Chapter Text
"Hey guys, look we made it!" Dash said after traveling for two days and training their Pokémon the four trainers made it to Pewter City. "Come on, let's get our Pokemon healed, then we can make our way to the gym," Sunset explained as the girls nodded and started walking through the city and made their way to the Pokemon center.
All four of them handed their Pokemon to Nurse Joy to get their Pokemon healed. As Dash and Sunset waited for their Pokemon, Fluttershy, and Pinkie went to the market and got more Poke food, medicine in case someone or a Pokemon got sick, and more ingredients so Pinkie could continue making food for them.
"We're back!" Pinkie said excitedly. "We passed by for food too," She explained as Fluttershy and her were holding some sandwiches. The four girls dug in and ate while waiting for their Pokemon. "Rainbow Dash, Sunset, Pinkie, and Fluttershy," Nurse Joy called out. As the girls made their way to her. "Your Pokemon are all healed up." She said, showing them four trays that had their respective pokeballs, as the four grabbed their pokeballs.
"Now let's go get our first badge!" Dash said as Sunset nodded as she and the others headed to the Pewter City gym, once they entered the gym they were greeted by a vast arena with rocky terrain designed to test the strength of both trainers and their Pokémon. "Welcome! I take it you're here for a battle." The gym leader known as Brock appeared. "I'm Brock, the rock-solid Pokémon Trainer. If you want to challenge me, be prepared to face the raw power of Rock-type Pokémon. Let's see if you've got what it takes." He said.
"Well I'm Rainbow Dash, and I've got what it takes to take you on!" She exclaimed determinedly headed to the other side of the battlefield while Sunset, Fluttershy, and Pinkie went to the stands. Brock takes his position on the other.
"Let's do this!" Dash exclaimed, turning her hat backward. Brock nods and throws out his first Pokéball. "Go, Geodude!" He said as the Rock-type Pokémon emerged from the Pokéball with a heavy thud, its rocky exterior glistening in the light of the gym.
'I gotta use every Pokemon I got, no matter if the type is effective or not.' Rainbow thought. "Alright, Shinx, you're up first!" She said as she threw its Pokeball and Shinx came out, the small Electric-type Pokémon crackled with electricity as it prepared for battle. "You're going to need more than speed. Geodude, use Rock Throw!" Brock commanded. Geodude launches a barrage of rocks toward Shinx, who tries to dodge but gets hit by a few, staggering back slightly. "Hang in there, Shinx! Use Spark!" She commanded.
Shinx charges forward, its body glowing with electric energy as it strikes Geodude. The attack did some damage, but Geodude's rock-type resistance keeps it standing strong. "Geodude, finish it with Magnitude!" Brock said. He slammed the ground, causing tremors to shake the battlefield. Shinx struggles to keep its balance, and the powerful Ground-type move takes it down.
"You did great, Shinx! Take a rest." She told her Shinx as he walked to Dash and lay next to her. "Alright, Nidoran, your turn!" She said throwing her Pokeball and out came the pink Pokemon. "Use Double Kick!" Dash instructed as her nidoran charged and hit Geodude with the move as it was super effective. "Alright! We got one down!"Rainbow celebrated. "Not bad, but there's still one left! Onix Go!" He said throwing his Pokeball and out came a tall rock-like creature Pokémon. "Double Kick" She yelled "Onix use bind," Brock instructed as suddenly a reflection appeared and disappeared after it took some damage from Rainbow's Nidoran. "What was that?" Dash asked.
"It was bind. Meaning any move that hits Onix would give twice the damage to the opponent." Brock said. Rainbow knew what it meant she could either take the risk and see if Nidoran could finish him off or switch out but she still had three other Pokemon so she took the risk. "Nidoran double kick!" She commanded as her Nidoran sent the kicks but the Onix didn't faint as he had a little bit of health left. "Now Onix! Double the damage!" Brock commanded as it sent Dash's Nidoran back as it fainted. "Nidoran return!" She yelled and returned it to his Pokeball.
"Pidgey you're up!" Rainbow Dash commanded and out came the flying Pokemon. "Use sandstorm!" She commanded as Pidgey started creating a sandstorm and did damage but not enough. "Onix! Don't lose sight of Pidgey!" Brock commanded as his Onix spotted Pidgey from up and hit it with his rock tail hitting him back as the bird fainted. "Pidgey return!" Dash said.
