Hello and blessings to you all. I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. This begins a two-part story based around Pewter City. You will notice this chapter is quite a bit shorter than the others. This was because there wasn't really a better place to leave off but the next chapter will be a bit longer to make up for it. Anyway, let's get right into it!
Chapter 7: Showdown in Pewter City Part 1
Walking through the large clearing and looking down onto a city was as satisfying of a feeling as Serena had ever experienced. For over a week she and her friends had marched endlessly through the largest forest in Kanto and finally they had reached their destination: the stone city, Pewter City. The medium-sized city was nestled between the large mountain range that ran through much of northern and eastern Kanto. Although still big, the city was noticeably smaller than Viridian City with buildings made mostly of stone, something unique compared to the rest of the region.
"We finally made it!" Misty cheered.
"Man, I was starting to think we'd never get out of that forest." Ash sighed in relief.
"You didn't take a shower at the samurai's cabin. You probably should at the pokemon center." Misty said as she fanned in front of her nose as if to clear an unpleasant smell.
Ash growled at her, "Whatever, I still smell better than you."
"You take that back Ash Ketchum!" Misty shouted, getting in his face.
Serena uncomfortably smiled and sweat dropped, "How about we just get to the pokemon center instead of arguing."
"Excuse me kids, would you mind keeping it down? I'm trying to sleep here." A voice from below them.
Ash looked down from the rock the group was standing on to see a man leaning up against it. The man looked to be in his late 40's. His appearance was greatly disheveled with dirty clothes, a thick beard, and a beanie pulled nearly over his eyes.
"Oh, sorry about that." Ash said, "We were just passing through to the pokemon center."
The man looked at the group as they climbed down next to him. Pikachu gave an exhausted sigh from all the walking.
"Your pokemon looks tired." The man noted, "How about I show you to the pokemon center."
"We'd appreciate that!" exclaimed Ash.
Misty and Serena looked at each other uncomfortably. They weren't sold on spending time with the strange man but decided to put their concerns aside for now.
As they walked Serena got the opportunity to look at the city up close. Like the buildings, the roads and sidewalks were made from stone. Even the streets were named after different kinds of rock.
"People sure do seem to love stone here." Misty noted aloud.
"Throughout its history, Pewter City has been defined by its connection to the earth." The strange man explained, "It was the harsh mountains that kept Pewters City mostly isolated from the rest of the world for over a millennium. When Pewter City finally became connected to the rest of Kanto it was stone fortresses that kept the people from being conquered by neighboring lands. The Daimyo was even called the "Stone Lord" for centuries. Now Pewter City's university has the top geology school in the entire world."
"You sure seem to know a lot about this place." Serena observed.
"Hardly" The man responded, "I'm just a wanderer. I spent my life traveling the world. I came to this city about 4 weeks ago and have been meaning to leave but just can't seem to."
"Why not?" Ash asked.
The man was silent for a moment, "That's not important. Anyway, here's the pokemon center, you kids stay safe now."
Ash smiled, "Thanks… uhhh"
"Flint" The man responded, "The name's Flint."
"Right! Thanks Flint!" Ash said with a large smile.
As Flint walked away the group turned back towards the pokemon center. Although it was a fairly similar layout to Viridian City's, Serena quickly noticed that, like the rest of the city, the pokemon center was made of stone with stone floors, walls, and even a large stone fireplace in the corner. Serena smiled deeply, imagining herself sitting by the large fireplace in the winter as snow gently fell down outside. Ash walked up to the front desk and gave Pikachu and Butterfree to a pretty, brown haired, receptionist. Misty and Serena also turned their pokemon over to get checkups before moving on. First Ash and Serena called their respective families to let them know they arrived safely. Then the group got a late lunch in the cafeteria. By this point it was nearly 4:00 in the afternoon.
"So Ash, when are you planning to challenge the gym leader here?" Serena asked.
Ash seemed to hesitate for a minute before saying, "I guess as soon as possible. Maybe today if Pikachu and Butterfree are cleared."
Serena noticed the hesitance in Ash. The trainer had been acting strangely since they left the samurai, but she decided to ignore it.
"About that Ash" Misty said cautiously, "Are you sure it's a good idea to challenge the gym leader?"
Ash was taken aback by this, "Of course I am! It's what we've traveled all this way for."
"I understand that." Misty explained, "But Brock is a rock type trainer. You don't exactly have the pokemon to face him."
"Oh please everyone knows great trainers need to be able to overcome type disadvantages." Ash shot back.
Serena noticed Misty starting to get frustrated, "Right, and I wouldn't call you an expert trainer. You've only had one pokemon battle ever and it was against a total weakling."
"I know that to such a great gym leader like you Misty every new trainer is a weakling." Ash said sarcastically, "But some new trainers are actually good."
