Electric Shock Showdown!
Ship horns could be heard as Ash, Chloe and Brock made their way into Vermilion City, the city itself was larger in scale in comparison to the likes of Cerulean and Pewter City but it had nothing on Saffron City. Buildings raised up into the sky although they weren't as massive as the Saffron City skyscrapers and the streets were filled with people walking about. Off in the distance several ships could be seen entering and leaving port, some were cargo ships while others were passenger ships such as the SS Anne which was currently undergoing repairs in preparation for a voyage.
"So Chloe you got any friends you'd like to visit while we're here?" Ash questioned.
"Not really, I had a few friends from school but they wanted occupations outside of the Pokemon field so I lost touch with them over the years." She wasn't even sure if they'd remember her. "And there is one another friend but I'm pretty sure we'll never see them!" Chloe spoke that last part while looking nowhere in particular.
Ash followed her gaze and tilted his head before quickly shrugging. "So I guess that means we can head straight to the Gym, man I'm psyched! It feels like it's been ages since my last Gym battle!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu raised his paw, his tail flicking with determination before the two quickly raced through the Vermilion City streets! Brock and Chloe looked at each other with a light chuckle before quickly making their way after him so they wouldn't lose track of him.
"Squirt squirt!" As the three raced down the streets, a stall right next to where they'd been standing burst open with fruit and berries flying everywhere before a group of sun glass wearing Squirtle leaped on up to catch the fruit!
"Squirtle!"
"Squirt squirt!"
"Squirtle!"
Officer Jenny soon entered the scene, blowing her whistle while her faithful Growlithe raced alongside her.
"Hey stop!"
The leader of the Squirtle Squad turned around and stuck his tongue out at her before firing off a large pulse of water, blasting her and Growlithe down the street and allowing them to make a hasty retreat!
The three friends soon reached the doors to the Vermilion City Gym and were about to enter when Samurai came racing out, a soot covered Pinsir laid in his arms.
"That Lt. Surge fellow sure was strong but we'll get him next time! It's just a mere obstacle on our quest to become the first Bug specialist Champion!"
"Sir..." Pinsir faintly groaned in agreement. Ash lifted his hand as he attempted to greet Samurai but it appeared that his oddly dressed rival and friend hadn't seen them as he went racing by on his way to heal Pinsir and the rest of his team!
Chloe watched him leave with a look of concern before an alarmed look spread across her face. "O-Oh! Ash, you remember how Flash and Lt. Surge come from Unova right? He'll likely be using Pokemon that you haven't seen before let alone battled!"
"True but Flash's Unova Pokemon are most likely descendants of his father's Pokemon, I've already accounted for the possibility that I'll face off against Emolga and Galvantula here." Ash explained while giving her a reassuring look. "And last time we contacted him, I had the Professor switch out my team so that I've got a diverse selection to choose from just in case." Though Spearow was usually with Ash as he attempted to get the troublesome jerk in line, he'd been swapped out for the time being as his attitude combined with his type disadvantage made him too much of a liability!
"Don't worry Chloe, Ash's got this." Brock smiled lightly as he placed his hand atop her shoulder, his mood had brightened up during the past two weeks but he was still reasonably upset about Suzie's revelation.
"Vulpix!" Vulpix cried from his arms. Croagunk silently croaked as he gave Vulpix a look full of jealousy.
Ash was the first to step through the doors and he was quickly taken aback by the sight before him. The Gym had quite a bit of exercise equipment and an older man who greatly resembled Flash could be seen lifting weights, although an army uniform covered the majority of his body one could tell he was incredibly buff by the size of his arms! Several Gym trainers could be seen using the equipment as well, the majority were men but there was one woman in the group, all of them quite muscular much like their leader!
"Well he sure didn't seem to waste time..." Chloe sweated. Just a minute ago he'd beaten Samurai and now he was lifting weights! A Raichu could be seen lifting weights with it's tail alongside him, a cocky smirk across his face as he cried.
"Rai rai!"
"That's it Raichu, feel the burn! Don't stop until every muscle in your body is on fire!"
"Rai rai!"
"Um... hello?" Ash couldn't help but nervously speak out as Lt. Surge, Raichu and all the others were so entranced by their workouts that they failed to notice they had a challenger. "I've come to challenge you!"
