Pokémon: Dragons, Dragons, & Dragons.

Ashlyn's eyes scanned the screen, her thoughts racing. All of them were rare and intriguing, but she was determined to pick a Pokémon that aligned with her dream of becoming a Steel-type specialist. She pulled out her Nano Dex and quickly tapped through the information.

"Alright, Nana Dex," Ashlyn said, her voice steady. "Which of these evolve into Steel-types?"

The Nano Dex responded with a smooth, sultry voice—Rin's programming handiwork, no doubt. "Analyzing… Alolan Sandshrew evolves into Alolan Sandslash, an Ice/Steel type. Shiny Onix evolves into Steelix, a Steel/Ground type. Gimmighoul evolves into Gholdengo, a Ghost/Steel type."

Ashlyn blinked, her brows lifting slightly at the last revelation. "Wait, Gimmighoul evolves into a Steel-type? I didn't even know that was possible."

"Indeed," Nana Dex purred. "Gimmighoul requires a unique method for evolution, involving the collection of Gimmighoul Coins—a task that may require time and patience. However, the result is a highly versatile Ghost/Steel Pokémon with exceptional capabilities."

Ashlyn blinked. She will bet her love of fighting and food that Rin knew the evolutionary method and didn't bother to report it. 

Ashlyn crossed her arms, considering the options. The Shiny Onix and Alolan Sandshrew were straightforward choices, their evolutionary paths perfectly aligning with her Steel Queen aspirations. But now, the prospect of Gimmighoul—a Pokémon whose evolution was as mysterious as it was intriguing—lingered in her mind.

"Damn," Ashlyn muttered, running a hand through her hair. "Rin's going to say something obnoxious if I don't pick the shiny, but… this Gimmighoul sounds like a challenge worth taking."

Her fingers hovered over the selection screen, the weight of her decision palpable. In the end, she knew one thing for certain—whatever she chose would bring her one step closer to becoming the trainer she envisioned.

[xXx]

Location Unknown, Three Days After the Ceremony

September 30th, Year XXXX

"VOLT EDGE CELL SLAM, NOW!"

Gazei darted through the onslaught of cascading stones, his movements precise yet frantic. Zeus, the Neo Pichu, surged forward like a thunderbolt, a glowing streak of electric fury. The Volt Tackle collided with the mutated, four-armed bear-like Pokémon, the impact reverberating like a thunderclap. Sparks flew as Zeus rebounded, landing deftly on his paws, eyes crackling with raw energy.

The beast let out a guttural roar, its claws gouging deep trenches into the earth. Gazei barely had time to steady his footing before another monstrosity lunged, this one oozing black vapor that seemed to warp the air around it.

"Maggie, intercept!" Gazei shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

From his left, Maggie, Fuse's sister, a regular but slightly lighter shade of red Neo Charmander (She has horns), soared into the fray with a guttural roar of her own. The Dragon Rush hit like a meteor, slamming into the vaporous beast with enough force to crater the ground. Gazei spared a glance, his heart pounding as Maggie pinned the writhing creature, her claws digging in with unrelenting ferocity.

Just where the fuck was he. Since when did Mutant monsters exist in this world?

Gazei's focus snapped back to the bear-like mutant. Its twisted form regenerated too quickly, sinew knitting together as dark energy pulsed through its body. No time for hesitation. He gritted his teeth, pulling out a specialized blade infused with concentrated Aura energy.

"Alright, ugly," he muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Let's see how tough that hide really is."

Gazei closed the distance in one fluid motion, his blade plunging into the beast's flank. The hide resisted, dense and unnaturally tough, but the blade's edge found purchase. A surge of Aura energy coursed through the weapon, burning into the creature's corrupted flesh. It howled, flailing wildly as Zeus rejoined the assault, fangs crackling with electricity as he sank them into the creature's forelimb.

"Maggie, disengage and reposition!" Gazei commanded, his instincts screaming as the vaporous beast began to rise again. Dark tendrils lashed out, forcing Maggie to lift off just as the ground beneath her crumbled into a pit of darkness. She roared in defiance, banking sharply in the air to avoid the expanding void.