Misty slammed her hands against the table and stood up, "Listen you brat, I'm just trying to help!"
Serena recoiled. Sure, Ash and Misty had fought all through the forest. But that was just like sibling bickering. This was completely different.
"Well I didn't ask you for help!" Ash spat back, "And I certainly won't need it to be a great pokemon trainer."
"Whatever" Misty growled as she twirled around, "Have fun getting your teeth kicked in against Brock." And with that she marched off.
"Well… That was quite the blowup." Serena said cautiously.
Ash huffed, "I'm just so sick of her acting like she's way better than everyone else. Once I defeat Brock maybe she'll come down off her high horse."
"Ok..." Serena said, "Maybe we all just need a little rest after traveling."
A voice then came over the intercom, "Ash, Serena, and Misty: you're pokemon are now ready."
"No time to rest, I have a badge to win." Ash declared as he got up.
As the group made it down stairs, they could see Misty had already collected her pokemon and apparently left. Pikachu smiled at his trainer as Ash walked over.
"Hey buddy you feeling up for a battle?" Ash asked. The Pokemon sparked his cheeks in anticipation as he hopped on his trainer's shoulder.
The walk over to the gym was uncomfortably quiet. Ash had marched slightly ahead of Serena the entire time with the girl wondering a few times if her crush even realized that she was following him. When they finally arrived, it was nearly 6:00 pm. Serena had seen very few pokemon gyms in her life but even then she could tell how bland this one was. The gym was nothing more than a large stone building with the words, "Pewter City Gym" written plainly on it. Serena was hoping the gym was closed to give Ash the night to cool off, unfortunately the young trainer was able to toss the equally plain large doors wide open and marched in.
The gym was notably dim as they entered. On the sides of it sat large, dark green, bleachers with a rock covered battlefield in the middle. On the bleachers was a young man, slightly older than Ash and Serena, with spiky dark brown hair, tanned skin, and squinting eyes. He appeared to be sweeping when he noticed the two.
"Hi, can I help you?" The teen called out.
"Yes, my name is Ash Ketchum and I'm here to challenge the gym leader!" Ash shouted.
The teen stared intently at Ash before slowly walking down to him. Ash got into a battle position to look intimidating as the teen silently walked over but he just moved right past Ash and to Serena. To girls surprise he grabbed Serena's hand with both of his and said, "Hello beautiful, even in a rock gym you rock my world. How about you and I go out and get some dinner together."
Serena pulled her hand away nervously, "Um sorry but I can't. I'm just here with my friend for his battle."
Almost as quickly as the teen had come he was back to the bleachers, his head resting on it as he pounded it with his fist, "Denied again." He moaned, "When will my love come through those doors."
Both Ash and Serena sweat dropped at this, "Um, is he ok." Serena whispered.
"Honestly I don't know what's happening." Ash responded.
After a minute the teen seemed to regain his composure, "Um, yes… sorry about that. I'm Brock, the gym leader. I was honestly hoping to sneak out early this evening but if you'd like a battle I'll be happy to oblige."
"I would!" Ash declared, "Me and Pikachu are ready to win!" Pikachu again sparked electricity from his cheeks as he gave a determined face.
"You aren't seriously planning on using that Pikachu?" Brock said in confusion.
"You bet I am!" Ash shouted.
Brock took a moment to study Ash, as if he was trying to see if the boy was joking. Finally he sighed, "Very well let's get this over with." Before walking to the other side of the gym.
"Johnathon! I need you to referee a fight." Brock called.
"Sure thing, Brock." A boy of about 14 called as he came running out in a black and yellow referee's uniform.
"Don't worry this will be quick. His name's Ash by the way" Brock said, causing Ash to growl.
"This will be a two-on-two battle between the gym leader, Brock, and the challenger, Ash!" The boy called out as held up two flags. "The challenger may switch his pokemon out as he sees fit while the gym leader may not make any substitution. Now without further ado, trainers release your first pokemon!"
"Pikachu I choose you!" Ash called as his partner leapt from his shoulder and darted towards the center of the field.
On the other side Brock pulled out a pokeball, "Lets go, Onix!" As the pokemon appeared Serena, who was now sitting in the bleachers, dropped her mouth open in disbelief. Before her was a massive pokemon, easily over 20 feet in length staring down at Pikachu. The yellow rodent seemed to lose much of its gusto too as it took a step back with an expression of shock and fear on its face.
Ash didn't seem concerned though, "Don't worry Pikachu, size isn't everything!"
The ref held up the flags, "Battle begin!"
"Onix, start this with a smack down!" Brock called out.
"Pikachu dodge and use thunder shock!" Ash called back.
Onix aggressively slammed its tail down at Pikachu but the smaller pokemon was easily able to dodge before firing off an electric attack. As the thunder surged towards Onix the pokemon looked like it was momentarily stunned by the bright attack but when the move hit the rock snake and the pokemon showed no hint of pain.
