As Red approached the Pewter Gym, the massive stone structure loomed ahead, dwarfing the surrounding city. The entrance itself was wide and imposing, flanked by large stone pillars that stretched skyward, their surfaces rough and weathered by time. The doors were made of solid rock, cold and heavy to the touch, as if they had been carved directly from the mountain itself. Red hesitated for a moment before pushing them open, the weight of the stone grinding against the ground as they parted, revealing the inside of the Gym.
The air inside was cooler, almost damp, carrying the scent of earth and stone. Red's eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light that filtered through narrow skylights in the ceiling, casting long beams of sunlight across the uneven ground. The floor was covered in rocky outcroppings, jagged and uneven, with patches of sand and gravel scattered between them. It wasn't just a battlefield—it was a test of endurance, designed to push both Pokémon and trainers to their limits.
Every step Red took felt heavier as the ground shifted beneath his feet, the stones crunching under his boots. The walls of the Gym were jagged, their surfaces covered in rough-hewn rock that seemed to shimmer faintly in the low light, as if they were imbued with the energy of the earth itself. The entire place felt alive, like the mountain was watching him, waiting to see if he could withstand its challenge.
As Red moved further into the room, he could see Brock standing at the far end of the Gym, his arms crossed and his posture relaxed, but his eyes sharp and focused. The Gym Leader's presence was commanding, even in the vast space. He wore his usual brown jacket, blending in with the rocky surroundings, as if he were a part of the Gym itself. His expression was calm, yet intense, as though he had seen countless trainers walk this path before and knew exactly what to expect.
The air felt heavy with anticipation, each moment stretching out as Red approached. The sounds of his footsteps echoed faintly against the stone walls, the only noise in the stillness of the Gym. Brock's voice broke the silence.
"You've got guts, coming here," Brock said, his tone steady and respectful. "Most trainers think they can waltz in and take me down, but Rock-types are a lot tougher than they look. They've endured for centuries, just like the stones of this city. It takes more than just strength to beat them—you'll need strategy, patience, and endurance."
Red nodded, his heart pounding in his chest, but he kept his face calm. "I'm ready."
Brock uncrossed his arms and gestured toward the battlefield. "We'll see if you're ready. Let's test your strength—and your tactics."
As Red took his place on one side of the rocky battlefield, the enormity of the Gym settled in. The uneven terrain wasn't just for show—it would be part of the challenge, forcing him and his Pokémon to adapt to the shifting ground. The rocky outcroppings provided both obstacles and opportunities, depending on how Red played his hand.
The light from the skylights above illuminated the battlefield just enough to see, but the dimness added to the intensity of the moment. Every stone, every shadow felt like a challenge waiting to be faced.
Red took a deep breath, his mind racing through the strategy he had prepared. This wasn't just another battle—this was his first true test as a trainer.
Brock stood at the opposite end of the battlefield, his eyes locked on Red. The Gym Leader's calm, unwavering gaze was a stark contrast to the tension that built within Red as the battle was about to begin.
Brock reached for his first Poké Ball. "Let's see how you handle this one. Geodude, go!"
With a swift flick of his wrist, Brock released the Poké Ball, and in a burst of light, Geodude appeared, floating just above the rocky ground. The Rock-type Pokémon's stone-like body glistened faintly under the dim light of the Gym, its powerful arms flexing as it hovered with a confidence that only came from years of battle. Its eyes, narrow and intense, locked onto Red, as if sizing up both him and his Pokémon.
Red swallowed hard. He had prepared for this moment, but now that it was here, he could feel the weight of the challenge. He knew Geodude was tough—its defense was legendary among Rock-types. This was going to be a battle of endurance and strategy, not brute force.
"Charmander, you're up!" Red called out, releasing his starter from its Poké Ball.
Charmander appeared in a flash of red light, its tail flame flickering brightly in the shadowed Gym. It stood tall, facing down the solid, immovable Geodude. The contrast between the fiery lizard and the hardened stone Pokémon was stark—Charmander's agility and fire against Geodude's raw defensive power.
Brock gave a small nod, acknowledging Red's choice. "A Fire-type against Rock. Bold, but risky. Let's see how you handle this. Geodude, Defense Curl!"
Geodude responded instantly, its body tensing up as it rolled into a defensive position, its rock-hard exterior becoming even more impenetrable. Red gritted his teeth—he knew this would happen. Geodude's defense was already formidable, and now it was even tougher to break through.
