4 Pewter City

Disclaimer:

Pokemon belongs to The Pokémon company, Nintendo, Game freak. Only original characters belong to me.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

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"Finally here!" Misty said with tears in her eyes.

"Pika pii!" Pikachu shared the sentiment.

"Where's your sense of adventure?" Ash laught.

"I'll give you an adventure if we don't find a Pokémon Center." Misty glared.

"Yeah. I'm ten,so no thank you." Ash evaded the hammer strike from an embarrassed redhead.

"If you break my merchandise you'll have to buy it." A man with a suspiciously fake beard appeared from behind a rock.

"Merchandise?" Misty looked puzzeled looking for said items.

"Yes. My famous Pewter stones. You're standing on them by the way." He said.

"You might as well go home to your kids instead of playing around here." Ash didn't look amused when the geezer fell of the rock he was sitting on.

'Did he figure me out? But my disguise is flawless!' The man thought.

"Come on guys I have a Gym to challenge." Ash ignored the stunned face on the stranger and headed down the road with Pikachu and Misty following close by.

"What's your plan for the gym, Ash?" Misty asked.

"Nothing unfortunately. Without a grass water or ground pokémon there's nothing easy I can do. However I've got a plan." Ash assured her.

"Pika?" It was curious just what his trainer was up to.

"But for now let's visit the Pokémon Center. I need to heal up my pokémon."

Ash asked for directions a nearby couple. Thanking them he and Misty continued walking until they reached their destination. Ash gave his pokémon to Nurse Joy and sat down with Pikachu and Misty at the buffet.

"I've registered for the Indigo here." Ash showed his participation certificate on his Pokédex.

"At least you've done the first step. But you should know that earning those badges won't be easy." She said while eating her curry.

"Pika chu." It agreed while finding out ketchup was going to be his favorite condiment.

"You like ketchup that much?" Ash giggled at the squealing in delight electric mouse.

"I know it's not going to be easy Misty. But who said I'll give up." He grinned making a small smile appear on her face.

"Then what's your strategy for the first one?"

"If i had time I'd just teach Pikachu how to use Iron Tail. But I think I'm going to stick to Butterfree for this one." Ash replied.

"Butterfree? But it was a two times weakness. Being a bug and flying type." She shook her head and fork at that.

"Types are crucial in pokémon battles but don't forget about one thing Misty." He looked at her with a cunning smile.

"And what's that?" She poked his nose with a tomato on her fork.

"Moveset Misty. And thanks for the tomato." He playfully dodged her hand.

"Pika pi." It rolled its eyes at their childish antics.

"Okay. Come on Pikachu we have your training to do." Pikachu nodded and jumped on Ash's shoulder.

"I'm going to the spa. I need to wash the bug energy." Misty said.

"See you later then Misty." Ash and Pikachu left the Pokémon Center.

The duo reached a plain with many stones on it. It was great for the training Ash had planned.

"Okay Pikachu. We'll try to learn Iron Tail. It's going to be tough, but I believe in you." He grinned.

"Pika pika." It showed it was ready this a little fist pump.

"So for today we'll have to get you used to swinging that tail at things. It'll hurt at first but you'll push through." He warned his partner.

"Pika!" With determination it began slashing with his tail on a nearby rock.

After a couple of hours of training they returned to the PokéCenter and greeted Misty.

"How was your relax session?" Ash asked at dinner.

"It was magnificent. I loved the flower bath and massage." She said in delight.

"Not surprising since you love water. Speaking of which don't you have more pokémon?" He asked.

"I do, but I left them with my sisters. Apparently they needed them for something." Misty replied.

"Shame. I'd like to see what you have in store." He grinned.

"Who knows maybe you will." She winked.

"I'll try to challenge the local gym leader tomorrow after breakfast. So I'm going to hit the sack early. You coming Pikachu?"

"Pii." It yawned in agreement. It's tail hurting.

Ash took Pikachu into his hands and together with Misty entered a room with bunk beds.

"You want to take a shower or are you good after the SPA?" Ash asked.

"I'll go after you to change. For now I'll give a massage to Pikachu." The pokémon sighed in content from having its back rubbed.

"Lucky bastard." Ash smirked at Misty's blush. And ran into the bathroom to avoid a pillow thrown at him.

The next day Ash took back his rested and healed pokémon from Chansey. After a quick breakfast Ash and Misty reached the gym where he'll hopefully fight the leader. Ash opened the door and darkness awaited him inside. They headed inside with Pikachu in front listing for movement. After their eyes got used to the lack of light they saw the battlefield. Behind it they saw a silhouette of somebody sitting on a rock.

"I came here to challenge the gym leader." Ash said.

"Then you came to the right place." The lights came up and showed the man. He looked about 17 year's old, had a tan and brown hair.

"My name's Brock and I'm the gym leader of Pewter City. I specialize in rock pokémon."

"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet town. I want to challenge you for the badge." Ash walked up to the trainer's box on the floor.

"This will be an official Pokémon League battle. Only two pokémon are allowed by both trainers. The challenger has the right to change his pokémon once between the battles." The nearby referee announced.

