Chapter 77: Ash emerges

Chapter 77: Ash emerges

Misty squinted at the ground. Theyd gotten off the road again. Probably because Ash had actually listened to that Samurai brat after beating him. Hed given them the wrong directions as Misty knew he would! Sadly, Ash was adamant that they follow them. It had taken a few days to course correct when they ended up at Viridian and the same Ash sucks message that Gary Oak had apparently written.

Ash would never admit it, but Gary had accidentally helped them with his messages by showing them they were going in the right direction.

Ash stumbled in front of her, and Misty blinked as she realised theyd finally exited the forest. Misty followed him, scowling into the early morning light.

Misty glanced at him. Please tell me youre not Ash let go of the branch that hed been holding, causing it to flick back and smack into Mistys face, in turn causing her to fall back, more in shock than actual pain.

Ash nodded, not realising how Misty was now glaring at him. She wanted to see red but then she remembered that she sort of owed him one by freaking out so much with all the bugs in the forest. She sighed and instead looked past him and found herself looking at Pewter city and the road right there past the treeline. If it wasnt filthy, shed probably kneel down and kiss it!

Ohhhh, that Gary! Ash suddenly. Misty shook her head, ignoring his antics. You got used to Ash sometimes spouting things like that or making declarations. He was such a kid sometimes. Ash clenched his fist towards the City. Pikachu, were going to win our first gym badge and overtake Gary!

Pfft! Misty snorted as she stood up and spat out some leaves. Overtake a guy that was driving a car and likely a week ahead of them now? Yeah, good luck with that!

Pika Pi! said Pikachu as the small yellow mouse leapt from Ashs shoulders, the cute little mouse pokemon rose to his toes and his nose twitched as he inspected to see if Misty was alright. Misty felt her anger trickle away at that.

Oh, Misty? Ash said, turning to look at her with some worry. Misty tilted her head and felt something shift in her hair causing her to stiffen as it continued to move.

Whats in my hair? she said through clenched teeth.

Ash didnt say anything, instead reaching for an empty pokeball. Don't move!

Do not throw that pokeball at me! she hissed.

Dont move! he said sternly, drawing his arm back.

You dont need that Ash threw the ball, and whatever had been on her head responded by leaping out of the way and the pokeball to slammed into Mistys face. She fell back into the bushes again and lay there for a while.

Damn! It got away! Ash said before walking over to her. Sorry about that! It was a Spinarak!

Misty whimpered before her eyes narrowed as Ash leaned over her. Are you alrigh

Misty responded with a strong right fist to his face, sending him flying. She then rose to unleash a scathing attack on why you dont throw pokeballs at peoples faces.

Ash stared at her once she was done. Should I have had Pikachu shock it first? Pikachu slapped his little paw into his face. Misty felt her brow titch and she scooped up the mouse and grumbled as she walked past Ash and towards warm showers, clean clothes, a nice bed, and best of all, no more bug pokemon!

Ash caught up and shot Pikachu a betrayed look before regaining his usual pep within a minute. So! Today is the day Ill fight Pewters gym leader! Brock!

Wooooh Brock! shouted some locals that happened to be out picnicking on the hills overlooking the city. A cheer went up at this before the group of people laughed happily and returned to what they had been eating. Misty blushed, realising that shed likely put on a bit of a show for the picnickers before she stoically marched on.

She glanced at Ash. Ash we still have to make it to Pewter and theres no guarantee that well be able to get you in to challenge Brock before the end of the day.

That doesnt matter! I can wait! Or Ill find him when

That never works Ash. Have you been reading that silly comic about the ten-year-old that completed the entire circuit in a few months and then became Champion on their first circuit?

Ash coughed and looked away. I have the limited edition He trailed off in the face of Mistys unimpressed gaze.

Lets get you to the gym. Then you can get a match, and if you do well enough, maybe, just maybe, you might be able to afford Misty frowned. Ash had to pay someone he owed her something, what did he

Lets go Pikachu! Last one theres a rotten egg Misty! Ash shouted all of a sudden, making Pikachu leap from her arms to give chase.

Hey! Ash, no fair! she said as Ash took off running. Misty ran after him shouting the entire way until they reached the outskirts of Pewter City. Ash leaned against a handy sign and heaved in the air.

See Misty! We just needed to run, then wed make it in one burst. He sucked in another lungful of air. Wh-where is the gym? he said leaning back against the sign, blocking what was on it.

