Misty squinted at the ground. They'd gotten off the road again. Probably because Ash had actually listened to that Samurai brat after beating him. He'd given them the wrong directions as Misty knew he would! Sadly, Ash was adamant that they follow them. It had taken a few days to course correct when they ended up at Viridian and the same 'Ash sucks' message that Gary Oak had apparently written.
Ash would never admit it, but Gary had accidentally helped them with his messages by showing them they were going in the right direction.Ash stumbled in front of her, and Misty blinked as she realised they'd finally exited the forest. Misty followed him, scowling into the early morning light.Misty glanced at him. "Please tell me you're not—" Ash let go of the branch that he'd been holding, causing it to flick back and smack into Misty's face, in turn causing her to fall back, more in shock than actual pain.Ash nodded, not realising how Misty was now glaring at him. She wanted to see red but then she remembered that she sort of owed him one by freaking out so much with all the bugs in the forest. She sighed and instead looked past him and found herself looking at Pewter city and the road right there past the treeline. If it wasn't filthy, she'd probably kneel down and kiss it!"Ohhhh, that Gary!" Ash suddenly exclaimed. Misty shook her head, ignoring his antics. You got used to Ash sometimes spouting things like that or making declarations. He was such a kid sometimes. Ash clenched his fist towards the City. "Pikachu, we're going to win our first gym badge and overtake Gary!"Pfft!" Misty snorted as she stood up and spat out some leaves. Overtake a guy that was driving a car and likely a week ahead of them now? Yeah, good luck with that!"Pika Pi!" said Pikachu as the small yellow mouse leapt from Ash's shoulders, the cute little mouse pokemon rose to his toes and his nose twitched as he inspected to see if Misty was alright. Misty felt her anger trickle away at that."Oh, Misty?" Ash said, turning to look at her with some worry. Misty tilted her head and felt something shift in her hair causing her to stiffen as it continued to move."What's in my hair?" she said through clenched teeth.Ash didn't say anything, instead reaching for an empty pokeball. "Don't move!""Do not throw that pokeball at me!" she hissed."Don't move!" he said sternly, drawing his arm back."You don't need that—" Ash threw the ball, and whatever had been on her head responded by leaping out of the way and the pokeball to slammed into Misty's face. She fell back into the bushes again and lay there for a while."Damn! It got away!" Ash said before walking over to her. "Sorry about that! It was a Spinarak!"Misty whimpered before her eyes narrowed as Ash leaned over her. "Are you alrigh—"Misty responded with a strong right fist to his face, sending him flying. She then rose to unleash a scathing attack on why you don't throw pokeballs at people's faces.Ash stared at her once she was done. "Should I have had Pikachu shock it first?" Pikachu slapped his little paw into his face. Misty felt her brow titch and she scooped up the mouse and grumbled as she walked past Ash and towards warm showers, clean clothes, a nice bed, and best of all, no more bug pokemon!Ash caught up and shot Pikachu a betrayed look before regaining his usual pep within a minute. "So! Today is the day I'll fight Pewter's gym leader! Brock!""Wooooh Brock!" shouted some locals that happened to be out picnicking on the hills overlooking the city. A cheer went up at this before the group of people laughed happily and returned to what they had been eating. Misty blushed, realising that she'd likely put on a bit of a show for the picnickers before she stoically marched on.She glanced at Ash. "Ash we still have to make it to Pewter and there's no guarantee that we'll be able to get you in to challenge Brock before the end of the day.'"That doesn't matter! I can wait! Or… I'll find him when—""That never works Ash. Have you been reading that silly comic about the ten-year-old that completed the entire circuit in a few months and then became Champion on their first circuit?"Ash coughed and looked away. "I have the limited edition…" He trailed off in the face of Misty's unimpressed gaze."Let's get you to the gym. Then you can get a match, and if you do well enough, maybe, just maybe, you might be able to afford…" Misty frowned. Ash had to pay someone… he owed her something, what did he…"Let's go Pikachu! Last one there's a rotten egg Misty!" Ash shouted all of a sudden, making Pikachu leap from her arms to give chase."Hey! Ash, no fair!" she said as Ash took off running. Misty ran after him shouting the entire way until they reached the outskirts of Pewter City. Ash leaned against a handy sign and heaved in the air."See Misty! We just needed to run, then we'd make it in one burst." He sucked in another lungful of air. "Wh-where is the gym?" he said leaning back against the sign, blocking what was on it.Misty scowled from her bent-over position. "H-how sh-should I know? There's usually some signs around though!" She jerked her head into the city. "I think I can see something up there."Ash straightened up to grab Misty. "Hey! Ash, didn't your mother ever tell you not to drag a lady?"Ash stared at her. "Yeah and?" Misty felt her eye twitch before she unleashed another straight right that Ash dodged this time."Urgh! You're impossible sometimes!" She grabbed Pikachu up into her arms and snuggled up to the most tolerable part of hanging out with Ash."Cha!" said Pikachu as he nuzzled into her shoulder."That's right Pikachu! Ash is a big dummy. Now let's find the gym!"Ash grumbled after her and Misty grinned to herself as she forced him to follow along like a well-trained Growlithe.Eventually, they found a very old-looking sign."You'd think Brock would be able to afford better signs having won against Lance like he did," Misty said. Her fist tapped on her chin in thought. The odd wagon symbol next to it. That meant something… what was it? "This can't be right. Is that symbol a heritage symbol?""Misty, it's a sign; people wouldn't just leave signs up like this! Come on, let's go!" Ash said. This time, when he reached out to grab her, he received a glare that had him thinking better. Instead, he straightened up and walked forward at a much more controlled pace. Within a few minutes, they found themselves in front of a large derelict-looking building with tape over the front declaring it a hazard.Ash rubbed his chin. "It doesn't look like I thought it would?""Ash, I think this is the old gym that Brock abandoned. It doesn't look like it's been well looked after…" Misty said while inching into a better position to see into the rather creepy darkness of the gym.Ash shook his head. "Maybe it just looks this way?" He waved a hand up at the boulder that rested atop the gym. "I mean look at it! It's a giant rock which is perfect for Brock as a Rock-type gym trainer!" He pulled a map out from his bag and raised it up. "It's the right place according to the map.""Ash, I can't see a gym trainer like Brock running his gym from this building. Also Ash, that map of yours is years out of date! Just buy a pokenav! They're way better! No way this is the actual gym!" Instead of agreeing, Ash gained a mulish look in his eyes. Misty wanted to facepalm. She'd only been with Ash for a little over two weeks or so now, but she understood what that expression meant."She's right you know young man," said an intruding voice, cutting through Ash's Tauros headedness in an instant.Ash and Misty jumped on the spot; as one, they whirled around to find a very scruffy-looking man standing behind them. They both relaxed. It was just an old man. The man smiled genially at them."Did you come here looking to challenge the Pewter City gym Leader?" the man asked."Yeah, that's right!" Ash said, stepping up and clenching his fist to show how determined he was.The man looked up at the old building with its tape that announced it as a hazard and an area to be avoided. "Well, Gym Leader Brock won't come around here anymore. He took over a number of years ago and since then he has built a newer facility to face his challengers. He has a large building out of town." The man pointed back the way they had come. "It's off the main route into Pewter. There are signs and everything. I'm surprised you ended up here of all places.""Uhhhh! Really?" Ash glanced back at the building. "You're sure?""Yes, in fact, I just came from there. If you'd like, I can walk you out to the gym?""Would you?" said Ash jubilantly.Misty approached. "If you