What was supposed to be a one-day trek to Pewter City from the Pokémon Center ended up taking three. As eager as Ash was to earn his first gym badge he also didn't want to miss out because he was hyper focused on one goal, and surprisingly the land between Viridian Forest and Pewter offered much to do.

The north side of Route 2 was mostly farmland, trucks taking their bounty to Pewter often passing Ash on the road. While the farms normally wouldn't interest him they did this time of year when the beginning of the harvest and Halloween season was in full swing.

Every other plantation Ash passed offered some sort of fall festivity to take part in. Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a good portion of them offered a haunted version after dark (which Ash chose not to partake in). His Pokémon were endlessly dragging him off the road whenever they spotted a u-pick orchard, eager for fresh apples.

Ash's jacket had become a staple in his wardrobe, no longer only needed at night, and their campfire actually served a purpose other than warning off wild Pokémon.

That didn't mean that normal trainer life didn't continue, only at a slower pace. Ash was still challenged to battles (more and more of his opponents specializing in rock types the closer he got to the city), he still studied anatomy and his Pokémon still trained.

In a training session before they left the Pokémon Center Rayna mastered Metal Claw. She could now extend her metallic glowing claws three to four inches, allowing her to slash mercilessly at anything that got too close.

That same day Ash used a TM for the first time. The TM player itself was a really weird devise that Ash didn't understand the logistics of in the least. It looked like a retro cd player that his mom might have owned when she was his age, and the TM itself the disk that went in it. For such a high-tech devise it seemed like something that would have been more commonplace 20-30 years ago. Instead of earbuds the port hooked up to two little transmitters that connected to each side of a Pokémon's head.

Rayna flinched when the TM first turned on, her eyes crossing in confusion. After getting used to it she dropped into a meditative pose to wait out the remaining half an hour of play time. Not knowing what else to do Ash went back to his anatomy book.

When the TM was finished the devise gave off a beep that sounded too much like an oven timer for Ash's liking. Rayna waited patiently for Ash to unhook her before stretching and shaking her sore legs out.

"You feel any different?" the teen asked.

"Ri," Rayna barked, shaking her head.

"Well…," Ash trailed off, scratching his head. "Try to use Bulldoze I guess."

Rayna bent down into what Ash could only describe as an epic superhero landing pose, slamming her fist into the ground. A shockwave spread from her fist at a ninety-degree angle, churning the ground like butter, before fizzling to a stop sixty feet away.

"Wow," Ash said, a manic smile spreading across his face to match Rayna's own. Around them Ash's other Pokémon stopped training to stare. Ever the training pessimist Ash was the first to get over his awe and to start pointing out flaws.

"The attack should be able to go a lot farther. The dex says a Pokémon of your experience level should be able to extend the attack out to about half the length of an official battlefield."

Rayna nodded, taking in the criticism with ease while the rest of the team sweat dropped at the duo's enthusiasm.

"The only way to make this attack bigger is to increase its power," Ash read off his pokedex. "Which you do by pouring more ground type energy into the attack. You're fairly good with energy manipulation so it shouldn't come as too much of a challenge for you. Everything making sense so far?"

"Lu!" Rayna barked in affirmative.

"Good. Come get me if you need any help."

On Monday Amaryllis perfected Water Gun. The once flimsy water stream she could spout had become a full forced pressurized blast with more power behind it than a bullet, cutting through any rock or tree in its way.

"Your incredible," Ash complemented the water type happily as he stroked her head, surveying the damage around them.

"Miiiiii," Amaryllis sung, eyes closing in pleasure.

"I think we should take it a step farther and start working on Water Pulse. What do you say?"

The Milotic nodded absentmindedly, too caught up in the sore spot above her long eyebrows Ash was currently rubbing.

Finally on Wednesday evening the group reached Pewter, The city appearing at the base of the hill they'd just climbed. The tip of Mt. Silver, Ash's first ever glimpse of the famous mountain that separated Kanto and Johto, was noticeably visible over its neighboring mountains to the west. In the east Mt. Moon towered. Unlike Mt. Silver it stood in solidarity, no other rock formations to accompany it.

Pewter was smaller than Viridian, the tallest building reaching maybe fifteen stories rather than the towering skyscrapers that seemed to touch the clouds in downtown Viridian. Most of them were made of cement although shiny river rocks from Indigo River, flowing through the middle of town, decorated the doors and trims of most of the buildings.

Pewter was historically an agriculture town and still was to this day. Many of its citizens made their livings working in mining and forestry operations or distributing produce from the nearby farms to the rest of Indigo. But it was also a university town.

