh,while enticing, I think I'll pass, sir." Ash politely declined. "We're just trying to find the Pokémon Center."
"Yeah, we just came through from Viridian Forest, and we're REALLY tired," Misty said with a laugh.
"Hm, seems like your Pokémon are a bit exhausted," Flint said, looking over to Pikachu. "I can lead you to the Pokémon Center if you like."
With that, he got up and brushed himself off. He walked off, leaving Ash and Misty to stare in wonder.
"Huh, well he looks like he's a pretty nice guy, despite his appearance," Ash said with a smile.
"You think so?" Misty questioned, just as Flint came back.
"Oh, by the way, that'll be a 2 Dollar charge for sitting on my rocks," he informed them, making Ash and Misty fall over in a comedic way before handing the money in defeat.
Leading them down the hill, and having a small conversation with Flint along the way, they arrive at the Pewter City Pokemon Center being greeted by Nurse Joy. "Welcome to the Pewter City Pokémon Center, how may I help you today?"
"Please have a look at my Pokemon." Ash said, handing the Nurse at the counter his Pokemon.
"Sure! Right away, Ash." Nurse Joy grinned, causing Ash to blink in confusion as to whether he had introduced himself by name already.
"How did you know my name? You're not the Nurse Joy from Viridian City, are you?" He questioned, making her laugh.
"No, that Nurse Joy there is my little sister, and I'm the oldest," Nurse Joy explained. "She told me about your heroic deeds in preventing those thieves from stealing Prof. Oak's Pokémon, and you have my gratitude," she remarked, giving him a sweet grin that made Ash blush slightly as he wasn't used to the praise.
"Oh uh, well it was no problem really. I'm just glad I could help." Ash said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Well, still thank you for your help. Why don't you take a breather and head down to the cafeteria to relax while you wait for your Pokémon to heal up?" She suggested, pointing down the hall.
Ash smiled, liking the sound of that. When they discovered the cafeteria, Ash and Misty were desperate for some prepared gourmet meal instead of ramen and the occasional berries they had gathered while traveling in the Viridian Forest.
"Oh yeah, that hits the spot." Ash said happily digging in to the small mountain of food before him that included pancakes and fresh fruits among other goodies just as Misty sat next to him.
"Agreed, you gotta love the Pokémon Center," Misty smiles, chowing down with a bountiful pate of her own.
"Once we finish and my Pokémon are all good, let's try to find the gym." Ash suggests as he was finishing his meal.
"Well hang on, don't you think you should try to know what you're getting into?" Misty said.
"I remember your warning from the forest, don't worry." Ash said.
"That's not what I meant, but good to know you were listening. I mean maybe try to get a little information on the gym. Like what kind of gym leader is in charge and how they battle." Misty said.
Ash realized what she was getting at, "Oh was that what you were talking about the other day?"
"You're not the first person to challenge a gym. I bet if you asked around you could find out a few things." Misty said.
Ash, now having finished his meal, really wanted to get to the gym and get it done right now, but hearing this made him reconsider. "Hmm, well I guess it wouldn't hurt to plan and prepare." He agreed.
"You'll thank me for this advice later on." Misty assured.
Ash stood up and promptly walked around the Pokémon Center in silence. 'Hm, I guess she really was trying to help me. Maybe I was a little harsh to her yesterday. Maybe I should take it easy on her or apologize soon." Ash thought.
They must have been talking about their intentions aloud because almost out of nowhere Flint blurted out.
"You mean to tell me you plan on challenging Brock?" Flint said, eating a snack at a table nearby.
"Yeah, what about it?" Ash turns to face Flint directly.
"Well, I hate to tell you this, kid, but you won't be challenging him today." Flint said, confusing them.
"Huh, what are you talking about?" Ash asks, curious as to what Flint meant.
"The gym is closed today." Flint said, making Ash almost fall over before catching himself.
"What?! You gotta be kidding me!" Ash groans.
"It's closed? Why, I thought gyms were always supposed to be open?" Misty enquired, playing dumb as this was information she was privy to being one of the Gym Leaders in Cerulean. A secret she knew may not be able to keep secret for long.
"Not on the leader's day off they're not." Flint explained. "So you guys came at a pretty bad time."
"Man, so what am I supposed to do now?" Ash asks.
"Why don't we just have an easy day and explore the city?" Misty suggests, before continuing her statement. "The Gym can't be the only place of interest a place this big has to offer."
"I guess, since we can't do anything else." Ash sighs, a bit frustrated but accepts the situation.
After finishing their conversation, Flint headed off and Ash and Misty went to Nurse Joy for ideas on what to do in the city.
"Hm, well why not visit one of our biggest attractions?" Nurse Joy suggested.
"And what's that?" Ash said, leaning in.
"The Pewter City museum of course." Nurse Joy declares.
That deflated Ash's excitement, "A museum?" He asked, definitely not liking what he was hearing.
"Oh trust me, it's amazing. We have the largest fossil collection in the region. It's pretty amazing." Nurse Joy assures.
"I say we give it a shot, it couldn't be that bad," Misty said as Ash sighs.
"Fine," Ash said, reluctantly agreeing. He was never a big fan of museums. He considered them boring and just not fun. But since he didn't have anything better to do at the moment he really didn't want to spend all day waiting around until tomorrow.
After collecting their Pokémon and getting directions from Nurse Joy, Ash and Misty left the Pokémon Center and headed north to the museum.
