After some time, Mason arrived at the entrance of the Nibi Gym. The gym had a rock-inspired design, and it was obvious to anyone with a discerning eye that it was a Rock-type Gym.
Mason gently pushed open the door, and the gym was dark. Brock, who was sitting on a rock, didn't notice Mason's arrival and was still lost in thought, muttering, "Should I pursue the warm and kind Nurse Joy? Or the heroic Officer Jenny? Ah, it's really hard to choose..."
Seeing Brock's funny behavior, even Flint, as a father, was so embarrassed that he covered his face and shook his head.
But it couldn't be blamed entirely on Brock. With the departure of his mother, the once warm and kind Brock had subconsciously changed his mate selection standards to that of a mature, older woman.
"Ahem! Mason from Pallet Town, here to challenge the Nibi Gym!" Mason's words instantly snapped Brock out of his musings. Brock suddenly realized someone had entered the Nibi Gym, meaning Mason had seen everything from the start.
"Ahem! The Gym Challenge is an official Alliance competition," Brock said, awkwardly trying to cover up his previous actions. He sounded completely different now, shifting to a formal and serious tone. "It's not like a casual street fight."
Mason grinned confidently. "Don't worry, I won't lose."
Brock, seeing Mason's confidence, decided not to discourage him. After all, he had been defeated by a Rookie Trainer from Pallet Town only a few days ago.
Brock snapped his fingers, and the lights around the gym flickered on, illuminating the battlefield. The rolling doors on both sides opened, revealing the rocky terrain for the match.
"The rules of the game are 2v2," Brock announced. "The first Pokémon unable to continue fighting loses. The challenger may change Pokémon during the match. This is my first Pokémon. Come out, Geodude!"
Brock threw his Poké Ball, and Geodude appeared on the rock battlefield.
Mason sent out his Pokémon as well. "Go, Pidgey."
The golden Pidgey caught Brock by surprise for a moment, but he quickly frowned.
"Don't you even know the basics of type advantages?" Brock muttered to himself.
Although Mason's Flash Pokémon had strength beyond its peers, Brock didn't understand why Mason had sent out Pidgey, which was weak against Geodude's Rock-type moves.
But Mason was unfazed. "That's not necessarily true. It's dangerous to underestimate your opponent. Pidgey, use Steel Wing!"
Pidgey descended quickly, its wings glowing with white light as it struck Geodude, who was caught off guard.
"Geodude!" Brock exclaimed, realizing his mistake. He hadn't expected Pidgey to know Steel Wing, an attack that was particularly effective against Rock-types.
Mason had trained both Charmander and Pidgey in the Evergreen Forest to help them master powerful moves. Charmander had learned Iron Tail, while Pidgey had mastered Steel Wing, both moves perfect for the upcoming gym battles.
"I'm sorry, Geodude," Brock muttered. "Use Rollout!"
Geodude quickly turned into a rolling ball and launched itself toward Pidgey, trying to capitalize on the terrain advantage to knock Pidgey out of the sky.
"Hurricane, use Steel Wing next!" Mason commanded.
Pidgey flapped its wings, using the gusts to slow Geodude down. It then finished the job with a well-placed Steel Wing.
The battle ended quickly with Geodude unconscious on the ground.
Brock was in shock. "I didn't expect this young man to be so powerful. No wonder he's so confident." Flint, who had been quietly watching the match from the shadows, whispered to himself.
Brock recalled his fallen Geodude, sending out his next Pokémon with a sigh. "I underestimated you, Mason. You're stronger than Gary. But this next Pokémon will be different. Please, come out, Onix!"
Brock sent out his Onix, a massive Rock/Ground-type Pokémon that towered over the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Pidgey, now victorious, had evolved into a Pidgeotto, and its transformation caught Mason's attention. The white light faded, revealing a more powerful, golden Pidgeotto.
"Just as I thought," Mason said, pleased with the evolution. Pidgeotto now stood at 1.4 meters tall, a well-built, golden bird of prey. Its sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, and Mason could see the changes in its demeanor—it had become more confident and battle-hardened.
"Pokémon: Pidgeotto (Flash: Gold)
Type: Normal + Flying
Abilities: Keen Eye, Strong Chest Muscles
Moves: Quick Attack, Aerial Ace, Wing Attack, Steel Wing, Agility, Hurricane..."
Pidgeotto was curious about its new form, sometimes preening its feathers with its beak as it stood proudly.
Mason smiled. "Pidgeotto, come back. It's time for you to rest. Charmander, you're up!"
Mason recalled Pidgeotto and sent out Charmander, who glared fiercely at Onix as soon as it appeared. Charmander had no fear—after all, it had battled a giant Onix before.
"Your Pokémon are all unique," Brock commented, noticing Charmander's unusual confidence.
"Onix, use Tackle!" Brock commanded.
"Dodge, and use Iron Tail!" Mason called out.
Charmander expertly evaded Onix's Tackle, then struck with Iron Tail, breaking through Onix's defense. The large Pokémon howled in pain.
Charmander then released a Dragon Breath, hitting Onix hard. Brock's Onix was on the defensive now, and before long, it collapsed, unable to continue fighting.
"Good job, Charmander!" Mason cheered.
Charmander stood triumphantly on Onix's fallen body, raising its arms high in victory.
The battle had only lasted a few minutes, but it was enough for Mason to claim victory. At that moment, Charmander began to glow with white light, signaling its evolution.
Soon, the light faded, and a well-developed Charmeleon appeared on the battlefield, standing tall and proud. Flames flickered at the end of its tail as it raised its arms, roaring with excitement.
"Pokémon: Charmeleon
Type: Fire
Abilities: Blaze, Solar Power
Moves: Flamethrower, Dragon Breath, Iron Tail, Fire Fang, Mega Punch, Brick Break..."
Mason's Charmeleon was now 1.6 meters tall, almost the size of an evolved Charizard.
"Congratulations, Mason! You've earned the Boulder Badge," Brock said, extending a hand to Mason. "I didn't expect you to become my 'nutrient'," he joked, clearly acknowledging Mason's strength.
Mason accepted the badge and smiled. "Thank you, Brock."
Flint, who had been watching in the shadows, felt a pang of regret as he observed his son's defeat. He was about to leave when he saw Brock's younger siblings in the audience, looking up at Mason with tearful eyes.
"How could it be? How could our big brother lose?" Brock's siblings began crying, unable to process their brother's loss. But Brock, in his usual playful manner, tried to cheer them up.
"Don't be sad!" Brock said with a grin. "This just gives me a reason to visit Nurse Joy. I'm so happy!"
His siblings laughed through their tears, and the Nibi Gym once again felt lively and joyful.
Mason, seeing the atmosphere shift, decided it was time to leave. "Goodbye, Brock. I know you'll find your way."
As Mason walked out of the gym, he turned one last time to see Brock standing with his family. "Failure is not something to regret," Mason said, his words comforting the family. "You should be proud of Brock. He defended the dignity of the Nibi Gym."
With that, Mason left the gym, heading toward his next challenge, the Boulder Badge securely in his possession.
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