"What?" Ash shouted in confusion.
"You amateur, Onix is part ground type. Your electric attack won't even tickle him." Brock shouted.
"Pikachu, change to quick attack!" Ash yelled. The small mouse dashed across the floor at great speed and collided with Onix. But the monstrous pokemon didn't seem the least bit affected as it swiped its tail at Pikachu and brushed the pokemon aways.
"Did you forget this is a rock gym?" Brock called, "Normal type moves will barely do any damage, especially a weak one like that against Onix's strong defense. Now Onix, let's finish this with bind!"
The large pokemon went to grab Pikachu with its tail as Ash frantically yelled, "Pikachu, get out of there!"
Pikachu attempted to run away but Onix slammed its tail down behind two rocks blocking Pikachu's path before coiling itself around the tiny rodent. With nowhere to run, Pikachu was helpless as the rock type tightly strangled it.
"Pikachu, you need to get free!" Ash desperately called out. Pikachu again launched thundershock. The attack again seemed to momentarily blind Onix but the snake still felt no pain and only constricted tighter. Ash could only watch in shock until a voice shouted out, "Onix return!" Brock absorbed Onix back into its pokeball as Pikachu crashed into the ground the gym leader shouted, "This match is over."
"Wait but that was only one pokemon. Don't I get two?" Ash asked.
"Two?" Brock said in shock, "Your pokemon almost died out there. Don't you see that? What were you thinking bringing an untrained electric type pokemon into a rock gym? You should have known his moves would do little damage."
"I didn't think that-" Ash began.
"That's right you didn't think." Brock spat, "You assumed you're destined to be some great trainer so you threw a helpless pokemon out there. Honestly it makes me sick. As a gym leader I can end a battle at any time and I declare you lose. Now pick up your Pikachu and get out of my gym."
Expressionless Ash did as he was told and swiftly left. Serena tried to keep up with Ash as he walked out but again the trainer marched ahead like she wasn't there.
"Ash, it's going to be ok. Please talk to me." Serena called as she rushed up to him but gasped when she saw his face. The boy looked pale as the moon, with his eyes glazed over in shock. As they approached the pokemon center the sun was now setting.
"Looks like you had a tough loss.'' A voice from beside them said. The two turned to see Flint leaning up against the wall of a building, "I could've told you that would've happened. Without a type advantage, Brock is a tough gym leader to fight early on. Rock pokemon are tricky."
"I didn't stand a chance." Ash barely whispered as the older man walked forward. "Of course not. Look at your Pikachu, it's far too weak."
"I-I need to win." Ash stuttered, "I can't fail like this."
"I take it you don't have any other pokemon that would match up better?" Flint asked.
Ash merely shook his head.
Flint sighed, "If you're serious I might know a way you could beat Brock."
"How?" Ash almost shouted, Serena took a step back in shock at his change in tone.
"Pikachu's thunder shock won't do anything against Brock's pokemon since they mostly are part ground type. But I'm assuming it knows how to use quick attack or something similar."
Ash chuckled darkly, "Heh, Onix didn't seem to feel that either."
"Because it's too weak. We need to supercharge it." Flint explained.
"What does that mean?" Serena asked.
"There's an old water mill on the north side of town." Flint explained, "If we strapped Pikachu up to it, we could supercharge him with electricity. Of course the electric attacks won't work against Brock but it would make your pokemon fast enough and strong enough to break through the rock type defenses."
Serena furrowed her brows, "That doesn't sound very safe…"
Flint shrugged, "It's very experimental. But I've seen it work before."
Serena had heard enough and quickly turned to Ash, "Ash this is way too dangerous you can't go through with this!"
Ash was silent for a minute as he blankly stared out into space. Finally, he turned to Pikachu and said, "What do you think?"
The yellow pokemon nodded in determination and sparked his cheeks.
"We're in." Ash said to Flint.
"Wait, no!" Serena cried but neither men appeared to be listening to her.
"Then let's go. No reason to wait." Flint said as he turned away.
Ash and Pikachu walked forward but Serena rushed behind the raven-haired trainer and put her hands on his shoulders, "Ash please, there has to be another way."
Slowly Ash turned around. Gently he removed Serena's hands from his shoulders and held them for a moment. Normally Serena would blush at something like this but now all she could do was stare in shock at his emotionless eyes.
"Serena, I know you don't understand, but this is my dream. I am going to become the world's greatest pokemon master." With that Ash turned away. Leaving a stunned Serena standing in the streets in silence, the last bit of sun now dropping below the western mountains.
This is the first major cliff hanger I'll be leaving you all on in this story. I'm hoping to get the next chapter out soon but unfortunately am a bit busier this week so no promises. As always, I hope you all enjoyed and will see you next time.