Disclaimer: I don’t own Pokemon. Any similarities between living people or dead, places are purely coincidence. Without any further ado let’s continue the story, as always thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Showdown In Pewter City
Continuing his quest to become the world’s best Pokemon Trainer, our self proclaimed hero has finally reached Pewter City. Pewter City was a wonder of its own, the architecture of the city was blocky and rusty, the tallest buildings were only four to five meters tall. Damien thought the residents of the city experienced earthquakes or Pokemon Attacks regularly, this was probably due to the city being established so close to the mountain.
The most striking building Damien could spot was the Pewter City Gym, the building was like An Old Museum, which hadn’t been taken care of in ages.
Damien looks down at his little fox, who was simply relaxing in his arms, “Wanna explore the town my love?” Damien asks his partner, who nods and purrs in his chest, causing him to laugh. “Let’s go to the Pokemon Centre and get you guys checked up real soon.” Damien says, starting their short trek to the Pokemon Centre.
Damien stepped into the Pokemon Centre, the soft hum of machinery and hushed murmurs of trainers filling the air, his boots clicking lightly against the marbled floor as he approached the front counter of Nurse Joy.
The Nurse Joy looked like she had seen better days, her eyes were filled with dark circles, seeing him coming her way she straightened herself up. She gave him her practiced and professional smile reserved for every trainer coming to heal their Pokemon.
“Welcome to the Pokemon Centre. Would you like to heal your Pokemon?” Nurse Joy said,
“Yes, me and my Pokemon have seen a few days of rough travel, would you look them over properly?” Damien replied, handing the Pokeballs to a Chansey, “Sure, the proper checkup would take until tomorrow morning, feel free to use our facilities till then.” Nurse Joy replied with the ease you would expect from a professional of her level.
“Thanks, I appreciate you for looking after my Pokemon.” Damien smiled, even Nurse Joy was taken back by the sincerity in his tone, most of the trainers didn’t give any compliments. She loved her job but sometimes it can get really hard, once in a while sincere compliments like this were welcome. “It’s my job, you don’t need to worry about anything, Do you need my help with anything?”
“Yeah, you see, I was in a kind of hurry to catch my first Pokemon in Viridian Forest. So, I strolled through Viridian City without registering for the gym circuit. Can you help me register for the Pokemon league?” Damien asked, smiling nervously at Nurse Joy.
Hearing his question, Nurse Joy gave him a flat look as if she couldn’t believe her ears. How could you forget something as important as registering for the Gym Circuit? That’s the reason she hates her job, when she encounters such fools like this.
She barely managed to control herself from lashing out at the young man, “Please give me your Pokedex so that I can register you for the Pokemon league.” Nurse Joy says, a little bit of irritation leaking from her face. Damien handed her the Pokedex, she quickly registered Damien in the Gym Circuit,
Nurse Joy handed him his Pokedex, which he hastily put in his Silph Co. bag. After completing the process, she extended him his Badge Case, “Your registration is done, now you can safely participate in the Gym Challenge.” she stated.
“Thanks, Nurse Joy. Can you please book a room for me and my team, if it is available?” Damien requested, “Room number 411 is available.” Nurse Joy muttered after checking on the P.C.
“Perfect!” Damien said, “Is there any library around here? I want to read books on Pokeblocks and grooming… that kind of thing?” He muttered, Nurse Joy fell silent for a while, has he done something wrong?
He rubbed his hands, feeling embarrassed, “Have I done something wrong?” He asked,
Nurse Joy felt flustered at her behaviour and gazed at him with an approving nod, “No, you did nothing wrong, it’s just… Most trainers only care about getting stronger quickly and forget the most important basics. But you don’t seem like them, keep it up and you will go far.”
Damien smiled at the unexpected praise, “Well, I only want what’s the best for my team.”
Nurse Joy smiled, somehow that smile felt real, not like the fake smile she has been maintaining until now. “There is a library just a few blocks away—BrownRock Books. They have an entire section related to Pokemon Lifestyle and Care.
0-0-0-0-0-0
The atmosphere grew slightly warm as Damien pushed upon the door to the library, the library was filled with the smell of herbal plants and something a bit like paper. Shelves were lined along the walls, their heights reaching the ceilings and the books were well maintained even if they looked old. Damien was about to start reading when someone caught his attention, behind the counter was the librarian in simple and comfortable clothes, it must be hard sitting in one place all day working.
Damien made his way to the librarian, his steps cracking against the wet floor. “I would like to browse through some books.” The librarian simply nodded, handing him a library pass. “Don’t lose it.”
The librarian was kind of rude, but Damien had important things to do, instead of worrying about some unknown stranger. Damien strolled through the shelves, taking books off them, making sure he was taking books that would be useful.
Before long, he had a sizable stock of books in his arms, then he sat on a table, and started reading through them.
Pokemon Battle Tactics For Beginners By Red Ketchum
Pokemon Healthcare For Youngsters By Professor Oak
How To Take Care of Your Pokemon By Leaf Green
The Awesome Way To Train Your Pokemon By Blue Oak
Damien smiled, glancing at the books, they were exactly the things he needed, if he wanted an edge against his rivals. He didn’t have the plot armour like Ash nor was he rich like Gary Oak.
“How much is this all?” Damien asked, the librarian gave him a long look, eyeing the books like a hunter eyed his prey. “Are you sure you can read all of these books or are you wasting your parent’s money? Because most of the trainers never care for Knowledge.”
“Don’t worry old man, I’m not wasting anyone’s money, I’m a lab trainer from Pallet Town sponsored by Professor Oak.” Damien said, showing him his Pokedex as a proof.
“Well, that explains your behaviour, most of the strange or great trainers come from Pallet Town, that would be 5000 Poke Dollars.” The librarian answered, writing the entry. Damien paid him the bill and made his way back to the Pokemon Centre.
