Author Notes at end of Chapter! REVIEW as it motivates me to update quicker!
Ch. 12: Cerulean City Gym
"That was impressive, especially with your Metapod." Misty complimented Leaf, not at all upset with her defeat. The group stood around each other, convening after the battle as Misty had already rewarded Leaf with the Cascade Badge.
"Your use of Vine Whip to get Staryu out of the water was incredible also!" Ash chipped in, no doubt still feeling the adrenaline despite only watching the battle.
The final sequence of the Gym battle was definitely violent to say the least. It was incredibly skillful by Leaf and Bulbasaur, as they put an end to the battle decisively and in an extremely swift manner. Even Misty was completely shocked, judging by her compliments and facial expression upon seeing the events occur. Once again, Leaf had showcased her natural skill as a trainer.
"Thank you both." Leaf replied embarrassedly, as Brock also congratulated Leaf behind her.
"So, Brock tells me that you're quite the handful as well. I expect to see you here tomorrow for your challenge?" Misty asked, her eyes focused on Ash. Ash's eyes brimmed with excitement, as the black haired teen nodded firmly.
"That's right!" Misty smiled, shaking her head at his excited nature. It was evident that both Leaf and Ash got quite the adrenaline boost and rush from battling, even if she hadn't seen one of them in action yet.
"Well, in that case, we'll be seeing you here early tomorrow, Misty. Thanks so much." Brock spoke, as both Pallet Town teens thanked Misty as well. Misty smiled appreciatively, before wishing them a good evening.
The Pokemon Center video call machine read 11:30 PM at the bottom right, though it didn't deter Ash from making a call to a well known figure in his life. The lobby was completely empty, as Ash stood by himself. Even Nurse Joy wasn't present at the front desk, most likely in the back until a new guest rang the bell for her service.
His companions Leaf and Brock were also already in their respective rooms. Since Brock had joined their journey, the group would rent out two rooms since one wouldn't be large enough for all of them. Brock and Ash would share a room, each having their own queen size bed while Leaf had her own. It made sense, considering Ash and Brock were both boys. Still, it didn't stop Ash from commonly visiting Leaf at night, to simply chat or watch a movie before he would depart to let the girl sleep.
Ash was brought out of his thoughts following the loading screen of the machine shifting into the background of a familiar laboratory. Professor Oak's wrinkled face appeared way too close to the camera momentarily, before stepping back and revealing his black pajamas.
"I still barely manage to get these things to work." Professor Oak grumbled tiredly. "Assuming you're calling to ask for advice? Already in Cerulean City, huh." Ash nodded happily, feeling slightly guilty for disturbing his mentor at such a late hour. Again…
"Actually, not at all. I am battling Misty tomorrow for my second gym badge, but it reminded me to thank you for your advice in Pewter City." The elderly man sighed in relief at this, before revealing a trademark smile at Ash's words.
"Anytime my boy. How was it?" Professor Oak asked, genuinely curious as to the details surrounding the affair.
"Tough as shit." Professor Oak laughed, making Ash stop momentarily before continuing. "It definitely wasn't a cakewalk. Charmander was able to defeat Geodude, but Brock's ace Onix didn't take long in defeating him."
"Has he become more confident with other Pokemon? I imagine he is still struggling."
"There's been a lot of progress." Ash replied confidently, pleased at the Pokemon's gradual improvement in that regard. "When meeting or battling small Pokemon, Charmander rarely hesitates or shows fear."
"That certainly is a vast contrast from when I first gave you him." Ash nodded at Professor Oak's words, agreeing full heartedly.
"Absolutely. The biggest issue we're having is with larger Pokemon. Against Onix, Charmander froze up completely. Its intimidating Pokemon that have an irreversible effect on Charmander."
Professor Oak agreed with Ash, discussing the topic for a few more minutes. The famous Professor advised Ash to be patient, as it would likely be a long process. It had only been a little over a month since they had departed from Pallet Town anyways. Progress often took loads of time and effort.
"Anyways, it all came down to Nidorino and Onix. Despite being at a large strategic advantage, Nidorino showed so much heart, Professor. Seriously, you should have seen it. Though, I got lucky at the end. Nidorino barely won by the skin of his teeth, since Onix eventually succumbed to the effects of Nidorino's Poison Sting."
