Author's Note: Alright my friends here we are to Toshi and Ashi's first stop for their Pokemon League badge, how will they manage in this scenerio of my, only one way to find out so please enjoy. Read and review my friends
Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Fairy Tail or Pokemon
Chapter 7 - Rocking the Pewter Gym and Meeting a New Friend in the Nightime
The group trudged through the dense forest for hours, finally emerging into a clearing that led to a path towards civilization. The hot sun beat down on them, but they were elated to see their new surroundings: a sea of tall grass swaying in the gentle breeze, clear blue skies above, and the towering granite buildings of Pewter City in the distance. Relief washed over everyone as Toshi raced ahead to an overlook with Aratiri and Sora close behind. They stood upon a large boulder, taking in the breathtaking view of Pewter City before them. "There it is! That's gotta be it!" Toshi exclaimed with excitement, pointing to the city. Litten and Pikachu were also enraptured by the sight.
Raihan consulted his Rotom Map to confirm their location, while Leon leaned over to check Ashi's map. "Yup, we're definitely here," Raihan confirmed. Misty joined Toshi on the rock, collapsing with a tired sigh. "Thank Arceus! I never thought we'd make it out of that forest," she shivered, remembering the creepy-crawlies that still gave her chills. The rest of the group gathered around as Ashi gazed at Pewter City with nostalgia and longing. "It really does live up to its stony reputation," she mused, reminiscing about visiting quarries nearby with her mother and trying local delicacies. Lost in their thoughts, they were suddenly interrupted by a gruff voice from below.
"Pewter City is like stone - gray and unyielding. It's always been known for that," said a gruff looking man sitting beneath their vantage point. Toshi's curiosity was piqued as he peered over. "Who's this old dude?" he asked, before Ashi gently corrected him with a tap on the head. "It's rude to talk about someone like that without knowing them," she chided. Rubbing his head, Toshi hopped down to join Ashi as she approached the stranger. "I apologize for Toshi's comment earlier. Please don't take offense," she began politely before extending her hand. "I'm Ashi Ketchum and we just came through the Viridian Forest."
The man looked up at them with dark eyes under a red beanie, his face heavily shadowed by a spiky brown beard. He wore a yellow t-shirt and dark teal cargo pants, giving off a rustic appearance. "Name's Flint," he responded with a friendly chuckle, shaking Ashi's hand warmly. "It's nice to see that some kids still have manners these days," he remarked with amusement as the rest of the group joined them. They found themselves surrounded by rocks with tags indicating they were for sale.
"You're selling rocks that anyone can just pick up off the ground here?" Raihan mentally sweatdropped at the man's shameless attempt to make a sale. "Yeah, but these aren't your ordinary rocks. They're Pewter City souvenirs. Want to take some back with you when you leave?" The Hammerlocke gym leader looked incredulously at him like he had lost his mind or something. "I think I'll pass, thanks."
Flint let out a nonchalant shrug, his eyes scanning the group before him. "Well then, perhaps your companions might be interested instead?" He gestured towards Leon, who was eyeing a small rock with an exorbitant price tag of over five thousand dollars. Meanwhile, Sora and Aratiri were browsing through the wares, Litten making a joke about one particular rock resembling Meowth's posterior which had Pikachu in stitches. Observing them for a moment, Flint spoke up again. "I take it you kids are trainers on a Pokémon journey?" The group nodded in unison. "And I assume some of you are here to challenge the gym in this area?"
Toshi eagerly nodded his head. "Yes, my sister and I plan on winning and earning our badges!" he declared proudly. Flint raised an eyebrow at Toshi's enthusiasm before turning to address Misty. "Actually, I'm Toshi's sister and I also intend on earning the Boulder Badge like my little brother here," Ashi clarified, her voice determined. "But first, could you point us towards the nearest Pokémon Center? Our team could use some rest and healing before taking on our first challenge in Pewter City."
"Of course! The center is just down that way, past the city gates, two blocks north and then take a left," Flint pointed out helpfully. "You can't miss it." Toshi's face lit up with gratitude as he prepared to give Flint a high-five. However, instead of reciprocating the gesture, the man held out his hand expectantly.
"No no no," he corrected sternly. "You owe me two bucks each for resting on top of my merchandise earlier." Misty couldn't believe it - now they were being charged for simply sitting on a rock for a few seconds?
Reluctantly, Misty and Toshi paid Flint the cash, their wallets feeling significantly lighter. Meanwhile, Ashi's eyes scanned the rocks that surrounded them, her keen senses picking up on their magical essence. She couldn't help but feel drawn to them. "Hmm, you have quite the collection here," she remarked, her voice filled with awe and admiration. It was clear to her that Flint had no idea of the true value of his treasures, but as a Dragonslayer with heightened senses, she knew better.