It was a very tall building with enormous windows and grey stone colored walls, as well as a slew of dome-shaped facilities beside it. The "Pewter Museum of Science" was emblazoned on a big sign near the walkway's entrance.
They soon made their way inside Ash and Misty were surprised to see large skeleton models of Pokémon all over the museum as well as several different types of stones and fossils in display cases.
"Pika!" Pikachu said in awe.
"Well I guess it's not as boring as I thought it would be at first." Ash said. They proceeded to the main desk, where they were met by a receptionist. "Good afternoon, and welcome to the Pewter Museum of Science. How can I assist you today?"
"Yeah my friend and I are first time visitors. Any parts you recommend looking at?" Misty asks.
"Hmm, well I'd recommend checking out our Fossil display. They're some of our best attractions, we've even added a brand new display that was founded at Grampa Canyon."
"Are fossils the big thing here?" Ash asks, genuinely curious.
"Oh absolutely, our scientists have been hard at work on a special project that could revolutionize our understanding of fossil Pokémon." The receptionist said with great passion.
Now that definitely grabbed their attention. "OK, I guess we can check it out," Ash said, interested.
"Perfect, the fee for entry is 50 Pokédollars for kids," the receptionist said, preparing the tickets.
As they paid the price, Ash and Misty made their way inside. The first exhibit they walked up to was a display case that showed the skeleton of a winged Pokémon with scythes for arms and a large spiky tail.
"Woah, check out this one," Ash bent down to read its name on the tag. "Aerodactyl."
"That thing looks dangerous." Misty said, as the sight of the fossil gave her goosebumps.
"Pika." Pikachu nods in agreement.
Looking further, there was a description under the name that gave out more information on the Pokémon.
"Traces of this Pokémon were found in pieces of Old Amber found in Grandfather Canyon. Aerodactyl has a vicious temperament and flies without fear through the sky. It is said that Aerodactyl ruled the skies in its ancient world." Ash read aloud.
Misty audibly gulped, "Are we glad to have normal birds, am I right?"
"I don't know. Normal birds can be quite fierce too." Ash said. Pikachu shuddered, remembering a few weeks ago, the events of the Spearow incident.
Walking by some other skeletons, they saw one was a large mollusk like Pokemon with a large spiky shell, and the other one was a tall fossil with blades for arms. Ash looked over to the display stands and snorted and called Misty over, "Heh, hey Misty, I got a feeling you'll love these two."
"What? Why on Earth would I be a fan of these?" Misty asks, walking over with a sense of wonder as to what Ash meant.
"They're water Pokemon." Ash declares, making her gasp.
"No way, lemme see!" She moved in front of him fast and scanned the display tags. "Omastar and Kabutops, Rock and Water Types." taken aback at the information, her interest in these fossils grew exponentially.
"I guess while Aerodactly ruled the skies, these two were causing trouble on land and water." Ash assumes.
"Oh it's a shame these two wind up extinct. I would love to meet one," Misty lamented, genuinely wishing the interaction could take place.
"I don't know, these things look pretty fierce too." Ash said, firmly.
"They are." Turning around Ash saw a little boy a few years younger than him with spiky brown hair, lines for eyes and a striped shirt.
"Oh, hi there. What do you mean you know they are?" Ash asked him, interested to hear more of this young boys thoughts.
"I've been here many times with my family and I've studied those Pokemon a lot in books. Omastar and Kabutops are seriously strong." He confirms with an exciting tone.
"Sounds to me that you know quite a bit about everything in this museum," Misty said, as she joined the conversation.
"My big brother takes me and my siblings here all the time. We love it here." The kid smiles.
"Hey, maybe you can be our tour guide then? Show us some things you like here?" Ash said.
"I would but--" the young boy expressed before being cut off.
"Forrest there you are." An older voice calls out.
"I sort of already have a guide," the young lad now identified as Forrest acknowledged as a larger boy, who looked like an older Forrest, approached them. He had spiky brown hair, he wore an orange t-shirt, a lime green cargo vest with four pockets, a dark brown belt with a gold buckle and dark red pockets, brown jeans, and blue-gray sneakers with white trim.
He approached the group and said, "Hey, bro, where'd you run off to?"
"Sorry, I heard these guys talking about fossil Pokémon and I couldn't resist." Forrest said in an apologetic tone before his older brother spoke.
"I'm sorry if my little brother bothered you guys," the boy said, turning to Ash and Misty.
"It's fine, we weren't bothered at all." Ash said, telling him it was alright.
"He was actually quite helpful." Misty said. This made Forrest blush a bit.
"It's our first time here, so we just wanted to know what this place had to offer." Ash explained to the yet to be identified man next to Forrest, who then replied.
"Well me and my siblings were about to check out the new addition to exhibit. Wanna come with us?" The older brother offered.
"Sure, we don't mind." Ash said, agreeing to come along. "Oh, by the way, my name's Ash, and this is Pikachu." Ash stated as he had forgotten to introduce himself earlier.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu greets with a smile.
"And you can call me Misty." Misty bowed with a smile of her own.
They already gathered the young boy was Forrest and now his older brother properly introduced himself. "My name's Brock." He declared, surprising them.
"B-Brock?" Ash repeated as he remembered something Flint said earlier. Wasn't the Gym Leader of Pewter City named Brock? Before his thoughts got interrupted…
"Hey Brock, they're about to reveal the new exhibit!" A young girl called out, making Forrest gasp at the realization of how much time had passed since he joined his new friend group.
