Kiyomi Tsugumi, humming a cheerful tune and in a great mood, walked along the winding trail that led toward Pewter City (Nibi City). It was noon, and the sun was blazing hot. But the heat didn't seem to bother his fire-type Pokémon, Charmander, who was happily running and leaping behind his trainer.
Kiyomi was descending a slope when he suddenly heard a voice from around the bend.
"Hey, kid. Are you a trainer? Why don't you put your Charmander back into its Poké Ball?"
Looking up, Kiyomi saw a man standing at the bottom of the slope. He wore a red hat that cast a shadow over his face, and his full beard made it hard to see his features. His bronzed skin gleamed under the sunlight.
"My Charmander doesn't like staying in the Poké Ball," Kiyomi replied with a grin. "By the way, Uncle, could you tell me where the Pokémon Center is? Charmander and I are starving."
The bearded man stared at him for a few seconds, then gave a short nod. "Alright," he said, then silently turned and led the way.
Kiyomi already knew this man was Flint, the father of Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader. But that had nothing to do with him. This journey wasn't about someone else's story—it wasn't about Ash's tale.
Kiyomi Tsugumi was here to write his own story.
After thanking Flint and bidding him farewell, Kiyomi sent Charmander for a check-up with Nurse Joy and prepared both their meals. He didn't start eating until Charmander was returned—he wanted to enjoy the meal together.
Once they'd eaten and rested, it was time for the next step: challenging the Pewter Gym.
The gym, built from slabs of stone and rock, stood sturdy and imposing. After asking a few locals for directions, Kiyomi finally stood at its entrance. He didn't rush in. Instead, he paused to check Charmander's status one last time.
Physically, everything looked fine.
Charmander's moves—Scratch, Growl, and Ember—had all leveled up to Lv2. (Honestly, having to calculate skill experience every time is annoying. Writing it in a vague but reasonable way is easier and avoids slowing down the pacing.)
Kiyomi had tested the upgraded moves earlier: while Scratch didn't look much different at first glance, on closer inspection, the marks left behind were noticeably deeper. Growl had become slightly sharper in tone, more effective at weakening enemies. Overall, it wasn't a huge leap, but a definite improvement.
Charmander had also learned Smokescreen, and to Kiyomi's surprise, a new move—Dragon Rage.
But there was something odd: Dragon Rage couldn't be leveled up. That was a bit disappointing. Still, there was another surprise—Charmander had gained a passive skill: Flame Mastery, which increased the power of Fire-type moves by 15%. Kiyomi hadn't noticed it at first, but as Ember gained experience, its color began to shift—from orange-red to a lighter, brighter red.
Unlike other skills, Ember's power grew gradually with use. By the time it reached level 2, the visual flame had deepened noticeably, and the power boost from Flame Mastery kicked in as an added 5%. The growth felt dynamic and satisfying.
Taking a deep breath, Kiyomi pushed open the heavy gym doors and stepped inside.
The gym was dark. Kiyomi squinted as his eyes adjusted to the dim interior. Up ahead, he could make out a figure standing tall on a high platform.
"So, you're today's challenger," the figure said calmly. As he spoke, the lights overhead switched on one by one, revealing the gym's rocky battlefield.
The terrain was vast, dotted with large stones and jagged boulders. Across from Kiyomi stood a boy with tan skin. His expression was calm, almost stoic, and his eyes remained closed.
"My name is Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader," he said with quiet authority.
"I'm Kiyomi Tsugumi, from Pallet Town (Zhenxin Town). This is my partner, Charmander. I look forward to our battle." Kiyomi's voice was respectful but confident.
Brock nodded. "Here are the rules: Each side may use two Pokémon. If both of yours are defeated, you lose the challenge. You may switch Pokémon during the battle."
He reached for his Poké Ball. "Let's not waste time. Go, Geodude!"
With a burst of light, the rock-type Pokémon appeared on the field—floating in the air, its fists clenched.
Geodude? Rock/Ground type... not good.
"Then I choose you, Charmander," Kiyomi called, sending his partner onto the battlefield.
"Char!" Charmander cried, puffing out his chest.
Brock raised his hand. "Geodude, start with Tackle!"
"Dodge to the side and use Scratch!" Kiyomi countered quickly, calm and collected.
Geodude's speed was limited—even with Tackle, it moved slowly. Charmander easily sidestepped and swiped with his claws. The attack connected—not heavily, but enough to cause a reaction.
The rest of the battle was smooth. Geodude's bulk was no match for Charmander's agility. Time after time, Geodude's attacks missed their mark, while Charmander chipped away with well-placed Scratches. Eventually, the rock Pokémon slumped forward, knocked out.
"Return, Geodude. You did well," Brock said, calmly withdrawing it. Then he tossed another Poké Ball. "Now face this—Onix!"
A massive shape burst from the ball. Ten meters long, formed of gray, boulder-like segments, the rock snake towered over Charmander. Its eyes glinted menacingly, and a horn jutted from its rocky head.
Onix.
Most of the time, they were docile. But when provoked, they could charge like runaway trucks.
The enormous creature reared its head and let out a thunderous roar before focusing its gaze on the tiny orange lizard before it.
Kiyomi frowned slightly. The size difference was intimidating. Worse still, Onix's typing and defense made things much harder. And he could tell Charmander wasn't breathing evenly anymore—he was starting to wear out from the previous fight.
This was going to be tough. Kiyomi knew it.
But he wasn't going to back down.
Not here.
Not now.