Flint beamed with pride at Ashi's compliment. "Thank you, most of these can be found near the quarry though it's been slow lately. But one cannot go without taking a look at what beauties they'll find as I made sure to have them on display." Ashi's eyes widened as they fell upon a large bowl overflowing with an assortment of pebbles. Her magic prickled at the sight, drawn to the largest quantity within. Without hesitation, she turned to Flint and boldly declared, "I'll give you fifty for the entirety of what's in there."
The group surrounding her was taken aback by her offer, but none more so than Flint himself. Struggling to maintain his composure, he replied, "Are you certain about that, young lady? Normally I'd sell this batch for no less than two hundred." Raihan scoffed in disbelief while Leon quietly shook his head. "Two hundred? What are you trying to pull, old man?" Even Leon thought that was too steep. But Ashi stood firm.
"Sorry, but I won't go higher than sixty-five," she countered confidently. Flint took a moment to consider it before deciding to barter for a bit more. He reached into his pocket and pulled out two distinctively colored marbles that shone like they were made of amber and sapphires, holding them up for all to see.
"Ninety-five and I'll throw in these two extras that I've been saving for a special occasion," he offered with a mischievous glint in his eye. Ashi shared a side glance with Toshi, both intrigued by the magical essence emanating from the stones. But Ashi remained determined and made one final counteroffer.
"Seventy-five and we've got a deal," she declared firmly, ready to strike like a Dragon's Roar. Flint saw that she wouldn't budge any further and not wanting to miss out on some quick cash, agreed to her terms.
"You drive a hard bargain, little lady, but you got yourself a deal!" The two shook hands and Ashi handed over the money while Flint gathered up the assorted pebbles and placed them into a small pouch. He then added the two unique marbles before handing it all over to Ashi. Turning to the rest of the group with a wide grin, he exclaimed, "It was a pleasure doing business with all of you. Hope to see you around again!"
The group thanked Flint for his time and their unique purchase before continuing on their way towards Pewter City. The looming city walls cast a shadow over the path ahead, but excitement buzzed in the air as they looked forward to their first gym battle. However, Raihan couldn't help but dwell on Ashi's unexpected purchase and its high price.
"I can't believe you spent seventy-five dollars on a bunch of measly rocks," the gym leader exclaimed, still reeling over the exchange as they walked towards the Pokemon Center in town. As Raihan continued to rant about Ashi's decision, Toshi couldn't help but feel a sense of understanding. As Dragonslayers themselves, he and his sister had a keen intuition when it came to these things. But their friends just didn't seem to understand.
Aratiri was particularly oblivious until Sora explained the dietary needs of their trainer, including the shocking fact that both everyone in the Ketchum family and some of their friends actually ate evolutionary stones as snacks. This piqued Pikachu's interest, wondering what Thunder Stones tasted like, but he knew better than to come into close contact with one and accidentally evolve.
Meanwhile, Raihan continued to rant about the absurdity of paying for rocks that were most likely picked up off the ground. His voice echoed through the streets, filled with frustration and disbelief. Ashi couldn't help but feel annoyed by his constant complaints, her own patience wearing thin. "—And if you had that kind of cash on hand," he exclaimed, "why didn't you just pay me for my bike instead?" His accusatory tone made Ashi bristle. Feeling frustrated and fed up, Ashi retorted, "Because that money is from my own private account and the rest is for food and other necessities. And when it comes to your bike, I want an exact estimate before I pay you a single penny more! So when you get the receipt to me, I handle that!"
Raihan fell silent at her rebuttal and Ashi took this as her cue to turn away and start dragging Toshi towards the Pokemon Center. She didn't want to deal with Raihan's attitude any longer. As they walked away, Leon couldn't help but admit that Ashi had a fair point. It wouldn't be right for Raihan to extort someone for their hard-earned money without knowing the true cost. But he couldn't help wondering what Ashi planned on doing with those rocks she bought from Flint. His mind immediately returned to the brief glimpse of shiny marbles Flint had been clutching in his hand. They appeared similar enough to the stones that were only found in one specific region and used for special evolutions. But how did Flint manage to get ahold of them here? The mystery only deepened.
After catching up with their friends at the Center, they saw Ashi and Toshi speaking with the nurse at the front desk. The boy was stunned when he recognized her. "Nurse Joy?! But we just saw you in Viridian City," Toshi exclaimed, certain it was her. However, Ashi knew she wasn't the same Joy they had encountered before. Just like how they met a different Officer Jenny on their way to Viridian, this must be a relative of Nurse Joy's. As if reading her thoughts, the nurse confirmed their suspicions. "That was my little sister over there. I'm actually the oldest in our family, though some might say otherwise. My sister told me about how you helped her when those thieves showed up."
