My biggest confrontation was about to commence. As the flickering lights above my head flashed with colored patterns. The crowd yelled in succession for the final round to begin. I could feel the screams permeating my entire being. Like a rapper feeling in tune with the power of the bass.

It felt rather intimidating to watch as this flashy show hyped the atmosphere around me. The crowd howled and cheered for their beloved town leader as tensions began to rise toward the ceiling row above me.

Gym Leader Brock is just ahead of me.

A loud bang occurred as the lights flicked north towards the stadiums throne. My eyes glimmered from the spectacle of it all.

There he was.

A large man rested upon a rocky throne. His eyes slanted with spiky brown hair. His muscles protruded at every angle of his body. Wearing a green vest and a maroon colored shirt the man stepped off of his throne.

Shaking the ground with his large stature. As he crashed onto the field with such vigor and defiance. He was a force not to be reckoned with.

Feeling the threat of judgement. I could feel his aura. He was as strong as they say. With those Rock-Solid pectorals and massive abdominal features. This man made it his mission to stay fit and in shape for these battles ahead.

"What is your name Trainer?" He called with a deep raspy voice.

"Uh-uh-L-leafgreen," I stuttered.

"Ah Leafgreen," he announced with a loud chuckle.

"It's also Leaf—

"Whatever then, my name is Brock I'm the Pewter City's Gym Leader. I believe in rock-hard defense and a determination like yours. That is why my Pokémon are all rock type. Now tell me Trainer? Do you dare to challenge me?" He threatened with a confident gaze.

My heart thumped violently. This vibe I'm getting from him. He's as elite of a Trainer as they come. I felt from his gaze like I was about to shrink from my own existence.

Man, he's an imposing guy. I wonder what type of Pokémon he has? They might be the toughest ones I've yet to encounter.

I nodded nervously in response to his question.

"Fine then," he nodded back gently. "You May use all three of the Pokémon you have in your possession."

I'll need to use my Bulbasaur for the start of the match.

If I use him, I'll be able to take him down easily.

Though this was proving to already be a difficult decision. I started having second thoughts on whether or not I should start with him or if I should use him as the final brunt of the match? My mind raced quickly as the lights above the stadium shimmered over the battleground.

Brock pulled out his Poké Ball and propelled it strenuously across the field. Igniting a release of a Pokémon I've never seen before. His body was grey, rugged and broad. The Pokémon had two eyes and a mouth. There were no legs from my examination and he looked to be flexing solid rock muscles from his arms.

"Duuuuuuu!" He shouted proudly.

"Show me your best Leaf!" He roared.

I instinctively motioned from his yell. Gesturing my Bulbasaur to the field. Hoping to provide an offensive to his defensive Pokemon. Bulbasaur pranced toward the middle of the field. Glaring him down with a growl.

The officiator approached the other half of the field on Brocks side and raised his arm.

"On my mark, three-two-one-start!"

The bell had chimed; designating the start of our match. I spared no amount of time offensively. I needed to attack immediately. Gesturing Bulby to move on command.

"Vine-Whip—

"Defense Curl!" He barked.

I knew he'd go for defense.

Vines dispersed within the bulb of my Pokémon with turbulent velocity. Lashing the Pokémon unrepentantly as he curled his arms around his thick spherical body.

"Duuuuoop!! He shouted smacking the vines away from his frame.

I had another shot at damaging his defenses with vine-whip. However, it seemed like the only thing protecting his exposed body were those massive hands of his.

"What is the name of this Pokémon," I called out to Brock with a narrow furrowed brow.

"His name is Geodude."

"Duuuuu!" Flexed the Pokémon.

"His defense capabilities rivals that of any Pokémon in this region. I must also warn you, his attack stats are also very powerful. Which gives him a field advantage in battle."

"Be prepared Leaf, I'm coming at you with a move you won't be expecting." He gestured with enthusiasm.

He's going on the offensive. Then I'd better be prepared to defend.

"Growl!" I proclaimed.

Bulby ran forward and screeched with fury towards his opponent. The echoes of the reverberation tone pierced Geodude's ears. Causing him to lower his defense and expose his weak, and frail body.

"Tackle, Geodude!" Shouted Brock in my direction.

