Hey, everyone! It seems we've made it halfway through the gym challenge... Time really flies, doesn't it? I appreciate you all sticking with it this far! Fanart for the chapter will be on our another-rxad tumblr blog as always, and feedback on the story is very appreciated! Enjoy!


The luckiest star of them all shone brightly in the mid-morning sky, flooding Vermillion City's streets with warm sunlight. The occasional blossoms in resident's flower boxes could be seen blooming and the distant chirping of flying types rounded out the jubilant spring weather. It seemed that during the night warm southern breezes had swept away the last bitter frost of winter. From here on out, there'd only be rain showers to watch out for!

But, no one was going to rain on Ash's parade!

"Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate: Ash! Ash!" Dawn practiced, bashing her pom poms together. It'd been awhile since she'd gotten a chance to dress up and even longer since it was to cheer for a friend. The contest yesterday was very fulfilling, but this was exciting, too! "Hm… How about this: Ra-ra-rattle, win this battle! Ra-ra-rass, you can do it, Ash!"

Ash chuckled as Dawn skipped and marched beside him. He appreciated her enthusiasm. Besides, the outfit was cute on her!

The trainer paused, blinking dumbly. Where had that come from?

Noticing that her companion wasn't keeping up, Dawn turned around, tilting her head. "Ash? What's up?" Empoleon mimicked Dawn except his entire body tilted over as he no longer possessed much of a distinction between his head and his neck.

Deciding that whatever had just happened wasn't worth dealing with right before his match, Ash merely shook his head. "Got distracted. Sorry. Let's go!" Pikachu clung to Ash's shoulder as the trainer broke into a jog, determined to leave that momentary whatever behind.

"...! Wait up!" Dawn insisted, giving chase.

Empoleon rolled his eyes before lazily blasting a trail of ice along the streets of Vermillion. He would just slide on the ice there; running was no longer exactly efficient for him for long distances. Sliding on his belly, he managed to catch up to Dawn, ramming into her and causing her to fall onto his back with a loud squeal on her part. The duo even caught up to Ash…

Which was fortunate, because if the super-strong trainer hadn't been waiting at the end of the street with the gym for them, no one would have been able to try and brace against Empoleon's failed stop. With a yelp, though, poor Ash took the brunt Empoleon's impact beautifully, only sliding back a yard or two from it!

"Why were you sliding through the street!" Ash yelled.

"It's not like I told him to!" Dawn quipped back.

"Well?!" the two humans then asked in unison, looking down at the misbehaving Empoleon.

For a moment, he felt like a Piplup again, back when his journey was just starting and Ash would chide him just as quickly as Dawn would. It was oddly comforting, to have the two of them work as a team like that. He felt like he did when they were all back at the cabin with just these two humans watching after all those Pokémon… His eyes glistened a bit.

That said, the warm and fuzzy feeling didn't keep the big water type from grumbling at being chided. He still had his pride, after all. "Empo!"

Standing up, Dawn merely hummed before dusting off herself and then her starter. "You're too big to go acting reckless, now. Don't forget: act like a big boy, okay?"

"Empoleon…" he begrudgingly agreed.

Smiling a bit at the exchange, Ash then turned towards the entrance. "Alright. Let's do it."


Opening the double doors to the large facility, Ash felt confident. He was ready this time. He had a plan and there would be no mistakes. "Surge is gonna see what I can really do," he boasted under his breath. With Dawn and Empoleon cheering for him, his head level, and all his training, there was no way he could lose!

"Surge!" Ash bellowed. "I'm back for another rematch!"

"Well, would ya look at dat! Da baby's back!" Surge barked, rowdy as ever. "Aw, an' the babe's all dolled up."

Everytime Surge acted overly familiar with Dawn like that, the blood in Ash's veins pumped hotter. Blowing an irritated breath through his nose, the trainer tried to redirect Surge's attention from his clearly disinterested friend and back onto himself. "Hey! I already told you last time that I'm here to challenge you!" Ash snapped.

"Heh, ya gonna act like a big boy now, huh?" Surge teased, clearly amused with how defensive Ash got. It didn't help his companion looked cute when she was peeved.

Not entirely sure what Surge meant by that, Ash merely kept pressing to keep the focus on the match. "All that matters is that I'm gonna beat you this time! C'mon, let's go!"

The giant gym leader let out a rumbling laugh. "Right, bwahahaha! Show me ya done growed up, huh, ya li'l baby!"

With that… Somewhat unpleasant exchange over with, the trainers moved to their rightful positions on the battlefield, while Dawn went to the stands once more to prepare to support Ash.

The referee took his spot as well. "This will be a three on three battle! No substitutions from the gym leader! No medicinal items! The one with the last Pokémon remaining wins! The battle between Gym Leader Lt. Surge of Vermillion against Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town… will now begin!"


"Haha, Magnezone, let's bring the pain!" the soldier cried out, tossing the Pokéball. "Don't go disappointin' me, baby!"

Surge's Pokéball burst with a thunderous glow, taking the form of the Magnet Area Pokémon. The huge steel type hovered above the field, watching with a gaze as sharp and impartial as the high noon sun.

"You don't have to worry about that! Infernape, let's show them!" Ash barked. A tiny multicolored sphere was grabbed from his belt, arm retracting before launching the Pokéball forward.

The ball burst open, a brilliant light taking the form of the fiery ape. Already poised to fight, he eyed Magnezone with an equally intense gaze, golden hues burning with anticipation.

