Chapter 11
Vermillion City was only half an hour away, and after three days of travel, the twins were looking forward to a bed. They came to the peak of a hill, the city sprawled out in the distance and the faint scent of the sea wafted towards them. The ocean glittered under the morning sun as ships sailed in and out of the ports and the city began to wake up. The last couple of days had been stifling hot with summer coming to a head before fall settled in, but the nice sea breeze as they walked made it worth it.
After Saffron, everyone was taking their training a little more seriously in hopes to help Abra. Those who could evolve were trying to figure out how to trigger the energy needed for it, while Scorch worked on teaching her Energy Ball. Even Zinnia was beginning to train, no battles as of yet, but she was mastering her moves.
Machop and Harry were taking extra lessons from Lucario while he was still around. Machop was putting most of her efforts into learning to manifest aura in order to protect her right side from attacks. So far she could make a localized Protect shield for about two seconds before it faded, not great, but better than nothing. She also took most of the trainer battles Ember fought as they both wanted to work out a fighting style. Most trainers didn't take her seriously until their Pokémon was defeated. Disabled or not, she still had the strength of a Machop.
The rest of their walk to Vermillion City was spent discussing their impending gym battle.
"Gaia and Sahara are our obvious first choices," Ember said.
"I'm just concerned about Gaia," Ash said. "She's close to evolving, but that means she's becoming a bit more sedated to preserve her energy for the evolution."
"See how she feels after the Pokémon Center, but you might be right," Ember nodded. "Charlie and Star are my next choices, sorry Machop. I want us to train together a little longer."
"Not a problem," Machop assured, walking beside Ember. "I would rather have this aura trick worked out before a big battle anyways."
"Pikachu wants to battle," Ash said.
"You know it! I'll show those other electric-types who's the best!" Pikachu said from his customary spot.
"Who is the boss of electric-types?" Zinnia asked. She was currently disguised as a Pikachu on Ember's shoulder. Her training was to work on holding her disguises for as long as possible. She found Pokémon close to her size easier to hold, especially after she tried to act like Scorch and passed out after five minutes.
"Zapdos," Ember said then paused and thought about it, "or maybe Raikou… Thundurus… oh Zekrom."
"I don't know any of those names," Zinnia said in wonder.
"Eh, it really depends," Pikachu shrugged.
"Nerd," Ash snickered before returning to their original topic. "It'll probably be a three-on-three, so… Abra?"
The psychic in question was currently in her Pokéball to rest. Before they left Saffron City, Ash had received a guide book to the Abra line from Sabrina, complete with her own personal notes and tips. One of which was to have Abra sleep more, since it turned out she wasn't getting her full 18hrs by choice.
I don't mind, Abra said through their bond. Only if I'm needed, however.
Vermillion City was much more relaxing than Saffron City. The smell of sea salt made the twins feel a bit homesick. First thing they wanted to do, as they reached the Pokémon Center, was call their mom and give her an update.
The Pokémon Center was jammed back with trainers waiting for their Pokémon. Nurse Joy and her assistance looked haggard as another kid ran up to the desk with a battered Pidgey. Chansey carted it off to the back.
"What happened here?" Ash asked. Ember gave a helpless shrug as they made it to the front desk.
"Oh dear," Nurse Joy looked up at the twin in concern.
"Hi, we'd just like a checkup, please," Ember said. She watched the worry drain from Nurse Joy, her shoulders drooping in relief.
"And a room, please," Ash added.
"Of course," Nurse Joy's smile felt more genuine now.
"What happened here?" Ash repeated his question.
"People found out Lt. Surge is giving away a handful of tickets to the S.S. Anne and are challenging him left and right. He's not holding back," Nurse Joy sighed, taking their Pokéballs and Pikachu.
"Someone challenged the electric gym… with a Pidgey…" Ember pinched the bridge of her nose while Ash took the room key from Nurse Joy.
"I really wish I could say that was the worse one too," Nurse Joy said. Another Chansey came past to take their Pokémon from her and went to the back.
