Chapter 4: Battling Flint, Eevee Evolution

Ron arrived in Pewter City early in the morning, yawning as he stretched. After battling until midnight the night before, Charmeleon and the others were exhausted. Checking the time, he decided to stop by the Pokémon Center to let them recover before challenging the Pewter Gym.

At the Pokémon Center, he handed over three Poké Balls to Nurse Joy and then headed to the cafeteria for a hearty breakfast. After eating, he walked over to a vending machine and inserted a coin. A can of orange juice dropped down, and as he pulled the ring, he noticed something unusual—it had the words "Special Prize" printed on it.

Ron was surprised. He had heard of vending machines that awarded prizes, but he never expected to win anything himself.

After drinking the orange juice, he handed the ring tab to Nurse Joy, who then called him over. A middle-aged man entered the Pokémon Center, congratulated him, and presented the prize—two round-trip air tickets and a hotel stay for three days and two nights. Ron checked the tickets and saw that they were for the Hano Grand Resort on Akala Island in Alola.

His eyes widened with excitement. A five-star resort, all expenses paid for three days and two nights! However, the departure date was fixed—he had to be at the airport within a week, meaning he couldn't delay the trip. Otherwise, it would have been a perfect vacation after the Pokémon League.

After asking Nurse Joy, he learned that Pewter City had a small airport with direct flights to Akala Island. Checking his electronic map, Ron decided to fly there immediately after his gym match, giving his Pokémon a well-deserved break before continuing his journey. His planned route was now Pewter City → Akala Island → Saffron City → Cerulean City → Vermilion City.

As he reviewed his plans, Ron remembered that Ash and his friends had gone straight to Vermilion City after Cerulean. He also recalled that Lavender Town could only be reached via Saffron City, which made him chuckle. Ash and his group had an uncanny ability to get lost; after so many detours, it was a miracle they ever reached their destinations.

After retrieving his three Pokémon, Ron headed toward the Pewter Gym. As soon as he stepped inside, he was drenched by the fire sprinklers. He coughed awkwardly, drawing everyone's attention.

"I am Ron from Pallet Town. Is the gym challenge over? I'd like to battle," he announced.

Brock, who had just finished his match, recalled his Onix and turned to Ron. "It's over for now, but if you want to battle, you'll have to wait. My Onix needs to recover at the Pokémon Center first."

Brock's younger siblings, who had been watching the match, curiously examined the new challenger.

Before Ron could respond, a voice came from the entrance.

"No need. I'll be taking this gym battle."

A middle-aged man wearing a hat and a thick beard stepped inside. Ash, standing nearby, recognized him immediately.

"Uncle Flint?! What are you doing here?" Ash asked.

Flint removed his hat, revealing his familiar bearded face. "Because, as an irresponsible father, I want to do something for my children."

Brock and his siblings immediately recognized him. The squinty eyes were a family trait passed down for generations. The emotional reunion between Brock and his father left Ron standing awkwardly in the background, feeling like an uninvited guest at a family gathering.

Once things settled down, Flint officially took over as the Pewter Gym Leader, allowing Brock to pursue his dream. With that, Ron's first gym match was finally set.

Ash and his friends stayed to watch, eager to cheer for Ron as a fellow trainer from Pallet Town. Brock, in the meantime, took on the role of the temporary referee.

"This official Pewter Gym battle will be between the challenger Ron from Pallet Town and the gym leader Flint. Each side may use two Pokémon. The challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon at any time, but the gym leader must continue using the same Pokémon until it is defeated. Do both trainers understand?" Brock asked.

Ron smirked. "Got it."

Flint nodded. "You're the challenger, so you go first. My first Pokémon is Houndour!"

Flint threw out a Poké Ball, releasing a small black dog with fire flickering from its mouth.

Ron crossed his arms. "A fresh capture? Sounds like a test of strength."

Flint chuckled. "That's right. You're a new trainer, so I want to gauge your abilities."

Ron laughed. "You're in for a surprise. Eevee, you're up!"

As soon as Eevee appeared, Ash instinctively pulled out his Pokédex to scan it. Misty leaned over to check as well.

> Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon.

Type: Normal

Eevee's genes are highly unstable, allowing it to evolve into various forms depending on its environment. Its appearance may even reflect the personality of its trainer.

"That's it?" Ash blinked. "No extra data? It's just an Eevee."

"Not a good sign for Ron," Misty added, slightly concerned.

Ron ignored them. "Eevee, Yawn!"

Eevee stretched its mouth wide and let out a gentle yawn, releasing a sleep-inducing wave across the battlefield.

Flint frowned. He had just caught Houndour and hadn't taught it Sleep Talk or Snore yet—this was trouble.

Ron smirked. First-turn status effect. Perfect.

"Houndour, Fire Spin!" Flint commanded.

"Dodge with Agility!" Ron countered.

Eevee swiftly dodged the swirling flames, but in the process, Houndour's eyes drooped. Within seconds, it collapsed into deep sleep.

Ron wasted no time. "Keep using Tail Whip until it wakes up, then hit it with Swift!"

As Eevee repeatedly wagged its tail, Houndour's defense dropped lower and lower. After a while, Houndour finally woke up—only to get blasted by a wave of glowing stars.

Houndour collapsed instantly.

Brock raised his hand. "Houndour is unable to battle! Eevee wins! Gym leader, please send out your next Pokémon."

As soon as he finished speaking, a brilliant white light enveloped Eevee.

Ash and Misty gasped.

The light slowly faded, revealing a pink and white Pokémon with two bow-shaped feelers on its left ear and neck. Four ribbon-like tendrils waved gently, with one curling around Ron's arm.

Misty's eyes sparkled. "It's so cute!"

Ash scanned it with his Pokédex.

> No data available. This is an unknown Pokémon.

Ron crouched down, his face breaking into a wide grin. He gently stroked his newly evolved partner. "You did amazing, Sylveon. You finally evolved!"

Taking out a small hand mirror, he held it up to Sylveon, letting it see its reflection.

Sylveon twirled, inspecting itself from every angle, then nodded in satisfaction.

It knew it had become the most elegant and beautiful form it could achieve.