Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
Trial By Stone
The group followed Flint to the Pokémon Center, where Ash and Misty recalled their teams to their Poké Balls and handed them over to Nurse Joy. Finding a plastic bin full of maps of Pewter City on the counter, Ash picked one up to find the gym's location.
Ash: Let's see here. Pokémon Gym, Pokémon gym…
Misty: It's right here. And how about when we go, I'll handle the directions? You'd probably get lost in an empty room.
Ash: Yeah, that's fair.
Flint: Don't tell me you're challenging Brock, the Pewter City Gym leader.
Ash: Well, yes I am.
Flint: *skeptically* Do you really think you can beat him?
Ash: I'm not sure.. But I'm gonna give it a real ,
Flint laughed at this as he then walked away, leaving the pair confused.
Ash: Wow. Either Brock's tough or that guy doesn't think much of me. It doesn't matter. I can do this. Cobalt, Green, and I have trained really hard to prepare for this battle.
Misty couldn't tell whether Ash was talking to her or giving himself a pep talk. Either way, he sounded really nervous. They ate lunch at the restaurant connected to the Pokémon Center, but Ash kept glancing back towards the medical area. Misty could tell he missed his team.
Misty: Do you think you're ready for this? Gym Leaders ARE tougher than the average Pokémon trainer. I could lend you some of my Water Pokémon if you'd like.
Ash: Thanks, Misty. But I'd rather do this on my own. We've worked really hard for this Gym battle, and I know my Pokémon can do this. Besides, Green's a grass type and Cobalt's a fighting type, we can do this. I'm just…nervous. This is my first big Gym battle, and I'm worried about failing my Pokémon.
Misty: *stern* Well, you need to relax, or you'll lose before you begin. You've trained for this battle, right?
Ash: Right.
Misty: And you trust your Pokémon, right?
Ash: With my life.
Misty: Then be a little more confident. I believe in you, and I know your Pokémon aren't here right this second, but they'd be agreeing with me. You can do this, Ash.
Ash: *deep breath* Thanks.
After paying for their meal, they made it to the medical facility of the center, where the nurse handed over two trays of Pokeballs.
Nurse: Well, Mr. Ketchum and Miss Waterflower, no more waiting. Your Pokémon are back to normal.
Ash immediately released his team, Psi now fully energized and Green climbing up to Ash's shoulder.
Green: Aw~, did you miss us, Ashy?
Psi: We were gone twenty whole minutes.
Ash laughed and hugged his team.
Ash: Of course I did. So what do you say? Are you guys ready for the first gym?
Cobalt: I'm pumped up for it. I can't wait.
Green: Then let's go!
They left the Pokémon Center, Misty guiding them using the map. While they walked, Ash looked to Cobalt, who was seen holding the wood carving from earlier and smiling at it. He had recognized the carving from the battle with Samurai.
Ash: What's that you're holding, Cobalt?
Cobalt: *about carving* This? It's my lucky charm. I've had it since Mom and Dad found me as a baby. I'm…. *saddened* not sure what happened to my real parents, but for some reason, I can't bear to part with this little wood carving. It's… I don't know, familiar. And when I do that thing back there, I always feel a little luckier.
Ash smiled, feeling the same way about his signature cap, which was identical to the lucky hat his Dad wore before he went off to train. Eventually, they stopped as they reached the Pewter Gym, a large grey building that looked like it had been carved out of stone. There was another trainer there, a young blond-haired boy with a blue hat, who was talking to a teenager with spiky brown hair. Ash could tell from the picture in his League Handbook that the teenager was Brock, the Gym Leader.
Brock: Oh, hi. If you want a battle, you're going to have to have to wait until after I battle John here.
Ash: That's fine.
Psi: Ash, ask if you can observe their battle. It will be easier to plan a battle strategy if we see the opponent's battle strategy first.
Ash nodded, not wanting to let Brock and John know of his new ability.
Ash: Would it be okay if I watch your battle? I think it might help me prepare for mine.
Brock: That would be fine. What's your name?
Ash: I'm Ash.
The Gym Leader opened the door, letting the boys and Misty walk in. Inside, the gym was dimly lit. The floor appeared to be made of solidly packed earth with rocks everywhere. John and Brock prepared for their battle, and Ash, his team beside him, climbed up to the bleachers to observe.