Reaching his room, Damien went to the communication device and powered up the device, soon enough the screen booted up and Professor Oak was in front of him with his face in front of him.
“Hello Damien, where are you? Your mom is worrying about you, and why haven’t you called her yet?” Professor Oak asked, his voice sounding tired.
“Sorry Professor, I didn’t tell you but there weren’t any Pokemon I wanted to capture in Viridian, So I directly went to Viridian Forest, and you know Professor Vee is strong enough to protect me from any wild Pokemon and I even managed to catch Nidoran.” Damien said, smiling nervously and releasing Nidoran from its PokeBall.
“Oh, it’s a fine specimen, Damien. Where did you find it?” Professor Oak asked, narrowing his eyes at the Nidoran.
“Well, I encountered a herd of Nidorans, I simply asked their leader for a Nidoran, who wanted to explore the world with me. This little fellow agreed to follow me, and here we are.” Damien said, petting the little Nidoran causing it to trill.
“Really, how did his mother let you catch her son?” Professor Oak exclaimed, staring at him with his big eyes, as if trying to swallow him whole.
“Simple.” Damien smiled.
“How?”
“Me and Nidoran had a Pokemon Battle.” Damien said, the Professor Oak couldn’t believe his ears, “WHAT IS THIS INSANE LUCK’
“Where are you now?” Professor Oak asked.
“I am currently in Pewter City, I’m gonna challenge Pewter City Gym tomorrow.” Damien said, smiling gently at the Nidoran.
“Good luck, Damien. Make us proud okay, make sure to contact your mom.” Professor Oak said in his grandfatherly tone.
“Will sure do, Professor. Have a good day.” Damien said, disconnecting the call.
After that Damien spent the whole night reading the book and preparing for his first gym and he forgot to sleep the whole night.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Damien stirred awake to the sounds of “Char” ringing in his ears, fighting off the sleep in his eyes that refused to leave his eyes, why can’t he sleep his fill on Good Sundays.
“Let me sleep Mom, just a few more minutes.” Damien grumbled in his sleep, which would be an hour, not like his mom needed to know that.
“Oh Charmander, What are you doing here? Why aren’t you in your Poke Ball?” Suddenly, a blur hit him in the back, which sent him tumbling across the floor.
“What the hell? Can’t a youngman have a good sleep after reading books all night and preparing strategies for our First Gym Battle? Is it too much to ask for?” Damien mumbled, glancing up at his attacker and came face to face with Vee standing proudly on his desk.
Even if his battle with the Samurai went easy, first Charmander cleared the 1st round, then he simply fried the poor Metapod, thank Arceus, the battle didn’t go like the anime like Ash vs Samurai. Ash vs Samurai was the most hilarious battle of the original series. Not all the battles were going to be easy like this, So, he needed to prepare for the upcoming battles and the dangers ahead. Less, talked about Mewtwo, Team Rocket and other shenanigans the better.
“Ev-Vee-Evv” Vee growls at Damien, as if saying Wake up already.
“What do you want Vee? Why did you throw me off the bed first thing in the morning?” Damien asked, rubbing his back, it hurt like hell.
“Ev-Vee-Evv” Vee shouted, Charmander and Nidoran who were standing behind Vee like her subordinates nodded in a rare show of unity.
Why the hell, his Pokemon were bullying him first thing in the morning?
“Do you guys want to go outside?” Damien asked, to this question his Pokemon nodded in unison
“Alright then, let’s go.” Damien exclaimed.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Damien strolled through the Pokemon Centre, Nurse Joy was as always on her counter attending to incoming trainers, he tried to look as normal as possible with two Pokemon perched on his shoulder Charmander and Nidoran respectively and Vee atop his head.
He made his way to the Cafeteria, people were giving him some odd looks, Just why did he agree to this nonsense. Well, when three cute Pokemon used Baby-Doll Eyes on you, what can be done?
“Are you okay?” Damien asked the Cafe Server who was one breath away from leaving life behind, just what was wrong with this Pokemon Centre?
“Do I look fine?” The Cafe Server shot back gazing back with those lifeless eyes.
Damien felt a chill run down his spine, So he attempted to change the topic. “Can I order Food for me and my Pokemon?”
“Sure.” The worker replied, Taking the list Damien had prepared last night noting the likes and nutritional needs of his partners.
“Here is a list of Pokeblocks my Pokemon like to eat, please send it to my table.” Damien said, handing the list to the server.
“You should really buy a Berry Mixer and a Pokeblock Case for your travels, you would need it.” The server advised him and Damien was never the one to not heed the good advice.
After that, he glanced around and made his way to an empty table near the window. He made himself comfortable on a chair and Vee jumped on his legs, settling herself on his legs, Charmander and Nidoran jumped on the chairs set on the other side.
After some time, the food finally arrived.
Eevee liked the sour Pokeblocks the most, but she hated anything else.
Charmander liked spicy Pokeblocks the most, but the sweet boy tolerated other flavours except dry.
Whereas Nidoran tolerated nothing but sweet Pokeblocks. Each one of them liked different things, but all of them were equally cute.
All of his Pokemon were growing really well, and he was really proud of them.
Even though Nidoran was growing well, he was close to his second evolution, he will probably evolve after the Gym Battle.
“Eat up guys, we need all the energy we can get for the Gym Battle.” The trio simply chirped, happily.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Damien strolled his way to the Pewter City, his steps clicking against the rocky ground, as he made his way to the Pewter City Gym.
Soon enough, he found himself in front of Pewter City Gym proper. It was a simple stone building with a rocky exterior, nothing fancy like other gyms just like in the anime.
He walked through the stone doors and found himself greeted by a figure closely resembling Brock.
“Hi, I’m Damien Terrous from Pallet Town. I’ve registered for my Gym Battle, can you please check?” Damien said, showing her the registration form.
“Yes, you do have a reservation for a gym battle, please go through the door ahead, the gym leader is waiting for you.” She said, inclining towards the door.