The lumpy mass used his monumental hands. Grasping hold of the ground, the Pokémon propelled forward furiously towards Bulbasaur. He spun in a ball colliding toward my Pokémon damaging his forehead in the process.

Oh my god—

"Bulby," I shouted with perspiration.

Bulbasaur rolled backwards across the rough gravel floor. Recovering his stumpy legs; he skidded across the ground retaining his equilibrium.

Bulbasaur was critically injured by this move. And his energy is extremely low. I thought, nervously cupping hold of my mouth.

I was uncertain about what would happen after this move. Bulby is my strongest team member and he's in seriously bad shape.

What should I do? What can I do?

The officiator was not kidding when he referred to him as the Rock-Solid Trainer. He had moves that were two steps ahead of me. Yet, my strongest Pokémon with the best type advantage could not outsmart him.

"Do not underestimate my Pokémon's abilities Leaf. We've been training everyday in the highest elevations and the coldest temperatures."

"Ever since you arrived at my gym I could sense your fear."

He didn't need to tell me once. Of course I was nervous. My heart raced and my blood pressure had returned soon after I began a new challenge. What makes him think I wasn't scared?

"I am really scared Brock, you are correct on that—Vine-Whip!"

Gradually, my poor partner did all that he could to muster another attack towards his opponent. However, the vines split and there were only three that protruded from the top of his bulb.

"But I came here to face it."

"Hmph!" He smirked.

The vines latched onto Brock's Pokémon. Arching him upward and thrown across several massive boulders.

"Duuuuu!!!" He bellowed as Brock's Pokémon crashed simultaneously into the massive surface of the cobblestone.

The rocks split apart from the surface tension and Geodude was buried a-top a steaming pile of debris.

Brock chuckled with delight, as I looked upon him. Cocking my head in confusion.

What the heck is he so spry about? Is he making fun of me? I frowned.

He continued his laughter after baring witness to the strength of my last move. I was unsure if he was going to move or if he understood my predicament?

The officiator moved his arm to my side.

What is this all about.. what?

"Geodude is unable to battle! Bulbasaur is the winner!"

"Hahahaha! I like your style Leaf!"

"Why's that?" I asked.

Furiously pointing toward my chest. He gestured frenziedly.

"You are the one that is literally having me shaken. Just look at my arms."

I carefully observed his appendage. No doubt about it. His right arm flinched constantly and I could even faintly hear Brock breathing heavily from the heat of it all.

Is he just as nervous as I am?

"Why are you the one whose shivering? I'm just as scared as you are." I quaked back nervously.

"On the contrary Leaf! You have a lot of courage built from within you and your strength is getting me all sorts of fired up."

"You remind me of a boy who just challenged this gym not too long ago. I had the awesome privilege to witness his amazing strength and power. His name was Red!"

Red challenged you!?

"No way! Brock!" I gestured towards him.

"I know him, he's a good friend of mine from Pallet Town. Did he defeat you?"

Brock nodded his head from my inquiry.

"He sure did," he smiled.

"He defeated me with flying colors. I've never felt a trainers courage like his. He literally had no fear."

"But it was an exhilarating fight! His Pokémon we're absolutely in sync with his battle moves. Leaf, I can sense that same intense feeling in you as well. You did the right thing coming here to my gym to accomplish such a task. But this doesn't mean I'm not going to go easy on you."

I nodded seriously towards him. Eyeing his next move carefully. I smiled determinedly towards him.

"Give me your best shot Brock! I'm ready to meet up with my friend real soon!" I yelped energetically clenching my fists together.

Brock raised his brow with a smirk.

"Very well! Onix..." He trumpeted with an echo.

Pulling his capsule from his back pocket the man flung his remainder out of from his hand. The mass from the ball constricted and coiled from the release. Roaring to life as the snake like being rose up towards the ceiling. Bouncing his head against it.

The rock appendages slithered and motioned majestically across the rough earth beneath him. The terrafirma quaked beneath my feet as this behemoth stood imposed before me and my Pokémon.

My heart descended into nought as the snake breathed out like a hollow hurricane.

My god! Red defeated this creature!?

Shaking my head violently trying to rid myself of all negative thought. I came to the most critical decision of my life. I needed to stand firm and win! If I want to catch up to both of them; I need to be brave! I will win this battle!