"Come on, we gotta go!" Forrest said eagerly upon hearing the information from what the group were assuming was his sister having remembered he mentioned having siblings other than Brock.
"Alright, hang on," Brock chuckled at his enthusiasm before turning to Ash and Misty. "You guys coming?"
"Uh yeah, hang on." Ash said as he and Misty briefly glanced at each other in acknowledgement that may be with Brock, the Gym Leader or it's just a coindice he is named Brock also. They would have to find out as they joined the group before following after.
In another section of the museum, we see an exhibit that was covered with curtains and people behind the ropes waiting to see what was about to be revealed. Ash and Misty caught up to Brock and Forrest, who were standing next to 8 small children, a hearty mix of boys and girls, who all bore a striking likeness to them. They were all, without a doubt, related to them. The little girl who informed them of the exhibit earlier among them.
A man, who happened to be the caretaker of the museum, walked into the middle of the exhibit and greeted everyone.
"For many years the secrets of the past have only been known to exist in fossils or pieces of history but now we've figured out a way to restore fossil Pokémon and bring them back into the world." The caretaker declares getting everyone's attention.
"What?" "Restore ancient Pokémon?" "That's crazy." "Impossible," the crowd began to murmur upon hearing the severity of the information they heard seconds ago.
"Bring fossils back to life? Is that even possible?" Ash asked unsure, but intrigued by the news.
"I have no idea." Misty admits, though interested if this were true as it would make her dream of owning an Omastar and Kabutops a reality one day.
"With the brilliant minds from our best researchers along with assistance from quite the few scientists of Cinnabar Island, I present to you all..." The caretaker snapped his fingers.
Behind a curtain, we see a large machine being revealed. "The DNA Retriever!!" before the staff unveiled a machine that seemed from the future to many young folks, but was a marvel of technology and science to the older community as the sounds of the machine being turned on left the crowd began oohing and ahhing at the sight of the machine as the caretaker said,
"Now I'm sure you're all wondering how this works? First, we insert a Pokémon fossil inside the machine. The Retriever then repairs the DNA inside the fossil using methods we can't yet reveal to the public and uses the information to resurrect said Pokémon from nothing but its fossil."
Little did they know a certain trio was listening in on the tour. And that last part really piqued their interest. Nodding to each other, they moved on closer to the front of the line, unknowingly standing right next to Ash and Misty.
"So does that mean any fossils in the museum could be used?" A woman asks in a rather loud tone.
"Assuming it has enough DNA, yes." The man nods as he answers the question. "Think about it. Pokémon that were once lost back and living among us. And not just fossils found here in Kanto, really any fossil from any region around the world could be revived one day."
"Any fossil.." Ash said, with wonder as to which fossil, if he ever encountered one, would he revive to add to his team.
"In this museum," The woman next to him said again in a loud tone.
"Walking among us?" The man next to her said.
"This could either be really good or really bad." Misty said, unsure how to respond at the nature of the questions before her.
"That's easy, little twerp, (it's) good for us," the little man interjected with a gleam in his eyes. Ash and Misty both heard that and looked to the 3 figures in coats next to them closely.
"What did you say?" Ash asked upon hearing what was said but more importantly the use of the word 'twerp'.
"Uh nothing! Nothing at all!" The woman said in a worried tone.
"Our little friend has quite the imagination. Just ignore him." The man said while scolding the small man with his eyes, practically staring daggers through him before they stomped their feet onto the little man on the ground. Cringing in agonizing pain, the little man tried as best as he could to keep it together. Now the attention turned elsewhere.
"Perhaps a demonstration is in order." The caretaker said as two scientists walked over carrying two fossils in their hands. "These fossils were recently discovered in the depths of Mt. Moon, a Helix and Dome Fossil." He soon reaches out and places the two fossils inside the machine, ensuring they are correctly spaced.
"Now the machine scans the fossils, making sure it reads each strand of DNA with the utmost precision and accuracy." As green lights encircled the fossils, the machine let out a digitized cry that stated.
"Recognized Helix Fossil. Pokémon within…Omanyte. " The machine then continued. "Recognized. Dome Fossil. Pokemon within ... Kabuto". As more buttons were clicked, allowing a bright light to shine from within that soon consumed the room as some covered their eyes while others held their breath, they waited for the light to die down.
"And now…behold!" Opening the door they saw two Pokémon inside.
One was a blue mollusk Pokémon with a round helix shell and the other was a brown Pokémon with two circles for eyes and 4 little claws. Their cries soon emerged.
"O-manyte!"
"Ka-Buto!"
"No way." Brock was the first to speak out amazed at the revived fossils in front of him and the crowd present today.
"It's a real Omanyte and Kabuto!" Forrest gasped in absolute admiration.
Taking out his Pokedex, Ash pointed it at them. The scanning was brief and soon Dexter, informed Ash the information available on the revived fossils.
"Kabuto the Shellfish Pokemon. Three hundred million years ago, it hid on the sea floor. It also has eyes on its back that glow."
Before following up with...
"Omanyte the Spiral Pokemon. This Pokémon from ancient times is said to have navigated the sea by adeptly twisting its 10 tentacles."
Misty squealed at the sight of them, "Oh my goodness, they're so adorable! Real life fossil Pokémon!" She exclaimed with starry-eyes.