“Wait, there aren’t any gym trainers to challenge before challenging the Gym Leader?” Damien asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
“Sorry, for the inconvenience, we don’t have enough funds to hire gym trainers.” The secretary Forrest muttered, releasing a sigh.
“No worries, I can do just fine.” Damien replied, making his way to the battlefield, passing through the doors only to find the lights turned off, “Who goes there?” A voice came from darkness, running a chill down his spine.
“I’m Damien Terrous and I’m here for the stone badge.” Damien shouted, his voice cutting through the darkness, surprising Brock because most of the newbie trainers usually got nervous in front of him. ‘Well, this will be interesting’ Brock thought, scratching his chin.
“Let’s get started! Sally dear, can you act as the referee of this match?” Brock calls, the girl makes her way to the middle of the stadium holding red and green flags in her hands.
The girl clears her throat, “This is a two-on-two match between Gym Leader Brock and the Challenger Damien Terrous, the challenger may change his Pokemon but the leader can’t. The match will end when one side no longer has usable Pokemon.” The girl finishes and the match finally begins.
Damien fingers the Pokeball in his hand as he takes the challenger’s side, whereas Brock stands opposite to his side.
“Leader, please choose your first Pokemon.” Sally says, signaling the start of the first round.
Brock throws the ball in his hand into the air, Mid air it snaps open and a perfectly polished Geodude floats on the ground. The living rock regards Damien with a sharp look and calmly awaits for Brock’s command.
Damien lets out a long breath, clenching his hands into closed fists, trying to hide his excitement from appearing on his face, due to the sheer adrenaline.
“Let’s rock n roll, Nidoran!” Damien exclaims, releasing Nidoran into the battlefield.
Nidoran let out a war cry and gazed at his opponent with a sharp look.
His moveset included:
Hone Claws
Peck
Taunt
Fury Attack
Headbutt
And Poison Sting
He really needed to work on her moveset but that would but after this gym battle.
“Nidoran Hone Claws!” Damien orders,
Before Brock can get his first order out, Nidoran is already following his trainer’s command.
“You’re certainly the first trainer I’ve met who bothered to teach his Pokemon boosting moves, Geodude Rock Polish and answer it with Rock Throw.” Brock shouts to Damien,
Geodude’s hands dug into the ground, as he shot rocky projectiles at the reptile Pokemon. Nidoran runs and leaps over the projectiles dodginging them narrowingly.
“Now, What’ll you show me as a Trainer?” Brock says and commands Geodude to end it with Rock Tomb.
“NEVER!” Damien yells and orders Nidoran to use Scary Face on the opponent.
The Geodude recoils as if he has never seen a face filled with so much hate, even Sally gasps and leans away.
Geodude grunts and flinches, entirely missing Nidoran dashing towards Geodude, the recoil of unsuccessful move catching up with him.
“Dive in with Headbutt, Nidoran!”
Whole form radiating power, Nidoran dashes towards Geodude as little more than a blur of blue and white energy flanked by glowing horns, as a painful scream tears through the air.
Brock’s eyes widened, “Geodude use Defense Curl now!”
The little boulder barely raised his arms in time before blade-like glowing horns crashed into him making a terrible sound of metal and rock grinding against each other. As Nidoran disengages and returns to his side, Geodude groans and slowly lowers his guard, showing two nasty scars that would most likely be permanent if not healed on time.
Nidoran lets out a mocking growl earning a scowl from the Geodude.
“Don’t lose the momentum, Hone Claws again and Headbutt!” Damien orders and Nidoran shrieks and grinds its horns together. If Geodude was irked by the show off it didn’t show it on his face.
“Wait for it, wait for it, Geodude Scattershot now!” The little boulder crosses its arms together, an orb of rock type energy forming in front of his arms, With a grunt Geodude shoots it forward scattering into many projectiles heading towards the reptile Pokemon.
Just as Geodude takes a breath Damien yells, “Dash towards the rocks!”
Nidoran dodges the volley of rocks without an inch to spare, a little short out of breath.
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“Enough is Enough, Let’s end it now, Nidoran!” Damien asks, Nidoran meets his trainer’s gaze in affirmation, as if to say ‘Finally’.
“Charge up Double Kick and close in with a Quick attack!” Damien says, causing Brock’s eyes to widen in alarm.
Nidoran grinds his right leg on the ground, then vanishes from where he was standing, with only the sound of grinding teeths.
Before Geodude can even blink his eyes, a kick as strong as iron rends his side, carving a hole in his stony body tumbling him across the ground.
For a long moment Geodude is silent on the ground and everyone just stares wide eyed in shock, then after a few second the rock Pokemon tries to stand groaning but was unsuccessful, only to fall limp and securing Damien and Nidoran’s first victory and many more to come in the future.
Damien feels goosebumps in his entire body as Nidoran starts to laugh, throwing his head back and releasing a glutoral laugh from his mouth.
This Pokemon is plain sadistic, I have to curb it in before something happens.
At the side of the field Sally gulps, “G-Geodude is unable to battle, Nidoran and Trainer Damien wins!”
“That was awesome, Nidoran!” Damien says, jumping on Nidoran hugging him tightly not giving him any breathing room, The reptilian Pokemon simply huffs pretending to ignore his trainer.
Brock returns Geodude to his ball and murmurs something too low for Damien and others to hear, his face turns a little serious as he takes out a slightly used Pokeball and glances at Damien with new found respect. “I never thought I would have the honour to battle such a talented trainer first thing in the morning, Now allow me to face you and your team with a worthy opponent on your level. We are provided with low level teams so that we could provide young trainers with adequate levels of difficulty but that would be too easy for you. Geodude was recently given to me by the league and it was sorely beaten, you have proven with your brilliant mind and unique tactics as you have recently proven you are worthy of facing my old partner. Prepare yourself, Damien.” He gazes tenderly at the Pokeball and rolls it in his hands before throwing it in the air.