wouldn't mind, kind sir, that would probably save us a lot of hassle.""Hmmm It's not an issue at all. And please just call me Flint!" said the man as he turned and gestured for them to follow him to the actual Pewter City gym.Misty glanced back at the old gym. It seemed sad to see it so neglected. She glanced at the entryway and noted a lot of footprints leading in and out of the door. It seemed someone was still coming here though. Misty swivelled her gaze around to the rather scruffily dressed man.Ah! He had dirt the same colour all over his shoes like he'd been scuffing around the old gym.Misty followed next to Ash and Flint, Ash kept up a running commentary of all that they'd run into over the last week.When he reached a particularly untrue part Misty had to butt in however, "Ash, you didn't take on those Beedrill all alone! Kid Samurai was also there to help out with his Pinsir and I had my Staryu!"Ash waved her off, "Yeah, but it was my Butterfree that was able to take them all down!""That's impressive, young man. Swarms of Beedrill can be very dangerous to handle. It was quite brave." Ash leaned around Flint and pulled down his eyelid with his tongue sticking out. Misty raised her fist."What are you?! Nine? Grow up already!" She growled at his antics as she stuck her own tongue out.Ash made a show of sniffing and sticking his nose up. Misty held in her anger. She didn't want to seem too rough in front of a stranger. Flint merely watched their byplay with an amused expression."You're much like my children in how they act with each other!"Ash made a gagging nose. "Me and Misty, no way! She's only sticking around cause…"Misty blinked, why was she sticking around again? She narrowed her eyes. She'd forgotten something, what with how their trip had them running around. It had all been so quick even if it dragged on a little. "Hey! You owe me for my bike!" she said as she recalled how they had met because Ash had stolen her bike only to char grill it.Ash clapped his hands together and bowed his head. "Sorry! Sorry! I'll make it up to you, I swear!""Yeah, you better!" she said, stymied from hitting Ash again but pleased that he at least seemed to be holding onto his promise. Flint merely laughed once more.When they reached the crest of the hill they all stopped and gaped as they viewed the Pewter gym."Woah!" Ash said, his eyes darting around. "There's so many people and pokemon down there!""Yeah… that's a lot of people but look at all the facilities! There's at least eight battle courts! A range for pokemon of all sort! Oh my gosh, look people are allowed to let out their pokemon! Look at all the water types!""I've never seen some of those pokemon! Who's that pokemon?" Ash whipped out his pokedex and began to scan the area as they walked down."Sharpedo, the brutal pokemon! Sharpedo are thought to roam the oceans in 'packs'. Large enough packs cause disruption to shipping and in some areas, cut off access to entire continents."Misty glanced towards the pokemon in question and hummed. It was a rather well-known, if notorious, pokemon. Its rough skin made it very tough to train.Misty coughed to get Flint's attention. "What are those pillars of stone for?" she said, gesturing to numerous raised rocks that had writing all over them slightly off the main track. A number of younger trainers were reading them and taking notes."Those are survival guides. You can find all sorts of recommendations on them, such as how to navigate caves or more importantly get out of caves. There's information on how to forage. How to set pokemon battle wagers so you can afford the wager and get a warm meal. Where to find shelter and the importance of respecting nature unless you're looking to have certain Grass types pursue you.""Huh, wow!" Misty began to drift towards them, curious to read them.There'd already been a number of times so far during their trips through Viridian that she wouldn't have minded having a little more variety in their meals. She hadn't known which mushrooms were safe. Not that it stopped Ash from gobbling most things down and not showing any ill effects. The guy had an iron stomach, that was sure for sure."Misty we don't have time for that! I need to challenge Brock!" Ash said, grabbing her and Flint. A few trainers that were lingering around looked over only to snigger at them for some reason. Misty suspected she knew why.Ash bristled. "What're you laughing at!?""You," one man said with a smirk. "It's hilarious how you think you're just gonna waltz in and challenge Brock. Ahhh baby trainers are so adorable!""Oh yeah! Who's gonna stop me! You?""Ash you don't need to—" Misty started to say."You know what I think I might!" said the other guy brandishing his own pokeball. "Follow me if you think you're 'Hard enough'!""I'm so hard, I'll… I'll!" Misty facepalmed as she followed Ash along. They were obviously hitting below the belt with that comment, but Ash was so innocent it may as well have been a swing and a miss. It still made him growl and splutter. Instead of walking into the gym proper, they marched around to the side and found themselves negotiating for access to a Battle court with a young blue-haired girl accompanied by a beautiful floating pokemon. Next to them, a brown-haired girl of similar age was playing the guitar. An older gentleman was standing next to her and pointing out where to place her fingers on the strings as they worked through a song."Lunatone, the meteorite pokemon. Lunatone is believed by some people to have come from outer space. It moves around actively during full moons, and its powerful red eyes instill fear in the hearts of the wicked," chimed Ash's pokedex.Misty approached carefully. "Can I pet it?""You may pet her," said the girl. "This is Selene. She's mine." The Lunatone trilled in a way that Misty interpreted as admonishing which drew a giggle out of her. She ran her hands over the smooth yet warm rock. Selene shut one eye and nuzzled into her."She's beautiful," Misty said, before stiffening. "For a rock type that is!" Selene retracted herself and turned away. Misty blanched realising she'd accidentally put her foot in her mouth. "No, I mean you're pretty! Gorgeous even! It's just that I like water types!"Ash and his opponent snickered before pushing their way into the battle court. "Better luck next time Misty," Ash said as he squared his shoulders. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder and performed some stretches. "You wanna fight buddy?"Pikachu made a thoughtful face before nodding and running out in front. "Pika!""Huh, a Pikachu? Well alright let's see how you go against my Kingo~" he drew out a pokeball with a web pattern that Misty recognised as a netball. "Go Kingo!" shouted the guy as a Beedril was revealed.Misty stepped back quickly and shut the court to seal it off. No more bugs! Her mind screeched as he darted back to the blue-haired girl and her friend on the guitar. Then she relaxed. She then blushed when the blue-haired girl pointed out the barrier around the battle court. The girl and her musician friend stiffened when an explosion rang out and they suddenly had to run to that court with 'Selene' clearing a path for them both.Misty slumped a little, she'd been hoping to talk with them a little.Oh well, at least there was now a barrier between her and the bug. It was fine! Everything was fine! Then her traitorous eyes glanced upwards and noted that there was no roof and the Beedrill could just— She shook her head back and forth then put her hands to her mouth."You got this Ash! Pikachu's strong against flying types!""Heh! I remember! Beedrills are nothing for me now!" Ash rubbed at his nose and puffed out his chest. Pikachu sparked his cheeks in agreement. A terminal between the two trainers chimed a tone."Trainers! Are you ready! Deploy pokemon now!"Ash tilted his head. "Uhm we already have?"The terminal continued without listening, but then again it wasn't as if it was being operated by anyone that Misty could see."Ash it's just a recording telling you the rules for the space. Lots of rookie trainers use areas like this and they aren't always supervised! Just go over and select "Start Fight" and it will start a countdown for you both!""Oh right!" Ash said as he ran over and tapped on the screen. "Rules, training situations, pokemon agility training. Trainer fitness routines? Tennis? Oh! Here it is! Start Fight!""Thank you Trainer for choosing Pewter Gym battle court we will now count down from 10 seconds. If you require attention for any reason, call out 'assistance', and a Pewter Gym Trainer will be summoned! Ready!? Ten, nine—"Misty