Aura Heart Journey Chapter 8

Here's the Tier Reward for our Legendary General Thomas E. Nellis! I hope you enjoy it Thomas! I also want everyone else to enjoy it as well!

Hello friends and fans, Kairomaru is here with a new chapter of Aura Heart Journey! This chapter we see Ash challenge the Pewter City Gym! But first he has to wait for another Trainer, an Ace Level, to finish their challenge first! 

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Chapter 8 – Pewter City Gym

Today was the day, nine days had passed since Ash and Misty had arrived in Pewter City and Ash had spent almost half the day, every day, using the Training Facility to the fullest. His team had grown well and he couldn’t be prouder of his Pokémon. With a deep breath Ash steeled his determination as he stood before the doors to the Pewter Gym.

“Alright, here we go.” Ash stated as he looked up at the Gym building. It looked as if the Gym had been carved from a massive boulder originally. But signs of manmade expansions let anyone that looked at the place know that the Gym Leader and his family lived here.

“You’ll do fine Ash, I’m sure you’ll earn your Boulder Badge.” Misty encouraged with a smile. Ash returned the smile appreciating Misty’s support.

The two walked into the Gym and into a small lobby area. There were two people standing there already and both looked up when Ash and Misty came through the doors. The first man was older, probably in his late forties, with dark grayish-black hair and narrow eyes. His slightly tan skin hinted at a man who spent a good amount of time outside under the sun. He was wearing a dull yellow work shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his shoulders and a pair of dark green work pants. The other person was an older teenage girl, around seventeen or eighteen if Ash had to guess. She had light brown hair down to her shoulders and wore a light grey hoodie and a pair of black capris.

“Yes, can I help you?” The older man questioned as he looked the new duo over.

“I’m here to challenge the Pewter City Gym.” Ash replied politely.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait. This young lady has already challenged the Gym.” The man informed while the girl gave Ash a small smile as if to say ‘Sorry about that’.

“I don’t mind waiting if I could still battle today.” Ash responded getting a smile from the man.

“If you don’t mind battling my eldest son then you can battle right after her match.” The man nodded getting a nod from Ash.

“Thank you, sir.” Ash bowed slightly happy that he’d get to try and earn his Badge today like he planned.

“Don’t worry about it, young man. The name’s Flint, I’m the Pewter City Gym Leader. Once Miss…” Flint trailed off realizing he didn’t yet know his challenger’s name.

“Reena, Reena Natsuho, sir.” Reena informed Flint with a smile and small bow.

“Right, once Miss Natsuho and I finish our battle you can battle my eldest son Brock. He’s the Secondary Gym Leader here and he should be able to pull himself away from his Pokémon Doctor studies long enough to give you a match.” Flint informed Ash who gave a nod of understanding.

“Sounds good to me, sir!” Ash grinned. He may not be able to battle the Primary Gym Leader but Secondary Gym Leaders often took over for the Primary Gym Leader when they weren’t able to have matches for one reason or another. It was a system designed to keep the Gym running and allow more challengers to take on the Gym. Since a Secondary Gym Leader still had to have all of the same qualifications as the Primary Gym Leader it would still be a hard earned Badge regardless of which one any challenger faced.

“Excellent, now Miss Natsuho what is your Trainer Level?” Flint asked as he led the trio of teens into the Gym and towards the large rocky battlefield.

“I’m an Ace Level, sir; ranked up just two months ago.” Reena informed as she took her spot in the challenger’s box. Ash and Misty quickly made their way up the stairs that led to the spectator’s seats. Noticing a few younger kids already sitting down and facing the field, all of them with a strong resemblance to Flint, Ash and Misty correctly surmised that these were some of Flint’s kids that had come to watch their father’s battle. Quickly sitting down the two prepared to watch how an Ace Level Trainer dealt with a Gym Battle.

“Ace Level huh? Well then that’s a Four versus Four match here at the Pewter Gym. Is that acceptable?” Flint asked as he went over to a small computer attached to the wall behind the Gym Leader’s box.

“Wouldn’t expect anything less, sir!” Reena grinned as she pulled a Pokeball off her belt and expanded it. Flint chuckled at the Ace Trainer’s enthusiasm as a drawer opened up from beneath the computer holding four Pokeballs. These four Pokémon should easily push any Ace Level to their absolute limit. With a smile at his partner’s Pokeballs he picked up the four balls and attached three of them to his belt while palming the last one. A referee walked out of a door to the side of the field. The man quickly straightened his shirt and pulled out a remote. A quick button press and dozens of cameras around the room came to life and started shining lights down on the battlefield.

“This is an official Pokémon League Gym Battle. The Challenger is Reena Natsuho from Orchid Town. This will be a Four on Four battle, the first Trainer to have all four Pokémon rendered unable to battle loses. Additionally only the Challenger may substitute Pokémon. Are you ready to begin?” The referee went through the standard League pre-battle announcement before turning and asking Reena if she was ready.