Damien’s heart drops when understanding dawns on his face where the battle is going.
The ball spins in the air and snaps open to reveal a living stone snake on the ground.
The Onix regards Damien and his Pokemon with a look before standing in front of Brock, Nidoran glances at Onix with fear in its eyes but doesn’t back down.
Nidoran’s eyes narrow as he prepares for the match, “Gym Leader Brock sends out Onix, will the challenger change his Pokemon?” Sally asks, Nidoran shakes his head, certainly against the idea of substituting, “No we wouldn’t.” Damien answers.
“Nidoran vs Onix begins!” Nidoran dashes forward, “Nidoran Hone Claws!”
“Thunderwave!” Before Nidoran can execute the command, Nidoran is hit with a high voltage of electricity making Nidoran squirm on the ground, his entire body unmoving due to the current in his body,
“Now, Rock Tomb, Onix!” Brock calmly orders.
Onix is covered in rock type energy as giant rocks appear in the air, before shooting down on the still frozen Nidoran smashing into his body. Nidoran lay on the ground twitching, convulsing and finally unconscious.
“Nidoran is unable to battle” Sally calls , “Gym Leader Brock and Onix are the winners.”
Damien’s heart dropped in his stomach seeing the condition of Nidoran, he quickly recalled Nidoran into his ball, “Good job, Nidoran, you did your best. Now, take a good rest, you deserve it, Nidoran.”
Damien’s eyes widened, “One hit, One hit and Nidoran is down.”
Damien takes a deep breath to calm himself down, he couldn’t back down after coming so far, hesitating before reaching for Charmander’s ball, the itching to use Vee is ignored in favor of giving Charmander a chance.
‘Considering Onix is his ace, we have to play it smart and keep our distance and slow it down.”
Damien flicks his wrist, throwing the ball in the air before it snaps open and Charmander lands on the ground.
Across the field, Brock glances at Charmander, visibly curious about his choice.
“Let’s heat it up, Charmander!”
Charmander narrows his eyes and high above the sun starts to brighten up, increasing the temperature and causing everyone to sweat, even the referee Sally looked uncomfortable.
Sally calls for everyone’s attention, “Trainer Damien sends out Charmander! Final Match! Onix Versus Charmander begins!”
‘Smoke Screen! Dig your claws into the ground, so that the Thunder Wave can’t affect you!”
Charmander is already in motion the instant the match begins, firing a condensed ball of smoke at the rock snake.
The solid Gym Leader notices it instantly. “Protect now, Onix!”
A barrier of green drops around Onix in time, the barrier ripples where Smoke Screen connects
Damien couldn’t help but grind his teeth in frustration, ‘Does everyone and their children know protect. Give me a fucking break!’
‘Charge Smoke Screen again and fire it when I will give the signal!’ Charmander simply nods and awaits for his trainer’s command.
Damien springs into action, when the barrier drops off. “Now!”
Again Charmander fires a Smoke Screen, but Brock shouts the order in time. “Right 2 metres now, Then Rock Polish!”
Onix slides over to the right, the Smoke Screen missing him entirely. A few moments later, the rocky exterior on his body begins to shine, and the surface of his body smooths out, making his speed skyrocket. He slides toward Charmander trying to bind him, “Dodge this with Ember, then slash it up with Metal Claw!” Damien shouts, Charmander fires an Ember into the ground, the repulsion force of the move throwing him up in the air.
“Rock Throw, Onix!” Brock shouts.
The rocky snake shot projectiles at the little lizard, but he wasn’t afraid in the slightest seeing the projectiles coming his way.
“Jump on the rocks!” Damien exclaims, Charmander jumps on the rocks using their momentum to go down faster and leaps on Onix’s body and slashes his claws on the rock snake’s face with steel energy in his claws. The living snake screamed in pain dropping on the ground, causing dust to appear on the ground, without any hesitation Damien seized the opportunity, ordering Charmander to use Metal Claw once again.
‘Did we win? Did we win’
The entire field is silent, everyone awaits for the dust to settle down. The dust settles and Onix is revealed to be unconscious on the ground fainted. Charmander breaks the silence by roaring in victory and jumps in Damien’s arms, Damien laughs loudly the sound echoing in the stadium, and spins Charmander in the air.
Then Sally finally blinks and regains her wits, “U-uh the winner of the match are Charmander and Damien Terrous!”
“You are the best Charmander!” Damien grins, Charmander snuggles into his arms and chirps happily.
Damien glances up as Brock and Sally walks up to Damien. “I have to say Trainer Damien I wasn’t expecting such a talented Trainer to come to me for Gym Battle on second day of the circuit, not that I am complaining, Anyway, I, Brock the Gym Leader of Pewter City, present you with the Boulder Badge to you for your victory.” He says and holds out the Boulder Badge for him.
Damien takes the badge hesitatingly, still not believing his eyes, the events of the past ten years of his life starts to play in his mind. He is a Pokemon Trainer with every opportunity in the world, he has the best friends Ash, Gary and L… and the support of Professor Oak.
It’s as if—------
Now’s not the time for that thought.
“Here’s your prize money and the T.M. Rock Smash, I hope to see you in the Indigo League this year.” Brock’s voice snaps him out of his thoughts and he comes back to the present, he accepts the offered money and T.M. and makes his way back to Pokemon Centre after saying them his Goodbye.
Damien releases his team in his room after reaching his destination. His team Vee, Charmander looks up at him with curiosity filled in their eyes.
“Look here guys this is the symbol of our first step to our dream!” Damien says, showing the recently acquired Boulder Badge, before he can even blink the trio jumps into his arms and drops him into the bed, leaving him out of breath.
It looks like this life was never going to be boring in the slightest. He couldn’t wait to see just what adventure awaited him in the future, only time would tell.
Next Time on Dragon Ball Z…..