About a century ago a college had been built to provide easy access to a lab for the researchers working in Mt. Moon and Mt. Silver. Soon agriculture science was being taught to the interested locals and then the city's proximity to Indigo Plateau brought in history and political science buffs. Pewter University had grown into one of the most well-rounded institutes of higher learning Indigo had to offer from there.

By the time Ash made it to the Pokémon Center a steady drizzle had picked up, sure to be one of many of the season. Only a few people were milling around the lobby but the warm chatter of conversation could be heard drifting down the stairs from the common area.

"How can I help you tonight?" Nurse Joy asked when Ash approached her.

"I'd like a single room for the night and to have my Pokémon checked out please," Ash answered as he slid his pokeballs across the counter. "And is it possible to register for a gym battle here or do I have to go to the gym?"

While it was normal to be able to walk into a gym and request a battle without a long wait if Ash's parents were going to come watch he wanted to give them a more exact time, especially if they'd have to sneak Lance in.

"You can reserve a spot here," Joy said as she gathered Ash's pokeballs carefully onto a tray. "I'll just need your ID card. And would you like a room near the common area or a quieter spot in the upper floors?"

"Near the common area," the teen answered without hesitation. Since he'd spent his time in Viridian with Gary and chosen to spend his time relaxing when visiting Centers before he'd never really gotten the chance to experience the infamous common areas.

They were a place for trainers to connect not just as trainers, but as people. There were board games and video game consoles, movies played ever night after nine, books, organized walking tours and food crawls, and so much more. Out in the wilds you might battle another trainer and other than perhaps sharing a lunch together you then moved on, working towards your goal. Pokémon Center common areas were where you made lasting friendships and connections.

"Lucky for you there's still a few rooms available on that floor," Joy said as she plugged Ash's pokedex into her system. "You have no badges yet, correct?"

"Yes."

"The gym has pretty open availability tomorrow. Is there a time that works best for you?"

"What's the latest time available?" Ash asked after a moment of consideration. It would be easier for Lance to slip in and out when most people would be sitting down for dinner after work.

"For a challenger with no badges, 4:30."

Ash grimaced. Rush hour didn't sound like a good idea. He'd try for lunch then.

"What about noon?"

"That time slots available. Would you like me to put you down for it?"

"Yes please."

"You're all set then. Please arrive at the gym with your ID at least fifteen minutes before your battle. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No thanks."

"You're Pokémon should be ready for you to pick up in about half an hour," Joy said as she handed Ash back his pokedex and his room card. "Be sure to let me know if there's anything else I can help you with."

"Sure thing. Thanks for everything."

After dropping his bag off in his room and taking a quick shower Ash called his parents to let them know about his upcoming battle. Delia agree to meet him there and Lance assured Ash that he'd find his own way in. Then the teen collected his Pokémon and headed for the common area.

Ash's first impression was bright. Bold blue and yellow couches complemented the light hardwood floors, neon orange bean bag chairs scattered around at random. On the ceiling the flags of all the regions were pinned, all four of their corners tacked to the drywall with enough give for the centers to drape like boat sails. The Indigo League flag and what Ash could only assume was the Pewter flag were hung proudly on either side of the massive flatscreen. Filling every nook and cranny of the room were a wide variety of trainers and their Pokémon, most looking to be under forty except a group of hikers that Ash guessed were in their sixties.

What was so surprising was how people of all ages mingled together. The elderly hikers were adamantly chatting with a group of rookies, a large map laid open between them. Piled around a large table were trainers ranging from Ash's age to twenty-five, Uno cards flying everywhere as they laughed merrily. By the TV a man that appeared to be in his early thirties was getting creamed at a combat game by a girl Ash recognized.

"Viola?" Ash questioned, though immediately regretted it when he realized exactly who he'd just addressed.

The purple haired girl startled, whipping around to stare at him and in the process losing the game she was currently playing. With a curse she threw her controller on the coffee table and stood, disturbing the Pokémon in her lap Ash hadn't noticed before. The boys heart stopped when he recognized Eevee.

"What do you want!" Viola hissed as she strode towards him, her dark blue eyes flashing. "You cost me my game!" Besides her Eevee whined, glancing between his current trainer and the one he was raised to believe would be.

"Sorry," Ash mumbled, trying to think of a way to escape. "I was just surprised to see you. Anyways, nice bumping into you. See you around."

"Not so fast Ashy Boy," the girl leered as grasped Ash's arm before he could make his getaway. "Don't you want to say hi to Eevee?"

"Only Gary gets to call me that," the boy answered as he debated ripping his arm out of Viola's hand and making even more of a scene than they already were. The surrounding tables had gone weirdly quiet. In truth he wasn't sure if he was ready to face the normal type, his chest giving a painful tug at the thought of the kit that had once dozed in his arms.