“Orchid Town, huh? That’s on the Kanto side of the Tohjo Falls. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s travelled in Johto as well.” Misty whispered to Ash.

“How do you know where that place is?” Ash whispered back.

“There are a lot of good fishing spots just south of Orchid Town.” Misty stated with a grin getting a chuckle from Ash. Of course that would be how Misty knew about a smaller town like that. The two quickly turned their attention back to the battlefield when they heard the referee shout ‘Begin!’.

“As the Gym Leader I’ll reveal my Pokémon first. Come on out!” Flint called as he tossed the Pokeball he’d been holding. In a flash of white light a red and white shell with holes in it appeared on the field. From the holes emerged four long yellow tentacles and then a head of similar shape came out of the hole on top of the shell.

“Shuck!” called out the newly revealed Pokémon.

“I wasn’t expecting that.” Ash stated as he pulled out his Pokedex.

“I really don’t like bugs.” Misty shivered as she moved closer to Ash unconsciously, making Ash’s cheeks heat up a bit in response.

“Shuckle, the Mold Pokémon, Shuckle quietly hides itself under rocks, keeping its body concealed inside its hard shell while eating berries it has stored away. The berries stored in its jar-like shell eventually become a thick, pulpy juice with medicinal properties.” The Pokedex intoned.

“Been a while since I’ve seen a Shuckle.” Reena commented before tossing her own Pokeball. “Come on out, Quagsire!” From the ball appeared a large blue colored Pokémon with small eyes and an overall slow demeanor. It stood on two legs and had a thick tail dragging the ground behind it.

“Sire…” Quagsire yawned out as it locked eyes with the Shuckle across from it.

“It’s so cute!” Misty quietly squealed at the sight of the Water/Ground Type. Ash smiled at seeing her so excited before turning his Pokedex onto Quagsire.

“Quagsire, the Water Fish Pokémon, It has a sluggish nature. It lies at the river's bottom, waiting for prey to stray into its mouth. This carefree Pokémon’s easygoing nature is displayed while swimming as it often bumps into boat hulls.” The Pokedex informed.

“First move is yours.” Flint stated as he watched his opponent.

“Thanks!” Reena replied before turning serious. “Quagsire, use Yawn!”

Quagsire yawned widely its mouth almost a perfect circle from how wide it was opened. A white cloud emerged and rushed towards Shuckle before enveloping the Bug/Rock Type. When the cloud dissipated Shuckle yawned and looked sleepy.

“Not bad! Shuckle, use Toxic!” Flint called getting a tired reply from Shuckle as it hurled a thick purple sludge at Quagsire nailing the Water/Ground Type and causing a sickly purple sheen to appear on the Pokémon’s face.

“Darn it, I should have seen that coming.” Reena berated herself. “Quagsire use Earthquake!”

“Quag!” Quagsire exclaimed as it slammed its tail onto the arena floor sending out a shockwave that started making the ground shake and crack. Shuckle, unable to dodge a widespread attack, was bounced around by the tremors until the move finished.

“Alright, now Shuckle should be falling asleep any second.” Reena grinned only to stare in frustration as the Bug/Rock Type pulled a blue and white berry from within its shell and ate it. Shuckle’s lethargy and tired appearance went away in a matter of seconds.

“Sorry, but putting my Pokémon to sleep is a pretty common tactic so I’ve prepared a counter measure!” Flint called out with a smirk.

“Freaking Chesto Berry!” Reena growled before noticing Quagsire flinch as the poison worked through its body. “We aren’t going down without a fight! Use Scald!”

“Stealth Rock!” Flint called out. Shuckle immediately sent a wave of energy into the ground. A multitude of rocks suddenly lifted up around Reena’s side of the field and hovered ominously. Quagsire launched the boiling hot water of the Scald attack at Shuckle soaking the slow Pokémon and causing it to cry out in pain.

“Sandstorm!” Flint called another move. With a rapid movement of its tentacles Shuckle whipped up a Sandstorm on the battlefield lowering visibility and dealing damage to any Pokémon that wasn’t at least part Rock, Ground, or Steel Type.

“That won’t work on Quagsire! He’s part Ground Type!” Reena called out over the wind of the Sandstorm.

“Not the point!” Flint yelled back. “Shuckle, Power Trick!”

“Shuckle!” Shuckle called out as a bright glow appeared inside the Sandstorm before dying down.

“Oh no you don’t!” Reena called out knowing Quagsire wouldn’t be able to handle getting hit by a Power Trick using Shuckle when it had already been dealing with the Toxic poisoning. “Earthquake!” Another tremor shook the area as Quagsire unleashed the move.