Disclaimer: I don’t own Pokemon. Any similarities between living people or dead, places are purely coincidence. Without any further ado let’s continue the story, as always thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Showdown In Pewter City
Continuing his quest to become the world’s best Pokemon Trainer, our self proclaimed hero has finally reached Pewter City. Pewter City was a wonder of its own, the architecture of the city was blocky and rusty, the tallest buildings were only four to five meters tall. Damien thought the residents of the city experienced earthquakes or Pokemon Attacks regularly, this was probably due to the city being established so close to the mountain.
The most striking building Damien could spot was the Pewter City Gym, the building was like An Old Museum, which hadn’t been taken care of in ages.
Damien looks down at his little fox, who was simply relaxing in his arms, “Wanna explore the town my love?” Damien asks his partner, who nods and purrs in his chest, causing him to laugh. “Let’s go to the Pokemon Centre and get you guys checked up real soon.” Damien says, starting their short trek to the Pokemon Centre.
Damien stepped into the Pokemon Centre, the soft hum of machinery and hushed murmurs of trainers filling the air, his boots clicking lightly against the marbled floor as he approached the front counter of Nurse Joy.
The Nurse Joy looked like she had seen better days, her eyes were filled with dark circles, seeing him coming her way she straightened herself up. She gave him her practiced and professional smile reserved for every trainer coming to heal their Pokemon.
“Welcome to the Pokemon Centre. Would you like to heal your Pokemon?” Nurse Joy said,
“Yes, me and my Pokemon have seen a few days of rough travel, would you look them over properly?” Damien replied, handing the Pokeballs to a Chansey, “Sure, the proper checkup would take until tomorrow morning, feel free to use our facilities till then.” Nurse Joy replied with the ease you would expect from a professional of her level.
“Thanks, I appreciate you for looking after my Pokemon.” Damien smiled, even Nurse Joy was taken back by the sincerity in his tone, most of the trainers didn’t give any compliments. She loved her job but sometimes it can get really hard, once in a while sincere compliments like this were welcome. “It’s my job, you don’t need to worry about anything, Do you need my help with anything?”
“Yeah, you see, I was in a kind of hurry to catch my first Pokemon in Viridian Forest. So, I strolled through Viridian City without registering for the gym circuit. Can you help me register for the Pokemon league?” Damien asked, smiling nervously at Nurse Joy.
Hearing his question, Nurse Joy gave him a flat look as if she couldn’t believe her ears. How could you forget something as important as registering for the Gym Circuit? That’s the reason she hates her job, when she encounters such fools like this.
She barely managed to control herself from lashing out at the young man, “Please give me your Pokedex so that I can register you for the Pokemon league.” Nurse Joy says, a little bit of irritation leaking from her face. Damien handed her the Pokedex, she quickly registered Damien in the Gym Circuit,
Nurse Joy handed him his Pokedex, which he hastily put in his Silph Co. bag. After completing the process, she extended him his Badge Case, “Your registration is done, now you can safely participate in the Gym Challenge.” she stated.
“Thanks, Nurse Joy. Can you please book a room for me and my team, if it is available?” Damien requested, “Room number 411 is available.” Nurse Joy muttered after checking on the P.C.
“Perfect!” Damien said, “Is there any library around here? I want to read books on Pokeblocks and grooming… that kind of thing?” He muttered, Nurse Joy fell silent for a while, has he done something wrong?
He rubbed his hands, feeling embarrassed, “Have I done something wrong?” He asked,
Nurse Joy felt flustered at her behaviour and gazed at him with an approving nod, “No, you did nothing wrong, it’s just… Most trainers only care about getting stronger quickly and forget the most important basics. But you don’t seem like them, keep it up and you will go far.”
Damien smiled at the unexpected praise, “Well, I only want what’s the best for my team.”
Nurse Joy smiled, somehow that smile felt real, not like the fake smile she has been maintaining until now. “There is a library just a few blocks away—BrownRock Books. They have an entire section related to Pokemon Lifestyle and Care.
0-0-0-0-0-0
The atmosphere grew slightly warm as Damien pushed upon the door to the library, the library was filled with the smell of herbal plants and something a bit like paper. Shelves were lined along the walls, their heights reaching the ceilings and the books were well maintained even if they looked old. Damien was about to start reading when someone caught his attention, behind the counter was the librarian in simple and comfortable clothes, it must be hard sitting in one place all day working.
Damien made his way to the librarian, his steps cracking against the wet floor. “I would like to browse through some books.” The librarian simply nodded, handing him a library pass. “Don’t lose it.”
The librarian was kind of rude, but Damien had important things to do, instead of worrying about some unknown stranger. Damien strolled through the shelves, taking books off them, making sure he was taking books that would be useful.
Before long, he had a sizable stock of books in his arms, then he sat on a table, and started reading through them.
Pokemon Battle Tactics For Beginners By Red Ketchum
Pokemon Healthcare For Youngsters By Professor Oak
How To Take Care of Your Pokemon By Leaf Green
The Awesome Way To Train Your Pokemon By Blue Oak
Damien smiled, glancing at the books, they were exactly the things he needed, if he wanted an edge against his rivals. He didn’t have the plot armour like Ash nor was he rich like Gary Oak.
“How much is this all?” Damien asked, the librarian gave him a long look, eyeing the books like a hunter eyed his prey. “Are you sure you can read all of these books or are you wasting your parent’s money? Because most of the trainers never care for Knowledge.”
“Don’t worry old man, I’m not wasting anyone’s money, I’m a lab trainer from Pallet Town sponsored by Professor Oak.” Damien said, showing him his Pokedex as a proof.
“Well, that explains your behaviour, most of the strange or great trainers come from Pallet Town, that would be 5000 Poke Dollars.” The librarian answered, writing the entry. Damien paid him the bill and made his way back to the Pokemon Centre.
