No, they reached the Gym without incidents.

### AUTHOR'S NOTE ###

This chapter is a modified version of a chapter I wrote in the original story.

### AUTHOR'S NOTE: END ###

After Nurse Joy had taken care of their Pokémon and they were once again fighting-fit, Ash and Dawn were on their way to the Viridian City Gym. As they walked through the city, the twins happily chatted in anticipation of Dawn's upcoming battle.

"So, are you ready for your first Kanto Gym Battle?" Ash asked her sister.

"You bet I am!" Dawn replied enthusiastically. "After our battle with you and your Piplup, both me and my Misty can't wait to get our first badge."

"And I'll be sure to cheer you on as much as I can," Ash gave Dawn a supporting smile.

"You're a huge help, Sis," Dawn returned the smile and the two sisters continued on their way to the Gym.

The Viridian City Gym was easily spotted as Ash and Dawn closed in on their destination. Once they reached the Gym, however, they immediately noticed a sign attached to its closed front door. Stepping closer, the twins started to read.

The Viridian City Gym is currently closed as the position of Gym Leader is unoccupied. Challenges will be accepted again once a new Gym Leader has been found. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Ash was surprised. Last time she was in Viridian City, Agatha had taken over the role as Gym Leader until they had found a new one. It seemed as though they still hadn't found anybody for the position though, and as Agatha couldn't fill in permanently due to her status as a member of the Elite Four, they had to temporarily close the Gym.

"You can't be serious!" a disappointed Dawn shouted out. "I wanted to get my first Gym Badge!"

"It can't be helped, Ashley," Ash told her sister. "You'll just have to challenge another Gym for now. As far as I know, the closest one to Viridian City is in Pewter City," she said as she pretended to check the map on her Pokédex.

"Then we'll head to Pewter City!" Dawn decided with determination. "This time, I'll definitely get my first Badge."

"Sure thing, Sis," Ash agreed as the two began heading towards Pewter City. "We'll need to cross Viridian Forest on our way there. You might want to keep your Misty in her Pokéball in the forest, with all the bug-type Pokémon that live in there."

"Yeah, you're probably right," Dawn nodded. "But Chimchar on the other hand can handle them easily."

With that, Ash and Dawn made their way towards Viridian Forest, their first waypoint on their way to Pewter City.