When I finally stepped out of the forest, the stone walls and slate rooftops of Pewter City came into view.
I let out a long, satisfied sigh.
We made it.
I could have left the forest the same day I caught Scyther—but I didn't. I stayed on purpose.
Two full days.
Two days of focused training. Two days of battles against wild Pokémon. Two days of refining timing, positioning, and synergy. I sent the photos of Scyther to Professor Cerise, and he replied quickly, thanking me for the research data. After that, it was all about improvement.
Potions for recovery. Strategy discussions. Drills.
Bulbasaur practiced controlling Razor Leaf's spread and sharpness. Scyther trained precision—cutting falling leaves mid-air, striking stones without dulling its blades.
By the end of it, they felt different.
Sharper.
Stronger.
And so did I.
[Oliver Montclair – Team Recap]
Bulbasaur ♂ Lv. 12
Type: Grass / Poison
Ability: Chlorophyll
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Vine Whip, Leech Seed, Razor Leaf, Growth
Egg Move: Safeguard
Scyther ♂ Lv. 14
Type: Bug / Flying
Ability: Technician
Moves: Quick Attack, Leer, Focus Energy, Vacuum Wave, Wing Attack, Fury Cutter, Pursuit
Egg Moves: Steel Wing, Counter
Today, I was going to challenge the Pewter Gym.
I walked down the paved road leading through the city, the massive gray stone buildings giving the place a sturdy, ancient atmosphere. Pewter didn't feel flashy like other cities—it felt solid. Unyielding.
Perfect for a Rock-type Gym.
Soon, I stood before the heavy double doors of the Pewter Gym.
I pushed them open.
The interior was vast and rugged, like an indoor battlefield carved from a quarry. Large stone pillars lined the arena. Dust lingered faintly in the air.
Two trainers were already battling.
One side stood a tall, tan-skinned young man with spiky brown hair and calm, steady eyes.
Of course.
Brock.
Across from him stood a girl.
And for a moment, I forgot to breathe.
She had long brown hair, a red cap, and determined yet teary eyes. Her posture was strong—even in defeat, there was pride in how she stood.
I recognized her instantly.
Leaf.
I decided to watch quietly.
And discreetly, I scanned Brock's Pokémon.
Onix ♂ Lv. 17
Type: Rock / Ground
Ability: Rock Head
Moves: Harden, Tackle, Bind, Rock Throw, Screech
Egg Moves: None
Level 17.
Higher than the game version.
So this wasn't a simple badge test.
This was real.
Before I could think further—
"Razor Leaf!" Leaf shouted.
Her Bulbasaur launched a storm of spinning leaves, sharp and precise.
But Onix moved.
Without even waiting for Brock's command.
The massive serpent shifted its rocky body with surprising agility, the leaves slicing through empty air and striking stone instead.
Brock's voice followed calmly.
"Bind."
Onix surged forward like a landslide. Before Leaf could react, the massive coils wrapped around Bulbasaur.
The smaller Pokémon struggled.
"Razor Leaf again!" Leaf cried.
But Bulbasaur couldn't move.
The pressure tightened.
And moments later, it fainted.
Silence filled the arena as Brock recalled Onix.
Leaf dropped to her knees.
Her fists clenched.
She looked like she was trying not to cry.
Something about that hit me harder than I expected.
So I stepped forward.
"That was a wonderful battle."
My voice echoed across the stone chamber.
Both of them turned.
Brock paused mid-step.
Leaf looked up, tears shimmering in her eyes.
Up close, she looked even more striking—but it wasn't just beauty. It was passion. Determination.
I crouched slightly beside her, offering a small, reassuring smile.
"You pushed him further than most challengers do," I added gently. "Your timing on Razor Leaf was sharp. Onix just happens to be… on another level."
Leaf blinked.
A faint pink dusted her cheeks.
She quickly looked away, brushing at her eyes as if pretending she hadn't been crying at all.
"I—I wasn't crying," she muttered, though her voice softened. For a brief second, her gaze flicked back to me.
And lingered.
Brock crossed his arms, studying me carefully.
"I don't believe we've met," he said evenly. "Who are you?"
I stood up straight, meeting his gaze without hesitation.
"My name is Oliver Montclair," I said clearly. "I'm originally from the Kalos region… and I've come to Kanto to grow stronger."
I let the words settle before continuing.
"And I'm here to challenge the Pewter Gym."
The air shifted.
Leaf's eyes widened slightly.
"K-Kalos…?" she whispered under her breath.
Her gaze moved over me again—my posture, my calm expression, the quiet confidence I carried. A deeper blush spread across her cheeks.
He's… kind of handsome, she thought, quickly tilting her cap lower to hide her face.
Brock's expression remained calm—but there was clear interest now.
"A trainer from Kalos," he said thoughtfully. "We don't get many challengers from other regions."
He stepped back toward the battlefield and gestured toward the challenger's side.
"You watched the battle. Then you understand what you're stepping into."
I smiled.
"That's exactly why I'm here."
Behind me, I could feel my Poké Balls at my belt.
Bulbasaur.
Scyther.
Two days of deliberate training.
Two days of preparation for this exact moment.
Brock nodded once.
"Very well, Oliver Montclair of Kalos. Show me what you and your Pokémon can do."
Leaf moved to the sidelines, still visibly pink-cheeked. As she passed me, she glanced up for just a second.
And this time—
She didn't look away immediately.
She smiled.