"Move!" a girl came stomping in and thrust her Pokéball into Nurse Joy's hand. "That was not a first badge challenge. My Graveller should've won. I'm reporting him to the Pokémon League."
She was pretty, but that was marred by the snooty look in her eyes. Her blonde hair was held in two ponytails and curled into bouncing spirals. She wore an expensive looking red dress that puffed up at the bottom, white lace decorated the collar and sleeves. Her shoes were black Mary Janes that looked barely worn. Obviously not a traveling trainer.
"What happened?" Ash asked her. The girl looked him up and down before scoffing and turning her nose up to him.
"Why should I explain to some commoner like you," she said before walking away.
"Commoner? People actually use that word?" Ember blinked while Ash shrugged.
After a quick call home, their Pokémon were ready for pick-up, all perfectly healthy, and the twins made their way to the gym. They weren't too certain of where to go, but they figured they would just head the direction of the crying trainers that rushed past. The gym symbol stood out after point, as did the ridiculous line of people outside of the building. Lucario decided to stay at the Pokémon Center with the eggs and Zinnia.
"Is everyone here to challenge Lt. Surge?" Ember asked as they went to the back of the line.
"Duh," a large boy in front of them said. He sneered down at the twins like they were bugs. "But only the best are getting on that ship, so why don't you babies run along now."
Two more kids came running down the line, one cradled a Poliwag in her arms, the other a Rattata. Ember was about to comment when a booming voice spoke up.
"Alright!" a beast of a man came out of the gym, towering over everyone. A Raichu sat on his shoulder, looking as natural as Ash with Pikachu. "Who here thinks they can give me a real challenge?"
No one moved for a moment, too scared to speak, then the flood gates opened as everyone swarmed the gym leader for a match. The man looked furious at the screaming trainers and looked ready to start yelling if his scowl was any indication.
The twins stayed where they were, baffled, before Ash had an idea.
"Pikachu," he said, "you know that electrical chatting thing you can do?"
"Yeah… ooooh," Pikachu nodded before focusing his attention on the Raichu. His cheeks sparked lightly, immediately catching the Raichu's attention, then a small spark was shot at the larger Pokémon. Lt. Surge noticed the static and followed his Pokémon's attention to the twins, who waved and held up their badge cases.
"Ha! Now that's what I want!" Lt. Surge boomed. "You two get inside. The rest of you babies beat it! Train some more before you come back."
The twins high fived as they ignored the glares sent at them. A girl in punk gear let them into the gym with a roll of her eyes and pointed them towards the battlefield.
"Alright you brats, how many badges?" Lt. Surge came striding over, hands tucked in his pockets.
Ash felt Pikachu go rigid on his shoulder.
I know that Raichu, Pikachu said through the bond.
"Two badges each, sir," Ember answered. "We're Ash and Ember Ketchum, from Pallet Town."
"Ketchum, eh," Lt. Surge eyed them before laughing. "Should've recognized ya. Look just like your mom."
"That's a first…" Ash said.
"You know our mom?" Ember asked.
"Know her? Delia and I used to date," Lt. Surge said. A small grin spread across his face as he remembered something… or he was enjoying the bewildered looks of the twins.
"Your brother had that same look when I told him that," Lt. Surge laughed again and slapped a hand on their shoulders.
"You… what?" Ash looked like a Magikarp with his mouth opening and closing. Ember's eyes sparkled some as she grabbed Lt. Surge's arm.
"Tell me everything," Ember said then blinked as she squeezed his arm. "Wow, you're muscular."
Surge snorted as he stepped back, his Raichu snickering.
"Tell you what, you beat me and I'll tell you whatever you want," Surge said.
"Deal," Ember grinned.
"Now, how about a challenge?" Surge said. He continued on seeing their confused looks. "What do say to a double battle? You each use two Pokémon against my four."
The twins looked at each other, thinking it over before nodding.
"Sounds fun," Ember said.
"But," Surge grinned at them, "I'll only give you a badge if you have a Pokémon still conscious. Can't rely on the other to win you one."