Chuckling at the sight, Ash was amused by Misty's enthusiasm. 'Bug types make her scream with fear but water types make her scream with joy.' Ash said to himself as he shook his head wondering if she ever had a quiet mode.
Misty wasn't the only one with starry eyes; the three people next to them all had wonder, excitement and a malicious grin that exuded a sense of greed written all over their faces.
"Are you two thinking what I'm thinking?" The little one asks.
"As long as you guys are thinking what I'm thinking," the taller man said.
"Then I think you guys are thinking what I'm thinking." The Woman finished stating.
Pausing, the three glanced at each other and knew they were thinking the same thing. With big grins and silent giggles, the trio quickly dispersed from the crowd.
The Caretaker soon spoke up.
"We do hope you've enjoyed the new addition to Pewter Museum of Science. All this made possible through donations from many foundations across the globe, including amongst them Silph Co., Devon Corp., Lysandre Labs, the Aether Foundation, and even Macro Cosmos, who all have a great deal of interest in ensuring the research involved in our fossil revival program went as smoothly as it did today.
We'd like to thank all the scientists involved and the staff that make working here in this museum what it is today. One of the premier ventures in all of Kanto and soon the rest of the world as we hope these advancements become a global sensation and all future generations have a chance to immerse themselves among the creatures that once called the Pokémon World their home as well. We hope you enjoyed the presentation and continue to support the museum."
With that, a roar of applause emerged as the tour reached its conclusion, and soon the newly revived Omanyte and Kabuto were being tended to, and some equipment and other odd ends were being checked out.
After the tour, we see Ash and Misty with Brock and his siblings.
"Well that was definitely worth coming over. Guess not all museums are boring after all." Ash stated as he watched the Fossil Pokemon, who met his gaze and oddly enough seemed interested in the young trainer before them.
There was just something about him. An aura, perhaps? Or an energy that they just can't explain to themselves right now before the conversation continues.
"A lot of people normally think that, but they'd be surprised by what museum's have to offer," Brock says with a laugh. "History isn't a bad subject to touch every now and then."
"Couldn't have said it better myself. I know seeing those two Pokemon made my day." Misty expressed and soon asked. "Do you think they'll restore more of them, Brock?"
"Well, that all depends on how many more fossils they find or trainers bring in. I'm sure some fossils are in the hands of many trainers out there who just didn't have the means to revive, but after news of this spreads, I'm sure that will change." Brock replied with confidence that exuded his wisdom as more than just being a Gym Leader."I wanna see them next time we come here!" One of Brock's sisters said."Me too! They were adorable!" Brock's siblings clustered around him, their faces beaming.
"Your siblings must really love Pokémon," Ash comments as he watches the group of children talk amongst themselves of how cool Omanyte and Kabuto were.
"Yeah they really do. They love spending time with me whenever they get the chance." Brock said with a smile knowing that his duties as Gym Leader can often put a damper on things when it comes to spending time with his family.
"I guess they all wanna be Pokémon trainers when they grow up," Misty guessed again; Maybe these younglings shared the same dream as they watched Brock lead his Gym.
"Hmm, yes and no. They're still a little too young, but things have been difficult lately at home." Brock admits. "I have to watch over all of them, so I don't really have much. I can teach them at the moment about how to be a trainer."
"What about your parents? Couldn't they help?" Ash asked, before noticing an irritated look appeared on Brock's face as all of his siblings looked down in silence. "Um, d-did I say something bad?"
"Our father left home years ago to try and achieve some of the goals he had as a Pokemon Trainer during his youthful days, OR so he said, and our mom works day and night trying to support us all. Thanks to that, I have to take care of everyone at home as the eldest." Brock explains.
The unexpected news surprised both Ash and Misty, making Ash feel bad for bringing it up. "Ah jeez, look I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I hope you can forgive me."
"You didn't know." Brock assures. "Listen Ash, you don't have to feel bad for me. I love taking care of my siblings and helping my family. So consider yourself forgiven." Ash felt the genuine intent behind his words and knew he was forgiven.
"Taking care of your family along with the responsibilities of a Gym Leader? That's a tall order," Misty said knowing well the burden her parents also suffered doing the same.
"Maybe, but I need to be here for them." Brock smiles looking at his family. "Come by the Gym tomorrow around noon Ash. I'll be ready for you."
"Wait? I never mentioned wanting to challenge the Gym." Ash expressed curiosity as to how Brock deducted he wanted to challenge him.
"It seemed the right call after seeing you use the PokéDex. I know Prof. Oak doesn't just hand those out to anyone and when he has it has been to Trainers who often aid his research traveling the region. Many take the Indigo League Conference as a goal to fulfill as they travel the region anyways so it was a safe assumption to connect two and two together and tell you I'll be ready for your challenge." Brock finished proud of his skill of deduction.
Ash was flabbergasted. Truly Gym Leaders are chosen to represent their respective towns and cities for more than just their skills in battle. Thinking about it, they were representatives of the League and had to have access to information and know persons of stature within the Pokemon Community such as Prof. Oak. And so replacing his frown with a smile, Ash nods. "I'll be there."
As the two groups went their separate ways, we see that Flint has been watching them from a distance before a strong wave of sadness and guilt comes over him. "I hope to be right by you soon, one day, my children. I just need the right opportunity…"
--The very next day...--
Ash and Misty were standing in front of a building made entirely out of stone with the words, "PEWTER CITY GYM," imprinted on the front. To many, it may feel plain and cold, but to some, it meant a solid foundation. Something stable. Something solid to represent a city that often represents the spirit of Kanto. One unwavering and strong to its core. Ash was looking forward to this battle since the night before and now was moments away from potentially his first badge.
