Chapter 15: Battling the System and the First Gym Victory

Chapter 15: Battling the System and the First Gym Victory

Setting Up Her Journey Blog

Holly sat at a Pokémon Center terminal, scrolling through the trainer blog network, a popular site where trainers could post their journey experiences, battles, and discoveries. If she wanted to establish herself as a trainer, photographer, and strategist, this was a good place to start.

She quickly set up an account, choosing the username "WanderingLens", a nod to both her photography and her nomadic journey.

Her first post included:

Stunning shots of wild Pokémon she had encountered (excluding her own team and Ho-Oh).

Detailed captions explaining behaviors, habitats, and unique characteristics.

A teaser about an upcoming post regarding Alpha Pokémon, hinting at deeper discoveries.

Post uploaded.

She leaned back, satisfied. It would take time to gain traction, but this was a solid start.

Researching the System

Her next task was researching her three Pokémon's typings, downloading every document, scientific paper, and battle guide she could find on Fire, Flying, and Water-types.

But during her deep dive, she found something far more pressing—the Pokémon Trainer Licensing System's regulations.

Holly skimmed through the Alliance Rules with narrowed eyes:

New Trainers are required to earn at least 8 badges to advance their license tier.

Trainers under 16 are restricted from leaving Kanto unless they receive special clearance.

Without 8 badges, a trainer cannot carry more than 6 Pokémon at once.

Trainers who do not challenge gyms must either register as breeders, researchers, or rangers to be recognized as official professionals.

Holly scowled.

So, the system basically forces new trainers into the gym circuit.

If she wanted true freedom, she had no choice but to blitz the gyms and earn her 8 badges.

No way was she letting the Pokémon League tell her where she could and couldn't go.

Stocking Up for the Titans of Her Team

With two massive Pokémon now on her team, she needed to adjust her supply list.

Bulk food orders for Gyarados. (Big boy eats a LOT.)

Extra-strength grooming kits for Pidgeot's larger wingspan.

High-energy supplements to keep Sakumo at peak performance.

After securing her inventory, she took a deep breath.

Now, it was time to test her team in a true battle.

The Pewter Gym Challenge

The Pewter Gym was dimly lit, its battlefield a rugged expanse of stone and craggy terrain.

And waiting for her was Flint, Brock's father.

Flint stood tall, arms crossed, eyes assessing her with quiet intensity. "You want an Elite Badge challenge?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Holly nodded. "I want to prove my team's strength against the best you have."

Flint smirked. "That's not a request I hear often from rookies."

Holly shrugged. "Then I guess I'm not a normal rookie."

His smirk widened. "Alright, kid. Two-on-two. You win, you get an Elite Badge."

The battlefield rumbled as the first Poké Ball was thrown.

Graveler emerged, the rocky giant slamming its fists together, dust shaking from its boulder-like body.

Holly took a deep breath. Time to put our training to the test.

Battle 1: Sakumo vs. Graveler

"Sakumo, you're up!"

Growlithe leaped onto the battlefield, his fur bristling with fire energy, his stance low and focused.

Flint nodded. "Let's see what you got. Graveler, Rollout!"

The massive rock-type tucked in its limbs and shot forward, gaining momentum as it barreled toward Sakumo.

Holly was ready.

"Sakumo, Agility! Evade and counter!"

With a burst of speed, Sakumo sidestepped, dodging just in time, then whipped around with a Flare Blitz, slamming into Graveler's exposed side.

The impact sent Graveler skidding, but Flint wasn't fazed.

"Earthquake!"

Graveler slammed the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.

Sakumo leapt into the air just in time to avoid a direct hit, but the landing threw him off balance.

Damn. If we stay on the ground, we're sitting ducks.

Holly gritted her teeth. "Sakumo—Flamethrower, aim for its legs!"

Sakumo launched a torrent of fire, superheating the stone beneath Graveler, forcing it to shift uncomfortably.

Flint's eyes narrowed in approval.

"Not bad, kid. But let's finish this. Stone Edge!"

Jagged spikes of rock erupted from the ground, hurtling toward Sakumo.

Holly reacted in an instant.

"Flare Blitz! Smash through!"

With a howl of determination, Sakumo's body ignited, and he charged straight into the incoming Stone Edge, shattering the rocks mid-charge before slamming into Graveler with full force.

Graveler let out a deep groan before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

Holly fist-pumped. "One down."

Flint nodded, recalling Graveler. "Alright. But let's see how you handle this one."

He tossed another Poké Ball, and a massive Onix burst onto the battlefield, its serpentine form coiling, eyes gleaming with experience.

Battle 2: Gyarados vs. Onix

Holly had been waiting for this moment.

"Gyarados, let's go!"

A roar shook the entire gym as Gyarados emerged, his massive body looming over Onix, eyes burning with challenge.

Flint smirked. "Not bad. But size isn't everything. Onix, Bind!"

Onix lunged, coiling around Gyarados, trying to lock him in place.

But Holly had trained for this.

"Gyarados, Thrash! Break free!"

Gyarados thrashed wildly, using his sheer strength to tear through Onix's grip, sending the rock snake slamming into the wall.

Flint whistled. "Alright then. Stone Edge!"

The sharp stones ripped through the air, aiming for Gyarados' weak points.

"Water Pulse!"

A swirling blast of water erupted, colliding with the Stone Edge projectiles, neutralizing them.

Holly grinned. "Now let's finish it. Hydro Pump!"

Gyarados unleashed a powerful torrent of water, slamming into Onix with enough force to send it crashing into the rock wall.

A deep silence followed.

Then—Onix slumped forward, unconscious.

Flint chuckled, recalling Onix. "Alright, kid. You earned this."

He walked forward, handing her a polished Elite Boulder Badge.

"Not bad. Not bad at all."

Holly took the badge, grinning ear to ear. "Thanks. But I'm just getting started."

Taking to the Skies

With her team healed up, Holly stepped out of Pewter City and looked toward Mt. Moon.

It was time to catch up to Ash.

She turned to Pidgeot. "Think you're ready for a long flight?"

Pidgeot flared his wings, smirking.

She smirked back.

With one powerful gust, Pidgeot took off into the sky, Holly gripping tightly as they soared toward Mt. Moon.

Her journey had truly begun.