Chapter 15: The Badge and the TM
In Pewter Gym, Ash and Brock's Gym battle continues. Ash took the first win—now it's 1–0!
Facing Ash's aggressive challenge, Brock sent out the Pokémon that has served as his ace in every stage of his career—Onix!
"Alright then, are you going to switch Pokémon?" Brock folded his arms. "In Gym battles, switching between your own Pokémon to respond with the most advantageous matchup is also a very important part of learning.
You should be familiar with type advantages, right?"
Ash gave a strange little grin and rubbed his nose. "Of course. I've memorized the type chart inside-out…
But that's not the main point! Squirtle, come back. Ivysaur, it's your turn!"
With a flash, the Poké Ball switched—Ivysaur, with its strong limbs and vibrant flower bud, appeared on the field.
"A Grass-type, huh. Certainly a good choice, but I'm not going easy. Onix, Tackle!" Brock made the first move.
Even though it was only a simple tackle, when an enormous body like Onix's uses it, the visual pressure alone is overwhelming.
But neither Ash nor Ivysaur panicked. Compared to the Onix they encountered on Mt. Miacha, this one was a baby brother!
"Ivysaur, use Vine Whip to maneuver, then Leech Seed!" Ash commanded instantly.
"Hyah!" Two sturdy vines shot out, wrapping around Onix's thick waist.
Then Ivysaur used Onix's body as the pivot point and launched itself outward with a swinging motion.
Boom! Onix slammed headfirst into the ground—its Tackle amounted to nothing.
Thump! Ivysaur found the perfect moment to unleash Leech Seed.
The seeds sprouted quickly on Onix's body, beginning to sap its stamina.
However, due to Onix's massive size, the damage wasn't enough to stop its movements yet.
"Bind it!" Brock responded powerfully.
"Ugh!" Onix swung its massive tail. Ivysaur couldn't dodge in time and was sent flying, rolling several times before standing up again.
Thankfully, the Leech Seed had restored some HP, or that hit would have been fatal.
"Attack head-on, Ivysaur—Razor Leaf!" Sweat appeared on Ash's forehead; his blood was boiling with excitement.
Brock was no different—his own excitement rising, he chose to fight head-on. "Onix, use Bide!"
"Bide right now?" Ash exclaimed. "Aren't you afraid Ivysaur will combo it and faint it?"
Brock clenched his fist. "I believe in Onix's stamina! Go, Onix!"
"Ughhh!" Bathed in white light, Onix took Ivysaur's sharp Razor Leaf attacks headfirst!
Clang! Clang! The sound of metal clashing filled the arena as leaves bounced off Onix's body.
Ash could no longer retreat; he gritted his teeth and pressed on: "Ivysaur, give it everything you've got!"
"Da-neh! Hyaa!" Ivysaur lifted the bud on its back—rings of petals burst forth, spinning violently as they shot into the air!
Petal Dance!
"You learned a new move at a crucial moment~!" Ash cheered, pumping his right fist.
Bang! Onix writhed in pain as it was engulfed by the flower storm, then crashed heavily onto the ground.
Brock shouted, "Onix, show them your resolve—Bide, unleash!"
"Urrraaaah!!" Suddenly, Onix lifted its head and fired a fierce white beam of energy.
The watching Gym disciples were stunned—
No way… that newbie actually pushed Brock this far? He's even fired up now!
BOOM! The massive energy beam engulfed Ivysaur—it was a crisis situation!
Ash clenched his fists tightly. "Ivysaur, hang in there! You must endure!
Your opponent is already at its limit—victory depends on this moment!"
"Ivy… Ivy-saur…" Ivysaur gritted its teeth, planting its feet firmly, its whole body suddenly glowing with a milky-white light.
"This is… Bide? No… Endure!" Brock's eyes widened in disbelief.
In a single battle, Ivysaur not only learned Petal Dance—but instinctively mastered Endure?
Do you want to answer your trainer's expectations that much?
Brock's heart trembled.
Ssshhh—Onix's energy blast came to an end. Ivysaur left two deep grooves in the ground, white smoke rising from its body!
But even in such a battered state, Ivysaur still stood tall—it had clung to its very last sliver of HP!
Crackle—at the same time, Leech Seed activated again. A burst of life energy exploded outward, draining Onix's final HP and channeling it into Ivysaur's bud.
Rumble… Onix crashed to the ground, defeated.
The referee stared blankly at the big screen displaying Onix's HP hitting zero, then stiffly announced:
"The winner of this battle is… Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"
"No way?! He actually beat Gym Leader Brock!"
The two gatekeepers were utterly shocked.
Ash rushed into the arena with Pikachu, hugging Ivysaur tightly.
"You were amazing, Ivysaur. You really gave it everything." Ash stroked Ivysaur's head, praising nonstop.
Even with his experience, moments like this—where victory rests on a knife's edge—still made Ash's heart race.
It was the shining moment of Trainer–Pokémon bonds.
"Onix fought with its resolve to find a chance to win, and Ivysaur, with its own willpower, carved out victory for you.
Ash, Ivysaur—you two delivered a spectacular battle." Brock walked over, smiling warmly as he shook Ash's hand.
"Thank you for the guidance." Ash bowed sincerely.
"This is yours—it's what you've earned. The proof of defeating Pewter Gym: the Boulder Badge."
Brock took out an octagonal gray badge and handed it to Ash with solemn respect.
"And this—the TM for the move 'Bide.' Ivysaur is a good fit for it."
Ash accepted the badge and the skill disk gratefully.
Not only had Brock given him battle guidance, he had even gifted him a precious TM.
This truly was the generosity of a gym leader for beginners.
"TM's can help Pokémon grasp moves more effectively, but only through real training can they truly master them."
Brock reminded patiently.
"Yes! We'll work hard," Ash nodded. "We definitely won't dishonor your badge or the move Rage!"
Brock then motioned for Ash to hand over his Pokédex.
After working at the Gym's computer, he placed the Boulder Badge under the scanner.
Ding…
"Pokédex holder: Ash Ketchum.
Confirmed as a participant of the Indigo League.
Current Badges: Boulder Badge."
Ash took back the Pokédex in surprise—he hadn't expected such a function.
"Official Gym-issued badges all have electromagnetic authentication. Only legitimate badges allow trainers to enter League tournaments.
Now, your journey as a trainer has officially begun." Brock patted his shoulder with a smile.
"This road is full of challenges.
Someone at the top is waiting for you.
We'll meet again then."
"Yes! Thank you so much. Until we meet again!"
Ash bumped fists with Brock, then left the Gym with Pikachu.
He couldn't wait to face new adventures—new battles—new challenges.
To be continued…
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〔TL〕
Every 100 powerstones = 1 bonus ch.
Every 2 review after 100 ps = 1 bonus ch.