After Nurse Joy took their Pokémon for healing, Ash, Misty, and Yellow sat down to rest.
A while later, Joy returned with a warm smile. "Your Pokémon are in great shape! They just needed a bit of rest."
Ash thanked her and took back the Poké Balls, clipping them onto his belt with practiced ease. Pikachu leapt onto his shoulder with a cheerful, "Pika!"
With Nurse Joy's help, Ash then registered for the Pokémon Tournament — the Indigo Plateau League. It was done within a minute. Nurse Joy handed him a badge case and wished him luck in his upcoming gym battles.
Flint walked over then, rubbing the back of his head. "So, Ash… you really planning to take on Brock?"
Ash nodded confidently. "Yeah. It's the next step toward becoming a Pokémon Master."
Flint smirked. "Then you better be prepared. Brock doesn't go easy on anyone."
Ash grinned. "Well, I am already prepared for this gym battle."
Flint nodded approvingly and walked away.
Ash then turned to Misty and Yellow. "So, do you girls want to eat something first or go for a tour and shopping?"
Well, shopping is something every girl and woman loves, no matter which world they're in. They eagerly went through every clothing store and checked out stalls with various rocky-themed jewelry, pendants, and more.
Misty's eyes sparkled at a beautiful blue heart-shaped pendant. She clearly loved it, but seeing the price tag, she decided not to buy it — even though she really wanted to.
Ash noticed. After she walked off, he asked the shopkeeper about the pendant and quietly bought it.As a surprise gift for Misty.
After buying the blue heart-shaped pendant for Misty, Ash turned to glance at the other items on display. His eyes caught a delicate amber pendant in the shape of a flower. It had a soft glow to it — simple, warm, and cheerful. It immediately reminded him of Yellow.
He looked toward her as she examined a rack of straw hats nearby, chatting with Misty. Smiling to himself, Ash pointed at the flower pendant. "I'll take that one too."
The shopkeeper wrapped both pendants neatly and handed them over.
Ash tucked them away carefully in his backpack. 'I'll give them later', he thought. Maybe after the gym battle... or when the moment feels right. Gotta keep it cool.
As they left the marketplace, Misty and Yellow were all smiles, arms full of small souvenirs and snacks they picked up along the way. Ash was carrying them ofcourse. it's the boy's duty.
Yellow turned to Ash. "Thanks for coming with us, Ash. This was really fun!"
Ash scratched the back of his head with a grin. "Heh… yeah. It was kinda fun."
Misty smirked. "You say that, but you are looking so bored out of your mind while carrying those bags."
Ash made a face. "It was fifteen minutes. And I still don't get why anyone needs to choose between hair clips for whole fifteen minutes. You could have just bought both."
Yellow giggled. "Because they rock?"
Ash stared at her blankly.
"…That was a pun, Ash."
"Oh."
Misty shook her head, laughing. "Let's grab a bite and rest. Your Gym battle's tomorrow right? "
Ash nodded. He reached up and patted Pikachu, who was now snoozing lightly on his shoulder. "Yeah. Tomorrow I will show Brock what I've got."
After that, they headed to a nearby restaurant. The food was decent, but the moment they finished, Misty sighed and leaned back in her seat.
"It's just not the same," she muttered. "Nothing like your cooking, Ash. I think I'm addicted to it."
"Yeah," Yellow nodded in agreement. "It's official. Regular food just doesn't cut it anymore."
Ash blinked, then chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Heh… guess I've spoiled you both."
Without another word, he stood up and wandered toward the kitchen. Misty and Yellow exchanged curious glances.
A few minutes later, the head chef could be heard loudly saying, "This is a professional kitchen, not a playground—!"
"I'll pay," Ash replied calmly.
"…Make it quick," the manager said with a sigh, suddenly much more cooperative.
Ash tied on an apron, rolled up his sleeves, and went to work. With smooth, practiced ease, he chopped vegetables, tossed ingredients into pans, and moved around the kitchen like he belonged there. The staff just stared, half impressed, half confused.
Before long, he brought out steaming plates piled high with fresh, savory dishes. He placed them in front of Misty and Yellow, then handed one to the manager, who'd been watching from the doorway, arms crossed.
The manager took a single bite — and promptly uncrossed his arms.
By the end of the meal, Misty and Yellow were slumped against the booth, satisfied to the point of food comas.
