Eventually, I found Daisy sitting on a log and with her face buried in her hands. I ran up to her, though the girl didn't seem to notice me. I wasn't sure how to let her know that I was there, so I crouched down next to her and gently tapped her shoulder.

Daisy looked up at me and I could see that her green eyes were now full of tears. "Oh, hi Red. I'm sorry I ran off." The girl looked off to the side. "Blue just... knows how to get to me."

I signed to her that it was alright and that Blue was a complete jerk. Daisy nodded. "The lengths he goes to just to make me feel worse about myself... I don't understand why he's like this."

I let her continue talking. "I hate that he can get me so worked up. It just strikes a nerve when he tosses my feelings aside. I don't really want to get into it right now, but what he said was extremely hurtful."

I put my hand on my friend's shoulder, and then I signed to her that I was there for her. "I appreciate it, Red. I'm sorry I've screwed up your journey so much, and now we're lost."

I held up the Viridian Forest map and the girl's face lit up. Daisy wiped the tears from her eyes and grabbed the map. "You got it from Blue? Alright! Now we can get out of here!"

I quickly signed to ask if she was sure she was alright. Daisy waved her hand dismissively. "I'm ok, let's drop it. We've got an adventure to continue!"

The girl hurried off, and I decided I wouldn't press the topic further. I hadn't seen Daisy in such a vulnerable state before, and I didn't want to upset her by telling her that I had hit Blue. Hopefully, Blue would get back to his journey and leave us alone. Though, if Blue was taking on the Pokémon League in Kanto there were plenty of opportunities to see him.

We navigated through the forest, now successfully making our way out of the forest. Finally, we reached the exit and walked out to the other end of Route Two. It was a straight shot to the city from there, and we wasted no time heading to Pewter City.

I hardly understood why it was called a city. There was a small house at the entrance, nearby was the Pokémon Center. Further back was the Pokémon Gym and the museum. There was also the Poké Mart and another house to the left. The small collection of homes made up the location.

The city was famous for being a repository for all sorts of ores. Pewter City had sprung up as a mining town outside of Mount Moon. Nowadays, there was very little mining done in the mountain.

"We made it! Grandpa took me here once when he was investigating the fossils." Daisy recalled. "Though it seems like it hasn't changed much. I guess that makes sense, it's a pretty static place. Though that was like, three years ago." I was glad Daisy was back to her chatty self.

My eyes were fixed on the gym, I walked forward over to the Pokémon Center. We should wait until tomorrow to take on the gym. It's been a long day.

I was eager to test my battling skills. After Blue beat me, all of my experience had been on random trainers and wild Pokémon. This would be a chance for me to see if I had what it takes to be a Champion.

"I can tell how excited you are, Red," Daisy observed. "Are you ready to take on the gym?"

I shook my head. I signed to Daisy that I wanted to wait until the next day, that way we could rest and I would be at my best. Daisy seemed to understand that, and we decided we would get rooms at the Pokémon Center.

I used the PC to send a message to my mother, letting her know that we had arrived at Pewter City successfully. Then, Daisy and I spent the rest of the night chatting about our adventure so far.

The next day, I was incredibly eager to get to my Gym Battle. I got ready, went through my team, and met up with Daisy. We left the Pokémon Center and set off for the gym while the sun was high in the sky. There was a small chill in the air, though the sky was clear and I felt confident.

We arrived at the entrance to the gym and I pushed the doors open. Stepping inside, I was immediately hit by a bit of dust in the air.

Brock had spikey black hair, he was wearing a green and orange shirt and brown shorts. His eyes appeared to be shut but he looked directly at me as I entered.

The interior of the gym was decorated with stones and sand. A few trainers stood off to the side and were battling against each other.

Brock flexed his muscles. "Greetings, challengers! Welcome to the Pewter City Gym! I am Brock, the Gym Leader!"

"Red will be battling, I'm just here for moral support." Daisy informed him, and she gestured to me. I walked forward and Brock sized me up.