Reaching his room, Damien went to the communication device and powered up the device, soon enough the screen booted up and Professor Oak was in front of him with his face in front of him.
“Hello Damien, where are you? Your mom is worrying about you, and why haven’t you called her yet?” Professor Oak asked, his voice sounding tired.
“Sorry Professor, I didn’t tell you but there weren’t any Pokemon I wanted to capture in Viridian, So I directly went to Viridian Forest, and you know Professor Vee is strong enough to protect me from any wild Pokemon and I even managed to catch Nidoran.” Damien said, smiling nervously and releasing Nidoran from its PokeBall.
“Oh, it’s a fine specimen, Damien. Where did you find it?” Professor Oak asked, narrowing his eyes at the Nidoran.
“Well, I encountered a herd of Nidorans, I simply asked their leader for a Nidoran, who wanted to explore the world with me. This little fellow agreed to follow me, and here we are.” Damien said, petting the little Nidoran causing it to trill.
“Really, how did his mother let you catch her son?” Professor Oak exclaimed, staring at him with his big eyes, as if trying to swallow him whole.
“Simple.” Damien smiled.
“How?”
“Me and Nidoran had a Pokemon Battle.” Damien said, the Professor Oak couldn’t believe his ears, “WHAT IS THIS INSANE LUCK’
“Where are you now?” Professor Oak asked.
“I am currently in Pewter City, I’m gonna challenge Pewter City Gym tomorrow.” Damien said, smiling gently at the Nidoran.
“Good luck, Damien. Make us proud okay, make sure to contact your mom.” Professor Oak said in his grandfatherly tone.
“Will sure do, Professor. Have a good day.” Damien said, disconnecting the call.
After that Damien spent the whole night reading the book and preparing for his first gym and he forgot to sleep the whole night.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Damien stirred awake to the sounds of “Char” ringing in his ears, fighting off the sleep in his eyes that refused to leave his eyes, why can’t he sleep his fill on Good Sundays.
“Let me sleep Mom, just a few more minutes.” Damien grumbled in his sleep, which would be an hour, not like his mom needed to know that.
“Oh Charmander, What are you doing here? Why aren’t you in your Poke Ball?” Suddenly, a blur hit him in the back, which sent him tumbling across the floor.
“What the hell? Can’t a youngman have a good sleep after reading books all night and preparing strategies for our First Gym Battle? Is it too much to ask for?” Damien mumbled, glancing up at his attacker and came face to face with Vee standing proudly on his desk.
Even if his battle with the Samurai went easy, first Charmander cleared the 1st round, then he simply fried the poor Metapod, thank Arceus, the battle didn’t go like the anime like Ash vs Samurai. Ash vs Samurai was the most hilarious battle of the original series. Not all the battles were going to be easy like this, So, he needed to prepare for the upcoming battles and the dangers ahead. Less, talked about Mewtwo, Team Rocket and other shenanigans the better.
“Ev-Vee-Evv” Vee growls at Damien, as if saying Wake up already.
“What do you want Vee? Why did you throw me off the bed first thing in the morning?” Damien asked, rubbing his back, it hurt like hell.
“Ev-Vee-Evv” Vee shouted, Charmander and Nidoran who were standing behind Vee like her subordinates nodded in a rare show of unity.
Why the hell, his Pokemon were bullying him first thing in the morning?
“Do you guys want to go outside?” Damien asked, to this question his Pokemon nodded in unison
“Alright then, let’s go.” Damien exclaimed.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Damien strolled through the Pokemon Centre, Nurse Joy was as always on her counter attending to incoming trainers, he tried to look as normal as possible with two Pokemon perched on his shoulder Charmander and Nidoran respectively and Vee atop his head.
He made his way to the Cafeteria, people were giving him some odd looks, Just why did he agree to this nonsense. Well, when three cute Pokemon used Baby-Doll Eyes on you, what can be done?
“Are you okay?” Damien asked the Cafe Server who was one breath away from leaving life behind, just what was wrong with this Pokemon Centre?
“Do I look fine?” The Cafe Server shot back gazing back with those lifeless eyes.
Damien felt a chill run down his spine, So he attempted to change the topic. “Can I order Food for me and my Pokemon?”
“Sure.” The worker replied, Taking the list Damien had prepared last night noting the likes and nutritional needs of his partners.
“Here is a list of Pokeblocks my Pokemon like to eat, please send it to my table.” Damien said, handing the list to the server.
“You should really buy a Berry Mixer and a Pokeblock Case for your travels, you would need it.” The server advised him and Damien was never the one to not heed the good advice.
After that, he glanced around and made his way to an empty table near the window. He made himself comfortable on a chair and Vee jumped on his legs, settling herself on his legs, Charmander and Nidoran jumped on the chairs set on the other side.
After some time, the food finally arrived.
Eevee liked the sour Pokeblocks the most, but she hated anything else.
Charmander liked spicy Pokeblocks the most, but the sweet boy tolerated other flavours except dry.
Whereas Nidoran tolerated nothing but sweet Pokeblocks. Each one of them liked different things, but all of them were equally cute.
All of his Pokemon were growing really well, and he was really proud of them.
Even though Nidoran was growing well, he was close to his second evolution, he will probably evolve after the Gym Battle.
“Eat up guys, we need all the energy we can get for the Gym Battle.” The trio simply chirped, happily.
0-0-0-0-0-0
Damien strolled his way to the Pewter City, his steps clicking against the rocky ground, as he made his way to the Pewter City Gym.
Soon enough, he found himself in front of Pewter City Gym proper. It was a simple stone building with a rocky exterior, nothing fancy like other gyms just like in the anime.
He walked through the stone doors and found himself greeted by a figure closely resembling Brock.
“Hi, I’m Damien Terrous from Pallet Town. I’ve registered for my Gym Battle, can you please check?” Damien said, showing her the registration form.
“Yes, you do have a reservation for a gym battle, please go through the door ahead, the gym leader is waiting for you.” She said, inclining towards the door.