"That's it," Misty said, patting her full stomach. "I'm not moving. Ever again."
"Same," Yellow added, eyes half-lidded in bliss. "Totally worth it."
Meanwhile, the manager approached Ash with wide eyes and a napkin still tucked into his collar.
"Listen, kid," he said seriously. "Ever considered a career as a chef? I'll match the head chef's salary — heck, I'll double it. You want a restaurant? I'll give you one."
Ash laughed awkwardly. "Thanks, but I've already got a full-time job: becoming a Pokémon Master."
The manager just sighed hearing that. "Its such a pity, you — maybe. Sigh~"
They said their goodbyes, and Ash, Misty, and Yellow made their way back to the Pokémon Center. Night had fallen, and the city lights cast a soft glow on the streets.
As they walked, Yellow yawned. "That was a good day."
"Yeah," Ash agreed, hands in his pockets, Pikachu snoozing on his shoulder again.
Misty nodded beside them, "Let's get some rest. You've got a battle tomorrow. Your first Gym battle."
Ash looked up at the sky, stars beginning to twinkle overhead.
"Yeah," he said quietly.
After that, everyone went to their rooms to sleep.
Well, not Ash.
He entered his personal dimension and started training his Pokémon.
"All right, guys," Ash said.
Ash stood tall. "Tomorrow we face Brock — a Rock-type Gym Leader. You all know what that means."
"I don't know if it will be 2 v 2 or 3 v 3 battle so I will choose you according to the situation."
The group nodded — or buzzed, squawked, flexed, and tail-whipped in understanding.
"So since it's a Rock type gym — I have chosen 1.Pigdeot with his steel wing move it would be super effective against rock types.
[A/N:- Brock is too weak just with Pigdeot the match will be over but I want to give everyone a chance ]
2. Poliwhirl with type advantage against rock types .
And 3. Pikachu with his iron tail move it will be effective too.
You three will shine tomorrow okay ? As for the rest of you ~ dont worry you will get your chance to prove yourself too. "
Only when Ash was satisfied — did he nod in approval.
He gave each of them a warm smile and returned them to their Poké Balls with a quiet, "Good job, everyone. Rest well."
Stepping back out of the dimension, he returned to the stillness of his room. The stars outside twinkled faintly through the window.
Ash stretched and yawned. "Now I'm ready."
With a small smirk, he climbed into bed next to Pikachu and finally let sleep take over him.
-----
In the morning, Ash, Misty, and Yellow got ready, then headed to the Pokémon Center cafeteria for a simple breakfast. Toast, eggs, and some Oran berry juice — enough to energize them.
After eating, they went straight to the front desk where Nurse Joy was sorting a few files.
Ash stepped forward. "Good morning!"
Nurse Joy smiled. "Good morning to you too! All set for your first Gym challenge?"
"Yeah," Ash said confidently, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I'm ready."
"Then good luck," she said warmly. "Give it your best!"
Ash nodded, and the trio — with Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder — made their way to the Pewter City Gym.
The Pewter Gym loomed ahead, a massive structure made entirely of solid gray stone. It was carved into the base of a cliff, giving it a natural, fortress-like feel. Towering rock pillars flanked the entrance, and even the doors themselves looked like slabs of granite, etched with symbols of Pokémon battling.
Yellow:" So this is Pewter city gym huh ? "
As they stepped inside, a dim light greeted them. The interior was cavernous — more like a stone arena than a building. Jagged boulders lined the sides of the battlefield, and the floor was uneven, mimicking the rocky terrain that Rock-type Pokémon thrived in.
There was no flashy decoration. No bright colors or elaborate banners. Just raw, earthen strength. [ A/N : Ahem it's not that Brock's family is just poor ]
Misty glanced around.
Yellow looked impressed. "It feels like a cave… but also kind of cool. "
Ash stepped forward onto the challenger's side of the battlefield, eyes sharp. "This is it ."
The sound of footsteps echoed through the stone hall.
And then — Brock appeared.
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[A/N :- Hello 👋 Here's a new chapter!
Upcoming Gym battle -
1. Geodude vs Poliwhirl
2. Rhyhorn vs Pigdeot
3 Onix vs Pikachu
Good right ?
Well thanks for your support 😊🙏
Bye 👋]