Author's Note: Uh... excuse me... I'm hiding right now so I can't talk for long. Mew's really upset with me for taking so long, but it's not my fault with the holidays coming up I hardly have time to type.

Mew: That's no excuse to be lazy!

Author: Uh-oh! I gotta go, enjoy the story!

Mew: You're not going anywhere. Hee, hee, hee. Oh, and by the way, she doesn't own us or anyone in it, but I can see that gleam in her eyes.

Pokemon

The Child of Mew

Chapter 14, Little Storm VS Goliath Raichu

Ash's Current Team: Storm (Pikachu). Gender: Male. Quirky Nature. Move Set: Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Quick Attack, Dig.

Gale (Pideotto). Gender: Male. Hasty Nature. Move Set: Gust, Wing Attack, Quick Attack, Sand Attack.

Konoha (Bulbasaur). Gender: Male. Adament Nature. Move Set: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Razor Leaf.

Scorch (Shiny Charmander). Gender: Female. Sassy Nature. Move Set: Scratch, Ember, Metal Claw, Dragon Rage.

Kooper (Squirtle). Gender: Male. Impish Nature. Move Set: Tackle, Withdraw, Bubble, Water Gun.

Eon (Spiky-Haired Eevee) Gender: Female. Hardy Nature. Move Set: Tackle, Dig, Quick Attack, Helping Hand (this one is new).

Misty and Brock's team hasn't changed yet.

Ash, Storm, Nya (secretly a Mew), Misty and Brock were all looking like it was a dream... it couldn't be real, could it? Maybe they're suffering from dreams and wishful illusions, maybe they're still lost somewhere in the forest... they see it but they don't believe it.

In front of them was a city and a large sign that says: WELCOME TO VERMILION CITY. They finally made it.

"FINALLY! I can't wait to just relax and take a nice long bubble bath." Misty said dreamily.

"I better get the laundry done." Brock said after smelling their clothes.

"Let's just go to the Pokemon Center and get something to eat, I'm sure we could all use some food." Ash said.

"I'm with you on that. I'm so hungry I could eat as much as a Snorlax." Storm said tiredly.

"Well if Ashie here wasn't so hard headed, I could've conjured us a huge resturaunt and everybody could enjoy delicious meals without paying. But my stubborn child here wouldn't have it." Nya sighed.

Ash just shook his head. Of course the boy didn't want his Memma to help unless it's training or if it's a life and death situation. Pokemon Trainers go on this journey to grow and learn experience and he can't do that if Mew keeps spoiling him and his Pokemon.

Ash picked up the weakened and hungry Pikachu while Nya climbed up to his shoulder. "Come on guys, let's go, I'm sure we could all use a break after being lost for two weeks."

"No kidding, and most of the time it was because of your misguided directions." Misty just had to add in her two cents.

While in the Pokemon Center, Ash handed Nurse Joy of Vermilion City his Pikachu and his other five Poke Balls. Nya was healthy enough to stay with her little Ashie of course.

"I want to check in my Pokemon please and poor Storm here is really hungry." Ash said.

"We'll fix them right up." Nurse Joy said cheerfully like all other Joys.

Brock was about to flirt with Nurse Joy, but Misty pulled on his ear just in time to save himself the embarrassment. "Forget it lover boy, she's not interested."

"Hey, let go, that smarts." Brock whinned.

Suddenly, the doors opened up, and a Chansey was pushing a stretcher with an unconscious and badly beaten Ratatta on it with a little boy, presumingly the Trainer, running beside it all frantic. "Hurry! You'll be okay Ratatta. HURRY!"

"I can only go so fast, sheesh." Chansey mildly complained, but she understood the situation as it's been happening a lot recenly ever since the Gym found that accursed Thunderstone.

"Wow, I wonder what happened to that Ratatta? It's in pretty rough shape." Brock said.

"Oh, that's the fifteenth one brought in this month." Joy sighed.

"FIFTEENTH?"

"Oh, it sounds like this new Gym is going to be really tough little Ashie, can you and Storm handle it?" Nya said to her little Ashie after scanning all the kids' minds and seeing exactly what Ash and Storm are going to be up against.

"Are you saying they all lost to the Vermilion City Gym?" Ash said worriedly, he knew the Gym would be tough, but he didn't think it would cause so many to lose... then again, most of these Pokemon lying here aren't very strong either.

"Well yes, but I didn't say anything, how did you know?" Nurse Joy asked, compeletly taken by surprise that Ash already knew.

Ash sweat dropped, he really needs to stop talking out loud with his Pokemon when there's other people around. "Uh... it was just a guess actually."

Brock looked at Ash for a minute, he's been getting the feeling that there's more to Ash than what it seems, but he can't figure him out. He knew somehow the boy was able to train his Pikachu and Ratatta so well he actually beat him in the Gym battle against Rock/Ground types. Then there was that strong Sandshrew that Storm could've beaten if Ash didn't choose to forfeit. It's almost as if the boy was an expert on Pokemon instead of just a beginning rookie that he claims to be.

Misty didn't really put much thought into it, she just thinks Ash is weird and lucky. "Well Ash, you want to back down now?"

Ash looked at Misty. Now she's teasing him again. "Back down?"

"You know Brock and I GAVE you our Badges, how bad do you think it would be if you actually get creamed by this Gym?"

