Pewter City's Gym towered like a fortress of stone—rugged, minimal, and unwavering. Inside, echoes bounced off granite walls, resonating with the memories of countless battles fought within its arena. As Philip stepped through its massive doors, Riolu padded beside him in silence, his small blue form alert and sharp-eyed.
The receptionist at the front desk glanced up. "Challenger?"
Philip gave a small nod. "Philip Clark. I'm here for a gym battle."
She typed briskly into her console. "Gym Leader Brock is available. Please proceed to the main arena."
As they walked, the dimly lit hallway opened into a vast battlefield—a terrain of jagged rocks, gravel-lined pits, and an elevated trainer platform. Pewter Gym was designed to simulate harsh mountain conditions, testing both Pokémon and trainer endurance.
Across the field, Brock, the Pewter Gym Leader, stood waiting. Dressed in a green vest over a dark shirt, arms crossed and eyes calm, he looked every bit the stoic rock specialist his reputation promised.
"So," Brock said, stepping down from his platform. "You're Louis Clark's son."
Philip raised an eyebrow. "I'd prefer you battle me, not my father's shadow."
Brock smiled faintly. "Fair enough. But around here, people don't care how famous your parents are. Only how well you fight."
He climbed back up to his post. "This will be a two-on-two battle. Rock-types only."
Philip nodded and took his place across the arena. Riolu remained behind, standing proudly but respectfully outside the battle zone. His deep connection with Philip allowed him to sense the stakes even from a distance.
"Ready?" Brock asked.
Philip placed a hand on his belt. "Let's begin."
Brock released his first Pokémon. "Let's go, Geodude!"
The rocky orb with arms emerged, hovering just above the ground. It pounded its fists together, crackling with strength.
Philip's hand moved quickly. "Charmander, I choose you!"
The Fire-type emerged in a burst of white light, tail-flame flickering bright with energy. He immediately dropped into a fighting stance.
"Geodude, open with Rock Throw!"
"Charmander, quick—Ember Spiral!"
The rocks soared through the air, but Charmander spun, unleashing a spiral of fire that shattered the incoming stones mid-air. Charred fragments rained down harmlessly.
"Close the gap—Metal Claw!"
Charmander lunged forward, claws glowing silver, and slashed Geodude's shoulder, driving it backward.
Brock's eyes narrowed. "Counter with Defense Curl and then Rollout!"
Geodude curled tightly, then began spinning at high speed, turning into a blur of motion.
Philip didn't flinch. "Charmander, angle your jump! Hit the side with Dragon Rush!"
Blue energy enveloped Charmander as he leapt, midair, twisting sideways to meet the rolling Geodude. Their collision sent shockwaves through the arena—and Geodude was sent tumbling into a stone pillar.
Dust exploded.
When it cleared, Geodude lay unconscious.
[Battle Result: Charmander Wins – Experience Increased]
[Charmander is close to evolving…]
[Recommendation: Allow natural evolution via battle affinity]
Brock silently recalled Geodude. "You're good. Let's see how you handle this."
"Onix, let's go!"
The massive serpent of rock burst from its Poké Ball, shaking the ground with a roar. Its body coiled protectively around the inner circle of the field.
Philip was ready. "Froakie, I choose you!"
The Water-type appeared in a graceful leap, landing silently. His eyes locked on Onix without fear.
Brock smirked. "You brought a Water-type to Pewter. Brave."
"No," Philip said coolly. "Tactical."
"Onix, Stealth Rock!"
Large glowing stones rose around the battlefield, preparing to strike any incoming Pokémon with future switches.
"Froakie, use Double Team!"
Multiple Froakies sprang up across the field, their movements erratic and fast.
"Water Pulse, now!"
Each clone fired a sphere of pulsing water. Onix roared as the real blast struck its side, pushing it off balance.
"Use Iron Tail and clear the fakes!" Brock shouted.
Onix swung its tail like a wrecking ball, shattering several illusions, but not before Froakie darted behind it.
"Now! Ice Beam—hit the spine!"
Froakie leapt, a frigid beam forming at his mouth. The blast hit dead-center across Onix's upper body, instantly freezing part of its rocky plating.
The Ice-type move was devastatingly effective.
"Onix, break free—Dig!"
But Onix faltered, its frozen segments limiting movement. Froakie landed, panting slightly but ready.
Philip gave one final command. "Finish it with Water Pulse!"
The attack struck Onix square in the neck—and the giant roared before collapsing, unconscious.
[Battle Result: Froakie Wins – Experience Increased]
[System Notice: Froakie Affinity Upgraded – Synchronization Efficiency: 89%]
Victory and Respect
Silence filled the gym.
Brock stood quietly, then smiled and returned Onix. "You've earned this."
He descended the stairs and walked across the battlefield. From his vest pocket, he produced a silver-and-brown badge shaped like a rugged boulder.
"The Boulder Badge. Your first step toward the Pokémon League."
Philip accepted it with a nod. "Thank you."
Brock met his eyes. "Your style… it's calm. Precise. But you don't rely only on power. You understand your Pokémon."
Philip glanced toward Froakie, who had returned to his Poké Ball after the battle, and to Riolu, who stood silently by his side, watching with pride.
"I try to."
Later That Night
Back at the Pewter Pokémon Center, Philip rested near the open garden, Riolu sitting beside him.
The stars twinkled above. The badge lay in his palm, cool and solid.
"One down," he murmured. "Seven more to go."
Riolu tilted his head and barked softly in support.
[System Update: Gym Badge Acquired – Boulder Badge]
[Trainer Rank Progress: Bronze Tier – 21%]
[Next Gym Detected: Cerulean City – Type: Water]
[Aura Sync with Riolu: 93%]
[System Message: Potential evolution pathway for Charmander unlocked – pending affinity threshold]
Philip leaned back against the bench, letting the breeze brush against his face.
It had only just begun.