The thick canopy of Viridian Forest finally gave way to open skies. Golden rays of sunlight poured over the stone path as Tharion and Nina stepped out of the treeline, their Pokémon trailing close behind.
Larvitar clung to his shoulder with proud determination, Charmeleon strode forward with its flame burning tall, and Ferrothorn rolled smoothly, spikes gleaming in the light. Beside Nina, Butterfree fluttered gently while Luxio and Roggenrola flanked her like guardians.
Nina stretched her arms high with a bright smile. "We made it out! Look, brother—there's Pewter City!"
The silhouette of stone-gray buildings loomed in the distance, the rocky cliffs behind the city making it appear carved directly into the mountain. It had an imposing yet steady aura, the perfect home for the first Gym Tharion would face.
Tharion's gaze sharpened. "Yes. This is where our first step begins."
Pokémon Center
Their first stop was the Pokémon Center. As the sliding doors opened, Nurse Joy welcomed them with a warm smile. "Welcome to Pewter City Pokémon Center. Are you here for healing?"
Tharion handed over his Pokéballs, his expression calm but commanding. "Yes. All of them—my team and hers. They need to be at their peak."
Nina held out Butterfree's Pokéball shyly, still hugging Roggenrola to her chest. "Please take care of them."
"Of course," Nurse Joy said gently, and with a bow, she carried the Pokéballs away.
The Call
While waiting, Tharion stepped into one of the video-call booths along the wall. The screen flickered, and after a few seconds, Professor Oak's familiar face appeared.
"Ah, Tharion! Good to see you safe." The professor's eyes crinkled as he adjusted his glasses. "How was Viridian Forest? Quite the trial for new trainers."
Tharion inclined his head. "Difficult, but useful. Larvitar, Charmeleon, and Ferrothorn have grown significantly. Nina's partner, Luxio, also continues to show strong progress."
Oak chuckled warmly. "It sounds like you've been busy. I heard about trainers being chased by Beedrill swarms this week—you didn't run into trouble like that, did you?"
Tharion allowed a faint smirk. "We encountered it. We survived. Ferrothorn evolved, and Nina's Metapod became Butterfree during the battle."
The professor leaned back in his chair, eyebrows raised. "Remarkable. You've only just begun your journey, yet you've already formed such a bond with your team that they evolve under pressure. That says something about your training style."
Nina leaned into the booth, waving happily at the screen. "Hello, Professor Oak!"
Oak smiled warmly. "Ah, Nina! I see you're doing well too. Remember—take care of your brother. He may act strong, but even the best trainers need support."
Nina giggled. "I will!"
Tharion, ignoring her grin, refocused. "Professor, my first Gym challenge will be here in Pewter. Rock-types. I've already decided my battle lineup—Charmeleon, Larvitar, and Ferrothorn. Nina is not a registered trainer, so I will not use her partners."
"Wise decision," Oak nodded. "Brock, the Pewter Gym Leader, is known for his defensive style. Be prepared for drawn-out battles. If you rely only on brute force, you'll be worn down. Think strategy. Use your team's advantages."
Tharion inclined his head again. "Understood."
The call ended, leaving him with the weight of Oak's words echoing in his mind.
The Plan
That night, as Nina slept curled up with Roggenrola beside her bed, Tharion sat silently by the window of the Pokémon Center, his team's Pokéballs laid out neatly in front of him.
"Charmeleon's speed and firepower will pressure his rock walls," he murmured. "Larvitar must harden itself against superior opponents—it's a test of endurance. Ferrothorn will be the anchor, its defense and counters unmatched."
He closed his eyes, the faint hum of the Center's machines filling the silence.
Tomorrow, the true journey began.
The first Gym. The first real test.
And he would not lose.
The heavy stone doors of the Pewter City Gym creaked open as Tharion and Nina stepped inside. The air was thick with dust, the ceiling high and rugged like a cavern. Massive boulders were set across the battlefield, giving the arena the look of a natural mountain pass.
At the far end stood Brock—tall, broad-shouldered, his eyes calm but sharp. His very presence felt immovable, like the rocks he commanded.
"You've come to challenge Pewter Gym?" Brock's voice echoed, deep and steady.
