Hello and blessings to you all. I hope everyone had a terrific weekend. I'm excited to be releasing another chapter. This is a follow up to the previous chapter so make sure you take a minute to reread that one if anyone is unsure where we left off. Before we start, I want to give a quick thanks to everyone who's left a review so far. Seeing people enjoy my story has definitely helped keep me motivated to continue to get out more chapters.
Chapter 8: Showdown in Pewter City Part 2
Serena could only stand in place and stare out in speechless shock. In reality, the honey blonde trainer probably only stood there for a few minutes, but to her it felt like hours. All the girl could do is replay over and over what she had just seen. "What is happening to Ash?" "Why would he do this?" These were the kinds of questions she asked without finding any satisfying answers. Finally she was snapped out of her thoughts at the sight of Misty rounding the corner. The redhead had a fishing rod resting over her shoulder so Serena assumed that she must have spent the day by a nearby lake to blow off her anger.
"Misty!" Serena desperately shouted as she rushed over to her friend.
Misty seemed a bit surprised to see Serena rushing at her but soon the surprise was exchanged for her defiant scowl, "Where's mister "world's greatest pokemon master?" Let me guess he's healing his poor pokemon after their beatdown."
"Misty, you were right. He lost." Serena then gave her friend an entire rundown of what had happened. As she explained what Ash and Flint were up to, Serena saw the older girl's face break into genuine concern but then the redhead's stubbornness took over.
"Hmmf, why should I care what he does? He made it perfectly clear that he doesn't value my opinion." Misty huffed.
"Misty" Serena began, "I'm not going to defend all the things Ash said and I do think he owes you an apology. But right now he needs help, please help me!"
Misty scoffed, "I'm not bailing that jerk out anymore. He was supposed to be my friend."
Serena felt her fists ball up in anger, "Friend? You know what, yea friends fight. And sometimes they make stupid choices. But friends are also always there to support each other when they need it and right now Ash needs you. So how about you quit acting so selfishly and help your friend?!"
Misty was completely taken aback by the younger girl's tone. Clearly she had never expected Serena to have so much fire. For a moment Misty seemed genuinely lost on what to say but finally sighed and walked past Serena, "Sorry Serena, I just can't."
Serena was shocked at Misty's attitude but decided she couldn't push it right now, after all, Ash needed her help more.
On the outskirts of town there was a small meadow that separated Pewter City from the foothills of Kanto's mighty mountain range. There an average size river flowed down from the mountains and at one spot stood an abandoned water mill. As Ash and Flint approached the two shared few words. Instead they only marched on defiantly.
"We'll be setting up outside. I need to prepare some gear inside so hang out for a moment." Flint said as he and Ash finally approached the large wooden mill. Ash only responded with a nod of understanding as the older man went inside.
"Ash! Ash!" Serena called as she ran up to him. The girl had to stop and take deep breaths when she finally caught up to him after all the running she'd just done.
"Serena, I thought I told you not to follow?" Ash said coldly.
After taking one more deep breath Serena gathered herself and stared at him. Ash couldn't even make eye contact with Serena at this point, it was clear the shame of his defeat had overtaken him.
"Ash, I came to stop you. You can't do this. You know better!" She begged.
"I thought I knew what it took to be a great trainer, but I was wrong." Ash simply stated.
"But you do Ash! You have it in you, we just have to keep working." Serena pleaded.
"How can you possibly know that?" Ash said, his voice rising with anger. Serena took a step back in shock, she'd never heard Ash yell at her before. "Serena, you have no idea what it takes. I need to risk everything. I have to win-"
*SMACK*
Ash touched his cheek in shock as it stung with pain. Serena had slapped him. The sweetest girl he'd known had just struck him. Slowly Ash lifted his gaze to Serena's. Her baby blue eyes radiated an intense anger that he'd never seen before.
