A Different Path
Hi all! Sorry for the long wait! I had writer's block and CharmedMilliE had school, so it took a while to get our next chapter written.
Before we start, an anonymus reviewer named Nick asked some good questions we'd like to clear up.
With the exception of some episodes we find pointless, this fanfic will follow the anime, with some things changing due to a more mature Ash. I know we're going at least through Johto and covering some of the movies as well. Everyone in the fanfic is the same age they are in the anime, with Ash and Misty being ten while Brock is sixteen. As for the Pokémon they're getting…we don't want to ruin the surprise. Team Rocket will just catch the ones they do in the anime though.
Please review and let us know what you think!
Mystery At The Lighthouse and Electric Shock Showdown
"Okay, the road's got to be somewhere." Ash muttered as they hiked along a wooded trail.
"Everything's somewhere." Brock said sarcastically.
"Ash, did you get us lost AGAIN?" Misty grumbled.
Pikachu sighed. "Ash, you're my best friend, but I've got to tell you that you have the worst sense of direction on the planet." Charmander, who was walking beside Ash, nodded.
"Thanks for the support, guys." Ash thought sarcastically to his companions.
Misty grabbed the map from Ash. "I am NEVER letting you hold the map again!"
"You were the one who gave it to me and told me it would be good to learn how to navigate!" Ash protested.
"Yeah, navigate, not get us lost!" Misty yelled.
"Okay, okay, everyone chill!" Brock said, stepping in. "We'll figure out a way out of here."
"Okay, but this time, I'M leading." Misty replied.
"Fine by me." Ash said.
Misty led them out of the woods and they came upon a sandy beach with a sparkling blue ocean. Misty sighed happily and kicked off her shoes. "What a beautiful beach. And just look at that sunset!"
"Hey, look over there!" Pikachu thought to Ash, jumping up and down while repeating his name and pointing.
Ash followed Pikachu's tiny finger. "Oh good, a lighthouse! Maybe they can tell us where we are!"
"And maybe they'll have a nice, comfortable bed!" Misty said happily. "I'm sick of sleeping in sleeping bags. I need my beauty sleep."
"Maybe they have a stove I can use too." Brock said. The group ran to the lighthouse, hoping to get there before it got dark.
…...
"For the last time Rudolph, you can't play with us." a large Krabby sneered at a much smaller one. The other Krabby surrounding him laughed.
"Why not?" Rudolph pleaded.
"Because you're too small and weak." the large Krabby said arrogantly. "Come find us when you grow up a bit."
Rudolph glared at them. "I may be small, but I'll prove to you guys I'm strong!" he yelled. He noticed a group of trainers run by and scuttled to the closest, a raven-haired boy with a Pikachu on his shoulder.
…...
As Ash was running to the lighthouse, a tiny Krabby suddenly ran in front of him. He hit the brakes before he could step on it, stumbling and nearly sending Pikachu flying off his shoulder.
The little Krabby moved towards him, clicking its claws together and chattering in his own language. Ash looked at Pikachu. "Can you tell me what it's saying, buddy?"
"He wants to challenge you to a battle." Pikachu explained.
Ash looked at the Krabby, liking the glint of determination in his eyes. He could tell this Krabby was a fighter. "Would you like to battle?" Ash asked. The Krabby clicked his claws together. "Okay, but if I win, I'd like you to join me."
The Krabby studied him for a minute, then clicked his claws together again. He kind of liked this trainer, and joining him would be better than dealing with the Krabby gang who were always bullying him. Plus, he'd get to see the world and become even stronger.
Ash smiled and nodded to the Krabby before throwing a Poké Ball. "Go! Bulbasaur!" The Grass type landed in front of him, facing his opponent. "Use Vine Whip!"
Rudolph nimbly dodged the Vine Whip, then shot a stream of mud at Bulbasaur, hitting him in the eyes. Bulbasaur stumbled backwards, then tried to wipe off his eyes using his vines. The little Krabby took advantage of the distraction and grabbed onto him with Vice Grip, making Bulbasaur yelp in pain.