"Ash Ketchum, every trainer gets lucky. Hell, it's most battles where a lucky event occurs, which often dictate the outcome in a variety of ways. It is part of battling, my boy."
Ash nodded, as Oak's words managed to comfort him in a way that others couldn't. Due to his status and role as both a father figure and mentor, there was little that the older man could say that Ash wouldn't believe. It was because of this that Oak's praise, criticism, and advice was taken without a singular trace of salt. The two continued to chat about unimportant matters, joking for a large portion of it. Upon noticing that it was already well past twelve in the morning, Ash took pity on the older man.
"Alright, Professor. I'll let you go back to your beauty sleep. I'll let you know how the battle goes when I reach the next city." Professor Oak grinned, rubbing his tired eyes before wishing him good luck.
Once the screen turned black and signaled the end of the call, the teen headed back to the room he shared with Brock to catch some sleep. It was highly probable that Brock and Leaf were already asleep, which was something Ash should have been doing hours ago. The boy would take any important step necessary to secure victory and be awarded his second Gym Badge.
As Ash stood opposite of Misty, his eyebrows furrowed and conveyed his confusion. Unlike yesterday, the batting area consisted of more surface platforms than room for water in the pool. Ash's mind raced, attempting to find any possible reason as to why Misty would remove the potential advantage in her own favor.
"I see you're already trying to decipher why the battlefield appears different from yesterday. Let's just say I'm not giving you any advantages, since you already have a pretty decent scouting report from yesterday's events. Why not switch things up?" Misty shrugged, her tone conveyed her confident attitude.
Her words only served to distract Ash more, as his mind raced regarding potential traps and strategies Misty could use with the new area. Spotting the referee approach the stand, he knew he only had a few more seconds. Though, he had a feeling he wouldn't get any ideas until the battle commenced.
"Why would Misty let Ash fight on more land? She's giving up a useful advantage by cutting down the pool size." Leaf questioned out loud. The two were seated in the spectators' stands. Brock sideyed the girl nervously, hoping she wouldn't notice his odd behavior. This proved too much to ask for, as it was only seconds later than she turned to the older teen suspiciously.
"Ok, what do you know that you're not letting on?" Leaf narrowed her eyes at Brock, who sighed defeatedly.
"I may or may not have let it slip that Ash has a Pikachu."
"Ok, but I still don't understand why she would change the terrain. It will just allow her Pokemon to be more vulnerable to Electric Types." Leaf remarked, more confused than before from Brock's words.
"That won't be the case. At least, for one of her Pokemon. You'll see what I mean." Brock answered back, turning his attention back to the start of the battle.
"This battle will be between challenger Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, and Cerulean City Gym Leader Misty Waterflower! Are both sides prepared to battle?" The young female referee asked, turning to each side. Having no protest to the question, the referee kicked off the start of the battle.
"Pikachu, show them what you got!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, throwing the Pokeball like a baseball player. Pikachu emerged directly in front of him, standing on all fours readily. Misty smirked at the sight of Pikachu, before throwing her own Pokeball.
"Staryu!" Staryu emerged, kicking off the battle for the red head. Ash's eyebrow rose slightly at the sight of Staryu. It was another change in Misty's gameplan, as she led off with the Pokemon she previously ended with yesterday. Staryu stood at the opposite end of the surface, choosing not to fight in the water.
"Confuse Ray!" Misty ordered first, as Staryu formed the small orb and fired it slowly towards Pikachu. Already having a quick solution, Ash and Pikachu reacted.
"Double Team!"
Pikachu formed several copies, spreading across the platform. Staryu's Confuse Ray slowly hit one of the decoys, making it fade out instantly. In all honesty, Ash and Pikachu could have avoided the attack by just dodging it. It was a disadvantage already that came with the much larger platform. The reason Leaf was unable to avoid the attack yesterday was due to the surface being much smaller than today.
"Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered, not wanting to stay hung up on the change in scenery. All five forms of Pikachu curled inwards on themselves slightly, being covered by the familiar electrical sparks. After a couple seconds, each let out their own bolt towards the Water type Pokemon.
"Dodge it, Staryu." Misty ordered calmly.