"Just one... more rep... there!" Lt. Surge and Raichu tossed the weights aside before eyeing the three up. Lt. Surge's eyes briefly looked onto Chloe as he appeared to recognize her before moving on to Brock. "You, you're Flint's son! I suppose you're the one that's come to challenge me then?" Lt. Surge laughed, his arms crossed as a smirk quickly spread across his face.
"That's me alright but I'm actually here to support my friend," Brock pointed towards his left where Ash and Chloe stood.
"Ah Chloe, I'm guessing that must be you then! I heard that you moved west but had no idea your folks moved to Pewter City!"
"I-It's not me either!" Chloe sweated, quickly waving her hands as she rapidly shook her head back and forth. "And we moved to Pallet Town where I met Ash, h-he's the one that you'll be facing!" Chloe quickly pointed towards Ash who waved at Surge with a bright expression.
"Hello sir, it's an honor to meet you! My name's Ash-"
Lt. Surge quickly threw back his head as he let out a laugh. "That string bean is challenging me?!"
Ash couldn't help but glance towards his arms, they were pretty average but in comparison to the others he did notably stick out. Working out like Surge wasn't really a concern of his as quite a few trainers developed a muscular body naturally through training and long travels. He wasn't too concerned with his appearance, not like he was trying to attract girls like Surge and his pals most likely were based on what he knew of Flash's upbringing. "So? I don't see why it matters, it's our Pokemon doing the fighting not us!"
Surge laughed as he turned his attention to Raichu before giving Ash another look. "My Raichu partakes in the same workout, kid! Your Pikachu could afford to lose a few pounds but it'd take a lot more than that to beat a fully evolved Pokemon like Raichu! Don't you know that in order to bring out a Pokemon's true potential, you must evolve them?"
"Surge is right, kid." One of his Gym trainer's laughed as her own Raichu could be seen lifting weights with it's tail alongside her. "That Pikachu doesn't stand a chance against my Raichu let alone Surge's!"
Ash couldn't help but clench his fists as his body began to shake. He hadn't intended on using Pikachu here but now they were asking for it, they could insult his looks but nobody was going to insult his best friend and get away with it! "Alright then why don't you prove it?! We'll finish our Gym battle with Pikachu and Raichu, we'll see whose laughing then!"
"Pi-Pikachu!" Pikachu angrily flicked his tail while Chloe and Brock gave Ash a look of concern as they couldn't help but worry that Ash's anger might cloud his judgement.
"Alright kid but don't come crying to me when you lose!" Surge laughed before waving his hand as he guided Ash towards the battlefield. "Visquez mind refereeing?" Surge addressed the female Gym Trainer whom nodded in response before quickly taking position on the side of the field opposite Brock and Chloe.
"The Gym battle between Lt. Surge and-sorry what was your name, kid?" Visquez turned towards Ash.
"Ash Ketchum!"
The name didn't phase Lt. Surge much indicating that he'd likely never met his father.
"That name sounds familiar..." Visquez noted before shrugging as she continued on. "The Gym battle between Lt. Surge and Ash Ketchum will now be underway! Each side will use three Pokemon a piece and the winner will be decided as soon as one side is unable to continue, only the challenger is allowed to switch out their Pokemon. Let the battle begin!"
"Jolteon let's do this!"
"Jolt!"
Eevee's ears perked up as she took notice of her Electric type evolution. Chloe noticed and held Eevee so that she'd get a better view. Although they hadn't talked about it yet eventually they'd have to touch on the subject as Espeon or Umbreon's evolution might wind up triggering. Though she did find it rather odd that it hadn't happened yet as Eevee and her were as close to each other as Ash and Pikachu were!
Ash gazed towards Jolteon for a moment before making his choice as he began reaching out for a Pokeball. "Nidoran I choose you!"
"Nido!" Nidoran cried out as he gazed determinedly upwards to meet Jolteon's gaze!
Lt. Surge couldn't help but throw back his head as a laugh escaped his mouth.
"That pipsqueak doesn't stand a chance!"
"Nido!" Nidoran's face turned red as his eyes filled with rage. "Nido!"
"Don't listen to him Nidoran, I know you can do this! Use Poison String!"
"Nido!" Nidoran quickly fired off multiple purple poisonous darts at his opponent, striking him as a purple tint began forming across Jolteon's cheeks.