—-
Misty had just entered the gym, having wanted to pick up a few things at the Pokémart, but she said she'd be back before Ash's match started. Ash and his team watched as Brock defeated the other trainer. John was able to knock out Brock's Geodude with his Poliwag after a few Water Guns, but Onix's Bind took out Poliwag, who was tired from battling Geodude. The Onix was also able to faint John's second Pokémon, a Rattata.
Ash: Brock's tough. Very tough.
Cobalt: You can say that again. Any ideas, Psi?
Psi: John was a good trainer, but he made a serious mistake out there. He completely relied on his Poliwag, so he didn't train his Rattata for the battle as well, so he had no backup plan when his Poliwag was beaten. Luckily Ash, Cobalt and Green have been trained equally and have the type advantage, especially Green since both of Brock's Pokemon are Rock and Ground types. With Cobalt's fighting type moves and Green knowing Iron Tail, we could be able to dominate our first gym battle.
Psi was about to go on, but stopped as Brock climbed up the bleachers to meet them.
Brock: I have to take my team to the Pokémon Center. You and your Pokémon will need to wait outside. No one is allowed in the gym without the Leader present.
Ash and his team left the gym. As they waited outside for Brock to return, Ash remembered the conversation he and his team had been having before Brock interrupted.
Ash: Alright, we got training and type advantages. What else do we have?
Psi: I hypothesize we may also be able to use the battlefield to our advantage.
Green: Hy….Hyppo…. Hyper Beam?
Psi: Hypothesize. Basically, I make up something that could be right without any proof. But I do here. Remember our battle earlier when I dropped Samurai's Metapod from that tree?
Ash: *nods* Mm-hmm.
Psi: Well, there's a lot of rocks and other obstacles on the battlefield. We may not be able to use them in obvious methods, but it is a good strategy to fall back on.
And so, they spent the rest of the time thinking of a strategy. By the time Brock came back, they had come up with a game plan they felt would do the trick, Misty came running up with her purchases right behind Brock.
Brock: Are you ready to begin, Ash?
Ash nodded as Brock unlocked the doors and they stepped inside.
Brock: This is your first Gym Battle, right?
Ash: Yes.
Brock: Now, a Gym Battle works differently than a normal Trainer Battle. The Pokémon League has regulations that need to be followed. Each of us will use a set amount of Pokémon, my gym's limit being 2. Along with that, there are no items allowed. Understand?
Ash: I understand.
Misty walked over to the bleachers, Psi joining her as both trainers walked over to the battlefield. On the side, a slightly younger teen resembling Brock stood by holding two flags, a green one with the hand in Brock's direction and a red one in Ash's. This would be the referee.
Referee: The battle between gym leader Brock and the challenger Ash shall now begin! Each trainer shall only use two Pokemon for the battle and furthermore, only the challenger may substitute their Pokemon! Will both sides let out their first Pokemon!
Brock: Geodude! Go!
As Brock called out his Pokemon, Misty and Psi cheered from the stands. Suddenly, the back door opened, and ten young children entered. They sat down next to Misty and cheered for Brock. Ash could tell by their looks that they were related to Brock, possibly siblings like the referee. Though he shook this off as he scanned the opposing Pokemon.
Pokedex: Geodude, the Rock Pokemon. A Rock and Ground type. Geodude often reside in rocky terrain such as mountains and canyons. When at rest, they often look like inanimate rocks, which startle trainers who happen to accidentally wake it up.
Ash: Ready, Green?
Green: Born ready, pal.
Ash: In that case… *points forward* Green, I choose you!
He ran forth onto the field jumping and doing a front flip in front of a rock, just as they planned.
Brock: If I can tell from how your Pokemon looks, that's a grass type. Type advantage can help, but it isn't everything! Geodude, Tackle Attack!
Ash: Green, jump over it!
Green jumped over Geodude just as it reached him. And just as planned, it slammed right into the rock behind it. It didn't do much damage, but it did stun the Geodude a little.
Ash: Now use Bullet Seed!
Geodude didn't have time to move, so it was hit by the super effective seed barrage. But due to its high defense, it was seriously weakened but not out yet.
Ash: Use Quick Attack, Green!
Brock: Grab hold of it and use Seismic Toss!
Geodude grabbed hold of Green's leg and threw him back. He landed on the ground hard, but got up, wincing.
Ash: *concerned* Can you continue?
Green: I'll swap out when I beat this guy. I'll be fine.
Ash: Okay then. Use Iron Tail!
Brock: *surprised* Iron Tail?!
