Hey Guys! Back with another long chapter! Can we maybe get a few reviews for this chapter? In this one, SCARLET BATTLES FOR A GYM BADGE!

Plus we meet up with Nathans family!

Anyways...

On with the Chapter!

Chapter XVIII:

"Ah Vermillion City." Nathan beamed, breathing the fresh air coming from the town built by the beach. "I had forgotten all about this place."

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, shifting the Pokemon Egg to the left side of my arm. "You've only lived here for a month Nathan." I deadpanned, and a tint of pink appeared on the arrogant boy's face.

Bryce snickered and Growlithe barked with laughter, and when Nathan looked slightly put off I just laughed and ruffled the boys hair affectionately. "Oh come on Thanny, I'm just teasing you."

The nickname just caused Bryce and Growlithe to chuckled harder, and Nathans tint of pink turned red.

"Shut up Scarlet." Nathan grumbled, glaring daggers at me, but that only caused my grin to grow.

Sandra had given me a strange incubator-like jar where my Pokemon Egg now rested inside, and I held onto it carefully, trying not to let it shift to often. I was determined to hang onto it until it hatched, which wouldn't be any time soon as far as Bryce and John thought.

Nathans family had moved to Vermillion City when Drew had been offered a job as the manager in the Vermillion City contest hall. May on the other hand had been offered the job as a coach for young coordinators.

"So where to first?" Bryce questioned, and I shrugged and looked at Nathan with a raised eyebrow. "When is the contest Nathan?"

"The contest is tomorrow, so we have time to do your Gym Badge first Scarlet." Nathan smiled, but then it dropped after a moment. "Oh no, we should probably head over to my place first, or my mom would flip out."

Bryce laughed and nodded, and Growlithe jumped in excitement. "Growl!"

I reached down and picked up my puppy Pokemon, excited at the idea of seeing Nathans family again.

"Alright let's go! I haven't seen Grace or Mikey since the day we left Pallet Town." I giggled, and ran ahead of the two boys with a smile on my face.

Bryce gaped in surprise but Nathan rolled his eyes. "Wait up Scarlet! You don't even know where I live!"

Once I had calmed down and Nathan pointed out where to go, we arrived to a two story home down by the beach. Nathan smiled and walked up the steps to the front door, knocking three times.

"Hey! Nathan learned his manners!" I beamed, and Nathan scowled, tossing me a dirty look, while Bryce just shook his head in amazement.

"You two can go from best friends to enemies in less than two minutes." He mumbled under his breath. "I don't think that's healthy."

The turn of the doorknob distracted us, and when the door opened, I could see the delighted face of Nathans six year old, green haired sister Grace.

"Mommy! Nathans home!" The little girl squealed in delight, running up and jumping up to wrap her arms around Nathans neck. The brown haired boy stumbled backwards in shock but then broke out into a small smile and hugged the girl back. I grinned at the sight, but I think Nathan took this the wrong way and flushed, slowly pushing Grace off of him.

"Gracie..." The boy sighed, and the girl jumped off him with a sheepish look. "Sorry Nathan."

At that moment, May poked her head out of the front door and beamed, her sapphire eyes shinning in delight when she saw her son. Just as Nathan managed to push off his sister, his mother took her place, wrapping her arms around her son tightly, causing me to giggle and Bryce to snicker. "Nathan! How wonderful! Come on inside, I have lunch already made, and you three need to catch us up with all of your travel stories!"

Nathan flushed red. "Mom... you have to get off me first."

"Opps!" May gasped, pulling away from her son. "Sorry dear."

When we all shuffled inside, we sat in the Hayden's living room, where we ran into Mikey playing with May's Glaceon. Growlithe yipped in excitement and joined the ice type Pokemon and the youngest Hayden, who was looking more and more like Nathan everyday, minus the fact that he had May's sapphire eyes opposed to Nathans emerald green.

Nathan and I sat next to each other on the large couch, and Bryce sat on the recliner. May disappeared into the kitchen for a moment before returning with a large plate of sandwiches and a pitcher of lemonade and several glasses, which we hastily thanked her for before jumping right into the food.

"So how has your journey been going you three?" May asked with a smile, reaching out to pat Glaceon on the head as she rubbed against her legs.

