"Congratulations..." Brock said, stepping forward with a small, octagonal Badge held delicately in his hand.
The badge resembled a rugged rock, its gray color symbolizing the strength and durability of Pewter City.
This was the coveted Boulder Badge—an emblem of success for those who triumphed in the Pewter Gym Trials.
"Thank you!" Ash exclaimed enthusiastically as he accepted the Badge, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
This was not just a piece of metal; it represented the culmination of hard work, strategy, and perseverance.
It marked his first gym challenge, secured through his own strength and determination! It was a significant milestone on his journey to becoming a Pokémon Master.
As he admired the badge, a voice echoed in his mind, a virtual notification revealing itself as he momentarily lost himself in the moment.
*Ding!*
*Achievement unlocked: [Get the first Badge].*
*Lucky draw: +1.*
A broad smile spread across Ash's face; it was an affirmation that he was on the right path, a clear indication that he was moving toward his dreams.
"You are very strong,Ash!" Brock said, his tone serious as he looked Ash directly in the eyes. There was a sincerity in his words that held weight.
"I believe your future will be bright. I look forward to seeing you on the field at the League competition one day, and even... at the pinnacle of the game!" Brock added, his eyes full of hope and determination for Ash's potential.
"I will!" Ash responded, his voice full of conviction. Achieving that level was one of his grandest goals, and he was unwavering in his resolve not to stumble at the foot of the mountain he aimed to conquer.
"Your next destination is Cerulean City, right?"
Brock continued, genuinely curious about this new trainer standing before him. There was something distinctly different about Ash, a spark of enthusiasm and determination that intrigued him.
"That's right!" Ash affirmed, grateful for Brock's guidance and knowledge, eager to soak up every bit of advice he could receive.
However, as the conversation unfolded, Misty shifted uneasily at the mention of Cerulean City. She could feel her discomfort bubbling to the surface, memories of her own struggles.
"If you want to go to Cerulean City, you'll need to pass through Mt. Moon. Make sure you're thoroughly prepared. While Mt.Moon is manageable due to League exploration, it can still be dangerous. Bring lighting gear—it's quite dark inside…"
Brock cautioned, his voice earnest as he sought to share his extensive knowledge, as if Ash were a budding trainer poised to make a mark on the world.
Ash listened intently, recognizing the value in Brock's advice. This wasn't just casual conversation;
Ash sensed that Brock's wisdom stemmed from personal experience, crafted by years of training and fond dreams of adventures beyond the safe confines of the gym.
After a few minutes of enthusiastic recommendations, Brock finally fell silent, though it was clear he could continue urging Ash forward with countless insights.
The overwhelming desire to relay everything he knew stemmed from his own unrealized dreams of adventure, and he found hope in Ash's journey.
"Um, the Leader..." a staff member interrupted nervously, catching Brock off guard. "It's been five minutes. You need to take on the next challenger."
"Right…" Brock faltered, the brief moment of connection with Ash washing away as reality crashed back down around him.
He remembered his responsibilities, his duty as the Pewter Gym Leader, to guide and prepare challengers who sought to test their skills.
He also had his younger siblings back home, who depended on him, a weight of responsibility resting heavily on his shoulders.
"Then Ash... Come on!" he rallied, trying to muster enthusiasm despite feeling an underlying heaviness in his heart.
The joy of victory was mixed with the bittersweet awareness of the duties he had to uphold.
"You too! Be sure to work hard!" Ash replied encouragingly, sensing Brock's introspection.
After a final nod, Ash and Misty left the battle hall, eager to focus on their next steps and adventures.
Brock stood watching them leave, a deep breath escaping his lips. He felt an ache in his heart—a longing for freedom and excitement, the desire to join them and seek adventures beyond the gym walls.
But at the same time, the tether of his responsibilities held him firmly in place.
—
"Brock… he seems to want to see the outside world…" Misty broke the silence as they trekked back to the Pokémon Center after saying their goodbyes.
Her voice was thoughtful, echoing her understanding of Brock's internal struggle.
She couldn't shake the question of why he continued to remain at Pewter Gym when there was so much adventure waiting beyond those walls.
"It might be family-related, or some other reason…," Ash conjectured, knowing that Brock's background was likely complex and layered.
However, he hesitated to speculate further, realizing revealing too much about Brock's family dynamics felt inappropriate.
Trust was essential in their friendship, and he didn't want to breach any bounds of intimacy.
"Is there… a family problem?" Misty pondered aloud, her own memories surfacing—a reflection of her fears regarding her own family's struggles with managing the Cerulean Gym, a legacy that loomed large, dragging her down with responsibility despite the burden being too arduous to release.
Back at the Pokémon Center, Ash sent Beedrill and Pidgeotto to Nurse Joy for care. After their hard-fought battle, they deserved the kind of attentive healing that only she could provide.
As Ash moved about, he noticed that Misty's spirits seemed dimmed. Motivated to lift her mood, he decided to head outside with Pikachu to gather supplies for their impending journey to Mt. Moon.
He knew that being prepared was crucial for whatever lay ahead.
—-
Later that night, a small home nestled behind the Pewter Gym housed Brock and his siblings.
This place was a refuge, the foundation for Brock's responsibilities, and a reminder of his commitment to his family.
"Forrest, please set the food on the dining table, and then gather your siblings for dinner,"
Brock instructed with a warm smile directed toward his younger brother, Forrest, who was eager to help him with the task.
"No problem, big brother!" Forrest responded energetically, his enthusiasm infectious as he carried plates to the table, chatting animatedly with the younger ones.
Once the table was set, Brock joined them, removing his apron with a familiar motion, a sign of the transition from gym duty to family time.
Serving a family of ten was no small feat, yet Brock was well-versed in the routine, taking pride in providing for his loved ones. Each meal was an act of love, a reaffirmation of his role in the family.
As the children poured into the dining room, they looked a lot like Brock, their features reflecting his own but carrying a youthful charm that made them all the more endearing.
"Dinner is ready!" Brock announced proudly, and the children echoed his words in unison, "Let's eat!"
"Big brother's cooking skills are really good!" a boy, who bore a remarkable resemblance to Brock, piped up while devouring some fried chicken with gusto.
"Yeah!" came the chorus of affirmations from his siblings as they dove into the food, relishing the flavors of a home-cooked meal.
Brock smiled at the sight of his brothers and sisters enjoying the meal. It filled his heart with warmth—a sharp contrast to the distractions swirling in his mind.
Yet, even amid the merriment and laughter, he felt a tinge of disconnection. His thoughts drifted back to his earlier conversation with Ash, a yearning churning within him for the adventures he had long craved.
Forrest, ever attuned to his brother's moods, watched Brock quietly, noting his distraction. Leaning in, he asked softly, "Big brother, what's wrong?"
Caught off guard, Brock snapped out of his contemplation.
"It's nothing, really. Just... too many challengers today. I'm a bit tired," he replied, deflecting Forrest's probing with a reassuring smile.
Forrest studied him for a moment, knowing from experience that his brother wasn't being entirely honest.
However, he respected Brock's silence, sensing that his older brother didn't wish to share more.
Dinner continued, but Brock remained pensive, thoughts swirling around him like clouds. He reflected on the adventures he longed for, dreams that felt so distant yet tantalizingly close.
The evening meal was filled with laughter and chatter, yet the disconnect in Brock's heart lingered, reminding him of the path he had chosen and the freedom he had sacrificed to keep his family together.
_________________
Sayo nara~~