“Protect!” Flint called out before the shaking started. When no cry of pain came from Shuckle inside the Sandstorm Flint smiled while Reena grit her teeth. “Stone Edge!” A sudden crash from within the swirling sand followed by a loud cry from Quagsire let everyone watching know the move had landed. Quagsire was launched out of the Sandstorm and landed a few feet from Reena with swirling eyes clearly fainted.

“Quagsire is unable to battle! Winner of the first round is Shuckle!” The referee announced before looking towards Reena. “Challenger send out your next Pokémon.”

“Oh man! Sorry Quagsire, take a good rest buddy.” Reena sighed as she recalled her Pokémon in a beam of red light. “That’s a pretty nice strategy, Flint! Too bad I’m about to tear it apart!”

“Talk is cheap, young lady!” Flint called back over the wind from the still raging Sandstorm.

“Starmie, come on out!” Reena called out releasing her own purple Starfish Pokémon.

“Look at the size of it!” Misty exclaimed amazed since Reena’s Starmie was just under double the size of her own.

“Starmie, Rapid Spin!” Reena ordered as the large Water Type quickly started spinning. The floating rocks from the earlier Stealth Rock suddenly slammed together onto Starmie causing damage. But within seconds they all shattered as Starmie spun out of the debris like a giant shuriken. Without losing a bit of speed Starmie spun straight through the Sandstorm and struck Shuckle knocking the Bug/Rock Type back to the edge of the battlefield. Normally a Normal Type move like Rapid Spin wouldn’t do much to a Shuckle since the species was known for having ridiculously high Defensive stats. But since Shuckle had swapped its abysmal Attack stat for its incredible Defense stat that left Shuckle without much Defense to be able to take an attack like Rapid Spin.

“Shuck!” Shuckle cried out as it was sent reeling from the attack.

“Ice Beam!” Reena called out another attack. Without hesitation Starmie launched the freezing ray of Ice Type aura. The Ice Beam slammed into Shuckle pressing the Bug/Rock Type into the floor before encasing it in ice. The Sandstorm died down shortly afterward revealing to everyone that Shuckle had fainted while frozen.

“Shuckle is unable to battle! Winner is Starmie!” The referee announced before turning to Flint. “Gym Leader send out your next Pokémon!”

“You did good Shuckle, have a nice rest.” Flint thanked his Pokémon as he returned it in a beam of red light. “I hope you don’t think mere Type advantage will win this for you! Time for battle, Golem!” From the bright white light emerged a ball of rock with a reptilian-like head and limbs. The ground shook from the impact of Golem landing on the battlefield.

“Let’s start this off fast! Golem, Rock Polish!” Flint called out. Golem responded by tucking its limbs and head into its stone body and spinning in place. A red glow appeared around the spinning ball showing a large increase in Speed.

“Starmie don’t give it a chance! Hit it with Brine!” Reena called out. Starmie launched a torrent of water at the still spinning Golem.

“Not happening! Defense Curl into Rollout!” Flint exclaimed. Golem glowed again showing an increase to its Defense before it shot off into Rollout completely avoiding Starmie’s attack.

“Holy crap that’s fast for a Rock Type!” Reena shouted before seeing Golem closing in on her Starmie. “Rapid Spin to dodge, then Ice Beam!” Starmie spun out of the way of Golem’s rolling body before launching the freezing beam at the Rock/Ground Type.

“Rock Polish again!” Flint gave another command. Golem’s rolling body glowed again before it suddenly swerved, dodging the Ice Beam and rapidly closing in on Starmie. “Steamroller!” Flint called and Golem’s body was covered in a light green glow before it plowed into Starmie sending the Water/Psychic Type into the dirt.

“What kind of attack was that?!” Reena questioned as she saw the large amount of damage her Starmie had taken.

“Steamroller is a Bug Type attack, pretty effective against Psychic Types like your Starmie.” Flint explained.

“Starmie use Recover!” Reena called out. Starmie began glowing as its injuries slowly began to disappear.

“Too slow!” Flint admonished. “Steamroller!” Golem, glowing green once again, quickly slammed into the healing Starmie and rolled right over it. When Starmie was able to be seen again it was flattened into the battlefield and its red core was blinking.

“Starmie is unable to battle! Winner is Golem!” The referee announced before turning to Reena. “Challenger send out your next Pokémon!”

“You did great Starmie, return.” Reena praised her Pokémon as she recalled it into its Pokeball. “We’ll match power with power! Nidoqueen, let’s rock!” The large blue and beige female of the Nidoran species appeared on the battlefield with a roar as she stared down Golem who’d returned to standing in front of Flint.

“Power is good, but you’re forgetting my Golem still has his speed!” Flint stated before calling out to Golem. “Rollout and keep upping the power!” With a grunt Golem tucked itself back into a ball and tore across the battlefield at breakneck speed.