"Pretty good." Nathan grinned after swallowing his sandwich. "I have a Beautifly now, and Mr. Ketchum gave me a Swablu to train."

"I trust you're taking good care of them?" May questioned, almost sternly, and Nathan looked up in surprise. "Of course!"

May nodded, seeming satisfied. "Good. Now how about you Scarlet? Bryce?"

"I'm great Mrs. Hayden." Bryce beamed, stretching slightly.

I smiled and fiddled with the egg incubator. "I'm doing very well. I have three Pokemon now, plus this little guy." I beamed gesturing to the egg.

May looked at the egg in interest. "How cool! Do you know what kind of Pokemon it is?"

I shrugged, picking up Growlithe and placing the puppy on my lap, but made sure the egg was still tucked into my arm safely. "Nope. But that's the best part! I like surprises." I cheekily grinned.

"I like surpwises two Scawet!" Mikey beamed, and I laughed as the little four year old stumbled forward to hug my legs, causing Growlithe to sniff at the little boy in interest. "Can I see Pokemon? Are they pretty like you?" He beamed, looking up at me with innocent sapphire eyes.

I choked on a bite of my sandwich and nervously swallowed. "Um... sorry what was that Mikey?"

Bryce and Nathan snickered slightly, while Grace was looking uninterested and played at Glaceon happily.

May rolled her eyes at her youngest son, picking him up and tucking him in her arms. "He is just like Drew."

"Did I hear my name?" A voice sounded from upstairs, and Drew walked down the steps and grinned in delight when he spotted his son. "Ah Nathan! Welcome home son!"

Nathan smirked and flicked hair away from his bandanna. "Hey Dad."

I rolled my eyes at Nathans sudden mood swing, but smiled up at my uncle like figure. "Hey Mr. Hayden!"

Bryce nodded and smiled as well. "I hope you are well?"

"Yeah I'm doing great kids, Scarlet I suppose you are headed to Vermillion Gym soon?" Drew questioned, and at the mention of the battle, Growlithe jumped in excitement. "Growl!"

I laughed and rubbed behind Growlithe's ears. "You bet! We're going to do great, I just know it!"

Drew had a thoughtful look in his face, as though debating between something. "Good, that will be a great judge of whether or not I can give you a powerful Pokemon."

"What!" Nathan gasped, looking slightly put off.

I gave Drew a bewildered expression. "A... a Pokemon?"

"Way to spoil the surprise Drew." May grumbled, crossing her arms in frustration.

Drew snickered and crossed his arms in satisfaction, and I finally understood what my dad meant about Drew being as arrogant as Nathan when he was a kid.

"I didn't ruin the surprise. She still doesn't know what kind of Pokemon it is. Unlike Ketchum, I plan on making Scarlet work for this Pokemon." Drew grinned, and looked at Nathan with a raised eyebrow. "I saw your last contest by the way son."

I sucked in a sharp breath, waiting for Drew to explode. Nathan looked down in disappointment and sighed. "Dad, I'm so sorry-"

To everyone's surprise, Drew laughed and ruffled Nathans hair. "Don't look so down champ! I was impressed with the way Mudkip was able to finally spin that attract attack! Not to mention the way an water type move was just as powerful as that Elekid's thunderbolt! You surprised me son!"

May nodded, and smiled at the shocked look on her sons face. "You did much better than both Drew and I combined on our first contests! Great job!"

Nathan beamed, but Drew winced slightly. "Ouch May, did you have to bring that up?"

Nathan snickered and shoved me playfully as well. "Hey, don't forget I beat you in a battle as well Scarlet!"

I groaned and smacked my forehead. "Why do you have to be so cocky?!"

"It's just who I am Scar." Nathan smirked, and I glared at me and crossed my arms in annoyance.

"Shut it Thanny!"

"Only when you do Scar!"

"Thanny!"

"Scar!"

"Thanny!"

"SCAR!"

"Aw! That's so cute! You have nicknames for each other!" May squealed, and I flushed bright red while Nathan looked outraged. "MOM!"

Everyone laughed, but mine was cut short when Growlithe tugged on my pant leg expectantly. I turned to look at my Pokemon with a raised eyebrow, and the fire type barked in impatience.

I laughed and nodded at the little Pokemon. "You're right Growlithe, I know. We need to get to the Gym before it gets dark."

