Chapter 28: The Last Badge

In Viridian City, they headed straight for the Center to rest. There were nasty rumors about the gym leader, so Aaron was attempting to get his team together. While he was doing this, Marie and Andy were calling their families to let them know where they were. Marie got to meet Andy's parents while Andy met Marie's brothers. When they were done, Aaron decided to call his Dad.

"Hey Dad" Aaron said into the Vid-phone.

"Hey Aaron. It's been awhile."

"I know. But, I'm about to go win my 8th Kanto badge."

"Wow. It's been almost two years since the Silver Conference."

"Well, we've been getting lost a lot."

"I'll let you know right now, but I'll be in Indigo to do some work for the next week. And Professor Elm is expecting Professor Oak for a visit. At first he wanted me there so I can talk to him. Elm's been threatening me with a transfer to Oak's lab, but this is a little more important. You just can't refuse Lance Knight."

"I understand. Thanks for letting me know."

"So, how are the gyms in Kanto?"

"Well, most of the leaders keep looking at me funny. Like I look like someone they know. However, there were some that didn't."

"Interesting." Dan said uneasily "Were they all easy to get?"

"No. Especially the Marsh badge from Saffron. Sabrina really confused me."

"Why?"

"Just something she told me. I'll let you know once I figure it out."

"Ok. Well, good luck getting your…what badge are you getting?"

"Earth."

"Good luck getting your Earth badge."

"Thanks. I'll need it. I've heard nasty rumors about it."

0000

At the gym,

CLOSED DUE TO RENOVATIONS

"WHAT! I thought this trend ended in Johto."

"Hey you!" a voice came from behind the trainers.

The threesome turned around to reveal a large, muscular man.

"Are you looking for the gym leader?"

"Y-yes" Aaron said.

"This way."

The threesome followed the man to a smaller building.

"Wait here." The man said outside the building.

About thirty minutes later, a man about Daniel's age and height came out.

"So, who wants to battle me for the Earth badge?" the man asked.

Marie and Andy pointed to Aaron.

"My name is Aaron Ketchem from New Bark. I've come to challenge the gym leader for the Earth badge."

"I'm the gym leader. Wait. Did you say "Ketchem"?"

"Yes sir." Aaron said.

A look of pure hatred spread across the gym leader's face.

"This way." He told him

"Alright." Aaron said uncertain.

0000

The gym leader showed Aaron no mercy what so ever. Between Static, Typhlosion, and Totodile, Aaron had just barely received his badge. The Dugtrio, Persian, and Machamp had been tough to beat.

"Because I am required to give you this because of the rules, here is your Earth badge." he told the young trainer.

"Thank you."

"Just stay out of my way. And I'd advise you to tell your father to do the same."

"Ok?"

0000

After the battle,

"That was weird." Andy said.

"I wonder what history he and my dad have."

"Must not be good. Did you see his face when you said your last name?"

"Pure hatred." Andy said.

"Where to next?" Aaron asked.

"Well, we have about a month before the league, so it's not necessary to head on." Marie said.

0000

A few days later,

"I think I'm going to call Professor Elm." Aaron announced.

"But didn't your Dad say that he has company?" Andy asked.

"That doesn't mean I can't check on my Pokemon."

0000

RING RING RING PHONE CALL PHONE CALL

"Hello?" Professor Elm said after swallowing some dinner.

"Hi Professor Elm. Am I interrupting something?" Aaron asked.

"Oh no. Not at all. Didn't your father say he would be away?"

"Yeah. I was just checking up on things. How are my Pokemon?"

"They're fine. Doing wonderfully I might say. I think yours are the strongest here. Especially…"

"Professor?" a female voice came from off screen. "Excuse me for interrupting, but you have an e-mail"

"Who's that?" Aaron asked.

"Um...Professor Oak's neighbor." Elm answered quickly.

"Surely she has a name." Marie said over Aaron's shoulder.

"If I told you, I'd be dead by the time you're back." Elm said leaving the screen.

Aaron, Marie, Andy, and Static all looked at each other and shrugged.

"Ah. That's who Elm was talking to." Professor Oak came into view before shooting a confused glance at Elm who mouthed the trainer's name.

"Hi Professor Oak." Aaron said. "It's been awhile"

"I haven't seen you since you volunteered to take that egg to Professor Elm. How are things?"

"Fine."

"Elm said the egg hatched."

"It did. Into a Togepi. However, it took a liking to someone else." Aaron said glaring at Marie.

"Who? Me?" She asked innocently.

"Oh no!" Elm's voice was heard. "A Larvitar hatched from the egg and is very ill!"

"We have to go now." Professor Oak told the young trainer. "I hope to see you again."

CLICK

0000

In New Bark,

"Who was that?" the woman asked the Professors.

"Just a trainer who left New Bark almost four years ago." Elm told her.

As they got into the car, Oak asked, "Why didn't you tell her?"

"Dan would have my head if they knew."

"What are you two talking about?" Delia Ketchem asked.

"Nothing." The said in unison.

TBC