"Use Mach Punch!" Ash commanded.

Powerful leg muscles launched the simian from his position in record time, a glowing blur of a punch reaching to connect with Magnezone's steely body in barely the blink of an eye. The rematch had begun.

Sent spinning in the air, the metallic monster stilled after a brief turnaround. Well, that was a decisive way to begin the match.

In the stands, the revelry had already begun. "Great start!" Dawn cheered, lifting an arm as Empoelon mimicked her. After a moment, she felt a slight chill.

"Haun-haun!"

The purple ghost materialized behind the girl. Having put his escape routine to use once more, he allowed his claws to glow with the light of Will-o-Wisp, cheering in unison with Dawn. Though, perhaps with a bit more eccentricity.

"Haunter!? Where'd you come from?" Dawn yelped, a bead of sweat rolling down her forehead. Though, it was hard not to smile. He almost looked like he was pouting. "You wanna cheer for Ash too, huh? Well, I can't say no to that!"

Meanwhile, on the battle field, Surge wasn't taking this all sitting. "Le's hit 'em with'a Zap Cannon!" Surge ordered, crossing his arms.

The front magnets of the electric type whirred, picking up speed until an emerald bundle of electricity shot out and at the Infernape. If the challenger was going to come out swinging, then so was Magnezone. Chilly and indifferent he appeared to be, he was a warrior, same as Electivire and Raichu.

Zap Cannon, Ash knew, wouldn't be fun to endure. "Infernape, dodge!"

Sporting a grin after landing the initial punch, Infernape quickly took several acrobatic leaps backward, hands pushing him safely out of the range of Zap Cannon. An explosion followed, dust clouding the field.

"Good! Now use Flamethrower!" While they couldn't perfectly make out the form of Magnezone through the dusty veil, it surely wasn't an incredibly fast Pokémon, so a hit was likely. At least, as far as Ash figured.

Hot flames were then spewed from Infernape's mouth, the tremendous heat parting the clouds with ease.

The ape was faster than the machine. A second blow from Infernape smote the gray hide of Magnezone, earning a grinding screech of fury from the robot, an un-ordered Metal Sound.

Surge noted this. That blow would have had to done considerable damage to break discipline. Boisterous as he was, the soldier was authoritative as the day was long. Time to return fire. "Zap cannon, again!" How nimble was the monkey?

"Smooth start, smooth start," Dawn sing-songed in the stands, pom pom shaking before her. Haunter mimicked her while Empoleon was focusing more on the actual battle than cheering.

A smile worked its way onto the corner of his lips when he heard Dawn's cheers, though he couldn't stay distracted for long. That'd cost him dearly in the past and he wouldn't allow it again. Meanwhile, they were faced with another brutal electric attack. "We can't just keep dodging forever…" He mused, brows knitting downward. "…Infernape, Flamethrower!"

Once again the ape pulled his head back, hot embers building in his maw before spewing forward in a stream of inferno, meeting the crackling sphere center-stage. Fire and bolts crackled with volatile heat, each stubbornly pushing against the other in a bid for dominance.

Soon, heat consumed Zap Cannon, surrounding it before both attacks exploded at center stage. Countless embers were sent flying within the battlefield's perimeter, blue electricity crackling violently in tow.

The magnetic machine did not fault in the roar of the heat or the burst of its explosion. Surge, likewise, merely lowered his shades, watching it all with grim joy, exposed arms turned slightly pink with at the ambient warmth the gym was briefly bathed in.

Meanwhile, Empoleon brought a flipper, blocking some of the scattering embers and sparks from his trainer. Haunter didn't cease in his cheers.

"Hm. Okay, so's the baby's got a way to dodge. Le's try one more time, Magn'zone! Use Lock-On an' then Zap Cannon! Take da monkey out!" Surge called

A red beam of light zeroed in on Infernape, making the target. Then, another crackle of thunderous roaring could be heard as another Zap Cannon ripped out, headed for Ash's Sinnoh fire type.

"Lock-on!?"

A target was placed upon the simian, damning him to an inevitable hit from Magnezone. Knowing he wouldn't be able to dodge, Ash scrambled before calling for another command. "Infernape, Flamethrower!"

Alas, in his shock, Ash was too late. Before the white-hot embers could leave Infernape's maw, the compact ball of electricity struck home, drawing a loud, pained screech from the fire monkey. Blue electricity lit up his very form, devastating currents running through his form. Soon, the lights faded, leaving him to slump over on the gym floor, supporting himself on one knee. Golden electricity danced along his limbs before fading.

"Infernape! He's paralyzed…" Ash lamented, his fists locking up. This was no good.

As Surge let out a satisfied snort, the cheer team let out collective noises of disappointment. Each reaction was momentary, though. As Surge began planning his next move, Haunter and Dawn likewise put their energies forth to a more productive outlet: remaining optimistic.

What were the chances Infernape would remain completely paralyzed, anyway?

"Magnezone, up close 'nd personal-like! Gyro Ball!"

Perhaps he'd been saving the move until there was low chance of the ape's escape. At any rate, the grand steel Pokémon hit the floor, sending slight tremors through the gym before it whirled, blurring into a shiny sphere before launching itself like a sluggish bowling ball towards Infernape.

"Come on, Infernape, you're still faster than that big, bulky magnet!"

"Hau!" the ghost type cried in the stands, worried.