Tharion nodded once, his expression unreadable. "Yes."
Nina cheered from the sidelines, clutching Roggenrola tightly with Butterfree perched on her shoulder. "You can do it, brother!"
Brock crossed his arms. "I accept your challenge. My duty as a Gym Leader is to test your resolve as a trainer. If you cannot break through, you cannot move forward."
With that, the referee raised his flags. "This will be a three-on-three battle! Only the challenger may switch Pokémon. Begin!"
Brock's hand moved first. "Go, Geodude!"
The rock Pokémon landed heavily on the battlefield, flexing its stony arms. Its eyes glared with determination.
Tharion's voice was calm but sharp. "Charmeleon, battle stance."
Charmeleon stepped forward, tail flame blazing brighter than usual. It roared, claws flashing.
"Geodude, Defense Curl!" Brock commanded. Geodude tucked into itself, its rocky body hardening even further.
"Charmeleon, Flame Burst—force it open."
Charmeleon launched a ball of flame that exploded against Geodude's shell, the shockwave pushing it back but not breaking through.
Brock's eyes narrowed. "Rock Throw!"
Geodude hurled chunks of stone, slamming into Charmeleon's side. The fire-type staggered but retaliated with a fierce Ember barrage, heating the air around them.
The clash grew brutal. Fire scorched stone, stone battered flame.
Finally, Charmeleon lunged with a desperate Metal Claw, striking Geodude square in the chest—just as Geodude countered with a crushing Tackle.
Both Pokémon collapsed in the dust, unmoving.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! Round one is a draw!" the referee declared.
Nina gasped, covering her mouth. "Charmeleon…!"
Tharion's eyes didn't waver. "He gave his all. Good."
Brock sent out his second Pokémon. "Sandshrew, I'm counting on you."
The small, yellow, armadillo-like Pokémon spun onto the field, its claws scraping the stone floor.
Tharion released his next choice. "Larvitar."
The little rock-ground Pokémon stomped onto the battlefield, eyes glowing with determination as it glared at its opponent.
Brock's command came swiftly. "Sandshrew, Dig!"
Sandshrew burrowed underground in seconds, disappearing from sight.
Tharion's tone was icy calm. "Larvitar, wait. Focus."
Larvitar stood still, eyes darting. The ground trembled.
"Now—Stomp!"
As Sandshrew emerged, Larvitar slammed down with glowing force, striking its opponent. Dust and debris flew into the air.
"Sandshrew, Rollout!" Brock countered.
The armadillo curled into a ball and spun with accelerating speed, slamming Larvitar back against a boulder. Larvitar gritted its teeth, responding with a Rock Slide, toppling chunks of stone onto the rolling Sandshrew.
The impact shook the arena. Both Pokémon staggered, pushing beyond their limits.
"Larvitar, Bite!" Tharion ordered.
"Sandshrew, Scratch!" Brock countered.
They clashed mid-field, Sandshrew's claws tearing against Larvitar's fangs. For a moment, it was deadlocked—then both collapsed in exhaustion, unable to continue.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! Round two is a draw!"
The crowd of Gym staff murmured in awe—two rounds, two ties.
Nina jumped up, shouting, "Larvitar, you were amazing!" Her Butterfree fluttered its wings proudly.
Brock exhaled slowly, reaching for his final Pokéball. His tone grew serious. "No one gets past Pewter Gym without facing this. Onix!"
A massive roar filled the Gym as the ground split open—Onix, a towering serpent of boulders, rose high above them. Its eyes glimmered like shards of iron, its sheer size casting a shadow over the battlefield.
Nina's eyes widened in awe. "It's huge…!"
Tharion stood calmly, unshaken. "Ferrothorn."
The spiked steel Pokémon appeared, its metallic body gleaming under the Gym lights. It lowered its body, spikes bristling in readiness.
The referee raised his hand. "The final match begins—Ferrothorn versus Onix!"
Onix let out another deafening roar, its body grinding like mountains colliding. Ferrothorn's vines extended outward, whipping the ground.
Both trainers locked eyes.
This was the decisive match.
The battle to claim Tharion's first badge—began here.