The next morning, Noah stood in front of the Rustboro Gym, adjusting his backpack straps as he took a deep breath.
"Alright, Aeris, Sage… today's the day," he muttered.
Aeris, perched on his shoulder, let out a sharp chirp in response. Sage, nestled in the crook of Noah's arm, twitched its antennae.
He had spent last night going over strategies, analyzing everything he had observed. Aeris wouldn't be able to deal much damage to Rock-types, but she could fight smart. And Sage, though relatively new to battle, had moves that could chip away at an opponent's defenses.
Stepping inside, he was greeted by the receptionist. "You must be Noah. Roxanne is expecting you."
Noah gave a nod, walking through the stone hallway that led to the main battlefield.
Roxanne stood at the other end of the rocky battlefield, her arms crossed and a confident expression on her face.
"I see you've taken your time to observe battles before challenging me," she said. "That's a smart move. But observation and execution are two very different things."
Noah gave a small nod. "Guess I'll find out"
She nodded. "Indeed. As a Gym Leader, it is my duty to test your abilities as a trainer. You may use two Pokémon against me."
Noah inhaled sharply. This was it.
The referee raised a flag. "This will be a two-on-two Gym Battle! The challenger, Noah from Oldale Town, versus Rustboro Gym Leader Roxanne! The battle will continue until one side's Pokémon are unable to battle!"
Roxanne took out her first Poké Ball. "Let's see how you handle this. Geodude, go!"
In a burst of light, the Rock/Ground-type landed with a thud, its rocky exterior gleaming under the Gym's lights.
Noah already had a plan. "Sage, you're up!"
His Blipbug scurried forward, its small body looking comically tiny in comparison to the bulky Geodude.
A few spectators in the stands chuckled.
"A Bug-type against a Rock-type?" One trainer murmured.
"He's got guts, I'll give him that," another whispered.
Roxanne raised an eyebrow. "Interesting choice. Geodude, Tackle!"
The rock Pokémon rushed forward, barreling toward Sage.
Noah was ready. "Use Sticky Web!"
Sage shot a glistening web-like substance onto the battlefield, creating a sticky mess beneath Geodude's path. The moment the Rock-type's hands touched the web, it lurched forward awkwardly, struggling to move properly.
Roxanne's eyes widened slightly. "Clever."
Noah grinned. "Now, Infestation!"
Sage's small body glowed for a moment before tiny, bug-like energy constructs emerged and latched onto Geodude! The Pokémon shuddered as the attack took effect, slowly wearing away at its stamina.
Geodude growled in frustration, still struggling with the Sticky Web.
"Don't let that stop you—Rock Throw!
With effort, Geodude tore free of the webbing and hurled a cluster of rocks toward Sage.
Noah reacted fast. "Dodge and use Struggle Bug!"
Sage skittered sideways, avoiding most of the rocks, though one grazed its side. It quickly retaliated, unleashing a pulsating green energy blast that hit Geodude head-on!
The Rock-type wobbled. Infestation was still draining it, and with Sticky Web slowing its movements, it was struggling to keep up.Noah saw his chance.
"Finish it! Struggle Bug!"
Sage fired one last blast, and Geodude collapsed.
The referee raised a flag. "Geodude is unable to battle! The challenger's Blipbug wins!"
A few spectators murmured in surprise.
Noah smirked. That's one down.
But then, a sudden bright glow enveloped Sage
Noah's eyes flashed shock
"Sage?" The small Blipbug's body shimmered, its form shifting and growing. The glow faded, revealing a Pokémon Noah had never seen before.
"Sage evolved…" Noah whispered.
He quickly pulled out his Pokédex.
Dottler, the Radome Pokémon. The shell-covered Pokémon barely moves, instead emitting powerful psychic waves to detect its surroundings.
Sage was now a Bug/Psychic-type.
Noah grinned. That was unexpected… but welcome.
Roxanne, however, remained composed. "Impressive. But let's see if your next Pokémon can handle this."
She held up her next Poké Ball.
"Go, Nosepass!"
The large, compass-nosed Pokémon appeared in a flash of light, standing firm and unmoving.
Noah returned Sage to its Poké Ball and pointed forward.
"Aeris, your turn.
The Pidgey fluttered into the air, facing off against the massive Rock-type Pokémon.
Roxanne's gaze was sharp. "You've done well so far, but now you're at a clear disadvantage. Let's see how you handle this. Nosepass, Thunder Wave!"
Noah's eyes widened. "Dodge, Aeris!"
Aeris swerved, barely avoiding the electric pulse that sparked through the air. That had been close.