"I'd like to see you try and stop me," Viola smirked as she let go of Ash so she could scoop Eevee up, who'd been trying to slink away. Now the Evolution Pokémon hung his head miserably, making as much an effort as Ash was to avoid his gaze. "You could never keep up."

Ash couldn't help but snort at the blatant lie, if anything Viola had always been the one lagging behind Ash, Ella, and Gary. The shorter teen caught the noise and glared viciously, her grip on Eevee tightening to the point that the normal type started to squirm.

"Are you calling Eevee weak?" Viola sneered. "The very Pokémon you weaned."

"Of course not!"

"Sure sounds like you are. You hear that Eevee, Ash thinks your nothing more than a little useless runt just like I told you he did."

"That's not true! I never said anything of the sort!" Ash shouted, enraged at the sound of Eevee's wounded cry. At this point he didn't care about the crowd they were drawling, a few of the older teens starting to make their way towards them.

"But you think it. Why else would you give Eevee up?"

"I never gave Eevee up! The only reason you got him was because Professor Oak didn't have another starter for you! If I had a choice Eevee would be with me, not a selfish entitled bully like you!"

Ash knew he was giving Viola exactly the reaction she craved but he couldn't help himself. The heartbroken tears dripping from Eevee's eyes was making him loose any sense of control.

"Take that back!" Viola hissed.

"No!" Ash hadn't realized he and Viola had been stepping closer to each other until he felt a hand pull at his shoulder, another teen appearing to do the same to Viola.

"Then battle me! Let's find out who's the strongest once and for all!"

"You're-" That brought Ash to his senses. He couldn't afford for his Pokémon to get hurt before his big upcoming battle.

"I can't," Ash gritted. "I have a gym battle scheduled for tomorrow that my parents have already made plans to be at. I can't risk my Pokémon getting hurt and not being able to be there."

"Coward!" Viola screamed after him as he turned away, the older girl who had been holding him back wrapping her arm around him. "You can't disappoint Daddy can you! Can't let him know that you lost to me!"

Ash froze, hearing the hidden meaning in Viola's words clear as day. Hearing what she was threatening to reveal.

"Take it back," Viola smirked viciously, knowing she'd won.

Ash was silent for a painful moment, trying hopelessly to figure a way out of the corner Viola had put him in.

"Really Ash," the purple hair girl taunted. "The son of th-"

"I take it back," Ash rasped, barely managing to choke the words out.

"What do you take back?"

"That you're a selfish entitled bully," Ash said, clenching his fists so tight his nails were starting to cut into his palms.

"And what about Eevee?" Viola asked, an evil look on her face. "It was horrible of you to get his hopes up like that."

'She can't actually want me to say what I think she does,' Ash thought, his heartbeat skipping in shock and his pulse pounding in rage.

"Enough," demanded the girl holding Viola firmly, pulling the bully back and giving her a firm shove in the direction of the TV. "What you're saying boarders on Pokémon abuse. Don't make me report you."

"I wouldn't dare!" Viola gasped dramatically, sarcasm dripping from her voice. With one last triumphant smirk in Ash's direction she skipped away not paying any mind to her now distraught Eevee.

"What a bitch," the teen next to Ash said, her tone leaving no room for argument, not that Ash was going to be the one to do so.

"State the obvious," a boy almost identical to her muttered, coming up to join them.

Ash nodded; his eyes rigidly fixed on his feet while he fought back tears. He hated himself for letting Viola get to him but the look on Eevee's face was one that would haunt him.

"Are you okay?" the girl next to him asked, placing a gentle hand on the center of his back. The other teen who'd held Viola back came to stand on his other side. "I'm Celeste by the way and this is my twin brother Caleb. Over there is my girlfriend Marianna."

"I'm Ash," the boy said looking up, his emotions semi back under control now that he had a distraction.

Celeste and Caleb's skin was a deeply tanned warm olive tone, bringing out their cobalt eyes. Both of their hair was straight and jet black, although Celeste's flowed down to her lower back rather than the short sports cut Caleb hid under a hat that a Beautifly rested on. Both of them dressed in bold colors complemented by metallic jewelry and black combat boots.

Marianna seemed like a polar opposite of the twins, her appearance more of an earthy natural look rather than the in your face style of her companions. Marianna's light brown curly hair brushed her pale shoulders, covered by a wide brim gardening hat. She was dressed in grey hiking clothes, the only exception her green jacket. Woodsy brown eyes were turned in Ash's direction, her face conveying pity.

"Do you know her?" Marianna asked, looking back towards Viola who had plopped back down on the couch, her previous gaming opponent giving her a wide berth.

"We're from the same town," Ash shrugged. "It's a small place."

"Pallet right?" Caleb asked. "You mentioned Professor Oak."

"Yeah," Ash said with a shrug, masking his dwindling distress with numbness.