[xXx]

Pewter City Gym

September 30th, Year XXXX

Ashlyn adjusted her gloves, standing tall at the entrance to the Pewter City Gym. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her face betrayed no nerves—only focused determination.

The massive stone doors loomed before her, their jagged surface a fitting prelude to the challenges awaiting inside. She reached out, pushing them open with deliberate force. The creak of the hinges echoed ominously, giving way to the cool, rocky interior of the Gym.

The battlefield stretched out before her, rugged and uneven, surrounded by towering walls that seemed to scrape the heavens. The glint of minerals embedded in the rocks reflected under harsh overhead lights, giving the cavern an almost ancient feel.

Mordred yawned, clearly unimpressed, having seen her share of Gym interiors before. Misty, on the other hand, felt a wave of nostalgia, remembering her sisters' gym battles and the countless rock and water skirmishes that had shaped her skills.

Rin, however, had a much different reaction.

"The fuck is this?! What uncultured barbarian thought this monstrosity was an acceptable design for a Gym?" Rin shouted, her crimson eyes narrowing as she brushed invisible dirt off her pristine white skirt. She glared at the rocks beneath her boots as if personally offended.

Ashlyn snorted, rolling her eyes. "Rin, it's a Gym, not some high-end fashion show. You're gonna be fine."

"Fine?" Rin shot back, her tone sharp. "This place is but a monument to filth and savagery! 'Tis an affront to any decent standard of aesthetics!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever, Princess Dirt-Hater," Ashlyn smirked, adjusting her gloves. "Focus on what's important. I'm about to wipe the floor with Flint's team, and you're over here complaining about dust."

Mordred chuckled softly from where she leaned against the wall. "For once, I agree with Ashlyn. 'Tis a Gym battle, not an art gallery."

Rin sniffed, turning her nose up in mock defiance. "Barbarians, all of thee."

Ashlyn laughed sharply before stepping forward, her boots crunching against the gravel. The Gym loomed ahead, its battlefield framed by jagged walls and a high ceiling that made the place feel like a coliseum. On the far side, Flint stood with his arms crossed, his smirk as confident as ever. The Pewter City Gym Leader had the air of someone who knew just how formidable he was—and wanted his opponent to know it too.

"You must be Ashlyn," he called out, his voice carrying across the field. "I've heard about you. Fresh from the tournament, huh? Let's see if you've got what it takes to earn the Boulder Badge."

Ashlyn grinned, tossing her first Pokéball into the air. "You're on, Flint."

The Rotom drone zipped overhead, displaying a holographic screen for the crowd. The match details appeared in glowing letters:

Ashlyn Ketchum vs. Flint Harrison

Official Pewter City Gym Battle

The referee raised his arm. "This will be a standard Gym Battle. The challenger may use six Pokémon and may substitute. The Gym Leader will use two Pokémon, cannot substitute, and may not use items. Challenger, do you accept these terms?"

"Hell yeah!" Ashlyn snapped, pumping her fist.

Flint tossed his Pokéball high into the air. "Let's get this started! Geodude, let's rock!"

In a flash, Geodude appeared, flexing its rocky arms as it hovered above the battlefield.

Type: Rock/Ground | Ability: Sturdy

Ashlyn smirked, reaching for her first Pokéball. "Alright, time to set the tone. Let's do this, Ferra!"

She hurled the ball, and in a brilliant flash, her Cufant landed on the rocky field with a metallic thud. The elephant-like Pokémon trumpeted confidently, pawing at the ground as the Rotom updated the display.

Ashlyn sends out Ferra! Type: Steel | Ability: Heavy Metal

The referee raised his arm. "Let the match begin!"

[xXx]

The Rotom drone's voice crackled to life, broadcasting to the small audience gathered for Ashlyn's Gym debut.

"Welcome, trainers and fans, to an official Pewter City Gym match! This is a debut battle for Ashlyn Ketchum, fresh off her victory in the Pewter Tournament. Will her skills shine against Flint's renowned Rock-types? Let's find out!"

The drone narrated live-streamed the battle on the official Pokemon League battle network. 

The leading streaming platform for all official gyms, tournaments, and other events in Kanto. Since Ashlyn won the Rookie tournament, she already has some fans, especially when looking up her profile. 

A trainer sponsored by Professor Oak and her brother. 

