1. The Gym's Stony Arena
Ash and Joshua stepped across the threshold of Pewter City's Gym, their hearts racing with anticipation. The cavernous interior was carved from sheer granite, lanterns casting flickering shadows on walls etched with fossilized Pokémon. A hush fell over the challengers as Brock, Pewter City's Gym Leader, emerged from behind a stone pillar.
"Welcome, Ash Ketchum—and Joshua," Brock greeted, folding his arms. His eyes held a measured warmth as he surveyed the brothers and their partners. "Today you'll face two of my strongest rock‑type Pokémon. This will be a double battle: each of you against one opponent. Defeat both, and you'll earn your first badges."
Ash swallowed. "We're ready," he said, voice steady. Pikachu's cheeks crackled in agreement.
Joshua nodded, calm as ever. "Charmander and I won't hold back."
Brock gave a curt nod. "Then let's begin."
With a rumble, the central arena stones slid aside to reveal a circular battleground. Across from them, two Pokémon—Onix and Geodude—stood poised, their rocky hides gleaming. Misty and Brock's younger brother, Forrest, watched from a raised gallery, excitement in their eyes.
2. Clash of Rock and Flame
Brock's voice echoed through the hall. "Onix, Geodude—battle!"
Ash and Joshua exchanged a glance.
"Ash, Pikachu—Quick Attack on Geodude!" Ash commanded, voice sharp. Pikachu darted forward in a flash of yellow, but Geodude braced itself, absorbing the hit against its stone‑hard exterior.
"Joshua, Charmander—Ember!" Joshua called. Charmander inhaled deeply, tail flame burning brighter, then expelled a spray of embers. The flickering flames danced across the arena floor, chipping at Onix's massive coils.
Onix roared, shaking loose a shower of pebbles. "Onix, Rock Tomb!" Brock ordered. A torrent of jagged stones erupted from the floor, pinning Ash and Pikachu in place.
Joshua's eyes narrowed. He raised a hand, gathering Psychic energy to shield his brother and Pikachu. A shimmering barrier of golden light sprang into being, deflecting the incoming rocks.
"Geodude, Magnitude!" Brock's second command sent the ground trembling beneath their feet. Ash struggled to maintain balance as the arena quaked.
"Charmander, Dragon Rage!" Joshua shouted. His flame‑saturated orb struck Geodude mid‑tremor, sending the rock Pokémon tumbling backward.
Seizing the opening, Ash called, "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" A bolt of lightning arced through the barrier and crackled into Geodude, felling it in a burst of sparks.
"Geodude, return!" Brock conceded, recalling the battered Pokémon.
3. The Power of Partnership
With one opponent down, Onix reared back, its eyes glowing with determination. Brock's calm voice cut through the silence: "Final round—Onix, take them down."
Ash and Joshua braced themselves.
"Ash, Pikachu—charge up with Aura!" Ash focused inward, feeling the life‑force of every creature around him. Pikachu's fur rippled as golden Aura energy infused its electric attacks.
"Joshua, Charmander—Ember, now!" Joshua released a torrent of superheated embers, each one pulsing with his Psychic strength.
The two attacks merged in midair, a dazzling storm of lightning and fire that crashed into Onix's rocky hide. The cavern trembled as Onix staggered, fissures cracking along its length.
"Onix, Iron Tail!" Brock countered. Onix's tail, sheathed in metallic sheen, swept toward Ash and Joshua with crushing force.
Ash leapt aside, Pikachu by his side. Joshua extended his hand, Psychic energy coalescing into a shimmering shield. The Iron Tail slammed against the barrier, splintering it, but leaving Ash and Pikachu unharmed.
"Pikachu, Electro Ball—aim for the head!" Ash directed. The glowing sphere of electricity hurtled toward Onix's craggy skull, disrupting its balance.
"Charmander, Seismic Toss!" Joshua called. With surprising strength, Charmander seized Onix's tail and flipped the massive serpent end over end, slamming it into the ground.
Onix lay still, dust rising from its battered coils. Brock stepped forward, admiration in his eyes. "Incredible teamwork. You two understand the bond between trainer and Pokémon—and between brothers."
He retrieved two glimmering Boulder Badges and handed one to each. "Wear these with pride. You've earned them."
Ash and Joshua exchanged triumphant grins as Pikachu and Charmander bounded forward, nuzzling their trainers in celebration.
4. Reflections in the Museum
That evening, Brock hosted a small ceremony at the Pewter Museum of Natural History. Under vaulted ceilings lined with dinosaur‑like fossils, the group gathered around a wooden table laden with fresh stew and bread.
Brock raised a mug of hot tea. "To Ash and Joshua—may your journey through Kanto be as unyielding as Onix and as bright as your combined Aura and Psychic gifts."
Misty and Serena joined the toast, clinking their mugs against Brock's. Misty caught Joshua's eye and offered a shy smile; he returned it, warmth blossoming in his chest.
Over dinner, Brock shared tales of Kanto's Gym Leaders and the challenges that lay ahead. "Next, you'll travel east to Cerulean City. There, you'll face water‑type specialists—though I suspect Misty will have some tips for you."
Ash laughed. "I wouldn't mind a few pointers."
Serena leaned forward. "And I'll be there to cheer you on."
May added, "I'll bring supplies—Potions, Berries, anything you need."
5. Farewells and New Horizons
Under a star‑studded sky, the group reconvened outside the museum. Serena, May, Misty, and Brock all stood to bid the brothers farewell. Serena pressed a small vial of Pinap Berry extract into Ash's hand. "For Pikachu—helps him channel Aura more precisely."
May offered Joshua a ribbon woven from Contest silk. "For Charmander—to remind you of home."
Misty squeezed Joshua's arm. "Be careful in Cerulean Forest. Team Rocket's been spotted there lately."
Brock ruffled Ash's hair. "You two make me proud. Keep that bond strong."
As the lights of Pewter City faded behind them, Ash and Joshua set their sights on the Cerulean Road. Pikachu's cheeks glowed softly; Charmander's tail flame danced in the night breeze.
Joshua glanced at his brother. "Ready for the next challenge?"
Ash grinned, cap tilted forward. "With you by my side? Always."
Hand in hand with their partners—and with the blessings of family, friends, and Legendary Pokémon—the Chosen Ones stepped into the night, their journey through Kanto far from over. The path to the Cerulean Badge awaited.