Ash was about to retaliate, but then he started thinking about it. Maybe Storm's not ready for this kind of battle... Memma, do you think we should train before heading into this Gym?

You could do that, but why? You don't need pure power, just a good strategie. Trust me, that Gym may be strong and powerful, but there's one major flaw the Gym Leader doesn't know about. Mew said to her child's mind.

Really? What's the flaw?

I'm not telling you. You want to do this yourself don't you my little Ashie? Nya giggled.

Ash inwardly grumbled and wished he didn't want to do this himself, but a promise is a promise and he knew he has to grow like other Pokemon Trainers out there to make it fair.

Misty looked at Ash curiously; she thought he would've argued back with her, but so far he hasn't made so much a peep since she suggested him backing down. Now she's getting a little worried. Ash just kept looking at his Meowth for some reason... as if the two were talking to each other without actually saying anything.

Then they heard a little musical ding. "Oh, that means your Pokemon are fully recovered." Nurse Joy said with a smile.

Storm was happily eating the last pieces of apples and his favortie: Pecha Berries. "Wow that was good."

"Hey Storm, glad you're feeling better now. We've got some serious training to do." Ash said.

"Training? You mean... just me? Oh...no..." the poor Pikachu paled at the thought of taking on Mew's hazardous training method all alone.

"Relax Storm, it's nothing to worry about. We have to be ready for the upcoming Gym." Ash said.

Suddenly, a boy and another Chansey was strolling in a nearly dead Pidgey.

Ash stared at the Pidgey as they passed by. "Okay, who in the right mind would use a PIDGEY of all things against an ELECTRIC Gym? No wonder that bird's in terrible condition."

"I know right? Those Trainers just don't know Pokemon well like you do Ash." Storm agreed.

"You... actually want to take on this Gym? I'd thought you would be nervous considering you're the one fighting." Ash said.

"Yeah well, I rather take on the Gym and get beaten over being the only Pokemon training under you and your Memma." Storm said.

"Okay, calm down. Are you sure you're even ready for this Gym? I mean have you seen all the Pokemon that's been brought in here from that one Pokemon Gym?"

"I'll admit the Gym looks pretty tough, but I still like to try it out." Storm said.

"Ash... are you actually talking to Storm? You two are acting like you're having conversations with each other." Brock said after observing the two. Ash was talking to his Pikachu as if he understood every word perfectly.

"Yeah, I've been notcing that. You act like Storm is talking in the same language as us or something." even Misty noticed this too.

Ash sighed as he looked at Storm and Nya, both of them nodded. Ash decided to just tell them, at least this way he won't have to constantly hide the fact he can talk to Pokemon from them, but he's still not comfortable enough to tell them about Mew just yet.

"Yes, I CAN talk to Storm and other Pokemon too." Ash finally admitted.

"Ah-ha! I knew you were able to talk to them. How rare, a lot of people usually need years of Pokemon Training experience before they could understand anything at all about what their Pokemon is saying let alone having an actual conversation with them." Brock was even more impressed by Ash now, this boy really knew a lot more about Pokemon than he thought.

"Seriously? Ash can really talk to Pokemon?" Misty found it hard to believe.

"Anyway guys, Storm really wants to talk on the Vermilion Gym, so we're going to go there now." Ash said eagerly, this'll really put all their training to the test seeing how tough this Gym is.

While walking to the Vermilion Gym, Brock and Misty just can't get over the fact that Ash could actually talk to Pokemon. They've been constantly asking him what Storm or Nya says everytime they make one little noise.

"Guys, please, I'm trying to concentrate." Ash was getting annoyed with the constant questions.

Ash was nervous about this Pokemon Gym, so is Storm. Nya just kept giggling.

"Sorry, it's just that we've never met someone who could actually have conversation with their Pokemon before. Maybe you could translate what our Pokemon are saying." Misty suggested.

"Yeah, mine too, so we can give them proper care." Brock smiled.

"Guys you already take good care of your Pokemon, you don't need a translator for that. Anyway, when we're in the Gym or anywhere else for that matter, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone I could talk to Pokemon." Ash said seriously.

"Aw, why not?" Misty whinned.

"I don't want other people crowding me demanding they know what their Pokemon are saying."

"They wouldn't do that. Sure they'd be curious, but..."

"You mean like how you and Brock are curious?" Ash looked at them.

Storm and Nya were too scared to speak out loud right now, because everytime they do Ash has to translate what they said to his friends now. Maybe telling them wasn't a good idea after all.

"Well you do have to admit Ash, a lot of people do wonder what Pokemon are saying." Brock smiled.

"Hey Ash, I think I see the Gym up ahead." Storm said as Brock and Misty gave curious looks to Ash and the Pikachu, making them both sweatdropped.

Oh poor Ashie. It's going to take some time before these two get use to your ability to talk to us. I could erase their memories if you'd like. Nya said mentally to her little child so Brock and Misty wouldn't ask him what she said.

No, no, I would've told them eventually anyway. Might as well let them get use to it first. Ash mentally told her.

"Storm just said the Gym is up ahead." Ash grumbled to them.

Indeed, a large building with two big thunderbolts as symbols was just up there. The Gym was certainly intimidating if nothing else.

