Pewter City felt carved from patience.
Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town stood inside the Pewter Gym, stone beneath his feet and silence pressing in from every side. Charizard remained near the entrance, wings folded, tail flame calm but alert. Rattata waited at Ash's side. Metapod rested in its Poké Ball.
A tall figure stepped forward.
"My name is Brock," he said evenly. "I am the Pewter City Gym Leader."
Ash squared his shoulders. "I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. I challenge the Pewter City Gym."
Brock nodded once. "Very well. First, the rules."
Brock raised three fingers.
"This will be a three-on-three battle. Each trainer may use up to three Pokémon."
Ash listened without blinking.
"Only one Pokémon may battle at a time. Substitutions are permitted only when a Pokémon is unable to battle. No items may be used during the match."
Ash nodded.
"The match ends when all Pokémon on one side are defeated," Brock finished. "Do you accept these terms?"
"Yes," Ash said immediately.
"Then," Brock said, lifting a Poké Ball, "the battle begins."
"Go, Geodude!"
The rocky Pokémon slammed onto the battlefield.
Ash raised his Pokédex.
"Geodude, the Rock Pokémon. Rock and Ground type. Known for its sturdy body and high physical defense."
Ash took a breath. "Rattata, I choose you."
Rattata stepped forward, tense but ready.
"Geodude, Tackle," Brock commanded.
The impact sent Rattata skidding back.
"Quick Attack, then Bite!" Ash called.
Rattata moved fast, striking and retreating. The Bite scraped stone, doing little damage.
Geodude countered with another Tackle, heavier than before.
Rattata collapsed.
"Rattata is unable to battle," Brock announced.
Ash recalled it, jaw tight. "You did great."
Ash reached for another Poké Ball.
"Metapod, I choose you."
Metapod landed with a dull thud.
Brock nodded slightly. "A defensive strategy."
"Metapod, Harden," Ash ordered.
The shell gleamed.
"Geodude, Tackle."
The impact echoed. Metapod held.
"Again, Harden!"
The shell hardened further, but the next Tackle cracked through.
Metapod rolled back, unmoving.
"Metapod is unable to battle," Brock said calmly.
Ash stood still.
Two Pokémon down.
Charizard watched from the side, eyes fixed on Ash now.
"Your third Pokémon remains," Brock said.
Ash clenched his fist and reached for his final Poké Ball.
The stone battlefield waited.
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T/N:
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