As it drew closer, however, Ash's confidence waned even with Haunter's cheering.

"Infernape, look out!"

The hindered simian attempted to pull himself to his feet, pushing off of his limbs to spring out of the way of Magnezone. His movements were far too clumsy, however, only allowing him to stumble head-on into the furious assault.

Infernape was thrown for a loop, rocked across the battlefield before landing in a heap. Slowly pushing himself to a standing position, though, he absolutely refused to give up. Dark narrow slits glowered upon the machine, victory being the only thing on his mind. Painful bruises and numb limbs be forgotten. He was going to win this.

"I know you can do this, Infernape… Use Mach Punch, now!"

He crouched, holding a glowing fist back before springing towards the large magnet, aiming to pulverize it with a swift right hook. Though slower than usual, he still carried quite a good deal of momentum.

"Hit 'em wit' a Gyro Ball again!"

Above the battlefield, Dawn furrowed her brows at Surge's call for action. "He's banking on the fact Infernape won't be able to take that much weight on his fist," she muttered.

Empoleon, upon hearing that, smirked. The penguin was aware of how strong Inferape was; that considered, there was a chance the fire type just might punch on through the Magnezone! Clattering his metallic-tipped flippers together, Empoleon let out a whoop of a war cry to cheer on his friends.

The silver hide of Magnezone had blurred again, the hunk of metal colliding pointedly upon the fist of the great ape.

The other, meanwhile, was only moving at half his usual speed. Speedy as that was, his glowing fist lacked the sureness it usually did. While it'd taken Ash a moment longer, without hearing it, the same conclusion Dawn had reached… Well, dawned on him.

"That won't work… Infernape, use Flamethrower, right toward the ground!"

Infernape was eager to meet this challenge head-on. He knew, however, that Ash was the main brain behind their battles. His input was equally important, but he would trust his trainer's instinct. He turned his maw toward the gym floor and let out a shrill shriek. A torrent of white-hot flames spewed from his mouth, propelling him upward into the air above.

"Say what!?" Surge sputtered, doing a double-take at the sudden launch.

Having already built up momentum, Magnezone barreled forward, charging through little but hot embers. Confused and disoriented, the Pokémon let out a metallic, ear-splitting cry before losing balance. It skidded across the arena floor, able to do little to regain composure.

In the face of his successful maneuver, Ash grinned. He was quick to act on his momentum. "Great job, Infernape! Now, pull on through and use Dig!"

Moving around on his feet was cumbersome right now. A simple dive, however, wasn't a tall order for the hot-blooded primate. Allowing gravity to play its role, Infernape struck and swiped at the gym floor, tunneling under the arena almost immediately.

"Magnezone! Pull yaself together! You know bettah than to hang around like a sittin' duck!" Surge barked, his military demeanor on full display.

Though it may seem cruel, his Pokémon were, in fact, in step with his orders. Although its sense of direction was less than optimal right now, Magnezone pulled itself up, electromagnetic waves pushing it above ground.

Was it fast enough, though?

"Now!" Ash shouted, punching a fist into the air.

With that gesture, Infernape followed. The ground gave way under the electric/steel hybrid, almost instantaneously replaced with a blurred fist. Dig made its impact, crashing brutally into Magnezone's underside. The fierce uppercut didn't relent, propelling Infernape upwards, and Magnezone with it.

Knowing well to mind his distance in this battle, Infernape leapt backwards, landing before Ash once more. A jolt of numbness punished him for his agility, though, drawing a growl from the disgruntled ape.

Fists trembling, Ash watched on intently. "Can you still fight…?"

"Infern!" The Pokémon nodded, still eyeing Magnezone, who had turned quite a few times before stabilizing opposite of its spirited opponent.

"Alright! I knew you'd hang in there, Infernape!" Ash cheered. Though, he had barely a moment to relax, as another call for Zap Cannon from Surge made his heart race. He had to think of a counter, and fast.

"Hold on…" The image of Flamethrower wrapping around Zap Cannon from earlier in the match sprang to mind. If he could just recreate that now… "Infernape! Use your Flare Blitz to form a Counter Shield, now!"

Quickly picking up on his trainer's orders, Infernape dropped to his back to begin spinning in a fashion remarkably similar to breakdancing, unleashing a brilliant blue flame around his form. Fiery wisps spun around his body, ensnaring the crackling sphere of electricity in a fiery grip. Blue bolts were torn from its pitch black center, circling the ape's brilliant form as another addition to his already incredible aura.

"Great, now give it everything you've got!"

Infernape flipped to his feet, crouching to one knee before whipping his head around, building up a brilliant blaze. He then launched towards Magnezone, surrounded by a terrifying comet of bolts and flames.

Empoleon once again moved to use himself to block a bit of the heat. Haunter continued to cheer, enthused by the wilder energy produced by the combination attack. Dawn, after the first wave of intense heat had passed, returned to cheering as well. She thought she knew what was happening next…

And, Surge, who watched all of this with a frown, far from ignorant on how this would end without interception.

"Metal Sound."

As the Zap Cannon crackled over the Counter Shield, proving ineffective, the poke-craft lifted itself into the air again. Muted by the sound of flames and electricity, it rang through all the same.

Surge's eyes widened at the return fire. "Magnezone, use Zap Can—"

The resulting boom of the collision obscured the last syllable.

The Magnezone was slammed back. Surge's proud posture momentarily faltered as the wind from the monster's passing ruffled his collar. He was back in fighting form nearly instantly though.

