The rhythmic crash of the waves against Dewford's rocky shores created a soothing yet intense atmosphere as Noah stood outside Granite Cave, watching his team prepare for another grueling training session.
Tide, his Nosepass, had wandered off to graze on mineral-rich rocks, seemingly unconcerned with anything else. Noah wasn't worried—he knew that Tide's strength wasn't in raw aggression like Grimm's or Aeris' but in stamina and endurance. Still, Tide was doing what it needed to do to stay in peak condition, and that was enough for now.
Meanwhile, Noah's true focus was on training Aeris, Sage, and Grimm.
He cracked his knuckles. "Alright, let's make the most of today."
Grimm, his mischievous Impidimp, grinned and stretched, eager to cause some chaos. Sage, his Dottler, hummed softly, its psychic energy pulsating as it waited for instructions.
And then there was Aeris—his Pidgey—flapping her wings, already warmed up and ready for battle.
Noah pointed toward the open air. "Aeris, let's focus on power today. Your speed is already good, but you need to hit harder."
Aeris narrowed her eyes and let out a determined chirp.
"Good. Now, Quick Attack!"
Aeris became a blur, shooting forward with a burst of speed. But Noah wasn't satisfied.
"Faster."
She repeated the move.
"Still faster."
Again.
"Now! Turn mid-flight and strike back!"
Aeris pivoted sharply in the air, flipping around before ramming into an invisible target. Noah could tell she was improving, but something was missing.
She needs more force.
Noah exhaled. "Forget Quick Attack for now. Try pushing more energy into your wings and strike forward. Use your full strength."
Aeris hesitated for a moment before flapping harder, wind gathering beneath her. Then, with a swift, powerful motion, she cut through the air and sent a small gust of wind in front of her.
Noah's eyes widened. "That's it! Again!"
Aeris flapped harder, her wings slicing through the air with precision. The next strike sent an even stronger gust of wind ahead.
A notification from his Pokédex beeped in his pocket.
Pidgey has learned Wing Attack!
Noah allowed himself a small smirk. "Not bad, Aeris."
Aeris chirped proudly, her chest puffed out.
Grimm clapped sarcastically.
Noah shot him a look. "Your turn next."
Grimm immediately stopped clapping.
For the next hour, Noah focused on refining his team's moves. Aeris trying to perfect Wing Attack, Sage worked on improving the accuracy of its Confusion attack, and Grimm—while still dramatic—was getting stronger and faster with each battle.
All the while, Tide continued eating happily in the background, completely unbothered.
By the time Noah finally called for a break, the sun had begun its slow descent, casting golden hues across the ocean. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and checked the time.
Ash's battle would be starting soon.
Noah called out to Tide. "Time to go!"
Tide barely acknowledged him at first, still enjoying its mineral feast. But eventually, after a long pause, it reluctantly followed as Noah and the rest of the team began heading back.
The Gym battle was about to begin.
Noah sat back in the stands, arms crossed as he observed Ash step onto the battlefield with renewed confidence. Brawly looked as relaxed as ever, though there was a clear glint of respect in his eyes—he knew Ash had trained hard for this rematch.
"Let's see what you've got this time."
The referee raised his flag. "This is an official Gym battle between Ash Ketchum and Gym Leader Brawly! Each side will use two Pokémon. Let the battle begin!"
Ash immediately threw his Poké Ball. "Treecko, I choose you!"
The small grass-type landed on the battlefield, tail flicking behind him as he locked eyes with Brawly's first Pokémon.
"Machop, let's roll."
A burst of light revealed Machop, its muscles flexing as it took a fighting stance.
Noah observed the battle carefully, noting how Ash had improved his strategy since the last time.
Treecko started off with Quick Attack, darting around Machop with impressive speed. Brawly, however, countered swiftly.
"Machop, use Karate Chop!"
Machop's arm came down in a blur, but Treecko managed to flip away just in time. Noah had to admit, Ash's speed control had improved, and it was clear he had focused on evasion.
The battle continued back and forth, with Treecko landing multiple hits using Pound and Quick Attack, while Machop countered with Seismic Toss and Low Kick, dealing heavy damage.
However, Ash refused to give in. Instead of brute force, he started using Treecko's agility to keep Machop on the defensive.
Then came the moment when Machop charged forward for another Karate Chop—only for Treecko to dodge and land a clean hit with Pound, knocking Machop out cold.
Noah smirked. Not bad.
Brawly grinned and recalled Machop. "You've improved a lot, Ash. But let's see how you handle this—Hariyama, let's go!"
Noah's eyes narrowed slightly. Hariyama had been the real challenge in his own battle, and he was curious to see how Ash would handle it.
Ash called out Pikachu, who sparked with electricity, ready to fight.
The battle started aggressively, with Pikachu landing Thunderbolt, only for Hariyama to endure the attack with little trouble.
"Arm Thrust!"
Hariyama moved like a wall of muscle, slamming Pikachu backward with powerful, repeated strikes.
Noah frowned. That's bad. Hariyama's endurance is insane.
Ash quickly adapted, using Pikachu's speed to weave around attacks, landing Thunderbolts and Quick Attacks whenever possible. But Hariyama was stubbornly standing strong.
Then came the turning point.
Ash called for an Iron Tail, and Pikachu used Hariyama's own weight against it, striking hard at its legs. Brawly, however, countered immediately.
"Knock Off!"
Pikachu was sent flying, tumbling across the battlefield. Noah leaned forward—this was getting close.
But then Ash made his move.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt at full power!"
Lightning crashed down onto Hariyama, causing it to stagger.
"Now, Quick Attack!"
Before Hariyama could recover, Pikachu rushed in, landing a final hit that sent the massive Pokémon toppling onto its back.
The battlefield fell silent for a moment before the referee raised his flag.
"Hariyama is unable to battle! The winner is Ash Ketchum!"
Noah watched as Ash pumped his fist into the air, grinning wildly. Brawly laughed, recalling Hariyama before walking over to shake Ash's hand.
Noah smirked slightly to himself. Not bad, Ash. You really did improve.