"Welcome, Red! I hope you're prepared for my Rock-Types! I take it this is your first Gym Battle?" I nodded, and Brock's stone-face turned into a slight smile. "Then I know who I'll use. Best of luck!" Brock thrust out his hand, which held two Poké Balls between his fingers.

One of the trainers jogged over to the center of the main battlefield. He picked up checkered flags and held them at his sides. "Alright, this will be a two on two battle! Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon, furthermore, once both Pokémon are defeated on either side the battle is over! Battle begin!" I immediately threw Squirtle's Poké Ball in the air, sending out the water turtle.

"Let's rock and roll, Geodude!" Brock chuckled at his pun as he sent out the rock Pokémon. The Pokémon's round body was made up of grey stone, and its white eyes bore into my Pokémon. Geodude pounded its two fists together as it prepared for battle.

Alright, Squirtle, use Bubble! I told Squirtle. The turtle sent a group of bubbles forward at a surprising speed, hitting the Geodude and sending it sprawling backward.

"Hang in there Geodude, use Tackle!" Brock told the Pokemon and it rushed forward. Geodude increased its speed by throwing himself across the ground with its hands and slamming into Squirtle. The water turtle flew back into a wall leaving a large dent in it.

Alright, let's try this. Squirtle use Bubble. Next time he uses Tackle, hide in your shell! I said to my Water-Type companion. Squirtle sent more bubbles forward which hit Geodude. The Pokémon seemed to barely be shrugging off the projectiles.

Brock winced as the damage piled on. "Tackle!" Geodude raced forward but Squirtle retreated into his shell. The Rock-Type slammed into the shell but it didn't budge. Now grab him and use Bubble one more time!

Before Geodude could retreat, Squirtle emerged from his shell and grabbed the moving stone. He caught the Pokemon off guard so before they could throw him off, Squirtle blasted the Pokemon's face with bubbles. Geodude fell unconscious as he rolled across the ground.

Brock called back his Geodude and smiled. "I don't know how you managed to do all that without saying a word to your Pokémon, but I'm impressed. Unfortunately for you, my Onix won't be defeated!" Brock told me,sending out his second Pokémon .

Onix towered over Squirtle, his body was made up of multiple gray boulders that created a serpentine build. A giant stone spike stuck out of his head to add to the intimidating factor. The beastly Pokémon roared and Squirtle winced.

Stay sharp, Squirtle. I told my Pokémon.

"Bind!" Brock shouted and the rock type swept its tail forward and wrapped itself around Squirtle. The more Squirtle struggled the tighter the grip got, his face was stricken with pain as the constriction increased.

Squirtle! Oh man, I better call you back! I took out his Poké Ball and attempted to recall the Pokémon, but Onix blocked all of my attempts

"When a Pokemon is under the effects of Bind they can't be returned until they're released!" Brock informed me. My face paled as I realized that Squirtle would most likely faint before he was free. Moments later, the Pokémon fell unconscious. Onix released Squirtle and let him tumble onto the ground.

"Squirtle is unable to battle!" The referee announced. "Onix is the winner!"

I returned my friend and threw out my final Pokémon. In a flash of light, Pikachu appeared. I immediately felt my heart drop as I saw the electric mouse land on the battlefield.

"Red... Why didn't you send out Bulbasaur?" Daisy blurted out. The girl made eye contact with me and she seemed to understand. "Oh... I get it now." I had completely messed up.

"Tough break kid..." Brock seemed a bit disappointed. "Tell you what, you can change your Pokémon out if you want. Technically it's against the rules, but... mistakes happen."

I thought over Brock's offer, but then I glanced at Pikachu. I shook my head. Just because Pikachu was at a terrible disadvantage didn't mean I could give up.

"You're sure?" Brock confirmed, and I nodded. "Alright then, let's see what you've got! Onix, use Rock Tomb!"