"Who are you?" Serena spat, "You certainly aren't the Ash Ketchum I know. He was kind, and brave, and so optimistic that you couldn't help wanting to follow him. All you've been since we've gotten here is cold and selfish. So you lost a battle? GROW UP! We all fail sometimes, that's what makes us stronger. Now bring me back the real Ash, because you sure aren't acting like him!"
When Serena was finished she had to catch her breath from all the yelling and an awkward silence sunk in. She didn't know how Ash would respond: would he get angry and yell back, would he apologize, or would he just keep ignoring her and walk away? What Serena never expected was what she saw in front of her: tears freely cascading down Ash's cheeks.
"What am I doing?" Ash moaned as he fell to his knees. Serena went over to him.
Behind a nearby tree, Misty approached and crouched down to listen.
"I thought I could do this. I thought I'd be a great trainer. But instead it's just been one failure after another. I almost got us killed by Spearow, I was helpless against Team Rocket, I let Metapod get kidnapped, and now I was embarrassed by Brock. I-I just wanted to be strong. To prove to everyone that I could make it. But instead, I've been nothing but a weakling, a failure. It's just like Misty said, "I'm nothing more than another student in waiting, just like the samurai."
Misty covered her mouth as tears formed in her eyes, Serena was surprised by this as well. "So that's what he's so upset about." She realized.
The girl knelt down and put her hand on his shoulder, "Ash that isn't true at all. It was Pikachu who saved us against the Spearow and Team Rocket. And he did that because he wanted to save you."
"Chu" The pokemon nodded as he tried to support his trainer.
"And why did Metapod evolve when he did? Because he wanted to save you." Serena continued before getting quieter, "If I'm being honest I would have never gone on this adventure without you. You've been making me a better person since the day we met. It's what I admire about you so much."
Serena continued, "You aren't weak. You have this amazing ability to bring out the best in everyone, people and pokemon alike. If you just believe in yourself like I do you can achieve great things, I know it!"
Ash looked at her sadly, "And if I fail again?"
"Well, me, your pokemon, and even Misty will be there to pick you right back up. Your friends and pokemon will be your support when you need it, just like you're always ours."
Ash rubbed his eyes, "I can't believe I was such a huge jerk to Misty. How can I ever face her again?"
Serena smiled, "You just need to be honest with her. And you need to be honest about all of this here." She gestured to the water mill.
Ash nodded, "You're right."
Silently what the pair didn't know was that Misty slipped away at that point. Her hand clearing a tear out of her eye.
It was at this point Flint stepped forward and cleared his throat, Ash assumed he must have heard most of their conversation.
"Sorry to interrupt, kids." The older man said, "But if you want to do this we have to start now."
Ash looked to Serena who nodded back at him, "I'm sorry Flint, but I can't go through with this." Ash said.
"So you're giving up on defeating Brock?" The man questioned.
Ash shook his head as his eyes flashed with determination, "No I'm not. I'm going to go out and get stronger. When the time comes, I'll be back to defeat Brock."
Flint stood there with hand resting on his chin as he thought, "What if there was another way you could beat him now?"
"What's that?" Ash asked.
"As we discussed earlier: your biggest disadvantage is your pokemon lack any attack that can harm Brock's. But if your Pikachu could learn a move that would be super effective against him… well then the entire game is changed."
Ash frowned, "I agree with you, but I just don't know what Pikachu can learn. Electric types are just at a huge disadvantage to rock and ground types."
"In Kanto that's true, but not in Johto. What do you know about steel types?"
"Steel types?" Serena asked in confusion, "Aren't they really rare?"
Flint nodded, "For whatever reason steel types have never been common in Kanto, in fact there's only one type native to this region that has the type. But elsewhere in the world steel types are quite common and their moves are easy to learn. When I was in Johto I saw first-hand how devastating they can be; and I just so happen to know one steel move that your pokemon could learn. But I need to warn you now: this could take weeks of dedication to even have a chance to work. Are you still in?"
Ash's eyes burned bright with a fierce determination, "Of course I am."