But Red had a plan. He had learned about the strategy at the Pewter Museum—Charmander's fire could still make a difference.
"Charmander, use Ember!" Red commanded.
Charmander inhaled deeply before releasing a spray of small flames toward Geodude. The embers scattered across the battlefield, striking Geodude's rocky surface. At first, the flames seemed to have little effect, barely scorching the stone-like body of Brock's Pokémon. But Red noticed something—tiny wisps of smoke rising from the dry, rocky ground beneath Geodude. The heat was building, slowly but surely.
Geodude floated forward, unfazed by the attack, its expression stoic. Brock raised an eyebrow. "Geodude, Tackle!"
With surprising speed for a Rock-type, Geodude launched itself toward Charmander, slamming into the Fire-type with its full weight. The impact sent Charmander skidding backward, its tail flame flickering wildly as it struggled to regain its footing. Red's heart pounded as he watched his starter shake off the hit, determined to keep fighting.
"Charmander, keep your distance! Use Ember again!"
Charmander leapt back, releasing another flurry of embers toward Geodude. This time, the flames hit their mark more directly, and Red could see the faint glow of heat radiating from Geodude's surface. A few of the flames clung to its body, and Red noticed with a surge of excitement—Geodude was burned.
The burn spread across Geodude's rocky body, and its movements became slower, more deliberate. The flames were beginning to sap its strength, just as Red had hoped.
Brock's calm expression faltered slightly, but he didn't seem shaken. "So, you've managed to burn it. Impressive, but it's not over yet. Geodude, Tackle again!"
Geodude charged forward once more, but this time, its movements were sluggish, the burn affecting its speed and power. Charmander dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Red seized the opportunity. "Charmander, keep using Ember! Wear it down!"
Charmander sent another burst of flames toward Geodude, and the combined effects of the burn and the fire attacks were beginning to take their toll. Geodude's body glowed faintly from the heat, and its once powerful charges had become labored, its strength clearly waning.
Brock's eyes narrowed as he watched the battle unfold, and Red could see the gears turning in his mind. Geodude was tough, but the burn was slowly eating away at its endurance.
Finally, after one last Ember attack, Geodude's body gave out. It floated weakly for a moment before collapsing to the ground, its rocky form no longer able to withstand the damage. The burn had done its job.
Brock recalled Geodude with a quiet nod. "Well done. You've managed to weaken Geodude's defenses. But let's see how you handle what's next."
Red's heart raced, a mixture of excitement and nerves. He had won the first round, but he knew the real challenge was still to come.
Brock reached for his second Poké Ball, and Red braced himself.
Red barely had time to catch his breath before Brock reached for his next Poké Ball. The Gym Leader's calm demeanor remained, but there was a gleam of intensity in his eyes that told Red this was about to get a lot tougher.
"You've done well so far," Brock said, his voice steady. "But let's see how you handle this. Onix, come out!"
Brock threw the Poké Ball high into the air, and with a brilliant flash of light, Onix emerged. The ground shook as the massive Rock Snake Pokémon materialized, its enormous, serpentine body made entirely of jagged boulders that scraped and ground together with a deafening noise. The sheer size of Onix was overwhelming—towering over both Red and Charmander, casting a long, dark shadow over the battlefield.
The weight of the moment hit Red hard. Onix was a different kind of challenge. Its immense size and power made it feel like more than just a Pokémon—it was a force of nature. The ground itself seemed to tremble beneath its weight, and every movement it made sent small vibrations through the rocky terrain.
Charmander stood ready, its tail flame burning brighter, but Red could see the tension in his partner's stance. Onix was more than just a tough opponent—it was a mountain that they would have to climb.
Brock gave a small nod, as if acknowledging Red's resolve. "Onix is as tough as they come. Its size and strength are unmatched. But let's see how you handle its power. Onix, use Rock Throw!"
Onix let out a deep, rumbling growl before lowering its massive head, digging into the ground with its sharp stone segments. In an instant, it flung a barrage of large rocks across the battlefield with terrifying force.
"Charmander, dodge!" Red shouted.
Charmander leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the first barrage of rocks. The ground erupted where the rocks landed, sending clouds of dust into the air. Red could feel his pulse quicken as he realized the sheer destructive power of Onix's attacks. Charmander couldn't afford to take a direct hit.