Smart little guy. Ash thought. "Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip on him to make him let you go!" Bulbasaur hit the little Krabby with Vine Whip, knocking him off. The Krabby then shot a stream of bubbles at Bulbasaur.
"Dodge, then use Razor Leaf!" Ash called. Bulbasaur got out of the way by centimeters, then shot razor sharp leaves at the Krabby, knocking him backwards. But Rudolph was stubborn, and he wasn't out yet. He struggled to his feet and shot off another Mud Shot.
"Dodge it, then Vine Whip!" Ash called, impressed by the Krabby's determination. Too tired to get out of the way, the little Krabby was hit by the Vine Whip and knocked on his back. Ash threw a Poké Ball and held his breath as it rattled once, twice, three times before clicking shut. It then teleported away to the lab.
"We did it! We caught Krabby!" Ash cheered, making a victory sign. "Thanks Bulbasaur." he said, petting his grass type before returning him. Then the group continued on their trek to the lighthouse.
…...
It was nearly dark by the time they had reached the lighthouse. "Whew, that was further than it looked." Ash said, panting.
"Hey, look at these carvings." Brock told them. Ash and Misty noticed that there were carvings of many different species of Pokémon on the door. "I wonder who lives here?"
"Well, there's only one way to find out." Ash said, pressing the doorbell. It let out an ominous sound that made everyone huddle together nervously.
"Who's there?" a male voice boomed through the loudspeaker, making everyone jump.
"Excuse me sir, but we're travelers and we're lost." Brock said. "Can you give us directions?"
"We've been camping out for quite a while and we were wondering if you had some extra beds. We can pay you for the stay." Misty added.
"And I was wondering if I could use your kitchen to make some bacon double cheeseburgers for our group. I have all the ingredients with me and I can make something for you too." Brock offered.
"That sounds great." the voice said happily. "Can you cook without using tofu?"
"Yeah, I can cook lots of things without using tofu." Brock responded.
"That's good." the voice replied. "I've been eating nothing but tofu ever since my cook went on vacation. Come on in." The doors to the lighthouse slowly opened and the group walked inside the dark lighthouse.
The lighthouse was huge, with a winding staircase and large windows. Everyone looked around, wondering where the keeper of the lighthouse was.
Ash noticed a telephone shaped like a Bellsprout. "May I use your phone, please?" he asked politely. He wanted to call Professor Oak and see how Krabby and Shellder were doing.
"Sure. It's right near you." the lighthouse keeper said through the loudspeaker.
"I wonder why the keeper hasn't come out to meet us yet." Charmander mused, looking around. Pikachu just shrugged as Ash dialed Professor Oak's number.
The video screen flashed on, showing Professor Oak by his stove, cooking something in a big pot. "Hello, Ash. Good to see you." Professor Oak said warmly. "I'm assuming you're calling about your new Krabby. He's doing just fine." Professor Oak turned the camera, showing Krabby resting in a bowl. Next to him was a much larger bowl holding a giant Krabby.
"I'm glad." Ash replied happily. "Hello, Krabby." Krabby looked at him and clicked his claws together. "Who does the other Krabby belong to, by the way?"
"Oh, that's Gary's." Professor Oak told him. "He's caught forty-five Pokémon already."
"Forty-five? What's he doing, throwing a Poké Ball at every Pokémon he sees?" Pikachu muttered.
"Probably. This is Gary we're talking about." Ash thought back before turning back to Professor Oak. "How's Shellder doing?"
Professor Oak was about to answer, but Shellder beat him to it, jumping onto the counter and sticking her whole face in the camera when she heard Ash asking about her. She cooed happily at her trainer as Ash smiled at her, hiding a laugh.
Professor Oak burst out laughing. "As you can see, she's doing just fine. She's been great company and is always helping me out."
