17. Boulder Badge

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"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"

"Bulba!!"

Bulbasaur shook the dust off its body, stretched out two vines from its bud, and snapped them forward, landing a heavy blow on Geodude.

Geodude took several hits, wincing in pain. Seeing that his Pokémon was struggling, Brock called out quickly, "This isn't going to work, Geodude! Close the distance and use Rollout!"

Geodude pulled in its fists, spun rapidly, transformed into a stone ball, and rolled toward Bulbasaur at high speed.

Trying to close the distance to avoid Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf, huh?

Kai shouted decisively, "Don't let it close in, wrap it with Vine Whip!"

However, Geodude was too fast. After dodging the vines a few times, it managed to hit Bulbasaur.

Unfortunately, since Rollout is a Rock-type move, it only dealt limited damage to Bulbasaur.

As soon as the rolling stopped, Bulbasaur seized the opportunity, lifting Geodude high with Vine Whip and suspending it midair.

"Time to end this! Bulbasaur, use Razor Leaf!"

At close range, the Razor Leaf hit Geodude head-on. This time, Geodude completely lost its fighting ability, falling to the ground as if sinking to the bottom of the sea, motionless.

As he recalled Geodude, Brock's face grew serious, realizing that he couldn't rely on type advantage or brute strength.

"It's clear from the battle that you're a strategic trainer," Brock acknowledged with a nod. "But if you want the Boulder Badge, you'll need to defeat this next Pokémon. Go, Onix!"

"Rrrrhhhhh! Grrruuummmmhh!"

Seeing Onix take the field, Kai recalled Bulbasaur and sent out Squirtle.

"It's up to you, Squirtle!"

"Squirtle, Squirt!"

Perhaps having learned from the previous encounter, Brock wasted no time. "Onix, use Rock Throw!"

Onix raised its massive body and opened its mouth wide. In an instant, numerous large rocks materialized and rained down toward Squirtle.

"Squirtle, withdraw into your shell!"

Following Kai's command, Squirtle quickly pulled its head and limbs inside its shell.

A moment later, a rock crashed down, only to bounce off the sturdy shell.

"Now's our chance!" Brock's eyes flashed. "Onix, use Bind!"

While Squirtle was still in its shell, Onix moved in quickly, wrapped its tail around Squirtle, and squeezed it tightly.

The pressure was so strong that even the shell began to emit a creaking sound.

In the stands, Misty's heart was pounding, and Ash's eyes widened, eager to see how Kai would respond.

In the battle area, Kai remained calm. "Squirtle, use Rapid Spin!"

"Squiiiiirrrrttt-leee!"

Squirtle's shell began vibrating, and then the rotation intensified, colliding with Onix's body. In a burst of force, Squirtle spun free of Onix's grip like a top.

Rapid Spin, a Normal-type physical move, not only dealt damage but allowed Squirtle to escape binding moves and Leech Seed!

As Onix was left briefly stunned, Kai seized the moment. "Squirtle, use Water Gun!"

Brock hesitated just a fraction too long, and by the time he reacted, Onix had already been hit by the Water Gun.

Water is super effective against Rock and ground types!

With a pained roar, Onix struggled. Brock ordered, "Onix, dig underground!"

Who would have expected a giant like Onix to use its head to burrow through the rocks and soil and disappear underground?

The battlefield fell silent as Squirtle kept its eyes sharp, watching for any movement.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Squirtle split open, and Onix lunged up. But Kai was prepared.

He knew that Dig was an ambush move. As Onix emerged at Squirtle's feet, Kai shouted, "Squirtle, use Bubble!"

A stream of bubbles erupted from Squirtle's mouth, quickly surrounding Onix.

The bubbles not only clouded Onix's vision but also dealt continuous Water-type damage.

Kai thrust his hand forward. "Now, let's end this! Squirtle, use Water Gun!"

"Squirt! Squirtle!"

Squirtle looked up at the towering Onix, fearless. It opened its mouth and blasted a powerful Water Gun.

"Rrrruuuhhh...crrrkkkk..."

With a resounding crash, Onix fell to the ground, defeated!

Clap, clap, clap!

The applause filled the gym as Brock recalled his fainted Onix and walked up to Kai, a sincere expression on his face. "You were incredible. I fully accept my defeat."

"Oh, it's nothing," Kai said modestly. "I just had a type advantage. If it were a different Pokémon, it wouldn't have been this easy."

In reality, Brock's strength was not as high as other Gym Leaders. With both parents gone, he had been responsible for his nine younger siblings from a young age, cooking and caring for them, which limited his time for Pokémon training.

Though stronger than most trainers, he wasn't unbeatable.

Brock stepped aside and took out a badge from a box, handing it to Kai.

"This is the Boulder Badge. As a reward for completing the challenge, I present it to you now."

The badge, shaped like a cut diamond, shone brightly even in its dark grey colour.

Finally, the second badge of the Indigo League!

After placing the badge in his badge case, Kai praised his two Pokémon and turned to look for Misty and Ash.

However, he noticed Ash and Pikachu were nowhere to be found, with only Misty waiting for him.

"Huh? Where's Ash?"

Misty shrugged. "He saw how easily you won and seemed a bit down. He ran out without a word and didn't look back. No idea where he went."

Kai chuckled. "Don't worry. Knowing him, he's probably off doing some intense training somewhere. Even if we don't find him now, I'm sure he'll be back soon to challenge this Gym again."

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