“You won’t even get close!” Reena yelled. “Earth Power!” The entire battlefield between Golem and Nidoqueen erupted into a shower of dirt and rock as Nidoqueen pumped a huge amount of Ground Type aura into the field. Golem was launched into the air flailing around out of control. “Sludge Bomb!” Nidoqueen quickly spat out a dark purple ball of sludge that smacked into Golem’s airborne body. The large Rock/Ground Type slammed into the field raising a dust cloud.

“Golem! Are you alright?!” Flint called to his Pokémon. Golem emerged from the dust scraped up and injured but still able to fight. But the deep purple tint on the Rock/Ground Type Pokémon let everyone see that it had been poisoned.

“Now we just have to keep it down while the poison whittles away Golem’s health.” Reena cheered getting a roar from her Nidoqueen.

“Golem use Earthquake!” Flint ordered getting a growl from Golem as it lifted its foot to slam it down and unleash the move.

“Attract!” Reena called out. Flint visibly flinched at hearing the attack. Nidoqueen winked at Golem sending out a barrage of heart shaped rays that struck the Rock/Ground Type. Golem’s eyes turned into hearts as it aborted its attack and started walking towards Nidoqueen in a daze.

“No! Golem don’t be fooled!” Flint called out to his infatuated Pokémon. Golem’s only response was to flinch as the poison continued to work through its body.

“Sorry big guy, but I don’t think your Nidoqueen’s type!” Reena giggled before calling out her next attack. “Venoshock!” Nidoqueen launched the stream of poison at the love struck Golem sending the large Pokémon sprawling. When Golem finally stopped rolling it was revealed with swirls in its eyes.

“Golem is unable to battle! The winner is Nidoqueen!” The referee announced before turning to Flint. “Gym Leader send out your next Pokémon!”

“Good work buddy, take a nap.” Flint smiled as he returned his Golem and turned to face Reena. “You’re doing well so far. But let’s see how your powerhouse deals with mine! Rhyperior, come on out!” In another flash of light a large brown Pokémon covered in orange rock plates appeared with a tremendous roar.

“Perior!” Rhyperior roared out as it stared down the Nidoqueen before it.

“Ready to take it down, Nidoqueen?” Reena asked her Pokémon getting a roar in return. “Attract!” Nidoqueen winked sending the heart shaped rays forth at Rhyperior.

“Rock Blast!” Flint called out. Rhyperior raised its arms and launched rocks towards the incoming hearts dispersing them. “Swords Dance!” Rhyperior began thrashing around while a red glow covered it, raising its Attack significantly.

“Sludge Bomb!” Reena called out. Nidoqueen launched the ball of sludge only for Rhyperior to launch another Rock Blast at Flint’s command dispersing the attack before it could reach his Pokémon. “Earthquake!” Nidoqueen slammed her feet into the battlefield sending shockwaves and tremors in all directions.

“Drill Run!” Flint called. Rhyperior made a large leap and began rotating its large horn. The Earthquake passed underneath the now airborne Pokémon and Rhyperior landed the super effective attack against Nidoqueen sending the Poison/Ground Type sprawling.

“Nidoqueen won’t go down without giving you some damage!” Reena assured getting a weakened roar from her Pokémon. “Hyper Beam!” Nidoqueen gathered a large amount of power into her jaw forming a bright orange sphere.

“Rock Wrecker!” Flint called out looking to overwhelm the Hyper Beam with a move of greater power, at least greater when performed by a Rock Type. Nidoqueen unleashed the Hyper Beam just as Rhyperior launched the mass of Rock Type aura at her. The two attacks collided and a massive blast rocked the Gym. It took almost a full minute for the dust to settle enough that the Pokémon could be seen again. Nidoqueen was fainted on the ground while Rhyperior, covered in dust and with a few singe marks on its armored hide, roared out its victory.

“Nidoqueen is unable to battle! The winner is Rhyperior!” The referee announced before turning to Reena. “Challenger send out your final Pokémon!”

“You did great Nidoqueen, take a good rest.” Reena thanked her Pokémon before pulling out her last Pokeball. “Your Rhyperior might be strong but we’ll take you down! Venusaur, let’s go!” The final evolution of the Bulbasaur line appeared on the battlefield with a cry of challenge to the large Rhyperior.

“I’ve dealt with more than enough Grass Types in my time! Rhyperior let’s show them!” Flint exclaimed getting a roar from his Pokémon.

“Venusaur use Sleep Powder!” Reena called out. Venusaur shook its flower sending a huge cloud of spores towards Rhyperior.

“Rock Blast then Earthquake!” Flint called out. Rhyperior blasted rocks through the cloud of Sleep Powder dispersing it before it could reach. Then a massive stomp on the ground set the Gym to shaking once again.