"That's good." Ash said, smiling. Shellder cooed again and nuzzled the camera.
"She says she misses you." Pikachu translated.
Ash put his hand up against the video screen. "I miss you too, girl. I'll pick you and Krabby up when I'm done with the Electric Gym, okay?" Shellder gave her version of a nod. "In the meantime, can you help Krabby train?" Shellder nodded again and moved away from the camera so Professor Oak could speak to Ash.
"So where are you at, Ash?" Professor Oak asked.
"We're at a lighthouse on top of a cliff somewhere between Cerulean and Vermillion." Ash answered.
"That sounds like my friend Bill's lighthouse." Professor Oak said. "He's a young Pokémon Researcher who knows even more than me. He could teach you everything there is to know about Pokémon and then some."
The loudspeaker crackled. "This is Bill, Professor Oak. It's good to hear from you."
"Oh, hello Bill." Professor Oak said cheerfully. "Please give my friends a crash course on Pokémon." His pot began boiling over. "Oh! Tofu's done! Talk to you later, Ash!" He began blowing on the tofu as he hung up.
"Well, there's no way I can ignore a request from the great Professor Oak." Bill's voice boomed. The lights suddenly turned on. "I am Bill of the lighthouse!" Everyone looked towards the stairs and gasped in shock when they saw not a human, but a giant Kabuto.
…...
"Holy crap! What is that thing?!" Pikachu yelled, his cheeks sparking. He and Charmander stepped forward, prepared to do battle.
"It can't be!" Brock cried. "That's Kabuto, an extinct Pokémon! What's it doing here?"
"No! I'm not a Kabuto!" Bill exclaimed. "I'm Bill, the Pokémon researcher!"
Everyone calmed down. "Is that a costume or something?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, and I kind of got myself stuck in it." Bill admitted sheepishly.
"Need some help getting out of it?" Ash asked.
"Yes, please!" Bill said with relief. "Please press the button on the right side of the costume."
Ash walked up the stairs and examined the costume, spotting the button just under the right arm. "This button?" he asked, not wanting to hit a wrong button and make things worse.
"Yes." Bill said. "These arms are too short. I tried to get out of the costume, but I couldn't reach the button."
Charmander looked at him oddly. "Why the heck did he put the button to get him out on the outside of the costume?" Pikachu just shrugged and rolled his eyes.
Ash quickly pressed the button and the costume fell away to reveal a green haired man in a red suit. "Thanks." Bill told him gratefully. "I was stuck in there for hours!"
"So he just decided to sit in the dark in a Kabuto costume he couldn't get out of and freak us out instead of just telling us when he first invited us in?" Pikachu thought to Ash and Charmander. "We seem to run into all the nutcases on our trip…" Ash just rolled his eyes at his starter.
"Did you come from a costume party?' Misty asked.
"No, it's not for a party." Bill replied. "It's a special costume I use for my research. Getting inside its skin helps me get inside its head."
"What do you mean?" a confused Ash questioned.
Bill pointed to some carvings of an Omanyte, Omastar, and Aerodactyl. "There are all kinds of extinct Pokémon and I want to understand how they lived. Putting on a costume is one way of trying to figure out what they were like."
Pikachu looked at him in awe. "I can't decide whether that's weird or extremely brilliant."
"So you can understand what a Pokémon was like by wearing a costume?" Ash questioned.
Bill nodded. "Yes indeed. Or I'm beginning to. This planet was created 4.6 billion years ago. During that time, all kinds of Pokémon existed, and they had many ways of living. In Kanto alone, there are at least one hundred and fifty known species of Pokémon. And new ones are discovered all the time, so we need to keep searching. There is always something to look for, inside and outside ourselves."
"Something to look for?" Brock asked.
"Yes. There's a lot for us to look for, inside and outside ourselves. There's a meaning for every creature. A meaning for all the Pokémon, and a meaning for all us humans too."