"Let's do it!" Ash said.
"That's what I like to hear!" Surge boomed and made his way to his side of the battlefield.
"This battle will be a four-on-four double battle between gym leader Lt. Surge and challengers Ash and Ember Ketchum. First side to knock out all the other Pokémon will be the victor. Furthermore, only the challengers will be allowed to switch. Battle begin!" the ref announced.
"Battle field!" Surge tossed two 'balls. A Magneton and Voltorb took the field, raring to go. The twins tossed their own Pokéballs for Gaia and Sahara.
"See, already you two are smarter than any of my other challengers today," Surge said.
A sandstorm began to swirl to life around the ground-types before spreading to the whole field. They heard Surge curse as visibility became obscured and the twins switched to Aura Sight.
"Magneton, Lock On. Voltorb, Rollout. Don't hold still!" Surge barked.
"Whack-a-mon!" Ember called.
The two ground-types had already sunk under the ground and were busy tunneling their way around the field. Magneton beeped helplessly as it tried to locate the opposing Pokémon… it found Sahara when she surfaced beneath it. Her Dig struck the bottom of Magneton causing it to fly upwards before smacking into the ground. It levitated back into the air after Sahara dove back underground.
"Gyro Spin!" Surge ordered as he searched for his Pokémon. He didn't expect this kind of terrain control from two badge trainers. A double Sandstorm like this made him question his decision to battle both of them at once. He should've expected no less of the Ketchum family.
Stone Edge burst through the ground and smacked into Magneton before Gaia slammed into it with another Dig attack. Voltorbs cries could be heard on the field, but Surge had no clue where his Pokémon was. Magneton landed at his feet, unconscious.
"Magneton is unable to battle!" the ref announced.
Surge returned his first Pokémon and released a weird fish-like Pokémon to the field.
"Stunfisk, Rain Dance!" he ordered. "Voltorb, Screech!"
"Screech back!" Ash called.
Two ear piercing screeches started up and everyone had to cover their ears. The Sandstorm died down and was replaced by rain as Stunfisk flopped around on the floor. The sight they were met with was amusing at the least. Holes covered the field with Gaia half out of one, screaming at the top of her lungs. Voltorb was trapped in one of the holes, unable to move anywhere.
Sahara popped out of the ground behind Stunfisk and slammed into it. Stunfisk slid across the ground before turning toward Sahara and spraying her with Water Gun. Sahara cringed and tried to move away only for her limbs to lock up.
"Static," Ember cursed. "Signal Beam and Gust, get it away from you."
Sahara followed through managing to get Stunfisk further back before getting underground again.
"Voltorb, hang on. Stunfisk, Bulldoze!" Surge called.
"Get out!" the twins shouted together.
Stunfisk slammed her tail on the ground and shook the arena. The ground broke up around Voltorb, who worked through the pain to roll his way out of the hole. He sped back to his side of the field, avoiding all of the holes, before leveling a glare at the two opposing ground-types, neither of which made it out before the Bulldoze hit.
Gaia came out worse for wear, but managed to bring up a quick Stone Edge and sent it hurling towards the electric-types. Sahara tried to get to her, dodging another Water Gun with Quick Attack. Her body seized up halfway there as the paralysis took over. Gaia called out for her as Voltorb took his chance and slammed into Sahara with a Rollout. He followed up with a Sonicboom that sent Sahara tumbling across the ground.
"Sahara!" Gaia cried and her body began to glow.
Sahara got to her feet, focused and sent a concentrated blast of ground-type energy towards Voltorb. The ball Pokémon dodged with ease and finished the Trapinch off with another Sonicboom. Stunfisk wasn't as lucky as the Earth Power slammed into her and knocked her out.
"Well, I'll be damned," Surge grinned as he recalled his second Pokémon while the ref called out. He tossed his last Pokéball without a word and released a Raichu. It was smaller than the one on his shoulder, and clearly male judging by his tail.