hunkered down and got ready to watch the bug get zapped."Begin!" chimed the terminal with a smiley face that for some reason had a duck-like pokemon waddling across the screen beneath it. Misty ignored that oddity and instead watched as Ash and the other trainer swept their hands forward."Kingo! Use Quick attack!""Pikachu, use Thundershock!" Ash said in return.Misty watched as the electric attack shot forward only to miss as the Beedrill blurred to the side and then straight into Pikachu as soon as the attack finished. "Uh! Pikachu! Thundershock again!""Now retreat!" ordered the other trainer. The Beedrill shot backwards.Ash gritted his teeth and his eyes narrowed. "So you're pokemon's pretty fast huh? Well so's Pikachu! Pikachu, use Tackle!""Tackle? Pfft! That's a baby move for a baby pokemon. Avoid it and go for Poison Jab, Beedril!"Once more Pikachu's attack, this time seeing his body thrown at the opponent whiffed only for the Beedrill to stab forward."Pikachu! Dodge it!" Pikachu tucked his shoulder and rolled out of the way in time to avoid the stinger that lanced through the air. Ash released a sigh of relief. "Now use Thundershock while it's over-extended!""Quick—" before the trainer could get his pokemon out of there Ash's Pikachu latched onto the stinger with both hands and an evil-looking grin as his cheeks sparked."Chu!" shouted Pikachu as lightning surrounded them.Beedrill twitched once and tried to step back only for it to spasm again and fall to the ground. "Urgh! Damnit he's paralysed. I concede, kid. Damn it Kingo, looks like it wasn't our day." The Beedrill nodded sadly and buzzed over to its trainer who pulled out some potions and a yellow bottle of some sort."Ha! Yes! We did it, Pikachu!" Ash cried out happily."Pi! Pikachu!" shouted the very chatty Pikachu as it trotted up to Ash."Nice one Ash! Way to go Pikachu!" Misty cried out, happy that the bug was defeated."Your friend's pokemon is rather quick on its feet." Misty flinched before remembering that she had come here with another person. She hadn't realised they'd stuck around."Yeah, he's always been pretty strong.""I think his pokemon's Thundershocks are more like Thunderbolts in truth," said Flint as he rubbed his chin."What's the difference?" Misty said as another trainer from the group that had been laughing at Ash marched onto the battle court."My turn, kid!" announced the trainer. Ash grinned and accepted.Flint hummed. "Most of the difference is power and accuracy. Thundershock is a weaker move, but it has slightly better accuracy. Most consider it a good trade off for the stopping power though."Ash must have been listening in as the next fight saw him starting with "Thunderbolt Pikachu!"When the opponent's Rattata went down another trainer marched in. Ash laughed. "Hah! I don't care how many you bring against me! I'll beat you all!"Misty sighed to herself. "He's completely forgotten why we came here hasn't he?"She settled in and watched Ash fight with Pikachu. When he tired out Pidgeotto came out and then finally Butterfree after Ash's fifth match. Ash staggered up to the gate with slightly slumped shoulders despite his attempts to stand tall."Heh! Knew I could do it!""Nice one Ash, you've won a lot of matches today. Were you still going to challenge the Gym Leader with your pokemon this tired?"Flint watched on, his presence not being a constant as he'd instead chosen to drift around and watch other fights. At one time, when a trainer had called out an Explosion move he'd started running away only to come back a few minutes later with a frown. His hands had been very twitchy. He had waved it off but Misty could recognise when someone was struggling. Her own parents' had explained their own hang-ups to her, so she could sympathise if he had to get some air after hearing that move.Ash stood bolt upright. "Eh! Oh no!" He looked up into the sun. "It's almost midday!"Misty sighed. "Ash… how about we get you a watch so you don't have to look into the sun to work out what time it is?""But I don't need one?" he said while wiping his watering eyes.Misty sighed. "I swear if I wasn't around, you'd be twice as lost by now.""Oh?" Ash said with a smirk. "I seem to recall that you ran off screaming when you woke up with a Weedle in your bed one morning, that led to us wasting an entire day trying to find the way back.""We found a sign!" Misty looked to the side as they approached the Gym's main doors. "Eventually…""Yeah… Oh that Gary!" Ash said to himself.Misty shook her head. She had no idea why Ash was so fixated on his childhood friend like that. It was kind of cute how they kept encountering small signs teasing Ash along the route. It would drive Ash into fits to find them. Although they probably encountered one sign at least four times due to going in circles.When the glass doors slid open Misty and Ash blinked in surprise when they ran into a large open area that was filled with trainers and the occasional pokemon."Urgh! What're all these people here for?" Ash crept to the side to peer around them. A girl at the back shot her arm out."No cutting!""What're you in the line for?" Ash asked."Duh! To sign up to challenge the Gym Leader." She gestured to the front where a long desk with glass separated the people on the other side. The whole queue looked like it was actually being processed rather quickly with only twenty or so actually ahead of them but it still surprised Misty to see so many trainers here. Cerulean never got this much attention."Why're there so many trainers here today?""Today?" The girl snorted. "Try for the last two weeks! Apparently, there's way, way more trainers applying for the Kanto circuit this year! The conference is going to be nuts, but it's making it tough if you want to challenge the good gym leaders! I've heard some other trainers aren't willing to wait for Brock and they've moved on to the other gyms like Erika, Surge, the Cerulean sisters, or some of the lesser gyms.""Wait? How many people are there challenging this year?" Misty said, suddenly worried about how things were back home. Her sisters… she… lo… tolerated them, but they could be terrible at running the gym! She'd had the biggest fight with them when she'd learned they'd needed help from the other gyms to pass their audit. The fact that they'd tried to hide that they'd even been audited from her had been enough to make her see red.The girl shrugged. "No idea, but there's a ton. Everyone's saying as much. It's going to make it interesting though. Lots of places are supposedly putting on festivals or trying to get trainers to stick around." She turned fully but kept her place in the line as it advanced. "I'm Heidi by the way!""Misty, and this is Ash." Misty waved towards the boy next to her who was squinting towards the boards that hung over the receptionists' desks."Gauntlet Challenge?" he said, reading the boards. "Oh wow, that's a lot of money I can win!"Misty snorted but looked up only to find that the prize money for winning was very lucrative. "Wow, they pay out well here, don't they…" She looked over each challenge board, chewing her lip in thought. That was way more than Cerulean paid out... "They don't offer as much for the Elite Challenge? Oh, wait, it's marked as off-limits for now.""Supposedly you gain a special badge if you can do it on your first go but there is a small payout if you win. People only try it for the bragging rights," Heidi said before waving her hands to a pair of doors off to the side. In front of the doors, a pair of Gravelers stood with large sunglasses on their faces. They looked like security guards and they seemed to enjoy playing up their little act as they flexed at each other and rejected anyone that approached with large stoney hands."Apparently there's an Ace challenge going on right now," Heidi said before sighing loudly. "I'd have loved to see it, but I only got in an hour ago and despite coming right here I doubt I'll be going anywhere." She waved around, indicating the number of people loitering and challenging others to matches outside. "Might even have to camp out tonight with how full-up the Pokemon centre is going to be."Misty grimaced. She didn't need to sniff herself to know she was a little strong on the nose. She'd been camping for the last week at least and she had been looking forward to having a shower."Will this line hurry up!" Ash said as he bounced from foot to foot. Heidi watched him for a moment then shared a look with Misty. Misty knew he wasn't going to like what he found when he got to the front of the line.While they waited, they chatted with Heidi, or