Bill turned to Ash. "Keep searching for Pokémon to catch. It's as vital to me as it is to you. And always keep your eyes open for new discoveries. I recently came upon the greatest discovery of my life."
"What was it?" Misty asked.
Bill looked dreamily out the window as he spoke. "A few weeks ago, I heard this sweet, mournful call come from the ocean and saw the silhouette of the biggest Pokémon I've ever seen. It was crying for a friend, and I recorded a call and answered it. It finally came to me a few days ago. It was a giant Dragonite. It stayed with me for a day, then left; I'm assuming to look for more of its own kind. I'm not sure if it will be back, but I really hope it will. Despite its size, it was very gentle and sweet, and I'm so glad I got the chance to befriend it."
"I hope so too." Ash replied. A giant Dragonite would be really cool to see.
Bill let them spend the night at the lighthouse. Unfortunately, the giant Dragonite did not show up again that night, much to their disappointment. The next morning, Bill gave them directions to Vermillion, and the group went on their way.
…...
"We're finally here." Misty sighed several days later as they walked into Vermillion City. Ash and Misty had made the decision to stop for some intense training before they entered the city to prepare for the Gym Battle. Much to Ash's Geodude's relief, he had finally learned to get his Magnitude to a high level. Nidoran had mastered Drill Run and had also picked up on Fury Attack and Horn Attack. With Scyther's help, Bulbasaur had almost unlocked Nature Power, though he was still having problems getting it up to full power.
As well as helping Bulbasaur, Scyther had started learning X-Scissor. It still wasn't up to where Scyther wanted it to be, but he was progressing. Charmander had worked his butt off, mastering Metal Claw and learning Fire Fang and Flame Burst and Pikachu was working on learning Thunder.
Misty too had trained hard for the gym and her Oddish was making real progress on unlocking Razor Leaf, her egg move. She had also learned Mega Drain and Giga Drain. Despite his goofy prankster side, Squirtle was found to be a hard worker and had learned Bite, Rapid Spin, and Protect. Seel had mastered Drill Run while Goldeen had learned Flail, Water Pulse, and Aqua Ring. Staryu managed to master its Camouflage and its other moves were much stronger with all the extra training.
The group made a quick stop at the Pokémon Center to heal up their Pokémon and have lunch before heading for the gym.
"You want to go first, Misty?" Ash asked after swallowing a bite of his rice.
Misty shook her head. "You go ahead first." she said a little bit nervously. "Maybe I can get some ideas for my battle by watching you."
"Don't be nervous. I'm sure you'll do great." Ash reassured her and Misty gave him a smile.
After lunch, they walked to the gym, a tall green building with lightning bolts painted on it. Inside were two trainers; a man and a woman wearing army fatigues.
"Hello," Ash said. "We'd like to challenge Lt. Surge for the Thunder Badge."
The man smirked. "Hey Boss, your next victims are here." he called.
"Which ones?" a booming voice asked and a tall, muscular blond man stepped out of the shadows.
"Us, sir." Misty said, stepping forward. "Misty Waterflower and Ash Ketchum."
Lt. Surge smirked. "So which one of you two loses first?"
Misty and Ash looked at each other and Ash stepped forward. "I'll go first, sir, but I don't intend to lose."
"Good. A challenger with guts. I like that. But let's see if you can back up those words." Lt. Surge said. They walked to the battlefield. "Go, Voltorb!" Lt. Surge called, releasing a large Pokémon that looked a lot like a Poké Ball.
"Go, Peter!" Ash called, releasing his Geodude. Peter punched the air, eager to battle.
"Type advantage can help, but it isn't everything! Voltorb, use Sonic Boom!" Lt. Surge called. Voltorb let out a shock wave, doing Peter some damage.
"Peter, use Magnitude!" Ash commanded. Peter unleashed a massive Magnitude, doing some serious damage to Voltorb.