“Leech Seed!” Reena called out. Venusaur managing to fire off the parasitic seed just before the Earthquake hit it nearly upending the large Grass Type. The Leech Seed landed on Rhyperior’s large armor clad chest before quickly sprouting vines that wrapped around the large Pokémon. Within a scant few seconds the seed was far too entangled to be removed and small flecks of aura were being drawn from Rhyperior and sent towards the recovering Venusaur.

“We’ll have to finish this soon! Let’s take Venusaur down with one shot! Rhyperior, use Mega Horn!” Flint called getting a resounding roar from his Pokémon. A huge amount of aura quickly filled the large horn on its head making it glow brightly. Rhyperior charged forward at surprising speed for a Pokémon so large but Reena smiled at the incoming attack.

“Grass Knot!” Reena declared getting a cry from Venusaur as plants quickly grew from the battlefield and wrapped around Rhyperior’s feet. The large Rock/Ground Type tripped and slammed into the ground so hard that the Gym shook as if another Earthquake had been unleashed. “Finish it with Giga Drain!” Reena called out.

“Saur!” Venusaur responded as green energy tendrils came from its leaves and flower and encircled the downed Rhyperior. The large Pokémon let out a pained growl as the rest of its health and energy were sucked away and used to restore Venusaur to full health.

“Rhyperior is unable to battle! The winner is Venusaur!” The referee announced again before turning to Flint. “Gym Leader send out your last Pokémon!”

“Didn’t see that coming, sorry about that my friend.” Flint apologized to his Pokémon as he recalled it from the field.

“Just one more, Venusaur! Let’s do this!” Reena cheered her Pokémon on getting a happy growl from Venusaur. The fact that the Ace Level Trainer had sweat practically pouring down her face from the speed and intensity of the battle wasn’t lost on either Ash or Misty.

“We’ll see about that! This last Pokémon will be the hardest for you to deal with in your situation!” Flint claimed as he tossed his last Pokeball. “Come on out, Magcargo!” From the Pokeball emerged a snail made of what appeared to be living magma with a rocky shell on its back.

“Mag…” Magcargo drawled out slowly. It looked over its opponent carefully before its eyes took on a serious glint.

“Venusaur use Sleep Powder!” Reena called hoping to put the Rock/Fire Type to sleep before it could start spitting fire everywhere.

“Burn it away with Lave Plume!” Flint responded as Magcargo released a burst of lava from its body that torched the Sleep Powder. The Lava Plume attack dispersed to show Magcargo slowly moving forward to try and close distance with Venusaur.

“Venusaur don’t have the body type to dodge very well. So you’re trying to get close enough so we can’t dodge, right?” Reena questioned as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.

“I don’t need to get too close.” Flint grinned. “Flame Burst!” Magcargo launched the ball of flames at Venusaur. The Fire Type attack hit the large Grass Type and exploded sending embers raining down around Reena’s side of the battlefield.

“Venusaur isn’t the only one that’s not suited for dodging though!” Reena proclaimed as she called out her final attack. “Earthquake!”

“What!” Flint shouted in shock. He’d never faced a Venusaur that could use Earthquake before!

“Saur!” Venusaur roared as it lifted up its front legs before slamming them into the ground. Once again the Gym was rocked with tremors as the ground shook and cracked.

“Magcargo, Flame Burst again! Take it out!” Flint called hurriedly. Magcargo just managed to launch the attack before the Earthquake struck it doing four times the usual damage because of Magcargo’s Typing. Needless to say it was an instant knockout for the fire snail. The last Flame Burst still hit Venusaur sending embers raining again and causing the Grass Type to collapse. As the dust and smoke cleared the referee looked on closely ready to make the call of double knock out if necessary.

“Synthesis!” Reena’s call came out followed by a weak response from Venusaur. Everyone watched on as Venusaur became visible, the Grass Type was clearly struggling to get up but it performed the move its Trainer requested. Slowly a green light enveloped Venusaur and some of its worst injuries began to fade. After the move ended the Grass Type was able to stand again with some visible effort.

“Magcargo is unable to battle! The winner is Venusaur!” The referee announced while raising his hand towards Reena. “The Challenger Reena Natusho wins the battle!”

“Heck yeah! We did it Venusaur!” Reena cheered as she rushed over to her Pokémon and hugged the large Grass Type who nuzzled her in return.

“Magcargo, return.” Flint smiled as he recalled his Pokémon. His friends had put up a hell of a battle and he couldn’t be prouder of them. He smiled as he walked over to Reena and her Venusaur. “Congratulations on your victory, Miss Natsuho. I’d like to present you with your proof of victory here at the Pewter City Gym. This is your Boulder Badge.” Flint stated as he held out an open case with a single Boulder Badge lying in the center.