"Oh, it was nothing really," Toshi replied humbly while everyone else nodded in agreement. They would've done the same to protect their Pokemon from being stolen. "But anyway, could you heal our Pokemon? We've been in Viridian Forest for the past few days and I want to make sure they're in top shape before taking on the gym here."
"Of course, no worries. It will take some time, so why don't you all relax in the meantime?" The nurse happily collected everyone's Pokeballs and disappeared into the back to tend to them. With some time to kill, they decided to grab a quick bite at the nearby canteen.
"It's crazy how this Nurse Joy looks just like the one we saw in Viridian," Toshi remarked after sipping down his milkshake and commenting his own thought on how eerie identical the two nurses were to one another. The others nodded in agreement. "Yeah, there are others with the same profession and name as well. I believe most of them go by their middle names to avoid confusion when they're out and about," Misty chimed in, recalling her hometown's own Nurse Joy who was most likely related to the ones they had encountered on their journey so far.
"Wow, that must be one big family then," the two Galar trainers exchanged glances. In their region, the Joys were all similar but with different hairstyles and outfits compared to the one standing before them. "It's hard to imagine what a family reunion with all the Joys would be like." The thought made them smile and wonder about the dynamics of such a large family.
As they leisurely satisfied their ravenous stomachs, the siblings openly discussed their plans for the upcoming Pewter Gym challenge. Ashi could sense Toshi's eagerness to take the lead and she decided to observe from the sidelines, wanting to get a better feel of the trainer's capabilities and see how much her brother had progressed. "I don't mind sitting this one out for now," Ashi said, "I want to focus on some of our other Pokemon, especially Suzumebachi who is still not up to speed with the rest of our team."
"Are you sure you don't mind?" Toshi asked. Ashi nodded, "It's no trouble at all. Plus, I know you well enough to know that you're itching to get in there. But remember, gym challenges are different from regular battles. They weed out those who don't meet the standard qualifications, especially if you plan on entering the Pokemon Leagues later on."
Ashi took a bite of her double cheeseburger before continuing, "As trainers, we need to meet certain requirements to prove ourselves capable of tackling whatever is thrown our way. Getting eight badges serves as proof that we have completed all specifications. And I just want you to promise me not to get too reckless and do something that could harm not only your Pokemon, but yourself as well."
"I know sis," Toshi replied confidently, "we've been training for this. I know what to do and so does my team." However, Leon chimed in with a reminder, "You should listen to Ashi's advice, Toshi. When facing skillful professionals, they will pull out all the stops and it's important for you to be aware of what you may encounter. Some have years of experience and will gauge your potential based on how well you handle their challenges."
A knot formed in Toshi's stomach as Leon's words settled heavily on his mind. He began to question his readiness for the upcoming gym challenge, wondering if he had trained hard enough. But then he felt a warm hand on top of his and looked up to see Ashi's reassuring smile, her gentle squeeze giving him a sense of confidence. "No matter what happens, I'll be right there with you every step of the way," she said softly.
"Thanks, I really appreciate that," Toshi replied, feeling bolstered by their support. Today, he was determined to win his first gym badge and make them all proud. After finishing their meal and paying the bill, the group headed towards the front to collect their Pokemon and then onto the gym itself. The walk was short and filled with anticipation, Toshi's eyes burning with determination. As they approached Pewter Gym, they were met with a massive building made of rough-hewn stone that blended seamlessly with the rocky terrain. Two imposing statues of Rock-type Pokemon flanked the grand entrance, their frozen expressions daring anyone to enter. Taking a deep breath, Toshi braced himself for what lay ahead.
Stepping inside, they were greeted by a dimly lit interior filled with the sound of clashing rocks and trainers honing their skills. Toshi's gaze swept over the battlefield, taking note of the rugged terrain littered with boulders and obstacles that would surely come into play during the battle. "Are all gyms like this?" he asked curiously. "Most are, it adds an extra element of challenge for both trainers and their Pokemon," Leon explained. Toshi nodded, mentally preparing for what was to come.
"And given that this is a Rock-type gym, this is our playground." As if on cue, a figure emerged from the shadows - a teenage boy with tan skin and spiky brown hair dressed in a vibrant outfit. He wore an orange t-shirt, a lime green cargo vest with multiple pockets, a dark brown belt with a gold buckle and red accents, brown jeans, and blue-gray sneakers with white trim.
"Welcome challengers," the Gym Leader's booming voice echoed through the chamber, commanding attention. "I am Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader. Those who seek to challenge me must prove their worth in battle," he declared, his gaze sweeping over the group of trainers. Toshi saw Brock approaching them but before he could make his presence known, the gym leader had moved past him and was now standing in front of Ashi. To everyone's surprise, he reached out and took her hand in his, making a loud declaration for all to hear.
