Ash's Story (Part 5: Modern Sinnoh)

Chapter 10: Coal Badge

The Oreburgh Gym felt heavier in the morning than it had the night before.

Maybe it was the stone walls, the rocky battlefield, or the memory of Paul walking away from Azumarill like losing had erased everything that Pokémon had tried to give him. Whatever it was, I felt it before stepping onto the floor.

Pikachu stood on my shoulder, quiet but alert. His meaning came warm against my cheek. "We battle for each other. Not like cold trainer."

"I know," I whispered, steadying myself.

Lillie stood beside me with her Poké Balls ready, though her own battle would come after mine. She touched Pikachu's head gently before letting him stay with me for now.

Dawn and Lillie had decided to cheer from the stands with matching outfits Dawn had somehow put together before breakfast. Lillie looked embarrassed but determined, and Dawn looked proud enough for both of them.

I felt my face warm when I saw them. "What is with the outfits?"

"It was Dawn's idea," Lillie said, smoothing the skirt with a small smile. "We are cheering for you."

Dawn gave a bright thumbs-up. "A first Sinnoh Gym battle deserves proper support."

"Thanks," I said, trying not to stare too long. "Both of you look great."

Gladion leaned against the rail with Umbreon beside him. "Focus on the rocks, Ash."

Tox laughed quietly, while Daniel adjusted his glasses like he had already prepared notes on every possible Rock-type strategy.

The Gym guide walked over with a friendly grin. "Howdy! How's it going, champ-to-be? I said that to a really impatient boy earlier too."

"That was probably Barry," Dawn said.

The guide pointed toward the field. "Roark uses Rock-type Pokémon. Water and Grass moves can help, but do not think it will be easy. Gym Leaders know how to cover weaknesses."

"That is what I expected," I said.

The guide nodded. "Then go show him what you have."

Before reaching Roark, I had to face the Gym Trainers. The first Youngster stepped forward with a Geodude and a serious look.

"You avoided the long way around," he said. "Let's see why."

"I just want a good battle," I answered.

I sent out Piplup. He looked tiny against the rocky floor, but his meaning came sharp with nervous pride. "Small water. Big stone. Do not panic."

"Bubble Beam!" I called with confidence.

Geodude tried to brace, but Piplup's bubbles struck hard and pushed it back. A second Bubble Beam ended the battle, and the Youngster recalled Geodude with a respectful nod.

The next Trainer, Darius, used Geodude and Onix. For that battle, I chose Sceptile.

Sceptile stood calmly under the Gym lights, a blade of grass in his mouth and Leaf Blade ready before Darius finished speaking.

Geodude fell to one clean Leaf Blade. Onix tried to use Slam, but Sceptile moved along the field's rocks like he had studied them already. One more Leaf Blade brought Onix down.

Darius stared at the field. "This is humiliating."

"It was still a good battle," I said.

Sceptile's meaning came dry and amused as I recalled him. "Rocks stood still. Easier than forest."

I smiled despite the pressure ahead.

The short battles helped more than I expected. They let me feel the field before Roark's team did anything serious. The rocks were uneven, the walls could make echoes confusing, and every heavy step sent little vibrations through my shoes.