Misty scowled from her bent-over position. H-how sh-should I know? There's usually some signs around though! She jerked her head into the city. I think I can see something up there.

Ash straightened up to grab Misty. Hey! Ash, didnt your mother ever tell you not to drag a lady?

Ash stared at her. Yeah and? Misty felt her eye twitch before she unleashed another straight right that Ash dodged this time.

Urgh! Youre impossible sometimes! She grabbed Pikachu up into her arms and snuggled up to the most tolerable part of hanging out with Ash.

Cha! said Pikachu as he nuzzled into her shoulder.

Thats right Pikachu! Ash is a big dummy. Now lets find the gym!

Ash grumbled after her and Misty grinned to herself as she forced him to follow along like a well-trained Growlithe.

Eventually, they found a very old-looking sign.

Youd think Brock would be able to afford better signs having won against Lance like he did, Misty said. Her fist tapped on her chin in thought. The odd wagon symbol next to it. That meant something what was it? This cant be right. Is that symbol a heritage symbol?

Misty, its a sign; people wouldnt just leave signs up like this! Come on, let's go! Ash said. This time, when he reached out to grab her, he received a glare that had him thinking better. Instead, he straightened up and walked forward at a much more controlled pace. Within a few minutes, they found themselves in front of a large derelict-looking building with tape over the front declaring it a hazard.

Ash rubbed his chin. It doesnt look like I thought it would?

Ash, I think this is the old gym that Brock abandoned. It doesnt look like it's been well looked after Misty said while inching into a better position to see into the rather creepy darkness of the gym.

Ash shook his head. Maybe it just looks this way? He waved a hand up at the boulder that rested atop the gym. I mean look at it! Its a giant rock which is perfect for Brock as a Rock-type gym trainer! He pulled a map out from his bag and raised it up. Its the right place according to the map.

Ash, I cant see a gym trainer like Brock running his gym from this building. Also Ash, that map of yours is years out of date! Just buy a pokenav! Theyre way better! No way this is the actual gym! Instead of agreeing, Ash gained a mulish look in his eyes. Misty wanted to facepalm. Shed only been with Ash for a little over two weeks or so now, but she understood what that expression meant.

Shes right you know young man, said an intruding voice, cutting through Ashs Tauros headedness in an instant.

Ash and Misty jumped on the spot; as one, they whirled around to find a very scruffy-looking man standing behind them. They both relaxed. It was just an old man. The man smiled genially at them.

Did you come here looking to challenge the Pewter City gym Leader? the man asked.

Yeah, that's right! Ash said, stepping up and clenching his fist to show how determined he was.

The man looked up at the old building with its tape that announced it as a hazard and an area to be avoided. Well, Gym Leader Brock wont come around here anymore. He took over a number of years ago and since then he has built a newer facility to face his challengers. He has a large building out of town. The man pointed back the way they had come. Its off the main route into Pewter. There are signs and everything. Im surprised you ended up here of all places.

Uhhhh! Really? Ash glanced back at the building. Youre sure?

Yes, in fact, I just came from there. If youd like, I can walk you out to the gym?

Would you? said Ash jubilantly.

Misty approached. If you wouldnt mind, kind sir, that would probably save us a lot of hassle.

Hmmm Its not an issue at all. And please just call me Flint! said the man as he turned and gestured for them to follow him to the actual Pewter City gym.

Misty glanced back at the old gym. It seemed sad to see it so neglected. She glanced at the entryway and noted a lot of footprints leading in and out of the door. It seemed someone was still coming here though. Misty swivelled her gaze around to the rather scruffily dressed man.

Ah! He had dirt the same colour all over his shoes like hed been scuffing around the old gym.

Misty followed next to Ash and Flint, Ash kept up a running commentary of all that theyd run into over the last week.

When he reached a particularly untrue part Misty had to butt in however, Ash, you didnt take on those Beedrill all alone! Kid Samurai was also there to help out with his Pinsir and I had my Staryu!

Ash waved her off, Yeah, but it was my Butterfree that was able to take them all down!

Thats impressive, young man. Swarms of Beedrill can be very dangerous to handle. It was quite brave. Ash leaned around Flint and pulled down his eyelid with his tongue sticking out. Misty raised her fist.

What are you?! Nine? Grow up already! She growled at his antics as she stuck her own tongue out.

I think his pokemons Thundershocks are more like Thunderbolts in truth, said Flint as he rubbed his chin.