"Use Sand Attack!"
Aeris swooped low, kicking up a cloud of sand into Nosepass's face. The Rock-type flinched slightly, its aim now a little off.
Roxanne remained unfazed. "Rock Tomb."
Nosepass raised large boulders from the ground and hurled them at Aeris.
"Gust! Knock them away!" Noah ordered.
Aeris flapped her wings powerfully, sending a burst of wind forward. The lighter rocks were sent flying back, but the heavier ones still fell dangerously close.
Noah needed a way to deal actual damage. "Aeris, Tackle!"The Pidgey dove at high speed, slamming into Nosepass's side.
But it barely did anything.
Roxanne smirked. "You're starting to see the problem now."
Noah gritted his teeth. Aeris wasn't strong enough to break through Nosepass's defenses… unless…
A thought clicked.
"Aeris, keep using Gust—but this time, aim for the ground!"
Aeris flapped her wings, stirring up more sand and dust. The battlefield became harder to see.
Roxanne's expression shifted slightly.
Noah grinned. "Now, Aeris, get above Nosepass and use Tackle at full speed!"
With the sandstorm obscuring Nosepass's vision, Aeris flew high before diving down like a missile.
The force of her descent, combined with her speed, gave her extra impact.
Aeris slammed into Nosepass's head.
For the first time, the Rock-type stumbled.
Noah saw his opening. "Again! Don't let it recover!"
Aeris repeated the attack, striking from above again and again, where Nosepass was least protected.
Roxanne frowned. "Thunder Wave—
"Gust!"
Before Nosepass could react, Aeris unleashed another powerful gust, throwing its aim off!
One last dive-bomb tackle—and Nosepass collapsed.
Silence filled the Gym.
Then the referee raised his flag
"Nosepass is unable to battle! The winner is Noah from Oldale Town!"
Noah exhaled deeply. They had done it.
Roxanne returned Nosepass to its Poké Ball and stepped forward, smiling. "That was an impressive battle. You used your Pokémon's abilities well, despite the type disadvantage.
She held out a small badge—the Stone Badge.
Noah took it, a sense of pride swelling in his chest."One step closer," he muttered.
As he turned to leave, he heard a familiar voice.
"Hey, Noah! Since you're done here… how about that battle?"
Noah smirked as he spotted Ash standing near the entrance.
"Alright," he said. "Let's see what you've got."
After Noah's intense battle against Roxanne, he remained in the stands to observe Ash's challenge. He wanted to see how another trainer, especially one who seemed confident and battle-hardened, handled the Rustboro Gym Leader.
Ash stood in place, eyes locked onto Roxanne, while Pikachu sat on his shoulder. His first Pokémon choice was Treecko, and Roxanne responded with Geodude.
Treecko vs. Geodude
Geodude started strong, using Rock Throw to put pressure on Treecko.
Ash focused on speed, having Treecko dodge the incoming boulders while using Pound and Quick Attack to hit weak spots.
Roxanne attempted to use Defense Curl, but Ash cleverly had Treecko use Absorb to counter, steadily draining Geodude's strength.
With a final Quick Attack + Absorb combo, Treecko took Geodude down.
Pikachu vs. Nosepass
Pikachu struggled at first due to Nosepass's high defenses.
Roxanne used Rock Tomb to slow Pikachu's movements, but Ash countered with Agility to maintain speed.
Pikachu's Iron Tail started wearing Nosepass down, and Ash finally overcame the Rock-type resistance with a Thunderbolt at full power, winning the battle.
The battle ended with Ash victorious, earning his Stone Badge just as Noah had.
After the match, Ash approached Noah, his usual confident grin in place.
"Not bad, huh?" he said, tossing his badge up and catching it.
Noah smirked. "You did well. You relied a lot on speed, though. If Roxanne had countered it better, you might've struggled."
Ash laughed. "Yeah, but speed is what I do best! Anyway, we were supposed to have a battle, right?"
Noah glanced at Aeris and Sage, both still a little worn from the Gym fight. "After they recover, sure."
Ash nodded. "Sounds good. Meet me at the battlefield outside the Pokémon Center once you're ready!"
Noah headed toward the Rustboro Pokémon Center, where he handed his Pokémon over to Nurse Joy. As he waited, he thought back on his own battle and what he had observed in Ash's.
Ash's Treecko was fast and precise, and Noah's Dottler—formerly Blipbug—had just evolved. He would need to test Sage's new Psychic powers in a real battle.