"Are you ready to battle Scarlet?" Nathan questioned while raising an eyebrow. "Which Pokemon are you going to use?"

I frowned and stood up with the egg incubator in my arms, and Growlithe sat obediently by my legs. "Well my dad said that the Vermillion Gym was a single battle, so I think I am going to use Aron."

Growlithe barked in irritation and disappointment and I giggled and patted the small dog on the head. "Oh come on Growlithe, I can't use you for every Gym." When the pout on the small Pokemon didn't fade, I sighed and shook my head. "Buddy, come on. It's not that big of a deal. Next time okay?"

After a moment or two of convincing, the puppy finally agreed to sit this one out. I wanted to give all of my Pokemon a chance, especially since Growlithe was my strongest Pokemon at the moment. Sure, beating the Gym Leader would be harder, but I was stubborn.

"We're going to be cheering you on from the sidelines Scarlet!" Bryce grinned, and Nathan nodded. "Oh yeah, you can count on it!"

"I'm coming with you three." Drew smirked, causing all of us to stare at him in confusion and disbelief.

"Um, why dad?" Nathan frowned, and Drew extended his hand to show the three of us a Pokeball. "This is the Pokeball with Scarlet's gift in it. If she wins the battle, its hers."

"You're a piece of work sometimes Drew." May sighed, and rolling her eyes she gathered Grace and Mikey into her arms and began to herd them upstairs for a bath. "I'll see you four when the battle is over I guess. Good luck Scarlet!"

I grinned and waved slightly. "Thanks Mrs. Hayden!"

The four of us and Growlithe walked down the streets of Vermillion until we arrived to the Gym.

I sucked in a sharp breath, and felt excitement course through me. This was it! My second Gym battle. I wasn't going to lose.

I glanced at Nathan, Bryce and Drew, and the three nodded at me encouragingly. I smiled and handed Bryce my egg carefully, and when the boy looked at me confused, I shrugged sheepishly. "I can't battle holding that little guy. Can you watch it for me?" Bryce just chuckled and nodded. "You got it. Now go get a badge Scarlet!"

Putting an enthusiastic grin on my face I pushed the door open, and was instantly greeted by two tough looking teenaged trainers with scowls on their faces.

"Hey kid! What do you think you're doing in here?" The first, a burly looking dark haired boy growled.

"Yeah, this is the Vermillion City Gym, only the toughest trainers can battle here, and you are defiantly not tough." The second, a brunette girl with a smug look added.

I furrowed my brow in annoyance. "Excuse me, but I am a worthy challenger! I'll show you anytime!" From beside me, Growlithe barked in agreement and growled lowly.

The teenaged boy looked at the puppy in contempt. "That little thing? I'm surprised it can even walk with those stubby little paws!"

The girl nodded with a snicker. "Or that big tail, how does it even hold it up?"

I glowered at these teenagers in fury, and Growlithe barked in anger at the teens insults. What a way to welcome a challenger! From behind me Nathan was looking annoyed, and Bryce looked confused. Drew on the other hand was just looking mildly amused.

"Growlithe, for your information, is my strongest Pokemon. I am not a wimpy trainer either! I have the Pewter Gym Badge!" I snapped, and Growlithe barked twice to back me up.

The girl snickered in amusement. "If that puppy is your strongest Pokemon, you're going to get slaughtered by Lt. Surge!"

I narrowed my eyes in anger. I'll show them! Just as I was about to explode on them, a gruff laughter could be heard from behind the teenagers.

"Can it be? Ah what'da'ya know! It's the babies baby!"

The teenagers smirked and backed off, and soon I was faced with the most intimidating man I had ever met. He was at least 7 feet tall and easily towered over me. He smirked at me with onyx black eyes that seemed to make me want to cower and hide. This was the Gym Leader!? He was at least triple the size of Drew! Nathan and Bryce were staring up at the Gym Leader with open mouths, and Drew looked like he was trying not to laugh at our reactions.

"Um, excuse me?" I managed to squeak out, and Growlithe looked up at the towering man in fear.

The gruff man let out a loud laugh, causing me to wince slightly. "Oh yeah! Your Papa was the weakest little thing when he first challenged me. Showed up to battle with nothing but his Pikachu! I pounded him to the ground the first time we battled! Your Mama is pretty tough too, one of the strongest leaders in Kanto I reckon."