Serena smiled brightly; it was good to see the old Ash back.
Even Flint gave a small grin, "Alright kid, let me teach you about iron tail."
Over the next two weeks Ash trained night and day to help Pikachu master iron tail. At first they started small. Pikachu learned to stiffen his tail like a board and hold it. Then the small pokemon learned to gather energy in it while he held the position. Finally, the pokemon's tail would turn a bright white that signified the move. Afterwards it was all about learning to maintain and swing it. This proved to be difficult as the small pokemon struggled to maintain the power while moving at full speed. To help, Ash would throw rocks at his pokemon who would practice swatting them down. Pikachu wasn't the only pokemon that got training though. Ash made sure to give Butterfree plenty of work as well. The bug type even developed a psychic type attack. At first Flint would spend a lot of time watching Ash train and helping him. Soon though the man began spending less and less time with them. One night, late in their training, the man stopped by to tell the pair an interesting story about Brock. He told them that when Brock was 16 and about to head out on his own pokemon adventure his mom became very ill with cancer. Brock stayed home to help with his 8 brothers and sisters as well as help his father, the previous gym leader. Eventually Brock's mother took a turn for the worst and passed away. Brock's father abandoned the family soon after and disappeared. Leaving his son to run the gym and take care of 8 children.
"You need to understand. Brock is a great person. His deadbeat dad just left him a terrible hand." Flint explained.
"That's sad." Ash replied honestly, "But why are you telling us this?"
Flint sighed, "I think it's important you understand the man you're facing."
That was the last night the two saw the mysterious man.
During this entire time Misty continued to keep her distance. Ash promised he'd talk to Misty soon but Serena could tell he was still nervous about it. Finally, after two weeks Ash was ready. With Serena by his side and Pikachu on his shoulder the teenager strode confidently into the Pewter City gym.
"Brock, I'm ready for a rematch!" Ash declared.
Brock looked up in surprise at seeing Ash, it was clear the older boy had thought he'd skipped town after their first battle.
"I hope you've brought new pokemon this time around." Brock stated.
"I haven't." Ash responded calmly.
Brock studied Ash closely. The gym leader desperately wanted to send this boy away, the last thing he wanted after all was to hurt a pokemon. That being said, there was something different about this kid. Gone was that arrogant anger dominated his eyes the last time. On top of that his Pikachu had lost weight. It was normal for young and untrained Pikachu to be a little pudgy, like a bowling ball. But now Pikachu looked thinner and stronger, it was clear he had matured.
"Very well." Brock finally said, "I'll accept your challenge."
Again, his ref stepped forward, "This will be a two-on-two battle between the gym leader: Brock Harrison and the challenger: Ash Ketchum. The challenger may substitute his two pokemon as much as he likes while the gym leader may not. Now, please send out your first pokemon."
"Geodude, let's go!" Brock shouted.
"Butterfree, I choose you!" Ash declared.
"Hmmf, another pokemon weak to rock types. I'm disappointed." Brock sighed.
"You won't be." Ash shot back.
The ref held up two flags in the middle, "Battle begin!"
"Geodude, use rock throw!" Brock ordered.
"Butterfree, dodge and use poison powder!" Ash responded.
Quickly the floating rock pokemon scooped up a patch of earth and packed it like a snowball before launching the attack at Butterfree. The bug type flew high into the air to gracefully dodge the attack before aggressively flapping its wing to release a purple powder. The power settled over Geodude who quickly began looking sick.
"Oh no you don't. Geodude, use more rock throws. Bring that bug back towards the ground!"
The muscley rock type fought through the poison and began heaving more rock attacks at Butterfree. Finally, one connected and sent the bug type hurtling towards the ground.
"Butterfree!" Ash called as his pokemon crashed into the earth. Slowly though, the pokemon got back to its feet. "Alright, use confusion!" Ash called.
Butterfree's eyes glowed as it unleashed a wave of powerful psychic energy forward.
"Geodude us tackle!" Brock called.