Whats the difference? Misty said as another trainer from the group that had been laughing at Ash marched onto the battle court.

My turn, kid! announced the trainer. Ash grinned and accepted.

Flint hummed. Most of the difference is power and accuracy. Thundershock is a weaker move, but it has slightly better accuracy. Most consider it a good trade off for the stopping power though.

Ash must have been listening in as the next fight saw him starting with Thunderbolt Pikachu!

When the opponents Rattata went down another trainer marched in. Ash laughed. Hah! I dont care how many you bring against me! Ill beat you all!

Misty sighed to herself. Hes completely forgotten why we came here hasnt he?

She settled in and watched Ash fight with Pikachu. When he tired out Pidgeotto came out and then finally Butterfree after Ashs fifth match. Ash staggered up to the gate with slightly slumped shoulders despite his attempts to stand tall.

Heh! Knew I could do it!

Nice one Ash, youve won a lot of matches today. Were you still going to challenge the Gym Leader with your pokemon this tired?

Flint watched on, his presence not being a constant as hed instead chosen to drift around and watch other fights. At one time, when a trainer had called out an Explosion move hed started running away only to come back a few minutes later with a frown. His hands had been very twitchy. He had waved it off but Misty could recognise when someone was struggling. Her own parents had explained their own hang-ups to her, so she could sympathise if he had to get some air after hearing that move.

Ash stood bolt upright. Eh! Oh no! He looked up into the sun. Its almost midday!

Misty sighed. Ash how about we get you a watch so you dont have to look into the sun to work out what time it is?

But I dont need one? he said while wiping his watering eyes.

Misty sighed. I swear if I wasnt around, youd be twice as lost by now.

Oh? Ash said with a smirk. I seem to recall that you ran off screaming when you woke up with a Weedle in your bed one morning, that led to us wasting an entire day trying to find the way back.

We found a sign! Misty looked to the side as they approached the Gyms main doors. Eventually

Yeah Oh that Gary! Ash said to himself.

Misty shook her head. She had no idea why Ash was so fixated on his childhood friend like that. It was kind of cute how they kept encountering small signs teasing Ash along the route. It would drive Ash into fits to find them. Although they probably encountered one sign at least four times due to going in circles.

When the glass doors slid open Misty and Ash blinked in surprise when they ran into a large open area that was filled with trainers and the occasional pokemon.

Urgh! Whatre all these people here for? Ash crept to the side to peer around them. A girl at the back shot her arm out.

No cutting!

Whatre you in the line for? Ash asked.

Duh! To sign up to challenge the Gym Leader. She gestured to the front where a long desk with glass separating the people on the other side. The whole queue looked like it was actually being processed rather quickly with only twenty or so actually ahead of them but it still surprised Misty to see so many trainers here. Cerulean never got this much attention.

Whyre there so many trainers here today?

Today? The girl snorted. Try for the last two weeks! Apparently, theres way, way more trainers applying for the Kanto circuit this year! The conference is going to be nuts, but its making it tough if you want to challenge the good gym leaders! Ive heard some other trainers arent willing to wait for Brock and theyve moved on to the other gyms like Erika, Surge, the Cerulean sisters, or some of the lesser gyms.

Wait? How many people are there challenging this year? Misty said, suddenly worried about how things were back home. Her sisters she lo tolerated them, but they could be terrible at running the gym! Shed had the biggest fight with them when shed learned theyd needed help from the other gyms to pass their audit. The fact that theyd tried to hide that theyd even been audited from her had been enough to make her see red.

The girl shrugged. No idea, but theres a ton. Everyones saying as much. Its going to make it interesting though. Lots of places are supposedly putting on festivals or trying to get trainers to stick around. She turned fully but kept her place in the line as it advanced. Im Heidi by the way!

Misty, and this is Ash. Misty waved towards the boy next to her who was squinting towards the boards that hung over the receptionists desks.

Gauntlet Challenge? he said, reading the boards. Oh wow, thats a lot of money I can win!

Misty snorted but looked up only to find that the prize money for winning was very lucrative. Wow, they pay out well here, dont they She looked over each challenge board, chewing her lip in thought. That was way more than Cerulean paid out... They dont offer as much for the Elite Challenge? Oh, wait, its marked as off-limits for now.