Onix slammed his tail onto the ground and flung several boulders at Pikachu. Pikachu, use Quick Attack and get out of the way! Pikachu started to fly across the ground, darting around the boulders as they slammed into the ground around him. Pikachu jumped up and rammed directly into Onix.

The mouse bounced off of the titanic Pokémon, doing almost no damage. "Now use Tackle!" Onix lunged to strike Pikachu with his head. Grab on! Onix slammed into Pikachu, but he managed to grab hold of the beastly foe. Now use Quick Attack again! Pikachu leaped from Onix's head and collided with the stone serpent's body.

Brock's beast snapped its body, flinging Pikachu into the air. We were making essentially zero progress against the mighty opponent. "Rock Tomb!" Onix launched another series of stones at Pikachu. We couldn't play defensively, we needed to take action.

Throw one of the rocks down into Onix, then land! Pikachu slammed his body into an approaching stone, stopping its momentum and flinging it down into Onix. The stone shattered upon making contact with the beast.

Pikachu landed on the ground, now surrounded by rocks. "Onix, use Tackle!" Brock's Pokémon reared back his head and swung it directly into Pikachu, crashing through a boulder behind the mouse.

My Pokémon rolled across the ground while Onix came to a stop. Pikachu seemed to be nearing his limit, despite the Pokémon keeping his expression blank. He was covered in dust and small stones, while Onix had stamina to spare. We were outmatched.

Pikachu... What do I do? I couldn't figure out how to damage the Pokémon. Onix's rock body gave it impenetrable armor, and our electric attacks wouldn't be able to touch it. We couldn't get through his physical defense. Wait... We need to go around it!"

At that moment I had an idea so crazy that only Pikachu would do it. Pikachu, climb onto Onix with Quick Attack! Then dive in between the rocks!

Pikachu gave me a confused look but shrugged and dashed forward with blinding speed. "What are you going for, kid?" Brock wondered. He was entirely unprepared for our strategy.

Pikachu jumped off of the ground and towards Onix, jamming himself in between the rocks. The moment he did, Onix began writhing in pain. Just like I thought! Now finish this with Quick Attack!

A white glow exploded from the wedge Pikachu was in. Onix began thrashing in pain and roaring. The rock snake soon collapsed from the onslaught of energy. Pikachu jumped out from in between the rocks and ran over to me. Meanwhile, Brock was frozen in place for a few moments.

"Onix is... unable to battle!" The referee announced. "Red and Pikachu are the winners!"

Brock unfroze and recalled Onix. "I-I've never seen anything like it!" He told me, walking over and putting a hand on my shoulder. "I don't know how you're communicating with your Pokémon, but keep it up! You stuck with Pikachu, and I respect that." He handed me a gray badge shaped like a rock.

I held the badge in my hands and felt a wave of relief rush through my body. Brock then handed me a case for storing my Gym Badges, with seven open spaces after I put in my newly earned badge. I had done it.

I picked up Pikachu and spun the mouse around. You were amazing, Pikachu! I'm so proud of you! I praised the Pokémon. A small smile seemed to be tugging at the face of the Pokémon.

"Also, you get the TM for Bide. It's a newer model so you can use it on as many Pokémon as you like!" He told me. Brock handed me the disk, which I put in my TM case. "Best of luck on your journey. Hopefully I'll hear of the great things you're going to do."

Brock and I shook hands, and then I turned to face Daisy. The girl seemed to be bursting with energy. "That was incredible! Red, how did you even come up with a strategy like that!" There was a glimmer behind her green eyes as she talked.

I felt a bit embarrassed at the sudden praise I was receiving. "Seriously, that's something special." We walked out of the gym while she rambled. "And the fact that you stuck with Pikachu! Why would you do that? Did you have that plan from the start? Did you think of it on the fly like some sort of battling genius maniac!"

My face started to flush red as Daisy lauded my achievement. "I can't wait to see you battle again! You and your Pokémon are incredible!"

We walked through Pewter City and I felt a smile spreading across my face. It was time to become a true Pokémon Trainer.