"Well Ash, this is it," Misty said. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" She asked, nervous for him, knowing that although it was his first badge challenge, Trainers can let the nerves of a moment like this get the better of them and make them lose.
"Oh yeah. I've been waiting for this." Ash said, determined and confident. HE truly had a lot of momentum going for him including the battle with Samurai and he had faith in his team.
"Pika," Pikachu said, pumping his fists, equally determined.
"Well, hopefully the stands have a good view of everything." Misty said as Ash opened the large doors.
Entering the building, he saw an entire arena that was rocky terrain with a few large boulders scattered around.
"You finally arrived," they looked up to see Brock seated at the top of a platform, looking down at them. "Welcome to the Pewter City Gym," he said as he stood up to meet with them.
"I'm here for my Gym Battle." Ash said, stepping forward.
"Very well, is this your first Gym Battle?" Brock asks and Ash nods. "Then let me explain the rules. Here we will both use two Pokémon and the battle is over when both Pokémon on either side are unable to battle, but as an added bonus only challengers are allowed to change Pokémon in the middle of a battle." Brock finished stating the rules and looked towards Ash to ensure he understood everything that was told.
"OK, I understand." Ash nods, getting a grasp of the rules. The rules gave him an advantage he would try to use to the best of his abilities.
As Misty made her way up to the stand she was immediately joined by all of Brock's siblings.
"You guys came to watch your brother battle?" Misty asked, seeing the excitement in their eyes matching her own when she was their age and watched her parents in battle.
"Duh." A girl said in a joking manner. They had good values instilled in them but they knew to have fun where and there.
"We always come to watch our brother battle whenever we get the chance." A boy said with great excitement.
Soon, a League Official Referee took his place in the field of battle.
"This is an official Pokémon League Gym Battle. The challenger Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town will be facing Brock Harrison, the Pewter City Gym Leader for the Boulder Badge. Both sides may use only two Pokémon each. The match will be over when either sides Pokémon are no longer able to battle. The challenger is allowed to substitute Pokémon when needed. Are both sides ready?" Both Ash and Brock nodded. "Then send out your first Pokémon!"
"I'll start things off. Geodude, Go!" Brock yells throwing a Poké Ball and from it a rock Pokémon with two arms appeared.
"Geodude!"
Pulling his Dexter, the PokéDex out, Ash scanned the new Pokémon for information.
"Geodude, the Rock Pokémon. Geodude is proud of its sturdy body and will bash against others of its kind in a contest of sorts to prove whose body is harder."
"I should have known this was a rock-type gym. Everything in this whole town is rock-related." Ash said with a smile, looking forward to the challenge these Rock Pokémon would provide.
"Good to know you've done your research before coming in," Brock nods, but internally knows this statement was meant to highlight how more often than not Trainers did their due diligence and came prepared to face his sturdy battle tested Mons.
'Uh oh, Ash's team doesn't really have anything strong against a rock type. He's gonna have to be creative.' Misty thought as she saw Ash pick a Poké Ball and face Brock head on.
"Butterfree, I choose you!" Ash said, calling out his evolved bug type.
"Freeee!!" Ash's winged insect Pokémon cried out with a joyous warcry, flying over the battlefield.
"A bug type? Fresh from the Viridian Forest, I presume.." Brock said, knowing the area around his city. "Let the battle begin!!" the Referee shouted, beginning the match."Geodude, let's start things off with a Sandstorm!" Brock said, starting off the battle.
"Geo!" Digging his hands into the ground Geodude kicks up sand with thunderous force that perpetuates the sand as it blows through the whole arena.
"Blow all of this sand away with Gust, Butterfree!" Ash issued the order as Butterfree began flapping his wings, gathering massive gusts of wind to knock away the sandy breezes. Geodude wasn't stirred at all as the winds passed him by.
"Sorry, but it'll take more than a little wind to blow us away. Geodude, Tackle!" Leaping through the gust, Geodude rams into Butterfree delivering a hurtful blow.
Not dithered by the hit Butterfree let his trainer he can still fight, which Ash nods to before stating the next move to be used.
"Butterfree, use String Shot!" Butterfree coiled back and shot a white string from its mouth, wrapping around Geodude.
Surprised, Brock saw Geodude fall to the ground struggling to break free, impressed at the way Ash used such a move in his first Gym Battle.
"Now's our chance! Confusion!" Ash declared confidently. With glowing blue eyes, Butterfree launched Geodude, sending him crashing through some boulders.
"Not a bad strategy," Brock said, astonished. "That String Shot was used as a distraction, wasn't it?"
Ash looks at him with a grin. "I may have the disadvantage when it comes to typing, but there's always another way to win."
"Way to use your head Ash." Misty mutters from the stands happy to see her friend? Maybe it's too soon to use that word. Her travel partner is the term that will do for now, she thought, do so well.
"Butterfree, let's keep this train going! Use String Shot, again!" Ash said, hoping to continue the momentum he built up.
"Oh no, you don't! Geodude, Rollout!" Retreating its arms onto itself, Geodude took form and turned into a ball before racing out of the way dodging it.