After retrieving his Pokémon from the healing station, Noah made his way to Rustboro City's Pokémon Supermarket.
With his prize money from the Gym battle, he could finally afford some proper food for Sage
He browsed through the shelves, scanning the different options.
"High-Energy Bug Blend – 2500 Pokédollars"
"Basic Bug Feed – 1000 Pokédollars"
"Premium Psychic Supplement – 3500 Pokédollars"
Noah picked up the Premium Psychic Supplement, knowing that Dottler's new type would require more mental endurance
"You're lucky you're my partner, Sage. You're eating better than I am," Noah muttered, paying for the food.
Now well-stocked, Noah returned to the Pokémon Center, fed his Pokémon, and headed toward the battlefield Ash had mentioned.
The battlefield just outside the city was simple—a dirt lot with a few scattered rocks. Ash stood on one end, Treecko perched on his shoulder.
Noah took his spot on the other side, holding up Sage's Poké Ball.
"Alright, one-on-one battle!" Ash called out. "Ready?
Noah nodded. "Let's do this."
Both trainers threw out their Pokémon.
Treecko landed lightly on its feet, smirking with confidence.
Sage emerged, its shell-covered form standing firm.
Ash studied Sage for a moment.
"So your Blipbug evolved, huh?"
Noah smirked. "Yeah. This'll be a good test."
The battle began.
Dottler vs. Treecko
"Treecko, Quick Attack!
Treecko vanished in a blur, rushing toward Dottler at high speed
Noah remained calm. "Sage, Sticky Web!"
As Treecko closed in, Dottler shot a net of sticky threads onto the battlefield, forcing Treecko to adjust its footing.
Ash frowned. "Not bad, but not enough! Treecko, jump and use Pound!"
Treecko leaped into the air, avoiding the webbing, and came down hard with its tail.
"Struggle Bug!"
Just before the impact, Sage released a burst of green energy, slamming into Treecko and pushing it back.
Treecko landed on its feet, shaking off the hit.
Ash grinned. "You're tough, but let's see how you handle this! Treecko, Absorb!"
Treecko's body glowed green as it tried to drain Sage's energy.
Noah's eyes narrowed. "Sage, Infestation!"
As Treecko latched onto Dottler with Absorb, Sage released a swarm of tiny bug-like energy constructs, surrounding Treecko!
The Grass-type shuddered as the attack took effect, its body twitching under the continuous damage.
Ash's grin faded slightly. "Alright, let's kick it up a notch!"
Noah was about to call another move when suddenly, Sage's shell began to glow.
A strange psychic aura surrounded Dottler, and Noah felt the air around them shift
"What's happening…?"
Then it clicked. A new move comes with evolution.
"Sage, use it!"
The glow intensified, and Treecko suddenly froze mid-step.
Noah realized what was happening—Sage was using its psychic power to lift Treecko into the air!
Treecko flailed, eyes wide as it was suspended helplessly.
Ash's jaw dropped. "Whoa—Treecko, break free!"
Sage's shell pulsed one last time, and Treecko was hurled backward, slamming into the dirt.
For a moment, it didn't move.
Then, slowly, it pushed itself up, panting heavily.
Ash clenched his fist. "We're not done yet!"
Treecko was panting heavily, its body still trembling from the effects of Confusion. Dottler, or rather, Sage, stood unwavering, its psychic aura still faintly shimmering from its newly unlocked power
Ash clenched his fists. "Treecko, can you still fight?"
Treecko forced itself to stand up straight, eyes determined despite the damage it had taken.
Noah admired the Grass-type's tenacity, but he knew this was his moment to end it.
"Sage, use Struggle Bug!"
Sage's body pulsed with energy before releasing a wave of glowing green energy, hurtling toward Treecko.
"Jump and dodge!" Ash called out.
Treecko leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the blast—but Noah was prepared.
"Now, Confusion!"
Sage's eyes glowed, and before Treecko could land, psychic energy wrapped around it, freezing it midair once again.
Treecko struggled, its body flailing, but Sage tightened its grip.
Then, with a flick of mental force—
BAM! Treecko was slammed into the ground.
The impact sent a cloud of dust into the air, and as it cleared, Treecko was lying on its stomach, groaning weakly.
Ash's eyes widened.
Treecko tried to push itself up… but after a few moments, it collapsed.
Silence.
Then, the referee raised a hand.
"Treecko is unable to battle! The winner is Noah and Dottler!"
Noah exhaled, a satisfied smirk on his face. "We did it, Sage."
Sage let out a soft hum, its shell pulsating lightly.