at least Misty did. Occasionally they would hear a loud noise like a pokemon move impacting something or the crowd next door cheering loudly. At one point a man had hurried up to the Graveler's and produced a ticket which saw him pass. In that moment Misty had gotten to peer in and see the battlefield.It looked like an ancient pokemon flying around against another but Misty couldn't make out what it was. Ash had buzzed in place."That was an Aerodactyl!" He'd then busied himself flicking through his pokedex to find its entry."Aerodactyl, the fossil pokemon. Once considered extinct due to the number of fossils discovered of it. It has recently been discovered in extremely remote locations. However, their population is still not in the double digits and is thus considered Endangered. Research laboratories are investigating options to revive the pokemon through the genetic material found in fossils."Heidi had perked up at that. "Oh! You got yourself a pokedex too? Which professor is sponsoring you?"She produced her own pokedex. "I got mine from Professor Elm along with my pokemon Bubbles!" From her hip a small crocodile pokemon appeared and waved shyly. Heidi picked the pokemon up which seemed to soothe it. Misty highly approved of this and began happily discussing the Johto starter pokemon Totodile.Twenty minutes later saw them at the front desk. Ash was not pleased by this development for long however as he slammed his hands down on the bench between himself and the old receptionist. "What! What do you mean I have to wait two weeks until the next slot to challenge Brock?"The old woman behind the desk blinked at him blearily. "Oh dear, are you hard of hearing as well? I'm sorry I thought it was only me!"She made a show of adjusting her hearing aids before speaking louder, "You see young man! The gym can only take on so many challengers at once, and everyone wants to challenge Brock. So they have booked in times to challenge him. The next booking that is free is not for… Oh dear it's now two and a half weeks, it looks like someone else booked in that slot while we were talking!"Misty glanced aside and bit her fist to stop herself from giggling uncontrollably.Ash stared in shock. "But! But! I want to fight him now!""Most do!" said the woman. "Would you like to book an appointment for a few week's time?"Ash drooped as if all of his prior energy was suddenly spent. "Okay…" he said morosely."Could I have your trainer I.D please?" Ash handed over his pokedex and this was inserted into the computer. The woman adjusted her spectacles and tapped away at the computer. Eventually, she nodded her head. "Very well! We have you all booked in! Best of luck young man! Our Boulder badge is not one so easy to claim!""I guess. Thanks Granny.""Ash! Don't call her Granny!" Misty said, mortified at the pre-teen's forwardness. The woman merely laughed and waved them off.Ash tilted his head. "What? Why?""Ash you shouldn't call an old person a Granny or a Grampa just cause they're old, they might not be and it can be rude. You only say it to your own Granny and Grampa.""But, I don't have one of my own? I just have Mum? We have a group of old ladies though, and growing up they used to let us call them Granny back in Pallet."Misty opened her mouth to ask before realising why Ash wouldn't have a Granny or Grampa. Right. Some people didn't have parents. Her own had been… She swallowed and nodded. "Right. Well, we need to find some accommodation for tonight. You need to get your pokemon seen to and then…" Misty tilted her head. "What are we going to do for three weeks until you can challenge the Gym Leader?"Ash got a glint in his eyes as he exited the gym. "I'm going to fight him sooner if I can." Misty really didn't like the way he said that."Ash don't do anything stupid!""I'm not!" Ash said with a look that made Misty just know that he'd locked onto an idea but his brain had not actually thought anything through.Misty rubbed her forehead. "Let's just get some food and find a place to sleep before you try whatever you're going to try."
78
"Alright Ash. Let's hear your plan," said Misty as she stared at her travelling companion. They hadn't been able to find any available accommodation and so instead they had set up their tent in an open field which saw them camping out close to the old derelict gym."Right! All we have to do is find Brock and challenge him to earn the badge!" Ash waved the stick he'd been poking the fire with around. The glowing tip swung about and Misty tracked it carefully. She wasn't going to repeat their fourth day's problem of a small fire turning into a tree near the road only being useful for charcoal now. They'd decided to get off the main roads after that little screw-up. Misty doubted Officer Jenny would have let them off with a warning.Misty let her hand track to her pokeball belt. She hadn't been close enough to see what had caused the issue. She still didn't believe Ash that Team Rocket had caused the entire affair.Ash noticed what her eyes were tracking. "Sorry!"Misty put her hand to her face. "Be more careful, and also… Ash… that's not going to work."Ash stared at her in shock. "Sure it will! You just need to beat a gym leader to earn a badge, duh! Everyone knows that!""What she means, young Ash, is that Brock already has a lot of demands on his time," said another voice.Misty shot into a standing position and a pokeball was halfway out of her grasp before she recognised the voice. "Oh, Mr Flint! Sorry I didn't see you there!"Flint gave a small laugh, his head turning towards the derelict gym. Misty remembered the footprints she'd seen walking in and out of the building. "Are you… staying in the old gym sir? That can't be safe! It's been abandoned!""Don't worry, I'm something of a Rock-type specialist myself. I've shored up the walls with my pokemon." He looked up at the old gym building. "This old girl isn't about to collapse anytime soon…"Misty opened her mouth only to shut it. Somehow she didn't think he was talking about just the gym. She settled for sitting back down and coughing. "Well, it's still not the safest option." She peered up at him. "What did you mean about Brock having lots of demands on his time?"Flint went still only to then relax. Misty frowned. What had that been about?Flint took a seat near their fire. "Well, Brock… obviously he wasn't always the Gym Leader. The Gym Leader before Brock was Brock's father. He… used to be strong but he kept feeling like he was lacking in a lot of ways. Brock at the time had been on his own journey much like you young trainers." Flint smiled at the two. Misty and Ash both returned their own."Sadly… the previous Gym Leader abandoned his gym as he felt like he was no longer the right person to handle the duty so he called back Brock and had him take over the gym.""Urgh, having it dumped on you like that would be the worst! My…" Misty croaked as she suddenly felt her words drying up in throat. Ash stared at her but Flint gave her a commiserating look. "Ahem never mind!"Ash turned to Flint. "So Brock had to take over for his dad? That doesn't sound so bad!"Flint snorted. "The previous Gym Leader didn't just leave Brock with his gym but also the rest of his family. All nine little siblings.""Nine!" Misty said in shock. "Urgh! What a schmuck! I bet he ditched his wife as well!""No… she'd departed a few months after their youngest twins were born, but she promised to come back! Eventually, that is.""Urgh they both sound horrible," Misty said, pushing her own stick into the fire. She didn't see Flint shift uncomfortably. She sniffed. "If they were this bad what did the previous Gym Leader do to deserve the gym?"Flint stared into the fire and ran his hand over a set of scars on his hand. His eyes stared deep into the fire, his mind lost in a time far away from the current moment.Eventually, he answered with a shrug, "Who can say? The League usually keeps such details to themselves. The Gym is much better off now with Brock at the helm." He waved a hand at the old gym. "As you've seen." A grin reappeared on the dour man's face. "He even beat the Champion!" a note of pride entered his voice.Ash hummed. "Wow, you sure know a lot about Brock and the Pewter gym!" He put a finger to his chin. "You're also a rock specialist and you've been camping out in the old gym…""Urgh! That is! I have been—""You must be part of his fan club!" Ash said as he smacked a fist into his other hand. Pikachu who'd been sitting next to him fell over backwards."Pika!'' The small electric mouse approached Flint and turned to Ash before pinching the other parts of his