Every Battle is a Chance to Grow, You Know?
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12th February, 1998, Water Route to Pallet Town…
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Raul stood at the edge of the deck, hands gripping the cool metal railing as he watched the gentle waves roll beneath the ship. The sea stretched endlessly, glistening under the morning sun as occasional Water Pokémon darted by, their sleek forms creating ripples in the serene surface. Wingulls soared above, their cries mingling with the soft murmur of the ocean. The salty breeze tugged at his hair and clothes, offering a sense of calm even as his mind wrestled with the storm of thoughts.
He didn't hear the quiet footsteps approaching until Misty was standing beside him, her arms crossed as she leaned against the railing and looked out at the horizon. For a while, neither of them spoke. It was a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the rhythmic churning of the ship's engines and the splash of waves.
After a few moments, Misty turned her gaze toward Raul, her expression soft with concern. "You've been out here for a while. Everything okay?"
Raul blinked, pulled from his thoughts, and glanced over at her. He took a deep breath, his gaze returning to the endless stretch of blue. "I'm alright," he said slowly, though his voice betrayed a hint of hesitation. "Just… thinking."
Misty raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "You? Thinking? That sounds serious."
A small smile broke through Raul's thoughtful expression. "Yeah, guess it is." He paused, then decided to confide in her. "After my talk with Blake… I realized that I need to get stronger. I mean, a lot stronger. But I don't even know where to start..."
Misty's eyes softened, and for a second, there was a glint of understanding that Raul hadn't expected. Then, out of nowhere, she giggled.
Raul turned to her, frowning. "What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing," Misty replied, struggling to stifle her laughter. "It's just… you sound exactly like Ash."
Raul's cheeks reddened in embarrassment, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "Alright, alright, no need to rub it in."
Still grinning, Misty nudged him with her shoulder. "In all seriousness, though… if you really want to get stronger, the best way is to battle more, gain experience, and learn from each fight. It's like… Every battle is a chance to grow, you know?"
Raul blinked, slightly taken aback by the wisdom in her words. "That… actually makes a lot of sense."
She flushed, embarrassed by the look of surprise on his face. "What? Did you think I couldn't give good advice?"
Raul chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no… I just didn't expect that kind of advice from you." He grinned, teasing her. "Guess there's more to you than just pulling Brock's ears, scolding Ash and tossing him in the water."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!" Misty's cheeks turned red, and she huffed, folding her arms. "For your information, I heard that from someone. And that person is a really strong trainer!"
"Oh yeah?" Raul smirked. "Who?"
The teasing tone in Raul's voice softened Misty's initial embarrassment, and her expression grew nostalgic. She looked away, almost shy. "Someone… someone that I used to know... Who was like an older brother to me..."
Raul caught the hint of sadness in her voice, and his own smile faded. he didn't want to push her. "Well… thanks for passing on the advice." He offered her a sincere nod. "I'll keep it in mind."
Misty's eyes brightened, and she gave him a soft smile. "No problem. And you should grab some breakfast before the buffet closes. We'll be reaching Pallet Town by four."
With that, she walked away, leaving Raul to his thoughts. But her departure triggered a memory, and her own mind drifted back to that long-ago day…
*Flashback*
The flashback began with a seven-year-old Misty running through her family's private lake area, her small fists wiping at her tear-streaked face. She didn't care if she tripped or if her dress got dirty—she just wanted to be alone, away from the mean kids who'd teased her about her bright orange hair and her loss in that mock Pokémon battle at school.
She stumbled to a stop near the lake's edge, where she bumped into someone. Looking up, she saw a teenage boy, tall and confident, with an easy smile on his face. Blake.
"What's got you all worked up, baby sister?" he asked gently, kneeling to meet her gaze as he took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears away.
Misty sniffled, her voice a tiny whisper. "The kids… they called me carrot-head… and I lost in a battle… they said I'd never be a good trainer…" She was so upset that she didn't even argue on Blake calling her 'Baby Sister'.
Blake chuckled softly, his hand moving to gently ruffle her hair. "Well, for one, I think your hair is beautiful. And you're definitely one of the cutest little trainers I know."
Misty blushed, a tiny smile breaking through her sadness as she looked down at her shoes. Blake's words made her feel… less alone, like maybe she didn't have to be perfect right now.