“Thank you, Mr. Flint.” Reena smiled as she picked up the Boulder Badge. With a grin she pulled out a Badge Case from her hoodie and opened it. Ash wasn’t able to get a look at which Badges she had but he could count six other individual shapes in the Ace Trainer’s case. Reena placed the Boulder Badge into the case and took a second to admire it before closing her case and putting it back into her hoodie.

“As per standard you also get a TM Voucher for one free Rock Type TM of your choice at any Training Facility.” Flint grinned as he handed Reena the voucher. This was the secondary reward any victorious Trainer received when they beat a Gym, A TM Voucher for any move of that Gym’s Type. This was often more than enough incentive for Trainers with a high Level to challenge multiple Gyms, since it allowed them to teach rare moves to their Pokémon.

“Alright!” Reena cheered as she carefully placed the voucher into her hoodie next to her Badge Case.

“I have to admit you surprised me with your Venusaur knowing Earthquake. I haven’t seen that before.” Flint chuckled as Reena smiled while rubbing her Venusaur’s head softly.

“Yeah, it cost us a pretty PokeYen, but TMs are great for getting unusual moves taught to your Pokémon.” Reena giggled as she pulled out Venusaur’s Pokeball and returned the large Grass Type. With a bow towards Flint the Ace Trainer excused herself and headed out the door to get her Pokémon treated at the Pokémon Center. The amount of damage they’d taken from the Gym Battle would see them recuperating for three or four days before they were back to full health even with the Center’s treatment. But such was the power and challenge of a Gym. It would make or break a Trainer when they challenged it. Many aspiring Trainers eventually hit a wall when challenging Gyms and could never move past it. Others would continually try and try until they finally became strong enough to be victorious. These were the Trainers that would one day stand among the Elite Level and be an inspiration for future Trainers.

“So, young man, are you ready for your own challenge?” Flint asked as he looked up at Ash in the spectator’s seats. Ash could feel his pulse race and hear his heartbeat in his ears as he nodded and made his way down to the battlefield. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder and into Misty’s lap while giving an encouraging cry of ‘Pikapi!’.

“I’m ready.” Ash stated with determination.

“Good, you’ve got conviction, you’ll need that. My son’s no push over after all!” Flint chuckled as he walked through a door out of the battlefield to get his eldest son. Ash could only stand and give the referee his name and hometown while he waited. He and his Pokémon had trained hard for this day, they were ready and Ash refused to fail them. In a few short minutes Flint returned with an older teen, or possibly twenty year old, following him. Once again the young man had a strong resemblance to Flint and Ash surmised this was Brock when he walked over to the computer behind the Gym Leader’s box.

“My name is Brock. I’m currently studying to become a Pokémon Doctor. I’m also the Secondary Leader here at Pewter City Gym. What’s your name and Trainer Level?” Brock asked as he looked over at Ash with a smile.

“My name is Ash Ketchum and I’m Beginner Level, I just started about two weeks ago so this is my first Gym Challenge.” Ash told him as he stood in the challenger’s box. 

“Beginner Level, I see and already challenging a Gym? You’ve definitely got the drive of a Trainer! We do Two on Two matches for Beginners at the Pewter Gym. Is that alright with you?” Brock asked as he typed on the small computer.

“That’s fine with me!” Ash nodded as he pulled his first Pokeball off his belt and expanded it. Brock smiled back as the drawer opened up from beneath the computer holding two Pokeballs this time. ‘These two should be able to push a Beginner Level beyond their normal skills.’ Brock mused as he picked up both Pokeballs. The referee took his position on the side of the field. The man quickly turned the cameras on again to record the battle for League records.

“This is an official Pokémon League Gym Battle. The Challenger is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. This will be a Two on Two battle, the first Trainer to have both Pokémon rendered unable to battle loses. Additionally only the Challenger may substitute Pokémon. Are you both ready to begin?” The referee once again went through the standard League pre-battle announcement before turning to Ash and asking if he was ready.

“Since I’m the Gym Leader I’ll reveal my Pokémon first. Let’s go, Geodude!” Brock called as he tossed the first Pokeball. In a flash of white light a round rock-like Pokémon with two large arms appeared. It flexed its arms and gave a grin as it looked towards Ash.

“Geodude!” The Rock/Ground Type called out.

“I thought I might be facing a Geodude today.” Ash stated before tossing his own Pokeball. “Come on out, Riolu!” From the ball appeared the familiar blue and black colored Fighting Type. Upon noticing his opponent Riolu immediately took up a fighting stance.

“Rio!” Riolu called out in challenge to Geodude.

“You can make the first move, Ash.” Brock offered.

“Alright then, Riolu use Bulk Up!” Ash called getting a bark from Riolu as the Fighting Type flexed his muscles and was enveloped in a reddish-orange glow.