eyes and making them squint like Flint."Knock it off Pikachu! We get it, he's a fan of Brock!" Ash said, waving his hand. Pikachu let out a sigh and a shake of his head as he trudged over to Misty.Misty tilted her head. She felt like something had just been missed. But she couldn't fault Ash's logic. She did feel guilty when Pikachu looked at her with expectant eyes. She hugged him up to her chest. Poor little guy must be looking for some warmth.He sighed again.Misty smiled at her good instincts. Flint laughed and rubbed the back of his head. "Ha! Yes! I suppose you could say I am Brock's biggest fan! I certainly try and make it to all his matches!""Yeah! I never knew he was so good until I saw him fighting Lance! His Tyranitar is so cool!" Ash clenched his fist and grinned as he got a gleam in his eyes. "But we can take him!" He looked over to Pikachu. "Isn't that right buddy?"Pikachu raised a hesitant thumbs up that did nothing to dim Ash's enthusiasm. "We just need to find him!"Misty was about to berate him for forgetting everything they'd just spoken about only for a boom to fill the air. Misty shot to her feet and whipped around. Ash was a few seconds behind her in standing and surveying their surroundings."Is it Team Rocket again?" Ash said, his hand going to his belt.A laugh had them looking to find Flint chuckling to himself. "I'm sorry, but no, it's just the festival's fireworks!""Fireworks?" Ash said.They turned and looked up to see a streak of red shooting up into the air where it boomed into a large display of light."Ohhhhh!" Misty said in realisation before giggling. "That was silly of me. Of course, it's just fireworks.""There's a festival going on?" Ash said, staring up at the fireworks. Pikachu leapt from Misty's arms to Ash's shoulder."Pika-Pi!" said the pokemon gesturing towards the fireworks, his tail wagging excitedly."Looks like Pikachu wants to go to the festival!" Ash pointed his hand towards the distant festival before he began to march off."Ash! Wait up! I'm coming too!" Misty said as she moved to follow.Flint stayed by the fire. "Have fun kids!"Ash waved, happy to continue on. Misty gave the man a final look as they left. Didn't he seem… really sad? Misty turned away. She might get him a dessert from the festival to show her thanks for his commentary for the day. He'd been very helpful, especially in helping them find the real Pewter Gym.But that was for later, now was the time to see if there was anything great at the local festival! She hurried to match Ash's annoyingly faster pace. She might be taller than him but he had a lot of energy that made up for it in the speed department whenever they ran anywhere.As they got closer to the festival proper, more and more people filled the streets. Ash kept up his headlong sprint.Just as Ash was starting to get lost in the crowd, Misty called out to him, "Ash! Slow down! You're going to run into someon—" Misty tripped and staggered to the side only to run into a boy that had been walking with some of his friends."Urgh!" grunted the boy."Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry about that!" Misty said, mortified as she straightened up to find herself being held up by the surprisingly strong hands of a boy that looked no older than herself. The boy… looked familiar for some reason?He was olive-skinned. His dark brown hair rested on his head with small spikes that were messily spread out. His rather cute blush let Misty know he wasn't used to handling a lady.She smiled widely. "Thanks for catching me!""Misty we don't have time to hang about, come on!" said Ash just as her saviour opened his mouth. Misty felt a hand clamp on her arm and drag her away before she could learn the name of the other boy."Ash!" she hissed at the rude boy. He continued to drag her through the crowd only to stop at a stand that surprisingly had a rather large gathering of people. She ignored that for now and rounded on Ash. "Ash! That was rude!"He gave her a confused look. "What do you mean? I came back for you? Isn't that what you wanted?""But I was… Urgh! Never mind!" she said, stomping her foot. She looked around hoping that the other boy might have followed after him but Ash apparently was too quick. She sighed and turned to the stall that Ash had led them to. "What's this?"Ash grinned and swept his hands about like he was revealing some great secret. "It's something that will guarantee my victory over the Pewter City gym!"Misty stared at the stall. It was, well, like any other stall that she's seen before at a market. More specifically, a farmers market. It had stacks of berries and melons piled up around with signs sprouting out of each pile of produce. Ash was gesturing to one set of signs."Charti Berry juice? Guaranteed to help against Rock types?" she said aloud. She gave Ash a pitying look. "Ash? You know this doesn't work right?""Au contraire my dear customer!" said one of the stall's workers as they sidled up to Ash and Misty. "We have proven testimonials of this juice helping young up-and-comer trainers defeat Brock and earn their first badge!" The man nodded his head back and forth as Misty stared at him dubiously."Do I know you?" she said as she stared into his eyes.They were behind thick glasses. He must have a crazy strong prescription. She glanced down at his name badge that said 'be nice! It's my first week!' and pronounced that his name was Julian. Another name had been written above it but it was scratched out and Misty couldn't make out what it said."Indeed!" said the female attendant as she hustled over with a berry in each hand. "The Gym Leader has been having to print out more badges than normal thanks to these magical berries don't you know!"This woman had flowers through her hair to such a degree that Misty could only just pick out that her hair was a deep red. She also had a gardener's pesticide mask on. She also had the same 'it's my first week' badge that announced her as Jannette."What's the mask for?""I have to keep pests off the stock," replied the woman without missing a beat while brandishing the broom she had in one hand.Misty glanced around carefully checking her surroundings for any bug pokemon. She relaxed when she saw she was fine.Ash bounced on the spot. "This! This will be exactly what I need to help me beat Brock!"Both attendants nodded their heads. ""Indeed! Indeed!"" they said together.They then pointed at the signs. "What fruits will you be looking to purchase? The Charti berry is best for Brock's pokemon!""Soften up those hard-hitting rock types that's for sure!" chimed a third voice. Misty and Ash looked around but couldn't find who had spoken."But he does also have some ground types!" continued the male fruit seller."Need to watch out for shakey ground there!" chimed the voice once more."He also has some fighting-style moves!" the female seller indicated another tray of fruit declaring their effectiveness against fighting-type moves."Dodge, Duck, Dive, Dip and Divert! Certainly don't look to drag out the drama!" called out the third voice.Misty tilted her head. Where had she heard that nasal tone before?The man and the woman rubbed their hands together. "So what berry would you like to purchase?""All of them! I want them blended up!" shouted Ash as he pointed to another sign that informed customers they could blend the fruit in the shop for a small additional fee that resulted in 'greater potential being unleashed'. Misty gave a sheepish laugh at Ash's enthusiasm while the seller's eyes glinted."Very good sir! Would you like the double pack for the buy two, pay two special?" the man said. Misty frowned. Something about that deal didn't seem right…"No! I want the six-pack!" Ash pointed at the sign.Misty and the two stall workers stopped together."Sir has a full team of pokemon?" asked the red-haired woman.Misty blinked. Ash hadn't demonstrated a full team to her! Did he have more than just Butterfree, Pidgeotto and Pikachu?Ash shook his head before gesturing to Pikachu riding on his shoulder. "No! I'm going to have Pikachu drink all six!"Misty and the fruit sellers stared at Ash.Pikachu blinked and then looked at the size of the juice cups. Misty could see he was multiplying the cups and coming up with a drink far too large for the little mouse to drink.She coughed politely. "I think you meant you were going to share them out for your pokemon and us as well Ash."Ash tilted his head. "Wouldn't it be more effective the more Pikachu drinks?""Wow this kid doesn't get how juice works does he?" said the voice once more only for a small hunched-over form to hop up onto the table. Misty stared