"I'll start with Geodude." Brock sent his first pokémon.

"I choose you, Butterfree." Ash sent his first pokémon.

"Aren't you making a mistake Ash?" Brock was puzzeled by this child's decision.

"I would be more concerned with what it can do. Butterfree use Confusion!"

"Friee!" It's eyes turned a shade of blue and an unknown energy grabbed the rock pokémon.

Geodude tried to resist but wasn't able to throw off its bind.

"Butterfree remove Geodude from the field." Butterfree used its psychic move to get the other pokémon out of bounds.

"Geodude was removed from the battlefield. Because of that it's disqualified and the first victory goes to Ash." The referee whistled the first round.

"Go Ash! I didn't even know Butterfree could learn that attack." Misty said in awe.

"Pika pi." Pikachu cheered its trainer on.

"Well played Ash. But don't think the same strategy will work with this one. Onix I choose you!"

"Roar!" The giant rocksnake towered Butterfree who was flying in the air.

"Butterfree rise as much as possible and dodge its attacks!"

"Don't allow it Onix. Rock throw and try to bind it."

Butterfree being a small creature was able to avoid being hit. But it was a close call when the second barrage started.

"Use sleep powder on Onix!"

"Frie frie!" Bluish powder was released from its wings. The stone behemoth started to fell drowsy.

"Onix use dig to avoid it!" Brock didn't expect how lucky Butterfree was in dodging.

"Roar!" Onix quickly made way under ground to escape the attack.

"Butterfree use a mix of Gust and Sleep Powder into the hole!" Ash ordered.

"Onix Sandstorm now!" A wave of sand dispelled the sleeping winds.

"You're quite the strategist Ash." Brock smiled.

"You're not bad yourself Brock. But there can only be one winner." Ash replied.

"And it'll be me. Onix shoot down Butterfree with rock throw!" Rocks shot through the air.

"Get lower to dodge them Butterfree!"

"That's what I was waiting for. Onix dig up and finish the battle.

"Use Stun Powder!" Ash said his last order.

Butterfree cast the paralyzing flakes into the air but unfortunately it got hit by Onix. But the snake didn't get out of the skirmish without complications. It got paralyzed by the last minute attack.

"Butterfree is unable to battle. Challenger please choose your last pokémon.

"Pikachu it's time."

"Pika Pikachu." It jumped to the field. Determination seen in its eyes.

"Although your last attack did a number on my Onix, but your Pikachu won't be able to hurt it at all." Brock shook his head in disappointment.

"Currently that's true. Because I haven't had enough time to train the out for this situation. However there's still something I can do. Pikachu shoot your Thunderbolt in the air."

Pikachu was confused by this but still followed the command.

"Pika, Chu!" The bolt hit the ceiling. On the way there it also fried the sprinkler system. Making it rain in the building.

"Roar!" Onix roared in pain from being paralyzed and from the water pouring on him.

"Pikachu finish Onix off with Thunder!"

"Pi-ka-chuu!" A beam of electricity hit Onix's horn making the giant tremble in pain until it finally passed out.

"Onix is unable to battle. The challenger wins!"

"Unbelievable, Ash actually won against all odds." Misty cheered.

"Aha ha. We did it. Nice job Pikachu." Ash catched Pikachu and spinned in happiness.

"Nice job Ash. Although technically the last fight was kind of a trick." Brock approached the duo.

"Not to mention the first round technicality." Ash grinned.

"That's why he didn't win!" A boy suddenly exclaimed. Suspiciously similar to Brock.

"Our brother would never lose." A small girl appeared with a toddler in hand.

"Bah boy!" The baby also had a problem.

"Enough. Forrest, Yolanda. Hi there little Tilly." He took the baby sister into his hands inciting laughter in her.

"I'm so sorry for my siblings, Ash. Why did you come here. Was there something the matter? Brock asked them.

"Well Salvadore hit Billy again. Suzie and Cindy had a breakdown. Nothing new big brother." Forest scratched his head.

"That's quite the family you have there Brock." Misty came up with Ash and Pikachu.

"Yeah. All in all there's nine of us." Brock sighed.

"Almost two basketball teams." Ash added.

"Pika pi." Pikachu nodded.

"And just how do you know basketball Pikachu." Ash asked with a lowered brow.

"Pika pika pi." Pikachu out of nowhere took out a cap and big foam finger with a Roaring Thunders logo.

"Yeah. We're going to talk about where you were keeping that all this time." Ash looked amused with his partner's antics.

"Do you need help Brock? We can help you?" Misty offered.

"I'd be grateful." Brock gave a small smile.

"Wow Brock. You're an amazing cook. Can I keep you?" Stars filled Ash's eyes with each bite he took.

"Thank you. Years of experience." Brock replied.

"Yep. From when we remember big brother always made us food." Forest puffed up with pride.

"Best cook ever." Suzie chimed in. And the rest of the siblings cheered making Brock blush.

"I am impressed Brock. So many flavors and spices I can't even name." Misty complimented.

"Yeah. Big bro wants to become a pokémon breeder. That's why he meticulously experimented with lots of spices." Yolanda added while feeding Billy and Tilly.