"J-Jolt..." Jolteon gritted his teeth.
"Rain Dance!" Jolteon stretched himself out and cried as a thick and heavy rainstorm began pouring down upon the battlefield. "Now follow up with Thunder!"
"Nidoran dodge with Dig!" Above ground Nidoran stood no chance as the effect of the rainstorm guaranteed that Thunder would make contact! Nidoran quickly burrowed beneath the ground, disappearing from sight while the thunder blast came crashing down against the dirt! The ground began shifting beneath Jolteon before bursting as Nidoran came flying out, his horn jabbing Jolteon directly in his stomach!
"J-Jolt!" Jolteon's eyes widened as he uttered out a pained cry before flinching once more as the poison took effect!
"Use Swift!" Jolteon began firing off multiple yellow stars that swiftly flew across the field before striking Nidoran!
"Fury Attack!" Ash shouted out. Nidoran's horn began glowing white as he raced across the battlefield before repeatedly lashing out as he made contact with Jolteon, the Electric Eeveelution let out a cry but was still standing upon the attack ceasing. Surge crossed his arms and smirked before issuing another command. "T-No way!"
"Jolt!" Jolteon had dropped due to the effect's of the poison, swirls filled his eyes as he groaned out in defeat.
"J-Jolteon is unable to battle, Nidoran takes the first round!" Visquez shouted with a look of disbelief!
"Alright, way to go Nidoran!"
"Pi Pikachu!"
"Nido!" Nidoran cried out from his trainer's praise before a burst of blue light began enveloping his body.
"Nidoran, you're evolving!"
"Pi Pikachu!"
"About time," Chloe couldn't help but state. She was honestly surprised it took awhile longer for his Nidoran to evolve than hers had! Nidoran's skin turned a slightly darker shade of purple while his ears and the spikes along his backside began expanding, his facial appearance began looking more fierce some as his eyes grew a serious look, losing his former cuteness while long fangs were visible across his lips.
"Nido!"
"Nidorino the Poison Pin Pokemon, with a horn that's harder than diamond, this Pokemon goes around shattering boulders as it searches for a moon stone!"
Sure enough Nidorino took a quick glance around before turning back towards Ash. "Nido!"
"Way to go, Nidorino! I'm so proud of you!"
"Nido!"
Lt. Surge had frozen in place, his jaw dropped in disbelief from the fact that his Jolteon lost to a unevolved Pokemon!
"J-Jolteon come back," Lt. Surge held out the Pokeball, returning Jolteon as he quickly reached out for another. "Alright kid, the gloves are officially off! Zebstrika let's do this!"
Ash, Chloe and Brock all let out a startled gasp as a large zebra Pokemon burst out before their eyes, the zebra quickly raised onto it's hindlegs and uttered a neigh as it's eyes were filled with a battle hungry expression!
"W-What's that Pokemon?" Ash couldn't help but stutter out. Whatever it was it looked awesome and intimidating at the same time!
"Zebstrika the Thunderbolt Pokemon, This ill-tempered Pokemon is dangerous because when it's angry it shoots lightning from its mane in all directions!"
The rain had ceased shortly after the Rotom Phone read out the data, returning the battlefield to a normal state.
"You got this Nidorino, use Dig!"
"Flame Charge!" Flames engulfed Zebstrika's body as he shot across the field, thunder echoed across the Gym with each step he took! Nidorino's back half was struck as Zebstrika reached him before he could fully disappear! Nidorino grunted as he was pushed down into the hole but the sound of burrowing reassured Ash that he was still conscious! The ground beneath Zebstrika burst apart as Nidorino lashed upwards, striking his horn against Zebstrika causing the zebra to let out a neigh of distress as it's cheeks turned purple on account of Nidorino's Poison Point ability!
"Wild Charge!" Surge shouted, clenching his fist as a wide smirk spread across his face.
Zebstrika raised onto it's legs and neighed as his body became shrouded in electricity. The zebra quickly galloped across the field and smashed against Nidorino before he even had the chance to dodge, moving much faster than before on account of Flame Charge!
Ash gritted his teeth as he watched Nidorino go flying through the air before coming to a collapsed heap in front of him. Swirls filled Nidorino's eyes as he uttered out a groan of defeat.
"Nidorino is unable to continue, Zebstrika wins this round!"