at the weirdly fluffed-up pokemon."Who's that pokemon?" Ash said as he shot up his pokedex. Only for Julian to stand in the way."Oh, sir! It's just a… Mankey! That's it! A Mankey!"Misty leaned around Julian to stare at the fluffed-up pokemon. It certainly looked scruffy enough and it also had a curly tail… "Looks kinda short for a Mankey?" she said dubiouslyThe Mankey bared its teeth at her. "And you look kinda flat for a gir—"The female attendant swatted the 'Mankey' with a broom."Damn pests!" she said. Misty nodded at the woman in soli— She scowled when she realised the woman was actually a good deal curvier than her. Nevermind. No solidarity with this woman!Ash scratched his cheek. "We sure do come across a lot of pokemon that know how to talk our language?""Pika-pi!" agreed Pikachu.Ash shrugged and opened his wallet. "Six juices!""Right away sir!" chimed Julian the fruit stall worker as he bustled to create the juice while Jannette accepted Ash's money. They happily handed over the sixpack of juice and Misty was pleased to get one for herself. Deciding it might be nice for Staryu she summoned it out and poured some juice over its gem."Uhm, isn't that wasting it?" Ash asked."No, this is how pokemon like Staryu and Starmie take in nutrients. They need to absorb them through their jewel. Most of the time they merely absorb sunlight but they like having other things every now and then as well!""Huh," Ash said as he opened his other pokeballs to offer juice to his pokemon.Julian and Jannette got a strange glint in their eyes watching the group let their pokemon drink. They were about to speak before another woman approached while carrying a towering stack of trays with fruit on them. "Julian! Jannette! I'm not going to pay you for standing around! If things are finished with those trainers, then go rustle up some more business with your Mankey!" ordered the woman.Julian and Jannette snapped to attention. "Right away ma'am!" They both bustled off but not before reaching over a tray of berries to grab Mankey. "Come on! Our bonus is on the line!""I wasn't monkeying around I swear!" said the Mankey.Misty watched them go with a shake of her head. When Staryu was done with his juice she returned it. Ash returned his pokemon."Haha! Watch out Brock, my pokemon are all powered up now!"The owner of the store nodded at them. "Thanks for the business, make sure to come back if you need more berries for your pokemon!"Misty and Ash waved at her as they walked further into the middle of Pewter. They soon found themselves in a much busier area with personal space being practically nonexistent as people moved about. Various stands proclaimed their wares while in other areas lights flashed as men and women shouted their offers to draw people in."Come right up! Come right up! We've got a man that can out-wrestle a Machamp! He's Musclio!" cried one man in front of a tent before gesturing to a huge muscle-bound man that flexed at the passers-by."Step into the ring and win and you earn yourself a prize champion belt!" said to once be worn by Lance!"Ash whipped his head around. "What?! Really! Is that true?" he called out."It is said!" said the crier with a nod. Misty rolled her eyes and dragged Ash on, ignoring his protests. As she walked away, a towering amazonian woman emerged from the crowd."I'll take that challenge," she said with a glint in her eyes before ripping off her tracksuit to showcase a body honed beyond even Musclio. Musclio gulped in fear and Misty giggled only for Ash to drag her away."Try your hand at winning the most beautiful pokemon of the seas! A Milotic's pokeball rests within this lucky dip! Come! Buy your chance at this jewel of the sea!" cried another.Misty stopped dead in her tracks. Her head swivelled around slowly. "What did he just say?""Misty, that's obviously a scam!" Ash said before tilting his head. "What's a Milotic?"Misty swept around on him. "What's a Milotic? Ash! Milotic are known to be the most beautiful water-type pokemon to exist! Now come on! We need to win that pokemon!" Misty dug into her purse and approached the now-grinning man."Pewter City Police! This stall has been ripping people off with its false claims!" shouted Officer Jenny as she advanced with a group of men at her back. The man that had been about to take Misty's money blanched before throwing something."You'll never catch me alive coppers!" A cloud of smoke blossomed out and when it dispersed the man had vanished.Jenny released her Growlithe to give pursuit, leaving Misty standing in front of the stall despondent.An officer approached. "Did he con you young miss? Take anything?""Only my hopes and dreams," she said forlornly as she stared at the picture of the pokemon that the man had been 'offering' as a prize.Ash butt in with, "Are those worth much?" Misty growled and swung an elbow into his gut. As they left she reached out and grabbed a photo to store away. One day, one day she'd have a pokemon like this. Sadly her loss of hope had her slumping and not paying attention so when the next shiny object attracted Ash's attention and he ran off to inspect it she kept moving.When she looked up he was nowhere in sight. "Urgh! Dang it Ash. I need to put a bell on you."She began to move around, taking in the pokemon and people that had been brought together with the Pewter city festival. It was strange. She could swear she would have heard of something this big happening each year in Pewter having grown up in Cerulean.Still, it was a pleasant surprise. She wandered through some clothing stalls and checked out some water exploration gear that people were offering. There were even chartered trips out to a nearby lake that held her interest. Ash did say they were going to be here for a while with how long it would take to get through to Brock. She made a note to herself for later on.She turned from a stall that was selling festival bags with candy shaped like pokemon in each bag only to bump into someone. "Sorry!" she said only to blink as she found herself face to face with the boy from earlier. "Oh! It's you! Thanks for catching me earlier!"The boy blushed again. "I-it wasn't a problem!" he said shyly."Hey Forrest, who's this?" said a boy next to 'Forrest'."Oh this is a girl that I caught when she tripped earlier," said Forrest while shifting nervously. Misty smiled at him and he blushed redder. His reaction was kind of cute.His friend saw the blush and crowed in delight. "Oh! Do you like her Forrest! Oooooh! Forrest likes a girl!" he said in an obnoxious tone.Forrest whipped around on him, "I do not!"Another boy about their age joined the group only for another two to join right after him. "Forrest has a girlfriend!?" they jeered."Shut up guys!" Forrest said heatedly.Misty sniffed at their childishness. "I'm not his girlfriend. And frankly, I'm amazed he's your friend!"They boo'd at her and Forrest turned to them. "Hey, that's not cool." He then turned to her. "No need to say things like that either Miss."Deciding to not stick around with this group of mankeys she walked around to get away from their teasing. "Neither's how they're acting. Nice to get your name Forrest, I'm Misty I might see you around." She looked back to find Forrest watching her.She offered him a half smile, and he brightened only to have one of his friends put an arm over his shoulder, and say something in his ear.With that done for now, she decided she'd seen enough of the Festival and instead left for her tent. When she arrived, she found Ash sitting in front of a fire regaling Mr Flint about everything that he'd seen at the Festival. "And this super fat guy challenged Musclio! And instead of fighting him he jumped on him and sat on him like a snorlax! Musclio hadn't won a single match after that big woman got through with him!"Misty giggled at what sounded like a good story, settling in for the evening. At one point Flint headed into the old gym to use the still-working toilet. Ash had been content to sit and wait for him, his eyes turning towards the sky that was showing a few stars."Is it weird that I regret being in the city right now?" Ash said."No, sometimes that's the best part of exploring the wilderness. Being able to simply look up and enjoy the stars." Misty put a hand under her chin and joined Ash in watching the stars. Both of them were comfortable enough to simply sit quietly. In a bit they'd each crawl into their own tents and—"What are you doing?!" called out a voice.Misty and Ash sat up only to find Forrest and his group of friends stalking up to them from outside their campsite. Forrest, rather than looking contrite