Chapter 33: Punit and Alisha's Plans

The air in Pewter City's Pokémon Center carried the faint scent of antiseptic and determination, a mix of the usual hustle that came with trainers passing through. I sat near the wide glass window, watching the world go by with a sense of calm I rarely let break. Pikachu stood on the table in front of me, trying to amuse himself by mimicking the occasional battle sounds from the nearby healing stations.

Across from me, Ivysaur and Pidgeotto tangled in what could only be described as a mock battle, each trying to outmaneuver the other with half-hearted jabs. 

That was when I heard it—the unmistakable sound of Alisha.

Her footsteps were light but urgent, like a bolt of playful lightning zipping through the Center. Before I could look up, she threw herself onto the sofa beside me with a dramatic huff, practically shoving me aside. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Punit!" she chirped, nudging me. "Why are we still here? I thought we were supposed to battle Flint today?"

I shrugged, keeping my face neutral as I took another sip of water. "You can go ahead if you're so eager. Maybe you'll make it before the gym closes."

Alisha pouted, crossing her arms. "You're so boring sometimes. Where's the fun?"

I glanced sideways, just catching the flash of mischief in her eyes. "Fun? This is the same girl who won't stop asking me about marriage."

She laughed, leaning in far too close for comfort. "You're always playing hard to get." Her voice dipped with teasing mockery. "So, are we getting married today?"

I rolled my eyes. "We'll talk about it later."

"Sure, Punit, always later with you," she grumbled but smiled anyway. "But, seriously, let's go. I heard Brock's dad is running the gym now. That means a challenge worth our time."

I leaned back, watching her Squirtle, Splash, roll around with my Ivysaur like a toddler trying to outdo a big brother. "Yeah, I heard," I muttered, disinterested. "Flint's no joke."

Alisha's eyes narrowed. "How do you always know everything?"

"I'm resourceful," I said with a smirk, tapping the stylish black sling bag on my side. "And I plan ahead. You should try it sometime."

A moment later, a well-dressed man entered the Pokémon Center, scanning the room before locking eyes with me. He approached, bowing slightly. "Sir Punit, your order has arrived."

I nodded. "Perfect timing. Just leave it here." As he unloaded a batch of supplies—mostly Pokéballs, potions, and some high-grade Revives—Alisha watched, wide-eyed.

"How much did you 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳? Are we setting up a whole Pokémon hospital or something?"

"I don't like having to restock in every town." I zipped up my bag once the man left, feeling the familiar weight of preparation settle on my shoulders.

Once packed, I recalled Ivysaur and Pikachu back into their Pokéballs. Pidgeotto, however, remained stubborn, perched on my shoulder as if it had been born there. I raised an eyebrow. "Not today, huh?"

Pidgeotto ruffled its feathers proudly. I wasn't about to argue.

Alisha rolled her eyes and scooped up her Pikachu, grinning like she had just won a personal victory. "Alright, let's go get that Boulder Badge."

She practically danced toward the gym, her Pokémon bouncing beside her. I followed at my own pace, Pidgeotto adjusting its weight on my shoulder with a regal air. There was no rush; I was confident in what was coming.

When we arrived, the gym stood as imposing as ever, a monolith of stone and challenge. The jagged rocks embedded in the walls reflected the fierce nature of those who battled here. I ran my hand along the cool surface as I pushed the doors open. Alisha shot ahead of me, her eyes already scanning for our opponent.

A gravelly voice echoed through the dimly lit gym. "Are you two here for a gym battle?"

Flint stepped into the light, his eyes intense yet calm, a veteran trainer if there ever was one. His grizzled appearance betrayed years of battles, countless victories, and losses. 

I smirked. "We're here for the Boulder Badge."

Flint grinned, crossing his arms. "Good. I'm in the mood for a real challenge. One-on-one or two-on-two?"

Alisha jumped in before I could respond. "One-on-one! And I'm going first."

I took a step back, leaning against the jagged wall, arms crossed as I prepared to enjoy the show. "All yours," I muttered, popping a piece of popcorn from my bag into my mouth.

Flint wasted no time, sending out his Rhydon. The ground trembled under its weight as the hulking beast took its position on the battlefield, stone skin glinting in the gym's lights.

Alisha's confidence didn't waver. "Go, Splash!" she called, tossing her Pokéball into the air. Her Squirtle appeared in a flash of blue, bouncing with energy.

"Rhydon, Bulldoze!" Flint ordered, his voice booming.

Rhydon stomped, sending shockwaves through the ground. Splash barely managed to keep his footing, skidding backward.

Alisha's eyes gleamed with determination. "Splash, Aqua Jet, now! Dodge it and hit him with Water Pulse!"

In a blur of motion, Splash rocketed forward, propelled by a stream of water. Rhydon's attack missed, and the Squirtle launched a spiraling blast of water at Rhydon's side. The impact echoed through the gym, forcing Flint's Rhydon to stagger, though it remained standing.

I raised an eyebrow. "Not bad," I muttered under my breath.

Flint grunted. "Rock Blast."

Chunks of rock fired from Rhydon's massive arms, each one hurtling toward Splash with deadly precision.

"Withdraw!" Alisha commanded. Splash pulled into his shell just in time, the rocks bouncing harmlessly off. "Now, Rapid Spin!"

The Squirtle spun out of its shell like a top, slamming into Rhydon's legs with a surprising amount of force. The giant Pokémon grunted but didn't fall.

Alisha's brow furrowed. "He's strong, but I know we can do this, Splash."

Flint's eyes narrowed. "Rhydon, Horn Attack!"

Rhydon charged, horn gleaming like a spear aimed straight for Squirtle.

Alisha was ready. "Bite his horn, then Aqua Ring!"

Splash leapt into the air, his teeth glowing as he clamped down on Rhydon's horn, stopping the attack cold. Rhydon roared in frustration, but Splash jumped back, a shimmering ring of water surrounding him, healing his wounds slowly.

Flint's stoic face cracked into a smile. "You've got skill, kid."

I chuckled. "Alisha, beat him and I'll take you to dinner."

She flashed me a wicked grin. "Better make it a fancy one."

Flint's expression hardened. "Rhydon, Earthquake, then Stone Edge!"

The ground shook beneath Squirtle, throwing him off balance. As he tried to recover, jagged pillars of stone shot up around him, pinning him in place.

"Splash, Aqua Jet and Water Gun, full power!" Alisha's voice rang out, steady despite the chaos.

With a burst of water, Splash launched himself out of the stone prison, barreling toward Rhydon with all the speed he could muster. His Water Gun hit Rhydon dead in the face, knocking the towering beast backward.

With a groan, Rhydon collapsed.

Silence fell over the gym for a moment before Flint chuckled. "That's some Squirtle you've got there."

Alisha smirked, rubbing Splash's head affectionately. "We make a good team."

I pushed myself off the wall, brushing some dust from my jacket. "Alright, Flint. My turn." 

As I stepped into the battlefield, the weight of Pidgeotto still on my shoulder, Alisha's voice echoed behind me. "Don't forget that dinner!"

I ignored her playful jab, focusing on Flint's calculating stare. This was going to be fun.