The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Rael and Eira emerged from the Pokémon Center in Green City, ready to begin their journey to Pewter. Pewter City, known for its rocky landscapes and famous Pokémon Museum, was home to Brock's Gym, a leader renowned for his prowess with rock-type Pokémon. Rael knew that facing him would be a great challenge, especially with Eevee, a Pokémon that had no advantage over rock types.
Despite the difficulty, Rael felt a newfound confidence after his victory against Daven. He knew that the journey was not only about the battles, but the bond he continued to build with Eevee and future Pokémon that would join his team.
-So, do you have any plans to take on Brock? -Eira asked as they walked down the path that led to the mountains near Pewter.
Rael looked at her, feeling the weight of the question. Since they had decided to go to Pewter, he had been thinking about different strategies, but none of them seemed completely safe.
-I'm still thinking about it," Rael admitted. I know Eevee will be key, but I also want to capture some Pokémon that will give us an advantage against their rock types. Maybe a water or plant-type Pokémon.
Eira nodded, thoughtfully.
-Bulbasaur has an advantage, so I can back you up on that. But if you plan on catching more Pokémon, this is a good place to start. I've heard there's a wide variety of wild Pokémon in the nearby hills.
Rael smiled.
-That's exactly what I had in mind. I want to see what we can find before we get to Pewter.
The road leading to Pewter went into a mountainous area, with green hills and small valleys between the rocks. It was rugged terrain, but full of life. They had already spotted some wild Pokémon in the distance, such as Rattata and Pidgey, but Rael was looking for something more suitable for their battle against Brock.
-Eevee, are you ready? -Rael asked as his faithful companion trotted alongside him.
Eevee barked excitedly, showing that he was as eager as he was for what was to come. As they walked, Rael began to notice small puddles of water near a stream that ran along the path. This type of terrain could attract water Pokémon, which made him more alert.
After walking for a while, Eira suddenly stopped, raising her hand.
-Look! -she said quietly, pointing to a Pokémon drinking from the stream.
Rael followed the direction of her finger and saw a small Poliwag splashing in the water. The Pokémon's round, bluish body quivered as it slurped water with its swirling mouth. Rael felt his heart pounding. A water Pokémon like Poliwag would be a great ally against Brock's rock Pokémon.
-It's perfect," Rael whispered, pulling out a Poké Ball and preparing Eevee for capture.
Eira watched him carefully, ready to help if needed.
-Be careful, Poliwag can be fast," she warned him. You don't want it to escape into the water.
Rael nodded, approaching slowly so as not to frighten the Pokémon. He knew he would have only one chance to get this right.
-Eevee, let's approach slowly," he whispered.
Eevee moved cautiously, following Rael's instructions. When they were close enough, Poliwag looked up and its big round eyes met Rael's. It was time.
-Eevee, use fast attack! -Rael commanded.
Eevee shot out at Poliwag, hitting it before it could react. Poliwag staggered backwards, surprised by the attack, but quickly recovered and counterattacked with a stream of water that hit Eevee directly.
-Eevee, dodge and use bite! -Rael shouted.
Eevee nimbly jumped aside, dodging the attack, and launched a precise bite at Poliwag. The small water Pokémon fell back, weakened by the blows. Rael knew this was the moment.
-Poké Ball, go! -Rael threw the Poké Ball with precision, and it hit Poliwag before the Pokémon could escape into the stream. The red and white sphere shook several times as Rael and Eira watched expectantly.
The distinctive sound of the capture confirmed that Poliwag was now part of Rael's team.
-You did it! -Eira exclaimed, smiling enthusiastically, "You captured a Poliwag!
Rael ran to the Poké Ball and picked it up, feeling a mixture of excitement and relief.
-We did it, Eevee," he said as he looked at his faithful companion, who seemed just as excited as he was. Now we have a new friend to help us in the battle against Brock.
Poliwag got out of his Poké Ball and moved restlessly next to Rael and Eevee. Although he was still a bit wary, Rael knew that they would eventually build a strong connection, just like with Eevee.
Eira reached over and patted Poliwag on the head.
-This little guy will be a big help. With its water type, you have a good chance against the rock Pokémon.
Rael nodded. The team was growing, and although there was still a long way to go, he now felt more prepared for what was to come. As they continued their journey to Pewter, they stopped several times to train Poliwag, having it practice its moves and synchronizing it with Eevee so they could battle as a team.
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After several hours of walking and training, they began to spot the imposing rocks that marked the entrance to Pewter City. The mountains surrounding the city gave it a fortified appearance, and Rael could see in the distance the famous museum that attracted trainers and archeologists alike.
-There it is," said Eira, pointing to the horizon. Pewter City.
Rael felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. They were about to face their first major gym, a challenge that would test everything they had learned so far.
-Before we go to the gym, we should explore the city a bit and make sure we are fully prepared," Rael suggested.
Eira nodded, agreeing with the idea. They knew the battle against Brock would not be easy, but with their team strengthened and their bond stronger than ever, Rael felt they were ready to face him.