"This isn't looking good for Ash, Zebstrika is strong and fast! It won't be easy taking it out." Brock commented, Chloe silently nodded in agreement. Although they supported Ash they had to admit things didn't look good for him.
"Nidorino you were awesome today, take a good long rest." Ash returned Nidorino, gently placing the ball back upon his belt as he reached out for another Pokemon. "Charmeleon I choose you!"
"Charmeleon!" Charmeleon shot a stream of fire into the air as he burst out.
"Use Dragon Breath!"
"Charr!" Charmeleon opened his mouth as he fired off a steady stream of blue-green fire at his opponent! Zebstrika grunted as the flames made contact with his body but Lt. Surge didn't look the least bit concerned.
"Kid if a Blastoise and Venusaur struggled to take this guy out before succeeding ain't no way that Charmeleon's doing so!" Lt. Surge laughed causing Charmeleon to utter out an agitated growl.
"Blastoise and Venusaur? He must be talking about Gary and Leaf!" Chloe exclaimed.
"So I'm behind, no big deal. Just means we've got to work even harder!" Ash clenched his fists before throwing his arm forward. "Charmeleon use Flamethrower!"
"Charrr!" Charmeleon blasted Zebstrika with a large stream of fire, the zebra grunted out before flinching as the effects of the poison took hold shortly after.
"Wild Charge!"
"Zeb!" Zebstrika's body became shrouded in electricity as he blasted across the field before throwing himself against Charmeleon! The fire lizard grunted out before snarling as he gave Zebstrika a harsh look.
"Charmele!"
"Smokescreen!"
"Char!" Black smoke began pouring out of his mouth, engulfing the field in a stream of black smoke while obscuring Zebstrika's view!
"Flame Charge!" Surge blindly shouted out.
Zebstrika neighed as his flame covered body raced through the smoke however his body merely grazed Charmeleon as he raced past him before crashing against the wall behind him!
Charmeleon's claws glowed bright silver as he prepared to strike!
"Charmeleon don't! Fight your instincts!" Ash shouted out. Charmeleon gritted his teeth and snarled before looking towards his savior, giving him a quick nod as he cancelled his barbaric attack! Zebstrika stood up and shook itself off before giving Charmeleon a look as the smoke cleared up.
"Wild Charge!" Zebstrika's body became shrouded in electricity before he quickly crashed his body against Charmeleon, delivering a powerful shock to his system as Charmeleon cried out!
"Charrr!"
Charmeleon dropped to his knees as his breath began growing heavy, Zebstrika flinch once more as poison sapped away more of his strength but he appeared to be much healthier than Charmeleon currently was!
"Alright Charmeleon, I think you should-" Ash was about to call the round and send out Pikachu to wrap things up but Charmeleon raised his paw and quickly shook his head.
"Char Charmelon!" Charmeleon determinedly cried as his tail flame began surging much brighter than it had been before!
"Alright if you think you're up for it," He wasn't going to refuse his Pokemon's wishes. "Use Flamethrower!"
"Let's finish with Wild Charge!"
Zebstrika's body became shrouded with electricity as he galloped across the field at breakneck speed! Charmeleon took awhile longer to summon his strength but when he opened his mouth a massive stream of fire emerged, far stronger than it normally was! The massive stream of fire blasted right towards Zebstrika who couldn't dodge as he was locked in the attack! Zebstrika let out a loud shriek of pain as the fire seared across his body! Soot coated his body as the flames died out, his attack coming to a cease as he stood in place. He managed to utter a cough, soot flying out of his mouth before he promptly dropped to his side as swirls filled his eyes.
"Zebstrika is unable to battle, Charmeleon wins-" Visquez paused as Charmeleon faceplanted from exhaustion moments afterwards, he may have won the round but his body had caught up to him! "Charmeleon is out! Trainers please send out your final Pokemon!"
Surge returned Zebstrika with a cocky expression. "We've got this from here, Zebstrika! Raichu let's end this!"
"Pikachu I choose you!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu's tail twitched as he leaped out onto the battlefield!
"Hyper Beam!"
"Rai!" Raichu opened his mouth and quickly fired off the beam of yellow-orange energy, the blast exploded against Pikachu and knocked him back! Pikachu quickly shook his head and flattened his ears as he narrowed his eyes at his opponent. He sure packed a punch!
