Author's Note….There is no excuse...

None whatsoever for my being lazy and horrible to my dear readers and fans of this story. I've gotten your story alerts and your reviews and I'm truly sorry for not updating sooner.

A lot of things have happened in the past two years since I've updated. I got married earlier this year and graduated from college the year before. So to say things have been busy is an understatement.

But my lack of updating is nothing short of shameful for the fact is that several of you have been waiting on me to give you the next part of the story and it hasn't come. I'm truly sorry to have kept you all waiting for so long. Please forgive me.

I can't promise that I'll update all the time from now on but I will continue to update, I want to finish this story and see some plot come together. So without further ado, here is your next update!

Chapter 9 – Thunder Badge

Arietta's POV

"No Gary, you can't come!"

"But Ari, why not?"

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose with my good hand wondering for the tenth time that day as to why I agreed to my parent's plan to travel with Gary Oak for the rest of my journey. He was becoming an absolute nuisance trying to make sure my arm was alright as well as making sure that my needs were constantly taken care of. I'm fourteen years old! I can take care of myself! But did he see it that way? No, I was just his lost little neighbor who he found on the side of the road on the way to Vermilion City.

It's not that I wasn't grateful for Gary's help, it's the fact that he seemed to think that I needed my hand held wherever I went. Ever since I got out of the hospital he'd been taking his task of watching out for me a bit too seriously and I just needed some space. What's funny is that Midnight seemed to enjoy these little fights Gary and I kept having. I thought for sure that he'd be growling and getting angry at Gary since he's been so protective since the attack but he'd just sit back and watch with a smile on his face like nothing's wrong. It's just not right.

I looked at Gary again, determination clear in my eyes, I was going to get my third badge without my rival going with me so he could see my battling tactic. That and knowing Gary, he'd probably try and stop the battle several times so Surge wouldn't hurt me.

"You didn't have me with you during your battles and I'm not about to have you come with me. I said no and that's the last straw."

Gary glared at me, "The only reason you weren't with me during my battle with Surge is because you were resting from your visit to the hospital. It's not my fault that you're too lazy to check out the competition when you're hurt not that you'd have much of a chance against me anyway."

I nearly saw red, that boy was the most conceited person I ever met. I swear if I ever see Seth again, I'm going to beat him senseless for pinning me with Gary as a traveling partner. I growled, "If I remember correctly Gary, I beat you the last time we battled and for what you just said, that tears it. You definitely aren't coming with me to see me get my badge. Midnight, Charmander, let's go. I'll see you later, Gary."

After that I just walked out not bothering to look back as I headed out of the Center and towards the Gym.

Gary's POV

I sighed, why did that girl always bring out the worst in me? I thought I had been getting on her good side, I mean we were going to be traveling together so we should at least get along right? But every time I see that sparkle in her eyes I just lose it and it always makes me to come out sounding like a loser. And now I'm watching her walk out of the Center and head to her Gym battle with Lt. Surge without so much as knowing if she would even make it back to the Center at all.

I had to admit, finding out that there were teams after Ari was nothing that I wanted to think about. Pokémon Trainers are meant to be tough, that's why they'd allow kids to travel on their own instead of with a parent or something. Trainers knew what they were getting into when they left home but the adventure was just so calling to some people that the danger was worth it in order to follow their dreams. Ari was one of those people; she'd been talking about leaving home since Seth left on his journey. But not only knowing but also having proof that there were people out there to hurt Ari scared me more than I cared to admit. Ari was tough, she'd always shown she was tough but even the tough can get hurt pretty bad. And seeing Ari on Midnight's back on the side of the road, watching her lay there as I drove to the hospital not sure if I'd make it in time or not, that's not something I'd want to repeat again.

I know I've been getting on Ari's nerves especially since she's used to doing things on her own all the time. But I can't get the image of her lying hurt somewhere and not being able to reach out of my head and it's starting to drive me crazy. I think Midnight's been sensing my moods because he's not been growling at me as much as he used to. Just giving me a knowing look before he lay down at Ari's side again as she drifted off to sleep.

