Disclaimer: I do not own this CYOA or Pokemon.
The first thing I did upon entering Pewter City was head straight to the Pokémon Centre. My team had been through a lot in Viridian Forest, and they deserved a proper rest and treatment. I handed their Pokéballs over to Nurse Joy, who assured me she'd take good care of them.
With my team in good hands, I finally let myself relax. I booked a room at the Centre and practically collapsed onto the bed. Sleeping on forest ground for days had made me forget what a real mattress felt like. Honestly, you never realise how much you miss a proper bed… until you're forced to sleep in the wild, and you have to shit behind bushes like a wild animal. Civilization truly is underrated.
When I woke up, feeling refreshed for the first time in days, I headed down to the cafeteria. It felt amazing to eat real food instead of instant cup noodles. I practically devoured my breakfast, savouring every bite like it was a Michelin-star meal.
By the time I'd cleaned my plate and downed my third glass of water, Nurse Joy approached me with a warm smile.
"Your Pokémon are all healed up," she said, handing me their Pokéballs.
I thanked her and did a quick check with my Pokédex. Dratini, Zubat, and Bulbasaur were back to full health. Out of the three, Dratini had been in the worst shape. She'd taken quite a beating during our battles and was completely exhausted. Bulbasaur was mostly fatigued, and Zubat had gotten away with just a few minor injuries. Thankfully, none of it was beyond what the Centre could heal.
I clipped their Pokéballs to my belt, feeling their familiar weight grounding me.
I stepped outside into the cool morning air, stretched my arms towards the sky, and looked ahead towards Pewter Gym. My eyes narrowed with determination.
"Alright… it's time," I whispered to myself, feeling my heartbeat quicken with excitement.
"Let's go earn ourselves that Boulder Badge."
Oooo
Seeing Pewter City Gym up close for the first time was honestly pretty awe-inspiring. The entire structure was surrounded by towering stone pillars, each looking like they'd been carved straight out of the surrounding mountains. The roof itself was shaped like a massive boulder, perfectly balanced on top of the building, giving it an imposing and rugged look. The rest of the gym was constructed from smaller stones, all stacked and fitted together seamlessly, radiating the earthy, grounded strength of Rock-type Pokémon.
Above the heavy front doors, the words "Pewter Gym" were etched in large, grey block letters that looked like they'd been chiselled into stone themselves.
"Damn… it's even more impressive up close," I muttered under my breath as I approached.
I placed my hands against the thick stone doors and pushed. To my surprise, they were heavier than they looked, but they swung open smoothly under my strength, revealing the inside.
The first thing I saw was the battlefield – a wide, rocky arena with uneven stone tiles and jagged boulders scattered strategically across it. Just beyond the arena was a small lobby with a few benches lined up against the wall where trainers could sit and watch battles. There were three trainers sitting there, each with their eyes glued to the current match.
"Hello there!" a cheerful voice greeted me. I turned to see a woman at the registration counter, smiling professionally at me. "Are you here to challenge the Pewter Gym today?"
"Yes, I am," I replied confidently.
"Excellent! May I see your identification, please?" she asked, holding out her hand politely.
Identification? They never showed this in the anime, I thought, feeling a little caught off guard. But I quickly handed her my Pokédex anyway.
She placed it onto a scanner embedded in her desk, and the screen lit up as it registered my trainer data. After a few moments of typing and clicking through windows, she looked back up at me with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry," she said gently, handing me back my Pokédex. "But we're fully booked for the day. However, there is an open slot tomorrow afternoon. Would that work for you?"
I blinked in mild surprise. Huh. I always thought you could just walk in, battle the Gym Leader, and walk out with your badge like Ash did. But of course, in the real world, gyms would be booked solid with challengers lining up every day.
"That's perfectly fine," I replied with a polite nod, taking back my Pokédex.
"Great! Please come back tomorrow at 2 PM, and we'll have everything ready for your match," she said warmly.
As I stepped out of the gym and back into the bright daylight of Pewter City, I couldn't help but chuckle softly. Looks like my journey wouldn't be as straightforward as I imagined. But that was okay.