“Geodude, Defense Curl into Rollout.” Brock ordered getting an instant reaction from his Geodude as it wrapped its arms around its body. Geodude glowed red for a moment signaling the rise in its Defense before it shot off in a roll towards Riolu.

“Riolu use Quick Attack to dodge then another Bulk Up!” Ash instructed. Riolu moved out of Geodude’s path in a streak of white aura before flexing and raising its Attack and Defense again.

“You know Rollout only gets stronger the longer it goes on, right?” Brock questioned as Geodude picked up more speed and barreled straight at Riolu.

“Yeah, I know, but I know my Riolu can stop it too!” Ash stated confidently. “Use Quick Attack to get beside Geodude and then use Force Palm!” Riolu rushed towards the incoming Geodude before swerving to the side and slamming its palm against the spinning Pokémon. A blast of Fighting Type aura sent Geodude bouncing across the field. “Alright! Great job Riolu!” Ash cheered for his Pokémon.

“Don’t get too excited yet, Ash!” Brock grinned as Geodude quickly pulled itself upright showing it had only take a bit of damage from the super effective hit. “Rollout can be a fairly good defense since Geodude is spinning so fast. The rotation negates a good amount of force.”

“Then we’ll just have to give it a good solid hit then! Riolu, Quick Attack and Force Palm!” Ash replied getting Riolu to blitz towards Geodude.

“Bulldoze!” Brock called out. Geodude slammed its fists into the ground sending out a tremor that sent Riolu stumbling. Riolu picked himself up just in time to hear Brock’s next call. “Magnitude!”

“Jump!” Ash yelled in panic not knowing exactly how powerful this particular Magnitude would be because of the moves fluctuating power output. Riolu put the strength training from the Facility to good use as it leapt almost fifteen feet straight up. The ground shook with the force of Magnitude but it completely missed the airborne Riolu. “Copycat!” Ash called planning to turn Brock’s move against his Geodude. Riolu glowed white for a moment as it descended towards the ground. As soon as Riolu landed a shockwave shook the battlefield sending Geodude reeling.

“Geodude!” Brock called out in worry. Geodude struggled to pick itself up before it collapsed with swirls in its eyes.

“Geodude is unable to battle! The winner is Riolu!” The referee announced before turning to Brock. “Gym Leader send out your final Pokémon!”

“Return Geodude, you did great.” Brock thanked his Pokémon as he recalled it. “Not bad Ash, but let’s see how you deal with this!” Brock tossed his next Pokeball and a large Onix appeared on the battlefield with a roar.

“Riolu, can you still go on?” Ash asked his Fighting Type getting an affirmative bark. “Alright then let’s hit him before he can move! Quick Attack into Force Palm!” Riolu once again rushed forward leaving a streak of white aura behind him as he powered up a Force Palm.

“Rock Tomb!” Brock called out and with a slam of its tail on the ground Onix complied. Rocks suddenly shot up from the field and slammed Riolu between them stopping the Fighting Type’s charge. “Dragon Breath!” A glowing greenish flame appeared in Onix’s mouth before being unleashed on the trapped Riolu. The Dragon Type attack was so strong it shattered the rocks holding Riolu and sent the Fighting Type across the field to land near Ash. Riolu had fainted and was completely still from the hit it had taken.

“Oh man, Riolu!” Ash called out as he walked over to his Pokémon. “You’re going to be all right buddy. We’ll get you to the Pokémon Center as soon as this battle is over.” Ash promised as he recalled Riolu into his Pokeball.

“Riolu is unable to battle! The winner is Onix!” The referee announced again before turning to look at Ash. “Challenger send out your last Pokémon!”

“You’re up, Skiddo!” Ash called out sending his Grass Type into battle. Skiddo appeared with a strong bleat of challenge towards the large Onix.

“Haven’t seen one of those in person before.” Brock commented before calling out his attack. “Dragon Breath!” The glowing greenish flame appeared in Onix’s mouth again before being fired at the Grass Type.

“Dodge it and fire back with Razor Leaf!” Ash called as Skiddo took off at impressive speed while dodging the Dragon Breath. With a cry Skiddo sent a barrage of Razor Leaf at the large Rock Snake Pokémon.

“Gyro Ball!” Brock called out getting Onix to spin while taking on a metallic sheen. The Razor Leaf was scattered without doing much damage to Onix. “You’ll have to do better than that, Ash!” The Gym Leader stated. “Use Rock Throw!” Onix roared as it sent a barrage of rocks towards Skiddo.

“Smack them away with Vine Whip!” Ash instructed as Skiddo unleashed its vines and batted all the rocks away. “Leech Seed!” The parasitic seed was fired like a bullet at the Rock/Ground Type and landed just below Onix’s head. Within a few seconds Onix’s head was covered in multiple vines that were starting to send small orbs of aura towards Skiddo.