Ember returned Sahara and plucked Charlie's 'ball off her necklace, while Ash stared at Gaia. Her body was still glowing with the light of evolution as her body began to shift and levitate off the ground. When it finally blasted away, a fully enraged Pupitar hovered in her place. Charlie joined her on the field, but could only watch as Gaia rocketed forward to slam into Voltorb.
Her body glowed with the energy of a Double-Edge as she pushed Voltorb across the field. Voltorb began to glow himself as he couldn't take any more hits and did what his species was known for.
Voltorb used Self-Destruct.
The explosion caused everyone to look away from the blinding light and when they finally could see again, Voltorb and Gaia were unable to battle.
Raichu hadn't been spared either, as Gaia managed to get Voltorb far enough to the other side to catch him in the blast zone as well. He was still standing, but no longer was he at full health.
"Voltorb and Pupitar are unable to battle!" the ref called.
The moment Ash returned Gaia, Pikachu leapt onto the field beside Charlie.
"I'm surprised you two managed this so quickly," Surge said, "but don't get too cocky. This Raichu is the son of my starter here." He scratched the chin of the Raichu on his shoulder.
"Son…" Pikachu whispered before tensing up. He let his cheeks spark before sending a small bolt toward Raichu. Raichu took the hit without issue, but Pikachu got the information he needed.
He doesn't have Lightningrod, Pikachu sent to Ash.
Got it, Ash said and passed the info along.
"I should warn you now, Raichu here is on my six badge team," Surge said. "I'm not giving these tickets out to just anybody!"
The rain still petered down and Surge took full use of it.
"Thunder!" he shouted. Raichu gave them a malicious grin and the air began to smell like ozone as electricity crackled to life around him. He shot the electricity into the rain clouds, there was a boom of thunder before lightning shot down for Charlie.
Pikachu shouted as he flew towards his friend in a Quick Attack. He slammed into Charlie just as the Thunder struck. Charlie shouted his concern as he rolled while the twins screamed for their Pokémon, the lightning blinding everyone. Nobody heard Ash's Pokédex beep.
When the light cleared, Pikachu stood on all fours, electricity crackling from his cheeks and across his fur. His fur looked roughed up but beyond that he was still ready to battle. Surge swore and both Raichus looked impressed, the battling one a bit peeved.
The electricity all flowed across Pikachu's body towards his tail, condensing into a large ball.
"As impressed as I am with your Pikachu," Surge said, "an Electro Ball won't do him shit."
Pikachu grinned. The ball doubled in size until it was as large as Pikachu, then… the electricity drained back to Pikachu's cheeks, but the ball remained. The glowing ball of blue aura spun at the tip of his tail. Before it became unstable, he swung his tail back and slapped it at the stunned Raichu.
Raichu came too as the Aura Sphere flew towards him and tried to dodge left only to be blinded by a sudden blast of light as the rain disappeared. Charlie used Flamethrower, and Aura Sphere joined it. There was an explosion as the attacks met. Silence hung in the air as the dust cloud began to settle. Raichu was out for the count.
"The… fuck… was that?" Surge gaped, his sunglasses sliding down his nose.
"R-Raichu… is unable to battle," the ref snapped out of his stupor and raised the flag towards the twins. "The winners are Ash and Ember Ketchum!"
Pikachu sighed and let himself collapse onto the muddy battlefield. Charlie scooped him up on the way back to their trainers.
"Thanks for the save," Charlie said. "Owe you one."
"Make sure I get ketchup tonight, and we're even," Pikachu chuckled.
The twins were on their starters then, cheering their victory and congratulating their Pokémon.
"What the fuck was that?" Surge's voice boomed as he walked over.
"A Pikachu?" Ember said.
Surge laughed and clapped Ash on the back with a grin. "That's one top notch Pikachu you have there. He'll make a killer Raichu one day." His starter nodded her head in agreement, staring down at Pikachu from her perch.
"Like hell," Pikachu muttered before, his cheeks crackled briefly before he sent a small bolt to Surge's starter. Raichu froze, her own cheeks sparked up and died down, her mouth hung open.
