Pokemon: An Unexpected Journey

Chapter no.14 Flint

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As darkness fell, Austin finally halted the training session. Only Spearow's wings and Pikachu's tail still emitted a faint glow from the exertion, hardly surprising since they were his strongest. Caterpie was panting heavily after the session with Pikachu, while Pidgeotto seemed a bit disheartened by the lack of any glow from her wings. Rattata, however, needed some convincing to stop, eager to be trained since her capture.

"Okay, I think we're good for tonight," Austin announced. "Tomorrow, you guys get a day of rest before we resume training."

Spearow, Rattata, and Pidgeotto cried out in annoyance at the idea of a rest day, while Pikachu and Caterpie practically collapsed in relief. "Hey, you guys need a day to heal from the training so you can last longer next time," Austin explained, recalling how sore muscles could be after exercise at home. Was it the same for Pokémon?

The bright light from Caterpie's transformation caught Austin's attention as the Pokémon began shooting String Shot into the air. "Didn't take too long," Austin quipped as the glow subsided to reveal a Metapod in Caterpie's place.

"Meta." With no facial expressions to read, Austin discerned happiness from the voice alone.

Grinning, Austin pulled out the Pokédex to scan him as Pidgeotto, Pikachu, and Rattata offered their congratulations, while Spearow remained quiet, giving a small nod. "Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon. The evolved form of Caterpie. A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. It quietly endures hardships while awaiting evolution." The Pokédex beeped. "This Pokémon's ability has changed to Shed Skin and it has learned the move Harden."

Deciding to return the others, Austin noticed Pikachu's exhaustion. "Hey Pikachu, I know you don't like your Pokéball, but if you're exhausted, do you want to just jump on my shoulder?"

Pikachu gave him a curious look before deciding to accept the offer, jumping up and settling comfortably.

"You are a unique trainer," Flint's voice came from behind, causing Austin to nearly jump. He turned to see him.

"Uh... Thanks?" Austin said, unsure why Flint was there. "Can I help you?"

"Follow me," Flint said as he walked off.

Austin knew what was coming as he followed, and they soon found themselves spying on a house bustling with little kids. A teenager with black spiky hair, tan skin, and squinty eyes was being tugged at by a little girl. "I tore my skirt."

"Okay, I'll sew it up for you," the teen responded, turning to show he was Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader.

"That's Brock," Flint said, his voice cracking slightly.

"Why are you showing me this?" Austin asked, already knowing the answer as they turned to leave before being spotted.

"I wanted you to understand the truth so when you face him, you do so with all your heart," Flint revealed, surprising Austin with his sincerity—something he had never expressed before. "You have potential, kid. I saw that when you trained those five Pokémon and evolved one. I thought maybe you could give Brock the battle he deserves."

A battle that he deserves? Austin pondered.

"Brock has ten little brothers and sisters, and that's why he never left Pewter City."

"What about his parents, like a Dad?" Austin asked, directing the last part at Flint.

Flint looked as if he had been punched. "His good-for-nothing father left the family to become a Pokémon Trainer and they never heard from him again," he confessed, his voice barely holding back emotion. "Brock's heartbroken mother tried her best to keep things together but sadly passed away. So, Brock is the only person his siblings have left."

Austin remained silent as they neared the Pokémon Center.

"I should go," Flint said, turning to leave.

"Flint." Austin called out, making the man stop. "You should talk to Brock instead of saying you're a good-for-nothing father."

That spun Flint around in shock, but Austin was already heading inside. He needed to hear that, Austin thought as he handed his Pokémon over to Nurse Joy.

The next week passed quickly as Austin continued his training. While he didn't see Flint at all, he knew the man was probably reflecting on their conversation. It took three days for Spearow and Pikachu to master their attacks, while both Rattata and Pidgeotto did so in four days, with Rattata even learning Dig on the sixth day. Metapod didn't get much in-battle experience, but Austin taught him how to fight effectively just in case.

Surprisingly, he didn't see much of Yellow that week, likely because she was in trouble with her uncle. But as the week drew to a close, Austin stood in front of the Pewter Gym with Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Here we go," Austin muttered.