From a private viewing box, Rin crossed her arms, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Geodude, is it? A bold choice, albeit predictable."

Misty leaned closer to Mordred, whispering, "Ashlyn's got this. That Cufant of hers is no joke."

Mordred gave a small shrug. "She will prevail, but Flint will not make it easy. 'Tis his nature to grind his opponents down like the very rocks he wields."

[xXx]

Geodude, Defense Curl!" Flint commanded, his voice steady.

Geodude curled into itself, its rocky body gleaming momentarily as its defenses heightened.

"Not gonna save you!" Ashlyn yelled. "Ferra, Bulldoze!"

Ferra reared back, her powerful trunk slamming into the ground with force. The resulting shockwave rippled through the field, cracking the stone beneath Geodude. It let out a grunt of pain, but overall was ineffective. 

"Da fuck?!" Ashlyn and Ferra gasped at the Flint and Geodude. "No way that didn't hit hard!"

Flint was unfazed but mildly impressed. Most would have missed it, but he heard the grunt of pain from the Rock/Ground-type. Flint whistled. "That Cufant of yours is well-trained. Usually all the freshmen trainers have to use STAB super effective moves for a good while for Geodude to feel their attacks. But for steel-type damage using a non-STAB move, that is impressive!"

"Da fuck?!"

Flint smirked she reminded him of his youngest daughter. Yeah. "Rollout!"

"Iron Head, that fucker! Knock out that badass and make it bleed!"

Up in the booth, Rin cheered loudly for her friend, causing everyone near the booth to stare at the very pretty, stylish girl. Misty stared while Mordred nodded in approval. 

Ferra charged, her head glowing with metallic energy. Sparks erupted as she slammed into the spinning Geodude, the collision ringing out like a bell. But the force sent Ferra reeling backward, her hooves scraping against the gravel as Geodude's momentum refused to break.

Ashlyn finally understood what the gym battle was now. Rin, too, when her turn was next because both girls gaped at Ashlyn's Cufant. 

The Steel-type skidded to a stop but stumbled, her breath ragged. Blood trickled down her leg where the impact had shattered part of her armor-like skin.

Rin's voice exploded from the stands. "GET UP AND SMASH IT!"

Flint crossed his arms. "Your Cufant's tough, but toughness doesn't win battles. Strategy does."

Ashlyn gritted her teeth. "You want strategy? Fine. Ferra—Rock Smash!"

Ferra's trunk glowed as she barreled forward, slamming into Geodude's side. A crack splintered through the rocky shell, but the boulder-like Pokémon spun again, picking up even more speed.

Flint smirked. "Too slow."

Geodude collided head-on, its momentum sending Ferra flying into a boulder. The impact sent dust and debris spraying across the field.

Ashlyn froze. "Ferra?"

The dust cleared. Ferra twitched but failed to stand.

The referee raised his arm. "Cufant is unable to battle!"

Ashlyn starred. Rin was in shock. 

Ashlyn clenched her fists as she recalled Ferra back into her Pokéball, her jaw tight. She wasn't used to losing a Pokémon this quickly. Ferra was one of her strongest Pokémon; the wild Pokemon nearby fear more than Spearows, but Flint's Geodude had crushed her like it was nothing.

From the booth, Rin had recovered from her own surprise and leaned forward, her crimson eyes narrowing. 

From the booth, Rin finally snapped. "WHAT THE HELL, ASHLYN?! HIT BACK HARDER!"

Misty winced. "That was… brutal."

Mordred, however, leaned back with a faint smirk. "This is good."

Misty shot her a look. "Good? How is losing good?"

"It reminds her what this is—a Gym Battle. And Flint isn't playing around."

Ashlyn exhaled, her jaw tight as she recalled Ferra into her Pokéball. "You fought hard," she muttered softly.

Her grip tightened as she met Flint's gaze. "You're not walking away with this win."

Flint's smirk only widened. "Let's see if your next Pokémon says otherwise."

With a flick of her wrist, she released Argent, her Shiny Beldum. The metallic Pokémon floated onto the field, its steely surface shimmering under the spotlights. The Rotom drone updated its display:

Ashlyn sends out Argent! Type: Steel/Psychic | Ability: Clear Body

Flint raised an eyebrow at the rare Pokémon. "Well, well. You've got some impressive partners, Ashlyn. But will they be enough?"