I walked away from Pewter Gym, feeling the afternoon breeze brush against my face as I let out a slow sigh. One more day. That's all I needed to wait. But instead of feeling frustrated, a surge of determination rose within me.
"Alright," I murmured to myself, looking down at the three Pokéballs attached to my belt. "We've got a day to prepare… let's make it count."
I spent the next few hours scouting around Pewter City, looking for a secluded spot to train. Eventually, I found a quiet clearing behind the Pokémon Centre, surrounded by a few sparse trees and large boulders – perfect for simulating Brock's battlefield.
I released my team one by one. Dratini slithered out gracefully, her eyes bright and eager. Bulbasaur yawned lazily as he stretched out his vines and back legs. Zubat emerged with a silent flap of his wings, circling overhead as he scanned the area.
"Listen up, team," I began, standing in front of them like a general addressing his soldiers. "Tomorrow, we're challenging Brock for the Boulder Badge. He's a Rock-type specialist, which means the real star of this match will be… you, Bulbasaur."
Bulbasaur blinked up at me with half-open eyes, his expression screaming 'do I really have to?'
"Yes, you lazy veggie, I'm talking to you," I teased, smirking. "Your Grass-type moves will be super effective against his Rock Pokémon. That Razor Leaf of yours might just be our winning move."
"Bulba!" he huffed confidently, vines twitching as if to flex.
"Zubat," I said, looking up at the bat Pokémon hovering silently. "Your Poison Fang won't do much, but your Supersonic can confuse his Pokémon, creating an opening for Bulbasaur or Dratini to finish them off. Your agility will also be useful to dodge their heavy attacks."
"Zuuuu," Zubat screeched, flapping its wings rapidly in agreement.
"Alright, team. Today's focus is on stamina, dodging, and combo attacks. Bulbasaur, we'll work on speed drills so you can land your attacks faster. Dratini, your Dragon Breath needs to be as powerful as possible, and Zubat, we'll practice weaving through attacks and using Supersonic efficiently."
For the next several hours, we trained relentlessly.
I had Bulbasaur repeatedly use Vine Whip to launch himself from rock to rock, improving his reaction speed. Dratini practiced dodging imaginary attacks, weaving left and right before blasting the training boulders with her strengthened Dragon Breath, leaving smoking craters in their surfaces. Zubat weaved through a course I set up with tree branches and used Supersonic to disorient wild Pokémon that occasionally wandered too close.
By evening, they were panting with exhaustion, their bodies covered in sweat, dust, and scratches, but their eyes burned with resolve.
I crouched down beside them, running my hand through Bulbasaur's mossy back and gently stroking Dratini's smooth forehead. Zubat perched silently on my shoulder, resting its tired wings.
"You guys did great today," I whispered with a smile. "Rest up tonight. Tomorrow… we conquer Pewter Gym together."
As the sun dipped below the rocky cliffs of Pewter City, casting long shadows across the training field, I felt a flicker of excitement course through me. For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt like I truly belonged here – as a trainer, a leader, and an adventurer.
Tomorrow, the Boulder Badge would be ours.
Oooo
I arrived at Pewter Gym once again, this time with purpose burning in my chest. The clock on my Pokégear read 1:55 PM. Perfect timing.
As I stepped through the heavy stone doors, I was greeted by the receptionist from yesterday. "Hello there," she said with a warm smile, recognising me instantly. "Back for your challenge today?"
"Yeah," I replied with a confident grin. "I'm ready to make that badge mine."
She chuckled softly and motioned for me to head through the doors to the main arena. "Good luck," she said as I walked past.
The gym floor was darker than I had expected, dimly lit with shadows cast by massive stone pillars scattered around the battlefield. There weren't any spectators today, only an intense silence that seemed to amplify the pounding of my heart.
From across the dim arena, a deep but calm voice echoed out.
"So… you've come."
Suddenly, bright lights flickered on overhead, illuminating the battlefield in stark white light. Standing across from me was a tall, dark-skinned boy, probably in his late teens, with spiky brown hair and narrowed, slit-like eyes that held the confidence of someone who'd seen countless battles.
Brock.