The floating pokemon charged forward rushing headlong into the magenta psychic energy. This seemed to cause significant damage but soon Geodude had fought through and smashed into Butterfree. Butterfree tumbled across the battlefield and into a nearby rock before passing out.
The ref raised the flag nearest Brock, "Butterfree is unable to battle. Geodude is the winner."
"What now?" Brock called out to Ash, "How will your Pikachu defeat me?"
Ash looked down to Pikachu standing next to him, "Are you ready?"
"Chu" The pokemon nodded before dashing out to the middle of the field.
The ref raised both of his flags again, "Battle, begin!"
"Geodude, get in there with tackle!" Brock ordered. Again, the floating rock type charged forward.
Ash had to stop himself from smiling. This was exactly what he wanted, "Pikachu, use iron tail!" He shouted.
"What?" Brock shouted in shock, but it was too late.
As Geodude closed in, Pikachu's tail glowed bright white. The small electric jumped in the air and slammed down right on the top of Geodude's head sending the rock type directly into the ground and causing a large smoke cloud. When the dust settled Geodude was completely knocked out.
"Way to go, you two!" Serena cheered from the stands as Ash smiled.
"How did you do that?" Brock shouted from the opposite side, "Iron tail is a very rare move in Kanto. Where did you learn it?"
Ash could only smirk, "We've been training hard to beat you."
Brock sighed, "Very well. But now I know your trump card, so it won't surprise me again. Go Onix!"
The large rock snake materialized on the field and stared down at Pikachu who stared back in defiance.
"Battle, begin!" The ref called.
"Onix, use tackle!" Brock ordered. The massive pokemon swung its tail down at Pikachu who sidestepped the attack.
"Iron tail!" Ash ordered. Pikachu rushed forward and slammed its tail into Onix. The pokemon roared in pain but composed itself before launching another tackle at the smaller pokemon that sent it flying across the ground.
"Now, smack down!" Brock shouted. Onix scraped its tail across the ground causing chunks of rock to go flying at Pikachu. The pokemon desperately tried to get out of the way but was still pummeled.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted. "Charge again and use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu dashed forward again trying to close in and use iron tail.
"Not this time, smackdown Onix!" Brock called out. Again, the large snake launched chunks or rocks at Pikachu. The electric mouse was able to dodge but was now still out of range to attack Onix.
Ash grit his teeth. Brock was clearly trying to keep Pikachu away from Onix. Between the snake's long tail and smackdown, it could easily attack Pikachu without getting up close.
"Onix, tackle!" Brock ordered. Again, the snake swept its tail at Pikachu and knocked the pokemon back towards Ash.
"Now let's finish this with bind!" Brock ordered. The large pokemon slithered across the ground as it closed in on a still recovering Pikachu.
"Get out of there Pikachu!" Ash called desperately. Pikachu quickly got to his feet and jumped away. Unfortunately, the large boulders that were scattered across the battlefield made it difficult for him to fully use his speed. Soon Onix had the smaller pokemon trapped between some particularly large boulders and himself. Slowly the rocky type went in to bind Pikachu.
Ash desperately tried to formulate a strategy, "Think!" He shouted in his head, "What would a better pokemon trainer do? What would Misty do? Or Blue? You have to do something!"
"Onix stop!" A voice called out.
Ash looked up to see Brock had stopped the attack at the last minute.
"Ash, let's not do this." The older trainer called, "I really hate seeing pokemon get hurt. You've fought well, but now it's over. Please give up so nobody has to get hurt."
Ash stared sadly at Brock. Was the gym leader right? Had he lost again?
"Don't listen to him Ash!" A voice shouted from the stands. It wasn't Serena though, but Misty. The redhead must have snuck in when he was battling. Ash looked up in shock at seeing her. Even Serena was surprised.
"Listen to me, Ash." Misty called, "You can win this. You're a great trainer. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself, just be Ash Ketchum!"