"More than enough," Ashlyn shot back, her voice dripping with confidence. "Argent, let's start with Iron Defense!"

Argent's metallic surface glowed as its armor hardened, reflecting light like polished steel.

Flint wasted no time. "Geodude—Rollout!"

The boulder-like Pokémon spun forward again, tearing across the field like a missile.

"Zen Headbutt!" Ashlyn ordered.

Argent rocketed forward, its head glowing with psychic energy. The two Pokémon collided midair, the shockwave rattling the gym walls. Sparks erupted as Argent held firm, pushing back against Geodude's momentum.

The force sent Geodude skidding back, cracks forming along its surface.

Flint whistled. "Not bad. But let's see if you can keep that up. Rock Blast—full power!"

Geodude launched a flurry of sharp rocks, each one whistling through the air.

"Dodge and counter with Take Down!"

Argent weaved through the barrage, but one stone clipped its side, leaving a dent. The Steel-type didn't falter, surging forward and slamming into Geodude's chest.

The force sent Geodude flying, smashing its body into a boulder before it dropped to the ground with a heavy thud.

The referee raised his arm. "Geodude is unable to battle!"

The crowd erupted as the Rotom drone's voice crackled. "Ashlyn Ketchum evens the score! What a crushing blow!"

Ashlyn clenched her fist, grinning as Argent hovered back to her side. "Now we're talking."

Flint smirked as he recalled Geodude. "I like the fight in you. But let's crank up the pressure."

He grabbed his next Pokéball. "Onix—let's go

The ground trembled as Flint's massive Onix emerged, its serpentine body towering over the battlefield. Its roar echoed through the cavernous Gym, drawing gasps from the audience. The Rotom drone updated the display:

Flint sends out Onix! Type: Rock/Ground | Ability: Rock Head

Ashlyn stared at the towering Pokémon, her fists tightening. Argent hovered in place, undeterred by the size difference. "Alright, Argent," Ashlyn said, her voice steady. "Let's do this. Start with another Zen Headbutt!"

Flint's voice rang out before Argent could move. "Onix, Stealth Rock!"

Onix slammed its tail into the ground, scattering jagged stones across the battlefield.

Ashlyn grimaced. Switching would hurt now.

"Stick to the plan! Zen Headbutt, now!"

Argent darted forward, its head glowing with psychic energy as it collided with Onix's rocky body. Onix roared in pain but retaliated immediately.

"Rock Tomb, go!" Flint commanded.

Onix lashed out, sending boulders crashing around Argent, trapping the Steel-type in a makeshift prison. Ashlyn cursed under her breath as the battlefield turned even more against her.

"Break free, Argent! Use Take Down on the Rocks!"

The strain was evident when Argent crashed through the boulders with sheer force. It hovered unsteadily, its energy drained.

Flint seized the moment. "Onix, finish it with Rock Slide!"

Onix roared, sending another cascade of rocks hurtling toward Argent. The Steel-type tried to dodge, but the attack was too overwhelming. The rocks struck true, and Argent hit the ground with a metallic clang and fainted.

"Beldum is unable to battle!" the referee announced.

Ashlyn bit her lip, recalling Argent with a quiet "Good job." Her heart pounded as she reached for her next Pokéball. Argent had put up a valiant fight, but Flint's Onix was proving to be a formidable opponent. She glanced down at her remaining Pokéballs, considering her options. The jagged Stealth Rock scattered across the battlefield made switching costly, but she had no choice. 

From the sidelines, Rin called out, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Thou art not finished yet, Ashlyn! Strike with thy wits and spirit, as thou always dost!"

Misty crossed her arms, leaning forward. "She's got this. She just needs to play it smart."

Ashlyn inhaled sharply, centering herself. "Alright," she muttered, her fingers tightening around her next Pokéball. "Time to switch tactics."

She released her third Pokémon, and in a flash of light, her Rookidee, Bà Kim, emerged, and the Stealth Rocks pierced her feathers. The tiny bird chirped defiantly despite the blood trickling down her sides. The Rotom drone updated its display:

Ashlyn sends out Bà Kim! Type: Flying | Ability: Keen Eye

The drone's cheery voice announced the match update. "Challenger Ashlyn Ketchum sends out her Rookidee! A bold choice against Flint's towering Onix!"