“Wait, there aren’t any gym trainers to challenge before challenging the Gym Leader?” Damien asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
“Sorry, for the inconvenience, we don’t have enough funds to hire gym trainers.” The secretary Forrest muttered, releasing a sigh.
“No worries, I can do just fine.” Damien replied, making his way to the battlefield, passing through the doors only to find the lights turned off, “Who goes there?” A voice came from darkness, running a chill down his spine.
“I’m Damien Terrous and I’m here for the stone badge.” Damien shouted, his voice cutting through the darkness, surprising Brock because most of the newbie trainers usually got nervous in front of him. ‘Well, this will be interesting’ Brock thought, scratching his chin.
“Let’s get started! Sally dear, can you act as the referee of this match?” Brock calls, the girl makes her way to the middle of the stadium holding red and green flags in her hands.
The girl clears her throat, “This is a two-on-two match between Gym Leader Brock and the Challenger Damien Terrous, the challenger may change his Pokemon but the leader can’t. The match will end when one side no longer has usable Pokemon.” The girl finishes and the match finally begins.
Damien fingers the Pokeball in his hand as he takes the challenger’s side, whereas Brock stands opposite to his side.
“Leader, please choose your first Pokemon.” Sally says, signaling the start of the first round.
Brock throws the ball in his hand into the air, Mid air it snaps open and a perfectly polished Geodude floats on the ground. The living rock regards Damien with a sharp look and calmly awaits for Brock’s command.
Damien lets out a long breath, clenching his hands into closed fists, trying to hide his excitement from appearing on his face, due to the sheer adrenaline.
“Let’s rock n roll, Nidoran!” Damien exclaims, releasing Nidoran into the battlefield.
Nidoran let out a war cry and gazed at his opponent with a sharp look.
His moveset included:
Hone Claws
Peck
Taunt
Fury Attack
Headbutt
And Poison Sting
He really needed to work on her moveset but that would but after this gym battle.
“Nidoran Hone Claws!” Damien orders,
Before Brock can get his first order out, Nidoran is already following his trainer’s command.
“You’re certainly the first trainer I’ve met who bothered to teach his Pokemon boosting moves, Geodude Rock Polish and answer it with Rock Throw.” Brock shouts to Damien,
Geodude’s hands dug into the ground, as he shot rocky projectiles at the reptile Pokemon. Nidoran runs and leaps over the projectiles dodginging them narrowingly.
“Now, What’ll you show me as a Trainer?” Brock says and commands Geodude to end it with Rock Tomb.
“NEVER!” Damien yells and orders Nidoran to use Scary Face on the opponent.
The Geodude recoils as if he has never seen a face filled with so much hate, even Sally gasps and leans away.
Geodude grunts and flinches, entirely missing Nidoran dashing towards Geodude, the recoil of unsuccessful move catching up with him.
“Dive in with Headbutt, Nidoran!”
Whole form radiating power, Nidoran dashes towards Geodude as little more than a blur of blue and white energy flanked by glowing horns, as a painful scream tears through the air.
Brock’s eyes widened, “Geodude use Defense Curl now!”
The little boulder barely raised his arms in time before blade-like glowing horns crashed into him making a terrible sound of metal and rock grinding against each other. As Nidoran disengages and returns to his side, Geodude groans and slowly lowers his guard, showing two nasty scars that would most likely be permanent if not healed on time.
Nidoran lets out a mocking growl earning a scowl from the Geodude.
“Don’t lose the momentum, Hone Claws again and Headbutt!” Damien orders and Nidoran shrieks and grinds its horns together. If Geodude was irked by the show off it didn’t show it on his face.
“Wait for it, wait for it, Geodude Scattershot now!” The little boulder crosses its arms together, an orb of rock type energy forming in front of his arms, With a grunt Geodude shoots it forward scattering into many projectiles heading towards the reptile Pokemon.
Just as Geodude takes a breath Damien yells, “Dash towards the rocks!”
Nidoran dodges the volley of rocks without an inch to spare, a little short out of breath.
“Enough is Enough, Let’s end it now, Nidoran!” Damien asks, Nidoran meets his trainer’s gaze in affirmation, as if to say ‘Finally’.
“Charge up Double Kick and close in with a Quick attack!” Damien says, causing Brock’s eyes to widen in alarm.
Nidoran grinds his right leg on the ground, then vanishes from where he was standing, with only the sound of grinding teeths.
Before Geodude can even blink his eyes, a kick as strong as iron rends his side, carving a hole in his stony body tumbling him across the ground.
For a long moment Geodude is silent on the ground and everyone just stares wide eyed in shock, then after a few second the rock Pokemon tries to stand groaning but was unsuccessful, only to fall limp and securing Damien and Nidoran’s first victory and many more to come in the future.
Damien feels goosebumps in his entire body as Nidoran starts to laugh, throwing his head back and releasing a glutoral laugh from his mouth.
This Pokemon is plain sadistic, I have to curb it in before something happens.
At the side of the field Sally gulps, “G-Geodude is unable to battle, Nidoran and Trainer Damien wins!”
“That was awesome, Nidoran!” Damien says, jumping on Nidoran hugging him tightly not giving him any breathing room, The reptilian Pokemon simply huffs pretending to ignore his trainer.
Brock returns Geodude to his ball and murmurs something too low for Damien and others to hear, his face turns a little serious as he takes out a slightly used Pokeball and glances at Damien with new found respect. “I never thought I would have the honour to battle such a talented trainer first thing in the morning, Now allow me to face you and your team with a worthy opponent on your level. We are provided with low level teams so that we could provide young trainers with adequate levels of difficulty but that would be too easy for you. Geodude was recently given to me by the league and it was sorely beaten, you have proven with your brilliant mind and unique tactics as you have recently proven you are worthy of facing my old partner. Prepare yourself, Damien.” He gazes tenderly at the Pokeball and rolls it in his hands before throwing it in the air.