"Stop it with Confusion!" Ash said, hoping to stop Rollout before it was too late. If it hit and Geodude continued to roll and gain speed again, the next hit would be devastating.
With glowing eyes, Butterfree stopped Geodude just inches before he was almost flattened. Ash sighed in relief but focused on the battle again quickly.
"Now send him flying!" Ash stated with enthusiasm as the battle was going his way.
"Geodude, use Rollout again!" Brock took command. Geodude took the command and whirled around again as he crashed into the rock, minimizing the damage, just as Butterfree launched him into another boulder.
As a cloud of dust filled the field, Butterfree flew up to avoid being blinded.
"Alright Butterfree, use Sleep Powder!" Ash said as Butterfree rained the blue powder down on the field.
"Sandstorm, quick!" Brock said as Geodude came out of Rollout and blew sand, knocking away the Sleep Powder. Butterfree grimaced as sand flew into his eyes and began shaking most of the sand away. But Brock was not about to let up.
"Tackle!" Brock exclaimed. Geodude jumped out of the wind and slammed his body into Butterfree, knocking him down.
"Just when I think I'm getting the edge on him he knocks me back." Ash cringed as the fall Butterfree took seemed a bit more intense than expected. Geodude punched the air, wanting more as it floated back onto Brock's side.
"I'm sure that wasn't all of the surprises you had in store Ash." He said, awaiting Ash's next move.
"You'd be surprised what I can think of." Ash said knowing he had to do just that quickly. Butterfree may not have much more left, but he would not go down without a fight.
"We'll see. Geodude Mega Punch!" As Geodude's fist glowed, he lunged at Butterfree.
"String Shot on the rocks!" Firing at a boulder, Butterfree yanks himself out of the way before spinning in a circle hurling the rock at Geodude.
"Block!" Geodude crossed his arms in front of his face as the rock shattered on contact.
"String Shot can be handy if you use it right! Now String Shot one more time!"
"Dodge and grab it!" Shifting to the side Geodude grabs the string making Ash gasp, clearly he went into the well with String Shot one too many times.
Geodude yanked it and reeled in the shocked Butterfree with one long pull. Geodude reeled back and smacked his good arm straight into the unfortunate butterfly's face.
Cringing in the stands alongside Brock's siblings, Misty knew that had to hurt.
Flying backward, Butterfree crashed to the ground. "Butterfree, are you alright?!" Ash yelled out.
"Free." Butterfree groans with swirly eyes and a black eye on one, wanting to continue but try as he may he just couldn't and fell over in defeat.
"Butterfree is unable to continue. Trainer Ketchum, recall your fainted Pokemon and select your next available Pokemon." The ref soon stated before awaiting Ash to do as instructed.
Ash frowned seeing he lost and took out Butterfree's Poké Ball, "You did your best Butterfree, I appreciate that so much, get some rest." He recalled Butterfree back into the sphere.
"Your Pokémon are tough Ash, I'll give you that, but so are mine." Brock said in a powerful tone. He didn't want to seem condescending but his confidence in his Pokémon was strong to the core. They were his resolution to be impenetrable and solid not only for his job and his city but more importantly his family. He would not fail them as their father has failed them.
"Maybe, but I still have one more chance to win and I plan on making it count." Ash declared without hesitation. He turns to his starter Pokémon, Pikachu.
"Are you ready, buddy?" Pikachu nods and walks into the field, his gaze fixed on Geodude. "Pika." Pikachu said as sparks came from his cheeks.
"A Pikachu?" Brock raised his eyebrow. "Pretty bold to bring an electric type to a rock gym, but after battling your Butterfree earlier, I think I'll hold back on judging you until after the battle." Truly there was more than meets the eye when it came to Ash.
"Oh you better believe it. Let's finish what Butterfree started, Pikachu!" Ash said, looking towards Pikachu.
"Pika!" Pikachu nods, ready to fight.
"Geodude, use Tackle!" Brock said as Geodude charged in.
"Pikachu, meet him head on with Quick Attack!" Ash said as Pikachu sprinted forward at an incredible speed.
As the two were about to meet in the middle, Pikachu slid under Geodude dodging his attack and coming up behind him.
"Geo?!" Geodude gasped in surprise as Ash launched a strike.
"Now, Slam!" Pikachu used his tail like a constrictor to seize Geodude's arm and spin the rock golem around before throwing him into a neighboring boulder.
"That was for Butterfree." Ash grins. When the dust settled, we found Geodude with swirly eyes caught in the now shattered rock.
"Geodude is unable to continue. Leader Harrison, recall your fainted Pokemon and select your next available Pokemon. As both sides are down to their final Pokemon, this will be the deciding round for the Pewter City Gym's Boulder Badge." The referee said, looking towards to comply with the order given. Meanwhile, from the stands we hear…
"Pikachu. Nice going." Misty said, impressed. 'If he battles like this against my sisters, they're in trouble.' Speaking of sisters…
"Don't be rattled, big bro." "Yeah, you're the best Leader in all of Kanto." Brock's sisters declared to bring a smile to Brock's face before he turned his gaze to Ash, who spoke out.
"All tied up." Ash grins. Brock took out Geodude's Poké Ball and, in an instant, returned his Pokémon back inside for some well-deserved rest.
"Well Ash, you're doing well and I admire your tenacious and creative approach, but there's no way you'll be able to slam this!" Throwing another Poké Ball into the air, Ash and Pikachu look to see a giant rock snake Pokemon looking down at them.