Flint smirked. "Interesting choice. Let's see how it holds up. Rock Slide!"

"Tailwind—Detect!"

Bà Kim flapped her wings furiously, summoning a swirling current of air that boosted her speed. She darted through the oncoming rocks, weaving between them with ease. The Rotom drone buzzed excitedly as it captured the dynamic exchange.

"Smart move by Ashlyn Ketchum!" the drone narrated. "Her Rookidee is using Tailwind to outmaneuver the larger Onix. Can speed overcome size?"

Ashlyn smirked. "Let's keep it up! Hone Claws!"

Bà Kim perched momentarily on a nearby rock, her talons glowing as she sharpened her claws against the rough surface.

Flint frowned slightly, clearly seeing Ashlyn's plan. "Smart, but it won't matter if you can't land a hit. Onix, Thunder Fang!"

The massive serpent lunged forward, its rocky jaws crackling with electric energy. Ashlyn's eyes narrowed. "Dodge and counter with Rock Smash!"

Bà Kim darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the electrified bite, before diving toward Onix's head. Her glowing talons slammed into the side of its craggy face, striking a vital spot. Onix reared back with a pained roar, cracks spreading along its surface.

"Circle it and keep it guessing! Drill Peck!" Ashlyn commanded.

Bà Kim zipped around Onix in an unpredictable pattern, her beak glowing with energy. She dove in, striking Onix's body repeatedly with pinpoint precision. The attacks chipped away at Onix's rocky exterior, forcing it to flinch under the relentless assault.

"Recover, Onix!" Flint called out.

Ashlyn's eyes widened as the faint glow returned to Onix's battered body, its wounds beginning to heal.

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Ashlyn snapped, her frustration boiling over. "Alright, fine! Bà Kim keep hitting its weak points. Don't let up!"

What sick bastard gave Onix the ability to use fucking Recover. 

Bà Kim chirped in determination, her strikes becoming even faster and more aggressive. Onix roared, its focus wavering as it struggled to recover.

"Enough of this!" Flint shouted. "Rock Slide!"

Onix roared again, dislodging a cascade of rocks from the ceiling. 

The debris rained down, forcing Bà Kim to dodge wildly. Despite her speed, a few stones clipped her wings, causing her to falter.

Flint's eyes gleamed as he seized the opportunity. "Now, Screech!"

Onix opened its massive maw, releasing a bone-rattling screech that echoed through the Gym. The sound waves slammed into Bà Kim, causing her to clutch her ears and cry out in pain. The attack lowered her defenses, leaving her vulnerable.

Go in with Rock Smash—full force!"

Bà Kim let out a defiant chirp, her talons glowing with fighting-type energy as she zipped toward Onix, dodging the scattered debris with precision. Her small but fierce frame struck hard, delivering a powerful blow to Onix's rocky hide. The impact sent tremors across the battlefield, leaving cracks in Onix's armor.

Flint was quick to retaliate. "Onix, Rock Blast!"

Onix roared, dislodging a series of sharp, glowing rocks from its massive body. They shot forward like missiles, slamming into Bà Kim midair. The Rookidee cried out as the barrage overwhelmed her, the final hit sending her to the ground in a puff of dust.

Ashlyn gasped, her heart sinking as Bà Kim struggled to rise but ultimately fell still. Flint didn't waste any time. "Onix set another layer of Stealth Rock and follow up with Rock Polish!" The referee's flag rose. "Rookidee is unable to battle!" 

Onix struck the ground with its tail, scattering more jagged stones around Ashlyn's side of the battlefield. They shimmered ominously, waiting to punish any Pokémon she switched in. The massive serpent then began to glow faintly as its body moved with increasing agility, amplifying its already impressive speed.

Ashlyn sighed deeply, recalling her fallen Pokémon with a determined look. "Good job, Bà Kim. You gave it everything."

Ashlyn's grip tightened on her next Pokéball as she stared down Flint's still-standing Onix. She wiped the sweat from her brow, her mind racing.