"We need to slow it down," Red muttered under his breath. His mind raced back to the museum and the old man's advice—fire could wear down Rock-types. It wouldn't be easy, but it was their best chance.
"Charmander, use Ember! Focus on burning it!"
Charmander opened its mouth and released a stream of glowing embers toward Onix. The flames scattered across the massive Rock-type's body, clinging to the rough stone. At first, it seemed like the attack barely phased Onix. The massive creature roared, its strength seeming undiminished by the small flames that danced across its surface.
But Red knew that fire wasn't about an immediate impact—it was about wearing the opponent down. If they could get the burn, they could slow Onix's movements and create an opening.
Brock wasn't about to give them that chance. "Onix, bind it!"
With a speed that seemed impossible for its size, Onix surged forward, its body coiling as it aimed to wrap itself around Charmander.
"Charmander, move!" Red yelled, but Charmander wasn't fast enough.
Onix's massive body closed in, trapping Charmander in a tight bind. The Fire-type struggled, its small frame caught in the crushing grip of the enormous Rock Pokémon. Red's heart sank as he saw Charmander's flame flicker dangerously low, the pressure from Onix's bind threatening to snuff out its strength entirely.
But then, Red saw it—tiny flickers of flame clinging to Onix's rocky segments. Charmander's Ember had landed enough to ignite a burn.
"Hang in there, Charmander! Use Ember again, as much as you can!"
Even in Onix's crushing grip, Charmander managed to unleash another burst of flames, sending embers crackling along Onix's body. This time, the effect was more visible. The burn began to take hold, the heat from the flames starting to weaken the massive Rock Pokémon. Onix roared in pain, its movements slowing as the burn sapped its strength.
Brock's eyes narrowed. "Impressive. But Onix isn't done yet. Rock Throw, now!"
Onix flung more rocks toward Charmander, but its attacks were sluggish, the burn slowing its massive body down. Charmander managed to escape the bind and scramble back, its tail flame flickering but still burning brightly.
Red seized the opportunity. "Charmander, keep using Ember! Wear it down!"
Charmander, though exhausted, obeyed, sending another wave of embers across Onix's massive form. The burn spread further, weakening Onix's movements. Red could see that the once-intimidating Rock Snake Pokémon was starting to falter. But he knew that Charmander couldn't handle this alone—Onix was still too strong, and one wrong move could end the battle.
"Charmander, return!" Red called, recalling his starter. He knew he had to switch tactics.
"Pidgey, let's go!"
Pidgey appeared in a flash, soaring high above the battlefield. Onix, weakened by the burn, struggled to lift its head to track the fast-moving Flying-type.
"Pidgey, Quick Attack!" Red commanded.
Pidgey darted down, striking Onix with a quick, precise blow. The Rock-type barely reacted, its enormous body moving sluggishly in response.
"Now, Gust!"
Pidgey flapped its wings, whipping up a gust of wind that buffeted Onix from all sides. The burn continued to weaken Brock's Pokémon, and Red could see the battle turning in his favor.
Onix let out one final, pained roar before collapsing to the ground, its body too heavy and slow to keep fighting. Brock recalled his Pokémon, giving Red a respectful nod.
The battlefield was silent for a moment, save for the crackling embers still lingering on the stones where Onix had fallen. Red's heart pounded in his chest as he realized how close he was to victory. Onix was down, weakened by the burn and Pidgey's relentless attacks, but Red knew he couldn't afford to relax just yet. One wrong move could give Brock the opening he needed to turn the battle around.
Brock, ever calm and composed, looked across the battlefield with a thoughtful expression. "You've done well, Red. You've shown real skill in this battle. But Onix is far from finished. Let's see if you can close this out."
Onix stirred, struggling to lift its massive head as it let out a low growl, the burn continuing to sap its strength. Red's eyes narrowed in focus. He knew this was the moment—the moment to end the battle.
"Pidgey, stay fast! Use Quick Attack again!" Red shouted.
Pidgey, darting through the air with speed and precision, shot forward, slamming into Onix's heavy body. The impact caused the giant Rock-type to shudder, its once intimidating form now sluggish and slow. Pidgey swooped back up into the air, ready for another strike. Red could see that Onix's movements were becoming slower with each passing second, the burn from Charmander's Ember continuing to sap its energy.