"An Onix?" Ash gasps at the sight of a towering pebble serpent. Truly a behemoth of its kind, the Onix roars echoes and rumbles all throughout the building, making Pikachu flinch in fear.
"I've only ever seen these things on TV battles. It's a lot bigger up close." Misty gulps, nervous for Ash and the challenge before him.
"And it's Brock's best Pokemon." Forrest said proudly. He knew Onix was Brock's starter and most loyal Pokemon so he would be giving his all to make Brock the winner of this battle.
"Don't be afraid of its size, Pikachu!" Ash said, hoping Pikachu wouldn't be intimidated by Onix's appearance as much as he was while trying to put on a brave face.
"Pika..." Shaking his head, Pikachu smacks his cheeks a few times before snapping out of it.
Brock smirked. He knew Onix would often put a great deal of fear in his opponents and Ash was no different. Now it was time to end this.
"Onix, Rock Throw!" Brock said before Onix slammed his tail onto the ground leading rocks to rise up with great force, Onix would then use his tail to throw and rain down on those rocks onto the field.
"Pikachu, dodge it!" Racing across the field, Pikachu leaped from side to side dodging the rocks and closing in on Onix.
"Move in, and then use Bind!" Brock ordered. Onix snaked its lower body outwards towards Pikachu to snag him.
"Jump and use Quick Attack!" Jumping up, Pikachu runs along Onix's tail and rams into him headfirst.
"That won't do you good, Headbutt!" Brock said as Onix moved his head and headbutted Pikachu, sending him sliding across the field. "Physical moves like that won't do anything to a rock hard surface like my Onix!"
"Even the hardest rocks break eventually." Ash said, motivated to chip away at Onix until it fell.
"Well let's see you try breaking this, Rock Tomb!" As Onix prepared to use the move, Ash knew he had to act quickly as rocks began to surround Pikachu with a final rock incoming from above.
"Pikachu, use Slam on the rocks!" As one rained down to seal Pikachu in stone, he leaped up and used his tail with all his might, hit the rock and hurled it back at Onix hitting it in the face.
Seeing Onix knocked back from its own move gave Ash an idea. "That's it. Use the rocks from earlier and send them back to Onix!" He said to Pikachu. "Pika!" Moving around the field, Pikachu whacks them at Onix, making him cringe in pain.
'Clever boy.' Brock thought before he saw an opening in the ongoing assault of rocks and shouted out.
"Onix, Tackle!" Onix, who was deceptively fast, dives in, looking to connect the move.
"Pikachu, use Growl!" Ash said almost out of desperation. Pikachu stood firm and hissed angrily, "PIKA!" His roar propelled shockwaves through the air, striking Onix.
Onix's strength was lowered allowing Pikachu to take the attack but remain standing. "Guess your attacks can't hurt as much either." Ash said, thankful that his plan worked and Pikachu still stood a fighting chance.
"You won't be saying that after this, Screech!" Brock yelled. Onix opened its jaws and let out a high-pitched screech, releasing a stream of invisible shockwaves that warped the air.
'We're not gonna get anywhere if we keep just lowering stats. We gotta fight back.' Ash thought. "Pikachu counter attack, use the rocks around you!"
As Pikachu takes in the command given, he looks back towards a rock, and he wraps his tail around it. "Now, Slam!" Leaping up, Pikachu hurls the boulder landing right in Onix's mouth, shutting it up and stopping Screech!
This truly made Brock take a step back. 'This kid is nuts. No one has ever used the field to their advantage like this. I need to end this soon.' he thought before the ring snapped out of his thoughts.
"Keep at it!" Ash said as Pikachu kept throwing rocks up at Onix, pelting him left and right. As the rocks crash into him, Onix falls back and the rock that was in his mouth not long ago fell onto the field.
'It's now or never.' Brock had to go form a move he dreaded using especially against beginner level Trainers, but Ash pushed him to this course of action.
"Onix, Bide!" Brock said as Onix lets out a groan of pain and frustration as he gathered himself and stood tall ready to unleash the full intensity of Bide upon the rodent that despite being at a type disadvantage gave him such a fierce battle.
"Bide?" Ash said to himself, wondering what that was while Pikachu continues to use the rocks around him as a weapon.
"Uh oh," Misty cringed. "That's not good!" Knowing that Bide was a physical move where the user in this case, Onix absorbs damage for two turns, which it did from the Slam and inadvertent and impromptu Rock Throws from Pikachu, strikes back at double the damage it received.
"Come on Brock. You got this!" Forrest grins as he too knew what was coming.
"You can do it. You just gotta win. You just gotta outlast him a little more." One of the young girls chants. As the boulder came in they smashed into Onix but he just stood there and took it.
'Endure it just a little more Onix,' Brock thought, biding his time.
"Come on, Pikachu! We almost got them." Ash said, not knowing this would be the end of the battle one way or another.
As sparks surround Pikachu's tail he whacks a boulder, sending it flying towards Onix. Finally Onix's eyes snapped open as a red aura began to form around him. Roaring at the top of his lungs, Onix swings his tail, smashing the boulder into pebbles before bringing it down right on top of Pikachu, creating a giant cloud of dust.
"Pikachu!!" Ash exclaimed.
When the dust cleared, Onix lifted his tail, revealing Pikachu was laying flat on the ground with swirly eyes.