"Alright, time to see if all that training payed off." Ash said eagerly and nervously.

"Just try not to get creamed out there Ash." Misty teased.

"I'll keep that in mind, thanks." Ash rolled his eyes as they enter the Gym.

The doors opened up, a man wearing black leather jacket and a woman wearing red were looking at the three young kids.

"I'm here to challenge the Gym Leader." Ash boldly stated.

"Hey Boss, another victim for the Emergency Room." the man said to a much bigger guy behind him.

"Which one?" the big guy asked eagerly as he stepped forward out of the shadows.

The man was bulky, had spiky yellow hair and wore leather, he's definitely a tough one and so are his Pokemon.

"Wow, he's huge!" Brock commented on what Ash was thinking.

"So he's the Gym Leader you have to beat." Misty was also astounded.

Better becareful Ashie, this one is no pushover. Nya warned her child.

"Welcome to the Vermilion Gym. I am Surge, Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader. So which one of you young ones want to be my next victim?"

"I'm the challenger and you're going to be the victim Lt. Surge." Ash said bravely, though he is pretty nervous.

"Hm? Oh so it's you. Alright baby, I'll take ya on." Lt. Surge smugged as he put his big hand on Ash's hat.

"Don't call me a baby! I'm Ash!" Ash snapped.

"I call everyone who'll lose to me 'baby'." then Lt. Surge spotted the little Pikachu beside Ash.

"A Pikachu? What a laugh! Baby brought along a baby Pokemon!"

"Hey! How DARE you! I'll have you know that I took on a powerful Onix and Sandshrew and won!" Storm snapped angerily.

"Don't make fun of my Pikachu. Storm will be more than a match for anything you dish out." Ash snapped too, he didn't like it when people made fun of him or his Pokemon.

"Storm? Oh I see, you nickname your baby Pokemon, how nice. Let's see if the two of you can handle the big boys." Lt. Surge took out his Poke Ball and threw it. The ball released the Pokemon and it towered over Storm.

"Who's my next victim?" it said eagerly and just as smugged as its Trainer.

"It's a Raichu!" Ash remembered seeing Lt. Surge catching a Pikachu when his Memma took him to Vermilion City, but he didn't think he'd evolve it so soon.

The boy took out his Pokedex and scanned the larger electric mouse. "Raichu, the Electric Mouse Pokemon. Raichu is the final evolve form of Pikachu, it can shock with more than 100,000 volts, enough to render a Dragonite unconscious. Wow, you better becareful Ash, it looks like Storm will be having a tough time with this one if you're using him."

"Thanks for the tip Dexter, but I think we can handle it." Ash said with a smirk, starting to get use to the random comments of his Pokedex.

"Can Storm beat its evolved form?" Misty asked in concern.

"I seriously doubt it, especially since Raichu is much stronger." Brock said doubtfully.

"Aw, they hardly have any faith. A Pokemon can defeat its evolved form, it just depends on strategy and luck, it's not all about raw power, some people just don't get that." Nya sighed.

"Let me take him on Ash, I've always wanted to take down a Raichu." Storm said determinedly as sparks of electricity leaked from his red cheeks.

"You know if you don't evolve your Pokemon as soon as you catch it, it'll never get strong. Raichu here is a powerhouse and there's no way you and your wimpy unevolved Pikachu can beat us." Surge said cockingly as Raichu copied his stance.

"That's right, evolving is the smartest thing to do. I'm no longer a wimpy little Pikachu, now I'm a strong electric vortex just waiting to suck up and zap the next victim." Raichu was just as cocky as Lt. Surge. Like Trainer like Pokemon.

"Cocky little... let me at him Ash! I'm not going to sit down and take their insults, they need to learn evolution is not the only way to win battles and get strong." Storm said filled with determination as he growled at the Raichu before him.

"There's more to raising a Pokemon than forcing it to evolve and I like Storm just the way he is. I won't evolve him unless he wants to. We'll show you that evolution is not the only way to go." Ash said to Surge just as determinedly as Storm to prove them both wrong.

"That's right Ashie, you tell him! I'm so proud of you." Nya cheered for her child.

"Very well, I guess you'll learn that playing with the big boys will be a shocking experience." Lt. Surge said.

"Don't say we didn't warn you little Pikachu." Raichu smirked as Storm growled and more electricity sparked from his cheeks.

Stadium lights turned on. Ash and Storm stood on one side of the battle field while Lt. Surge and Raichu stood on another. Nya, Brock and Misty stood on the sidelines waiting to see how this battle will turn out and Ash made sure to tell Mew not to interfere if he and Storm is losing, he wanted to do this fair and square.

The Vermilion Pokemon Gym battle has finally begun: Storm vs Raichu. Two electric mice about to collide into an electric wild storm.

"Let's do this Storm!" Ash called as the Pikachu leaped into action.

"I'll fight and win!" Storm yelled.

"Go get them Raichu." Lt. Surge said.

"Here I come little Pikachu." Raichu taunted as he leaped into action too.

A Thunderbolt head-to-head with Raichu would do little good, Ash knew this, so he devised a plan.

"Storm, trust me on this. Use Thunderbolt!"

"Take this! THUNDERBOLT!" Storm cried out as he charged his powerful electricity and released it all at the incoming larger elecrtic rodent.