"And you were the one that raised Eevee form a kit but it ended up going to that girl because the Professor ran out of starters?" Celeste inquired, narrowed eyes on the back of Viola's head.

"Yeah," the youngest teen repeated, hanging his head gloomily.

"Why didn't you just start with Eevee?" Celeste plowed on, like a Growlithe with a bone.

"It's a long story," Ash deflected, starting to get defensive under the black-haired girls interrogation.

"Lay off him," Marianna chided her girlfriend. "He's been through enough for one night." It was clear as day the teen was just as curious as her significant other but chose instead to take the more tactful route.

"Anyways," Marianna continued, turning to Ash. "We were about to go out for dinner. We heard from some other trainers of a restaurant a few blocks from here that's all decked out for Halloween and plays live music every night. Wanna come with us?"

As much as Ash wanted nothing more than to disappear into his room he thought letting Viola ruin his night completely would be another point for her (he refused to admit that he just wanted to get as far away from Viola as possible). So even though he was still unsure about his company Ash followed them out the door, only stopping long enough for Caleb to grab his aviator jacket off the back of a chair.

The restaurant they ended up at was the perfect mix of hipster and quirky only a thriving university town could pull off Marianna, the oldest in their group, had informed them as they stepped through the doors. Caleb was also impressed by the grotesquely realistic Halloween décor, not at all what he labeled "cutesy suburban mom stuff". An alternative rock cover band blasted everyone's eardrums from the back, forcing the teens to shout to be able to hear each other.

All in all, Ash liked it.

This was what the common room was about Ash noted to himself as he listened to Caleb tell a story about a hidden underwater cave he'd stumbled upon in Hoenn.

It was about sitting down to dinner in a funky hole in the wall place Ash never would have found on his own whilst entertained by tales of far off places he hoped to one day visit himself.

It was about the love Celeste and Marianna had found in each other when they met at a center that got snowed in. They'd spent those weeks huddled in blankets by the windows sipping hot chocolate, trading hopes and dreams for the future which they swore when they left that they would accomplish together.

It was about the tips regarding traveling through Mt. Moon the trio departed on him. It was about the old Johtoeon folktales Marianna wove for them while they waited for dessert. It was about the ice cream eating contest Ash had gotten into with Celeste.

The four teens stumbled into the Pokémon Center close to midnight, trying to fight off food comas until they could stumble into bed. It wasn't until the next morning when Ash checked his phone for messages from his parents did he realize that he'd forgotten to get any of his new friends contact information, nor give them his. A quick check with Nurse Joy confirmed his suspicion that they had already left, on their way north to Mulberry City where Caleb hoped to learn a few tricks from the flying type gym there.

There was a good chance Ash would never see them again, though the thought didn't inspire much regret. Celeste, Caleb and Marianna had been a part of his journey for one fun night that if not for Viola's part in it he would have forgotten about in the next few months. He wouldn't miss them, and they wouldn't miss him, but there was the unspoken promise that if they ever bumped into each other again that they would all have new stories to tell.

Pewter Gym was enormous, easily dwarfing the Viridian Contest Hall that had seem so awe inspiring at the time. The gym was built in the shape of a hexagon. Its walls were covered in the same river stone most of the other buildings in Pewter were except these didn't stop at the first floor, the stones went all the way to the glass dome ceiling.

Ash took a moment to drink in the sight of it. The first gym he'd ever challenge. The one he'd been planning for since he was six years old.

A gym trainer opened one of the large wood doors as Ash approached, welcoming him inside with a sweep of his arm. The lobby's walls were painted white as to not steal attention from the photos of rock types that were suspended on it, nor the smooth round river stones that were pressed into the fireplace and the counter. The only pop of color in the place was the tasteful Halloween decorations that appeared on the counter and side tables.

"Are you Ash?"

Addressing him was a teenage girl from behind the counter, her dark skin, narrowed eyes and black thick hair giving her away as one of the Slate siblings. Next to her rocking in a carrier was a baby who had to be her little sister.

"Yes," Ash answered softly as he approached the desk, hyper aware of the snoozing child as he pushed his pokedex across the counter. Yolonda, as was written on her name tag, smiled at his thoughtfulness as she quickly verified his identity.

"You're all set to go. Your parents are already inside waiting for you. We've closed your battle to the public and all gym personal present in the building have signed NDA's so you don't need to worry about prying eyes."

"Ahh, sorry for the hassle," Ash apologized as he took back his pokedex, wincing at the thought of all the hoops the Slate family had to jump through just so Lance could be in attendance.

"Don't worry about it," Yolonda waved off. "It's nice that some parents actually want to be supportive of their children." The last bit was said with a bit of bitterness.