"And about losing…" Blake continued, his voice warm and patient. "It's okay to lose sometimes. Every time you lose, you learn something new. You get a little stronger."
Misty's lip trembled, as if she wanted to argue, but his kindness melted her defenses. He chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Just keep going forward, Misty. Every battle is a chance to grow."
*Flashback Ended*
The memory faded, and Misty found herself back in the present, standing by the door to the cabin hall.
She smiled softly, her heart warming at the memory of her first mentor, her first big-brother figure. It had only been four years since then, but everything felt so different now.
Blake had broken up with Daisy not long after that day, and both she and her sister had lost someone important. Daisy might have just lost a boyfriend, but Misty… Misty lost the closest thing she'd ever had to an older brother.
'I wonder if Blake still remembers those days…' Misty thought pensively.
From how Blake greeted her when they met in the stadium… she wasn't very hopeful… After all, Daisy and in turn herself… should now just be after thoughts for someone like Blake…
As she looked back at Raul, still leaning on the railing, she felt a spark of hope that maybe he, too, would find the guidance he needed… just like she had, years ago.
…
…
12th February, 1998, Pallet Town- Evening
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The dinner table at Delia Ketchum's home was warm and lively, laughter filling the air as Ash animatedly recounted the details of his latest escapade to his mom. With every grand gesture and excited retelling, Misty rolled her eyes, scolding him between bites.
"Ash! For the last time, stop talking with your mouth full!" she chided, though there was a familiar fondness in her voice. Raul leaned back, grinning.
"Yeah, Ash, wouldn't want your mom to find out about that embarrassing part where you tripped over a tree root while trying to act like a hero,. Or when you forgot to wear your-" he teased, his tone light.
Ash turned red. "Raul! Not in front of my mom!" But Delia only laughed softly, pleased to have a full house and the sounds of happy voices filling her home.
Watching them, Raul felt a pang of nostalgia. The atmosphere, the food, and the lighthearted conversation reminded him of nights back home—his mom cooking up a storm, his father's laughter, and his brother and uncle sharing stories from the day. Raul smiled to himself, making a mental note to call home soon. Tonight's dinner made him realize just how much he missed his family.
When dinner wrapped up, Raul and Brock offered to help clean up. Delia graciously accepted, giving a little smile as they moved around the kitchen. Once everything was tidied up, she reappeared with a special treat: homemade ice cream. They all headed out to the porch to enjoy it, where the sky stretched wide and clear, stars shimmering across a velvety blue-black canvas.
They took a moment to gaze out at the night sky in quiet awe, each absorbed in their thoughts. After a while, the conversation turned to their plans. Raul turned to Ash, curious.
"So, Ash, where to next? Got a Gym challenge in mind?"
Ash let out a thoughtful sigh, his eyes on the stars. "I think I'll go for the one a couple of towns over. We don't have a lot of time, just eighteen days to finish the circuit, so I'll need to keep it close."
Raul grinned, relieved Ash wasn't setting his sights on a major A-tier Gym this time. "Sounds like a solid plan, Ash. Good luck!"
Misty then looked to Raul, tilting her head with a smile. "And what about you, Raul? Got any plans on how to get stronger?"
He nodded, a confident spark in his eye. "Actually, thanks to your advice, I do." He looked over at Misty, then Ash and Brock, each of whom was now leaning in, curious. Raul's gaze shifted, pointing toward the horizon where Mount Hideaway stood tall against the night.
"I'm a Ground-type specialist," he said with a hint of nostalgia, eyes lingering on the mountain. "I think it's time I try to catch a good Onix."
Brock's eyes brightened in recognition and approval. "An excellent choice," he said, nodding with a knowing smile. Ash and Misty exchanged confused looks, but Raul only chuckled, as if it were an inside joke only he understood.
If everything went well, he might just encounter him. The thought sent a thrill through Raul, his mind already spinning with the possibility. Meeting him, battling him… that would be something else. The prospect alone filled him with renewed determination and excitement.
…
…
17th February, 1998, Mount Hideaway
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It was the 17th of February, five days since Raul had ventured into the heart of the mountain, determined to find an Onix strong enough to evolve.
He'd battled every wild Onix that crossed his path—a few very strong indeed—but none of them had the potential he needed. None of them had the spark, the fire, the drive that would make Raul want to bond with them.