Just as Ash suspected: Thunderbolt hardly have any effect on the evolved Raichu. Raichu didn't even flinch.

"Raichu, show em a REAL Thunderbolt." Surge said with a smirk.

"Gladly, this is how you do it amatuer. THUNDERBOLT!" Raichu shot out a much more powerful electric bolt at the little Pikachu. Just from the shockwaves the bolt released was enough to zap a sky high Pidgeot.

"Now Storm, roll over!" Ash commanded without hesitation.

Storm, reacting quickly and trusting his Trainer, quickly rolled out of the powerful Thunderbolt's way. It may have missed, but the shock grazed the Pikachu's back and it stung. Raichu's Thunderbolt blasted and completely obliterated the wall. The wall's huge hole had static remaining, that's how powerful a Raichu's electricity can be.

Ash was testing the Raichu, if his theory is correct, than he and Storm could win this with speed.

Storm rubbed his burning back with his tail, despite being the same element, that Thunderbolt was really powerful, if he had been hit directly he most likely would've been hurt really bad if not paralyzed.

That Raichu's power is no joke. If Ash hadn't told me to roll over I would've been hit for sure, that poor wall could've been me. I better watch it, going head-to-head with power is definitely not going to win me this fight. Storm thought a bit nervously as he kept weary eyes on his stronger evolved form.

"Now Raichu, get up close to that tiny Pikachu and slam it with your tail!" Surge commanded.

Without warning, Raichu jumped forward and directly in front of Storm. The Pikachu had little time to react when Raichu suddenly slammed him with his longer and more powerful tail on his little body like a whip.

"What's the matter little Pikachu? Can't take a little tail pounding? You're so weak." Raichu taunted as he continued whipping Storm's body.

When Raichu said that, however, it triggered a flashback in Storm. Ash was calling out to him, but the Pikachu's focus was elsewhere and he didn't hear his Trainer's command.

*Flashback*

"What's the matter little Pichu? Can't even take a hit? You're so pathetically weak." a tough looking Raichu said with a mocking smirk.

I remember is so well, back when I was just a Pichu. I was always the weakest in the clan and I keep getting picked on by the more evolved members of the Chu Clan. All my friends evolved and I was still just a Pichu.

Raichu was the one who picked on me the most. He keeps trapping my smaller body with his bigger tail, I tried zapping him off me, but that only hurt me more than it hurt him, in fact, it didn't even faze the bigger rodent.

"Let me go! Please just let me go!" I remember crying loudly, only to have cruel laughter in return.

Several Pikachu were just watching and snickering at me. They all laughed at me because I was such a small and weak Pichu.

*End flashback*

Storm was suddenly hit by Raichu's Mega Kick, sending his battered body into the wall.

"Storm! Are you okay?" Ash called out in concern.

"I'm... fine..." Storm replied back staggering a bit as he slowly stood back up.

This is unusual, Storm just suddenly lost focus and didn't hear what I said. Is there something troubling him? Ash thought when he noticed the way his Pikachu looked like he didn't hear him earlier before Raichu kicked him into the wall.

I'm afraid so Ashie, Storm had a really tough life back in the wild. Another Raichu used to pick on him a lot when he was just a tiny Pichu, poor thing. Nya mentally told Ash.

If that's the case, than maybe using Storm to fight Raichu wasn't the best idea. Ash thought in concern.

No, this is perfect. If Storm doesn't face up to his childhood bully, than he'll never be able to live past it. Don't worry Ashie, just give Storm some time to adjust and he'll be able to make a comeback, just make sure he survives. Nya mentally said as Ash nodded in agreement.

"Shake it off Storm, this is your chance to prove yourself, but you have to stay focus." Ash called.

"I'll try." Storm glared at the Raichu, that overgrown orange rodent painfully reminded him how that bully Raichu kept hurting him in the Chu Clan. It was hard to focus on the battle for him.

"Not giving up yet? Alright, Raichu, time to use your Mega Kick again, shove that puny Pikachu up the wall!" Surge commanded.

"This'll be fun. MEGA KICK!" Raichu launched himself at the smaller Pikachu with his big feet.

"Storm! Quick, go underground!" Ash commanded.

Storm, this time hearing Ash, dove underground just before Raichu smashed his feet on the ground, barely missing the smaller Pikachu.

"Your Pikachu knows a ground move, eh? No problem. Raichu, shut it down by using Thunderbolt all over the ground!" Lt. Surge commanded. It's obvious he and Raichu countered Pokemon with Dig before, this will NOT end well.

"THUUUUUNDEEEEERBOOOOOLT!" Raichu yelled at the top of his lungs as he shot out immense power of Thunderbolt to the ground with no room for escape. Ash, Misty, Brock and even Mew gasped in shock and hoped they won't get zapped.

Poor Storm was hit and got the shock of his life. Storm cried out in pain as he was forced out of the ground, his body full of static; he was paralyzed.

"STORM!" Ash cried in worry.

"Heh, heh, aw is the little Pikachu too paralyzed to move? How sad. Don't worry, I'll make it all better soon, when you're in the hospital!" Raichu sneered at the twitching Pikachu on the ground. It doesn't look good for Storm.

*Flashback*

I fell to the snowy ground in pain. I couldn't move my body because I was paralyzed by Raichu's Thunderbolt.