Misty: Green knows a steel type move?!
Brock: Geodude, counter it with Tackle!
As Geodude attempted to slam into Green, it instead was batted back by the lizard's now metallic tail, sending Geodude flying into another rock. It groaned, swirls in its eyes while the ref used an encyclopedia to find Cobalt and Green's species names in order to be professional.
Referee: Geodude is unable to battle! The winner is Treecko!
Cobalt: Good job, big brother!
Green gave him a thumbs up as Brock recalled his fainted Pokémon back into its Poké Ball.
Brock: You did great, buddy… *to Ash* You may have defeated my Geodude, but you'll find my final Pokémon much harder. Onix, go!
The giant rock snake Pokémon appeared with a deafening battle cry, Green stepping back as Ash scanned it.
Pokedex: Onix, the Rock Snake Pokemon. A Rock and Ground type. Using the magnetic properties in its brain, Onix rapidly digs tunnels in the ground in search of food. The tunnels become new homes for wandering Diglett.
Ash noticed Green clutching his side as he panted, which only made him more worried as he decided to recall him.
Ash: Green, come back. Take a rest, pal.
He nodded as he walked to Ash, a noticeable limp made the boy feel guilty as he then plopped down next to Ash.
Green: That was a rough one. Wasn't expecting that Geodude to know Seismic Toss. Bro, I know you got this, but I'm right here if you need me.
Cobalt nodded as he did his small ritual frome earlier with his carving, handing it to Green to hold onto.
Ash: Your turn, Cobalt. You got this.
Nodding, Cobalt ran with his arms outstretched behind him. Like Green, he positioned himself just in front of a rock as he, much to both Brock and Onix's surprise, talked to the rock snake.
Cobalt: So you're Brock's ace. It's a pleasure to battle you, Sir.
Onix: Well, uh… *smiles* It's a pleasure to battle you too. Let's make this fight memorable!
Cobalt: You read my mind!
Brock: Onix, Tackle attack!
Ash: Cobalt, use Force Palm!
Despite not being commanded too, Cobalt jumped up as Onix slammed head first into the rock, breaking it in half and causing a cloud of dust to form. It shook its head to get the dust out of its eyes, then looked around for its opponent.
Brock: Onix, watch out!
But it was too late as Cobalt fell, slamming his palm onto Onix's head, making it roar in pain.
Brock: Onix, use Bind!
Ash: Dodge it, Cobalt! Don't let it grab you!
Cobalt jumped up once more just as Onix's coils were closing, landing on its head as he ran along Onix's body towards its tail.
Ash: Use Bone Rush!
Cobalt summoned a bone staff and smacked Onix as he ran along its body, making Onix cry out in pain once again. But though severely weakened, its fighting spirit had not dampened at all.
Brock: Use Dig!
Onix dug a hole into the ground, its tail slipping into the hole just as Cobalt jumped off. The Riolu looked around frantically, hoping to figure out where it would come up. Ash gulped. This was one thing they hadn't planned for. But he couldn't panic. He watched the ground move, coming towards Cobalt from his right side.
Ash: Cobalt, veer left!
He missed getting hit by the full force of the attack by mere inches, but Onix glanced against him and sent him tumbling. Cobalt twisted, managing to land on his feet, but Ash could tell he was tiring out.
Brock: Onix, use Bind!
Ash: Brace yourself!
Cobalt did just that as it got wrapped up in Onix's serpentine body, struggling as its grasp grew tighter and tighter.
Onix: Well, you put up a fight, little one. Guess this is it….
Much to both Onix and Brock's surprise, both trainer and Pokemon shared a smirk, a gleam of mischief seen in Cobatl's eye.
Cobalt: Wanna bet?
Ash: Cobalt, fight back the Bind with Counter! Then finish it with Force Palm!
With a growl of effort, Cobalt burst out from the Bind, hitting Onix with double the power it hit him with as Cobalt sprang up to Onix's face, yelling as he unleashed one last Force Palm right between the eyes. It was too much for Onix and the Rock Snake Pokémon fell over, fainted. Cobalt landed on the ground on his feet, bruised, scraped, and panting like crazy.
Referee: Onix is unable to battle! The winner is Riolu! And therefore, the match goes to Ash the challenger!
Cobalt fist pumped as Green and Ash smiled. The Riolu patted Onix's snout with a smile of pride before going to his trainer.
Cobalt: Thanks for the awesome battle. I really had fun here.