Ash winced. Five years ago, Flint and Lola Slate suddenly abandoned the gym and their children as soon as their eldest turned eighteen to live in the wilds. It was the scandal of the decade for Indigo for one of their Top Eight to act so negligently.

While the gossip had long since died down in mainstream media Ash knew from his League connections that Flint and Lola had appeared twice since, to attempt to empty the families bank account and drop off more siblings for Brock to take care of.

The only reason the adults hadn't been arrested for child abandonment was because Brock was so insistent against it. He didn't want the media circus such a trial would cause. But there was word that the gym leader might be thinking about changing his mind after his parents had dropped off another baby back in June, the one before Ash now, if only to keep them from reproducing again.

"The battlefield is through the glass sliding doors. Good luck."

Ash thanked the teen before hurrying on his way, his excitement mounting as the door slid open to reveal a long dark hallway, the lights of the arena visible at the end.

"Who dares to challenge my gym!" Brock bellowed from where he sat at the other end of the mountainous terrain field when Ash appeared, his back ramrod straight and eyes glaring.

"Me," Ash deadpanned as he came to a stop in the challengers' trainer box, well aware this was an intimidation tactic to scare new trainers.

"You think a rookie such as yourself stands a chance against one of the top eight? You must be out of your mind. If you turn back now I'll-"

"Woo! Go Ash!"

Brock blanched while Ash grinned as they both turned to face an ecstatic Lance in the stands, and Delia who was trying to tug him back into his seat. Mimey, who was sitting next to them, was videotaping the whole thing.

"Anything else you would like to add Champion?" Brock sighed as he stepped into his own box, completely dropping the menacing act.

"Kick his ass!"

Ash laughed as Delia whopped Lance across the back of his head with a pamphlet while Brock stared up at the ceiling in defeat.

"But seriously!" Delia added. "Good luck honey!"

"If the peanut gallery is finished," Brock started.

"I'll fire you!"

Brock snorted.

"The referee will explain the rules."

The only problem much to Brock's dismay was that their referee was currently fighting off a giggling fit.

"Forrest!"

"I'm good, I'm good," the teen said as he wiped a stray tear from his eye and took a deep breath to calm himself.

"This will be a two-on-two gym battle between the Pewter Gym Leader Brock Slate and the challenger, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town," Forrest began as battle music started to play in the background, a first for Ash. "The battle will be over when either trainers Pokémon are no longer able to battle. Only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokémon. Will the Gym Leader please release their Pokémon!"

Ash could feel the blood pumping through his veins in time to his wild heartbeat as a flash of red light revealed a Geodude, just like Gary said there would be. The teen couldn't help but bounce lightly on his feet in anticipation, his eager fingers twitching towards his pokeballs and a manic smile lighting up his face.

"Will the challenger please release their Pokémon!"

Before anyone watching could blink Ash had grabbed and flung Noelle's pokeball onto the field, the capture device freeing the ice type onto the field. The Fox Pokémon was uncharacteristically serious, her muscles tensed and not letting her attention wander from her opponent. She'd been prepped for this.

Taking his cue from his Pokémon Ash tamed his own wild exuberance, taking a few deep breaths to center himself.

"You ready?" the trainer asked, for once not paying his opponents confusion over his Pokémon any mind.

Noelle nodded, her shoulders quivering in suspense.

"The challenger will have the first move!"

Ash twisted the bill of his cap backwards.

"Battle begin!"

"Baby-Doll Eyes!" Ash ordered off the bat.

"Rock Polish and Rollout!" Brock called, doing exactly what Ash had been preparing for.

Geodude avoided Baby-Doll Eyes without any word from its trainer, closing its own eyes as it shined silver for a second before tucking itself into a ball and rolling forward at speeds Ash had never encountered before.

Noelle didn't need any commands to know what to do next thankfully, since Geodude was moving too fast for Ash to be able to say anything coherent. They'd been over this more times than they could count over the last week.

Just when Geodude was about to hit her did Noelle jump into the air, twisting to be able to shoot off an Ice Shard at a retreating Geodude as she did. The sharp ice daggers struck home, many of them shattering painfully upon impact with the rock type and a few managing to impale themselves in the Pokémon's rocky skin. Geodude cried out as it fell out of Rollout, tumbling and skidding across the ground before coming to a stop a few feet from Ash.

"Defense Curl!" Brock ordered. The Gym Leader looked completely bewildered by the attack, obviously not expecting an ice type attack from what he probably thought was some variant of a Shiny Vulpix. Unlike everyone else Ash had battled so far Brock wasn't shaken though. Startled momentarily at best, curious at worst. You couldn't be a gym leader if you weren't able to roll with the punches.