"Awww, is the little baby unable to move? You're so pathetic." Raichu taunted.

I tried fighting Raichu... bad idea, as a Pichu with hardly any battle experience I was just tossed aside like a weak little Magikarp with no water.

Raichu stood above me with that cruel look on his face, as if ready to finish me off for good.

"I may as well just put you out of your misery, you're far too weak to be in the Chu Clan, we don't need a weak link like you around. Say good-night little Pichu." he said with a vicious and evil smirk.

I remember hot tears falling from by paralyzed face as I watched in fear as Raichu lifted his big foot over my smaller body.

*End flashback*

Storm opened his eyes as if waking up from a horrible nightmare and saw Raichu having that very same expression as the one who almost killed him that day. It's like reliving that near death experience all over again and the little Pikachu was horrified.

Ash saw Storm's expression, he's never seen him like this before, just what could've triggered this fear in the Pikachu? Not even almost being mauled by the Fearow Flock had Storm this scared before.

"A Raichu almost killed Storm Ashie, it happened very similarly to how Lt. Surge's Raichu is fighting him. It's triggering unwanted memories and flashbacks, that's why Storm is so distracted and scared now." Nya explained to her child out loud this time.

"Storm! You need to snap out of it!" Ash called.

"What's wrong with Storm Ash?" Misty asked in concern.

"Yeah, I've never seen Storm like this before." Brock said also in concern.

"Storm had a traumatizing past, apparently another Raichu almost killed him." Ash quickly explained, causing them both to gasp.

Storm didn't hear his Trainer's concern calls, he didn't see that he was in a Gym, he didn't even remember what he was doing, all he saw and knew was that towering Raichu above him, the Raichu that's about to finish him off for good because he was too weak to be a part of the Chu Clan anymore.

"This is the end for you, little Pikachu." Raichu smirked as he glazed down the frighten little Pikachu.

"End it now Raichu, give it the grand finale Thunderbolt." Surge commanded.

Ash tried to get Storm to Dig or roll over or do something! But Storm didn't move and was hit by the powerful Thunderbolt. Storm cried out in pain as Ash screamed out his name.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

"STOOOOOOOOOOORM!"

Chapter 15: Fight in the Name of Pikachu!

*Several hours later...*

Storm slowly opened his eyes and felt his entire body aching.

Storm saw Ash looking at him in concern and he soon realized he was on a bed in one of the Pokemon Center's room. It was then Storm remembered about the Gym battle and realized he had lost... not because he was too weak or was reckless, but because he was too distracted and got too scared to listen to what his Trainer was saying.

"Hey Storm, glad you're finally awake. How do you feel?" Ash asked softly.

Storm looked at Ash for a second before turning back, feeling ashamed himself. "I'm such a coward, I can't believe we lost because I got too wrapped up in the past and didn't listen to your guidance, I'm sorry Ash, I don't deserve to be a part of your team."

"Don't say that Storm! You're as important to me as all my Pokemon. You're not a coward, you just need to face your fears, that's all. Traumatizing experience can leave scars and they'll open back up again if faced with the same delimna." Ash said firmly.

"Still... I should've been able to beat him and not wind up here." Storm squeezed his eyes shut, angry at himself for being such a coward.

"Looks like Storm's spirit got hurt pretty badly." Brock sighed.

"I know, Storm is blaming himself for losing." Ash sighed back.

"What can we do about it?" Misty wondered.

"You know Storm, it's no good to dwell on how you lost. You should learn from your mistakes." Nya said to the injured Pikachu.

"Oh Mew, I don't know... everything that Raichu did reminded me how I was so badly beaten by that other Raichu in the Chu Clan. I would've died that day if Memma hadn't stepped in and stopped him. I'm sorry Ash, but could you use a different Pokemon to fight that Raichu?" Storm said sadly.

"You can't let fear hold you back now Storm, if you don't face up to it now, then you will never get over it and what would happen the next time you have to fight another Raichu? You might as well face it head on now Storm." Ash said.

Storm frowned as he looked away, as if deciding whether or not he should fight Lt. Surge's Raichu again.

Nurse Joy suddenly walked in. "I may have a solution on how to win."

"Hm? What is it?" Misty asked in curiousity.

"A while ago, I came across this." Nurse Joy opened a fancy box and in it was a green stone with a lightning symbol inside.

"That's... a Thunderstone!" Brock exclaimed when he saw it.

Ash looked back. "Wouldn't that make a Pikachu evolve into a Raichu?"

"Yes, but as you know; once a Pokemon evolves it cannot turn back." Brock warned.

"Brock's right Ashie, if you use it to make Storm evolve, it'll stay as a Raichu permenately, even I won't be able to change him back, it's a one time deal only." Nya warned.

Ash picked up the Thunderstone in his hand and looked at Storm, who looked back. "Storm... I'll leave this decision up to you. Since it's your body, it's only fair if you choose to evolve or not. So Storm, what do you want to do? Do you want to fight Surge's Raichu the way you are now or do you want to evolve and be like him?" Nya smiled, happy that her little Ashie is letting the Pokemon itself decide, most Trainers would just evolve their Pokemon whenever they wanted to, the Pokemon had no say in it.

