Episode 11: Meteorite of Passage

At long last our heroes have made it to Horizoport City, location of Ash's first Tenno League gym battle. With his first challenge ahead, how will Ash fare? Let's find out.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda are walking through the city. there are tall buildings on either side of them, and people everywhere. Brenda looks surprised.

Ash asks her, "What's wrong Brenda? It looks like you've never seen a city before."

"That's because I haven't."

Brock asks with minor disbelief, "Wait, you're claiming that you've never been to a city before?"

She nods. "Horizoport is the only city on all of Tenno Minor, and I've never traveled this far from home before." She looks around. "It's so…big and…busy."

Ash states, "I'm sure you'll get used to it in no time at all." Ash looks forward. "So where do you think the gym is?"

Brock takes out his guidebook and reads from it. "According to this, we shouldn't be too far right now. If we just keep on heading down this road, we'll be there in no time."

Sure enough, after a little while of walking, the group makes it a large building that is certainly the gym. It's large and dome shaped, and has a rocky exterior. Above the doors is a Pokéball emblem. Ash shouts, "That's it, the Horizoport Gym!" He runs towards the entrance.

Brock and Brenda run after him. Brock shouts, "Wait for us!"

Ash runs in. The inside of the gym is as rugged and rocky as the outside. After running through a short hall, Ash makes it to the main battle chamber. There is currently a battle going on on the battle field. Ash looks surprised. "Look who it is!"

Brock and Brenda catch up. Brock says with surprise, "That's Crate! The meteorite hunter that helped us out back when I caught Meteorfight!" Sure enough, on one side of the field is Crate, wearing his rugged exploration gear. In front of him is a Geodude.

Ash says, "Yeah, and look who he's battling."

Brenda exclaims, "That's guy we met in the Crater Gate."

"Yeah, the one who didn't want to battle me because I didn't have any Dragon-Type Pokémon." Opposing Crate is the very same dragon person. He has his Gible in front of him. Draped around his shoulders, watching the battle, is his Dratini, who appears to be worn out and injured from its own battle.

Crate declares, "You are a strong battler, but I don't plan on losing just yet. Geodude, use Rollout!"

The dragon person counters, "Gible, Rock Smash!" Geodude begins to roll at high speed and then moves towards Gible. The Gible jumps into the air, avoiding the attack, and smashing downwards with a glowing arm, impacting the Geodude, and stopping its Rollout.

Crate shouts, "Geodude, keep it up with a rapid fire Rock Throw!" Geodude begins to grab chunks of rock out of the ground and hurls them at Gible.

"Get underground Gible." Gible digs its way underground.

Crate declares, "We're not following for that one again. Geodude, focus on the ground, as soon as you see any movement, stop it with Bulldoze!" Geodude looks around and focuses. It notices the ground shaking to its left. It rolls to its right and then charges at the spot above where the ground shook, however Gible suddenly emerges from behind it, hitting it and causing it fly away. It cries, "Geodude!" Crate looks surprised.

The dragon person grins. "You're not the only one who can catch onto a strategy. We knew that if we caused a false vibration, you'd attack there, leaving your flank open for attack." Crate grimaces. "Now Gible, finish this off with Rock Smash." Gible runs towards the fallen Geodude and delivers a chop. Geodude faints.

The referee declares, "Geodude is unable to battle, that means the winner is the challenger Ryu!"

Crate holds out a Pokéball. "Geodude, return." The dragon person, Ryu, also returns his Pokémon.

Crate walks across the field and holds out a badge. It looks like a rounded rock covered in craters. Crate says, "Ryu, I am pleased to present you with the Meteor Badge. That was a great battle."

Ryu takes it. He shrugs. "It was alright, for a battle with a trainer without any Dragon-Types." He walks away, heading up the stairs. He walks right past Ash, paying no attention to him.

Ash shouts, "Hey, you! Stop right there!"

Ryu sighs and turns around. "What is it?"

"Do you remember me? I challenged you to a battle in the Crater Gate."

"Do you have any Dragon-Type Pokémon?"

"Not with me."

"Then that explains why I don't remember you. Leave me alone." He begins to walk off again.

Ash is getting angered. "What's up with you!? Why do you care what kind of Pokémon I have!?"

He reluctantly turns around again. "I see no purpose in battling you if you have no Dragon-Type Pokémon."

Ash points to Crate. "What about him!? You said it yourself that he doesn't have any Dragon-Types!"

"He's a proven trainer, certified by the Tenno League, and I needed to defeat him to acquire his gym badge." He sighs again. "Fine, if it will stop you from bothering me any further, I'll tell you what. If you defeat him, find me tomorrow, and I might battle you." Without waiting for an answer, he turns around and leaves.

