The morning sky above Pewter City was gloomier than usual. Heavy gray clouds drifted lazily overhead, their weight pressing down on the town like an invisible hand. In front of the Pewter Gym — normally the most bustling, energetic spot in the entire city — a rather amusing scene was unfolding.
A boy of about fifteen, with a sturdy build, a red sports jacket, and a red cap worn backwards, was speaking animatedly to the boy beside him."Green, my Squirtle's a Water-type. That means I can crush Brock's Onix easily. This time, I'll earn the badge before you do!"
The boy called Green, his slightly messy hair framing a pair of sharp, calculating eyes, crossed his arms and replied with a confident smirk."Don't get ahead of yourself, Red. My Bulbasaur is both Grass and Poison-type. It can deal quadruple damage to Onix. My advantage is way bigger than yours."
Red tilted his chin upward, a spark of challenge flashing in his eyes."My speed's just as good as yours, so don't count me out!"
Their words carried the faint tension of rivalry. Red took a step forward, leaning in slightly toward Green."Alright, let's see who gets that badge first!"
Green's smirk deepened, his agreement immediate."It's a deal."
To an outsider, it might seem as though they were on the verge of bickering again, but the truth was more complicated. In the years to come, they would stand side by side countless times — rivals, yes, but also inseparable allies.
Without wasting another second, Red darted into the Pewter Gym, Green following right on his heels.
But the moment they stepped into the main hall, both of them froze mid-stride.
The entire spectator area — capable of seating over two hundred people — was packed almost to capacity. And yet, an unusual hush blanketed the air. No cheers, no idle chatter, just a heavy stillness, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for something to happen.
At the very center of the Gym's battlefield, two figures stood facing each other. One was Brock — the renowned Pewter Gym Leader, famous across Kanto for his mastery of Rock-type Pokémon. His usually calm, focused face was frozen in surprise, eyes widened in disbelief. Opposite him stood a young man with black hair and a composed yet piercing gaze — Alex.
Red, ever curious, leaned toward a nearby spectator and whispered,"What's going on?"
The spectator lowered his voice, though the excitement in it was unmistakable."That kid… Alex… he just took down Brock's Onix."
Red blinked."What!? Took down Onix… just like that?"
He had heard the stories about Brock before coming here. Brock, who had loved Rock-types since childhood, training them daily until he knew every strength and flaw they possessed — both in attack and in defense. Yet somehow, in a mere instant, his most reliable Pokémon had been defeated.
Beside him, Green's sharp gaze never left the battlefield, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution.
On the Gym floor, Brock silently recalled Onix into its Poké Ball. His mind kept replaying the moment of the decisive strike. Gardevoir had hit a critical weak spot — a vulnerability Brock hadn't even considered.
Between the massive boulders making up Onix's body, there were still traces of muscle and veins, however minuscule. The "sixth rock from the head" — that was a vital point, something Alex had learned from his conversations with Professor Oak.
Brock drew in a deep breath, forcing himself to steady his thoughts. The match wasn't over yet."It doesn't matter whether he knows or not… Onix is down. But the second round will be different."
He hurled his second Poké Ball forward. A flash of white light erupted, and a towering Rhydon materialized, its stone armor glinting under the Gym lights.
In Alex's mind, the analysis began instantly.Rhydon, Rock/Ground-type. Ability: Rock Head — nullifies recoil damage from powerful moves. Body like a living tank, each hand with three claws, capable of charging forward with terrifying speed. Weakness… still quadruple damage from Grass-type attacks.
Alex narrowed his eyes. This wasn't his first time facing a Rhydon. Back at the Rustboro Gym, he'd fought one before — and that experience now gave him a decisive edge.
The referee's voice rang out."Second round of the battle between Alex and Brock — begin!"
Alex didn't hesitate."Luna, Energy Ball!"
Gardevoir stepped forward, her pale hands closing together before her chest. Emerald light swirled between them, condensing into a shimmering sphere of energy that trembled with restrained power before streaking across the battlefield like lightning.
Brock reacted instantly."Rhydon, Protect!"
A shimmering white barrier enveloped Rhydon, catching the Energy Ball mere inches from impact. But both Trainers knew that Protect couldn't be used repeatedly without risking failure.
Brock felt the pressure mounting. Energy Ball was devastating against Rhydon — every successful hit could end the battle outright.
He grit his teeth."Can't let her fire again… Rhydon, Rollout!"
Rhydon tucked in its limbs, curling into a massive boulder, then launched forward with the crushing weight of a tank. The ground trembled with every rotation.
Alex's lips curved into a faint smile. From the very beginning, the pace of the match had been his to control.
And somewhere deep in Brock's chest, a sudden unease began to take root…