I shook my head, I needed to back off of her, I knew that but it was really hard when the one you like is in danger. The way her brother was acting it must have been pretty big in order for him to freak like that. What was it her mom said? Something about a prophecy? I sighed again and went back to our room to grab my Pokémon; I needed a good workout in order to get Ari off my mind. Hopefully, she would get the badge and we could head for the next Gym soon but right now I needed to train. I grabbed my Pokémon and headed out back from the Center.

It was gonna be a long day….

Arietta's POV

"I think this is it." I said as we stood in front of the red and yellow building. It had two lightning bolts near the entrance and that confirmed it for me.

"Looks like it to me. So who are we fighting?" Charmander asked me curiously.

"Lt. Surge, according to what Gary said last night, he's some big electric-type trainer or something. They helped him in some war or something." I replied as we walked towards the entrance.

When we walked in it was completely dark, what is with Gym Leaders and darkened Gyms? Do they not pay for their electricity or something?

"Hello? I'm looking for Lt. Surge. I'm here for a battle."

I could hear thuds coming from the room, then saw a huge man stand in the light where the door was opened. "Who comes to challenge me?" he asked. The guy was at least close to seven feet tall, heavily muscled and had spiked blonde hair on top of his head. He was wearing a camouflaged vest and pants and combat boots that made him look like he'd just come from a military battle somewhere. I internally rolled my eyes; this guy screamed army so why wasn't he with them instead of here running a Gym?

I shook my head then stood up tall, "My name's Arietta Taramel and I've come for a chance to win a Thunder Badge. "

He smiled then tried to put his hand on my head, I instinctively blocked with my other arm. He looked at me confused, "Are you sure you wanna battle me? I'm not easy to beat and you look like you should be resting instead of battling. What happened to your arm?"

I smiled at his concern, "I'm fine enough to battle, the doctor told me so. I got attacked by Team Rocket on my way to Vermilion. But all they did was break my arm and beat me up a bit. If they stole my Pokémon then my Arcanine scared them enough to get them back and come find me. I should only be in the cast for a few more weeks. And I want my badge please."

He smiled, "You've got a lotta spunk kid, alright then. Wait a minute, Taramel? You're related to Seth Taramel the lead scientist in Orre?"

I nodded, "Yeah, he's my older brother. Let me guess, one of the toughest guys you know right? Gave you a great battle when he came through here years ago?"

He smirked and nodded, "But I'm sure you're just as tough right?" when I nodded he clapped his hands, "Well then let's put that theory to the test then shall we?"

The lights filled the room for the battle arena. Surge took his place on the far end, "We'll have a one on one battle, sound good?"

I nodded, "Fine with me."

Surge smiled, "Don't think this will be easy just 'cause you're hurt. Go Raichu!"

He released a Pokémon that look sort of like my Pikachu; only it was bigger, orange and had a longer whip-like tail. I pulled out my Pokedex and took its info:

Raichu

The evolved form of Pikachu, its long tail serves as a ground to protect itself from its own high voltage.

I nodded it certainly looked tough, "Charmander, you're up but watch out for its electric attacks."

Charmander nodded its head and headed out into the arena

"Charmander! Flamethrower!"

"Raichu! Body slam!"

Charmander immediately began to shoot a stream of flame at Raichu before it could get close enough to slam him to the ground. When the flame cleared there was a very singed Raichu staring at Charmander but he wasn't through yet.

Before I could yell out another attack, Raichu slammed into Charmander knocking him to the ground but Raichu forgot about the flame on Charmander's tail and leapt away pretty quickly when its side got burnt.

"Raichu! Thunderbolt!"

"Charmander! Skull Bash!"