"What did you say?" Charlie asked.
"I should've known better than to underestimate Ketchums, but damn your Pokémon are powerhouses," Surge said. "Here, your badges and…" he rummaged in his pocket for a moment before pulling out two crumpled tickets. Ash took the tickets with a raised eyebrow, but grinned nonetheless.
"Didn't expect your Pikachu to have Lightningrod," Surge said.
"He... doesn't?" Ash said, glancing at his starter. His Pokédex beeped again and he pulled it out.
Pikachu, hidden ability unlocked: Lightning rod, it allows the Pokémon to absorb electricity and boosts their power. The Pokédex read out.
"Wow, wait to go, buddy," Ash grinned.
"Raichu? You okay? Raia?" Surge poked his own starter, who was staring at Pikachu with a whole mixture of emotions.
"Lt. Surge," one of the gym trainers came over holding a box, pulling everyone's attention.
"There we go!" Surge slapped the trainer on the back, causing his legs to buckle, and took the box. "Nearly forgot, I got this yesterday from Giovanni, with a note telling me to give to you two specifically. What'cha do to gain Giovanni's interest? Kill a man?" He laughed at his own joke.
Ember joined in with his laughing.
"Of course not," she said, then her face went serious. "It was seven and a half men."
Surge stared at her before bursting into more laughter. Raichu hopped from his shoulder and walked over to Pikachu, eyeing him critically. She sent a little electricity to Pikachu, who responded back. The two spoke through electricity while the humans were distracted, but Charlie noticed and stayed silent as he held Pikachu.
"I like you kids," Surge said.
Ember smirked as she handed the box to Ash so she could open it. She stared at the tape for a second before holding a hand out to Surge. She was going to tell him what she wanted, but he seemed to pick up on it and passed over a pocket knife.
Ember slid the blade through the tape and popped the top open. There was a note on top that Ember read aloud:
Ember and Ash,
I hope these come in handy for you.
See you soon,
Giovanni.
"Ha, my name was first," Ember said. Ash rolled his eyes. Ember pulled out the contents, first was an envelope they open to find two tickets, each with a shiny golden trim.
"Shit, those are first class tickets," Surge said, looking over Ember's shoulder.
"For the S.S. Anne?" Ash asked. Ember nodded, stunned.
"What else is in there?" Surge asked.
Ember tucked the envelope in her pocket before pulling out two small boxes. Ember's eyes widened as she saw what they were.
"No… freakin'… way," she said. "These are…" Ash took one box from her and examined it.
"Pokénavs?" Ash said.
"Not just any Pokénav!" Ember said, her eyes sparkling. "These are Devon Corps newest model. They're weather proof, waterproof, heat resistant, shock resistant. They come with maps of every region, in-depth info on individual routes from professional scouters and from traveling trainers. GPS locator that can be sent to other Pokénavs and police stations. Not to mention it's the typical video phone, connected to the Devon Corp satellites so you can make calls almost anywhere. It can even be taken to the deepest trenches in Hoenn and still function! They haven't released these to the general public yet, but they were advertising them at the last PokéTech convention. I saw the video online and wanted one!"
Surge and Ash stared at Ember, looking both concerned and impressed with her. She moved the envelope to hold in her mouth as she opened the box and pulled out the handheld device. It was bright blue in color with a black trim. She pressed the center button and the screen flipped up and turned on.
"This is so cool!" Ember said, a little squeal escaped her. She fumbled to catch the envelope, forgetting it in her mouth. Everyone eyed her now in concern, especially Charle, who'd never heard her make that noise before.
"Seriously," Surge said, "what did you two do for Giovanni? Only gym leaders were given this Pokénav," he pulled out a similar one, yellow instead of blue. "It was some sort of good will gift from Hoenn's champion to ours."
"He programmed his number in already," Ember said. "We should call to thank him."
She turned to smile at Ash, but her smile faltered at his look.
"He's just trying to buy us," Ash muttered. He glared down at the box before sighing and opening it. He pulled out a bright purple Pokénav, stared at it a moment then held it out to Ember. She smiled as she swapped them and powered her new one on.