Onix: ….*smiles* Don't mention it. *returns to Poke Ball*
Brock: You did great. Take a rest, buddy. You earned it. *walks over to Ash* I got cocky and underestimated you, and so I lost. You beat me fair and square. As proof of your victory, I confer to you… the official Pokémon League Boulder Badge.
He handed a grey badge resembling a rock over to Ash. The children in the bleachers cried, running over to Brock and hugging him. Up in the stands, Misty was screaming with pride.
Misty: Go Ash! I told you that you could do it!
Psi cheered for them as they teleported to Ash's side. Finally, it seemed to hit Ash that he had won. A huge smile spread over his face and he jumped into the air, scooping Cobalt up and hugging him, but setting him down gently before doing the same to Green..
Ash: We did it, guys! We won! You guys are amazing!
Cobalt: Wow, I think this is the first time I've ever seen Ash like this.
Psi: What, happy?
Cobalt: No. I mean, be a kid….. I think Pikachu attacking him hit him harder emotionally than he let on.
Green: *as he's put down* Hey, let's let this go for now, okay? This is supposed to be a happy day. Ash just won his very first Gym Badge!
Ash noticed everyone watching him celebrating and stopped dancing around, turning beet red.
Ash: Sorry.
Brock: *smiles* You have the right to celebrate. You did earn your first badge after all.
Ash: *picks up Cobalt and Green* I'd better get these two to the Pokémon Center.
Brock: I'll come with you. I need to get my Pokémon healed up too.
Ash ran to the bleachers, getting a high five from Misty as Psi then allowed Ash to hug his shoulder. Ash respected that they didn't like to be touched, but the Abra was warming up to it. They walked out of the Gym and headed to the Pokémon Center. Once there, Brock and Ash handed their Pokémon over to Nurse Joy, then went to sit in the waiting room.
Brock: I have to admit, you and your Pokémon have some of the closest bonds I've ever seen.
This was further proven as Brock watched Ash share some crackers from the vending machine with Psi.
Ash: They're everything to me. I don't know what I'd do without them.
Brock: I know how you feel. My Geodude and Onix mean a lot to me.
Ash, Misty, and Brock chatted lightly about various topics as they waited. Ash found himself liking Brock's friendly nature and easygoing manner., which made the time pass quickly and soon enough, Nurse Joy called them up to get their Pokémon. Once the Poké Balls were back in Ash's hands, he released Cobalt and Green, hugging them as both Brock and Misty smiled at this. The conversation even continued as they left the Pokemon Center.
Brock: To tell you the truth, I get more pleasure from raising Pokémon than from making them battle. I don't care about becoming a great Pokémon Trainer. What I really want is to become the world's greatest Pokémon Breeder…. *sadly* But I can't leave here, because I have to look after my brothers and sisters. I'm all they have.
Ash wondered what had happened to Brock's parents and why the teenager was raising his siblings all by himself. He remembered all the little kids in the bleachers. There had to be at least ten of them, not even counting the ref, but he wouldn't press Brock for details.
Ash: I'm sorry to hear that.
Ash hesitantly put a hand on Brock's arm, which had him give a faint smile from the sumpathy.
Brock: It's okay. But can you do me a favor?
Ash: Sure.
Brock: Continue my dream for me. You're a good trainer. I saw it in both your battle skills and your kindness to your Pokémon. Be the best you can be. Will you do that for me, Ash?
Ash: ….Yes. Yes, I will.
?: Go follow your own dreams, Brock.
Everyone turned to see that it was Flint. He pulled off his false wig and beard to reveal a man that looked like an older version of Brock…. However, this was met by Brock giving off an angry scowl at the man.
Brock: My father.
Ash and Misty were feeling a little angry themselves, as were the Pokemon. It was obvious this man had walked out, leaving Brock to raise his little brothers and sisters by himself. This especially made Ash furious, since he had never got to know his father.
Flint: I'm sorry, Brock. I couldn't become the great Pokémon Trainer I wanted to be, and because I was such a failure, I was embarrassed to come home to my family and I forced you to become man of the house. But it's time I stepped up to take care of my family and became the father I should have been. Go and be the Pokémon Breeder you want so much to be. I'm sorry I held you back.
Brock: First, there are a few things I have to tell you.