"Alright, big guy," she muttered under her breath, readying her next choice. "Let's see how you handle this."

"Let's go, Ogun! Time to throw this rock snake off its game!" Ashlyn called, her voice resolute as she tossed her Pokéball into the air.

With a flash of light, the mischievous Gimmighoul materialized on the battlefield. Its spectral form hovered slightly above the ground, faintly glowing with eerie energy. The metallic chest it inhabited gave a faint clink as it adjusted itself, its single golden eye-locking onto Onix with a mischievous gleam.

The Stealth Rock trap triggered instantly, sharp stones erupting from the ground and pelting Ogun as it landed. The Gimmighoul let out a ghostly wail, wobbling slightly but remaining afloat.

Flint raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Gimmighoul, huh? Haven't seen one of those around here before. Let's see what it's got. Onix, Rock Throw!"

Onix roared, coiling its massive body as it launched a barrage of jagged boulders toward Ogun.

Ashlyn's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Confuse Ray—mess him up!"

Gimmighoul's eerie glow intensified as it released a pulsing beam of ghostly energy. The light wrapped around Onix, and the massive serpent started to sway, its movements erratic as confusion took hold.

"Astonish—go!"

Ogun phased in and out of visibility, slamming into Onix and forcing it to flinch.

But Flint's voice rang out. "Snap out of it—Rock Slide!"

Ogun phased again but couldn't dodge in time. The rocks crashed down, pinning the Ghost-type.

Ashlyn gasped. "Toxic—hit it now!"

A noxious mist poured from Ogun's form, seeping into Onix's cracks. Flint's eyes narrowed as the snake began trembling.

"Hex—end it!"

Ogun's eye flared, releasing dark energy amplified by the poison. Onix reeled, roaring in pain.

But Flint roared back. "Iron Tail—finish it!"

Onix lashed out, smashing Ogun to the ground.

"Gimmighoul is unable to battle!"

Ashlyn's hand trembled as she returned Ogun to its Pokéball. "Rest, Ogun. You did amazing."

"Alright… we're not done yet."

Flint crossed his arms. "Running out of options, huh? What's next?"

Ashlyn grabbed her next Pokéball, fire burning in her eyes. "You'll see."

She tossed it high. "Helena—show them what we've got!"

With a burst of light, her Mawile materialized on the field. The jagged Stealth Rocks reacted instantly, slicing into Helena's legs as she landed. The steel-type winced but held her ground, snapping her jaws menacingly as Intimidate kicked in.

A blue aura rippled around Onix, and its movements stiffened as its Attack dropped.

Flint's gaze sharpened. "Not bad. Lowering my Onix's strength? Clever move. Guess we're stepping into dangerous territory now. But let's see if your Mawile can keep up. I didn't expect to see one this early in Kanto, though. You do know that you are over your carry limit, right?"

"Damn right, you didn't. And who gives a fuck?!" Ashlyn shot back. The girl grinned, her eyes glowing a faint blue, wiping sweat from her brow. "She's tougher than you think. Helena—Iron Head!"

As she barreled through the falling rocks, Helena lunged forward, jaws glowing with metallic energy. A boulder clipped her shoulder, scraping steel and sending sparks flying, but she powered through, slamming into Onix's side. The impact cracked the rock serpent's armor, causing it to reel back and roar.

"Good hit," Flint admitted. "But let's see how you handle this. Thunder Fang!"

Onix lunged, its jagged jaws crackling with electricity as it snapped forward.

"Fire Fang—bite back!"

Helena's jaws erupted in flames as she met Onix head-on. Sparks and fire clashed violently as the two Pokémon locked teeth. Helena winced as electricity arced through her, but she gritted her teeth and bit down harder, forcing Onix back with a burst of flames.

Flint's smirk faltered. "Not bad. But you're not walking away from this one—Iron Tail!"

Onix spun, its massive tail glowing silver as it whipped around.

"Dynamic Punch!"

Helena's fist glowed with fighting energy as she lunged forward, colliding with the tail in midair. The impact released a shockwave, pushing both Pokémon back.

Ashlyn clenched her fists. "Stay in close! Play Rough!"

Helena darted forward, her claws and jaws glowing with fairy energy as she tore into Onix's rocky hide. Cracks deepened as chunks of stone shattered, Onix roaring in pain as it flailed.

