33 Fighting Brock
Xavier approached Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, with confidence after his recent victory. Brock looked formidable standing on the stage, ready to defend his Gym badge.
Xavier knew this battle wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to give it his all.
Xavier and Brock took their positions on opposite ends of the stage. As the battle began, Brock sent out his Geodude, while Xavier called upon his Mankey.
To start off, Mankey used Low kick while Geodude responded with Rock Polish, increasing its speed by two stages, but despite the boost, it was still slower than Mankey thus the super effective attack hit on point and dealt a huge damage, leaving it visibly hurt.
Not giving up, Brock ordered Geodude to use Sandstorm, creating a swirling sandstorm on the battlefield. The sandstorm continued to deal minor damage to Mankey, slowly chipping away at its HP.
However, Mankey remained resilient, barely affected by the sandstorm's damage. Xavier seized the opportunity and commanded Mankey to use Low Kick once more. The powerful blow struck Geodude with force, and the rock-type Pokémon couldn't withstand the impact. Geodude was knocked out, and the first round of the battle concluded with Mankey's victory.
Brock recalled his fainted Geodude and prepared to send out his next Pokémon.
Brock then called out his Onix, and Xavier decided to keep Mankey in the battle, as the Low Kick move would be more effective against Onix due to its heavyweight.
The battle began with Onix using Rock Polish to increase its speed, while Mankey countered with Leer to lower Onix's defense. Onix retaliated by using Curse, raising its attack and defense but reducing its speed.
Mankey struck back with Low Kick, dealing some damage to Onix, but the increased defense lessened the impact of the attack. Onix then utilized Rock Throw, but Mankey managed to dodge the incoming rock.
Seeing an opportunity to continue the assault, Mankey rushed towards Onix to use Low Kick again. However, Brock swiftly commanded Onix to use Dragon Breath, which successfully struck Mankey and left it paralyzed.
Xavier was filled with worry, as Dragon Breath only had a 30% chance of causing paralysis, and it seemed that luck was not on his side during this battle.
Seizing the advantage, Brock instructed Onix to use Rock Throw once more. Although Xavier tried to command Mankey to dodge, it failed to evade the attack and was hit, colliding with a nearby rock and causing it to shatter upon impact.
Xavier rushed towards Mankey, concern evident in his voice as he asked, "Mankey, are you alright?"
Mankey looked back at Xavier, nodding to assure him that it was fine. Despite the visible injuries, Mankey refused to rest and instead glared fiercely at Onix, as if challenging it once more.
Believing in Mankey's determination, Xavier decided to press on with the battle. Brock commanded Onix to use Curse again, while Xavier directed Mankey to use Leer followed by Low Kick.
As Mankey charged towards Onix, the effects of paralysis briefly hindered its movements, but it pressed forward with determination.
Brock saw an opportunity and ordered Onix to use Dragon Breath, but Mankey managed to evade the attack with incredible agility, hitting Onix hard with Low Kick, causing it to faint.
After the intense battle, Mankey's level was raised to 18. Xavier felt a wave of relief wash over him as he emerged victorious. In recognition of his victory, Brock presented Xavier with a gym badge, TM Bide, and 4000 pokecoins as rewards.
Leaving the Gym with a sense of accomplishment, Xavier headed directly to the Pokémon Center to heal his Pokémon. Once his team was fully restored, he decided to stay the night in Pewter City, renting a room to rest and prepare for the continuation of his journey the next day.
