The last roots of Viridian Forest gave way to dry earth and gray cliffs.
Skylar and Misty stood on a high ridge, the wind tugging at their jackets as they looked out over Pewter City—a fortress of stone nestled between two mountains, its streets carved directly into the rock. Sloped rooftops of dark slate shimmered in the afternoon sun, and thick stone pillars marked the entrance to the city's famous Gym, a structure that looked more like a fortress than a training ground.
—"Pewter City," Skylar murmured. "First badge on the map."
Misty took a breath, her hands on her hips.
—"And the first real test. Gym Leaders don't go easy on anyone."
They descended the rocky slope, the path now paved in carved stones that echoed slightly underfoot. Trainers passed them going in both directions—some excited, others looking sore or disappointed, their Pokémon limping beside them or resting in their arms.
It wasn't intimidating.It was motivating.
The Pokémon Center came into view just as the last rays of light painted the mountains in gold. Skylar checked in while Misty handled the healing for their teams. As they waited, the Gyarados egg sat between them on a cushioned bench, warm and calm.
—"You're thinking about Brock already, aren't you?" Misty asked, glancing at him sideways.
Skylar didn't deny it.
—"He's one of the most respected Gym Leaders in the Kanto circuit. Even with his focus on Rock-types, he pushes you to think. Strategy. Discipline. Endurance."
Misty nodded. "I've seen some of his battles on the League feed. He's not flashy, but he wears you down. And if your typing's not solid… he'll crush you before you know what happened."
Skylar leaned back against the wall.
He already had Pokémon with a disadvantage—Charmander being Fire-type, and Scyther weak to Rock.
But weakness wasn't a sentence.
It was a puzzle.
And he loved puzzles.
—"I'm not switching my team just for type coverage," he said finally. "Charmander and Scyther will fight. They need to."
Misty raised a brow. "Even if they're at a disadvantage?"
—"Especially then."
She smiled. "Now that's the Skylar I remember."
The healing chime rang and Nurse Joy handed back their Poké Balls. Skylar clipped Charmander's and Scyther's back onto his belt, both freshly restored and eager.
Just then, a younger Trainer passed them looking deflated.
Skylar offered him a nod. "Tough match?"
The boy sighed. "Didn't even get past Brock's first Pokémon. His Geodude just shrugged off my attacks."
Skylar exchanged a look with Misty.
This was real.
No simulations. No practice fields.
Only strength—and how you used it.
Later that evening, they checked into a small Trainer lodge near the Gym. It was basic—bunk beds, stone floors, and a window that faced the cliffs. But it had a training yard, and that was all Skylar needed.
He stood in the moonlight behind the lodge, facing Scyther, who warmed up with quick bladed slashes against the cold air. Charmander shadowboxed on his own, mimicking Scyther's movements.
Misty leaned in the doorway, watching them.
—"You're really not switching in a Water or Grass type, huh?"
Skylar shook his head.
—"No crutches. If we lose, we learn. If we win… it'll be because we earned it."
She stepped forward and handed him a towel. "You've got fire in you. I just hope it doesn't burn out before the match."
He smiled. "That's what Charmander's for."
Both Pokémon turned toward him at the same time.
Ready.
Tomorrow, the real challenge would begin.
Not against the forest.
Not against wild Pokémon.
But against a Gym Leader whose strength had shaped generations.
Brock waited.
And Skylar would meet him head-on.