Summer and Lightning visited the Pokémon Fan Club to see how they can help Lightning evolve faster. After doing some activities at the building, they met Peter, the Chairman. After a fan-based summary of his favorite show, Peter gave Summer a Soothe Bell to help Lightning. Now, Summer will challenge Lt. Surge for the Thunder Badge. Although Weldon doesn't believe she can win, Lightning, Flower, and Blaze will help her prove him otherwise. Can Summer overcome Lt. Surge's physical attacks?

Chapter 21: An Electrifying Battle!

Lightning and I woke up once the sunlight entered our room at the Pokémon Center. After getting ready for the day and making breakfast for everyone, I told my Pokémon, "All right, everyone. We may be going into our hardest Gym battle yet. Swirls, Errol, are you ready to support us?"

"Sure thing, dudette!"

"We shall cheer for you from our Pokéballs, Ms. Summer!"

"Blaze, Flower, Lightning, are you guys ready?"

Blaze and Flower firmly nodded. Lightning, on the other hand, nervously nodded.

"Are you all right, Ms. Lightning? You look pale," Errol pointed out.
Lightning sharply looked at Errol, then stuttered, "I-I'm fine, Errol. C-can't wait for m-my first real b-battle…"

Flower took out a vine and gently placed it onto Lightning's shoulder. "It's okay to be nervous, Lightning."

Lightning softly smiled. "I know…"

Blaze looked at her intently and reassured, "Don't worry, Lightning. Once you start battling, you'll know what to do. Let's show Lt. Surge how strong you are!"

Lightning's eyes sparkled, and she nodded with determination.

I smiled at the camaraderie, then saw it was almost 8:50. "We should get going." I returned everyone to their Pokéballs and ran to the Vermillion City Gym.

The Gym was a large rectangular concrete building with equally large orange lightning bolt decorations. I slowly opened the double doors and walked into the lobby. The room was decorated with what looked like Lt. Surge's medals and military awards. I walked up to the male receptionist, who was dressed as a soldier.

"Hi, I have a 9 o'clock battle with Lt. Surge."

The receptionist looked at me and instantly saluted me. "Yes! You must be Summer, correct?!"

"Uhh…Yes!" I nervously shouted, saluting back.

The receptionist immediately stood up and shouted, "I shall inform the Lieutenant of your arrival. You may enter the battlefield, Summer!"

He saluted me again, and I awkwardly returned the action. I walked up to a heavy door and struggled to open it. I then heard someone shouting my name. I turned around and saw Ariel and Sebastian.

I smiled and said, "Glad you made it, Ariel!"

Ariel beamed. "Thanks! I was worried I was going to be late. Where should I go?"

I look to my left and saw the stairs leading to the visitor viewing area. "You can head up there," I said, pointing in that direction.

"Okay, good luck!" She and Sebastian ran up the stairs.

Now to open this door… I took a few steps back and charged at the door. With the new momentum, I forcefully pushed the door. The door immediately swung open, and I almost fell into the next room.

The Gym's main room had military logos and training equipment along the orange lightning designs of the walls. Large bleachers with lightning camouflage paint laid against the right wall.

"You made it!" Lt. Surge shouted in his booming voice. "Took you long enough!"

"I would've gotten here sooner if the door wasn't so heavy," I mumbled.

"WHAT WAS THAT?!"

"Oh, nothing!"

I approached my side of the field and saw the white paint that lined the dirt was faded. A lot of tough battles must've caused the paint to fade. Lt. Surge's reputation as a tough battler really shows.

"Seems you have two visitors, Summer," Lt. Surge said, looking at the bleachers.

I looked up and saw Ariel and Weldon sitting on different rows. Ariel and Sebastian took out small blue flags with my name on them and waved them around. Weldon rolled his eyes at them and stared intently at me.

I nervously looked away and saw a referee wearing a blue and white military uniform walking to the center of the field. He looked at both of us and shouted, "This match will be a three on three singles battle between Summer from Hoenn and Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader. The challenger is allowed to switch her Pokémon and will have the first move. The winner will be decided when the opponent's three Pokémon are unable to battle. Do you agree to these rules, Summer from Hoenn?"

I nodded firmly. Lt. Surge smiled at my strong demeanor.

"Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"

"Go, Gunner!" Lt. Surge shouted, throwing a camouflage-painted Pokéball. A Pokéball with evil looking eyes landed on the field and growled at me.

I looked up the Pokémon in my Pokédex. [Voltorb, the Ball Pokémon. It bears an uncanny and unexplained resemblance to a Pokéball. Because it explodes at the slightest shock, even veteran Trainers treat it with caution.]

"Wait a minute, that Pokémon can explode whenever it's hit by a move?!" I nervously shouted.