The intimidating man turned to look at Growlithe and smirked. "You ain't learned nothing for your father it seems. A tiny Pokemon like Growlithe wont do anything against my Pokemon!"

I frowned, then put a competitive smirk on my face. "Who said I was going to use Growlithe?"

The leader chuckled, and turned to look at my companions. "Hm, you're the Pewter Gym leaders baby correct? Ah! Drew and baby Drew! It's been a long time. Here to watch the baby battle?"

"Why does he keep calling us babies?" Bryce whispered to Nathan, clutching the egg to his chest. Nathan just shrugged.

"Yes Lt. Surge, we are." Drew smirked. "Make it a good one."

Lt. Surge snickered and nodded. "Of course! Now baby, are you ready to live up to your parents expectations?"

While he was talking, I fought the urge to face palm. There we go again with the "Master's Daughter" stuff.

"No. I'm here to make my own dream a reality. I want a battle." I declared, placing my hands on my hips and fixing my cap to sit on my head professionally.

As we were talking, a large brown Pokemon appeared, staring at Growlithe menacingly. "RAI!" It growled as sparks emitted from its cheeks.

"Woah!" I gasped, reaching for my Pokedex. "Isn't that a Raichu?"

Raichu, a Mouse Pokémon of the Electric element. Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu. It can shock with more than 100,000 volts, enough to render a Dragonite unconscious

"That sure is a tough looking Pokemon." Bryce whispered.

Lt. Surge grinned maliciously. "Raichu was the Pokemon that beat your Papa, and now he's going to beat you too!"

I narrowed my eyes at the powerful Gym Leader. "We'll see."

The lieutenant seemed to like that answer, because he roared with laughter and motioned for me to follow him. We entered an arena designed to look like a boxing ring, and I began to feel more nervous with each passing minute.

"Alright Jenny, you will be the referee of this match!" The bulky man called, and the brunette teen saluted. "Yes Sir!" She then marched over to the other side of the arena and nodded once.

"Trainers take your places!" Jenny called, and I sucked in a breath and stepped on the platform. My puppy Pokemon tried to follow but I shot him a look. "Growlithe, please go sit next to the others."

The puppy huffed, but nuzzled my leg in luck and raced to go sit next to Nathan.

Both Lt. Surge and I stood apart from each other, the Gym Leader smirking, while I was smiling in excitement, shaking away my nerves.

"This will be a one on one battle between Leader Lt. Surge and challenger Scarlet." Jenny declared. "First trainer to have their Pokemon knocked out loses. Trainers release your Pokemon!"

Lt. Surge grinned. "Alright Raichu! Get out there!"

"Rai!" The Pokemon cried, leaping onto the battle field.

I narrowed my eyes and reached for a Pokeball thinking hard. I had planned to use Aron from the start, and he was a better choice then Buizel anyway, since he was weak against electric attacks.

"Alright Aron! Let's go!" I called, tossing the Pokeball with a grin. The dual type appeared with a determined look on his face, and crouched down ready to go. "Aron!"

"So she used Aron after all." Nathan hummed. "A better choice than Buizel anyway."

Drew frowned slightly, scratching Growlithe's ears aimlessly. "But now Scarlet may be at a disadvantage. I don't know if Aron is as strong as Raichu."

"Alright Raichu! Thunderbolt!" Lt. Surge grinned wickedly.

I watched as Raichu charged up the powerful attack, and I frowned when I realized it took some time to do so. Speed would have to be my edge. Unfortunately, Aron may be slower than Raichu after all.

"Aron, dodge and use take down!" I called, and just as Raichu released the powerful attack Aron jumped out of the way and began to charge towards Raichu. Since the large Pokemon was still recovering from the power it needed to use Thunderbolt, the attack hit dead on, and Raichu cried out as it went tumbling into the dirt.

"What!?" The lieutenant exclaimed, and I gave the burly man a smirk of my own.

"Nice shot Aron!" I called, and the metal Pokemon tilted its head in response. "Now use metal claw!"

Just as Aron began to charge towards the electric Pokemon again, Raichu got up with a growl and sparks flew from his cheeks. Lt. Surge nodded in approval. "Alright Raichu! Mega kick, let's go!"