Brenda states sarcastically, "Well, isn't he nice?"

Crate comes up the stairs. He says happily, "Well would you look who it is. It's Ash, Brock, and Brenda." He looks at Brock. "How's your Meteorfight doing?"

Brock grins. "It's fine, thank you. It's adapting well to life on Earth."

Crate nods. "Good, good."

Ash says, "You never told us you were the Horizoport Gym Leader."

He shrugs. "You never asked."

Ash looks towards the exit where Ryu just walked out. Ash asks, "Who was that guy?"

Crate sighs. "That was Ryu. He's a trainer from northern Tenno Major. He claims that Dragon-Type Pokémon a superior to all others, and seeks to achieve the rank of Dragon Master. As it seems you already know, he believes in this concept so firmly that he'll only battle with trainers who have Dragon-Types. I think that that was his first gym badge."

Ash states, "That bugs me so much. What is that guy thinking?"

Crate answers, "Everyone has their own battle style, and they're all entitled to it." After a few moments, he asks, "So I'm sure you didn't come here just to pay a visit, what can I do for you?"

Ash smiles. "I'm here for a gym battle."

Crate nods. "I figured. I'm sorry to tell you this, but my Pokémon are all still tired from that last battle. Why don't we have our battle first thing tomorrow morning?"

Ash nods. "I'll be there."

Pikachu adds a determined, "Pika!"

Crate nods. "That's what I like to hear." He thinks for a moment. "In the meantime, I have something I'd like to show you guys. Why don't you follow me?"

Crate, leading Ash, Brock, and Brenda, walks into a large chamber filled with glass display cases. It looks like a museum. Crate explains, "You see, this building serves as more than just my gym, it's also the Horizoport City Meteorite Museum."

Ash, Brock, and Brenda split up and look around the museum. Brock asks, "So these are all meteorites you've found in your journeys?"

Crate nods proudly. "You bet. Every single one of them." He beckons to them. "Please, allow me to show you some of my best pieces." The three walk back over to him, and he leads them to a large display case on the opposite wall. Inside the case are four five foot diameter meteorites. "These are some of the most perfect specimens I've collected. I found them all near each other in the Hoenn Region. According to studies I've done on them, they each exude a specific frequency of energy, either offense, defense, speed, or neutrality."

Ash comments, "I've seen meteorites that look just like that in Veilstone City, back in the Sinnoh Region. Remember those Brock?" Brock nods.

Crate also nods. "Yes, my studies do seem to indicate that they are made of the very same material as the famous Veilstone Meteorites." He leads them to the center of the room. "While those might be my largest, and most perfect specimens, they are far from my most unique, valuable, and important." He stops in front of a case that's in the exact center of the room. In the case are a few small fragments, as well as one baseball-sized rock. All of them are silvery-gray in color, and seem to almost sparkle. Crate says proudly, "These are my own Meteoric Shards."

Ash exclaims, "I've seen one of those before!"

Crate raises an eyebrow. "Oh, have you?"

"Yeah, I actually came to Tenno in the first place because Professor Oak wanted me to deliver one to Professor Pine."

Crate nods. "Ah yes, Professor Pine, I actually lent one of my shards to him a while back. He promises me it's still in the best of condition."

Brenda asks, "So what exactly is a Meteoric Shard?"

Crate is happy to explain. "A Meteoric Shard is a special class of meteorite. Most Meteorites that crash on this planet are leftover scrap materials from the creation of the Solar System. A Meteoric Shard, instead of being just a leftover byproduct, are from the creation itself. A special energy permeates them, giving them special properties not found in other known material. It is believed that the Solar System itself was hewn from these stones."

Brock comments, "They must be very rare."

Crate nods. "Oh yes, very much so. I'm lucky that I've found this small handful of fragments. Just these here are worth a small fortune."

A group of three people looking at a nearby exhibit, wearing gray trench coats and hats, overhear this. They look at each other and laugh. It's Jessie, James, and Meowth.

Crate looks towards a clock. "Oh my, look at the time. I'd better be going. Feel free to look through the museum as much as you'd like. I'll see you tomorrow."

Ash replies, "And we'll see you tomorrow."

Who's that Pokémon!?

This Pokémon captivates foes with its huge, round eyes, then lulls them to sleep by singing a soothing melody.

Later, Ash is at the Pokémon Center. In front of him are his three Pokémon, Pikachu, Turcell, and Apprentichick. He's inspecting them thoroughly. He says to both himself and them, "So Crate used a Geodude, I'm willing to bet that that means he has a Rock-Type based team. Unfortunately, all three of you aren't the best match-up against a Rock-Type Pokémon. Hmm…well. We do have Pikachu's Iron Tail."