Flint: After all these years, I know how you must feel about me, so I want you to get everything off your chest-
Brock interrupted, handing him a sewing needle and thread as he began reciting a long list of tasks revolving around his siblings. Flint was…. Overwhelmed to say the least. While Brock continued to give Flint instructions on how to take care of the children, Ash pulled Misty and his Pokémon to the side.
Ash: What do you guys think of Brock?
Green: Who, that guy? He seems really cool.
Misty: I'm not exactly sure what he said, but I think Brock seems nice. Why do you ask?
Ash: I-I was thinking about asking him to join us if he doesn't have any plans. don't know why, but it just feels…right.
Misty: Well, it's fine with me, Ash. Brock seems like a nice guy.
Psi: Ash, I am not normally one to Rain Dance on a parade, but you must know Brock does decide to travel with us, you will have to tell him you can understand.
Green: Yean, man. You can't just keep it from him forever.
Ash: I know. What do you think? About me telling him about… You know.
Cobalt: I don;t sense any malice or deceit within him. In fact, he's actually just as kind and caring as you are, Ash. I'm for him joining if you are.
Green: He seems like a nice guy and he's a good trainer. I don;t see why not.
Misty: Trust your instincts, Ash. If your gut is telling you to invite him, it's probably right. And if it does happen to be wrong… We'll do…. Something. I don't know.
Brock had finished giving his instructions to Flint and was walking away, but Ash called him back.
Ash: Hey, Brock! I was wondering…
—-
Brock: Thanks for letting me tag along with you guys.
It was the very next morning that Ash asked Brock to travel with him and Misty. As of now, they were currently packing up the tents and sleeping bags as Brock made breakfast.
Ash: No problem. The more, the merrier. It'll be nice to have another guy to talk to.
Misty: Hey, what am I? Chopped berries?
Green: More liked chopped kel due to her water obsession, am I right?
Ash laughed and rubbed his head. Brock noticed, but decided not to comment on it. Ash would tell him when he was ready. Ash never knew exactly what had caused the sudden urge to invite Brock to join them on their journey yesterday; whether it was simply that he had found a kindred spirit in Brock, or if it was an intuition. But for the rest of his life, Ash would always be glad he had listened to that feeling.
However, it was because of Misty's prodding that Ash had come to tell Brock about his ability. And so, he approached the 16 year old as he poured some pancake batter onto a skillet, his team walked over with him for support.
Ash: Hey, Brock?
Brock: Yeah?
Ash: Could I ask you a uh…. A hypothetical question?
Brock: Shoot. Go ahead.
Ash: Um, alright…. So, suppose someone told you they could talk to Pokemon….. Would you, you know, think they were crazy or lying?
Brock, concentrating on breakfast, thought he was joking as he snorted.
Brock: Depends really. ARE they crazy or lying?
Ash: ….*sadly* No.
Hearing the hurt in Ash's voice, Brock turned around to see Ash walking away dejectedly. Cobalt, Green, and Psi glared at Brock, then sent a concerned look towards their trainer. Though he felt a little unsafe as the Treecko pointed as Brock and traced a finger over his neck before going back to comfort Ash.
Brock: Ash, wait. Can you actually understand Pokemon?
Ash: How'd you-
Brock: Ash, I've raised ten little brothers and sisters. I've learned that hypothetical questions usually aren't so hypothetical. So…. By understanding Pokémon, what do you mean? Can you interpret their actions and guess how they're feeling, or did you mean you can literally understand what they're saying?
Ash: Yeah, I uh…. I can understand what my Pokemon say. You think I'm crazy or making this all up, don't you?
The pure fear in Ash's eyes went straight to Brock's heart. Brock knew young kids could have strong imaginations, but this seemed to be much more than that. The way Ash seemed to be so in tune with his Pokémon and how his team had reacted when Brock treated Ash's statement like a joke made it seem like this could actually be the truth. Plus, Ash seemed to be a sensible kid, not one prone to flights of fancy. Especially since he had actually seemed scared to let Brock know the truth.
Brock: Ash, I can tell you're not lying to me. And I don't think you're crazy. But can I test out your ability just to make sure you're telling the truth? Do you mind talking to Onix for me?
Ash: Sure.
Brock nodded as he then released Onix, who let out a battle cry before looking around in confusion.
Onix: What the- Where in the Distortion World are we?
Green: *scolding tone* POOPOO MOUTH! Mustn't say naughty words!
Psi: You are aware you are the one that swears the most out of any of us, right Green?
Green: Oh, shut your damn mouth.
Ash: We're on Route 22, Onix.