"But as of this moment, you have won my heart! From the first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you would set my heart aflame!" The unexpected confession left everyone momentarily stunned, unsure of how to react. Toshi's eyebrows shot up in surprise while Ashi blushed furiously and stammered for a response. The tension in the air was thick as the group exchanged bewildered glances. Misty's mouth hung open in shock at Brock's sudden outburst of feelings, while Raihan struggled to contain his laughter.
Leon, on the other hand, gripped Charizard's Pokeball tightly with a fiery determination in his eyes as he glared at Brock. (Oh, so he wants to set Ashi's heart afire? Well then perhaps he should get a taste of Charizard's G-Max Wildfire to know how hot to get it!) Before he could release his Pokemon though, Ashi quickly pulled her hand away and spoke up, still reeling from the unexpected confession.
"Um, that's quite flattering but that's not why we're here. We came for a gym battle," she managed to say before Toshi stepped in to save the situation. "Excuse me, but I'm here for the Gym Challenge. My name is Toshi from Pallet Town and Ashi and I are both here for the Boulder Badge," he said, redirecting Brock's attention to the reason they were all gathered.
"I see...Ashi, what a beautiful name fitting for your lovely appearance!" Brock gushed once again, causing everyone to groan comically. "Come on now, let's get back to business."
"Okay okay, fine," Brock conceded with a smile before turning serious again. "Let's each use two Pokemon for this battle. The winner will be determined by which Pokemon defeats the opponent's team. You may switch Pokemon between battles or call for surrender if you wish. Do you understand these terms?"
Toshi nodded confidently, knowing that he had trained hard for this moment. "Very well then, let us take our positions," Brock declared as he and Toshi took their places at opposite ends of the battlefield. The anticipation crackled in the air like electricity, both trainers eager to begin the battle that would determine the fate of the Boulder Badge.
Toshi's heart pounded with a mix of nerves and excitement as he clenched his fists. This battle was not only about earning a badge, but also proving himself as a skilled trainer. "Let the battle begin!" Brock's voice rang out, signaling the start of the match. He swiftly sent out his first Pokemon, a formidable Onix that towered over the field with its massive rocky body gleaming in the dim light.
Toshi remained calm as he chose his first Pokemon. "Go, Charmander!" he commanded, releasing his fiery starter onto the field with a burst of flames. Its tail burned brightly as it faced off against the imposing Onix. The ground shuddered beneath their feet as the two opponents locked eyes, ready to do battle in this rocky terrain. Brock's expression remained stoic as he ordered his Onix to attack first, lunging forward with incredible speed for a Rock Slide. Charmander dodged with impressive agility, narrowly avoiding the powerful attack that could have spelled trouble for any Fire-type.
Toshi quickly formulated his next move, determination shining in his eyes. "Use Ember, Charmander!" he called out confidently. The small Flame Pokemon unleashed a flurry of fiery embers towards Onix, causing it to roar in pain as the flames licked at its rocky exterior. But it wasn't enough to take it down yet. Onix retaliated with a devastating Rock Throw, hurling massive boulders towards Charmander with overwhelming force. Toshi gritted his teeth, knowing the impact would be too much for his Pokemon to handle head-on.
As the spectators on the second floor ramp watched, tension thickened in the air. Raihan winced as he saw Charmander's valiant attempt to dodge the rocks crumbling under a calculated blow from Onix. The fire-type Pokemon was left reeling, unable to do much in its weakened state. "This isn't looking good," the gym leader remarked, a note of concern in his voice. He stood between Leon and Ashi, both of whom were glued to the scene below with intense focus.
Leon could see that Raihan was right - things were looking bleak for Toshi's first gym challenge. But he also saw a fierce determination burning in the trainer's eyes, even in the face of potential defeat. Despite this, Leon couldn't help but turn his attention to the girls beside him. Misty's hands were clasped together in nervous anticipation while Ashi struggled to maintain a calm composure, her eyes betraying her deep concern for her brother.
Brock remained impassive as he countered Toshi's moves with precise commands. "Onix, Bind!" The massive serpent-like Pokemon effortlessly coiled around Charmander, holding it in a vice-like grip. "Toshi!" Ashi cried out, her heart racing as she saw her brother's Pokemon struggling to break free of Onix's powerful hold. It was clear to everyone watching that this was not going to end well for Charmander.
Toshi could feel his frustration mounting as he watched his beloved Pokemon suffer. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to save Charmander from further harm. But before he could make another move, Brock spoke up with a question that Toshi knew he had no choice but to answer.
"Do you wish to surrender?" Brock asked calmly, his gaze never leaving Toshi's determined face. Gritting his teeth and fighting back tears of disappointment, Toshi knew what he had to do. "Yes," he replied, his voice laced with determination and a hint of defeat.