I took a step forward and called out firmly, "My name is Skylar Johnson, and I'm here to challenge you for the Boulder Badge."
Brock studied me with quiet curiosity. "Is this your first gym battle?" he asked in his deep, gravelly voice.
"It is," I replied honestly.
He looked me up and down for a long moment, as if assessing not just my words but my resolve. Then he nodded slowly. "I'll warn you now. A gym battle is different from fighting wild Pokémon or other trainers on the road. These battles aren't just for fun – they're officially authorised by the Pokémon League to test and raise the next generation of trainers."
He locked eyes with me, and his gaze sharpened with intensity. "Do you still wish to challenge me?"
I clenched my fists and nodded without hesitation. "Yes."
Without another word, Brock snapped his fingers. Suddenly, the walls on either side of the battlefield rumbled and slid away, revealing massive storage compartments. Dozens of boulders and rocks began to shift, rolling onto the battlefield and embedding themselves into the ground with loud, echoing thuds. The entire arena transformed into a rugged, rocky terrain in seconds.
The ground beneath my feet vibrated from the force, and dust rose into the air, filling my lungs with the scent of earth and stone.
"How many Pokémon do you have?" Brock asked, his voice echoing off the stone walls.
"Uh… three," I replied quickly, feeling slightly embarrassed at my small team size.
Brock raised an eyebrow but smirked lightly. "Since this is your first gym battle, you're allowed to use all three of your Pokémon against my two. Only you will be allowed to switch out."
I frowned slightly, tilting my head. "Isn't that… unfair for you?"
Brock chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Believe me, kid… it isn't."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Pokéball, tossing it into the air with effortless precision. In a flash of white light, a familiar rocky figure emerged, slamming its fists together with a thunderous crack.
"Geo… dude!" it growled, glaring at me with glowing, determined eyes.
Brock crossed his arms over his broad chest, his smirk now replaced with a calm, unshakeable confidence.
"Let's begin," he said. "Show me what you've got."
"Bulbasaur, let's go!" I called out, unclipping his Pokéball from my belt and tossing it forward.
With a flash of light, Bulbasaur emerged on the rocky battlefield. He stretched lazily, blinking at Geodude with half-lidded eyes before letting out a calm yet confident grunt.
"Bulba."
Brock's eyes narrowed as he studied my Pokémon. "A Grass-type… smart choice."
"Battle begin!" the automated referee system announced, and a loud chime echoed through the gym.
Without wasting a second, I pointed forward. "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"
Bulbasaur's vines shot out with lightning speed, cracking through the air like whips. Geodude tried to brace itself, but the vines struck it clean across the face and chest, sending it sliding back a few inches along the rocky ground.
"Geodude, Rock Polish!" Brock ordered.
Geodude slammed its rocky fists against its chest, and its entire body began to shimmer with a metallic sheen, becoming smoother and sleeker as it increased its speed drastically.
"Follow it up with Rollout!"
Before I could react, Geodude curled its arms into its body and launched forward like a speeding boulder. It crashed into Bulbasaur with brutal force, sending him tumbling back across the battlefield with a pained grunt.
"Bulbasaur, get up!" I shouted, feeling my heart clench.
He shakily pushed himself back to his feet, his eyes sharpening with determination.
"Use Leech Seed, now!"
Bulbasaur roared, launching a small green seed that burst open mid-air, releasing thick green vines that wrapped themselves tightly around Geodude's body. Immediately, glowing energy began siphoning from Geodude back into Bulbasaur, rejuvenating some of his strength.
"Geodude, Bulldoze!"
Geodude slammed its fists into the ground, sending shockwaves across the arena. The rocky terrain cracked and split, throwing Bulbasaur off balance as the tremors hit him directly. He staggered back, gritting his teeth, his vines twitching in pain.
"Hang in there, buddy!" I called out, clenching my fists tightly. "Use Growth, then Razor Leaf!"
Bulbasaur closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His body glowed softly as his power surged, muscles tensing and vines flexing with newfound strength. Then, with a loud roar, he launched a flurry of sharp glowing leaves at Geodude.