Storm looked at the Thunderstone cautiously, he was debating. Me? A Raichu? Gaining more power does sound tempting... but...

Suddenly, Storm whipped the stone out of Ash's hand with his tail. "Ash, listen to me and listen to me good: I will not, repeat, will ABSOLUTELY NOT evolve into that fat orange mouse! I've made a vow that day when I almost died, I promised myself that I will show them that even a small Pikachu like myself CAN beat a fully evolved Raichu, but that won't work if I evolve too. So please Ash, let us fight them once more and this time I won't back down!"

Ash smiled widely at this new resolve Storm was having. "Than it's agreed; we'll both face Lt. Surge and his Raichu again and we'll be sure to win."

"That's right! Uh... but first... I'm going to take a little nap." Storm said weakily as he passed out on the bed.

"We should let Storm rest, once he's recovered, we're taking on the Gym again." Ash said filled with renewed determination.

"Aw, that was so beautiful what Storm said. I should record these moments." Nya said with tear felt eyes.

While asleep, Storm was dreaming about that Raichu again back the Chu Clan.

*Dream*

Hot tears filled my eyes as I watched in hapless horror for Raichu's giant foot to come down on me and finish me off for good.

"DON'T YOU DARE!" a sudden voice and powerful electric wave stopped the Raichu.

Everyone turned to see who it was. The being who saved me came in front of me and glared at the Raichu. It was my Memma; she's a Pikachu.

"You have no right hurting and trying to end my mon's life!" she snapped at him.

It was very bold and stupid to stand up to Raichu, because he is the leader of the Chu Clan. The strongest of the Chus will become the leader, he's become the strongest ever since he found a rare Thunderstone two months and four days ago. Raichu made a rule that any Chu who's weak must be disposed of immediatly.

"I am the leader of the Chu Clan. I made the rule if we have any weak links they must be cut off immediatly, because if other clans and packs find out we are weak, we will not survive out here. Why do you defend this weakling trash?"

"He's MY CHILD! I would NEVER let you kill him!" she snapped as electricity leaked from her cheeks.

"Heh, of course. Very well, I won't kill him, but he's exiled from the Chu Clan. A weak little Pichu like him have no room to be a part of the clan, if you don't want me to take his life, than let the other wild Pokemon do it. Chu Clan, move out!"

"M-Memma..." I spoke out weakily to her.

"Don't worry my little mon, I won't leave you." she assured me as she nudged me lovingly.

"I'm not... weak... am I?" I wanted to cry.

"No you're not. Raichu's just too powerful and blinded by arrogance to see that, don't worry, someday you'll be strong enough to show him that a Raichu can still lose to a Pichu or a Pikachu." she said sweetly.

I nodded, new determination filled me. "I promise Memma, I'll train everyday and show him that I can beat a Raichu without some stupid Thunderstone."

"I'll be rooting for you my little child."

*End dream*

Storm opened his eyes groggily, till in the Pokemon Center's bed. Ash, Misty and Brock were gone, probably outside getting some drinks and planning on a strategy for the upcoming battle.

Storm looked at the ceiling as he remember his promise to both his Memma and himself.

"It's a hard life out there, isn't it?" Storm jumped when he heard someone else in here, to his relief; it was only Mew... wait... why is Mew here without her Meowth disguise? She's usually with Ash.

"Oh Mew, I'm sorry I didn't see you." Storm apologized.

"Hee, hee, it's fine young Pikachu. Ashie is just getting some drinks with Brock and Misty, so I decided to check up on you." she smiled as she floated above him.

This is the first time Storm had seen Mew less playful and a bit more serious, it's a bit unsettling really.

"I think I'm better now, I want to face Raichu and my fears. It's time I stop living in fear and start standing up to them." Storm said with eagerness.

"I'm glad you said that Storm, because Lt. Surge's Raichu knows one killer of a move that you and Ashie must beware of." Mew warned with a playful smile... yeah, that seriousness didn't last long.

Storm looked at Mew curiously. "Oh? What's that?"

Mew giggled and said, "I'm not telling you, it's a surprise, just know it's a very powerful one so watch out."

Storm groaned that Mew refuses to tell him. Ash soon walked into the room. "You ready Storm?"

"Oh yeah! Let's kick some Raichu's tail!" Storm replied full of battle spirit.

Finally outside of the Pokemon Center, Ash, Storm, Mew back at Meowth, Misty and Brock made their way to the Gym.

"We're back!" Ash called bravely.

"So you want another rematch? You're a glutton for punishment. You didn't even make your puny Pikachu evolve, you haven't learned anything." Surge smirked cockly, believeing he'll easily pulverlize Ash again.

"I've learned a lot from this battle and believe me when I say we're not going to lose this time."

"Alright then, let's get this over with." Lt. Surge released his Raichu from the Poke Ball.

"Back for more, eh little Pikachu?" Raichu grinned evilly, making Storm cringe as he remembered all too well the same grin on the leader's face.

"Don't get cold feet now Storm, this is your chance to prove yourself." Nya encouraged the little electric warrior, who nodded but was still nervous.

So now, Raichu and Storm stood their places on the opposite of the battle field once again.

"Alright Storm, be brave and let's work this strategy out." Ash said.

"A strategy eh? So you're planning a new way to lose? Go Raichu!" Lt. Surge commanded.