Onix: What? How? Why?
Ash: Brock's father came back to take care of his family, and let Brock go to become a Pokémon Breeder. We invited him to join us on our journey.
Onix: …Can you understand what I'm saying, or are you just guessing?
Cobalt: He can understand us, Sir.
The rest of Ash's team nodded, making the roc snake's eyes widen in shock.
Brock: So Onix, can he understand you?
Onix nodded, which made Brock turn back to Ash.
Brock: It appears that both my Onix and your team believe you, so I think I believe you as well. But just to be sure…How did Onix and I meet for the first time?
Ash looked at Onix, who told him the story. Once Onix was finished, Ash answered back.
Ash: You got him as a gift from your father on your tenth birthday. Onix woke you by sticking his head through your window. After you two met, you, Onix, and your father watched the sunrise together.
Brock: *eyes widen* That's right. Do another one! Hmm…How did Onix first learn to use Dig?
A shadow passed over Onix's face as he recounted the story to Ash. Softly, Ash repeated the story to Brock, now growing equally horrified.
Ash: When you were 11, you and Onix were exploring a dark cave. Suddenly, there was a cave-in, and the two of you were separated. You wouldn't respond when Onix called for you, so he knew he needed to get to you as soon as possible. He feared you'd be crushed if he tried to break through the rockslide, so he dug a tunnel to get to you. You were unconscious and partially buried under some rocks. For a moment, he thought you were dead, but he nudged you and you woke up. He got you out of there and rushed you to the Pokémon Center because he didn't know where the human hospital was. Apparently, he broke down their doors in his hurry.
Cobalt: Huh. Sounds kinda familiar.
Brock was stunned. Though that incident wasn't what Brock had been thinking of; he had actually been thinking of the first time Onix had used Dig in battle, it had happened and only he, Onix, and some people at both the Pokémon Center and hospital had known about it. Not even his father knew. And he seriously doubted Ash, a stranger to Pewter City, could have found out about it. And Ash was nowhere near good enough of an actor to pull it off if he had; you could see right through the kid. Brock's last shred of doubt was gone.
Brock: Well, Ash, if there was even the slightest part of me that didn't believe you; it's gone now. That's some ability. In fact, it's simply amazing! Can you tell me what Onix thinks of my special homemade Pokémon food? And how about…
As Brock continued to babble, more excited than a child on Christmas morning, Onix gave Ash a slight nudge as he smiled playfully.
Onix: See what you got started? He'll be after both of us for weeks wanting to know everything about me.
Misty: BROCK! The pancakes are on fire!
Brock ran back, yelping and trying to beat out the flames with little results. Finally, Psi simply teleported over, holding a bucket as he then dumped the water inside the bucket to put it out. However, he misjudged the amount of water in the bucket and also completely dowsed the teen. But at least the pancake fire was out.
Psi: Safety tip of the day. If you have a special ability and wish to tell someone, it would be best not to do it while they are cooking.
Later on with the help of Misty and Ash, Brock cleaned up the watered down mess of batter, then started on a fresh batch of pancakes. He also brought out bowls of his homemade Poké Chow, apparently he's a jack of all trades Before they sat down to eat, Misty released her Water Pokémon in a nearby pond, giving them their breakfast before heading back for breakfast while Brock released his Geodude, who was just as amazed as Onix to hear about Ash's ability. Ash and Misty set up the picnic blanket and silverware as Brock dished up the pancakes, wondering how the heck Brock managed to fit so much into his bag. Both Ash and Misty were delighted to find out that, unlike themselves, Brock was an excellent cook. The Pokemon were also happy to agree with them as they dug into the Poke Chow.
Cobalt: *ecstatic moan* It's like I'm eating fruit from the great Mew's tree. *to Geodude* You eat like this all the time?
Geodude: Pretty much.
The others definately agreed with Cobalt, Green was eating so fast that Ash was afraid he'd choke. As Psi ate a handful from their hand, Misty had to hand-feed her Metapod because the poor thing couldn't bend down to get to his bowl.
Brock: Do they like it?
Green: Tell him it's terrible, just to freak him out.
Ash: Green!
Misty/Brock: What?
Ash: They like your Pokémon food, Brock. It's just Green has a strange sense of humor.
As the Treecko laughed, Brock and Misty looked at each other, shrugged and let it go. They doubted they wanted to know what the reptile had said.
Brock: So, how long have you been able to understand Pokémon? Or have you always been able to do it?