"Voltorb, use Swift!" Lt. Surge called.
Ash knew the attack couldn't be dodged. "Peter, use Defense Curl!" Peter curled into a ball, covering his weak spots. The Swift hit, doing a little damage, but not very much. "Now, use Rollout to get close, followed by Hammer Arm!" Peter shot towards Voltorb, hitting it with his fist and sending it flying.
Lt. Surge knew Voltorb was extremely close to fainting. It was time for the last resort. "Voltorb, use Rollout towards that Geodude, then use Self-Destruct!"
"Peter, get out of there!" Ash called frantically, but it was too late.
KABOOM!
"Peter!" Ash shouted in worry. The smoke cleared, showing that both Peter and Voltorb were knocked out.
"Both Voltorb and Geodude are unable to battle! Release your next Pokémon!" the referee called. Lt. Surge recalled his Voltorb, giving it a quiet apology.
Sadly, Ash recalled Peter. "Thank you, buddy. You did great." he whispered.
"That was a dirty trick." Charmander growled angrily from the sidelines.
Pikachu nodded. "Unfortunately there's no rule against using it." he said with a sigh.
"Go, Nidoran! It's up to you, buddy!" Ash called, releasing Nidoran. The Poison Pin Pokémon took a battle stance in front of him.
"Let's see how your Nidoran can handle my strongest Pokémon! Go! Raichu!" Lt. Surge called.
"Use Drill Run, Nidoran!" Ash commanded. Nidoran ran at his opponent.
"Use Thundershock to stop it!" Lt. Surge called. But Nidoran powered through the Thundershock and slammed into the Raichu with Drill Run, causing some serious damage.
"All right, no more kid stuff! Use Thunder!" Lt. Surge commanded. Raichu powered up a Thunder attack and sent it at Nidoran.
"Dodge!" Ash called and Nidoran got out of the way of the full force of the attack though he was still damaged by it a little. "Now Drill Run!" Nidoran hit Raichu with his Drill Run, knocking the Raichu back.
"Thunder again while he's close!" Lt. Surge ordered. Nidoran was hit with a full power Thunder attack. "Now Mega Kick!" Raichu gave Nidoran a fierce kick before the Poison Pin Pokémon could dodge, knocking him senseless.
"Nidoran!" Ash called in worry. He reached for Nidoran's Poké Ball, ready to forfeit so Nidoran wouldn't be hurt any more, but Nidoran staggered to his feet, his body glowing as he increased in size. Nidoran had now become a large-and angry- Nidorino.
Ash smiled at his newly evolved Pokémon. "Nidorino, use Horn Attack!" Nidorino hit Raichu with a Horn Attack, knocking it out.
"Raichu is unable to battle! The winner is Ash Ketchum!"
Lt. Surge recalled Raichu, then walked over to Ash. "Congratulations kid. You earned it." He handed Ash the Thunder Badge.
Ash grinned. "We did it! Thanks, Nidoran…I mean Nidorino!" He hugged his newly evolved Pokémon, who flattened his spines down so Ash wouldn't prick himself. Pikachu jumped on Ash's shoulder and Charmander ran over, both congratulating him and Nidorino.
"Good job, Ash." Misty said and Brock high-fived him.
They had to wait half an hour for Lt. Surge to get his Pokémon healed, and then it was Misty's turn to battle.
"Go, Voltorb!" Lt. Surge called.
"Oddish, go!" Misty called, releasing her Grass Type. "Use Sleep Powder!"
"Fry that Sleep Powder with Discharge!" Lt. Surge commanded. The resulting wave of electricity destroyed the Sleep Powder. "Now use Spark!" Oddish was hit by the Spark attack, sending her backwards.
"Giga Drain!" Misty called. Oddish hit Voltorb with the Giga Drain, taking some of its energy and healing herself. "Now use Acid!" Voltorb yelped in pain as Oddish's Acid hit him.