like Misty had last seen him, looked furious. "What do you think you're doing, camping out here!?"Misty stood up. "We're just camping out cause there's no free rooms anywhere!"Ash followed her. "Yeah! And what's it to you!?" he said with a defiant tone.Forrest inhaled like a Tauros that had just been challenged. "This land is still in my family's name! Did you get permission from us to camp here?"Misty reeled back. "Your family's?"Ash frowned. An answer came quickly enough that he stepped forward. "You're… Brock? You look different than you do on Tv?" Misty stared at Ash. How could he think this was Brock? Brock was taller and … well… a few other things.One of Forrest's friends laughed like some Mightyena goon. "Hahaha! This kid's an idiot!""I'm not stupid!" Ash said with a growl. He pointed at Forrest. "Who're you then?"The boy that had laughed stepped forward and gestured to Forrest. "This is Forrest, the right-hand man and second in charge of the Pewter Gym! If he doesn't want to let you face Brock, you don't!"Forrest jutted his chin in a way that Misty found made him look kind of stupid, but this whole situation was getting into stupid boy territory… Which now that she looked around made so much sense with only her to cool tempers.The boy that had introduced Forrest sniffed. "You and your girlfriend aren't welcome here!"Misty bristled. "I AM NOT HIS GIRLFRIEND!" she shouted, raising her fists.All the boys unconsciously took a step back.Forrest coughed. "Oh, uhhh that's good?" he said with a small squeak. He coughed again and nodded firmly before crossing his arms. "That doesn't change that you need to leave though. This is my family's land until the city lease we paid runs out."Ash narrowed his eyes. "I need to fight you to see Brock right?""Yeah?" Forrest said his own eyes locking with Ash's."Let's fight for it! You beat me and we'll leave! I win and you talk to Brock to face me… tomorrow!""Ha! You've got no chance!" crowed one of the boys in Forrest's gang.Forrest sniffed. "Or I could just kick…" he paused as Flint emerged from the old gym doors."Is everything alright out here I heard… Oh… hello Forrest, you've grown."Misty instantly understood. Seeing Flint and Forrest together. It was obvious who Flint actually was.Forrest worked his jaw, and for a moment Misty thought she saw something glimmer in his eyes before he blinked a few times quickly. Ash glanced between them as the silence stretched.Forrest squared his jaw. "We're fighting…" He pointed straight at Flint, "And you're coming with us… we'll talk after I deal with… this." Forrest waved his hand around the campsite. Then he jerked his head towards where the Pewter city gym was located."Come on," he said, his voice turning a little raspy.The group of boys fell in with him. Ash hung back for Misty and Flint to join him.Misty glanced at Flint. "Are… you going to be okay?" she glanced at Forrest, the boy obviously didn't know what to do with this situation and was relying on fighting Ash to work through whatever this had turned into.Flint swallowed. "This was going to happen eventually. I've just been scared to meet with them… this… this is better than I hoped for.""What were you worried about?" Ash asked."Him punching me," Flint said. "I'm still not sure this is better."Ash rubbed his chin. "So… you're his uncle then?"Misty stumbled in disbelief, she almost screamed at Ash, only for Flint to shake his head."No, I'm his father… I'm the man that abandoned them.""Oh," Ash said quietly. He didn't say anything else and instead adopted a thoughtful silence.Thankfully, it only took five minutes of walking to reach the new gym from the old gym. You just had to know where to go. When theyarrived,d Forrest had a keycard that he used to open the front doors. He walked in and typed in a code into a separate panel to the side and then put his finger on a square panel."Authorised entry," said a digitised voice. "Welcome, Trainer Forrest,""Wooooah that's cool!" Ash said staring at the panel. He reached out to push a button but Misty swatted his hand."Focus on your fight Ash!""Right!" Ash said, slapping his cheeks. He glanced at his starter. "Ready for this Pikachu?""Pika!" said the electric mouse with a spark forming up on his cheeks."Are you coming?" said Forrest, his position standing in front of another set of doors. Misty recalled that they hadn't actually been through these doors due to the Gravelers barring anyone from just walking through to watch.Everyone entered a tunnel that had a run of lights along the edges leading upwards to a dark room. When they reached the end of the tunnel Forrest reached to the side and popped another panel where he flicked some switches. With each switch, lights burst into life around the arena with huge 'thooms' to announce themselves as they chased away the darkness."Woah!" said Ash as the huge space was revealed. His voice echoed through the gym and Misty had to admit that she was impressed as well.This, this was a state-of-the-art facility. There were crisp lines with a flowing striation of different browns, reds, greys and other earth tones throughout the facility that spoke of what this Gym was representing without a single word ever having to say it.The arena battlefield itself was strewn with rocks along with having a grill around the edges where water flowed for water types to use. Forrest led them to a keypad. Once more the keycard came out and from the side of the arena a slow inclining ramp popped out of the wall to the arena floor."Alright let's do this!" Ash said as he strode across the arena floor to the podium. Misty laughed at how he was bouncing with each step, his eyes darting around the field."Shall I act as—" Flint's words were cut off when Forrest raised his hand."No, not you." Forrest looked over his friends before looking at Misty. "Can you call it, as ref?"Misty puffed out her chest at being appointed to such an important position… in a frankly amazing gym. She nodded and moved towards the refs podium that had its own control system which could control the scoreboard! There were a few things such as barriers but they shouldn't need those. This wasn't going to be a champion-tier match as much as Ash liked to puff himself up.She did activate the podiums though.Misty adopted a serious pose and pulled up the flags. "Trainers! Are you ready?"Forrest nodded and Ash clenched his fist as he turned his cap around a sign of how serious he was."I'm ready!""Select your pokemon!""Go Butterfree""Go Geodude!"Both pokemon appeared on the field. Misty checked to make sure Pikachu was within the trainer podium before raising the flags into a ready position."Begin!" Misty shouted as she swept her flags down."Geodude, use Defense Curl!" ordered Forrest."Butterfree use Tackle!" The butterfly pokemon raced across the field with furious flaps of its wings to throw itself straight at the Geodude. The Geodude only rocked back a little from the hit. It then grinned smugly at the Butterfree as it flapped away quickly."That's not going to work! Geodude use Roll Out!" The geodude tucked up and threw itself forward. When it came up to Butterfree it bounced upwards and straight into the flying pokemon.Butterfree shouted in pain before flapping to stay in the air. Geodude hit the ground finished its roll attack and spun about to face the other pokemon"Nice one, Geodude! Now finish it with another Roll Out!" Forrest said."Uh! Butterfree fly up and use Stun Spore!" From his wings glittering golden powder floated down upon Geodude who began to leap only to spasm mid-leap and lose control of his charge. It crashed into the ground forcefully and Misty grimaced at the noise."Geodude! Damn it! Use Rock Throw!" Misty frowned. That shouldn't be something a weaker Geodude could perform. Geodude grabbed up some rocks and hurled them straight at Butterfree before the paralysis could stop it. It mostly missed so it must have been still a bit affected.One of the rocks hit though. Butterfree, however, shook it off quickly."What the?" shouted Forrest as his pokemon failed to take out Butterfree with what should have been a type advantage."Ha! I knew that juice was worth it!" called out Ash.Misty kept her mouth shut. As the ref she really shouldn't react to him or call instructions. Even if he was probably wrong."Geodude, use Rock Throw again!" Geodude tried but this time his limbs locked up."Butterfree! Now's your chance, use Tackle!" the butterfree once more charge in. Geodude rocked back from this hit and Ash swept his hand out. "Once more to finish it!""Freee!" said Butterfree as it swept in on the helpless Geodude.Misty