“Grab it with Bind!” Brock called out and before Skiddo could react Onix’s tail had wrapped around the Goat Pokémon and started squeezing.

“Skid!” Skiddo cried out getting a worried shout from Ash.

“Dragon Breath!” Brock called again and Skiddo was bathed in the green flames of the Dragon Type attack.

“Skiddo!” Ash called out in worry. “Synthesis!” When the green flames dissipated it showed an injured Skiddo that was soon enveloped in a green glow as it healed some of its injuries.

“One more Dragon Breath!” Brock called out.

“Razor Leaf!” Ash responded. Skiddo was just fast enough to launch his attack first and nailed Onix in the face. Onix aborted its attack to reel back in pain from the four times effective attack.

“Onix throw it away!” Brock called out in worry for his Pokémon. Onix tossed Skiddo away and tried to put some distance between itself and the Grass Type.

“No you don’t! Use Vine Whip to hold on then finish it with Razor Leaf!” Ash instructed.

“Skiddo!” Skiddo cried out as it wrapped its vines around Onix’s tail keeping itself from being thrown. The Goat Pokémon then unleashed another barrage of Razor Leaf into the Rock Snake’s face. With a pained roar Onix collapsed onto the ground shaking the battlefield. When the dust cleared it revealed Onix with swirls in its eyes completely fainted.

“Onix is unable to battle! The winner is Skiddo!” The referee announced while raising his hand towards Ash. “The Challenger Ash Ketchum wins the battle!”

“We did it! You were awesome Skiddo!” Ash cheered as he ran to his Grass Type and hugged it gently.

“Ski!” Skiddo cheered tiredly before slumping down into Ash’s arms from its injuries.

“I’ve got you buddy. Will get you and Riolu the best treatment at the Pokémon Center, I promise.” Ash whispered to his Pokémon before he recalled him into his Pokeball.

“Onix, return. You did great.” Brock smiled as he recalled his Onix. Geodude and Onix had done a great job and he’d see to their treatment personally. He smiled as he walked over to Ash to present him with his Badge. “Congratulations on your victory, Ash. This is your proof of victory here at the Pewter City Gym, the Boulder Badge.” Brock stated as he held out another small case with a single Boulder Badge lying in the center.

“Thanks, Brock it was a great battle.” Ash smiled happily as he picked up the Boulder Badge. With a megawatt smile he pulled out the Badge Case he’d gotten from the Pokémon League upon getting his License. Ash placed the Boulder Badge into the first spot and took a second to admire his first Badge before closing the case and putting it into his pocket.

“According to League rules you also get a TM Voucher for one free Rock Type TM of your choice at any Training Facility.” Brock grinned as he handed the voucher over to Ash.

“Thank you.” Ash bowed slightly as he placed the voucher into his pocket. He had no idea what TM he’d use this voucher for but he was sure he’d find a good use for it eventually.

“I think you’ve got a bright future ahead of you Ash, I’ll look forward to seeing you compete in the Indigo League.” Brock nodded.

“That’s the plan.” Ash nodded back as he turned to head out of the Gym. Misty quickly ran up and walked beside him. Pikachu quickly jumping back onto Ash’s shoulder with a cheer. The duo exited the Gym before Misty grabbed Ash in a hug.

“That was great Ash! I knew you could do it!” Misty cheered as Ash smiled while returning the hug. “You know what? To celebrate dinner is on me tonight!” She smiled as Ash laughed and the two walked back to the Pokémon Center in a great mood. Neither even seemed to notice that they were still holding hands as they walked.

-End Chapter-

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There it is! Ash has won his first Badge! I hope you all liked seeing the difference in battle between upper Level Trainers and low Level Trainers. Plus Ash and Misty still have celebrating to do next chapter! How do travelling Trainers celebrate exactly? You’ll find out next chapter!

*!*Important Read Below*!*

I'm still accepting Original Characters from my patrons for this story! Most would be one off trainers that Ash or Misty battle along their journey. But others could be Trainers that impart life lessons onto Ash, Misty, or his other travelling companions! Wouldn’t you like your Original Character to teach Ash an important life lesson? Or just teach Ash how to loosen up and enjoy a party? So be sure to submit some characters! If you make them detailed enough I might be able to do a small mini arc with your character and Ash’s group! 

Some Original Characters could end up filling in some of the new Gym Leader spots that will be in the various Regions! 

I've posted a Character Template to fill out so that I have an easier time integrating the OC into this Alternate Universe of the Pokémon World. Gym Leaders for Kanto only have eight Types left to choose from. Ash will probably only challenge four Gyms besides the eight canon Gyms and Steel Type and Flying Type are two of them. Steel Type already has an OC planned out but Flying Type does not!

Until I get your reviews, later!