Supposedly you gain a special badge if you can do it on your first go but there is a small payout if you win. People only try it for the bragging rights, Heidi said before waving her hands to a pair of doors off to the side. In front of the doors, a pair of Gravelers stood with large sunglasses on their faces. They looked like security guards and they seemed to enjoy playing up their little act as they flexed at each other and rejected anyone that approached with large stoney hands.

Apparently theres an Ace challenge going on right now, Heidi said before sighing loudly. Id have loved to see it, but I only got in an hour ago and despite coming right here I doubt Ill be going anywhere. She waved around, indicating the number of people loitering and challenging others to matches outside. Might even have to camp out tonight with how full-up the Pokemon centre is going to be.

Misty grimaced. She didnt need to sniff herself to know she was a little strong on the nose. Shed been camping for the last week at least and she had been looking forward to having a shower.

Will this line hurry up! Ash said as he bounced from foot to foot. Heidi watched him for a moment then shared a look with Misty. Misty knew he wasnt going to like what he found when he got to the front of the line.

While they waited, they chatted with Heidi, or at least Misty did. Occasionally they would hear a loud noise like a pokemon move impacting something or the crowd next door cheering loudly. At one point a man had hurried up to the Gravelers and produced a ticket which saw him pass. In that moment Misty had gotten to peer in and see the battlefield.

It looked like an ancient pokemon flying around against another but Misty couldnt make out what it was. Ash had buzzed in place.

That was an Aerodactyl! Hed then busied himself flicking through his pokedex to find its entry.

Aerodactyl, the fossil pokemon. Once considered extinct due to the number of fossils discovered of it. It has recently been discovered in extremely remote locations. However, their population is still not in the double digits and is thus considered Endangered. Research laboratories are investigating options to revive the pokemon through the genetic material found in fossils.

Heidi had perked up at that. Oh! You got yourself a pokedex too? Which professor is sponsoring you?

She produced her own pokedex. I got mine from Professor Elm along with my pokemon Bubbles! From her hip a small crocodile pokemon appeared and waved shyly. Heidi picked the pokemon up which seemed to soothe it. Misty highly approved of this and began happily discussing the Johto starter pokemon Totodile.

Twenty minutes later saw them at the front desk. Ash was not pleased by this development for long however as he slammed his hands down on the bench between himself and the old receptionist. What! What do you mean I have to wait two weeks until the next slot to challenge Brock?

The old woman behind the desk blinked at him blearily. Oh dear, are you hard of hearing as well? Im sorry I thought it was only me!

She made a show of adjusting her hearing aids before speaking louder, You see young man! The gym can only take on so many challengers at once, and everyone wants to challenge Brock. So they have booked in times to challenge him. The next booking that is free is not for Oh dear its now two and a half weeks, it looks like someone else booked in that slot while we were talking!

Misty glanced aside and bit her fist to stop herself from giggling uncontrollably.

Ash stared in shock. But! But! I want to fight him now!

Most do! said the woman. Would you like to book an appointment for a few week's time?

Ash drooped as if all of his prior energy was suddenly spent. Okay he said morosely.

Could I have your trainer I.D please? Ash handed over his pokedex and this was inserted into the computer. The woman adjusted her spectacles and tapped away at the computer. Eventually, she nodded her head. Very well! We have you all booked in! Best of luck young man! Our Boulder badge is not one so easy to claim!

I guess. Thanks Granny.

Ash! Dont call her Granny! Misty said, mortified at the pre-teens forwardness. The woman merely laughed and waved them off.

Ash tilted his head. What? Why?

Ash you shouldnt call an old person a Granny or a Grampa just cause they're old, they might not be and it can be rude. You only say it to your own Granny and Grampa.

But, I dont have one of my own? I just have Mum? We have a group of old ladies though, and growing up they used to let us call them Granny back in Pallet.

Misty opened her mouth to ask before realising why Ash wouldnt have a Granny or Grampa. Right. Some people didnt have parents. Her own had been She swallowed and nodded. Right well, we need to find some accommodation for tonight. You need to get your pokemon seen to and then Misty tilted her head. What are we going to do for three weeks until you can challenge the Gym Leader?

Ash got a glint in his eyes as he exited the gym. Im going to fight him sooner if I can. Misty really didnt like the way he said that.

Ash dont do anything stupid!

Im not! Ash said with a look that made Misty just know that hed locked onto an idea but his brain had not actually thought anything through.

Misty rubbed her forehead. Lets just get some food and find a place to sleep before you try whatever youre going to try. This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.