Ash: *sighs* I've….. had the ability for almost two weeks now.
Brock: 2 weeks? From what I've heard about people with psychic abilities, it starts at birth or early childhood.
Ash: I don't really think it's a psychic ability. I didn't want to tell you this, but you had to find out eventually.
Brock: Find out what?
And despite the trauma still getting to him, Ash related the entire story to Brock, who listened in shock as Ash told the tale of a starter's vicious betrayal and the kindness of a group of wild Pokémon. Misty added in her own part as well, telling Brock about Pikachu's complete and utter hatred for humans. Both Misty and Brock's teams listened in horror, wondering how something like a Pikachu, or any Pokémon, could do something like that to their own trainer. Ash's own team crowded around him, offering comfort as the boy gripped Cobalt's paw.
Brock: That's…. That's awful…
Ash: Pikachu's attack WAS awful, but a lot of good things came out of it.
He then went on to tell Brock about how he met his two proper "starters", along with how he had met Psi. His eyes lit up as he talked about the week of training they had all done with the Grovyle tribe and all the good times they had had together. His friends couldn't help but smile at the love Ash had for both his team and the tribe his starters came from.. After breakfast, they decided to work on training. Geodude insisted on sparring with Green, saying he wanted a rematch, which the Treecko was more than happy to accept.
Misty worked with her three Water Types as Metapod worked on his Tackle, while Cobalt and Psi sparred, with the Abra still wanting to work on Confusion. Onix relaxed in the sun while Brock watched the training, offering advice whenever needed. Eventually, Brock went off to go make another batch of Poké Chow as Ash stopped for a break. Cobalt and Ash were discussing the merits of the Riolu learning Circle Throw or Reversal when Ash heard a voice behind him.
?: Ash?
Ash jumped, nearly landing on his bottom, before turning to see Brock's Onix.
Ash: You scared me!
Cobalt: How did you get over here without us hearing you?
Onix: *chuckles* I have found I can be rather stealthy when I want to be. Anyway, I wanted to thank you, your team, and Misty.
Ash: Thank us? What for?
Onix: For inviting Brock to come with you.
He gestured to his trainer, who had finished with his Poké Chow and was working on a vegetable stew for lunch.
Onix: I haven't seen him this happy in years.
Cobalt: It must have been difficult, having to raise ten little brothers and sisters all by himself. Hell, when our parents had to lead the tribe or hunt for food, Green had to step in as my parental figure. But that was only temporary, I can't imagine the stress either of them could feel doing it 24/7.
Onix: You can't even imagine how much. I absolutely hate his parents for doing that to him, for leaving when he needed them, when all those little children needed them. Brock has had to grow up a lot quicker than he should have.
Ash: At least Brock can be free to pursue his dreams now. His father came back.
Onix: I only hope it stays that way or I'll have to deal with Flint myself. *growls* I don't trust him. I'm worried he's going to just pack up and leave again, making those children go without a father. And I know that when he does, Brock will have to return. Because that's just how Brock is. He puts others before himself, unlike his father.
Ash: Is there anything we can do to help?
Onix: The only thing any of us can do is be his friend…. I'm sorry for dumping all this on you both, Ash.
Ash: That's alright. And don't worry, I'll be the best friend I can be to Brock.
Onix: That's all I ask.
Brock: Hey Ash, could you come over here for a minute? I need to ask you something.
Ash agreed as he, Cobalt, and Onix came over, knowing he probably wanted to ask Ash a question that involved Onix as he stirred the stew.
Brock: Lunch should be ready in about an hour and a half, guys.
Ash: You do know you don't have to cook for us, right Brock?
He didn't want Brock to feel like he was obligated to act like some sort of caretaker to him and Misty, especially after everything Onix had told him.
Brock: I know, but it's in my nature. Misty says neither she or you are any good at it, and we can't have a good journey without decent food. Besides, I love to cook. Oh, speaking of cooking…. Ash, could you tell me if Onix likes Pinap Berries or Nanab berries better in his breakfast food? And would you mind asking your…. Riolu, was it?... If he had any favorite berries…
Cobalt: Pecha Berries are my addiction. Feed my relapse.
Onix and Ash looked at each other and sigd with a smile. If it took putting up with and translating an endless litany of questions about anything Pokémon related to make Brock this happy, both his oldest friend and a few of his newest ones were willing to do it.
TO BE CONTINUED…