Pikachu cheers, "Pika!"

"Also, Turcell, you know Molten Slag, which despite being a Fire-Type move, is super effective against Rock and Ground-Types. That should work out well, especially since Geodude is both a Rock and a Ground-Type."

Turcell nods. "Cell."

Ash turns to Apprentichick. "Well, you do have your Talon Grapple move that's part Fighting-Type… but also, dealing Flying-Type damage cancels out that super effective bonus, so you'll just have to fight the best you can."

Apprentichick puffs up its chest and gets into a fighting stance. "Apprneti!"

Ash nods. "Alright then, we have our strategy decided then."

A Nurse Joy walks up behind Ash. She says, "My, my, you have quite healthy and energetic Pokémon."

Ash turns to her. "Thank you Nurse-"

Just then Ash is interrupted by Brock coming in and kneeling in front of Nurse Joy. He proclaims, "Oh lovely Nurse Joy, his Pokémon aren't the only healthy and energetic ones here. Come with me, and I'll show you the extent of that energy-"

Brock is cut off as his Meteorfight delivers an uppercut to his chin. Brock is sent flying backwards, shouting, "That's what you get for being energetic!"

Nurse Joy simply states, "Oh my…"

It's Jigglypuff!

It's the next morning. Ash, followed closely behind by Pikachu, runs out of the Pokémon Center. Behind them is Brock and Brenda. They're heading straight towards the gym. Ash suddenly skids to a halt. Across the street from him is Ryu. Ash calls, "Hey, Ryu!"

Ryu looks over towards Ash and sighs. He reluctantly walks over to him. "What is it this time?"

"I thought you should know that I'm on my way to have my battle against Crate."

Ryu responds without caring, "Good for you."

"Why don't you come and watch? Maybe I can prove to you that Dragon-Types aren't the only type of Pokémon who are strong."

"You can't disprove a fact like that, but fine. I'll watch you if you stop bothering me. I've got nothing better to do anyways."

Ash and Crate stand on either side of the rocky battle field. Brenda and Brock are in the bleachers. Ryu is as well, but as far as he can be from the others. He appears bored already. The referee declares, "The Horizoport Gym match between Ash of Pallet Town and Crate, the Horizoport Gym Leader is now underway. Each trainer will use three Pokémon. In addition, only the challenger may make substitutions. Are these rules agreeable?"

Ash nods. "You bet."

The referee announces, "Alright, battle begin!"

Crate throws a Pokéball. "Go, Geodude!"

"Geodude!"

Ash throws his Pokéball. "Turcell, I choose you!"

Turcell emerges. "Turcell!"

Crate shouts, "Ash, the first move is all yours!"

"Alright, Turcell, Molten Slag!"

"Cell!" Turcell launches a globule of molten material at Geodude.

"Intercept it with Rock Throw!" Geodude pulls a chunk of rock out of the ground and hurls it towards Turcell's attack. However, the molten slag melts through the rock in midair and continues on to hit Geodude.

Geodude cries, "Dude!"

Ash shouts, "Great job Turcell! Launch some more!" Turcell fires several more globs, each one piling up on Geodude.

Brock exclaims, "Great move Ash! Being both a Rock and Ground-Type, Molten Slag is doing massive damage to Geodude."

Crate commands, "Let's get that slag off of you! Use Rollout!" Geodude begins rotating rapidly, causing all of the slag to fly off. It then rolls towards Turcell.

"Counter with Rapid Spin!" Turcell goes into its shell and spins. The spinning and the rolling Pokémon collide into each other and bounce back.

"Keep on rolling Geodude!"

"And you keep on spinning Turcell!" The two go back at each other. They collide several times in a row, only to bounce backwards, and then move in again.

After bouncing back for the fifth time, Crate shouts, "This isn't working, change to Bulldoze attack!" Geodude jumps out of its Rollout and charges at Turcell, leaving a path of wrecked ground behind it. It hits Turcell and knocks it away.

Turcell is knocked into a stone pillar and falls. Ash shouts, "Turcell, are you okay!?"

Turcell struggles, but manages to get up. It grunts, "Tur…"

Ash thinks, Turcell's both a Fire and Steel-Type, that Ground-Type move did some massive damage to it. He asks, "Turcell, can you go on?"

Turcell nods. "Cell."

"Alright, let's get in another Molten Slag!"

"Out of the way Geodude!" Geodude doges to the side. "Now use Rock Throw!" Geodude throws another rock.

"Dodge it Turcell!" Turcell attempts to jump out of the way, but is too slow, and gets hit by the rock. "What gives!? Turcell should be more than fast enough to dodge that attack!"