Charmander ran at Raichu as fast as it could before it could unleash its electric attack but the lightning came out just as Charmander reached his target. Raichu was knocked back but Charmander was flown across the room. "Charmander! Are you alright?"

Charmander sat up and gave me an ok sign with his claws but I could see he was pretty hurt. There were bruises and scrapes all over him as well as some singing from where he'd gotten hit by the lightning.

"Don't give up! Flamethrower!"

"Raichu, Thunder punch before he attacks!"

Charmander shot flame out faster than Raichu could get to him. This time Raichu was flown across the room and flame filled the arena. "Charmander watch where you attack!" I said as I avoided getting my cast burnt. Charmander stopped, "Sorry Ari. I didn't mean it." He said sadly. I smiled at him and showed him I was ok.

When the smoke from the fire attack cleared, there was Raichu standing up panting just staring at Charmander. A minute went by as they stared at each other then Raichu moved a bit then fell completely over on the ground, fainted.

"No!" Surge said as he ran towards his Pokémon. He checked it over then sighed, "That was a good match Raichu, you deserve a rest." He said as he returned his Pokémon.

Surge walked towards me quietly then shook my good hand, "That was a great match, Ari; you sure are tough, just like your brother. For your victory, here is your Thunder Badge." He said as he handed me a metal pin shaped like the sun it was orange and red. I placed in my case and smiled at him, "Thanks a bunch sir, I'll let Seth know that you're doing well the next time I see him."

"Please do. Goodbye."

"Bye."

I picked up Charmander cause he looked like he was gonna fall over, and with Midnight watching behind us we headed back towards the Center. Happier now that I was still on my way towards the Pokémon League.

Gary's POV

I smiled when Ari walked back into to Center, "Hey, so how did it go?"

She smiled then shrugged as she opened her case and showed me her new badge. "No biggie."

I grinned, "I'm glad. Sorry for acting stupid back there. Don't really know what I was thinking. You've always been able to take care of yourself. I'm just here for an extra set of eyes." I looked at her shocked face. "What?"

"You're apologizing… to me? Someone call the police and find out if the world is ending! Gary Oak, THE Gary Oak just apologized to me for acting stupid! Omigosh, you've gone insane haven't you? Should I take you to the doctor?" she said as she started laughing. I glared for a minute but her laugh was so infectious that I had to laugh too.

Pretty soon we were both sitting on the couch in the lobby laughing out butts off. When it calmed down, I looked at Ari, "No, I really am sorry. I just can't help but sound like a loser around you sometimes. I guess you bring out the worst in me like a good rival should." I said embarrassed. Ari thought for a minute before nodding, "Yeah well, sometimes I can be a bit too reckless when something important happens. So I understand the protectiveness somewhat, but seriously Gary, did you have to nearly turn into Seth? I was about to call off this whole traveling thing."

I blinked then looked down sheepishly; I still couldn't admit my feelings for her it was too embarrassing besides what if she didn't like me back? "Yeah sorry. Anyway, where should we go next?"

Ari thought for a minute, "Well, Celadon City is the next Gym but it's kinda far."

"Heh, no problem, we've got my car remember? We'll get there in no time."

Ari nodded, "Yeah I guess, Anyway, I'd better feed my Pokémon they've been worked pretty hard. Where's yours?"

"I gave them to Joy already, been training with them most of the day since you were adamant about me not coming to your Gym battle."

Ari smiled, "At least you did something productive instead of sulking in the room all day." She teased as she went to get her Pokémon from Joy. Charmander had looked pretty beat up when she brought him in and I hoped he was ok. Midnight smirked at me as he passed following Ari to the room. I rolled my eyes at the ceiling, why were her Pokémon giving me those looks? Was I that obvious?

I shook my head and headed to the room, gave my Pokémon some food and climbed into the top bunk. Ari was already lying down and Midnight was at his usual place by the door. I smiled; at least Ari has one constant bodyguard. I thought before drifting off to sleep…