"Discharge!" Surge called and Oddish flew backwards as the huge wave of electricity hit her. She landed hard, then got to her feet, her body glowing. As the white light faded, it was revealed that Oddish had evolved into Gloom. Gloom stood tall and looked at Misty with a smile.
Misty remembered from researching Egg moves on Ash's Pokédex that sometimes Pokémon could learn their Egg moves through evolution. And since Oddish had gotten pretty close to learning her Egg move before she evolved… "Gloom, use Razor Leaf!" Gloom shot leaves from the top of her head, knocking Voltorb backwards.
"Now use Acid!" Misty called. The attack hit Voltorb head-on, bringing the Electric type close to fainting.
"Use Spark!" Lt. Surge commanded.
"Dodge and use Razor Leaf!" Misty ordered. Gloom nimbly dodged the attack, then hit Voltorb with a Razor Leaf, knocking it out.
"Voltorb is unable to battle! Gym Leader, choose your next Pokémon!" the referee called.
"Go, Raichu!" Lt. Surge called, releasing the orange mouse.
"Gloom, Razor Leaf!" Misty commanded.
"Raichu, destroy that Razor Leaf with Thunder!" Lt. Surge commanded. The massive lightning attack vaporized the leaves, then hit Gloom. Weakened from her battle with Voltorb, Gloom fainted.
"Gloom is unable to battle! Challenger, release your next Pokémon!" the referee called.
Sadly, Misty recalled Gloom. "Thank you. You did a wonderful job." she whispered to Gloom's Poké Ball. "Go, Squirtle!"
Lt. Surge laughed. "A Water Type versus an Electric type? Kid, you should just surrender now, save your Pokémon some pain." Squirtle glared at him and took a battle stance. Ash was about to get up and tell Lt. Surge off, but Brock pulled him back down.
"Type advantage isn't everything." Misty said coolly.
Lt. Surge shrugged. "All right, your choice. Raichu! Thundershock!"
"Dodge it, Squirtle, then use Rapid Spin!" Misty called. Drawing himself inside his shell, Squirtle spun quickly, evading the Thundershock and slamming into Raichu, knocking the electric mouse backwards.
"Thunderbolt!" Surge ordered.
"Protect!" Misty called quickly and Squirtle threw up a shield, preventing the Thunderbolt from hitting him. "Now, Water Pulse!" Raichu was hit by a pressurized blast of water.
"Show them true power! Use Thunder!" Lt. Surge called.
Misty knew Squirtle wouldn't be able to put up another Protect in time. "Squirtle, Withdraw!" Squirtle withdrew into his shell, preventing some of the damage, but he was still pretty badly hit and was dangerously close to fainting.
Lt. Surge smirked. "Now use Thunderbolt!" he ordered.
"Dodge it, Squirtle!" Misty called frantically. But Squirtle, exhausted from the Thunder attack, wasn't able to dodge the bolt of lightning in time and was knocked out.
"Squirtle is unable to battle! The winner is Lt. Surge!" the referee called.
Misty recalled Squirtle. "Thank you." she whispered to him.
"Word of advice, kid," Lt. Surge said. "Capture a Pokémon that's strong against Electrics. Water versus Electric is a bad match." Misty thanked him for the battle and walked out, a sad expression on her face. Ash and Brock quickly followed her.
…...
Misty sat quietly as she waited for her Pokémon to be healed. Ash watched her with worry, hating seeing his friend upset. He racked his brains for a way to help her.
Once hers and Ash's Pokémon were healed and given back to them, Misty released Squirtle. "Squirtle, I am so, so sorry I made you battle that Raichu and got you hurt. I won't make you go through that again."
Squirtle shook his head violently and patted her knee. "Misty, I WANT to battle that arrogant jerk and his rat again-no offense, Pikachu. You're a great trainer and we both know I'm awesome." he said with a grin. "If we figure out a new strategy, I know we can beat that guy." He glanced at Ash and Pikachu to translate, having heard from one of Ash's Pokémon that Ash, Pikachu, and Charmander shared some kind of weird mental bond.