As Ashi's heart sank at the sight of her brother conceding the match, she raced over to Toshi and Charmander as soon as they were out of the arena. She could see that Charmander was bruised and exhausted, but otherwise okay. "Don't worry buddy, we'll do better next time," Toshi reassured his Pokemon, rubbing its head affectionately. "Char..." The Pokemon responded weakly, feeling both drained and disappointed in itself for not being able to win their first gym match like they had hoped. It was clear that it had given its all in the battle.
Meanwhile, Leon had moved forward to place a comforting hand on Toshi's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay Toshi. Everyone loses at some point - it's all part of the journey to becoming a Pokemon Master," he offered words of encouragement in a calm and reassuring tone. Toshi nodded gratefully at Leon's unwavering support, taking a deep breath to compose himself. His spirit felt heavy with the weight of defeat, but he knew setbacks were inevitable on the path to greatness. As Ashi stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on his other shoulder, she added her own words of encouragement in a warm, determined voice.
"We win some, we lose some. What matters is that we keep learning and growing stronger with each battle," she said firmly, her unwavering determination shining through her touch. Toshi looked between the two, grateful for their words but still feeling upset about his loss in the first match. But like Ashi said, he could try again and hopefully strategize better for a more favorable outcome. However, his priority now was getting Charmander the urgent treatment it needed to recover from its injuries.
"I'll walk with you," Misty offered sympathetically as she and Raihan joined Toshi on his way to the Pokemon Center. Ashi and Leon followed closely behind, ready to offer their continued support and guidance to their determined friend. Ashi knew that while her brother may be disappointed about not winning his first badge, it wouldn't deter him for long. She thought that they should come up with a solid plan before he attempted another battle.
Leon noticed what Ashi must be thinking and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, causing her to turn and see him looking at her with understanding. "It will be fine, Toshi won't let this hold him down for long. I'm sure he'll be even more determined now," he said with confidence. He knew that all Toshi needed was some encouragement and guidance, which he planned to give later by discussing strategies and ideas one-on-one with him.
They arrived at the Pokemon Center where they saw Toshi sitting in the lobby alongside Misty and Raihan. "They said it will only be a couple of minutes since it wasn't too serious," Toshi said, still looking down at his hands in disappointment. "That's good to hear," Ashi said, kneeling down to his level and placing a comforting hand on his back. "Don't be so disheartened, I know you were hoping to win but remember, it's not everything. What matters is that we learn and improve for the next battle."
"I guess," Toshi replied half-heartedly. "How about we do some intensive training by the quarry? Charizard and I can help you out," Leon suggested with a reassuring smile.
"Count me in too! If you really want to defeat that towering rock snake, you'll need to amp up your Pokemon's attacks. Maybe something like Dragon Breath or this powerful move here!" Raihan pulled out his Rotom and showed him a list of potent moves that could benefit his Fire-type. Ashi felt grateful for the unwavering support and guidance of her friends. She turned to her brother with a warm smile, knowing that he had a strong team behind him no matter what challenges lay ahead.
"You see, this setback may seem small, but don't view it as negative. Instead, think of it as a stepping stone towards becoming even stronger. You have a whole team backing you up, ready to help you improve and strategize for your next battle."
Toshi's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he listened to his friends' words of encouragement. He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the support and love from his team. As a trainer, he knew that relying on others was crucial, just as his Pokemon relied on him. With renewed determination, Toshi nodded along with the group, ready to push forward and make a comeback.
The sound of the Nurse's voice calling for Toshi's attention broke through their conversation, signaling that his Pokemon had been healed. Toshi released his Charmander, eager to discuss their training plans with him. "So what do you say, buddy? Are you up for some extra training with Leon and Charizard?" Toshi asked with excitement and hope in his voice. Charmander's eyes lit up with determination as it looked at Toshi, ready to give it their all. Toshi couldn't help but feel a surge of motivation himself, inspired by his Fire-type partner.
As they left the bustling Pokemon Center, the golden rays of the setting sun painted the sky in warm hues of orange and pink. The group made their way to an overlooked quarry, its walls towering above them like a fortress of stone. The air was still and quiet, save for the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirps of wild Pokemon. Toshi's Charmander stood at attention, ready to train and improve under his Trainer's guidance. Ashi's Pokemon were also getting ready for their own battles, each one focusing on their strengths and weaknesses.
The training session began with a burst of energy as Leon instructed Charmander to unleash powerful flames upon a makeshift boulder marked with a crude drawing of an Onix. Toshi watched with pride as the flames obliterated the picture, leaving behind nothing but a black, scorched mark. As the evening deepened, Misty and her Pokemon assisted with cooling down and providing water breaks for everyone. The stars twinkled above them, a peaceful backdrop for the intense training taking place.