"I said Zap Cannon!" Surge snarled.

And, his first-on-the-field would have obeyed, too, if it had not been burned. After all that damage, its burnt form could not handle it. It laid where it had landed, moments from blacking out.

"Magnezone is unable to battle! This round's winner is Infernape!" the referee called, impressed.

And, the gym leader returned it with haste. "Huh. A real heavy hitter, huh? Fine with me!" The lightning Unovan lobbed another Pokéball forward. "It's your turn again, Raichu!"

"Rai!" The mouse emerged, arms outstretched, a cocky look on his mug reflecting a battle-ready spirit. After a humiliating thrashing by Pikachu last time, the electric type was eager to redeem himself.

"Infernape's running low, now… With him paralyzed, we gotta make every attack count." Ash noted, his brows furrowing. Exchanging a nod with Pikachu, he turned back to the field to throw an arm outward. "Give it your all, Infernape! Hit it with another Flare Blitz!"

He had no intentions of holding back. A whip of his head gave his body a blazing blue glow, accompanying his fiery launch towards Raichu. If he was going down, he was bringing another Pokémon with him.

The head-on attack earned an amused huff from Surge. "Gutsy! But, if you wanna win, you gotta treat a battle like a war! 'N you don't rush into war without a plan, baby!" As content as he was to lecture the younger trainer, though, the incoming streak of blue gave him little time to continue. "Raichu! Thundahbolt on da battlefield!"

With a sneer, Raichu obeyed, pressing his rotund paws to his golden cheeks. "Chuuu!" He shrieked, unleashing a fierce barrage upon the ground where he stood. Bright bolts boomed and crashed against the gym floor, setting off one explosion after another.

Golden flashes turned to black smoke, further blinding Infernape.

The fire type launched through the debris, skidding across the floor. Embers danced from the friction, though they never found a proper target. He'd launched right through thin air!

"That's weird… I don't hear a thing. What happened to Flare Blitz?" Sweat trickled along Ash's brow. Whether its source was frustration or the uncomfortable flash of heat was hard to say. "...They're using the smoke to hide! Infernape, be careful!" Ash warned, eyes wide and pupils narrow.

The Pokémon's head whipped about, angrily seeking a fled opponent. How dare that ratty little…

"Body Slam!" The Lieutenant slammed a fist into an open palm, giving quite the visual of what his attack was sure to become.

Ashes and smog made a great veil for the incoming shadow, obscuring Raichu from Infernape's view until it was just a bit too late.

"Raiiii!" A battle cry echoed, coming from the large, portly electric rodent. Arms outward and stomach downward, Raichu allowed the earth to pull him down upon his target.

Golden orbs just barely caught on before a pained shriek escaped Infernape. A great deal of weight crashed upon his body, the latter giving weight in a great deal of pain. Wind knocked out of his lungs, Infernape fell unconscious.

That shout was unmistakable, even in the veil of combat. "Infernape!" Ash bellowed, panic clear in his voice. Unfortunately, his fears were realized.

The referee spoke up again. "Infernape is unable to battle! The winner of this round is Raichu!"

"Infernape… You did your best out there. Why don't you get some rest for now?" Bearing a grateful smile despite the results, Ash held a Pokéball outward to return the exhausted Pokémon to his capsule. Looking across the field to Raichu, Ash could only grow more excited. Their tactics were definitely a step up from the last time they battled. Maybe Surge knew to take Ash more seriously, after seeing the kind of power they could throw around. "Alright, Pikachu, it's your turn, now!"

Pikachu had no hesitation in leaping off of his trainer's shoulder, a smirk forming as he eyed the evolved rodent across the field. "Pika-Pika! Pikachu!" Wearing a smirk and furrowed brows, he challenged Raichu. This time, he was the one known to have the upper hand. With that in mind, he requested a great battle of his evolved form, nonetheless.

"Rai, Rai!" Raichu chanted, smacking a paw against in his chest with his usual bravado. Bring it on, he said!

"Alright, Pikachu! Let's go! Start this round with Quick Attack!" Ash shouted, throwing a fist forward. Speed blitzing like last time would be too predictable, and a super powered Electro Ball would only prove harmful once Raichu had been defeated. It was time to return to the basics - all-out offensive battling just like they'd always done.

"Chuaaa…!" Pikachu shrieked, building up power before launching towards Raichu in a silver-glistened sprint, darting left and right at speeds that were difficult for even an experienced to follow. Soon he would close the distance between himself and Raichu, aiming to tackle it head-on.

"Let it happen!" Surge commanded. There was no point in getting Raichu frustrated and confused by trying to keep up with the little yellow blur.

Meanwhile, in the stands, Dawn's cheers quelled momentarily, pensive. When Raichu took the blow, bracing himself but pressed back anyway, Dawn exploded into jubilant noise, Haunt and Empoleon joining her.

The excitement was short lived. Surge grinned. "Now, Mega Kick!"

He'd grounded himself after skidding along the floor, and Pikachu's incredible momentum had only brought him closer. Bearing a sinister smile, Raichu spun, throwing his weight around to deliver a brutal roundhouse kick.

Silver streaks flared and dissipated around Pikachu's form, disappearing after a cry of pain from the smaller mouse. Raichu's superior mass and ability to hold his ground proved fruitful, forcing Pikachu back quite a bit.