Pikachu quickly translated to Ash, who turned to Misty. "Mist, I think Squirtle wants to battle Raichu for you. Just look how determined he is. And regardless of what Surge says, I know you can work around the type disadvantage. You come up with awesome strategies and I know you can beat Surge."
Misty gave him a small smile. "Thanks." She thought for a few minutes. "I have an idea that might help, but I'm not sure it will be enough."
"Let's check the Pokédex. Maybe Squirtle can learn some Ground Type moves like Mud Shot or Mud Sport or something." Ash suggested. He pulled out his Pokédex and she scooted closer to look, not noticing that her head was almost on his shoulder as they looked at the screen.
"Okay, it looks like the only Ground Type move Squirtle can learn is Dig, and that's not going to help much on a solid floor. Hmm, what else do we got?" Ash mused. "Squirtle can learn Iron Tail? Hey, I have an idea!"
"Uh-oh." Misty teased.
"It's a good idea!" Ash protested playfully.
"Okay, I'll bite. What is it?"
"I saw this really cool battle on TV where a Pidgeot was battling an Electabuzz and it used the move Steel Wing to draw the electricity away from itself and then put its wings on the floor to ground the electricity. Maybe you could do the same with Iron Tail."
"Would Iron Tail be strong enough to work?" Misty asked.
"I think it should be." Ash told her. Then another idea hit him. He remembered how Pikachu had been unable to shock Shellder because of her shell when they had battled for the first time. "I think if you use Iron Tail and…." Misty's eyes lit up as he told her the idea.
"That's just crazy enough to work." Misty said. "Now how do I teach Squirtle Iron Tail?
Ash looked at Pikachu. "Do you think you could help Squirtle learn Iron Tail, buddy?"
Pikachu nodded. "Of course."
"Sarge can probably help too." Ash mused.
Misty looked confused. "Sarge? Do you mean Lt. Surge? Because I don't think he'd…"
Ash blushed. "No, I meant Scyther." Pikachu called Scyther Sarge so much that Ash had begun thinking of him as Sarge and even called him that a few times, much to the Bug Type's amusement.
"Oh." Misty replied. "That is a good nickname for that Scyther of yours. He does sort of act like a drill sergeant. So when can we start?"
…...
Over the next week, Pikachu and Scyther helped Squirtle learn Iron Tail. Squirtle had some trouble with it at first, but he was a quick learner, and by the end of the week he had it mastered.
Misty worked hard on figuring out how to create a strategy using both her idea and Ash's that would help. She and Squirtle had several mock battles with Pikachu and finally managed to defeat the electric mouse. Their hard work had paid off and they were ready to face Surge and his Raichu again.
…...
The rematch started much the same way the first battle had, with Gloom defeating Voltorb but being knocked out by Raichu, though this time she was able to get a few good hits on the orange mouse before fainting.
Lt. Surge raised his eyebrows when Misty released Squirtle. "I see you still haven't learned your lesson. Do you really think your little turtle can beat my Raichu?"
Misty looked him squarely in the eyes. "Yes."
"Sure you don't want to surrender now, kid, and save your Squirtle from getting fried?"
Squirtle let out a growl and took a battle stance. Misty smirked. "Well, there's your answer."
Lt. Surge shrugged. "Your loss, kid. Literally." He turned to Raichu. "Use Thundershock!"
"Withdraw and use Rapid Spin! Go right through it!" Misty called. Squirtle pulled himself into his shell, shutting it tightly and then using Rapid Spin, slamming into Raichu. He then returned to Misty and opened up his shell, showing that he had taken little damage.
Lt. Surge smirked. "Impressive. But let's see you get past this! Thunder!"
