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. 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 the 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 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.
"You're the 5th Trainer recently who has said that to me, so I'll guide you to the nearby Pokemon Center. I can see that one of your Pokemon is already tired and needs some rest. By the way, my name is Flint," Flint introduced himself to Ash and Misty, who nodded. Misty had a look that made the name sound familiar but left it alone as the four walked to the Pokemon Center.
Ash and his companions arrived at the Pokemon Center. They handed their Pokeballs and Flare to Nurse Joy, who gladly accepted them. Ash wanted to mention something about Nurse Joy, but he remembered that his brother had told him that there were multiple Joy's and Jenny's in the Kanto region, so he decided not to say anything. Nurse Joy took Flare and the other Pokeballs to heal them, while Ash and Misty took the opportunity to sit down and relax.
"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 decided to become a trainer instead of a gym leader. Ash and I are both here to challenge 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 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 grabbed lunch and discussed Brock's use of multiple teams for challengers, which Misty pointed out to 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 made progress. Caterpie evolved to Metapod, and our Pokemon team has grown stronger despite capturing the same number of Pokemon. 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 Rock 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 if you're at a disadvantage. However, it's important to remember that there's also nothing wrong with borrowing someone else's Pokemon to help you. I offered to lend you one of my Pokemon for your first gym battle, and my offer still stands," 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 struggled with Brock myself and barely won my gym badge, but I'm not trying to be mean." the kid said to Misty, who calmed down as Ash let go of what the kid said.
"My name is Trip, and I'm not from this region. Originally, I'm from Unova, and my family moved out here to help me start my journey. While I don't have a Unova starter on my team, I can see why this region is known for producing strong trainers. I'll be watching both of your battles to see how well you'll 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.
"It's fair enough. You already impressed me 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 arrived at Brock's gym, where they saw Trip waiting for them outside. Brock led the group inside while Trip and Ash stayed on the sidelines to watch the match. Since it was a rocky battlefield, Brock and Misty went to the Trainer's box to prepare for the match while one of Brock's siblings acted as the referee. As they watched the match, Trip couldn't help but wonder how Misty would fare against Ash and the challenging field.
"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 its ball.
"Even though this isn't the original team and you have battle experience before doing this, Misty, 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 realized that she was in a tough spot. Her opponent was a dual-type Pokemon that had both Rock and Grass types. Unfortunately, her two remaining Pokemon were water types, which meant they were disadvantaged. She knew she would have to try to damage the opponent without allowing it to use its 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 referee 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 issue with Misty is that all of her remaining Pokemon are Water types, which are not effective in this battle, except for her Metapod, which is not a strong battler," Ash said to Trip, who looked at Ash, surprised upon hearing this.
Misty knew there was one way she could deal with this Pokemon, so she 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 capable of handling herself, so Squirtle trusts her. Let's hope you won't have similar 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 is also wondering what is happening next.
"According to the rules, awarding the badge depends on the challenger's performance during the battle. In the case of a tie, the decision is up to me. As a first-time trainer, you have successfully 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.
"Let's have our match in an hour. Just so you know, I'm not going easy on you, Ash. So, be prepared." Brock said as he left. Ash sighed.
The group decided to go and get Misty's Pokemon healed while Ash worked on his strategy, which Misty noticed. "You're sure you don't want to use Buizel, Ash? She hasn't battled in the gym as much as the others." Misty suggested to Ash.
"I'm sorry, Misty, but I've decided. I don't know what Brock will use in this battle, but I can't let that affect my decision. If I lose, I will consider using her, but I need more faith in my Pokemon and not rely on others to win." Ash said to Misty, who nodded.
"Alright, Ash. If that's what you want, I won't try to stop you," Misty told Ash.