"Good! Now, Thundahbolt 'im!"

"Raiii… Chu!" Wasting no time in his assault, the military man's signature Pokémon flexed his muscles, producing thousands of volts of electricity that bolted for Pikachu.

"Dodge it, with Quick Attack!"

"Chu!" Not eager to receive a second blow in a row, PIkachu darted aside, followed by a glowing trail.

Having vaulted to the side of Thunderbolt, Pikachu had found himself in the clear… Or, so he thought.

"Don't let 'im run! Thundahbolt, right in his path!"

"Rai!" The Mouse slapped his tail against the ground, sending a biting current across the gym floor.

Electricity was kicked up in a torrent just inches before Pikachu, forcing the mouse to come to a heart-stopping halt.

"Watch out, Pikachu!" Ash warned, a hand outstretched. This had to be some sort of trap!

And, that it was. Just as the smaller mouse had skidded to a stop, a large silhouette waded through the smoke.

"Now! Focus Punch!" Surge's booming voice ordered, the man sure of himself as ever.

"Raiii…!" The heavyset electric type growled, one fist drawn back that began to take on a brilliant glow, all but obscuring the surrounding debris. Raichu only got a momentarily look at Pikachu's taken aback visage, foregoing further satisfaction to throw a haymaker right at his pre-evolved form. "Chu!"

"Cha!" The mouse squealed, rocked by the powerful punch to the jaw. Pikachu flipped several times over, finally digging his paws into the ground to skid to a halt. "Piii… Piiika…!" He growled, shaking his head.

"Don't let 'im rest! Body Slam!" Surge ordered.

"Pikachu…!" Ash gasped, watching the incoming rodent prepare his dive. That'd be their third successful attack in a row… "Surge isn't taking it easy… You can do it, Pikachu! Iron Tail, on the ground!"

"PIka!" Brows furrowed, the electric type's jagged tail standing upright. Quickly coating itself in a silver shine, the tail was prompt to be slammed against the ground. Leaning back into the extremity, Pikachu launched himself into the air, leaping mere inches out of Raichu's reach.

The latter was greeted with the all too familiar, unpleasant taste of gym floor. Skidding painfully across the arena, he found himself helpless, and with no tiny yellow target in sight.

"Move it, Raichu!"

"Now, Iron Tail, again!"

His target was a sitting duck… Or mouse, rather. Flipping down from above, Pikachu seized his opportunity. His tail was still charged and sturdy, allowing for a brutal attack on Raichu. "Chua… Pika!"

While Infernape and Magnezone's match had been more long distance, Pikachu and Raichu's battle quickly turned to close range melee.

In turn, Dawn's cheers gained in intensity. Whereas they had been fighting with of kicks and wide swings of her arms, perhaps she'd been subconsciously inspired to make upward jabs.

All of that aside, Empoleon watched keenly while Haunter helped cheer.

Surge grimaced, spitting aside in a crude show of disappointment. With every failure, though, came an opportunity. That was no secret to a man who was well-acquainted with combat. "Grab 'em, Raichu! Hold 'm tight!" The command was coupled with a sure squeeze of his gigantic fist.

Just as Pikachu had gained the upper hand, he was ensnared again. Squirming and wriggling, he found himself tied up in Raichu's long, bolt-tipped tail. "Pi… Pika!" Tried as he may, his stubby arms were trapped.

"Good! Now, really throw 'im for a loop with Focus Punch!"

Raichu righted himself, standing with Pikachu coiled in his grip. "Raiii…!" The electric started, eyeing Pikachu with a predatory grin. This was proving fun; Pikachu could really take a punch! But that wasn't going to stop him from going all-out. His fist was reared, shining with latent energy.

"Ah…! Pikachu!" If he kept taking hits like that, they were in trouble. Fists closed and eyes shut tight, Ash shouted, echoing through the entire gym. "Use Thunderbolt, full power!"

There was no way in hell Pikachu was giving in. Black beady eyes narrowed, the mouse coated himself in golden sparks, the electricity in his body building. "Pikaaa…." Calling upon the conductors in his cheeks, he unleashed his full wrath upon Raichu. "Chu!"

The scene in the middle of the arena was blinding. Golden bolts shot every which way, fleeing the epicenter that consisted of two hardy rodents. Ash was forced to duck, narrowly dodging a particularly hot spark of electricity. Surge lowered his shades, unperturbed. Empoleon had opted to shield Dawn, while Haunted merely became transparent.

Overwhelmed, Raichu could do little but release Pikachu from his hold, his tail normally used as a ground buzzing with excess electricity. He stumbled back, ashen and trailing wisps of smoke. Teeth grit, he was forced to ride out the pain. If he had forgotten from the last battle, he was promptly reminded. Unlike years gone by, Pikachu's electric reserves were not a force to be trifled with. The evolved Pokémon could no longer dust off direct attacks without caution.

Pikachu had finally found his escape, vaulting back to land on all fours. He panted, having exerted quite a bit of power with that last move. That didn't stop a snide smile from showing on his cute features, however.

Stumbling back a bit from electrified assault, the Raichu shook, teeth gritted as spare electricity crackled over his fur and sparked off.

"Haha, dunno whatcha up to, baby, but ya cain't out 'Chu a bitter 'Chu!" Crossing his arms smugly, the gym leader decided to amp up their game. No rest for the Pikachu, then. "Raichu! Let's get goin'! Hit 'im wit' anotha Focus Punch!"