"We should get our Pokémon healed," Ash said, pocketing the Pokénav. He took Pikachu from Charlie, scratching his starter behind the ear. He didn't notice the looks Raichu was sending him as he turned away.
"Come on, I'll walk with ya," Surge said. He looked contemplative, a strange look for the loud soldier. Raichu hopped back onto his shoulder, sharing the same look as her trainer.
Surge left one of his gym trainers in charge with a fierce looking Jolteon. The trainers still lingering outside of the gym looked horror struck as the gym leader left with the two kids. It probably didn't help that Ember kept Charlie out, seeing as he was hardly hurt.
"Come to think of it… you two really don't need those tickets of mine now," Surge said.
"Do you want them back?" Ash asked.
"Fuck no," Surge scowled. "I got five of those damn things and those were the last two. Sell them for all I care."
"We can give Lucario one," Ember suggested. "He'd probably like having his own room."
At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy was all too amused to see Surge. She teased him some as her Chansey took their Pokémon to the back. A few of the trainers still hanging around gaped at Ash and Ember as Surge confirmed their victory with Nurse Joy. It was followed by a lunch with Surge, who ended up giving his number to the twins as well and gave them advice on where to go until the S.S. Anne departs in a month.
Lucario joined them while at lunch, smiling at them as they retold their gym battle.
"But now for the most important thing," Ember said, turning a mischievous grin towards Surge. He didn't show his wariness on the outside, but damn did he know that look. "Tell us about you and Mom."
"Heh, what's to tell," Surge said, a fond smile on his face. "Your mom was gentle and kind, but a real force to reckon with when she was angry." The twins nodded at that description. "We met up my fourth year into my journey, her third, after a battle - she won - and we travelled together for a bit before we started dating. Not much to tell there." His face said another story there. "The war started, the one with Unova, and I enlisted. I didn't want her waiting around for me, so we parted ways. When I got back, I heard she had a kid and was with someone, didn't feel right to go back. I guess that's your dad."
"He abandoned us," Ash said bitterly. "He never loved Mom, we were accidents and he left her. Now he's..." Ash glared at his food, hands clenching the edge of the table turning white.
"I never knew that," Surge muttered, looking just as angry as Ash. Ember went silent, as she scraped her fork along her plate, pushing her food around.
"You know what," Surge eyed the twins over before pulling his Pokénav out. "I'll give you my number, call if you ever need me." Ember nodded and pulled her's out as well and activated the wireless length to synch their Pokénavs. She showed Ash the button to press so he could do the same.
"And come by any time you want some training," Surge said, "I'll help you train any electric-types. Especially that Pikachu of yours. Raia really seems to like him."
Route 11 was incredibly large and split between two paths, one traced along a river that ran to the ocean and the other was more forested. The twins stood at the entrance to the route just outside of Vermillion City, Lucario trailing behind them.
"I could use a grass-type," Ember said, thoughtfully.
"I'm in need of a water-type," Ash said.
They exchanged looks, having a silent conversation before nodding.
"Meet up at the town on the other side?" Ember suggested.
"Sounds good," Ash nodded then they both looked at Lucario.
Lucario shrugged.
I'll pop in on you both randomly, he said with a smirk.
"We're doomed," Ember sighed.
AN/ Hope you enjoyed the battle with Surge. Next up… can you guess who they are going to catch? Thank you for the suggestions, I'm definitely considering some of them. Let me know what you think! Also, the Surge and Delia thing just popped into my head and I just loved it... it seemed really cute to me.
Ash's Team:
Pikachu(male)
Pupitar(Gaia, female)
Tropius(Scorch, male, fire sub-type)
Charmeleon(male, ice sub-type)
Abra(female)
Primeape(Harry, male)
Egg
Ember's Team:
Charmeleon(Charlie, male, giant)
Trapinch(Sahara, female)
Clefairy(Star, male)
Zorua(Zinnia, female)
Machop(female, one arm)
Egg