"Quick Attack!"
"Pi pi!" Pikachu quickly zigzagged across the field before striking his opponent!
"Now use Thunderbolt!"
"Pikachuuuu!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked with electricity as he delivered a powerful dose of electricity! However both him and Ash were foolish enough to do so within reach of Raichu as they attempted to take advantage of his downtime!
"Mega Punch!" Raichu shook as his body fully recharged and while electricity surged through him, he pulled back a fist which became engulfed in a bright white light and quickly swung forward, putting all his strength into it as he punched Pikachu in the face!
"P-Pika... chu..." Pikachu groaned through his fist before dropping face forward upon it's removal, laying face first in the dirt as he fell into a state of unconsciousness! Visquez quickly approached Pikachu, gently placing a palm against his throat to feel his breath before giving Surge a thumbs up.
"Pikachu is unable to continue, Raichu wins as expected!"
Lt. Surge let out a laugh as his Gym Trainers cheered him on.
"Tough break kid, come back after you've evolved that Pikachu of yours!"
Ash raced towards Pikachu and quickly scooped him into his arms, Pikachu groaned weakly as he looked up at his trainer with an apologetic expression.
"Pika..."
"Don't worry Pikachu, Raichu was just too strong for us! We'll have to train hard before coming back here!" Though he looked rather unsure of himself as Surge's words repeatedly rang through his head.
Ash and Pikachu stood at the training field with their heads lowered, uttering a sigh of defeat as Samurai stood across from them with a Scizor.
"Ahaha, last time I was the apprentice but this time I proved myself to be the master!" Samurai laughed as he victoriously raised his sword into the air.
"Scizor, zor!" The two victoriously cried before racing off.
"Even Samurai's ahead of me." Ash groaned.
"Pika..."
"Maybe Surge is right, maybe we should evolve you." Ash sighed out.
"Pika?! Pika pika!" Pikachu snapped, his tail flickered in annoyance as he glared up at Ash and almost appeared as if he were ready to slap him for the suggestion!
"W-What is it, Pikachu don't you want to evolve?"
"Pika..." Pikachu looked unsure as he shrugged before quickly shaking his head. "Pika pika!"
"Pikachu's not ready to evolve yet, it's not something you should rush into." A familiar voice could be heard causing Chloe to quickly turn around before throwing her arms around her friend.
"Flash!"
"Hey hey, hands off! I've got a girlfriend!" Flash gently pushed her away before turning his head towards Ash to make it clear he was looking at him on account of his sunglasses. "Evolution is permanent, it's not something as simple as a new attack or a strategy you shouldn't rush right into it as you could wind up regretting it and spend the rest of your life doing so."
"Rai rai!" Another Raichu stood next to him, his tail flickered as he locked eyes with Pikachu.
"I speak from experience but it isn't Raichu I'm referring to, it's Jolteon!" Flash held out a Pokeball and spun it atop his finger. "I regret not getting to spend time with him as Eevee, instead I foolishly tossed a Thunder Stone his way so that I'd have another Electric type! We still love each other but every day the thought haunts me and Jolteon shares those regrets as well." Flash sighed out. "Evolution isn't always the answer, there are other ways of getting stronger than simply evolving a Pokemon."
"Flash what are you up to?" Chloe couldn't help but ask as it felt like he had an answer to their problems.
"I'm gonna help teach Pikachu Volt Tackle!" Flash smirked. "The Academy's on break so I hitched a ride to pay my old man a visit and while I was there working out I couldn't help but hear about what happened as Steve and Tony were laughing about some kid and his Pikachu losing badly when they 'foolishly' went up against my father's Raichu. I figured that you all were still around so I've come to offer my assistance if you want it, there's also another reason you shouldn't rush directly into evolving Pokemon... you'll miss out on moves like Volt Tackle!"
"Volt Tackle..." Ash flashbacked to one of the many Indigo League matches he'd watched on the television over the years, recalling how once he'd witnessed Rex's Raichu utilizing the powerful Electric attack on Lorelei's Dewgong! The electric blast sent Dewgong flying away from Raichu before plopping on the ground in defeat! It was both fast and powerful, no doubt it'd greatly assist them in their fight against Lt. Surge's Raichu who appeared to be powerful yet lacking in speed due to his early evolution. To think he was thinking about evolving Pikachu just a few moments ago, he'd almost missed out on teaching Pikachu Volt Tackle!