No, he was looking for something special, something that was hungry for greatness, and so far, the mountains had offered nothing but disappointment.
His frustration had reached its peak. He'd come here fully prepared, a metal coat in his bag to evolve the Onix he'd catch into a Steelix, but so far, his efforts had been in vain. Every day, every battle, the same result. Nothing.
But it wasn't just the Onix he was searching for. There was another, far more elusive presence he had hoped to encounter here. And as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the lack of progress weighed heavily on him. The landscape seemed endless, a vast, unforgiving expanse that mirrored the growing tension inside him.
Raul's boots scraped against the rocky terrain as he climbed higher, mentally exhausted. But before he could stew in his frustration any longer, a voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"Hey, you there!"
Raul didn't even have to look up. The tone of the voice was enough to tell him everything. Whoever it was, they were already a step too close. He turned slowly, meeting the gaze of a stranger—a boy with a wild, cocky grin plastered across his face. He couldn't have been much older than Ash, but his eyes were filled with a cold arrogance that immediately set Raul on edge.
The boy seemed quite familiar, but Raul couldn't remember the name…
"Who are you supposed to be?" The boy's voice was laced with condescension, as if Raul were beneath him.
Raul blinked, slightly confused, but the rudeness in the boy's tone was unmistakable. "I'm Raul, from Canalave City" he muttered, his voice flat.
The boy laughed, crossing his arms. "Raul? Never heard of you. But you must have heard of me, the Great Gary Oak!"
Raul stared at Gary with a flat look. But now he remembered who this chump was…
"So, what exactly are you doing here, roaming around like a lost pup?"
Raul clenched his jaw. "Watch it kid!! And I'm looking for an Onix. A strong one."
The boy's smirk grew wider. "Onix? Really? Do you even know what you're doing? Onix are weak. They're a joke. I wouldn't waste my time on them."
Raul's eyes narrowed. He wasn't sure why, but the boy's arrogance was starting to get under his skin. "I'm looking for a strong Onix," he repeated, trying to keep his cool. "I plan on evolving it."
The boy scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Evolving, huh? Do you even know how an Onix evolves, Loser? Yeah, I battled this massive Onix earlier. But it took one look at me and ran. Probably realized I'm way too strong for it."
Raul was growing tired of this. He wasn't interested in this guy's bragging, but the way he was talking about Onix made his frustration flare. "Why don't you just leave me alone, man?..."
But the boy wasn't done. He pushed forward, closer now, practically sneering in Raul's face. "What's the matter, huh? Too scared to face someone stronger? Let's have a battle, then. One-on-one. I'll show you how it's done."
Raul didn't want to engage. He could already tell this guy was trouble—nothing but arrogance and bravado. But then, Misty's words from earlier echoed in his mind, soft yet firm.
"Every battle is a chance to grow, you know?"
Raul sighed softly, already regretting his decision. "Fine. One-on-one. Let's do it."
The boy's eyes gleamed, clearly delighted by Raul's willingness to fight. "You'll lose, I guarantee it. Nidoking, come on out!"
With a dramatic throw of the Poké Ball, the boy released his Nidoking, which landed with a heavy thud and immediately let out a deafening roar. The massive Pokémon flexed its powerful limbs, ready for battle.
Raul stared for a moment, weighing his options. His hand moved to his own Poké Ball, and with a swift motion, he threw it. "Nidoking, let's teach this kid a lesson he won't forget!"
His Nidoking appeared in a flash of light, stepping out with its powerful frame and exuding a quiet yet undeniable strength. It wasn't just a Pokémon—it was a force in its own right. And Raul knew that this was going to be more than just another battle. This was about proving a point to an arrogant 10 year old.
The boy—who now seemed a little less confident—smirked. "Let's see if your little Nidoking can handle my beast."
And just like that, the battle began.
"Quick Nidoking, show this loser how strong you are, start with Poison Jab!" Gary shouted, his voice sharp and commanding. His Nidoking lunged forward, its tail flicking as it aimed a vicious strike at Raul's Pokémon.
Raul's eyes narrowed. "Counter with Iron Tail."
Raul's Nidoking reacted swiftly, its tail shining with metallic energy as it met the incoming attack with a powerful counterstrike. The collision sent a shockwave through the ground, and Gary's Nidoking staggered back, clearly surprised at the force behind the hit.