"Pikachu is unable to battle. As Trainer Ketchum has lost both his Pokemon, victory goes to Gym Leader Brock Harrison!" the referee declared and went about his other duties before Brock looked at a dejected Ash who kneeled in front of his fallen Pikachu.
"W-We lost?" Ash said in disbelief. He was so sure he had this match won. This was the first battle he had ever lost. Not to mention his very first Gym battle. He thought he was doing great, but then whatever that attack was, changed everything.
"You did good, Ash, great even. I've never seen anyone use the field to battle the way you did and your creative use of moves like String Shot and Slam shows that you have great potential, but you need to train harder and maybe even try switching up your team if you hope to beat me." Brock said returning Onix before turning to walk away.
"But.." was all Ash could mutter before the leader headed out of the door, leaving him to frown as he picked up Pikachu. "Pikachu, are you ok?"
"Pikapi." Pikachu apologizes, feeling he didn't do all he could to win.
"No, it's not your fault. You did your best, but we just weren't as prepared as we thought we were for this." Ash said, encouraging the small mouse Pokemon. With Pikachu in hand, Ash headed out of the gym, leaving Misty and Brock's siblings to watch.
"I knew Brock would win."
"Yeah, Brock and Onix are the best."
"Boy that guy didn't even notice Onix's surprise Bide attack. That's his best move." Were shadows of the conversation Brock's family as they headed off to join Brock elsewhere that Misty couldn't help but overhear.
'It is, huh?' Misty thought as she soon looked down at Ash, feeling bad for him while from the main entrance we also see Flint peeking inside. Presumably having witnessed the majority if not all of the battle that ensued.
'Arceus Almighty, that Onix is still a force to be reckoned with. Proud of you, son.' Flint thought to himself as he soon scurried off while Ash and Misty went to heal his Pokemon.
--At the Pokémon Center...--
"Are my Pokémon going to be ok, Nurse Joy?" Ash asks, worryingly knowing that battle took everything out of Butterfree and Pikachu.
"Of course. With a little rest they'll be good as new." Nurse Joy assured Ash that it would give the boy a level of comfort.
"Thank you.." Ash said but with a sad nod, making Nurse Joy notice hoping to find a way to lift his spirits soon.
Walking over to a bench Ash sat down. He just sighed in frustration. Soon he heard footsteps approach him and saw it was Misty.
"Hey, you ok?" Misty asked, concerned about Ash after that loss.
"You gonna say I told you so? Because you were right." Ash grumbled in a harsh tone. Clearly he wasn't in a good place but he didn't have to be that rude.
"Geez, I'm just trying to cheer you up," Misty replied in an upset manner.
"I'm sorry." Ash apologized realizing he had hurt her feelings needlessly.
"Look, losing sucks. No arguments there, especially your first loss and I hate to tell you this, but you'll probably lose a lot more battles on this journey of yours." Misty starts but is cut off by Ash.
"You mind skipping to the cheer up part?" He said, hoping to find the silver lining of this conversation.
"All I'm saying is you did you pretty good making it this far without losing, but now you can learn from this loss and get better." Misty said hoping these words would help. It's good practice to encourage young trainers if they lost to her when she hopefully ran her family's Gym one day.
"I know," Ash released an exacerbated breath, holding his face in his hands, "But I don't know what to do now."
Misty just breathed deeply and explained what she felt he should do.
"For starters you get up. You want to be a Pokémon Master, right? What kind of Pokémon Master gives up after losing his first gym battle? You know what you can do now? Now you can figure out a way to counter Brock, beat him and get that badge." Misty said enthusiastically.
Ash hated to admit it, but Misty was right. He couldn't keep moping like this because imagine what Gary would think or say to him if he saw him like this. Ash grew enraged just thinking about him and his condescending taunts.
"You're right!" He jumped up from his seat. "I may have lost this time, but I'm not going to lose the next! Just wait, Brock; I'll be back stronger than I am now, and that badge will be mine sooner or later!"
"That's more like it." Misty smirks seeing she got to him.
"When Pikachu and Butterfree are all better, I'm heading back to Viridian Forest for some serious training," Ash said, looking forward to the training to come.
"Well actually, Ash, there is a better way to train than going back to the forest." Nurse Joy informs. "Why don't you just go to the Battle Club?" with a smile as she notes the curiosity in Ash's eyes as he asks.
"Battle Club?" Ash turned, intrigued at this bit of information.
"Oh, I've heard of those. They're special training facilities in certain towns that can help trainers and their Pokémon get stronger. They were made popular in Unova and have been expanding to other regions like ours." Misty recalls, glad to have been refreshed of this knowledge by Nurse Joy.
"That's right…here," Nurse Joy pulls out a pamphlet to give to them that includes the directions to get there and more information about the Battle Clubs.
Looking at it, Ash saw the facility not only helps train the Pokemon, but it can also help the trainers too. Including a battlefield for trainers to meet and test themselves.
"Hey, this looks pretty cool." He said, with a big smile.
"The man in charge is named Don George, and he has tons of experience helping trainers." Nurse Joy sttates.
That got Ash thinking, if he could convince this Don George to help train him, then maybe he could stand more of a chance against Brock the next time they fought.
"Misty...first thing tomorrow after my Pokémon are all rested. We're going." Ash declares.
"Sounds like a plan." Misty smiles, and looks forward to seeing how Ash will improve.
Even though Ash's first gym battle against Brock didn't go as planned, with a little help, Ash will be ready next time they face.
Edited by: Vital Info