"Thanks for saying that, Ash. I'm not scared of rock types, Ash. The team won't blame you," 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 hope things go well for you in your upcoming match because if your team is in a more challenging situation than Misty's, you may need more than just luck to beat Brock. I say this because Misty seemed confident in her abilities while you still seem unsure of yourself as a trainer. It's as if something is holding you back," Trip said to Ash, who sighed and knew he was right, and Flare noticed. "I'll see you two at the gym," Trip said as he walked off.
"Ash, you can't continue to compare yourself to your successful brother. Since day one, you've either doubted yourself or tried to be someone you're not," Flare said to Ash, who was taken aback by this.
"I want you to remember, Ash, that we all have the same goal in this battle - to win. We joined your team because we believe in you as our Trainer and want to become stronger. Even though I don't know much about my father's legacy, I am determined to fight using my style and not let his fame affect me. So please don't worry, Ash, we're all in this together," Flare said as Misty nodded in agreement.
""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 being related to famous people can affect you. I can relate to that, too, as I was always compared to my mother or sisters. They think I won't ever be like them as I am the youngest of my sisters," Misty said to Ash, who was listening and looking down.
"I don't think that was necessary, Misty. However, I think Ash needed to hear that. The hour is coming up. Are you ready, Ash?" Flare said.
"Yeah, I think I'm ready. Thanks, you two. I needed that. I'm unsure how I'll handle Team Rocket, but I'll have to deal with Brock in our first gym match. Let's go." Ash said as the two smiled and nodded. 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 trainers' 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 happening, and Misty let Tempest out to see her Cousin in battle.
"Go, Cousin, you've got this. I managed to win on my first try 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.
"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, are you sure you're okay with battling him? You're at an even greater disadvantage now." 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. There was an explosion as the two moves collided, but Flare was nowhere to be seen. Both Ash and Brock realized what was happening.
"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 had gone.
"Be careful and use Flamethrower before it reaches you," Ash commanded her, firing the attack as it hit 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 did minor damage but allowed Ash to dodge Steelix's Iron Head as Flare remained ready for battle. Brock admired Ash's quick thinking.
"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 must be something we can do to gain the upper hand against Steelix. Even if we were to get a speed advantage, he would attempt to counterattack," Ash thought. As he realized something, he noticed that even with Rock Polish's speed boost, it wasn't enough to evade the attack that took some time to get to him. 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.
As Steelix was hit with Flamethrower, it started to heat up. However, Flare managed to break through the Dragon Breath and attacked Steelix, causing an explosion. Ash and Brock covered their faces from the explosion and worried about their Pokemon. As the smoke cleared, both Pokemon were still standing but panting heavily, surprising Ash and Brock.
Steelix couldn't take it anymore and fell instantly, surprising Ash while impressing Brock.
"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. 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.
Ash and Misty waited for Brock the next day, with Latios and Latias invisibly flying above them. Finally, Brock arrived and joined 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 can see that you're not like him, Ash. You're not trying to hide anything from me, so no worries. Let's go now." Brock said as Ash nodded. The group ran off, and the Lati twins followed suit as well.
With a new badge and new Pokémon added to their team, Ash, Misty, and Brock set off to Mt. Moon and Cerulean City, their next destination. What other adventures await our heroes as they continue their journey?
Stay Tuned.
Done and Done. This Chapter turned out to be longer than usual. Compared to my other stories, the longest Chapter is only 5600 words. However, Chapter 14 in Unova was this long when it came out before the revisions. I planned the changes that included Brock's team, etc., and it's not just Kanto Pokemon in this story. If you have read Unova Boy Trip, you would be aware that I added a rival from that region. I have made some revisions to him, and you will see him more often in this story, along with many others that we'll run into. You can expect to see them in the next Chapter.
I'm still open to new Pokemon and rivals for the story, so feel free to send me your ideas. As for the Lati Twins, they will be used sparingly in the story. They'll only be used in gym battles if necessary and in the league or Team Rocket if needed.
We're heading to Mt. Moon, where we'll add a few new Pokemon to the team. Ash will not be given Badges; he'll have to earn them in this story. Please leave a review, and I'll see you next time.