"Alright Flash, you're on! Let's get the training underway!"
Ash and Flash spent several days training together as it was certainly no easy task teaching Pikachu the move, there were some days where they were up from dawn until dusk working hard and only taking breaks to eat or use the restroom. Ash and Pikachu even got to practice the move on Flash's Raichu whom appeared to know most of the same attacks as Surge's Raichu!
Eventually Flash did have to leave as his brief vacation was over. "Well there you have it, Pikachu should have no problem using the attack! I wish I could stay and see the results for myself but I've got to get back pronto, I promised Giselle I'd take her out for breakfast!" Flash smirked.
"Thanks again!" Ash grinned as the two rivals shook hands.
"Why did you help Ash anyways? You barely even knew him." Chloe couldn't help but speak out.
"Simple, I've heard how strong his father was and I'm eager to see how Ash will turn out!" Flash spoke with an eager smirk. "Besides I'd like to earn my spot on the Elite Four and I wouldn't feel as if I truly earned it had I left a potentially strong trainer out of the equation! Agatha's retiring soon so this is my big chance but of course that means I've got to graduate first so later!" Flash, Electabuzz and Raichu all gave an eager wave before they dashed off into the distance, no doubt to get a ride back to the Academy.
"Alright now that that's out of the way, let's head on back to the Vermilion Gym and prove Lt. Surge wrong!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu raised his fist with a determined expression before the pair quickly raced off with Chloe and Brock following as they made their way back to Vermilion Gym.
"Lt. Surge, I'm back!"
"Pi Pikachu!"
"K-Kid... you... seriously didn't... evolve... that... Pikachu?" Surge grunted as he appeared to be lifting a heavier set of weights than last time. "Don't bother wasting my time, you'll just lose again and go home crying to mommy!" Surge laughed.
"We won't lose!" Ash determinedly shouted.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu flicked his tail with an equally determined expression.
Surge let out a yawn as he set his weights aside, Raichu copying his trainer as the two began approaching the battlefield. "Tell you what, I'll humor you kid. I'll give you a rematch but rather than it be another three on three, let's make things interesting and just have it be up to Pikachu and Raichu. I need a breather anyways."
"Sounds fine to me!"
"Pika!"
"Alright Raichu, let's do this!"
"Rai rai!" Raichu leaped onto the field and flashed a cocky smirk in Pikachu's direction as the pair clearly expected things to go like they had last week!
Visquez gave the battlefield a look before shaking her head, not finding it worth cancelling her workout for. Brock decided to take her place as referee.
"Alright the Gym Battle between Lt. Surge the Lightning Unovan and Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town will now be underway!"
"Raichu use Hyper Beam!" Lt. Surge yawned out.
Raichu opened his mouth and fired off the orange-yellow energy beam!
"Dodge with Quick Attack!"
"Pika!" Pikachu quickly zigzagged out of the way, the attack exploding where he'd been standing previously while leaving Raichu wide open for an attack!
"Now use Volt Tackle!"
"Pika pika pika!" Pikachu repeatedly chanted, an electrical current flowed through his body as he blasted across the field like a rocket before making a powerful impact as he made contact with Raichu!
"R-Rai!" Raichu's eyes widened as he was sent flying backwards before crashing up against the Gym's wall, leaving a bit of a dent as Lt. Surge's jaw dropped.
"T-That was far stronger than it should have been..." He wasn't even talking down to Pikachu, he was stating pure facts! A Pokemon of Pikachu's level shouldn't have hit that hard! Something was clearly up with him!
"Mega Punch!" Raichu's fist glowed white as he shot up, Raichu raced across the field and prepared to strike Pikachu down but his movement was significantly slower than Pikachu's!
Ash thought for a moment before forming a smirk as he threw his arm forward. "Meet him head on with Volt Tackle, give it all you've got!"
"Pika!" Pikachu cried out, quickly blasting off like a rocket as he charged at Raichu. Raichu quickly lashed out, his fist meeting Pikachu's face as the smaller Electrical mouse crashed into him resulting in both of the Pokemon flying through the air!
"Pi!"
"Rai!" The two flailed about as they flew through the air, Pikachu landed safely on all fours while Raichu faceplanted against the battlefield. It appeared that in this case evolution didn't do him any favors!