"Powder Snow!" Ash called as Geodude tucked itself into a ball, a clear film appearing over it for a split second. It wasn't looking good. The ice that had impaled it was now starting to melt, causing water to leak into its weak points. Ash was fairly sure that the Geodude had to have the ability Sturdy or it would have been down by now.

Before the gust of winter wind Noelle blew at the rock type could reach it the Geodude had taken off in Rollout again, not bothering to wait for its trainer.

"Roll around it and strike at random!" Brock yelled.

"Use Powder Snow to keep it away!" Ash retaliated.

Geodude rolled towards Noelle as fast as its broken body allowed, and the ice type fired off a Powder Snow only for the boulder like Pokémon the skirt around it and come at Noelle from a different angle. Noelle jumped, expecting Geodude to plow under her again but the rock type was expecting it this time. Geodude stopped short as soon as Noelle's feet left the ground, unfolding itself and ramming into its airborne opponent.

"Vul!" Noelle cried as she landed on her side, the shoulder Geodude had hit badly bruised. The rock type didn't give Noelle the chance to recover, coming at her again in Rollout as soon as it was back on the ground. This time the Fox Pokémon couldn't avoid the attack. Geodude bowled itself straight into Noelle, causing her to go flying.

"You can do this!" Ash shouted encouragingly through his cupped hands. "Use Ice Shard!"

Noelle shook her head to get rid of the dizziness and whimpered. She struggled to get to her feet, her hindquarters giving out on her every time she got close to standing. At least until Geodude was close enough that it would have no way to escape.

What was a pained look seconds ago turned into a nasty smirk as Noelle suddenly straightened and unleashed a huge Ice Shard attack, imbedding the daggers into Geodude who had only been a few feet away from Noelle.

Geodude was flung back, smacking into a large boulder on the way. The rock type thumped to the ground, not moving, melting ice sinking into the cracks in its skin.

"Geodude is unable to battle!" Forest cried before hesitating and turning back to Lance and Delia, his eyebrows creased in confusion.

"She's a Vulpix," Delia confirmed, only taking her eyes off her celebrating son for as long as it took to regard the referee.

"Vulpix wins! Would the gym leader please release their next Pokémon!"

Ash missed whatever Brock whispered to Geodude's pokeball, too busy stroking Noelle's now dirty fur.

"You were absolutely amazing," the boy complemented as he rubbed behind one of Noelle's ears. "Do you feel like you're up to continuing or do you want a break?"

Noelle rolled her shoulders and shook herself out, testing what caused her pain and how much of it. While she was doing so Brock's next choice exploded onto the battlefield.

"You've done extraordinarily well so far," Brock complemented nonchalantly as his Onix roared, shaking the whole field. "But will you be able to handle my secret weapon?"

The Fox Pokémon froze under the stare of the behemoth, her lips pulling back slowly to expose her snarling teeth.

"It's not as scary as it looks," Ash whispered as he continued to pet his Pokémon, trying to exude calmness when all he felt was excitement at the chance to battle such a beast. "You already beat Geodude who was the more strategic of the two. Onix is just here to look big and scary."

"Are you ready to continue!" Brock called; arms crossed as he waited patiently.

Ash looked at Noelle questioningly.

With her teeth still exposed Noelle slunk forward to meet her opponent, ready to pounce at a second's notice.

"The gym leader has the first move! Battle begin!" Forest announced, waving his flag.

"Tackle!" Brock commanded, swinging his arm forward dramatically.

"Stand your ground!" Ash ordered just as Noelle was about to dart to the side. "Aim an Ice Shard between its eyes!"

Even though Noelle looked like she very much wanted to run the ice type did as she was told, the higher than normal pitched cry she gave out as she did so giving away her fear. The icy daggers that were lunched from Noelle's mouth hit their mark, at least six submerging themselves into the Onix's face.

"Ooooooo!" Onix roared as it reared back, shaking its head to try to dislodge the unwelcome intruders on its face.

"Fall back and use Rock Throw!"

In a cowardly way not befitting of an Onix at all the massive Pokémon eagerly slinked back, suspicious eyes not leaving Noelle.

"Keep it up!" Ash encouraged. They didn't do all that training to make sure Ice Shard could reach across the length of an official field for nothing after all.

Onix moaned as shards of ice kept pelting it, this time the projectiles only exploding painfully against its skin instead of embedding into it because of the added distance. Ash took notice of how the daggers that hit between the boulders that made Onix up seemed to cause more pain than the rest.

Rushing for some relief Onix roared, summoning a couple dozen sharp stones that it hurled at Noelle. The Fox Pokémon cried out as the effective attack struck home, causing her feet to give out from under her as she collapsed to the ground. Ash returned her without waiting to see if she was truly knocked out. Noelle had done her part, the ice shards embedded in Onix's face starting to leak water into the cracks. Now it was up too Rayna to finish it.