Damien’s heart drops when understanding dawns on his face where the battle is going.
The ball spins in the air and snaps open to reveal a living stone snake on the ground.
The Onix regards Damien and his Pokemon with a look before standing in front of Brock, Nidoran glances at Onix with fear in its eyes but doesn’t back down.
Nidoran’s eyes narrow as he prepares for the match, “Gym Leader Brock sends out Onix, will the challenger change his Pokemon?” Sally asks, Nidoran shakes his head, certainly against the idea of substituting, “No we wouldn’t.” Damien answers.
“Nidoran vs Onix begins!” Nidoran dashes forward, “Nidoran Hone Claws!”
“Thunderwave!” Before Nidoran can execute the command, Nidoran is hit with a high voltage of electricity making Nidoran squirm on the ground, his entire body unmoving due to the current in his body,
“Now, Rock Tomb, Onix!” Brock calmly orders.
Onix is covered in rock type energy as giant rocks appear in the air, before shooting down on the still frozen Nidoran smashing into his body. Nidoran lay on the ground twitching, convulsing and finally unconscious.
“Nidoran is unable to battle” Sally calls , “Gym Leader Brock and Onix are the winners.”
Damien’s heart dropped in his stomach seeing the condition of Nidoran, he quickly recalled Nidoran into his ball, “Good job, Nidoran, you did your best. Now, take a good rest, you deserve it, Nidoran.”
Damien’s eyes widened, “One hit, One hit and Nidoran is down.”
Damien takes a deep breath to calm himself down, he couldn’t back down after coming so far, hesitating before reaching for Charmander’s ball, the itching to use Vee is ignored in favor of giving Charmander a chance.
‘Considering Onix is his ace, we have to play it smart and keep our distance and slow it down.”
Damien flicks his wrist, throwing the ball in the air before it snaps open and Charmander lands on the ground.
Across the field, Brock glances at Charmander, visibly curious about his choice.
“Let’s heat it up, Charmander!”
Charmander narrows his eyes and high above the sun starts to brighten up, increasing the temperature and causing everyone to sweat, even the referee Sally looked uncomfortable.
Sally calls for everyone’s attention, “Trainer Damien sends out Charmander! Final Match! Onix Versus Charmander begins!”
‘Smoke Screen! Dig your claws into the ground, so that the Thunder Wave can’t affect you!”
Charmander is already in motion the instant the match begins, firing a condensed ball of smoke at the rock snake.
The solid Gym Leader notices it instantly. “Protect now, Onix!”
A barrier of green drops around Onix in time, the barrier ripples where Smoke Screen connects
Damien couldn’t help but grind his teeth in frustration, ‘Does everyone and their children know protect. Give me a fucking break!’
‘Charge Smoke Screen again and fire it when I will give the signal!’ Charmander simply nods and awaits for his trainer’s command.
Damien springs into action, when the barrier drops off. “Now!”
Again Charmander fires a Smoke Screen, but Brock shouts the order in time. “Right 2 metres now, Then Rock Polish!”
Onix slides over to the right, the Smoke Screen missing him entirely. A few moments later, the rocky exterior on his body begins to shine, and the surface of his body smooths out, making his speed skyrocket. He slides toward Charmander trying to bind him, “Dodge this with Ember, then slash it up with Metal Claw!” Damien shouts, Charmander fires an Ember into the ground, the repulsion force of the move throwing him up in the air.
“Rock Throw, Onix!” Brock shouts.
The rocky snake shot projectiles at the little lizard, but he wasn’t afraid in the slightest seeing the projectiles coming his way.
“Jump on the rocks!” Damien exclaims, Charmander jumps on the rocks using their momentum to go down faster and leaps on Onix’s body and slashes his claws on the rock snake’s face with steel energy in his claws. The living snake screamed in pain dropping on the ground, causing dust to appear on the ground, without any hesitation Damien seized the opportunity, ordering Charmander to use Metal Claw once again.
‘Did we win? Did we win’
The entire field is silent, everyone awaits for the dust to settle down. The dust settles and Onix is revealed to be unconscious on the ground fainted. Charmander breaks the silence by roaring in victory and jumps in Damien’s arms, Damien laughs loudly the sound echoing in the stadium, and spins Charmander in the air.
Then Sally finally blinks and regains her wits, “U-uh the winner of the match are Charmander and Damien Terrous!”
“You are the best Charmander!” Damien grins, Charmander snuggles into his arms and chirps happily.
Damien glances up as Brock and Sally walks up to Damien. “I have to say Trainer Damien I wasn’t expecting such a talented Trainer to come to me for Gym Battle on second day of the circuit, not that I am complaining, Anyway, I, Brock the Gym Leader of Pewter City, present you with the Boulder Badge to you for your victory.” He says and holds out the Boulder Badge for him.
Damien takes the badge hesitatingly, still not believing his eyes, the events of the past ten years of his life starts to play in his mind. He is a Pokemon Trainer with every opportunity in the world, he has the best friends Ash, Gary and L… and the support of Professor Oak.
It’s as if—------
Now’s not the time for that thought.
“Here’s your prize money and the T.M. Rock Smash, I hope to see you in the Indigo League this year.” Brock’s voice snaps him out of his thoughts and he comes back to the present, he accepts the offered money and T.M. and makes his way back to Pokemon Centre after saying them his Goodbye.
Damien releases his team in his room after reaching his destination. His team Vee, Charmander looks up at him with curiosity filled in their eyes.
“Look here guys this is the symbol of our first step to our dream!” Damien says, showing the recently acquired Boulder Badge, before he can even blink the trio jumps into his arms and drops him into the bed, leaving him out of breath.
It looks like this life was never going to be boring in the slightest. He couldn’t wait to see just what adventure awaited him in the future, only time would tell.
Next Time on Dragon Ball Z…..