Gary's grin faltered for a second, but then he recovered, fury creeping into his eyes. "Use Sludge Bomb!"
Gary's Nidoking spat a stream of poisonous liquid directly at Raul's Pokémon. But Raul was already one step ahead. "Cut throguh the Sludge with Megahorn!"
Raul's Nidoking charged forward with a fierce roar, its horn glowing with an intense energy. It pierced through the poisonous attack, slamming straight into Gary's Nidoking with a powerful boom. Gary's Pokémon staggered back, clearly winded, but it wasn't finished yet. It growled and charged forward again, this time with a desperate Thrash.
Raul's eyes were laser-focused as he dodged and weaved, his mind calculating every movement, every possible attack. "Earthquake!"
The ground beneath them shook violently as Raul's Nidoking slammed its fist into the earth, sending a shockwave that rattled Gary's Nidoking to the core. It fell to its knees, the damage already taking its toll. It could barely move. Gary gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Not bad, but this isn't over!" Gary shouted. "Use Hyper Beam!"
Gary's Nidoking gathered energy, its body radiating with a deadly glow as it charged up for a massive Hyper Beam. Raul didn't hesitate.
"Nidoking show this runt what we are made of! Full Power Megahorn, now!"
Raul's Nidoking, with a roar of defiance, charged forward, its horn gleaming as it slammed into Gary's Nidoking with full force. The blast from the Hyper Beam went off, but it was too late—Raul's Nidoking hit first, knocking Gary's Pokémon into the air and sending it crashing hard into the rocky ground.
Gary's Nidoking lay there, unable to rise. It was over.
Raul's Nidoking stood tall, its stance strong and proud. The victorious is the King!
Gary, his face red with anger, recalled his fallen Pokémon, his arrogance shattered for the first time. He turned to Raul, eyes full of disbelief.
"You… you actually beat me?" Gary spat, his voice thick with resentment.
Raul stood tall, his gaze unwavering. "It's not always about raw power, Gary Oak. It's also about knowing how to use it. Experience, patience, and respect. Maybe next time you'll remember that."
Gary's lips twitched, but he didn't say another word. He turned and stormed off, his pride wounded but unbroken. Raul watched him go, feeling a sense of quiet satisfaction.
It wasn't just about the victory—it was about teaching a lesson. And Raul was more than ready to show that he wasn't the one to be underestimated.
That's when he heard it.
Clapping. Slow, deliberate applause that echoed off the mountain walls, like the sound of something ancient and powerful stirring in the shadows.
Raul froze, the familiar weight of another presence settling in. He turned, scanning the rocky terrain for the source. But there was no one there.
Then, a voice, strong and steady, called from above.
"Look up."
Raul's eyes darted upward, and there, standing atop a sheer rock ledge, was a towering figure. The man was massive, his muscles sculpted like marble, and his expression was one of calm intensity, as if the mountain itself could not shake him. His hair was dark, swept back in a way that almost seemed like a reflection of his power—a man who had fought countless battles, and yet stood unbroken.
Raul's lips curved into a knowing smile. This was it. The one he'd been searching for.
The man's voice rang out again, a tone that carried the weight of experience and wisdom.
"Nice to meet you, young trainer. You and your Pokémon have guts. I'd like to test that fighting spirit myself, if you don't mind."
Raul's grin widened. The words were exactly what he needed to hear.
The man's smile deepened, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. "Oh, sorry. The name's Bruno, by the way. I work for the Pokémon League I guess."
Raul took a step forward, his confidence rising. "Raul. From Canalave City. And I've heard of you, Bruno of the Elite Four! I've always wanted to have a proper battle against you."
Bruno's eyes gleamed with an unmistakable fire, and his smile turned devilish. "A battle, huh? How can I deny a challenger like you? Let's see if you can keep up though. Just having spirit wouldn't be enough to beat me, kid."
Raul couldn't help but laugh. This was exactly what he had been looking for. Not just any battle, but a true test of his abilities after what he learned from Blake. And training against an Elite Four would be the best way to do just that.
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A/N: Another chapter done, hope you guys are enjoying it. Next chapter will be on Saturday, and the Naruto: of Shadows and Sharingans will be released late tomorrow or on Saturday.
Tschuss!