With each passing hour, Toshi felt a renewed sense of determination building within him. He knew that becoming a Pokemon Master was not an easy journey, but he was determined to face any challenges head-on. After hours of intense training, Leon called out for everyone to take a break. Toshi's Charmander puffed out its chest proudly, basking in the praise and admiration from its Trainer and friends. Toshi couldn't help but smile as he hugged his Fire-type companion, feeling grateful for their progress and support.
As they prepared to head back to the Pokemon Center, Toshi felt a newfound confidence bubbling up inside him. He knew that with the unwavering support of his friends and the fire burning in his heart, he was ready to take on the gym challenge once again. Looking over at Ashi, who beamed with pride at her brother's progress, Toshi felt a surge of gratitude for having such a supportive sister by his side. Together, they would continue to grow stronger and face any challenges that came their way.
That night while everyone turn in early hoping to get off fresh in the morning for Toshi's rematch, Ashi found herself unable to sleep. She lay awake, staring at the ceiling of the Pokemon Center dormitory. The day's events replayed in her mind, each moment etched vividly in her memory. Toshi's determination, the unwavering support of their friends, and the fierce training session at the quarry all swirled together in her thoughts. Despite the fatigue tugging at her eyelids, Ashi's mind buzzed with excitement and anticipation for the challenges that lay ahead. She knew that their journey was just beginning, and every obstacle they faced was a chance to grow stronger and closer as a team.
Gently untangling herself from the warm sheets, Ashi slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb her sleeping Pokemon. The wooden floors creaked softly under her bare feet as she crept past the other dormitory rooms and made her way outside. The night air was cool and refreshing, a welcome change from the stifling heat of the day. Finding a quiet spot near the Quarry, Ashi settled onto a large rock, taking in deep breaths and allowing herself a moment to reflect on the events of the day.
In the peaceful stillness of the night, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to witness her brother's growth and determination firsthand. She knew Toshi would go in for a rematch at the Quarry tomorrow, hoping for a victory that they all dreamed of. As she gazed up at the stars emerging in the dark sky, Ashi felt a sense of calm wash over her. In this moment, surrounded by nature and distant sounds of trainers and Pokemon, she couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
But as her stomach began to rumble, Ashi realized she was feeling hungry. Luckily, she brought along a snack before she went outside. Pulling the pouch with the stones she bought off Flint, she popped a pebble into her mouth and began sucking on it, feeling its energy seep into her body and replenishing her stamina. Even though it was an unusual substance with strange components, Ashi didn't mind – the revitalizing effects were worth it. As the granity was slowly dissolving in her mouth, Ashi let her thoughts wander to the challenges that lay ahead on their journey. The defeat at the gym had been a humbling experience for them all, reminding them that there was still much to learn and improve upon. But Toshi was determined not to let setbacks discourage her or her team.
With a flick of her tongue, Ashi removes the last bit of grit from the small pebble before feeling a sudden smoothness to its surface. She pulls it out of her mouth and marvels at its luminescent yellow and black colors, and the strange insignia that was inside it. A sense of familiarity washes over her, but she can't quite place where she's seen it before. Enthralled by the marble's unique appearance, she is caught off guard when a voice interrupts her thoughts.
"Well now isn't this quite a sight to behold." Startled, Ashi whirls around to see a young man leaning over the ledge and watching her intently. His steel blue hair was perfectly styled outward from his face, and his pale turquoise eyes seem to hold endless depths. He is dressed in trendy yet expensive-looking clothing - an orange shirt paired with a brown vest, a dark belt cinched at his waist, gray pants, and black boots. Metallic jewelry glints on his fingers as he leans against the ledge with a confident air about him.
Ashi can't help but feel like he must come from one of the higher class backgrounds she's heard about. But what is someone like him doing in this abandoned quarry? And more importantly, why didn't she notice his presence until now? "Can I help you with something?" Ashi maintains a calm demeanor while addressing the stranger who has come down to join her. His eyes never leave the marble she still holds in her hand.
"I was just exploring around here, but then I saw you and was curious about what you were doing all alone." He explains nonchalantly before coming closer to get a better look at the marble. "Well, we were training down here earlier with our friends, but I wanted to take a break and enjoy the night air." Ashi replies honestly, wondering if she should be more wary of this stranger.
"In that case, would you mind some company? I promise my intentions are pure." He flashes a charming smile at her, making Ashi raise an eyebrow at his boldness. She considers his offer carefully, weighing the pros and cons of allowing a stranger to join her in this secluded spot. But there's something about his confident yet easy-going demeanor that puts her at ease, and she finds herself nodding in agreement.
"Sure, why not. It's always nice to have someone to chat with under the starlit sky." The man's smile widens as he takes a seat next to her, his eyes flicking over to the mysterious marble in her hand. "That's quite an interesting stone you have there. Mind if I take a closer look?"