Raichu ran towards Aron and let out a flying kick, making the tiny dual type cry out in pain and fly backwards, rolling a few times before pulling itself to its feet.

My eye widened in shock. "Are you okay Aron?" The metal Pokemon nodded and I sighed in relief.

Bryce was watching the battle carefully, before shaking his head. "This could be bad for Scarlet. Aron can't take as much damage as Raichu. She's going to need a new strategy."

Lt. Surge didn't waste another moment. "Raichu, thunder bolt again!"

Just as Raichu charged up another beam, I gasped. "Aron! Quick Iron Defence!"

Just as the Pokemon fired off the thunder bolt, Aron managed to conceal itself in a blue light, and the lighting bounced harmlessly off Aron's shield.

I breathed a sigh of relief, and nodded once to Aron. "Okay buddy, I have an idea, but you have to listen carefully. Use metal claw on Raichu's legs!"

Aron nodded and raced forward, aiming his sharp claws on Raichu's legs. Lt. Surge furrowed his brow and growled lowly. "Raichu! Body slam!"

The electric Pokemon leaned in ready to drop on Aron when I smirked. "Alright Aron! Drop and roll out of the way!"

The dual type narrowed his blue eyes and started rolling and safely dodged the body slam. Lt. Surge clenched his fists as Raichu grunted in pain from the floor, and I beamed.

Nathan grinned. "That was awesome! Using a feint like that to cause damage to Raichu without causing Aron to lose energy."

Drew didn't say anything, but he was looking very impressed.

"Now use Mud slap!" I called, and Aron kicked sand and mud from the field directly into Raichu's face. The brown Pokemon cried out in obvious pain, and Lt. Surge glowered. "Raichu get up! That's an order!"

The Pokemon managed to pull itself to his feel, and Lt. Surge nodded. "Thunderbolt one more time Raichu!"

Raichu charged up once again, but it looked like it was losing more and more energy. Aron crouched ready to go, and I narrowed my eyes waiting for the perfect time.

When the thunderbolt was released, I grinned. "Alright Aron! Run directly into it!"

Everyone watching looked completely confused, but I knew what I was doing. "Now use Iron Defence, and then metal claw!"

The dual Pokemon was wrapped in a protective shield, and once the thunderbolt vanished, Aron swung his paw around to claw Raichu hard. The electric Pokemon wailed in pain and fell to the floor, completely exhausted.

"Raichu is unable to battle!" Jenny called in obvious surprise. "The winner of the battle is Scarlet!"

I laughed in delight and ran up to Aron, wrapping my arms tightly around the Pokemon, who cheered in enthusiasm. "We did it Aron! We won!" I beamed, and I patted the Pokemon on the head in delight.

From behind me, I saw Lt. Surge sigh and pat Raichu on the head. "You did well old friend. Take a long rest."

As I returned Aron to his Pokeball, the burly leader approached me with a smile. "Great job Scarlet! You really are your dads kid."

I grinned in delight. "Thanks Sir!" I then frowned with confusion. "But... you didn't call me baby..."

The Leader laughed heartily and patted my shoulder, the force nearly knocking me over. "I only call people baby until they beat me. You're no baby anymore that's for sure. You deserve this Thunder Badge!"

The leader held up a shiny yellow badge, with I took with a grin. "Thanks sir!"

I heard footsteps, and turned to see Nathan, Bryce and Drew appear, and Growlithe run up and tackle my legs.

I grinned and held up the badge to their faces. "Hey guys! I got a Thunder Badge!"

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, we know."

"Shut it Thanny." I glared back at the arrogant boy.

Bryce beamed, and handed me back my egg which I took gratefully. "Thanks Bryce."

"You are an impressive battler Scarlet. Maybe I will give you this Pokemon." Drew smirked, and I turned to him in excitement. "Really?"

"Yes. But not now." Drew snickered, and my face fell in disappointment. "Oh well, I can wait."

I turned to Nathan with a smirk on my face. "After all, I plan on being in Vermillion until your Contest is over Nathan."

Well that was exciting! I tried to incorporate as much of Lt. Surges personality as I can remember from when I was watching Pokemon a few months back. So that's what I got!

Remember, Review for another early chapter!

Next Chapter:

Nathan's contest in Vermillion City! Will be pull though with a ribbon? Stay tuned to find out!

Love y'all

Shelbs