Raichu charged towards the tiny Pikachu. "Hit him with your Body Slam!"

"Get out of the way Storm!" Ash called.

Storm managed to move away from Raichu's gigantic (at least to him) body from crushing him.

"Now, since Dig won't help us here, use Quick Attack!" Ash called out.

"Let's see if you can match the speed of a Pikachu." Storm said in confidence. The Pikachu sped across the field leaving a white streak behind him.

"Don't let him get away Raichu!" Surge yelled.

"Get back here you coward!" Raichu yelled frustrated as he tried to hit Storm with his Body Slam only to constantly miss and hit the floor instead.

"It's working, just like you said Ash." Misty said excitedly.

"Right, Ash said that Lt. Surge evolved his Raichu too fast and it never learned the speed attacks it can only learn in the Pikachu stage." Brock agreed.

"Raichu's biggest flaw is that they're too slow if they weren't trainned enough as a Pikachu." Nya smirked.

"Hey, you're not so scary after all, I don't know what I was so worried about." Storm taunted after easily dodging all of the bigger mouse's attacks.

"Don't make fun of me! I'm much stronger than you'll ever be!" Raichu spat angerily.

"You're stronger yes, but what good is strength if you can never hit your oppenent?" Storm smirked.

"Raichu, shut it down with your Thunderbolt!" Surge demanded losing his cool.

"THUNDERBOLT!" Raichu spread his powerful electric attack throughout the entire Gym in a depserate attempt of catching that speedy Pikachu.

Nya secretly protected Ash and his friends by forming an invisible psychic barrier around them until the out-of-control Thunderbolt stopped, leaving the Gym in smokes and ruins.

"The end of the match." Surge said smugly until he spotted a certain Pikachu unharmed with his tail sticking on the ground. "WHAT?"

"Nice going Storm, way to dodge that electric attack by using your tail as a ground." Ash said proudly.

"Your little lightning show won't get me anymore." Storm said to the Raichu, ready to make his move on Ash's command.

"Okay, I've had it. Raichu, it's time to use the trumph card." Surge said sinisterly.

"I thought you'd never ask." Raichu grinned just as sinisterly as his Trainer.

"Uh-oh, becareful Storm, it looks like they're about use the move Memma warned us about." Ash said cautiously.

"I don't like where this is going." Storm said nervously as he kept weary eyes on his evolved form, wondering what he's going to do.

"Take your position Raichu, I don't want you missing the little rodent this time." Surge said as though he's in the military.

Raichu grinned sinisterly as he crouched on all fours, taking careful aim at the Pikachu. "No matter how fast you are little Pikachu, you won't be able to get away from this attack."

"We'll see about that." Storm challenged, though he was close to freaking out inwardly.

Nya kept her cat eyes glued to the scene, it's not everyday there's a Pikachu vs Raichu challenge with the Pikachu winning, and now Raichu's about to do that devasting attack, this is getting better and better by the second.

"Now, stronger than charging Tauros, faster than a Rapidash, use Volt Tackle!" Surge commanded.

"VOLT TACKLE?" this caught EVERYBODY off guard (except a certain psychic feline of course).

Raichu charged at Storm with powerful electricity covering his body; he was lightning fast that Storm had no room to dodge.

"Quick underground!" Ash quickly commanded.

Storm didn't hesitate as he hastly dug underground, but the Raichu wasn't done yet. The evolved mouse went underground after the little Pikachu still using Volt Tackle with the electricity spiraling out everywhere.

"STORM! GET OUTTA THERE!" Ash cried in horror not anticipating such a move.

Storm was now being chased underground by his evolved form using its devastating Volt Tackle on his tail.

"If Storm gets hit by that Raichu's Volt Tackle it's all over. Volt Tackle is the most powerful electric move out there." Brock warned.

"But Storm can't run forever, there's gotta be something he can do to stop that Raichu's attack." Misty said worriedly.

Storm suddenly burst from underground along with the electric crazed Raichu close on his hide. Ash knew there was no way he could stop that Volt Tackle, so he decided to try and slow it down to hopefully soften it up enough for Storm to survive it.

"Storm, this is risky, but I'm trusting you have enough stamina for it. Turn about and use Iron Tail on Raichu's head from pointblank!" Ash called.

Storm, even though he knew it's risky, trusted his Trainer. The Pikachu's tail turned to steel and he jumped and slammed it right on the Raichu's forehead. The close range attack caused an explosion when it collided with the Volt Tackle, smoke was everywhere, covering everyone.

"Storm!" Ash called unable to see anything in the battle field until the smoke clears.

"Raichu!" Ash heard Lt. Surge called out for his own Pokemon.

"Be patient, the smoke will clear soon Ashie." Nya said patiently. Easy for her to say since she most likely already knew what happened.

As the smoke cleared, Ash could see the outline of a Pikachu and soon he saw Storm on the ground with static over his body.

"S-Storm... can you still fight?"

Storm opened his eyes and tried forcing his body to stand up. "I'm... trying... Ash... that attack... really did... a number... on me..." he answered weakily.

Ash felt a bead of sweat fall down his chin, if it weren't for that Iron Tail at pointblank, that Volt Tackle would've taken Storm out for sure. Lt. Surge may have evolved his Raichu too fast, but he did train it well, after all he isn't a Gym Leader for nothing.

