Chapter 7: Pewter City Gym
Alex stepped out of the Pokémon Center, his excitement building as he made his way toward the Pewter Gym. This wasn't just any battle it was his first Gym challenge, a milestone in his journey. However, he couldn't shake the thought of Brock, the Gym Leader he'd hoped to face.
"It makes sense he left with Ash," Alex mused aloud. "Ash is aiming to be a Pokémon Master, and Brock's knowledge as a breeder would be invaluable to him." Alex admired Brock's decision but felt a twinge of disappointment. "Still, if Flint is anything like Brock, this will be a tough challenge."
The Pewter Gym loomed ahead, its exterior rugged and imposing. As Alex entered, he was greeted by an arena filled with jagged rock formations. A man with scruffy brown hair and an easygoing demeanor stood near the center, adjusting a light fixture.
"You're here for a Gym battle, aren't you?" the man asked, smiling warmly.
Alex nodded. "Yeah! Is Brock here?"
The man chuckled. "I'm Flint, Brock's father. Brock's traveling with a trainer named Ash Ketchum, so I'm filling in as the Gym Leader for now."
Alex's eyes widened. "That's amazing! I guess I'll be battling you, then."
Flint nodded, his expression turning serious but friendly. "Let me explain the rules. This is a two-on-two battle. You can switch your Pokémon, but I can't. Ready to give it a go?"
Alex felt a surge of determination. "Absolutely."
The referee stepped forward, raising a green and white flag. "Trainers, take your positions! The Gym battle is about to begin!"
Flint threw his Pokéball high into the air. "Let's get this started! Onix, show them your strength!"
In a flash of light, the massive Rock Snake Pokémon appeared. Its segmented body of boulders glinted in the light, and its roar echoed across the gym.
Alex quickly grabbed his Pokédex and scanned the towering Pokémon.
Pokédex Entry:
Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. As it grows, the stone portions of its body harden to become similar to diamond, but colored black.
The system chimed in Alex's mind.
System Analysis:
Onix (Level 14)
Potential: Advanced
Alex couldn't help but grin. "A strong opponent for sure."
Flint eyed Alex's Pokéball as he tossed it. "What about you? What Pokémon will you use?"
"Dratini, I choose you!"
Dratini appeared in a flash of light, coiling gracefully on the rocky floor. Its sapphire eyes gleamed with determination, and its elegant, serpentine body shimmered.
Flint's jaw dropped slightly. "A Dratini? That's incredible! They're rare, and to have one this strong at your age… you must be a gifted trainer."
Alex smiled, his confidence growing. "Let's just say I've been lucky."
The referee raised his flag. "Battle, begin!"
"Onix, use Rock Throw!" Flint commanded.
The massive Pokémon reared back, launching chunks of rock at Dratini with tremendous force.
"Dratini, dodge and use Dragon Breath!" Alex called.
Dratini slithered nimbly across the rocky terrain, evading the incoming boulders. Opening its mouth, it released a shimmering stream of dragon energy. The attack struck Onix squarely, causing it to grunt and shift its massive body.
Flint raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Not bad. Onix, Bind!"
The giant Pokémon lunged forward, attempting to trap Dratini in its coils.
Alex's eyes widened. "Dratini, you can't use Wrap here. It's too big! Dodge and counter with Water Pulse!"
Dratini leapt gracefully to the side, narrowly avoiding Onix's crushing bind. Gathering energy, it unleashed a sphere of water that struck Onix directly. The super-effective hit caused Onix to roar in pain, steam rising from its rocky hide.
Flint's expression grew serious. "You've trained that Dratini well, but this isn't over yet. Onix, Tackle!"
Onix barreled forward, aiming to crush its smaller opponent.
"Dratini, dodge and use Dragon Rage! Finish it off!" Alex shouted.
Dratini deftly moved aside, its body glowing faintly as it released a surge of fiery dragon energy. The attack hit Onix square in the chest, sending the massive Pokémon crashing to the ground with a thunderous impact.
The referee raised his flag. "Onix is unable to battle! Dratini wins!"
Alex grinned, rushing to praise his Pokémon. "You were amazing, Dratini! I knew you could do it!"
Flint recalled Onix, smiling. "That's some rare talent you've got there. I'm looking forward to seeing how far you go."
The system chimed in Alex's mind.
EXP Gained!
Dratini leveled up twice!
Dratini is now Level 13!
As Alex waited for Flint to call out his next Pokémon, he couldn't help but reflect on the journey so far. Brock's absence made him realize how much he admired the older trainer, but it also fueled his determination to carve out his own path.
Dratini slithered back to Alex's side, looking tired but proud. Alex knelt, gently patting its head. "You're incredible, Dratini. Let's rest a moment before we take on the next challenge."
To be continued...
Updated Status
Trainer Status: Alex
Items in System Inventory:9x Pokéballs7x Potions8x Antidotes7x Super PotionsTrainer's Charm (Deactivated)Fire-type Food (12 servings remaining)Dragon-type Food (12 servings remaining)Basic Map of Kanto Region1x Potential Increase Card100,000 Poké Dollars
Pokémon Status
Litleo
Level: 17
Potential: Divine
Type: Fire/Normal
Ability: Rivalry
Known Moves: Tackle, Growl, Ember, Bite, Flame Charge, Noble Roar, Headbutt, Work Up
Condition: Healthy and eager to prove itself.
Dratini
Level: 13
Potential: Elite
Type: Dragon
Ability: Shed Skin
Known Moves:Wrap, Leer, Dragon Rage, Dragon Breath, Water Pulse
Condition: Fatigued but victorious, proud of its performance.4o