Flint barked, "Shake her off! Rock Slide—now!"

Boulders rained down again.

"Sucker Punch—dodge and hit!"

Helena vanished in a blur of motion, reappearing at Onix's flank and slamming her jaws into its side. Onix staggered but didn't fall.

"Finish it, Onix—Iron Tail!"

Onix's glowing tail lashed out, slamming Helena into the dirt. She let out a sharp cry, dust and debris erupting as her small frame bounced across the field.

Ashlyn's breath caught as Helena coughed, blood dripping from her mouth. The steel-type struggled to rise but collapsed to her knees.

"Mawile is unable to battle!" the referee declared.

Ashlyn returned Helena to her Pokéball, her voice low. "You fought hard. Rest now."

Flint crossed his arms, his smirk returning. "That's four down. Hope you're ready to call it quits."

Ashlyn's grip tightened on her last Pokéball. "Not a chance."

She tossed it high. "Amphitrite, let's end this!"

The burst of light revealed her shiny Piplup, landing with a splash of water at her feet. Amphitrite let out a sharp cry, defiant and ready to fight, but the Stealth Rocks erupted instantly, jagged shards slicing into her feathers. Blood trailed down her small frame as she staggered slightly, but her determined glare never faltered.

Flint arched an eyebrow. "Another shiny? You've got style; I'll give you that."

Ashlyn wiped the sweat from her brow. "Keep talking. She's tougher than she looks."

Flint's smirk returned. "We'll see. Onix, Screech!"

The piercing soundwave exploded outward, rattling the arena and forcing Amphitrite to flinch as her defenses sharply fell.

Ashlyn's lips curled into a grin. "Thanks for the boost."

Flint blinked. "What?"

The air around Amphitrite erupted in a sudden pulse of energy. Two auras flared at once.

Her Attack surged, fueled by Defiant reacting to the stat drop, while her Special Attack skyrocketed as Competitive kicked in alongside it.

Flint's eyes widened. "Both abilities?"

"Damn right." Ashlyn's voice rang out, sharp and sure. "Let's punish that mistake. Aqua Jet—hit those cracks!"

Water surged around Amphitrite as she shot forward like a missile, weaving through debris with precision. The attack smashed into Onix's weakened frame, forcing water into its fissures and causing its cracks to hiss and widen.

Onix let out a guttural roar and lurched back, but it recovered quickly.

"Not bad," Flint growled. "But let's see her handle this—Rock Slide!"

The ceiling shook as boulders rained down.

"Agility—dodge and counter!" Ashlyn shouted.

Amphitrite's form blurred as she darted between the falling rocks, her movements sharp and precise. A boulder grazed her wing, spinning her midair, but she rolled with the hit and landed hard, kicking off the ground with momentum.

"Bubblebeam—break it down!"

Amphitrite fired apressurized burst of water from its beak, striking Onix square in the side. Water hissed against the stone, amplifying the poison's effects as it seeped deeper into the cracks, causing Onix to tremble and recoil.

"Hold steady!" Flint roared. "Iron Tail!"

Onix's tail glowed silver as it lashed out, cutting through the air like a whip.

"Roost!" Ashlyn countered.

Amphitrite glowed faintly, feathers smoothing as her wounds began to mend. The tail struck hard, sending her skidding back, but she stayed on her feet, panting heavily yet unbroken.

Flint cursed under his breath, finally showing the first cracks in his composure. "You can't keep up forever. Rock Slide again!"

"Icy Wind—freeze it down!"

A freezing gust howled through the arena as Amphitrite flapped her wings, sending crystals of frost spiraling toward Onix. The serpent's movements slowed as ice spread across its already damaged body, locking its joints in place.

Flint's fists clenched. "Screech!"

The soundwave tore through the Gym again, forcing Amphitrite to cry out in pain. But as the aura around her flared a second time, Competitive and Defiant surged again, her Special Attack and Attack rising even higher.

Ashlyn's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "You just made her stronger!"

Flint's eyes burned with frustration. "Damn it—Onix, finish it! Iron Tail—crush it now!"

"Bubblebeam—end it!"