"Don't give it a chance to recover! Gust, now!" Red commanded.
Pidgey flapped its wings furiously, creating a powerful gust of wind that whipped around the battlefield, battering Onix with the force of the air. Onix roared, but its movements were labored, each attack landing with less and less power. The Rock-type's once-mighty strength was faltering, worn down by the burn and Pidgey's constant onslaught.
Brock's brow furrowed slightly, but his calm demeanor never wavered. "Onix, try Rock Throw!"
Onix groaned, its massive body shifting as it attempted to launch one last attack. It reached for the stones scattered across the battlefield, but its movements were too slow. The burn had taken its toll, and the boulders fell short, crashing harmlessly to the ground.
Red seized the moment. "Pidgey, finish it with Quick Attack!"
With a sharp cry, Pidgey shot forward again, striking Onix directly. The massive Rock-type let out one final, pained groan before collapsing to the ground, its body too heavy to continue. The thud echoed through the Gym as Onix lay still, defeated.
The battlefield was still. Onix's heavy body lay motionless on the rocky ground, and the echo of its final roar slowly faded from the Gym walls. Red stood frozen for a moment, watching the dust settle, his heart pounding in his chest. He had done it—he had beaten Brock.
The reality of the victory slowly sank in. Red, who had faced so many uncertainties just hours ago, had overcome one of the toughest challenges he'd ever encountered. He had battled through the power and size of Brock's Pokémon, outwitting their defense with his strategy, his Pokémon's tenacity, and his own growing skill.
Brock, ever composed, walked toward him with measured steps, his face unreadable at first. When he stopped before Red, his expression softened into a small, approving smile.
"You fought well, Red," Brock said, his voice steady, but there was something deeper in his tone—respect. "This wasn't just about strength, but about strategy, patience, and endurance. You kept your cool when things got tough, and that's what makes a true trainer."
With those words, Brock reached into his pocket and pulled out a small object that gleamed in the dim light of the Gym. The Boulder Badge. Simple, stone-like, but to Red, it held the weight of something far greater.
"This is the Boulder Badge," Brock said, holding it out. "You've earned it."
Red stared at the badge, his breath catching in his throat as he took it from Brock's hand. It felt solid, cold against his skin, but the warmth of pride bloomed in his chest. This was more than just a symbol of victory—it was proof that he had taken his first step toward becoming the kind of trainer he aspired to be.
Holding the Boulder Badge in his hand, Red felt a deep sense of personal triumph. This wasn't just about defeating Brock or winning a Gym battle. It was about the journey he had started from Pallet Town—the journey that had brought him here, to this moment. When he first set out, he had been filled with excitement but also doubt, wondering if he truly had what it took to become a great trainer. This badge was the answer. It represented all the hard work, the learning, and the growth he had experienced in just these few short weeks.
He thought about Charmander, Pidgey, and the bond he was building with them. It was their victory as much as his. They had fought bravely, pushed through their own limits, and given everything they had to help him succeed. And now, standing in this rugged Gym, holding his first badge, Red knew this was the beginning of something much bigger. This was the start of his true path as a Pokémon trainer.
Brock nodded, as if he could sense what the moment meant to Red. "You've shown potential today, but remember—this is just the beginning. There are tougher challenges ahead. Each Gym Leader you face will test you in new ways, and the journey won't get any easier. But if you keep thinking like you did today, you'll go far."
Red nodded, the weight of Brock's words sinking in. This was a victory, but it wasn't the end. There would be more battles, more challenges, each one harder than the last. But for the first time, Red felt truly ready. He had proven something to himself in this Gym—that he could overcome the odds, even when the opponent seemed too strong. And that knowledge, that confidence, was more valuable than any badge.
"Thank you," Red said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude.
Brock gave him one last nod, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Good luck, Red. I'll be watching to see how far you go."
As Red made his way out of the Gym, the Boulder Badge clutched in his hand, he felt a deep sense of pride. This was more than just a win—it was a sign of his growth, not only as a trainer but as a person. He had faced the challenge head-on, trusted in his Pokémon, and learned from the experience.
With his first Gym Badge now in his possession, Red knew there would be more difficult battles ahead, but he walked out of the Pewter Gym with his head held high. He was ready for the journey that lay ahead, more confident in his abilities than ever before.