Storm was able to stand but only on all fours and his body was trembling, he's not going to be able to take another hit.

When the dust and smoke finally cleared, Raichu was still standing. Luckily it seems the larger electric mouse was just as tired and hurt as Storm, he was struggling to remain standing, Volt Tackle does recoil damage to the user too, not to mention the severe headache the Pikachu's Iron Tail caused.

"Looks like this is a Sudden Death match. Whoever strikes first wins." Lt. Surge said after noticing the two electric mice were out of energy and will most likely fall to one more attack.

"Wow, a Sudden Death, those are really rare, especially in Gym Battles." Brock commented, wishing he brought an electric proof camera for this battle.

"Oooh, this is better than the movies." Nya said feeling all giddy.

"Okay Storm, I know you're fast, but you'll have to becareful, one wrong move and we lose again." Ash said nervously. This will determine whether he'll get the Vermilion Gym Badge or end up having to re-train and re-match.

"I... won't lose... again. In the name of Pikachu... I will... defeat RAICHU!" Storm was full of battle spirit, but his body is close to collasping, they better make this count.

"You're full of... spirit... little Pikachu... but I... have more power... and endurence... than your... tiny body." Raichu panted and challenged back.

"We must strike hard and now Raichu, use your quickest attack: Mega Kick!" Surge called.

Raichu launched himself like a rocket at the tired out Pikachu. Ash had a plan, he waited and waited until... Raichu's foot was just above Storm's head.

"NOW!" he yelled at the Pikachu.

As if already knew what his Trainer was planning, Storm suddenly dropped down to the floor making himself as flat as possible, causing the Raichu to miss and went totally overhead. Lt. Surge and Raichu both gasped in shock.

"Now's your chance Storm, Quick Attack!"

Storm wasted no time as he shot right at Raichu's belly as soon as he turned around.

"Iron Tail!"

And just for the grand finale, Storm moved his Thunderbolt to his steel tail to combine Iron Tail with Thunderbolt, sparking it while he slammed Raichu's face, both hurting and shocking him. Raichu could no longer take it and collasped cold on the floor in defeat.

Everyone stood frozen for a few seconds before Raichu fainting registered in everyone's minds. "RAICHU IS UNABLE TO BATTLE. PIKACHU IS THE WINNER." the speaker on the electric board announced.

Ash jumped for joy as he ran to his exhausted Pikachu, who sat down in relief and fatigue. "You did it Storm! You've proven yourself and won!"

"I did it... I can't believe I actually did it. I've defeated a Raichu as a Pikachu, I'm so happy and proud." Storm smiled happily as Ash picked him up.

"Way to go little Pikachu, my little Ashie is helping Pokemon like always, I'm so proud of you both." Nya said with a proud smile instead of a playful one for a change.

Raichu soon woke up as Lt. Surge walked up to Ash and Storm. Brock and Misty walked beside Ash as Nya watched carefully.

"Well... what can I say? You're no baby Ash. Congratulations, you've earned the Thunder Badge." Surge said with a genuine smile as he gave Ash the hard earned Thunder Badge.

"Thanks. You see this Storm? This is more than just a badge, this is proof of your victory." Ash said as he showed Storm the badge.

"You did well little Pikachu, I guess it does take more than brute force to win a battle. Lt. Surge and I have a lot to learn." Raichu said in a new respect for his unevolved counterpart.

"You've finally beaten a Gym Leader, congratulations Ash, Storm." Brock said proudly as he and everyone else, including Nya, clapped for them both.

"I can't say I've had a lot of faith in you, but I'm glad to see you were able to do it." Misty admitted.

Ash hugged Storm as the excited Pikachu let out a happy Thunderbolt, controling it enough not to hurt Ash but to give him a nice jolt of joy.

"We're shining like the stars Ash, I know we'll be the best." Storm cheered happily.

"No kidding, I see a lot of challenges ahead, but I know we can beat them all together." Ash cheered happily back as the two laughed blissfully.

"That's my little Ashie, good thing I got this all on video, it'll make a great home movie." Nya grinned slyly holding a video camera she apparently conjured up during the battle.

So now Storm finally got over his fear of Raichu and proved you don't need to evolve to win battles. What new challenges lie ahead for them now? I hear ships and yats are great this time of year... perhaps Mew could make a few arrangments for them to dock onboard.

"You better believe I will." Mew grinned playfully as she giggled.

To Be Continued...

*Mew comes in with a very irritated Zorua*

Zorua: I said I was sorry for not giving you more screen time, you didn't have to turn me into a Pokemon!

Mew: Excuse me? I believe the title is "The Child of Mew" not "Pikachu".

Zorua: Anyway, Mew here is being a big baby. The Pikachu vs Raichu got a little too long so I had to divide the chapters and end it once the battle end. I apologize for those who were looking forward to the St. Anne episode.

Mew: The readers can wait, but you better have more Mew and Ashie time in the next chapter or I'll turn you into a Growlithe's chew toy.

Zorua: Anyway, let me know if you guys want Storm's backround during his time as a Pichu in the Chu Clan. I'll be more than happy to type it up and upload it.

Mew: If you don't read and review, well let's just say you all will be joining Damion and trust me; you WON'T like it. Okay, see ya next time.