The Pewter Challenge
The imposing city of Pewter finally stood before Rael and Eira. The great mountains that surrounded it seemed to protect it, while the streets stretched between stone houses and stores dedicated to mining and Pokémon history. As they made their way through the city, one could feel the atmosphere of harshness emanating from its inhabitants. Everything in Pewter spoke of earth, rock and toil.
-It's unbelievable... -Rael murmured, looking at the buildings and the famous museum that dominated one of the highest hills in the city. I always wanted to come here.
-Yes, it's like everything is connected to nature," Eira added, admiring the carved rocks and the paths that zigzagged up the mountains.
But as much as the city impressed them, they both had a clear goal in mind: Pewter's gym and its leader, Brock. After questioning some passersby, they arrived at the imposing gym building. The entrance was flanked by two statues of Onix, the leader's flagship Pokémon. Rael felt a knot in his stomach. He had dreamed of this moment, but now that he was so close, nerves began to surface.
-Don't worry, Rael," Eira said, noticing the tension in his face. You've trained hard. Poliwag is in excellent shape, and Eevee trusts you completely. You're ready.
Rael nodded, inhaling deeply. He knew it was normal to be nervous, but he couldn't afford to hesitate now. With Eira by his side and his Pokémon ready, he felt stronger than ever.
-Let's do it," he said, and they both entered the gym.
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The inside of the gym was even more impressive than the outside. Large boulders and scree formed the battlefield, recreating a mountainous landscape ideal for rock-type Pokémon. In the center of the arena, Brock was waiting for them. He was tall and muscular, with a serious but friendly expression. Beside him, a huge Onix rested, its stone body stretched across the field.
-Welcome to Pewter's gym! -Brock exclaimed, his voice echoing in the wide space. I hear you're here to challenge me, Rael. Are you ready?
Rael swallowed. The stories about Brock were no exaggerations. The gym leader commanded respect for both his prowess and the strength of his Pokémon. But Rael knew he couldn't back down now.
-Yes, I'm ready! -he replied with determination.
Brock smiled slightly, as if he appreciated Rael's courage.
-All right, then. As Pewter's gym leader, I accept your challenge. But I warn you, my rock-type Pokémon will not be easy to defeat. Be prepared for a tough battle.
Rael took a deep breath. This would be the most important battle he had faced so far. He looked at Eira, who gave him a supportive nod, then pulled out his first Poké Ball.
-Come on, Poliwag! -Rael shouted as he threw the Poké Ball.
The small water Pokémon appeared on the field, its round, blue body glowing under the lights of the gym. Poliwag looked around, analyzing the rocky terrain with determination. Rael had spent hours training with him for this moment. He knew Poliwag would be key to defeating Brock's rock-type Pokémon.
Brock, calm and confident, threw his own Poké Ball.
-Geodude, I choose you!
The rock Pokémon appeared on the field, floating in the air with its fists raised high in the air. Its stone body was hard and tough, and Rael knew it would be a formidable opponent.
-Polywag, start with Water Gun! -Rael commanded, confident in his Pokémon's type advantage.
Poliwag quickly launched a stream of water straight at Geodude. The attack hit full force, knocking the rock Pokémon back slightly. Although Geodude was tough, water was its weakness, and Rael knew it.
Brock didn't seem to flinch.
-Geodude, use Iron Defense! -he commanded, and Geodude's body shimmered as it stiffened, preparing to resist the coming attacks.
Rael knew he couldn't let Geodude get too strong. He had to stay on the offensive.
-Poliwag, keep up with Bubble!
The little Poliwag launched a flurry of bubbles that burst on contact with Geodude. The rock-type Pokémon tried to resist, but finally fell to the ground, weakened by the water attacks.
-Geodude, you can't continue! -announced the referee.
Rael felt a wave of relief and excitement. He had defeated Brock's first Pokémon, but he knew the hardest part was yet to come.
Brock, showing no sign of concern, threw his second Poké Ball.
-Onix, it's your turn!
The huge Onix appeared on the field, its rock body shaking the ground as it moved. It was much larger than any other Pokémon Rael had faced, and its presence was intimidating.
Rael knew that Poliwag was at a disadvantage due to Onix's size, but he couldn't afford to back down.
-Poliwag, use Water Gun again!
Poliwag launched another stream of water towards Onix, but Brock was ready.
-Onix, use Dig!
Before the attack could reach him, Onix dove underground, disappearing in an instant. Rael looked around, knowing that Onix could appear at any moment.
-Poliwag, stay alert," said Rael, but before he could do anything, Onix emerged from the ground just below Poliwag, hitting him hard.
Poliwag rolled on the ground, clearly hurt, but Rael knew he could still fight.
-Poliwag, don't give up, use Bubble again!
Poliwag, though weakened, launched a flurry of bubbles that hit Onix. The rock Pokémon staggered for a moment, but it was still standing, its stamina was impressive.
Rael bit her lip. He knew Poliwag couldn't take much more. He looked at Eira, who beckoned him to trust himself.
-I trust you, Poliwag! One last Water Gun!
Poliwag gathered all his strength and launched a powerful stream of water straight at Onix's face. The attack hit hard, and the rock giant roared before falling to the ground, unable to continue.
-Onix cannot continue! -announced the referee, "Rael is the winner!
Rael's heart was pounding. He couldn't believe it. He had defeated Brock, his first great gym leader.
Brock, with a smile, walked towards him.
-You're a great trainer, Rael. You have a strong bond with your Pokémon, and that's what led you to victory today. You deserve this.
Brock extended a hand, holding out the Rock Medal. Rael took it proudly, feeling that this was just the beginning of his journey as a Pokémon trainer.