Ashi hesitates for a moment before handing it over to him. As he examines the marble, she can't help but feel a sense of unease creeping up inside of her. Who is this man, and what does he want with her peculiar find? "Well, well, now this is something truly remarkable," the man murmurs, "Yes it certainly is."
"If you don't mind me asking...it sounds like you know what that stone is." Ashi watches as he hands it back to her before saying, "Well that my dear is a Megastone - a powerful stone used for evolution transformations." Ashi blinked in disbelief, her wide eyes unable to tear away from the stranger's handsome face. The look he gave her only confirmed what she had heard - she was in possession of a Megastone.
"You mean the ones that originate from Kalos, capable of granting Pokemon a temporary form beyond their normal abilities? Mega evolution?" She remembered reading about it in her books, fascinated by the idea of such a transformation requiring a strong bond between trainer and Pokemon. A bond that was unbreakable and built on trust. Finding the Megastone amongst the small rocks she had purchased from Flint earlier that morning was an impossible occurrence, but there it was right in front of her. It made her wonder if the others were also...
"Precisely," the man replied with a wide, impressed grin. Ashi could see the glint of knowledge in his eyes as he continued to speak about Megastones. These elusive and powerful stones held the key to unlocking a Pokemon's hidden potential and achieving Mega Evolution - a phenomenon that had fascinated trainers and researchers for generations. She leaned in closer, her eyes captivated by his words. It was clear that Ashi was eager to learn more about this subject as she asked him questions, her enthralling orbs holding his attention.
"Do you have any idea what Pokemon this Megastone belongs to?" Ashi said eagerly, her mind already racing with possibilities. He chuckled softly before replying, "No, not at the moment. There are many different types of Megastones, each tied to a specific Pokemon. It will be up to you and your Pokemon to discover which one this stone belongs to." As he spoke, his gaze drifted towards the pouch by her side. He couldn't help but feel curious about its contents, but knew it would be rude to go through her belongings without permission.
"It sounds like you know a lot about them," Ashi observed, admiringly. The icy-blue haired man nodded, "It's one of my many hobbies, and my favorite one at that. I am fascinated by what can be unearthed from the ground and the sheer beauty that lies beneath." Suddenly, he blinked as if remembering something. "Oh forgive me, where are my manners? My name is Steven, Steven Stone at your service."
"Asharia Ketchum, but please call me Ashi," she responded with a warm smile. Steven smiled back, "Asharia - what a lovely name. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
The two sat side by side, discussing the wonders of Megastones and Steven's own journey in learning more about these fascinating finds. As they chatted, Ashi couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with this interesting individual. As the evening went on, Ashi realized it was getting late and that the Pokemon Center would be closing soon. "I should probably head back now. My brother has a rematch with the Gym Leader tomorrow morning, and I want to make sure I'm up early to support him."
"Of course. If you don't mind, may I join you? I would love to continue our conversation, but I understand the importance of family and wouldn't want to intrude on such an important occasion." Steven stood up, offering his hand to help Ashi up as well. She gratefully accepted his hand and stood up. "I would be delighted for you to come along," she said with a smile, "I think my brother would also be interested in hearing about Megastones."
Together, they made their way back to the Pokemon Center, their conversation flowing easily as they walked. As they approached the brightly-lit building, Ashi couldn't shake off the feeling that their meeting was more than just a coincidence. As they reached the entrance, Ashi prepared to bid Steven farewell, as he was staying at a nearby hotel. "Well then, good night," she said softly.
Steven responded without hesitation, "Good night indeed." He waved as Ashi entered the building, the sliding doors closing behind her with a gentle whoosh. She made her way to the room she shared with Misty, located just down the hall from the boys' room. Upon entering, Ashi found the young teen snoring peacefully, while Sora and Aratiri slept blissfully on either side of their trainer's pillow. Crawling into bed, Ashi gazed out the window, pondering what the next day would bring for Toshi. She wondered if her brother would succeed this time or face another setback, but quickly pushed those thoughts aside, determined to fully support him no matter what. With that resolve, she drifted off to sleep.
Asharia 'Ashi' Ketchum - Age 18, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Ashi -
*Litten (m) - Sora
Pikachu (m) - Aratiri
*Litleo (f) - Sekhmet
*Shinx (f) - Yoruichi
Scyther (m) - Masamune
Beedrill (f) - Suzumebachi
Satoshi 'Toshi' Ketchum - Age 10, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Toshi -
Charmander (m)
Litleo (m)
Shinx (m)
Pidgeotto (f)
Butterfree née Metapod(m)
Beedrill (m)
Leon Jordan - Age 20, Trainer (Advance) Galar Champion x5
Team Leon -
Charizard (m)
Dragapult (m)
Rillaboom (m)
Cinderace (m)
Inteleon (m)
Mr. Rime (m)
Raihan Tarsha - Age 23, Trainer (Advance) Hammerlocke Gym Leader
Team Raihan -
Duraludon (m)
Sandaconda (m)
Goodra (m)
Flygon (m)
Misty Williams - Age 12, Trainer (Beginner)
Team Misty -
Staryu (?)