Crate explains, "That's the great thing about the move Bulldoze. It decreases the speed of the target Pokémon. Since that worked so well before, let's do it again Geodude, Bulldoze!" Geodude charges at Turcell again.

"If we can't dodge it, than we'll have to defend against it! Turcell, use Withdraw!" Turcell retreats into its shell. It is knocked back by the attack, but it seems to take less damage.

Geodude leaps backwards, landing in front of Crate. "Alright Geodude, let's go in for another Bulldoze!" Geodude rams its way towards Turcell again.

Ash thinks, Even with Withdraw, I'm not sure how many more attacks Turcell can take. I need to end this battle, and fast. If only Turcell could hit with its Molten Slag. Wait…I've got an idea! He shouts, "Turcell, stay in your shell until I tell you to come out!" After a few moments, Geodude is now just about to hit Turcell. "Now! Get out of your shell and use Molten Slag!" Turcell puts its head out and spits another slag attack, Geodude rams right into it, sending it back. After a few moments, Geodude struggles to get up, but fails. Geodude faints.

The referee announces, "Geodude is unable to battle!"

Crate returns Geodude. "Very good Ash! That move took a lot of bravery on both yours and your Pokémon's part."

"The credit all goes to Turcell." Turcell smiles.

"Let's see how you fare against my next Pokémon." He throws another Pokéball. "Come on out Onix!"

A large Onix appears. "Onixxxxxx!"

Brenda says with awe, "Wow, that's a big Pokémon." She pulls out her Pokédex.

"Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon and a Rock and Ground Combo Type. Onix live most of their lives deep below ground, where they consume the rocks and minerals around them. Onix evolves into Steelix with use of the Metal Coat."

Ash looks at Turcell, it looks beat up, but not unable to battle. He asks, "Turcell, it's your call, are you good to keep going?"

Turcell nods. "Tur."

"Alright, let's go for Molten Slag again!" Turcell spits another Molten Slag attack.

"Onix, use Slam to counter!" Onix uses its tail to swat the slag away. "Now use Dragon Breath!" Onix breathes a torrent of energy at Turcell.

"Withdraw quickly Turcell!" Turcell retreats into its shell once more. The attack hits Turcell, sending it flying into the air. It lands, and Turcell comes out of its shell, fainted.

The referee declares, "Turcell is unable to battle!"

Ash returns Turcell. Crate says, "You might have defeated Geodude, but Onix is a whole different story."

Ash nods. "As I can see." He looks towards Pikachu. "Are you ready Pikachu?"

He nods. "Pika." Pikachu leaps off of his shoulder and runs onto the field.

Team Rocket is hiding outside of the meteorite museum's main entrance. Meowth says, "If what that Gym Leader says is true, then there's at least a small fortune sitting in there."

James nods, "And what's a fortune that's not stolen by the master thieves of Team Rocket?"

Jessie asks, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

They sneak to the entrance. James tries to open it, but it won't open. "Shoot, it's locked."

Meowth pushes him out of the way. "Let me have a go at it." Meowth uses one of his claws to pick the lock. The door swings open. "Bingo."

Team Rocket goes in. As soon as they are in, however, an alarm goes off. Jessie asks in anger, "Which one of you dolts triggered the alarm!?"

James points towards Jessie's feet and says nervously, "I think that might have been you…"

Jessie looks down and gasps. Her foot has interrupted a laser security beam. "Uh oh…"

Out of another room, a Lunatone and Solrock float. James says, "It looks like those are the guards!"

Meowth tries to explain to the Pokémon, "We're sorry, we saw that the door was open, and decided to browse your wonderful collection of-"

He's cut off as Lunatone and Solrock attack them with a Lunar and Solar Beam. Team Rocket is sent flying out the door and into the air. They cry, "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

Wobbuffet comes out and adds, "Wobba wobba!"

Pikachu is standing in on all fours in a fighting stance, looking at Onix. Onix stares back.

Brock comments, "Ash isn't going to have an easy time with this one. That's a strong Onix, I can tell."

Brenda asks, "How?"

"Back when I ran the Pewter Gym, I had an Onix. It served as my primary Pokémon I used against challengers. That Onix is one of the strongest I've seen."

Brenda shouts, "Come on Ash, you can do this!"

Ash asks, "Alright Pikachu, let's do this!" Pikachu readies itself for an attack.

The scene freezes and the Narrator takes over, And so Ash's battle for his first gym badge has begun. The numbers may be tied for now, but who knows what could happen! And with a potential rival watching his every move, how will Ash fare? There's only one way to find out, stay tuned!

To Be Continued…