After the intense battle against Queen Beedrill, Ash continued his journey toward Pewter City. As the days passed, his team grew in strength and camaraderie. However, there was one memory that motivated him: capturing a Caterpie. He recalled the joy he felt seeing that Pokémon in the anime and how it evolved into a powerful Butterfree.
As he walked, Ash decided it was the perfect time to search for Caterpie. "Come on, Pikachu! It's time to find an old friend!" Ash said, filled with determination. Pikachu, always ready for action, jumped from his shoulder and began to investigate the bushes.
After a while, a small movement caught his attention: it was Caterpie! The little Pokémon, unaware of Ash and Pikachu's presence, was enjoying a beautiful day, searching for fresh leaves.
When it noticed Pikachu, Caterpie stopped in surprise. Although Pikachu was not a predator, the little Pokémon was cautious. Ash, recognizing the situation, decided that a friendly encounter would be the best way to approach it.
—Pikachu, don't get too close. Let's do this so Caterpie doesn't get scared —murmured Ash—. Use Thunder Wave to show it we're friends!
Pikachu nodded and released a gentle burst of energy, creating a spark that illuminated the forest. Caterpie, seeing the attack, froze momentarily but soon realized it was not hostile.
—That's right, Caterpie! We don't want to hurt you! We just want to play! —exclaimed Ash with a smile. Caterpie, feeling more comfortable, hopped forward a little.
Seizing the opportunity, Pikachu launched himself at Caterpie and gave it a friendly tackle. "Let's go, Caterpie! It's time to show what you can do!" Ash encouraged. Caterpie, feeling motivated, responded with a much softer tackle.
"That's it! Keep trying, buddy!" shouted Ash as Pikachu used Agility to dodge gracefully. The fun battle continued, with Pikachu demonstrating his speed and skill while Caterpie tried to imitate the moves, gaining confidence with each passing moment.
Finally, after a series of exciting exchanges, Ash decided to capture Caterpie. "It's time to be part of my team! Poké Ball, go!" The Poké Ball flew through the air and closed around Caterpie, who disappeared in a brilliant light.
As Ash watched the Poké Ball shake, a wave of happiness washed over him. He knew he would have to release Caterpie during its mating season, but for now, he wanted it to be part of his adventure.
Days later, Ash approached a sign that read "Welcome to Pewter City." A smile spread across his face as he saw the city awaiting him. However, just before entering, a man appeared out of nowhere and exclaimed, "Watch out, kid! You're stepping on my merchandise!"
Ash, with a nervous smile, quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to." Not wanting to waste more time, he waved goodbye and headed straight for the Pokémon Center.
Upon entering, he was greeted by Nurse Joy, who smiled and prepared to tend to his Pokémon. Meanwhile, Ash communicated with Professor Oak. "Hi, Professor! I caught two new Pokémon: a Queen Beedrill and Caterpie! Plus, Pidgey evolved into Pidgeotto!" he narrated excitedly.
"That's great, Ash! I'm very proud of you. Remember to take good care of them and strengthen your team for the challenges ahead," replied the professor.
After the conversation, Ash decided it was time to eat. With an empty stomach, he headed to a nearby restaurant. After enjoying a delicious meal, he was called to pick up his Pokémon.
—Here are your Pokémon, Ash! Just remember that Beedrill might be a bit aggressive since you just caught it —Nurse Joy warned him.
Ash nodded, feeling excited to have all his friends back. Pikachu, always by his side, jumped back onto his shoulder, ready for the next adventure. With his Pokémon fully healed, Ash prepared to face Brock in two days, contemplating his strategy and order of battle.
Finally, the day arrived. Ash stood in front of the Pewter City gym, breathing deeply. His gaze turned cold and determined. "In battles, the best always wins, and I am the best," he murmured to himself as he walked in.
The gym was filled with rocks and a large battlefield for rock-type Pokémon. Brock, the gym leader, greeted him with a smile. "Welcome to the rock-type gym, Ash. Are you ready to begin?"
Ash nodded, his heart pounding with excitement. "We're ready for battle."
—Let's go, Pikachu! You're our first fighter! —shouted Ash with an intensity that electrified the air. Pikachu, excited and alert, jumped into the arena, ready to prove his strength.
Brock sent out his first Pokémon: a Geodude. "Geodude, use Rock Throw!" Brock commanded. Geodude charged at Pikachu, its rocky body shining under the gym lights.
—Pikachu, activate Agility and keep moving! Dodge it! —shouted Ash in a commanding tone, firm like a captain in battle. Pikachu moved swiftly from side to side, gracefully avoiding the attack—. Perfect! Now, use Iron Tail!
Pikachu used his tail to strike Geodude with incredible force. "That's it, Pikachu! Seize the opportunity! Now, Thunderbolt!"
The electric wave hit Geodude, who shook violently. "That's it, Pikachu! Stay on the move!" Geodude staggered, but was still standing. Ash knew he needed more.
—Don't give up, Geodude! Use Tackle! —Brock shouted, but Ash was ready to counterattack.
—Pikachu, keep pressing! Use Agility again! —ordered Ash, and Pikachu quickly moved, skillfully dodging Geodude's Tackle—. Now, Iron Tail again!
Pikachu's tail hit Geodude once more, and the little rock Pokémon swayed, but still refused to give up. "Come on, Geodude! Hang in there!" Brock said, trying to encourage his partner.
"Don't worry, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt!" shouted Ash. Pikachu unleashed a powerful electric explosion that lit up the entire gym. Geodude was struck full force, finally falling to the ground.
—One down! —exclaimed Ash, pride shining in his eyes. His strategy was clear: he was determined to win.
Brock smiled but remained composed. "Well done, Ash. Now, let's go with Onix!" he said as his powerful Pokémon entered the field, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
—This is going to be tough, Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt! —Ash ordered. The lightning shot out, but Onix, with its imposing size, withstood the blow. —Onix, use Earthquake! —Brock commanded.
The ground trembled, and Ash felt the vibrations beneath his feet, but he wasn't going to back down. "Pikachu, stay calm! Use Iron Tail to balance yourself!" Pikachu launched toward Onix, using his tail to stay steady and avoid being knocked over.
—Now, Thunderbolt! Aim for its head! —Ash shouted with a tone full of determination. Pikachu unleashed a powerful explosion that illuminated the gym. Onix took a direct hit but remained standing, its spirit unbroken.
—Don't stop, Pikachu! Regain your position! Use Agility to circle around it! —Ash commanded, and Pikachu, always ready, quickly moved, dodging Onix's next attack.
"Perfect! Now, use Iron Tail!" Pikachu charged toward Onix with his tail, the impact resonating throughout the gym. "This is the moment! Final Thunderbolt!" The electric energy erupted, and Onix finally fell to the ground, defeated.
As the battle ended, the gym erupted in cheers. Brock smiled, impressed. "You're a great trainer, Ash. Here, take your first badge," he said, handing him the Boulder Badge.
—Thank you, Brock! This is just the beginning! —responded Ash, filled with excitement and pride—. Not only did I win a badge, but I also strengthened my team and got closer to my dream!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________