"Guess it's time to switch strategies. Metapod come out!" She said as the cacoon Pokemon came out. "Use string shot!!" She yelled as Metapod shot strings trying to trap it in the strings. "Onix break free!" Brock instructed as his Onix did so and broke free. "Metapod string shot!" "Tackle!" Dash and Brock commanded as Onix hit Metapod causing Rainbow to be on her last Pokemon. "Wow I'm impressed and you still have one last Pokemon left but based on how your Pidgey was full health and got one hit your last Pokemon might not be so lucky," Brock explained as Dash sent out her Charmander. "This last move will determine who gets the first hit." He explained as the two remained silent.
"Use Scratch!" Dash commanded. "Tackle!" Brock said as both Charmander and Onix charged at each other and made contact. As time slowed down suddenly Onix flipped over and fell to the ground fainting: the screen showed Brock's Onix remaining health decrease as Rainbow Dash won. Rainbow Dash pumped her fist in the air, cheering as Charmander hopped around excitedly, proud of its victory. "She did it!" Pinkie cheered excitedly. "Yeah," Fluttershy cheered softly. "I wonder how?" Sunset asked when suddenly a single string fell and landed on her.
'That's it!' She thought. 'That's what Dash met by changing strategy!' Sunset remembered Dash's metapod used string shot to hold Onix back. "Not bad, I have to admit, Rainbow Dash, you're a strong trainer. Your Charmander's determination and your strategy were impressive. You've earned the Boulder Badge." Brock said, walking over to her and handing her the shiny Boulder Badge. "Yes! We did it, Charmander!" Rainbow Dash said, holding the badge and showing it to her starter. Charmander jumped into her arms, and she gave him a big hug. "And as a bonus, I'll also give you this TM. It's TM34—Bind. It's the move you saw Onix use during the battle. Use it on your other Pokemon." He said as Dash accepted the move. "Awesome, thanks, Brock! I'm one step closer to becoming the Indigo champion!" Rainbow said.
"Keep that attitude, and you just might be. Good luck on the rest of your journey, Rainbow Dash." Brock said before looking at Sunset. "I take it you're next to battle me?" He asked. "Yes I am and just like Rainbow I'll defeat you," Sunset said. "Love the enthusiasm. Come back later today and once my Pokemon are healed you'll be the first person I battle later." He said as Sunset nodded. The four friends left the gym as Rainbow pinned the gym in her gym badge case holder. "One down, seven to go!" Dash said as they headed to the Pokemon center, but then saw Trent again bragging to a group of people.
"And so I managed to defeat the Pewter City gym leader by just using one Pokemon." He bragged as spun his Pokeball on his finger. "Woah, so cool," "He's amazing," Dash heard as they walked by. "What an idiot!" Rainbows said to Sunset as she chuckled but he heard that. "Who said that?" He asked as Dash stopped and stared at him. "I did!" She said confidently. "You? You're the one that bumped into me at Viridian City!?!" Trent said.
"Yeah, the name is Rainbow Dash! And Please anyone could beat a gym leader with one Pokemon especially if it gives a type advantage. Makes sense you obviously used a water type." Rainbow Dash said. Trent remained silent and smirked at her. "And so what? You gotta strategize before you take down a gym. Something you wouldn't understand." He said. "For your information, I did strategize and won!" Dash said.
Trent chucked. "If you think you're so good. How about a 1 one 1. My water Pokémon against whichever of you're Pokemon," He said, extending his Pokeball in her face. "Deal!" Dash said. Sunset, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and the crowd made room. "Alright, ladies and gentlemen!" Prepare to witness the elegance of my Squirtle! Come on out, my shining star!" He said.
A flash of light revealed his Squirtle, who landed with a confident smirk, flexing its tiny arms before giving the crowd a wink. Trent basked in the applause, waving to the audience as if he were on a stage. Dash, standing on the opposite end, rolled her eyes but smirked. "You're not the only one who can put on a show, Trent! Let's show 'em what we've got, Charmander!" She tossed her Pokéball, and with a burst of energy, her fiery Charmander landed
"Begin!" Sunset decided to be the referee. "Squirtle, use Water Gun!" Trent commanded with a dramatic point forward. Squirtle wasted no time, blasting a powerful stream of water directly at Charmander. "Charmander, dodge it!" Dash called out. Dash's starter nimbly leaped to the side, the water missing by inches. Rainbow grinned. "Alright, let's go on the offense! Charmander, use Ember!" She instructed. Charmander inhaled deeply, launching a flurry of fiery embers toward Squirtle. Trent smirked, clearly anticipating the attack.
"Squirtle, counter it with Withdraw!" Trent said as his Squirtle quickly retreated into its shell, the embers bouncing harmlessly off its smooth surface. As soon as the barrage ended, Squirtle popped out with a confident grin. Trent flashed a charming smile at the crowd, his confidence radiating. "Looks like your fire's a bit weak, Dash! Squirtle hit 'em with Water Gun again!" He commanded.
