Brock and Sage were getting ready to battle against Nova and Brick who are grunts from the infamous team rocket.
The battle began and immediately it was clear that Team Rocket's Pokémon were tough as Nova's Zubat swooped in fast and used Supersonic to try and confuse Geodude while Brick's Koffing fired off a smog of poisonous gas.
Caterpie, use String Shot on Zubat!" Sage commanded.
Caterpie released a sticky thread that wrapped around Zubat's wings, hindering its flight speed as Zubat struggled against the sticky strands but it still managed to fly upward used Leech Life attack toward Caterpie as Caterpie winced but Sage urged it on.
You can do it, Caterpie! I believe in you!" Sage shouted.
Meanwhile, Brock's Geodude held off Koffing with a powerful Tackle as Geodude keeping Koffing from reaching Caterpie. However, Koffing retaliated with a smokescreen as it was trying to lower Geodude's accuracy.
Sage began to get worried since she could tell Caterpie was giving the battle everything it has.
Caterpie, one more Tackle!" Sage called out.
Caterpie lunged forward as slammed into Zubat, which finally fell back as Zubat was getting weakened but just as Caterpie landed on the ground something began to happen as a blue and white light enveloped Caterpie as it began changing.
Caterpie... you're evolving!" Sage said as her eyes widened in shock.
Within moments, Caterpie's body grew and reshaped and as the light faded a sturdy green Metapod stood where Caterpie had been.
Metapod! You did it!" Sage cheered as she was feeling a surge of pride.
The newly evolved Metapod hardened its shell with a steely gaze as Brick and Nova exchanged a worried glance.
Looks like we underestimated you" Brick grumbled.
Geodude, finish this with Rock Throw!" Brock said.
Geodude hurled rocks at both Koffing and Zubat, forcing them back as the two Pokémon were weakened and unable to continue as they were recalled by Nova and Brick.
Ugh, this isn't over!" Nova hissed as she and Brick took a step back
Team Rocket doesn't lose to little kids. We'll be back." Brick snarled.
With that, Nova and Brick turned and fled into the forest, leaving Sage and Brock victorious.
You were amazing, Metapod! I knew you had it in you." Sage said as she hugged Metapod who looked happy.
You did great, Sage. It takes a lot of courage and skill to face Team Rocket like that. I'm impressed" Brock said with a genuine smile.
Thank you, Brock. I'm glad we could stop them together" Sage said as she felt happy that a gym leader acknowledged her strength.
Now that the forest is safe, I can return to the Gym so when you're ready, come find me in Pewter City. I'll be waiting for our battle" Brock said.
With a final wave, Brock turned and made his way back toward Pewter City leaving Sage with a new sense of confidence and a strengthened team.
Sage glanced down at her Poké Balls as her heart was swelling with excitement as she was one step closer to becoming a true Pokémon Master.