The leaves slashed across Geodude's rocky body, cutting into its surface and forcing it to grit its stone teeth in pain. But even so, it refused to back down.
"Geodude, Rock Throw!" Brock commanded firmly.
Geodude picked up a large boulder beside it and hurled it with crushing force towards Bulbasaur. The rock smashed into him, knocking him back once again, dust and pebbles scattering across the arena.
"Finish this with Vine Whip!" I shouted, feeling my heart pound against my chest.
Bulbasaur's eyes flashed with determination. He dug his paws into the cracked earth and launched his vines forward with incredible force. They wrapped around Geodude's body, lifted it high into the air, and slammed it down onto the battlefield with a thunderous crash, sending shards of rock flying everywhere.
When the dust finally settled, Geodude lay unmoving in the crater left behind.
"Geodude is unable to battle," the referee announced. "Bulbasaur wins!"
I let out a shaky breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding. "Good job, Bulbasaur," I said softly.
"Bulba…" he replied, his voice weak but triumphant. He was panting heavily, bruises covering his mossy back, but his eyes burned with fierce pride.
Brock returned Geodude to its Pokéball with a nod. "That was impressive," he said, his expression unreadable. "But we're just getting started."
He pulled out his second Pokéball, and my heart skipped a beat as I realised what was coming next.
"Onix, let's go!"
With a deafening roar that shook the very walls of the gym, a giant serpentine rock Pokémon emerged, towering over me and my team like a moving mountain.
I swallowed hard, feeling adrenaline flood my veins.
I stared up at the colossal creature before me. Onix let out another ear-splitting roar, its massive stone segments shifting and grinding together like an avalanche waiting to happen.
"Bulbasaur, return," I whispered softly, pointing his Pokéball towards him. A beam of red light pulled him back in. He'd done more than enough.
I clipped his Pokéball back onto my belt and exhaled deeply, feeling my pulse thundering in my ears.
What now…?
My eyes flicked between my remaining Pokéballs. Zubat… his Supersonic could disorient Onix, but he didn't have any moves that could actually damage it. Even Poison Fang wouldn't do much against a Rock-type this massive and durable.
Then there was Dratini. She was still young, still growing, but…
I looked down at her Pokéball in my hand, feeling its familiar weight.
"Dratini," I whispered, gripping the ball tightly, "I'm counting on you."
I tossed her Pokéball into the battlefield with a decisive flick. It burst open in a flash of bright white light, revealing Dratini, who slithered gracefully onto the rocky ground, her scales shimmering under the harsh gym lights.
"Draa…" she hissed softly, raising her head to stare defiantly up at Onix. Despite the size difference, there was no fear in her eyes – only determination.
Brock raised an eyebrow, studying her with mild surprise. "A Dratini, huh… you're full of surprises, kid."
I smirked slightly, my confidence returning as I locked eyes with my partner. She may be small… but she's a dragon. And dragons don't bow to anyone.
"Let's show him what we've got, Dratini," I said, my voice firm and resolute.
"Draaaa!" she cried, coiling her body tightly, ready to strike.
Brock pointed forward, his expression calm yet commanding. "Onix, let's finish this."
The ground rumbled beneath Onix's massive body as it slithered forward, glaring down at its tiny opponent with glowing stone eyes.
This was it. The final battle.
The entire gym rumbled with each slithering movement of Onix's massive stone body. Dust fell from the ceiling with every shift as Brock pointed calmly towards us.
"Onix, let's start with Rock Polish."
Onix roared, its rugged stone segments grinding together with a deafening screech as its body gleamed under the harsh gym lights. Its movements became smoother, faster, and terrifyingly fluid for something so massive.
"Dratini, Thunder Wave, quickly!"
"Draaaa!" Dratini arched her sleek neck high, electricity crackling between her delicate horns before releasing a wave of sparking energy towards Onix. The current rippled across its rocky body, causing it to seize up momentarily, its giant head jerking to the side.
"Good job!" I shouted, adrenaline surging in my veins. "Follow up with Twister!"
Dratini let out a sharp hiss as she spun rapidly, summoning a swirling cyclone of cutting winds and glowing energy. The Twister roared forward, slamming into Onix's chest, creating visible cracks along some of its rocky segments. The force of the attack pushed Onix back slightly, pebbles scattering across the battlefield.