Rayna appeared stoically on the battlefield in a crouched superhero pose that she was beginning to become quite fond of. Unlike Noelle she wasn't frighten by the sight of the massive Onix at all.

"Battle begin!"

"Rock Throw!" Brock started. He was under no illusions that the unbothered Riolu would be frightened by a charging Onix.

"Blinding Rush! Aim for where the boulders meet!"

Thanks to her fast fancy foot work Rayna was able to easily dodge the incoming pebble's, and deftly backflipped over Onix's swinging tail, landing a Force Palm as she did so. The rock type roared in agony at the sensitive spot being hit and angerly swung its tail at Rayna again, but its opponent was already gone.

"Again!" Ash ordered.

"Bind it!"

Rayna yelped as the tip of Onix's rocky tail wrapped around her wrist and pulled her further in, squeezing her midsection painfully.

"Metal Claw!"

Rayna still had partial maneuverability of one paw that was trapped at the elbow at her side. The fighting types elongated metallic claws were able to just scratch at Onix's side. But that was enough for the behemoth to loosen its hold slightly and allow Rayna to slash her claws up, cutting deep groves in Onix's skin. The rock type released Rayna immediately, howling in agony.

"Finish this with Bulldoze!" Ash yelled, pumping his fist forward eagerly as he did so. While the attack didn't have the power or reach Ash would like it too just yet, it was more than capable of causing huge amounts of damage at point blank range.

"Get away!" Brock hollered, but it was too late. Instead of landing safely and then attacking Rayna chose to use the momentum of her fall to help magnify her attack, swinging her fist into the ground as soon as she was in range. Not only did the earth churn dangerously under Onix but the full shock wave crashed into it also. The behemoth of a Pokémon fell, causing its own minor quake as it did. It made no attempt to get back up.

"Onix is unable to battle! Riolu wins! Which means the victor of the match is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"

"We did it!" Ash cheered as he vaulted over the railing of his battle box and onto the field, meeting his starter halfway and swinging her into his arms.

"You did it! You did it! You were so amazing!"

"Ri," Rayna groaned lightly trying to free her arm from her trainer's clutches.

"Sorry," Ash said sheepishly as he started to calm down. "That probably hurts."

Rayna nodded, although she was still grinning proudly.

With a quick tap of one of his pokeballs Noelle appeared, battered and bruised but standing on her own.

"We won Noelle," Ash proclaimed delightedly as he knelt down to the ice types level, balancing Rayna on his knee with one hand and using the other to caress the fluffy fur on top of Noelle's head. "We couldn't have done it without you. You were absolutely incredible and so brave to face that Onix head on."

"Vul," Noelle barked coyly, ducking her head dramatically and bringing one of her paws up to her chest.

"Congratulations Ash," Brock said as he approached, his younger brother behind him carrying a tray. The young man didn't seem all that upset about losing. If anything he looked proud.

"You did extraordinarily well. You did your research before coming and prepared accordingly. I've never seen a rookie handle Rollout as well as you did. You didn't let Onix faze you, who usually causes first badge challengers to panic. And on top of all that you managed to throw me off my game! Most rookies come at me with grass and water types whom my first badge team has prepared for, but you didn't go for such obvious choices. Still effective choices, but not ones I saw coming. Where did you get your Vulpix anyways?"

"Alola," Ash answered, a shit-eating grin lighting up his face. The teen thought he might have heard a sound of protest coming from Lance before he was quickly quieted.

"Interesting," Brock mused as he stroked his chin. "I might have to go over there and find out if they have any rock type variants."

"I'm pretty sure the Geodude line has a secondary electric typing instead of ground."

Forrest's eyes lit up.

"That would be interesting to throw against the upper badge challengers," The older teen said.

Brock hummed thoughtfully.

"That'll be your choice to make when you take over next year. And I'm not watching the gym while you gallivant around the world looking for rare Pokémon."

"I'm sure I can find someone willing to trade for a Kanto Geodude," Forrest shrugged.

"Anyways," Brock said as he rolled his eyes fondly. "As proof of your win against the Pewter Gym it is my honor to present you with the Boulder Badge."

Forrest stepped forward to present the tray he was holding to Ash who could now see the little grey metallic hexagonal shaped badge within. Ash reached forward reverently to pick up his prize, the only thing keeping him for jumping for joy was a hurting Rayna still on his knee.

"Look at that guys," Ash whispered to his Pokémon as he slid the pad of his thumb over the shining surface of the treasure. "Our first badge."

"I would also like to present you with the TM for Rollout," Brock said as he handed Ash a disc case, a brown cd within. "This is where I'd explain what the move does but you seem pretty familiar with it."