Lt. Surge's jaw dropped once more as the sound of weights hitting the ground could be heard, Ash turned his head and noticed the Gym Trainers were all staring in disbelief save for one who was hopping up and down as he'd dropped a weight on his foot!
Brock smirked lightly as he raised a hand into the air. "Raichu is unable to battle so Pikachu takes home the win!"
"Alright Pikachu!"
"Way to go, Ash!" Chloe cheered.
"Evoi!"
"Vul!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu leaped on up into his trainer's arms, the two laughing as they nuzzled their heads against each other. Lt. Surge continued staring in disbelief for awhile before a smile formed it's way across his face. He began slow clapping as he approached Ash.
"Congratulations, ki-Ash. You've definitely helped me see the error of my ways although I can tell that there's something special about that Pikachu in particular." Lt. Surge noted. Ash couldn't help but nervously sweat at the comment, Surge didn't even know about Splishy Splash and he could tell something was up with Pikachu!
"Thank you sir-"
"Please there's no need for sergeant, call me Lt. Surge!" Lt. Surge smirked as he held out an orange and gold badge that resembled a star. "This is the Thunder Badge and I must say you've certainly proved yourself worthy of it, sergeant! Take it and wear it with pride but know that if you lose the Indigo League, I'll personally hunt you down and make you do twenty laps!"
"Around the Gym?" Ash lightly sweated as he accepted the badge.
"Around the city, sergeant!" Lt. Surge shouted.
Ash nervously sweated as he couldn't help but think that he meant that! "A-Alright, Surge! T-Thanks again for the battle!"
"Anytime sergeant!" Lt. Surge grinned before turning to his Gym Trainers. "Well what are you dolts doing just standing there for?! Give him a proper send off!"
"Sir yes, sir!" The Gym Trainers all quickly saluted Ash and company as they walked out the door. A blonde woman walked right past them on their way out, a female Pikachu sitting atop her shoulder much like how Pikachu sat atop Ash's!
"So what's our next step?" Ash questioned. "Back through Saffron and head towards Celadon City?"
"Actually we have to stay a few days more," Chloe spoke as she held up her Rotom Phone. "A Pokemon Contest will be held here in a few days and there's no way we'll make it to Celadon in that time let alone get back!"
"Well then I guess we'll stay here!" Ash grinned before gazing off into the distance. "But what will we do until then? I think my Pokemon have earned a break from training after the week we've had..."
"I'm sure that something will come up!" Brock spoke up.
Off in the distance two kids significantly younger than Ash and Chloe could be seen standing outside of an abandoned laboratory as the sky began darkening as night made its approach!
"There are rumors about this place being haunted, I dare you to step foot inside!"
"There's no way I'm doing that, you know I'm terrified of ghosts!"
"Fine then I'll just tell Billy that you like him!"
The girl gasped before slapping her brother. "You've been reading my diary again!"
"Maybe I have but that doesn't change the fact that I'll tell him!"
The sister puffed her cheeks and gave her brother a glare as she began making her way into the building, the door slammed shut right behind her without neither of them touching it!
"Gengar..."
"H-Hello anyone hear?" The sister called out, shaking as she looked around before quickly pulling at the door handle. "Okay Alfred, that's enough I want out!" The door wouldn't budge though as somebody was keeping her locked in!
"I-It's not me, sis you locked the door!"
"I did no such thing, I-Ahhhh!" She screamed as a Gengar phased directly in front of her.
"Gengar!"
"Ahhhh!"
And there you have it, Ash got himself his third Gym badge! I've left Pikachu's fate rather ambiguous, yes there's a Pikachu fighting alongside the heroes in the future but whose to say that is Ash's?
I hope you all enjoyed this, next time Ash meets up with some familiar faces as they compete to capture a ghost! :)
"Who's to say Serena will be with a guy why not a girl?"
She possibly could, I'm not locking her in for a romance until the far future. Hilda and N's romance is a key part of their character arcs so that's why I already locked them in. Right now it's between either Shauna or an original character but like I said I'm not putting much thought into it. She ain't appearing until the final story so I'm not setting anything in stone until then. I might do Alola, Galar and generation 9 stories set in this universe but Kalos is where Ash's story will come to a conclusion.