Onix let out a guttural roar, shaking its head as it fought through the paralysis, glaring down at Dratini with glowing stone eyes.
"Onix, Rock Slide!" Brock commanded, his voice booming across the gym floor.
Onix slammed its tail down, cracking the battlefield beneath it. Massive boulders tore free from the ceiling and walls, crashing towards Dratini with deadly force.
"Dodge it, Dratini, and use Dragon Breath!" I shouted desperately.
She weaved between the falling rocks with her lithe, serpentine agility, the stones smashing into the ground around her and sending up clouds of dust and shards. As she slid out of the chaos, she reared her head back and unleashed a ferocious greenish beam of draconic energy directly at Onix's chest.
The Dragon Breath slammed into it with a sizzling crackle, smoke rising off its rocky skin where the attack struck. Onix roared in pain and fury, cracks spreading further across its stone segments, its giant body heaving with laboured breaths.
"Not bad," Brock said with a small nod of respect. "But let's end this here. Smack Down, Onix."
Onix growled, its massive tail curling around a jagged boulder before hurling it with earth-shattering force. The rock smashed into Dratini's side with a dull, crushing thud, sending her flying through the air. She crashed against the rocky ground, letting out a sharp cry of pain as she struggled to lift her head, her body trembling with exhaustion.
My chest clenched painfully seeing her like that. "Come on, Dratini, get up… please."
She tried to rise again, her eyes burning with determination despite her battered body.
Brock's eyes narrowed slightly. "Finish this, Onix. Dragon Breath."
Onix opened its giant maw, green draconic energy swirling within before erupting out in a blazing torrent. The beam of draconic power engulfed Dratini entirely, illuminating the gym with an intense glow. The shockwave rattled my bones as I shielded my eyes.
When the light faded, Dratini lay motionless on the cracked battlefield, her delicate scales scorched and singed.
"Dratini is unable to battle," the automated referee system declared, its robotic voice echoing through the silent gym.
I felt my throat tighten painfully as I ran forward, dropping to my knees beside her. "You were amazing," I whispered, cradling her carefully in my arms. Her tired eyes fluttered open for a moment, gazing at me with exhaustion and apology before closing again.
"You did great. Rest now."
I returned her to her Pokéball and clipped it back onto my belt, exhaling shakily as I stood up. My eyes flicked towards Onix, who was still glaring down at me, its stone body cracked and smoking from Dratini's attacks but still standing strong.
My hand hovered over Zubat's Pokéball for a moment before I clenched it tightly and shook my head.
Zubat doesn't have the moves to fight something like this. He'd only get hurt…
Instead, I reached for Bulbasaur's Pokéball.
"Alright buddy… looks like it's up to you," I whispered, determination hardening my voice as I tossed his ball forward onto the battlefield.
Bulbasaur stood on the rocky battlefield, his breathing heavy and uneven from his previous battle. His vines twitched slightly as he stared up at Onix, who towered above him like a moving mountain.
"Bulbasaur, you ready for this?" I asked softly.
He glanced back at me with narrowed eyes and let out a quiet, determined growl. "Bulba."
Brock pointed forward, his face composed yet serious. "Onix, Rock Throw."
Onix roared, slamming its tail into the ground and sending chunks of jagged rock flying towards Bulbasaur like deadly missiles.
"Dodge and use Vine Whip!" I yelled.
Bulbasaur leapt sideways, narrowly avoiding two large boulders that smashed into the arena floor with a deafening crash. His vines shot out from his bulb, lashing onto Onix's neck and slamming against its rocky hide with sharp cracks. Onix grunted, recoiling slightly as cracks spread across its outer segments.
"Good hit! Again!" I shouted, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
"Onix, Rock Polish!" Brock commanded calmly.
Onix roared, its body gleaming as its segments shifted smoothly, its movements becoming blindingly fast for its size.
"Bulbasaur, Leech Seed now, before it attacks!"