Starmie (?)
Goldeen (f)
Omake: Charmander's Training
Charmander clenched his jaw, feeling the intense heat radiating from his body as he attempted to push himself further in his training regimen. His fellow Pokémon and the other trainers cheered him on, all of them working diligently under the watchful eye of their trainer Toshi. As they trained, Charizard, the reigning champion's prime Pokemon and leader of the group, personally mentored Charmander, guiding him through a grueling routine similar to the one he had done before becoming number one in his region.
"That's it, feel that burn there, keep going kid! You're almost there!" Charizard barked commands at Charmander, pushing him to do more and not let up. The small fire-type Pokémon gritted his teeth and wrapped his tail around a bar, lifting himself up with each repetition. Despite feeling like his stomach would cramp and his muscles would give out, Charmander refused to give in. He wanted to prove to his trainer that he could do better after their previous failure in the gym.
C'mon just one more! With a renewed determination, Charmander pushed through the pain and completed another set of tail ups. Charizard watched on with a mix of pride and sternness, knowing that this was necessary for the battles ahead. Charmander's muscles burned with fatigue as he finished his last rep, collapsing to the ground in a heap. His breath came in ragged gasps, but a sense of accomplishment filled him. Charizard approached the exhausted Pokemon with a rare smile on his face.
"Not bad, kid. You've got potential," he said with approval. Charmander beamed up at his fully evolved form, grateful for the tough love and guidance he received. With newfound determination, he vowed to push himself even harder during their training sessions - determined to evolve into a powerful Charizard just like his mentor and show everyone what he can do.
Their next challenge was a boulder with a crude drawing of their nemesis ONIX on it. The smug expression on its face taunted them, and underneath were the words "Nah nah you are an idiot!" engraved in the rock in the Pokémon's dialect. Anger and determination bubbled within Charmander at the thought of finally defeating his nemesis.
Toshi standing next to him point to their imaginary foe and shouted, "Charmander, use Flamethrower!" Charizard and his trainer were also nearby to observe the intensity of the attack. The flames licked at the boulder but did little damage. Undeterred, Toshi commanded again, "Flamethrower one more time!" This time, Charmander roared with determination, summoning an even bigger inferno from deep within himself. But still, it seemed like it wasn't enough. Watching closely, Charizard had an idea.
"Charmander," he spoke up, grabbing the tiny fire-type's attention and shouted, "Onix wanted me to tell you that he had fun with your mom last night and said he also called your sisters easy lays but they weren't much fun in bed and were a bunch of scrawny salamanders!"
The taunting words struck a nerve in Charmander, igniting an intense fury within him. How dare Onix insult his family! With fire blazing in his eyes, Charmander summoned every ounce of strength and unleashed a Flamethrower more powerful than ever before. This time, it made a noticeable impact on the boulder, leaving Charmander feeling satisfied and victorious.
The scorching flames surged forth with an overwhelming force, engulfing the boulder in a torrent of searing heat. The crude drawing of Onix was quickly reduced to a black char, erasing the taunting expression in an instant. Toshi watched in awe as Charmander's power surged to new heights, fueled by determination and righteous anger. Charizard nodded approvingly, pride gleaming in his eyes for his young protege. What started as a training session had turned into a display of sheer willpower and strength - marking a pivotal moment in Charmander's evolution as a fighter.
As the smoke cleared, Charmander stood panting but victorious, his chest puffed out in pride. Charizard and his violet haired trainer exchanged looks of approval, both recognizing the growth and potential within the fiery Pokémon. "Well done, bud," Toshi praised, patting his starter on the head with a proud smile. "That was great and I'm sure you can do it again tomorrow against Onix without breaking a sweat."
Charmander's chest swelled with pride as he basked in the praise of his trainer. Confidence surged through him, fueling his determination to face off against that overgrown rock snake and come out victorious. With a flick of his tail and a fierce glint in his eyes, Charmander was ready for the challenge ahead. He knew he still had much to learn and grow, but he couldn't wait for the chance to battle that massive rock serpent and have the last laugh. Victory was sure to be in the fiery grasp of his claws!
"Char! Char! Char!" (MUAHAHAHA!) As everyone took a small break, they could hear Charmander's unusual laughter echoing through the quarry. To the humans, it may have seemed cute, but to the other Pokemon, it was a sign that their fellow Mon was more determined and fired up than ever before.
Brock better watch out because he was about to get burned extra crispy! Perhaps they should consider bringing some marshmallows to enjoy as they basked in their sweet victory together.