This time, Squirtle's Water Gun found its mark, hitting Charmander directly in the chest. The fire-type staggered backward, shaking off the water, but the damage was clear. Rainbow clenched her fists."Don't give up, Charmander! We've got this!" She shouted, her voice filled with determination.
Trent, sensing his advantage. "Sorry, Dash, but this is where the show ends! Squirtle, finish this with Tackle!" He said as Squirtle charged forward, ready to knock Charmander out, but Rainbow's eyes sparkled with an idea.
"Charmander, Smokescreen, now!" Rainbow called. Charmander let out a cloud of thick black smoke, covering the area. Squirtle hesitated in the fog, unsure of where to strike. "Squirtle, don't stop! Keep going!" Trent urged, but it was too late. "Charmander, Scratch attack!" Rainbow commanded.
From within the smoke, Charmander's claws slashed at Squirtle, knocking it off balance. Squirtle stumbled back, surprised by the sudden counterattack. The smokescreen began to clear, revealing Charmander standing tall and ready for more.
Trent's smile wavered slightly, but he quickly recovered, striking a more serious pose. "Alright, I see you've got some tricks, Dash. But we're not done yet! Squirtle. Water Gun one more time!" He commanded.
"Charmander, charge through it with Ember!" Rainbow shouted, her voice filled with determination. As Squirtle fired its Water Gun. Charmander ran straight toward the attack. The water hit, but Charmander kept going, pushing through the stream and launching a full-powered Ember at point-blank range.
The fiery blast hit Squirtle hard, sending it tumbling backward. Squirtle tried to get up, but its legs wobbled as it struggled to stay standing. After a moment, it collapsed, too tired to continue. "Squirtle is unable to battle! Charmander wins!" Sunset said. "Yes! Way to go, Charmander!" Dash said, picking up her Pokémon and hugging it tightly.
Trent frowned, clearly disappointed, and returned Squirtle to its pokéball. "Lucky shot. But I'll give you props you put on quite the show," He said. "But since you beat me I'll give you these." He said giving Dash five pokeballs but they were different from the ones she had; they were blue and red. "Next time you won't be so lucky." He said walking away as his crowd followed him. "Woah that was epic Dashie." pinkie said. "What did he give you?" Fluttershy asked. "Pokeballs but they're different," Rainbow noted. Sunset approached her and looked at it. "Those are great balls! They're slightly better because they have a higher catching rate than original pokeballs." The red and yellow-haired girl commented. "Guess I'll use them wisely," Dash said, clipping them onto her belt.
The four of them made their way back to the Pokémon center so all of Dash's Pokemon could heal. Which took a while, so Sunset saw it was later and she headed to Pewter City gym with Fluttershy and Pinkie as Rainbow told them she'd catch up. Soon they entered the gym again as Brock, as promised, was waiting for her. Fluttershy and Pinkie wished her good luck and sat on the sidelines. "From what I could tell you look like you specialize in fire. You're brave to challenge me with fire-type Pokémon. But it takes more than bravery to defeat the Pewter City Gym." He said.
Sunset grinned. "I'm not afraid of a challenge. Let's see if my team can stand up to your rocks." She said as she grabbed the red bandana around her neck and tied her hair back in a loose ponytail, to keep it out of her eyes as Dash, who had gotten her Pokémon healed made it back in time to see the battle.
Brock nodded, pulling out a Poké Ball. "Alright then, let's get started! Geodude, I choose you!" He said. In a flash of light, Geodude appeared, hovering above the ground with a confident smirk.
Sunset reached for her first Poké Ball. "Charmander, you're up!" Her fiery little lizard emerged, the tail flame burning brightly, ready for action. "Heh, just like your friend, you have a Charmander. Geodude, use Tackle!" Brock commanded.
"Charmander, dodge and use Ember!" Sunset countered. Geodude shot forward, but Charmander was quick, leaping aside and sending a flurry of embers toward the rock-type. The embers barely scratched Geodude, but Sunset wasn't disheartened.
"Not bad," Brock said. "But you'll need more than that. Geodude, Rollout!" Geodude curled into a ball and spun rapidly toward Charmander. This time, Charmander wasn't fast enough to dodge, and the hit sent her skidding back, wincing in pain. "Hang in there, Charmander! Use Smokescreen!" Sunset shouted.
Her Charmander inhaled and released a thick cloud of smoke, blinding Geodude momentarily. "Now, switch out! Vulpix, I choose you!" Sunset recalled Charmander and released her Vulpix onto the field. The small fox Pokémon barked confidently as it faced Geodude.