The two Pokémon launched their attacks at the same time. Onix's tail came down like a hammer, but Amphitrite's pressurized stream of water shot forward, hitting the exact spot where the frost and cracks intersected.

The ice shattered. Steam erupted from Onix's body as the force of the attack ripped through its weakened defenses. Its tail slammed into the ground just inches from Amphitrite, missing completely as the massive serpent finally collapsed, its body crumbling beneath the weight of its own damage.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee stepped forward and raised his flag. "Onix is unable to battle! The winner is Ashlyn Ketchum!"

Ashlyn fell to her knees, scooping Amphitrite into her arms as the penguin chirped weakly. The penguin's feathers were damp and bloodied, but her eyes were still shining with pride.

"You did it," Ashlyn whispered, her voice trembling slightly as the adrenaline began to fade.

Flint approached, shaking his head with a grin. "Hell of a fight, Ashlyn. You didn't just win—you crushed it."

He held out the Boulder Badge. The Boulder Badge was simple, a shiny gray minimalist rock, but it was like a weight in gold for her. It was proof of her ability as a Trainer.

Ashlyn took it carefully, her fingers trembling before she pinned it into her case. "I earned this."

From the booth, Rin clapped loudly. "That, dear sister-in-arms, was most glorious! Onward to victory, my steel queen!"

Misty smirked. "She's tougher than I thought."

Mordred leaned back against the wall, arms crossed. "One badge down. Now let's see if she can handle the next one."

Ashlyn glanced down at Amphitrite, who nuzzled weakly into her arms, exhausted but victorious.

"One down," Ashlyn murmured, her voice steady. "And a hell of a lot more to go."

Battle Summary

Opponent: Flint Harrison - Pewter City Gym Leader

Reward Earned: Boulder Badge 🏅 Regular 

Battle Duration: 1 hour 27 minutes

Battle Style: 6v2, Substitution Allowed for Challenger

[xXx]

Trainer Progress Tracker

Trainer Name: Ashlyn Ketchum

Trainer ID: 02756-KN

Age: 18

Rank: Bronze Rookie

Hometown: Pallet Town, Kanto

Occupation: Pokémon Trainer

Region: Kanto

Sponsor: Professor Oak (Research Sponsor) 🧪

(Provides resources, funding, and experimental gear for Pokémon studies and training development.), Red Ketchum (Personal Stipend Provider) 💰

(₽2,500 per month for travel, supplies, and repairs.)

Current Location: Pewter City Gym

Ambitions:

To become a Steel-Type Specialist

To challenge and conquer the Kanto League

To defeat Gazei.

Badges: Boulder Badge (I) 🏅

Trophies: Pewter Rookie Tournament (1st Place)

Pokémon Registered: 5 (5 Active)

Carry Limit: 5/6

Key Items:

Nano Dex (Custom AI - Nana)

Aura Sensor Band (Inactive)

Trainer Journal (Battle Records, Notes)

Kanto Gym Badge Case (1/8 Badges Collected)

Portable PC Upgrade (Courtesy of Professor Oak)

Berry Case (Assorted berries for healing, status recovery, and buffs.)

Survival Kit (Tent, first-aid supplies, climbing gear, rope.)

Portable Cooking Set (Stove, utensils, food rations, and cookware.)

Pokémon Grooming Kit (For care and conditioning between battles.)

Pokémon Food Pouch (Nutritional snacks and supplements for stamina recovery.)

Financials: 

Current Money: ₽10,920

League Stipend (Base Trainer Support) 💰

Previous Monthly Stipend: ₽2,500 (Base Rate for Rookie Trainers.)

Updated Monthly Stipend: ₽3,500 (Increased by ₽1,000 after earning the Boulder Badge.)

Tournament Winnings:

Pewter Rookie Tournament (1st Place): ₽5,000

Current Standing:

Trainer Rank: Bronze Rookie

League Points: 125 LP (Earned for Pewter Victory)

Trainer Rep: Rising Star (Known locally after Pewter Tournament win)

Trainer Card Update

Ashlyn now holds 1 Badge and is progressing toward her goal as a Steel-Type Specialist.

Next Stop: Cerulean City Gym

Time elapsed since the journey began: 2 months, 2 weeks, 4 days.