"Protect!" Misty commanded and Squirtle threw up his shield. "Now douse that rat with Water Pulse! Full power!" The Water Pulse hit Raichu hard, causing him to become confused.
Lt. Surge growled. "Show them the full extent of your power! Give them your strongest Thunder!"
"Turn towards me, then Withdraw and use your Iron Tail!" Misty called quickly. Squirtle withdrew into his shell and his tail glowed as the attack hit. But between Raichu's confusion and the water surrounding it, Raichu managed to shock itself as well. Smoke filled the arena and when it cleared, Raichu was standing, but barely. Squirtle was in his shell, his tail glowing and touching the ground, effectively grounding the electricity. He pulled himself out of his shell, looking tired and a little sore, but still in the game.
Lt. Surge gasped. "What?"
Misty took advantage of the distraction. "Finish it off with Rapid Spin!" Before Raichu or Surge could react, Squirtle hit Raichu with a Rapid Spin, knocking it out.
"Raichu is unable to battle! Bout goes to the challenger, Misty Waterflower!" the referee called.
A grin spread across Misty's face. "We did it, Squirtle! We won!" she cheered. Squirtle jumped into her arms and she hugged him tightly. Brock and Ash ran down to congratuate her, and she high-fived Brock, then hugged Ash in her excitement, not noticing the blush that appeared on her raven-haired friend's face. Pikachu did though and smirked. This would make some great teasing material…
Lt. Surge came over and handed her the Thunder Badge. "Good job, kid. It appears I greatly underestimated you and got too cocky for my own good. I have to say that's the first time I've ever been beaten by a water type. Keep battling like that and you'll make the League in no time."
Misty thanked him and the group headed back to the Pokémon Center, wondering what new challenges and adventures awaited them.
Ash's Pokémon(+ means still learning)
Scyther(Sarge) (M): Vacuum Wave, Quick Attack, Leer, Focus Energy, Pursuit, False Swipe, Agility, Wing Attack, Slash, Razor wind, X-Scissor+ Egg Move: Steel Wing (Locked).
Geodude (Peter) (M): Defense Curl, Tackle, Mud Sport, Rollout, Rock Throw, Magnitude. Egg move- Hammer arm (unlocked)
Pikachu (M): Thunder Shock, Thunder Wave, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Agility, Thunder+ Egg Move: Volt Tackle (locked)
Shellder (F): Tackle, Withdraw, Icicle Shard, Razor Shell, Protect, Aurora Bean+ Egg Move: Water Gun (unlocked)
Nidorino (M): Leer, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Drill Run, Fury Attack, Horn Attack. No egg move.
Bulbasaur (M): Tackle, Growl, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Take Down, Razor Leaf, Sweet Scent, Growth, Double Edge and Worry Seed. Egg move: Nature Power (semi-unlocked)
Charmander (M) : Growl, Scratch, Ember, Smokescreen, Flamethrower, Metal Claw, Fire Fang, Flame Burst. Egg move: Dragon Rush (Locked)
Krabby (Rudolph) (M): Mud Sport, Bubble, Vice Grip, Leer, Harden, Bubble Beam, Mud Shot.
Misty's Pokémon:
Staryu: Harden, Tackle, Water Gun, Rapid Spin, Recover, Bubble Beam, Gyro Ball, Camouflage. No Egg Move
Seel (M): Headbutt, Growl, Water Sport, Icy Wind, Encore, Ice Shard, Ice Beam, Drill Run. Egg Move: Signal Beam.
Goldeen (F): Peck, Tail Whip, Water Sport, Supersonic, Horn Attack, Flail, Water Pulse, Aqua Ring. Egg Move: no egg move
Gloom (F): Absorb, Sweet Scent, Acid, Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Sleep Powder, Giga Drain, Mega Drain. Egg Move: Razor Leaf(unlocked)
Squirtle (M): Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Gun, Bubble, Bite, Rapid Spin, Protect. Egg move: Aqua Jet