"Geodude, clear the smoke and use Rock Throw!" Brock ordered. "Vulpix, Quick Attack!" Sunset countered. Vulpix darted forward in a blur, avoiding the rocks being thrown her way, and rammed into Geodude with a swift strike. Geodude staggered, but it wasn't down yet.
"Geodude, finish this with Rollout!" He commanded. The rock Pokémon spun toward Vulpix with increasing speed. "Vulpix, dodge again!" Sunset shouted, but this time Geodude was too fast. It hit Vulpix hard, sending her rolling backward. She struggled to her feet, clearly exhausted "You did great, Vulpix. Come back." She returned her Vulpix and grabbed her last Poké Ball. "Kakuna, it's up to you now!"
Brock raised an eyebrow. "A Kakuna? Interesting choice." He said. "Wow, Brock's not making it easy for her. Now she's on her last two." Dash said. "Geodude, use Rock Throw!" He said. Kakuna, immobile as it was, had no chance of dodging the incoming rocks. The attack landed, but Kakuna held strong, its hard shell absorbing most of the damage.
"Kakuna, use Harden! Followed but string shot." Sunset commanded, her voice firm. Kakuna glowed briefly, its defenses rising even higher and shot string causing Geodude to be blind. "Geodude!" Brock said. "You see I learned that trick from Dash when she used it against your Onix which is why you lost. Now use Tackle!" Sunset commanded Kakuna and hit Geodude only doing some damage but it caused the string to disappear.
"Geodude, roll out again!" He said. Geodude spun forward, slamming into Kakuna repeatedly. With each hit, Kakuna braced itself, enduring the attacks. "Come on, Kakuna, I know you can do it!" Sunset cheered. Suddenly, Kakuna began to glow. Its body shifted and expanded. "It's evolving!" Pinkie said. As everyone's eyes widened as Kakuna evolved into Beedrill right before their eyes.
"Yes! Beedrill, let's finish this! Use Fury Attack!" Beedrill. With newfound speed and agility, Beedrill flew toward Geodude, landing multiple strikes with its sharp stingers. Geodude weakened from the battle, couldn't take the rapid hits and collapsed to the ground, knocked out.
"Geodude, return," Brock said calmly. "Well done, but let's see how you handle Onix. Go!" He said. The ground shook as Brock's massive Onix appeared, towering over Beedrill. Sunset knew this would be tough. "Beedrill, use Poison Sting!" She commanded. The bug Pokémon darted forward, its stinger glowing purple as it jabbed at Onix, but the rock snake barely flinched. "Onix, Rock Tomb!" Brock called out.
Rocks rained down on Beedrill, pinning it to the ground. Sunset winced as her Beedrill fainted. "You did amazing, Beedrill. Return!" Sunset said, calling her Pokémon back. Now, it was all up to Charmander. "Charmander, it's time for your comeback!" Sunset released her starter again, determined to win this.
"Onix, use your tail to wrap around Charmander!" Brock commanded. Onix lunged forward, coiling around Charmander, squeezing tightly. "Charmander, use Ember!" Sunset shouted. Charmander, struggling within Onix's grasp, shot a stream of embers at its opponent. The flames hit Onix directly, causing it to release its hold.
"Now, use Metal Claw!" Sunset called as she remembered she and Dash had taught their Charmanders to use the move during their time in the viridian forest. Charmander's claws glowed silver as it slashed at Onix, landing a direct hit. The rock snake roared in pain, clearly feeling the super-effective attack.
"Onix, Rock Throw!" Brock ordered, but it was too late. "Charmander, finish it with Ember!" Sunset yelled. Charmander unleashed another burst of flames, and this time, the attack was enough. Onix groaned before crashing to the ground, defeated. "She did it!" Pinkie exclaimed.
Brock smiled as he recalled his fallen Pokémon. "Well done, Sunset. You battled with strategy and heart. I didn't expect your Kakuna to evolve like that. You've earned this victory." He walked over and handed her the Boulder Badge, along with a TM. "Here's your Boulder Badge, and this TM contains Rock Tomb. Use it wisely." He explained.
Sunset beamed, holding the badge in her hand. "Thank you, Brock. It was an intense battle, but I'm glad I pulled through!" She said, Brock nodded. "You've got potential, Sunset. Keep training, and you'll go far. Both you and your friend." He said. Sunset nodded and placed the badge in her badgecase. Sunset, Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie bid goodbye to Brock and made their way back to the Pokémon center to get some sleep and heal Sunset's Pokemon.