Each Thunderbolt hit where Staryu previously stood, scorching the same spot. Staryu easily rolled out of the way, traveling swiftly by rolling on its pointy ends. After, all the decoys of Pikachu disappeared. Misty's starting Pokemon was incredibly fast to say the least. The vast amount of platforms made it quite easy to notice this fact.
"Another reason why I changed the battlefield. You see, I-"
"Thunderbolt!" Ash interrupted Misty's monologue. Luckily, Pikachu was prepared to react, firing the electric current at the Water type. Staryu didn't have time to react, as the electricity completely encapsulated it.
"Staryu!" Misty shouted worryingly. Staryu groaned, almost falling over face first from the super effective move. Misty's green eyes made contact with Ash, revealing her very angry demeanor. It didn't take a Psychic type Pokemon to tell you that this girl was PISSED off.
"You're gonna regret that, kid!" Staryu, Water Gun nonstop!"
'Well this is certainly a shift from how she talks with Leaf.' Ash thought momentarily before shifting his attention back to the battle.
"Move around and don't let it hit you!"
Staryu fired off several Water Guns from a distance, all of them narrowly missing Ash's Pikachu. Pikachu continued to sprint across the platforms, hopping over gaps above water without missing a hitch. Staryu was a fast Pokemon, but it was apparent that Pikachu was a step above it in this regard.
Ash grimaced, watching a Water Gun graze Pikachu's side and throw it off balance. Pikachu winced as well, motivating Ash to continue with his plan.
"Now! Quick Attack to escape and hit Staryu with everything you got!"
"Don't let it! Keep it away with Water Gun!" Misty ordered.
Unfortunately for Misty, Pikachu's speed was a complete shock to both her and Staryu. She could only watch as Pikachu accelerated at a stunning speed, easily moving past Staryu's attacks. Ash grinned, knowing why this was the case all of a sudden.
It wasn't because Pikachu was that much quicker than Staryu, but rather the change in tempo. Staryu was able to hit Pikachu at the end because it became familiar with how fast Pikachu was. Even then, it was only able to graze the Electric type with Water Gun. Once Ash realized this was the case, the teen knew the shift in speed would throw off Staryu's perception once more. It would be impossible for Staryu to adjust before being struck.
As expected, Pikachu reached Staryu without much strain. Pikachu lowered his head, crashing into Staryu's chest harshly. Staryu repeated its name in a pained manner, soaring backwards and landing into the pool. A moment later, Staryu floated to the surface, its swirling eyes visible as they stared into the air.
"Staryu is unable to battle. Gym Leader Misty, please send out your last remaining Pokemon."
Leaf stood from the stands, cheering loudly as she jumped up and down. Brock stood seated, though he clapped with a smirk at the results of the battle. Misty frowned, returning Staryu and grabbing her last Pokeball from her shorts. Her eyes met Ash's once again, before the Cerulean Gym Leader grinned confidently once again.
"Like I said. I thought I'd switch things up a bit." Misty stated, before nodding at a Gym employee stood at the side of the wall. The young man proceeded to flick a switch, allowing the pool surface to shrink. The area of the pool extended, as Pikachu was forced to backpedal until he stood on the small circular platform. The area now appeared exactly like it previously was for Leaf's battle.
"I think you'll struggle with this Pokemon a lot more. Come on out!" Misty shouted, throwing the Pokeball into the pool. Instantly, a massive blue scaled Pokemon they had seen just a day ago appeared. Gyarados roared, forcing almost everyone besides Misty to cover their ears to save their hearing. Pool water poured over the ledges, soaking the tiled floor from the size of the Water type. Ash's eyes remained wide open in surprise, having not expected to face such a Pokemon in his challenge.
"Holy crap." Leaf muttered as she sat back into her seat defeatedly.
"Yep." Brock stated simply.
"Where the hell did she even-" Leaf began, before realizing it was an unnecessary question. "Does she usually use a freaking Gyarados against challengers?"
"Not to my knowledge, no. This is actually the same Gyarados that we saw at the Marine Stadium." Brock stated, making Leaf open her mouth slightly in surprise. "She often lets Daisy and her other sisters use him for performances, but it is Misty's Pokemon."
"Touché."
Shaking his head to get rid of the remaining negatives thought, Ash forced a scoff as he stared down the behemoth. Gyarados glared at both him and Pikachu, switching his attention every few seconds.