Ash ran up to Treecko and knelt beside it. "You did great, buddy." He smiled as he gently patted the Grass-type's back before recalling it to its Poké Ball.
Then, standing up, he grinned at Noah. "That was awesome! Your Dottler's Confusion is no joke."
Noah chuckled. "It was a surprise for me too. I didn't even know he could use it so well until now."
Ash gave a thumbs-up. "That's the best part about battling—you never know what your Pokémon will pull off!"
From the side, Brock and May approached, along with Max.
"That was a great battle," Brock said. "You adapted well to Sage's evolution.
May nodded. "Yeah, and that Confusion at the end was really strong!"
Noah gave a small nod in thanks. "Sage definitely came through. But I have to admit… that Treecko of yours is tough, Ash."
Ash laughed. "Yeah, he doesn't go down easy.
Brock clapped his hands together. "Alright, how about we all grab some food? Battles like these work up an appetite."
Noah hesitated for a moment, but then, he remembered how fast his Pokémon's food supply was emptying his wallet.
A free meal didn't sound like a bad idea.
"…Sure. I guess I can join you guys."
Ash grinned. "Awesome! Let's go!"
The group found a nice open area near Rustboro City's park and set up for lunch. Brock, being the cook of the group, prepared the food while the others relaxed.
As they ate, conversation naturally shifted toward their journeys.
"So, Noah," May asked, tilting her head. "Where are you from?
"Oldale Town," Noah replied simply.
Max adjusted his glasses. "That's a small place, isn't it? I don't think a lot of trainers start from there."
"Yeah, not many do," Noah admitted. "I wasn't even supposed to be a trainer. When I went to Professor Birch for a starter, they were all taken."
Ash nearly choked on his food. "Wait—so you didn't even get a starter Pokémon from the Professor?"
Noah shook his head. "Nope. I caught Aeris on my own."
May blinked. "Wait… Aeris? Who's that?"
As if on cue, Pidgey ruffled her feathers and perched proudly next to Noah.
May's eyes sparkled. "Aww, she's adorable!"
Noah smirked. "Yeah, don't let her fool you. She's tougher than she looks."
Brock studied Aeris for a moment, then frowned slightly. "Hmm… actually, now that I look at her, she seems… bigger than most Pidgey."
Aeris squawked in offense.
Noah felt her feathers fluff up as she glared at Brock.
"Uh-oh," Max whispered.
Before anyone could react, Aeris lunged at Brock with her beak ready to strike.
"Whoa—hey!" Brock yelped, ducking as Noah quickly grabbed Aeris mid-air.
"Aeris, calm down!" Noah muttered, holding her close.
Aeris flailed her wings aggressively, still glaring at Brock.
May giggled. "She's feisty!"
Brock rubbed the back of his head. "Okay, okay, I didn't mean it in a bad way!"
Noah sighed, stroking Aeris's feathers in an attempt to calm her down.
Brock cleared his throat. "What I meant was—there are Pokémon in the wild that are naturally larger than their usual species. They're sometimes called Alpha Pokémon."
Noah blinked. "Alpha Pokémon?"
Brock nodded. "It's not super common, but occasionally, you'll see Pokémon that are noticeably bigger than their usual counterparts. In the wild, these Pokémon tend to be stronger and more dominant in their territories."
Ash tilted his head. "So you're saying Aeris might be an Alpha Pidgey?"
Brock shrugged. "It's possible. She definitely looks larger than most Pidgey I've seen."
Ash grinned. "Or maybe she's just getting close to evolving! Bigger size could mean she's growing faster."
Brock considered it. "That could also be true. But if she is an Alpha, she's going to grow much larger than a normal Pidgeotto or Pidgeot."
Noah suddenly gulped.
Bigger size meant… more food.
His wallet was already suffering enough with just Sage and Aeris. If Aeris was an Alpha, how much more would she eat?
Aeris glared even harder at Brock, now even more offended.
Noah sighed. "Aeris, it's fine. He didn't mean anything bad by it."
Aeris let out a sharp chirp but didn't try to attack again.
May giggled. "She really listens to you, huh? It's cute."
Noah smirked. "Ofcourse she just likes me more than you guys."
May pouted. "Still, she's got a lot of personality."
Aeris puffed up proudly, as if agreeing.
Brock chuckled. "Well, whatever the case, she's definitely special. You might have a powerhouse on your hands, Noah."
Noah glanced at Aeris, who was still staring at Brock, though with less aggression now.
A powerhouse, huh?
Maybe Brock was right. And if that was the case… he needed to get even stronger to match Aeris.