Chapter-5: Hard as rock

                                    

                                          
Chapter-5
The Viridian Forest loomed behind Ash as he stood at the entrance to Pewter City, Pikachu perched confidently on his shoulder and Charmander walking beside him, its flame burning brightly. His first Pokémon capture-Caterpie-had quickly evolved into a strong Butterfree, and now Ash felt more ready than ever. This next step was even bigger. His first gym battle awaited him, and he could feel the weight of the moment settle in his chest.
"This is it, Pikachu, Charmander. We're here," Ash said, glancing between his two partners. Pikachu gave an enthusiastic "Pika!" while Charmander grunted in agreement, both of them eager for the challenge.
The Pewter City Gym stood tall before them, a large stone structure that reflected the type of battles Ash had been preparing for. He'd heard that Brock, the Gym Leader, was a tough opponent who specialized in rock-type Pokémon. But Ash wasn't intimidated-he was ready.
Inside the gym, the atmosphere was stark and quiet, the battlefield made up of rugged stones and rocky terrain. Ash's footsteps echoed as he made his way toward the center, where Brock stood waiting, his arms crossed.
"So, you've come to challenge me, huh?" Brock said, his voice calm but commanding. He had a steady presence, the kind of trainer who'd been through countless battles and earned his position through skill and strategy.
Ash nodded, his eyes determined. "I'm ready for my first gym badge! Let's battle!"
Brock smirked. "We'll see if you're ready. You're challenging the Pewter City Gym, so get ready to face my rock-hard defense!" He grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt, tossing it into the air. "Go, Geodude!"
A large, boulder-like Pokémon with thick arms appeared, floating slightly above the ground. Its rocky body gleamed under the dim gym lights.
Ash clenched his first Poké Ball, looking at his team. He knew Butterfree wasn't the best choice against rock-types. His thoughts turned to Charmander, and his hand tightened around the ball.
"Alright, Charmander, I choose you!" Ash called, sending the small fire-type into the battlefield. Charmander's flame flickered brightly against the drab, rocky surroundings, and its eyes glinted with determination.
Brock raised an eyebrow. "A fire-type? This is going to be tough for you, kid. Geodude, use Tackle!"
Geodude shot forward with surprising speed, barreling toward Charmander with its rock-hard body.
"Charmander, dodge and use Ember!" Ash called out.
Charmander narrowly avoided the Tackle, jumping aside and spitting a flurry of flames at Geodude. The Ember attack hit, but the rocky surface of Geodude's body absorbed much of the heat, leaving it mostly unharmed.
Brock gave a small chuckle. "You'll need more than fire to take down a rock-type. Geodude, Defense Curl!"
Geodude curled into a tight ball, its rocky exterior growing even tougher, shining under the gym's dim lights. Ash bit his lip. Charmander's attacks weren't getting through.
"Charmander, use Scratch!" Ash ordered.
Charmander rushed forward, slashing at Geodude with its claws, but the attack barely left a mark on the rock-hard Pokémon. Geodude hardly flinched.
Brock saw his opportunity. "Geodude, use Rock Throw!"
With a mighty heave, Geodude picked up a nearby boulder and hurled it directly at Charmander. The rock hit its mark, slamming into Charmander and sending it tumbling backward across the battlefield. The little fire-type groaned as it struggled to get back on its feet, its flame flickering faintly.