It took Ash a moment to process everything but finally a smile crept across the boy's face, "Thank you Misty. Pikachu, let's win this!"
Brock sighed in disappointment, "Very well. Onix, use bind!"
"Pikachu use a thundershock right at Onix's face!" Ash shouted without even thinking.
"Are you crazy? You know that won't work." Brock responded.
Still Pikachu listened to his trainer, "Pi-Ka-Chuuuu!" The mouse shouted at it and unleashed a burst of electricity. The attack did no damage but, to the surprise of everyone, Onix closed its eyes and looked away at the brightness of the attack.
"Now use iron tail!" Ash ordered. With a brief moment to strike Pikachu charged forward and landed a blow directly on the center of Onix. The pokemon roared in pain as it opened its eyes and went to smash Pikachu with its tail.
"Pikachu use quick attack at Onix's head!" Ash ordered. The yellow mouse quickly jumped away from the tail and launched at its face.
As he made contact Brock shouted, "You know that won't work."
Ash smiled, "True, but now Pikachu is close to Onix and away from his tail. One more iron tail Pikachu!"
"Oh no!" Brock shouted.
Pikachu leapt into the air before striking his tail down on Onix. The pokemon was completely defenseless as Pikachu drove him hard into the ground. When the dust settled, Onix was knocked out.
"Onix is unable to battle." The ref announced, clearly a little surprised with what had just happened, "Pikachu is the winner. And that means Ash Ketchum has won the battle!"
For a moment Ash stood in shock. Had he actually won? But as Pikachu ran towards him the trainer broke out into a large grin and shouted, "We did it!"
"Ash!" came a voice from the bleachers. Serena came running over with an equally big smile, "Congratulations, I knew you could do it!"
"I couldn't have done it without you." Ash said sincerely, "Thank you so much Serena."
The honey blonde girl smiled as a red hue crossed her cheeks. It was then that Ash noticed Misty behind his childhood friend.
"You, uh... You did well." The girl said awkwardly.
"Thanks" Ash said awkwardly, "Listen Misty I need to apologize. I never meant to be so mean, you're a great trainer and I should've listened to your advice."
Misty waved him off, "Honestly I should apologize too. I didn't mean to scare you when I said that stuff about the samurai and should've been more empathetic. But Ash you need to know I never thought that about you. You're going to be a great trainer. I mean, I never would've asked to travel with you two if I didn't believe that."
Ash smiled, "Friends?" he asked.
Misty smiled too, "Of course!" and the two high fived.
"Ahem" Brock cleared his throat getting the three's attention, "I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation with your-uh- lovely friends."
His face formed a goofy smile causing Misty to look at Serena in confusion.
Brock continued, "But I wanted to give you this, Ash" He then held up a small silver octagon, "It's the boulder badge, proof that you have bested me in a gym battle."
Ash smiled as he took the badge, "Thanks so much Brock. And thanks for being hard on me after our first battle, it stunk, but it did make me better."
"That my job." Brock responded with a smile, "I don't like being hard on new trainers but sometimes it's necessary. Still, you rose above and won. Out of curiosity how did you manage to teach Pikachu iron tail?"
"Well..." Ash said with a sweat drop, "Actually some random traveler helped. I was pretty lucky to run into him."
"Speaking of, we should try and find Flint to thank him before we leave." Serena said as Ash nodded in agreement.
"Wait" Brock said, his tone changing to a much more serious one, "Did you say Flint?"
"They did" came a voice from behind the group. Standing there was none other than Flint, "Been a long time Brock." The older man said as he slowly walked over.
"Wait, you know each other?" Misty said in confusion.
"WHAT?" the three said in unison.
"That's right." The man said as he joined the group, "It's a long story but in truth I'm-"
Out of nowhere Brock punched Flint in the face sending the man crashing to the ground.
"You should have never come back." The tanned trainer spat before marching out of the gym.
Serena quickly helped Flint to his feet. "Are you ok?" she asked
Flint waved her off, "I'm fine, I'm fine."