'It's not that strong, its not that strong, its not that strong.' Ash thought, reassuring himself as he stood face to face with Misty's Ace Pokemon.
"You're actually pretty cute, Gyarados. Almost like an Eevee, or a newborn baby." Ash teased, making Gyarados angry eyes flash to an even more violent and aggressive nature. It definitely wasn't the most brilliant idea, but maybe his words would throw Gyarados off. They are known to be brash and aggressive Pokemon after all. Misty rolled her eyes, clearly not finding the same entertainment in the matter.
"Who's a good boy?" Ash cooed, smiling at the Water type. "I said who's a good-"
"Water Pulse." Misty interrupted calmly, as Gyarados quickly opened its mouth and fired a compact stream, with rings of water surrounding it.
"Shit! Dodge it, Pikachu!" Ash shouted, getting a taste of his own medicine. It was only because of Pikachu's impressive speed that he made up for lost time, barely getting out of harm's way. However, he was now positioned even closer to Misty's true ace Pokemon.
"Bite!" Misty shouted, sensing the opportunity. Ash didn't have time to order Pikachu, as Gyarados barely moved in the water before launching its long neck and head towards the surface.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, being held by Gyarados's large mouth. Gyarados clamped down, definitely dealing significant damage.
"Use Thunderbolt to get out!" Ash ordered as quick as possible. Pikachu struggled for a moment, as it was being crushed in Gyarados's tight grip. However, the rodent was able to fire the attack at close range, forcing Gyarados to release him. Gyarados roared in pain, leaning backwards to escape the situation. Meanwhile, Pikachu fell almost lifelessly onto the platform.
"Pikachu! You have to get back up!" Ash urged Pikachu, who did its best to recover. Gyarados shook its head violently, most likely attempting to shake off the Thunderbolt. As it glared at Pikachu, the Electric Type was finally able to make his way back on his feet, although his legs appeared unstable.
Gyarados barely held his head above the surface, circling Pikachu lain to a predator playing with its prey. Upon Misty's request, Gyarados submerged its entire body and began swimming from underneath the surface.
"Fine by us. Use Thunderbolt in the water!" Ash pointed, with Pikachu being ready to continue. Pikachu jumped into the air, now having an angle to fire the bolt of electricity into the water. The pool briefly crackled with electricity, also coursing through the giant Pokemon beneath. However, Gyarados simply grunted in both pain and annoyance, continuing to move through the water without a hitch.
'The water should have only amplified the power of Thunderbolt. It's obviously impossible for the Thunderbolt to hit Gyarados when he's under water, but shouldn't he still take major damage from the attack?' Ash questioned internally.
Brock grimaced, having his previous assumptions proven correct. Leaf kept her eyes trained on the ongoing battle, but did not hesitate in her following order to the teen.
"Ok, explain."
"Well, you know how water conducts electricity?" Leaf nodded to the basic question, allowing Brock to continue. "While Thunderbolt certainly has an effect on Gyarados, it's not as effective as it should be because of the size of the pool. Even though Gyarados is a big Pokemon, the pool is at least three times the size of it. In this case, the large volume of the water lessens the damage from Pikachu's Electric moves." Leaf hummed, understanding what Brock was conveying.
"So if Gyarados was in a cramped body of water unlike this one?"
"Then let's just say he would be hurting pretty bad."
Leaf bit her bottom lip in thought, further contemplating the battle. After a few seconds, she reached another dead end.
"So why did Misty only decide to use the open pool for Gyarados? Staryu is a much smaller Pokemon, so by that logic it would suffer less damage." Brock nodded at her words, impressed with her curious nature. It was easy to tell that she was one of the smartest beginner trainers Brock had come across.
"I think it's because Gyarados is still a much more bulky Pokemon. Its defensive stats triumph over Staryu's without contest, so that's likely a reason as to why it wouldn't suffer as much despite being the larger Pokemon. Misty also most likely believed Staryu would be more effective on land. It is an incredibly fast Pokemon, on both the ground and water." Brock answered politely.
"She could also just be giving him a different approach than what Ash saw yesterday." Leaf noted, as both her and Brock recalled Misty saying just that throughout the battle.
"Water Pulse, into Tackle!" Misty ordered.
Gyarados revealed it's head, shooting a singular Water Pulse towards Pikachu.
"Double Team!"