checked over Geodude and made the call when his body slumped and his eyes shut. She dropped the flag towards Forrest. "Geodude is unable to battle!""Yes! Hahaha! Way to go Butterfree!""Come on Forrest!" "Don't let this punk beat you!" "Pewter Pride yo!" shouted Forrest's gang of friends.Misty raised the flag towards Forrest and made the 'wait' sign to Ash like she'd been taught in school for times when she would be acting as a Ref for a friend."Go Onix!" Forrest said upon selecting his next pokeball. From the pokeball a giant rock snake emerged. It roared upon its entry and when it lowered its head it was staring straight at the fluttering Butterfree that got a lot more nervous than it had been a moment ago."Trainers! Are you ready?" Misty said once more to control things and keep it civil. Both trainers nodded once more. "Begin!" she shouted."Onix! Use Sandstorm!" The Onix roared and from around it, a sandstorm built up as it sank into the ground."Uh! Butterfree, blow it away with Whirlwind!" Butterfree began to work its wings furiously to blow away the storm. Misty blinked in surprise when it took Butterfree a while to do just that. This must be a much stronger Onix to be able to make the bug-flying type pokemon work this hard."Rock Throw!" shouted Forrest as Butterfree stayed in one position too long. This time the rocks were much larger, faster and more accurate. They slammed into Butterfree and he crumpled."Uh! Butterfree! Are you okay buddy?" Ash cried out."Freeeee!" said his pokemon weakly.Misty dropped Ash's flag and raised the wait sign to Forrest. "Butterfree is unable to battle!"Ash looked up at her in shock. For a moment she thought he might contest her call. Instead, he nodded and returned his pokemon. He selected another pokeball and threw it out. "Go Pidgeotto!""Trainer's ready?" Once more she raised and dropped her flag. This time, Onix led off with a Rock Throw."Dodge it!""Pidg!" shouted the bird pokemon as it ducked side to side."Keep up the pressure!" shouted Forrest. More rocks rose up and launched straight at Pidgeotto. Eventually one clipped it and it dropped from the sky with a shriek only for another Rock Throw to nail it on the way down."Pidgeotto is unable to battle!" Misty watched Ash stare in shock at his second lost pokemon. He slowly raised his pokeball and returned it.Misty turned her head to Forrest to see if he was feeling good about crushing Ash like this. Only… he wasn't even looking at the match; he was looking up into the stands where Flint was watching.Oh. Misty swallowed. This… was really a lot more complicated than it seemed. Movement from the tunnel that they'd come in from had Misty turning her head further to the side to spot Brock himself watching them all with a frown. Oh dear, he was going to be so mad! This was like the time her parents found her paddling with Gyarados, wasn't it?When he noticed that she'd spotted him, he raised a finger to his lips before he stepped back into the shadows.Huh, alright, so he was going to let this play out? Alright then, this was his gym, so it was his call."Go Pikachu!" shouted Ash, drawing Misty back to her job."Ready?" she said once more. Both trainers rolled their shoulders and lowered their bodies like they were about to charge each other. "Begin!" she said."Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"Forrest outright laughed when the electric mouse launched a strong electric attack at the Onix… only for it to do nothing.The gang of friends sitting in the stands laughed out loud and began to jeer Ash. "What in Pewter are you thinking!" "Not much obviously!" "Rookie!" " Don't you know Rock types are immune to lightning!!?" Another of the friends slapped the person that said that over the head as a mutter broke out.Misty ignored them, telling the boy that it was due to the ground typing, and instead watched as Forrest went on the attack."Onix! Use Bind!""Pikachu dodge it!" Ash ordered making his pokemon run to the side and avoid the larger pokemon. Its body crashed to the ground and the earth shook at the effect. Ash furiously looked around the field."Dodge through the rocks!""Onix! Tackle it! Ignore the rocks!" the Onix rose upwards with a mighty roar and charged forward through the rocks."Uh! Pikachu get into the corner!"Misty frowned at this order. That… it sounded like a really bad order, but she could see a glint of something in Ash's eyes. She searched the field. He had some angle that he'd seen. What was it that made him so confident he could still win this fight?"Take it out! Onix!" Forrest ordered once Pikachu was in the corner."Pikachu! Use your tail to leap to the side… now!" Ash ordered. As the Onix came down upon his pokemon. Pikachu reacted instantly his tail coiling up and letting him leap to the side and out of danger.Onix on the other hand slammed into the corner and caused the water that edged the gym to surge upwards and splash all over the Onix that roared at the water drenching it.Ash leaned forward and grinned. "Ha! Take that! Pikachu Tackle now!""Onix use Bide!" he shouted. A glow of energy built up around Onix right before Pikachu slammed into it. The tackle pushed it back a little but it obviously wasn't that strong."Again!" ordered Ash not realising he was potentially giving Forrest what he needed. Once more Pikachu slammed into Onix and the energy field built around Onix."Get into another corner Pikachu!"Forrest gritted his teeth. "Onix slam yourself into the field and disperse the build up!"Misty blinked in surprise, why was he doing that? She heard a murmur from Forrest's friend about 'Bide's effect' but couldn't make it out. Did Bide have a weakness that meant he needed to attack? Had Ash known this?She found herself surprisingly leaning forward in interest as Forrest and Ash reset their pokemon. Onix had a few scuff marks on his body and Pikachu was huffing and puffing in lungfuls of air."Onix! Use Dig!" Forrest ordered.Misty grimaced. This would be tough for Ash to face. Ash grit his teeth. "Pikachu onto your tail again! When it comes up, leap onto its head!""Pikachu!" shouted his pokemon as it readied itself. Everyone leaned forward in anticipation, and Misty saw the instant the earth underneath Pikachu's tail broke open and Onix surged upwards."Oooooon!" cried Onix as he surged up to hit Pikachu only for Pikachu to leap upwards and land as Ash had ordered."Pikachu! Hang on and keep using Thunderbolt now that it's wet!"Forrest reeled back. "No! Onix! Slam it into the boulders to get it off!" Onix threw itself head into a boulder and roared as the boulder broke."Hang on Pikachu!" Ash urged."Again!" Forrest shouted, making his Onix rise up and slam his pokemon into the ground. A cloud of dust rose up with this impact and took a few tense seconds to disperse. Misty toggled the fans to disperse it quicker, her eyes searching the field only to blink at what she found.Onix was laid out and straining to rise but couldn't. Across from it, Pikachu was obviously knocked out. She waited for a moment and Onix slumped down, relaxing when it saw its opponent was down."Pikachu!" shouted Ash as he threw himself over the side of his podium. He landed with a stumble only to scramble towards his pokemon and scoop it up in his arms. "Are you okay buddy?!""Chuuuu!" said the small electric mouse.Misty sighed in relief before raising flags in both directions. "Onix and Pikachu are unable to battle!" She paused, unsure if she should announce it as a draw or Forrest's win. She'd forgotten in the rush to confirm how many pokemon he was going to use. Forrest reached towards his belt with a grin only for another voice to call out."Which means this match is a draw… no?"Misty smiled up as Gym Leader Brock announced himself. He looked from Forrest to Ash and then to her. Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing as they realised he was there.Misty decided to do as he said. "Both trainers have used their roster of pokemon and this match, therefore, is a draw between Ash and Forrest!"Brock smiled at this and clapped his hands. "Wonderful! That was a nice match, don't you think so… Flint?" he said as he turned his head to look directly at his father. Misty swallowed as something seemed to flicker in Brock's eyes. Flint was locked in his seat but he nodded quickly.Brock turned to look straight at Forrest's friends before turning his head to Misty and Ash."So… who wants to explain to me why you're all in my gym, late at night having a pokemon fight?"Misty swallowed and coughed out a 'Not it' half hopefully but not expecting anything from it, but it might pay to cover her bases.