"Chu!" Crisped but still battle-worthy, Raichu pounced forward, stopping just before he reached the yellow rodent to swing a brown balled up paw. He'd throw a shovel hook, aimed for Pikachu's side.

"You just watch us!" Ash shouted back, adamant and stubborn as ever. The two of them hadn't seen just how much Ash and Pikachu had improved. It may not be as easy as simply blitzing Raichu, but if they had to overpower it, then they would find a way. "Hit back with Iron Tail!"

Still on all fours, Pikachu raised his tail toward the ceiling, quickly covering it in a shiny layer of steel that glistened under the hot spotlights overlooking the arena. Just as Raichu threw his first forward, Pikachu would throw his body around, smashing into the punch with an acutely-placed Iron Tail. "Chuaaa… PIKA!"

The two attacks struggled against one another, Pikachu's tiny fangs grit together as he attempted to out-muscle his evolved stage. While he had a lot of power, though, Raichu the advantage of weight and gravity in his favor. Luckily, Pikachu was particularly stubborn, and refused to lose this close-up brutal brawl.

"Now, come around for another Iron Tail!"

Pikachu didn't waste a moment, a devilish grin forming when he understood Ash's command. It was the same tactic they used against Paul and Electivire. This time, though, he'd succeed. He loosened his footing, allowing Raichu to send his body spinning. A turn of his heel allowed him to come back around, a second swing aiming for Raichu's face.

Slapped down by the whirling iron tail, Raichu snarled in pain.

As a joyful roar came up from the stands, Surge was quick to react.

"Raichu, let's play with thunda again! Thundabolt! Follow up wit' a Mega Kick!"

While he was a pudgy enough, Raichu was capable of rolling into himself. Tucking just before his chin would have hit the gym floor from the force of Pikachu's blow, the bigger electric type twisted and turned until he was also on all fours. He then raised his tail, teeth bared. "RaiCHUUUUUU!"

The scent of ozone crackled through the gym as his own bolt came down. It was unlikely to do a lot of damage to Pikachu.

That wasn't the point, however. Working up a sweat - to be so "little", their opponent really could land a nasty blow - but determined to not give in until his limbs quit on him, the Raichu hopped forward. Rather than kicking how one might expect, he skidded to a stop at the last moment, bringing his huge haunches around and kicking how a kangaroo might.

"Chu!"

The bolt was nearly bright enough to blind, and it was every bit as mighty as it was intimidating. Pikachu was struck head-on with the strike of lightning, his head thrown back by the pain dealt to his body by the overbearing electricity. Of course, he was plenty used to the element himself, enduring through the assault before answering it with a smirk. There was no way that'd be enough to-

"Pikachu, look out!"

Surge's tactic had gone just as planned. By time Pikachu's beady black eyes had found their way back to his larger opponent, he was already practically in his face, skidding forward before kicking both legs out. The results were brutal to say the least, the two-legged kick sending Pikachu flying into the air above.

This was quickly becoming a war of attrition. Neither Pokémon was gaining an edge that the other wouldn't snag away… It time to end things with a bang. "Now, let's finish this! Use Volt Tackle!"

Eager to prove himself as ever, Pikachu threw his limbs outward, halting his flight through the air. Diving forward, he charged, successive chants of his name picking up in volume as a golden aura burst around his body, electricity crackling and snapping at the air. "Pikapikapikapikapikapikapikapikaaaa…!"

The shades which were usually perched so securely across the giant's forehead slipped down. His head had whipped back, shock written across his face. Volt Tackle? But, that move was—right. Pikachu hadn't evolved. There were plenty more moves they could unlock.

"We've got a big impact comin' in, Raichu! Brace for it and get ready to return wit' Focus Punch!"

Having pushed himself upright, Raichu retaliated. The pre-evolved counterpart was coming in like a missile, and there wasn't a chance he'd just give in. "Raiii…!" Pulling his fist back yet again, he readied himself, loading his remaining vigor into just one point.

Not a moment too soon, with Pikachu mere seconds away from hitting his target. "Chu!" The larger rodent shrieked, turning his entire form with him as he threw his fist forward.

Fighting type energy clashed with electric vigor. Fist against skull, with plenty of overflowing power to boot. The white and golden auras exploded, shaking the gym floor below the duo. Teeth grit, both chanted their names, adamant to hold their own. A deafening explosion followed, consuming the arena.

It was good Surge's shades were already down, as he found himself unable to look away. There was no way they were both going to be able to walk away from that; he didn't even know if Raichu would walk away. Would Pikachu be able to?

"Incredible…" Dawn muttered. Haunter chattered excitedly beside her while Empoleon blinked, clearly taken back.

Meanwhile, Pikachu was faced with the terrible recoil of hitting Raichu with such tremendous force. Likewise, the full force of Raichu's punch rattled through his system the moment they collided, overwhelming his body with pain.

Ash was forced to shield his eyes with his arm, legs braced and locked to hold off the shock wave emanating from the collision. 'C'mon, Pikachu… I believe in you!'

The smoke soon began to clear, and Pikachu lay in the middle of the field, unmoving. Sparks danced over his unconscious form, residual effects of the thunderous clash. Raichu lay not far from him, also floored by the collision.

"Both Pikachu and Raichu are unable to battle! This round ends in a draw!" the referee announced.