Bulbasaur fired a small brown seed that burst open on contact with Onix's rocky hide, vines wrapping around its body and draining small pulses of energy back to Bulbasaur, restoring a sliver of his strength. The green glow around Bulbasaur's body made him stand a little straighter, but his breathing was still ragged.
"End this, Onix – Rock Slide!"
Onix reared back, slamming its massive tail into the ground and causing the arena to tremble violently. Huge chunks of stone cracked and tore free from the ceiling above, crashing down towards Bulbasaur.
"Bulbasaur, dodge it, now!" I yelled desperately.
He leapt sideways, but a falling boulder grazed his side, sending him tumbling across the rocky floor with a pained cry. He struggled to rise, his legs trembling as Onix loomed over him, its giant maw opening wide as greenish energy crackled within.
"Dragon Breath," Brock ordered calmly.
No… not now… please…
Onix unleashed the beam of draconic energy directly at Bulbasaur, engulfing him in a searing torrent of light. Dust and smoke billowed across the battlefield, making my chest tighten with fear.
"Bulbasaur…!" I whispered, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles turned white.
As the dust cleared, I saw his small body still standing – trembling, scorched, and panting heavily, but standing. Then suddenly, his bulb began to glow with a brilliant emerald light. Energy pulsed outwards as his entire body grew, his legs thickening, his body expanding, the bulb blooming into a large pink bud surrounded by wide green leaves.
I stared in shock and awe, a grin spreading across my face. "No way… you're evolving!"
His growls deepened as his transformation finished, revealing his new form.
"Ivysaur!"
Brock's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Looks like your partner found his strength."
I flicked open my Pokédex with shaking hands.
Ivysaur, the Seed Pokémon. When the bulb on its back grows large, it shows that evolution is near. The bulb releases a soothing aroma.
Bulbasaur stood transformed into a proud Ivysaur. His new form was sturdier, his legs thicker, his bud blooming atop his back and spreading a faint calming aroma through the dusty battlefield.
But I could see it in his stance – he was still trembling. The injuries from his earlier battle weighed heavily on him, his breathing ragged as he glared up at Onix, who loomed above him with fierce stone eyes.
"Ivysaur!" I called out. "Can you keep going?"
He looked back at me and let out a low, determined growl. "Ivy…"
Brock nodded, assessing the battlefield calmly. "Impressive evolution… but Onix is far from finished. Onix, Smack Down."
Onix let out a furious roar, slamming its tail into the ground and hurling a massive boulder straight at Ivysaur.
"Dodge it and use Vine Whip to change its direction!" I shouted desperately.
Ivysaur gathered all his remaining strength, his vines snapping out and wrapping around the boulder mid-flight. With a strained growl, he shifted his weight and swung it sideways, causing the rock to crash harmlessly against another boulder instead of crushing him.
"Good job!" I yelled, heart hammering in relief. "Now use Leech Seed, quick!"
Ivysaur fired a glowing seed that burst open on Onix's rocky hide, wrapping it in draining vines. The energy flowing back restored a little strength to Ivysaur, making him stand straighter, though his legs still shook with fatigue.
"Don't let it hold you back, Onix – Dragon Breath!"
Onix reared back its massive head, green energy swirling in its maw before it fired a scorching beam at Ivysaur.
"Block it with Razor Leaf!" I countered.
Ivysaur roared, whipping his head forward as spinning glowing leaves shot out rapidly, colliding with the Dragon Breath in a burst of crackling energy and spinning debris. The beam pushed through, slamming into Ivysaur's chest and sending him skidding back across the rocky ground, growling in pain.
I clenched my fists tightly, feeling helpless as I saw his legs buckle again.
Come on… there has to be something…
Then suddenly, the bud on Ivysaur's back began to glow brightly with a deep green light. Energy pulsed outwards, vibrating through the battlefield.
"Ivyyy!" Ivysaur roared, the bud opening slightly as he fired glowing green seeds in rapid bursts. The seeds slammed into Onix's chest, detonating on impact with explosive flashes, echoing through the gym like thunder. Each blast forced Onix back, its giant stone segments cracking under the relentless assault.
I checked pokedex "New move… Seed Bomb!" I shouted with all the hope in my chest.