The Water Pulse flew through the copy, leaving three more Pikachus. As Gyarados charged towards the small platform, it stopped suddenly as it was completely unsure of which to target.
"Thunderbolt again!"
Misty and Gyarados didn't have time to react, as Pikachu let off another current of electricity. The bot connected directly into the face of Gyarados
"GRRRRAH!" Gyarados roared, stumbling backwards into the water. Ash praised Pikachu, mentally noting the Pokemon's still unstable legs. So far, Pikachu had only been hit barely by a Water Gun from Staryu and Gyarados's Bite. It was the previous attack that caused much more damage that Ash would have liked. Pikachu was already a Pokemon that wasn't known for their defensive stats. It was an area the Pokemon sacrificed for their above average speed.
"Use Tackle underneath Pikachu!" Misty shouted, switching up her strategy.
"What?" Ash questioned, watching as Gyarados disappeared from view. Pikachu looked down anxiously, before shouting in surprise as the floatable platform flew upwards.
"Pikachu!" Ash screamed, completely uncertain of what to do as he saw Pikachu helpless in the air. The Electric Type crashed into the pool, swimming on the surface. "Get back to where you could stand!" Asha advised Pikachu, though the Electric type was a long distance away from where he previously stood.
"Ice Fang!" Misty exclaimed, as Gyarados barreled through the water to reach Pikachu. Its lengthy body easily met Pikachu in less than a couple seconds, opening its wide mouth and capturing Pikachu yet again. This time, Gyarados's sharp fangs took on a bright blue color as they crushed into Pikachu with Ice Fang.
"Thunderbolt, Pikachu!" Ash shouted, attempting the strategy again. Unfortunately, Misty seemed a step ahead of him.
"Throw it in the air!" Gyarados flicked its head backwards, sending Pikachu flying to the altitude where he almost reached the roof. Still, Misty was not finished.
"Water Pulse!" Gyarados opened its mouth, prepared to fire the Water type move at the falling Pikachu.
"Thunderbolt to counter!"
The Thunderbolt trailed downwards, gaining more speed due to gravity's force. Meanwhile, the Water Pulse appeared significantly slower. Both attacks met head on, though it was Pikachu's Thunderbolt that easily pushed through and shattered the Water Pulse. The unsteady bolt continued to head down, barely striking Gyarados's tail due to the trajectory being affected a few seconds prior.
Gyarados crackled with electricity, baring its teeth in an intense manner. It was very apparent that it was hurting tremendously. Determined to finish the battle, Ash pointed at the behemoth.
"Quick Attack, Pikachu! Full force!"
Pikachu continued to trail downwards, diving headfirst at the injured Gyarados. Misty cried, pleading for Gyarados to move but it was far too late. Pikachu slammed into the head of Gyarados, momentarily staying attached before rolling across the platform from the intense collision.
"You alright, buddy?" Ash's voice carried his concern, as Pikachu struggled significantly to stand. Misty remained silent, as Gyarados back faced her. As Pikachu stood just barely, Ash turned his attention to Gyarados. Gyarados remained completely still, glaring at the duo in a ferocity they hadn't even seen at the start of the battle.
"We're still in this! Use Ice Fang!" Misty shouted, waiting for Gyarados to move.
However, the moment never came. Ash and Pikachu remained just as confused, as Gyarados didn't even move an inch. Before Misty could say anything else, Gyarados' eyes flickered visibly. Ash could only watch in shock as Misty's Pokemon fell forward like a brick, planting face first into the water.
"Gyarados is unable to continue! The winner is the challenger Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
Not paying any mind to the referee, Ash quickly hopped from each small platform to make his way to Pikachu. Once there, the teenager picked up the Electric type gently. Misty recalled Gyarados, praising its efforts before exiting the trainer's box.
"Great job, Pikachu. I'm so proud of you." Ash stroked Pikachu's head, pushing back his ears as the Pokemon smiled at his trainer's words.
"Looks like I'm going to have to warn the other Gym Leaders about you two." Misty replied jokingly, though there was a hint of seriousness in her words. Brock noticed the younger teens confused looks, laughing at their expressions.
"She's being serious, you know. It's common for Gym Leaders to write the ones above their Gyms regarding trainers to be on the lookout for." Brock explained, putting a hand on Leaf and Ash's shoulder as he stood in the middle.