"Pikachu!" Ash didn't waste a second in sprinting onto the field, scooping the electric mouse into his arms. "You did a great job, buddy… Why don't you sit this one out for now? I'll handle the rest!"

Barely conscious, Pikachu managed to nod before blacking out.

Ash made his way back to his box on the battlefield, turning his gaze on the gym leader. "Alright, Surge! I guess it's time to finish this!" The Pallet-native reached for his cap, turning it backwards in one quick swipe of his hand. "Now… It's up to you! I choose you, Tyranitar!" A Pokéball was grabbed off his belt, held outward toward their opponent before Ash turned back, winding up before lobbing the ball towards the battlefield.

The sphere burst open, releasing the Armor Pokémon in a bright flash of light. The Pokémon let out a fierce roar upon his entry, dark eyes cast at Surge. This time he was going to win. For Ash's sake, as well as his own pride.

"It's been real, baby," the gym leader chuckled, returning Raichu and letting out Electivire. As the behemoth electric type eyed its equally colossal opponent, Surge took the split seconds he usually did to consider a plan of attack. Pummel them - that was the plan now; just pummel them.

"They've been really serious this time around," Dawn murmured, noting the momentary still in the battle.

Empoleon nodded.

"He's not the type to make the same mistake twice, and they aren't a team to tread lightly with."

The brief calm was ended decisively. "Electivire! Brick Break!"

"Vire!" Black hands jutted out to crash into Tyrantiar's verdant scales as Electivire's short legs propelled him onward.

The first move of the match was called, and it was one Tyranitar couldn't afford to endure. With a double type weakness, even the sturdy mountainside Pokémon would suffer major damage.

"Tyranitar, Dark Pulse, now!"

The gargantuan Pokémon opened his mouth wide, firing off his counterattack - a barrage of eerie dark rings of energy that quickly closed in on Electivire.

The Electrivire was slowed and eventually stopped by the dark pulses. He flinched as well, his assault ruined. Taking a momentary break, the red eyes of the brute never strayed from his opponent.

There was a quiet shift in Surge's stance. They were going to have to get in close range if they wanted to deal with the Tyranitar; keep away would only spell disaster on the gym leader's half. That being said, Thunder wouldn't be good to use yet. He wasn't that desperate… "Vital Throw!"

Taking off again, the Electivire aimed to jerk Tyranitar off balance before slamming him into the ground.

"It's down to the wire now," Dawn giddily cheered.

It was clear that Surge wanted to turn this battle into a brawl - and honestly, who could blame him? If Ash wanted to walk out with a victory, though, he had to play this right. A smirk picked up on the trainer's lips, his eyes spotting the perfect opportunity to put his plan into action.

"Alright, Tyranitar! Let's show them your Sand Stream ability!"

The Armor Pokémon threw his arms outward, firing voluminous streams of sand out of the gaps in his armor, flooding the battlefield once more with a very thick cloud of dust. Along with dealing out damage, the abrasive barrage would likely make it very difficult for Electivire to properly track its target. Following the instructions from their training, Tyranitar lunged to the side to avoid Vital Throw.

"Now, use Dragon Claw!"

The dark/rock hybrid wielded its arm up high, sporting sharp streaks of blue extended from its claws. Its arm swung forward, attempting to slash down upon the burly electric type.

"I can't see anything… what about you two, Haunter, Empoleon?" The Empoleon shook his head whilst the Haunter nodded. "… Are you seeing or can you just tell where they are because you're a ghost?"

"Hau!" Well, that was an inconclusive answer if there ever was one.

Back on the battlefield, Electivire let out a low grunt of pain as the Dragon Claw racked across his body. Visual contact lowered and already agitated by the grit in the air, the blow following his own lack of contact rubbed him the wrong way.

"Sandstream ability, huh? Alrighty then!" Meathead he might be, but stupid he wasn't. "Thundapunch!" While it wouldn't do much damage, any of this grit in the air they could strike down would be an advantage, however small.

"Vire!" He had to assume the biggest, most solid looking thing on the field was Tyranitar. With that, Electivire aimed for what he supposed would be the belly of the beast. That had to be a critical hit zone, right? As his fist swing, flecks of glass formed where the sparks had been, leaving a dazzling trail behind the brute.

Thunderpunch hit its mark, striking Tyranitar right in his belly. The creature let out a cry of pain, hit right in his most vulnerable spot. The yell, combined with bright visible sparks, tipped Ash off to the result of the move from outside the storm. That was no good. They had to get distance between Tyranitar and Electivire, or they'd be in real trouble!

"Use Earthquake, Tyranitar! Shake it off!"

Panting and hurting from the critical hit, Tyranitar persevered, more than eager to give the match his all for Ash's sake. One leg was lifted up high before slamming into the gym floor, sending terrible seismic waves through the battlefield. Worst of all, towards Electivire. With any luck, they would uproot it, forcing it to lose its close proximity to the Armor Pokémon.

Earthquake worked funny indoors. As the gym floor cracked beneath Electivire and he backpedaled to avoid a catastrophic injury from the jutting spires of rock now being elevated, he fumbled and fell, landing on one of those stones anyway. It propelled him up as the move finished, the gym floor thoroughly changed.

"Did… did Electivire just get thrown? What just happened?!" Dawn exclaimed, puzzled. For the briefest of moments, she swore she had seen the electric type break the sand cloud's top.

Empoleon and Haunter both whooped, thoroughly impressed.