"A pokémon breeder? That's amazing. But why are you a gym leader then? Won't it take too much of your time?" Ash asked.

"He doesn't want to." Shouted Salvadore.

"Behave at the table." Brock patted his little brother's head.

"Why's that?" Misty asked.

"Brock has to raise us in place of our good for nothing parents." Forest's reply made the children silent. Some of them wanted to cry.

"Quick Pikachu, do the shuffle." Pikachu broke down a couple of sick dance moves making the children laugh.

"Yeah. I'm definitely going to ask where he gets that from." Ash and Misty looked bemused at Pikachu's running man form.

"What happened Brock with your parents?" Ash asked him on the side.

"They ran away. Chasing their own dreams." He sighed.

Nearby a shadow could be seen looking through the window. Silently so he could not be caught.

"Do they at least call?"

"No. It's as if they've forgotten they had us. Father was the former gym leader. While mother was a movie star with a model carrier. It's sad that they know here more from TV than in real life." Brock looked at his animated siblings playing catch with Pikachu. Did they have a ball?

"Seems unfair to your dream Brock. A parent shouldn't chase their own by sacrificing their children's." Ash shook his head and looked towards the window.

'Wierd. I thought I saw something.' He mused.

"Doesn't change the fact that I'm the oldest so their wellbeing falls into my hands." Brock looked at his siblings with love. A tired smile lingered on his face.

"Don't worry Brock. I bet that one day the experience you've gained at the gym and in your home will make you the best breeder and caretaker of pokémon." Misty added.

"Thanks for believing in me you two." A sniffle came out of Brock.

After a busy noon in Brock's household it was finally time to say goodbye.

"Thanks for the hospitality Brock." Misty said.

"Before we all forget. Here Ash, the Boulder badge." Brock handed it to Ash.

"Amazing. My first badge of the Indigo League." Ash jumped in happiness with Pikachu. Making the rest smile.

"Hopefully we meet again Brock." Ash said.

"Pika pi." It gave a thumbs up to the man.

"Yeah." Brock said with a low smile.

Ash and Misty were getting ready for the next part of the journey at the PokéCenter. Butterfree was already healed up and there was no need for lunch. They packed their belongings and headed towards the next route.

Meanwhile at Brock's house a doorbell sounded off.

"I'm coming." Brock opened the door and saw an old man with a beard. Ut was the same person that sold rocks.

"How can I help you, sir?" He looked oddly familiar.

"No, how can I help you, son?" The stranger took off his beard. Reveling a familiar face. A mirror of Brock's own.

"Father!" Disbelief and anger filled Brock at the same time. What was the geezer up to now.

"I came home son. This time I'm not leaving." Flint his father said.

"But why now?" He couldn't believe this was true.

"Because a young boy opened my eyes to how cruel and foolish I behaved. I was ashamed to return after I failed at my dream Brock. But I won't allow for you to never even try at your own." Flint hugged his son.

"You mean I can go and chase my dream?" Brock teared up.

"Yes son. Go and get it. But remember that even if it fails you'll have us here waiting for you." Flint patted his back.

"Good. Then I'm leaving now. Here're the things that you should know." A mischievous glint flashed in Brock's eyes. Making the father shudder.

Ash and Misty were at the beginning of route 3.

"A shame Brock can't chase his dream." Misty said.

"Pika pika." It agreed. Still remembering how good his food was.

"I'd likento think that good actions eventually get rewarded." Ash said said two the suspiciously looking at him duo.

"What?" He asked.

"Are you really ten, Mr. Ketchum?" Misty scrutinized the boy.

"Pika pika. Pikachu." The electric mouse looked at Ash through a looking glass.

"Someone here has to be the adult." Ash dodged a hammer swing from Misty.

"I'll show you who's older. Come back here Ash Ketchum." She ran after him.

"I thought girls don't like to be reminded how old they were." He dashed away from the angry redhead.

"You'll treat me like a lady." She continued the chase.

"Man Pikachu. Is it that day?" Pikachu shrugged while hanging on to Ash's shoulder.

"I heard that Ash Ketchum. You still owe me my bike." They continued running.

"Wait up!" A familiar voice reached their ears. It was Brock.

"Hi Brock. Did something happen? Misty asked after hiding her weapon. Wouldn't want to ruin her image.

"You're a life saver Brock." Ash hid behind the young man.

"Aren't you two lively. It seems the both of you need a supervisor. Thankfully that's where I come in." Brock smiled.

"You have a backpack. Does that mean you're coming with us?" Ash asked with hope in his eyes.

"Pika pi?" Pikachu had stars in its eyes.

"That's right. My dad showed up and took over the gym." He grinned.

"That's great Brock. Finally someone to keep this midget in check." Misty huffed.

'Be careful for what you wish for Misty.' Ash had a mischievous grin. Making Pikachu confused.

"Well since everbody's here then let's continue our journey." Ash fist pumped.

"What's the next destination?" Misty asked.

"The guide says Mount Moon." Brock replied.

"I wonder if we'll find a Clefairy." Ash muttered.

"Pika?" It looked curiously at his trainer while they continued on their way.