"Don't stop!" I yelled. "Give it everything you've got!"
With one final desperate roar, Ivysaur launched a massive Seed Bomb directly at Onix's head. The explosive impact lit up the entire gym floor, sending a shockwave of forceful wind across the arena.
When the dust cleared, Onix swayed unsteadily, deep cracks running along its stone segments, before finally collapsing to the ground with a heavy, earth-shaking crash.
"Onix is unable to battle," the automated referee declared. "Victory goes to Skylar Johnson."
For a moment, I just stood there, shaking from adrenaline and disbelief. Then I rushed forward, dropping to my knees and wrapping my arms around Ivysaur, who was panting heavily, his leafy bud releasing a sweet, calming aroma.
"You did it…" I whispered, voice trembling with relief and pride. "You were incredible, even when it hurt… I'm so proud of you."
Ivysaur pressed his broad head against my chest, letting out a low, tired growl of contentment.
Brock approached us, returning Onix to its Pokéball with a soft beam of red light. His usually stern face softened into a proud, approving smile as he looked at me and Ivysaur.
"That was an impressive battle, Skylar," he said, his deep voice echoing through the silent gym. "You didn't rely solely on your Pokémon's strength. You strategised, adapted to the situation, and supported your partner without hesitation. That's what makes a true Trainer."
I felt my chest tighten at his words, warmth blooming in my heart. Coming from a Gym Leader, this praise felt unreal.
Brock reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet case. Flipping it open, he revealed a grey, hexagonal stone-shaped badge that gleamed faintly under the gym lights. "Here. The Boulder Badge – proof of your victory here in Pewter City Gym."
My hands trembled slightly as I took the badge from him. Its cold, smooth surface pressed into my palm as I held it up to the light, the reflections dancing across Ivysaur's face. He gazed at it with tired but proud eyes, his bud releasing a faint, calming aroma.
"One badge down…" I whispered, a grin spreading across my face. "…seven more to go."
Brock chuckled softly and reached into his pocket again, pulling out a small paper envelope and a sealed PokéMart bag. "Here. You've earned this too – your battle payout of 1,386 Pokédollars, and this." He handed me a small metallic disc contained in a transparent case.
I stared at it, eyes widening slightly. "A TM?"
"That's TM39 – Rock Tomb," Brock explained with a nod. "It's a powerful move that can lower your opponent's speed. Use it wisely – TMs are precious."
"Thank you, Brock," I said quietly, my voice thick with emotion as I bowed slightly in respect.
He placed a firm hand on my shoulder. "Train hard, Skylar. You and your Pokémon have great potential. I look forward to hearing about your progress in the Indigo League."
With that, he stepped back, giving me and Ivysaur space to leave.
I turned to my partner, who was still limping slightly but holding his head high, his leafy bud glowing softly. I knelt down, placing a hand on his broad forehead.
"We did it, buddy," I whispered, feeling my eyes sting with tears of pride and relief. "You were incredible out there."
"Ivyyy…" he rumbled, pressing his forehead against mine with a tired but content sigh. I called him back to rest.
As I walked out of the gym, the cool afternoon breeze greeted me, carrying with it the bustling scents of Pewter City. I glanced down at the Boulder Badge in my hand, its metallic edges catching the sunlight, and felt a fierce determination ignite in my chest.
This was only the beginning.
With my pokemon at my side, I knew one thing for certain – no matter how tough the journey ahead became, we would keep pushing forward.
Together.
Name- Skylar Johnson
Age- 14
Home- Kanto
Pokedollars- 80,238
Pokemon owned- 3
Zubat – The Bat Pokémon
Type: Poison/Flying
Gender: Male
Height: 2'07"
Known Moves: Supersonic, Absorb, Astonish, Mean Look, Poison Fang
Dratini – The Dragon Pokémon
Gender: Female
Height: 5'1"
Ability: Shed Skin
Known Moves: Dragon Breath, Wrap, Twister, Leer, thunder wave
Ivysaur- the seed pokemon
Gender: Male
Height: 3'3"
Ability: Overgrow
Moves: Tackle, Vine Whip, Growth, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, seed bomb