Hearing the smack that was no doubt his own Pokémon landing again, Surge frowned. Judging from experience, he knew that had probably taken all but the last bits of Electivire's strength. "Electivire, ya still swingin'?!"

"Ele."

They might not get in a next blow if they weren't smart. Actually, he noticed more spires out there now. Maybe…? "Electivire, get to higher ground! Then jump 'em wit'a Brick Break!"

Climbing on the stones, the Electivire waited. His fur might offer him a bit of camouflage while he waited for one of the "rocks" to move and give away Tyranitar in the storm. But, he thought he'd seen movement and he struck out at it.

The thud caused by Electivire left Ash with a grin. Now they were one step closer to finishing this battle. Surge's call for Brick Break alerted him, leading Ash to call his next command.

"Block it, Tyranitar! Dragon Claw!"

A large limb was thrown his way, striking Tyranitar right in the chest. The creature let out a cry of pain, his breath shortening under the force of the blow. He didn't give in, however, swinging his charged claws to push Electivire away from his hide. The Armor Pokémon slid away from his opponent, adrenaline at an all-time high. Now was their chance!

"Now, finish it! Giga Impact!"

Tyranitar let out a thunderous roar, surrounding his body in a swirling purple aura gilded with orange streaks of energy. Launching forward with titanic force, he rushed toward Electivire without any signs of slowing, aiming to end the battle in one final powerful blow.

Tyrantiar hit Electivire like a freight train on a water tower.

Beyond the battlefield, Dawn could only assume that the distinct boom she heard was in fact the move Ash had called being used successfully. Haunter's enthusiasm would lend to that idea. Still, she hesitated…

Until Electivire's unconscious form fully cleared the sand storm, tumbling to a stop just before Surge's feet. Slack jawed and swirly eyed, it was clear the behemoth had been bested.

"Alright!" "Haun-ter!" "Poooleon!" The crowd went wild, clearly.

Taking off his shades, the gym leader let out a low chuckle, returning Electivire.

"Electivire is unable to battle! Score: zero to one! The challenger wins!" the referee announced.


The referee barely got his declaration out of the way before Ash whooped in glee.

"We did it!" he enthusiastically hollered, running out onto the field as the sand clouds began to dissipate. The trainer pulled the weary behemoth into a tight embrace, not even minding as the huge rock type rested its head on the human's shoulder. "Tyranitar, you were awesome!"

A pleased, tired cry of victory slipped passed the Armor Pokémon's lips. The hug was returned in full.

Perhaps the hug was returned too well, actually. Ash's eyes suddenly doubled in size and he let out a yelp before it turned into pained laughter. "Youch! … Thanks."

"Pikachu!" cheered Ash's starter. During the tail end of the match, the little electric type finally returned to consciousness. He was quick to dash over and leap onto Tyranitar's shoulder, also praising one of the newest members of their expansive team.

Surge had returned Electivire by then, crossing his beefy arms. "Ya beat me again finally, baby," the old soldier solemnly stated with a nod, patiently waiting for the sandstorm to die down. "Ya gotta go give 'em real hell now. I don't lose to no losers."

Ash broke from Tyranitar's embrace to turn his attention to the giant of a gym leader across the battlefield. "You bet. This time, I'm totally gonna beat the Indigo League! … With the help of all of my awesome friends, of course." Ash turned back to his Pokémon, giving them a thumbs up. Then, he turned to the trio on the bench. He particularly caught the eyes of his very own cheerleader, met with a smile and the very same gesture from Dawn. Ash could only grin; she'd given him plenty of morale, too!

Meanwhile, Surge let out a barking laugh. "Ya better! 'Cause, if ya don't, I'm puttin' ya through boot camp m'self!" Was that a promise or a threat? Regardless, the aging gym leader headed to the back of his gym, no doubt going to attend to his team.

Ash laughed. "No need to worry!" After all, this was a sure thing.

Waving excitedly as she ran down the steps with Empoleon and Haunter in tow, Dawn was already chattering by the time she reached the battlers. "You guys did great! I knew you could! You just had to keep your head cool. And, Pikachu, that was incredible. The same to you, Tyranitar!" the coordinator praised.

Empoleon nodded along enthusiastically while Haunter drifted back to Ash's side, positively beaming with pride for his trainer and teammates.

"Thanks a lot. They were really awesome, huh? Infernape was, too!" Ash insisted, suddenly realizing the poor fire type would have to get his praise in person after everyone was healed up at the Pokémon Center. "The cheer squad sure helped, you know; I gotta hand it to you guys." Ash even looked at Haunter fondly, grateful to the newest cheerleader.

For a brief second, Haunter smiled. Then, he popped his facial features out of his immaterial form, earning a yelp from Ash.

"Gah! I'll take that as a thank you, I guess," the trainer muttered.

By now, Tyranitar's strength was waning. His slump became more pronounced and Ash pulled out a Pokéball.

"I guess it's time to go get some rest. Good job, buddy." The trainer waited for Pikachu to hop onto his shoulder before returning Haunter as well and then turning to Dawn. "Let's get everyone to the Pokémon Center. They need it."

"Right."

With that, the two trainers fell into step at each other's side, Empoleon walking behind the two while Pikachu found himself nuzzling into Ash's neck sleepily. They'd rest, relax, and celebrate tonight. As Ash remembered it, Surge was one of the toughest gym leaders he'd faced. From here on out, it should be smooth sailing on his part! Or, so he thought...