"Why? It's not like they need the help, since they're not trying to destroy us anyways." Ash stated, still holding Pikachu in his arms. The rodent was completely passed out from fatigue, but was completely fine outside of that. This time, it was Misty who explained.
"The Pokemon League Tournament is much more of a business than trainers often realize. There's always a small percentage of trainers who are recognized by Gym Leaders. Information of their battles, Pokemon, and even background if known are given to numerous journalists and League officials. It's important information to have when talking about these trainers if they qualify for the Indigo League, as well as being crucial to build up their reputation and names."
It was an aspect of the battling world Ash had never heard about. It wasn't a surprise that Professor Oak hadn't told him, as even he himself was not extremely involved in that world. Oak was regarded as a powerful trainer when he competed in his teenage years, but there was never even an established Tournament to begin with.
Not to call the man old, but the Kanto region and the rest of the world didn't even have technology such as television to display these events. Even if it was a major industry at the time, it certainly would hold many differences, such as the focus on building up promising trainers from the ground up. By doing so, their names and battles competing would draw much more revenue for the Pokemon League. At least, that's what made sense in Ash's mind.
"We also can't help it. All Gym Leaders love a little gossip." Brock shrugged, drawing a laugh and verbal agreement from the Cerulean Gym Leader.
"That's slightly cool and scary." Leaf mumbled to herself.
"Anyways, it's my honor to present to you the Cascade Badge." Misty held her palm out, revealing the light blue badge. It was in the shape of a water droplet, shining brightly like the Boulder Badge Brock had awarded them. Ash took it gratefully, placing it in his black Gym Badge case
"Thanks Misty. That was one of the best battles I've ever had." Ash said honestly. It was most likely the best he had performed thus far. The teen didn't even have to use his second Pokemon, which would have most likely been Nidorino due to Charmander's weakness against water.
"Oh please. You've probably had like four battles." Misty joked, eliciting laughs from the whole group. The group bid their farewells and thanks, though Misty did take a few minutes in speaking with Leaf privately.
It was obvious the two got along brilliant, as Ash and Brock watched the two laugh from a distance while waiting for them to finish up. Misty gave Leaf a small white shred of paper, which likely contained a way to contact her when possible. The two hugged briefly, before Leaf returned to her two companions while grinning ear to ear.
The group had agreed to spend the rest of the day sightseeing the city. It was the plan to explore the city for a few more days and kick back. They had spent a while traveling to Cerulean City, so they believed it was in their best interest to take a well deserved rest. Which in Leaf's case, meant blowing a limited budget on shopping for clothes she would likely wear once. She had deserved it though, as the win against Misty allocated quite a bit of money. Personally, Ash was going to put that money to good use to better his team.
The sun beamed on the group as they walked across the city, serving to only amplify Ash's cheerful mood. It was a successful Gym battle for the both of them and absolutely necessary in Ash's opinion. They had a long way to go, but two out of eight badges so far was not bad at all.
Author Notes: Hope you all enjoyed the slightly larger chapter. Went a bit over what I expected, but can't really complain considering the frequent chapters are already short enough as they are. Ash and Leaf are both able to pull off a victory with just a hint of difficulty. Still not satisfied with how I'm writing battles, as I'm not sure if there's enough strategizing or if it is coming off as too bland. Let me know what you all think or any feedback you could give to improve this aspect of the story. In regards to the group's conversation about the Pokemon League and "building up trainers", I've wanted to stress just how lucrative and widespread the industry is. In the anime, it's seen with the large stadiums and the amount of viewers watching just how popular regional tournaments are. Despite this, viewers don't really see much of everything that should come with it. In this adaptation, readers will get a more realistic and accurate representation of the recognition that comes with the territory. Whether it's being interviewed by journalists, or successful trainers becoming household names if they continue to make runs in League Tournaments or Gym circuits. Obviously, this won't happen for a while until much later in the story (if it even does for Ash and Leaf), and I'm definitely not saying that Ash won't be able to travel anywhere without being recognized . I just want to emphasize the popularity and territory that comes with the Pokemon League being as successful and prevalent as it is in the world they live in. Hope this makes sense. Not that I'm done with my way too long rant, I'll see you all next time!
REVIEW as it motivates me to update quicker!