"That was a little much." Misty said, unaware of the situation.
Flint gravely shook his head, "I'm fortunate that's all I got."
"So you're the deadbeat dad you mentioned earlier?" Ash asked in shock.
Flint nodded, "That's correct. After Brock's mother died the grief was just too much for me and I fled. I spent nearly two years wandering aimlessly before I got my bearings to come home. That was a month ago. When I returned, I just didn't have the guts to face my children. I was just stuck in fear until I met you kids.
"Why did you help me?" Ash asked.
Flint sighed, "Because I wanted Brock to travel with you."
The group looked at him in surprise so Flint continued, "When I first met you kids I was completely taken back by your energy, I felt that you would be perfect to travel with Brock. He was robbed at the chance of an adventure by me after I left. I hoped you'd defeat him and then he'd ask to join you kids when I approached him. But after your loss I knew it wouldn't happen, so I took matters into my own hands to help you surpass him."
"So all of this was to help your son." Serena realized aloud.
Flint sighed, "I've made so many mistakes in my life. I hurt my children more than anyone. I thought this small act could help set some of that right. So Listen, I know I have no right to ask you of this, especially since you don't know Brock. But if you could hang around the pokemon center for a little while tonight I'll try and convince him to meet up with you kids and talk about this."
Ash looked at both Serena and Misty who nodded with certainty, "Well you did help me a lot. And Brock seems like a nice guy. So I guess we're in."
Flint thanked the group before heading home. Afterwards the group departed for the pokemon center where their pokemon received one last checkup.
"So, are we sure about adding Brock?" Misty asked the group as they sat in the booth, "I mean we barely know the guy."
Ash shrugged, "He seemed like a nice guy."
"You talked to him like twice." Misty scowled.
"I got the chance to hear a bit about Brock while we were here." Serena replied, "Everything I've heard is that he's really great and helpful in the community. Although apparently he has a problem always hitting on pretty girls…"
Misty smiled evilly, "I can handle that. I guess if you two are in I won't say anything. Assuming he even wants to join us."
After waiting for another hour their pokemon were finally ready. The group decided to give up and were exiting the pokemon center when they came face to face with none other than Brock.
"You made it!" Serena beamed.
"Yeah, uh, sorry my dad put you on the spot like that. I totally get it if you guys don't want to travel with a stranger." Brock said awkwardly.
Ash laughed, "I mean... Misty was a stranger when she joined us in Viridian City. We'd love for you to tag along!"
"I appreciate that!" Brock said with a smile.
"So did you make up with your dad?" Serena asked.
Brock frowned, "No, frankly I don't think I'll ever forgive what he put my siblings through. But they all told me I should follow my dreams and if they're ok with it, I'll be too."
"Well welcome aboard!" Misty beamed.
Suddenly Brock was in front of her grabbing her hand, "Yes! And maybe this can also be a journey of love."
"You really think so?" Misty asked softly while a faint blush crossed her face.
Brock smiled, "Yes why you and I together could-AGH!"
Misty suddenly grabbed the trainer by the ear and yanked it harshly, "I think this journey is going to be about pain if you keep this up. Now listen close, if you ever hit on Serena or me again, I'm going to make you regret the day you crawled out from that rock gym! Do you understand?"
"Please not the ear." Brock cried in pain, "Ugh, yes I understand."
Ash and Serena both sweat dropped as they watched the scene, apparently Misty really could take care of it. And with that out of the way the group turned east, marching on to the imposing Mt. Moon ahead. Ready for whatever adventures await the other side.
And that wraps up our latest chapter. So, a quick moment of honesty: when I was reviewing this chapter before posting it, I realized I had completely forgotten to add the part about Brock's backstory. I picked what I felt was the best spot to add it but in honestly it still felt a little clunky to me. Oh well, live and learn I suppose. I'm hoping to have another chapter out very soon. Anway's, thank you all again and see you next time!