"I am," Ash said as he tucked the technical machine in his bag. "Thank you."

"Thank you for a good battle. Its rare that my first badge team ever gets a challenge. I'll meet you in the lobby when you're ready to head to the Pokémon Center."

Ash nodded as the Gym Leader and his brother walked away, leaving him alone with his Pokémon and his parents. It took less than ten seconds for his mother to throw herself at him.

"I'm so proud of you!" The woman squealed, hugging her son tightly. "You were brilliant! As were you two!"

Delia let go of Ash to take Rayna from him, cradling the hurt Pokémon gently as she cooed over her and Noelle. Lance took the opportunity to pluck Ash up, swinging the boy off his feet.

"Put me down!" the teen protested, though he didn't mean it. For once though the Champion listened.

After setting Ash down Lance reached into his back pocket and withdrew a purple case. The Indigo League crest, the flames of Moltres in a cauldron encircled by the feathers of Articuno and Zapdos like a laurel wreath, proudly emblazoned on the middle.

"Put that away before you lose it."

Ash grinned as he flipped the case open, revealing a black plush interior with room for all twenty-six Kanto badges. With great pride Ash placed the Boulder Badge in the first slot.

"You've both grown so much since we last saw you two weeks ago," Delia complemented as she passed Rayna to Lance so she could pick up Noelle. Both Pokémon preened under the praise, happy their efforts were being recognized by other people than just their trainer.

"They've been working hard," Ash said as he slipped his badge case into a hidden pocket in his backpack.

"And we have to thank you for saving Ash from the ninja kid," Lance commented as he rubbed Rayna's ear. Ash flinched at the reminder and had to visibly stop himself from touching the now healed cut on his neck, something neither of his parents missed.

"Yeah she was great. Anyways, what are we doing after this?" Ash asked, eager to change the subject. He knew they'd have to talk about it eventually, and he'd have to bring up Viola blackmailing him soon before the girl actually carried through with her threats, but not now. Now he'd just won his first badge and was ready to celebrate.

Lance and Delia exchanged a look but seemed to come to the same conclusion Ash had because they both dropped it, Delia instead answering her son's question.

"Well Noelle and Rayna need to be checked at the Pokémon Center and Brock invited us over to have lunch with his family after."

"And I think I promised you that we'd go to a Haunted House," Lance added with a wink.

"You did," Ash said, nodding eagerly. He'd have plenty of opportunities to partake in numerous haunted attractions on the way to Pewter, but instead had chosen to camp outside them to give Ophelia the chance to feed. As cowardly as it made him feel Ash couldn't muster up the courage to go inside one by himself after the incident with the ninja boy, the haunted attractions not allowing Pokémon in case one attacked by accident during a scare. With Lance though Ash thought he'd be okay, even if he if felt like a little boy who needed his dad to go with him. What others didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

"Then let's get going," Delia said as she stood, Noelle still in her arms. "We don't want to keep Brock waiting too long."

Ash finally did it! Over 100,000 words and three years later Ash finally won his first gym battle!

You guys didn't forget about Viola and Eevee did you? If you did I hope you enjoyed the time while it lasted…forgetting Viola I mean. No Eevee. Eevee is a sweetheart.

This chapter obviously took longer to get out than I was aiming for mostly due to the fact that I had zero writing time the first two weeks. Also in preparation for school starting for me soon I'm moving updates to every month. I'll just be writing between work and school as I don't expect to have a full day off from both until winter break.

If you'd like to hear more consistent updates about how the story's going join our discord. I'll leave the link at the bottom. If you don't see this within 24 hours let me know and I'll send you another.

Giant thank you to DragonoftheWinterStars for creating Celeste, Caleb and Marianna! You were on that so fast and saved me an hour or two of crafting oc's!

As always leave any questions or comments in the reviews and comments. You guys know I love hearing from you!

Ash finally did it! Over 100,000 words and three years later Ash finally won his first gym battle!

You guys didn't forget about Viola and Eevee did you? If you did I hope you enjoyed the time while it lasted…forgetting Viola I mean. No Eevee. Eevee is a sweetheart.

This chapter obviously took longer to get out than I was aiming for mostly due to the fact that I had zero writing time the first two weeks. Also in preparation for school starting for me soon I'm moving updates to every month. I'll just be writing between work and school as I don't expect to have a full day off from both until winter break.

If you'd like to hear more consistent updates about how the story's going join our discord. I'll leave the link at the bottom. If you don't see this within 24 hours let me know and I'll send you another.

Giant thank you to DragonoftheWinterStars for creating Celeste, Caleb and Marianna! You were on that so fast and saved me an hour or two of crafting oc's!

As always leave any questions or comments in the reviews and comments. You guys know I love hearing from you!