Gunner and Lt. Surge laughed. "Don't worry, Summer. Gunner has enough experience to explode on command. Now, show me what you got!"

"All right. Let's go, Flower!" I shouted, throwing her Pokéball.

Flower jumped out and landed on the field, a little confused at her opponent.

"Don't worry, Flower, it's not a real Pokéball," I reassured.

"Okay, Summer. Let's win!"

I firmly nodded.

The referee shouted, "Battle begin!"

"Flower, use Tackle!" I shouted.

Lt. Surge chuckled, then commanded, "Gunner, attack with Tackle!"

Both Pokémon charged towards each other and collided at the center of the field. Gunner's speed unfortunately overpowered Flower, and she skidded back to our side of the field.

"Aim and use Sonicboom!" Lt. Surge shouted, pointing at Flower with his right index finger.

Gunner's eyes narrowed as it sent a sharp wave of white energy towards Flower. She stood her ground and easily took the hit.

Lt. Surge smirked as I commanded, "Flower, used Sleep Powder!"

"Gunner, charge!"

Gunner rolled around so fast that the white powder couldn't touch it. It then hit Flower once more, making her tired.

I have to get back Flower's energy. I know what to do!

"Flower, use Leech Seed!"

"Nice try, Summer. Gunner, destroy it with Sonicboom!"

As Flower was creating the seed, Gunner unleashed another white wave of energy. Remembering a strategy I saw on TV, I shouted, "Flower, use Vine Whip to lift yourself up!"

Flower nodded and pushed herself upwards with her vines. With a clearer shot, Flower launched the seed. The Leech Seed then attached itself to Gunner, and it absorbed the Ball Pokémon's energy. Flower smiled as she felt that burst of energy.

Lt. Surge chuckled. "Excellent strategy, Summer. But now for the surprise attack!"

Gunner nodded and tightly closed his eyes. Flower and I were confused until it slowly turned orange.

Oh, no! The Pokédex entry mentioned its tendency to explode!

"Quick, Flower, return!" I quickly shouted, holding up her Pokéball.

As the red light from her Pokéball shot towards Flower, Gunner shook and released a strong orange light and a huge shockwave. I covered my eyes with my left arm as the dust created a large cloud that covered the field. Despite the strong pressure from the attack, I held my right arm firmly to control the Pokéball. After a few minutes, the dust cleared. To my relief, Flower wasn't on the field, and Gunner was on its back.

The referee looked at the fainted Voltorb and shouted, "Gunner is unable to battle! Flower wins!"

I took a few breaths to calm myself down at the thought of almost losing Flower to a Self-Destruct.

I looked up in the stands and saw Ariel scream, "Yay! Go, Summer!" Sebastian snapped his claws as if he was clapping. Weldon, on the other hand, looked uninterested.

Lt. Surge returned Gunner and said, "Quick thinking, Summer. You took a risk that ended well. But let's see if you can use more power than strategy with this one. Go, Private!"

He sent out an Elekid, which looked meaner than Rai's.

I have to be careful. Flower should get some rest.

"Go, Blaze!" Blaze somersaulted out of his Pokéball and stared at Private intently.

Lt. Surge smiled. "Ah, your starter. Let's see what he's got!"

"Battle begin!"

"Blaze, use Flamethrower!"

As Blaze launched the steam of fire, Lt. Surge countered, "Private, evade to the left and use Thunderpunch!"

Private ran towards Blaze, jumped over the Flamethrower, and charged up his right hand.

"Blaze, counter it with Double Kick!"

Blaze nodded and jumped up, legs ready to strike. Blaze stopped the Thunderpunch with his left leg, then hit Private with the right. Private was pushed back, but he landed with in a crouched position and grinned at the challenge.

Lt. Surge grinned as well. "Your Combusken has a good combination of power and strategy. Let's see if you can handle this! Elekid, use Swift!"

"Blaze, use Flamethrower!"

The streams of white stars and fire collided in midair, creating a black cloud of smoke.

"Private, fire Swift once more!"

Because we couldn't see the attack, the stars hit Blaze in the chest, knocking him back.

As the smoke cleared, I saw Blaze was looking tired.

"Are you okay, Blaze?"

"Don't worry, Summer. I'm fine."

"Okay, use Focus Energy!"

Blaze focused his energy, his eyes flashing yellow.

"Interesting choice, Summer. Private, Thunderpunch!"

"Blaze, Double Kick!"

Both Pokémon charged at each other at full speed, Private's arms filled with crackling electricity and Blaze's legs charged with power. They traded glancing blows and landed on opposite sides of the field. Blaze suddenly felt electricity tingle through his body and held his right arm. I saw Private's eyes start to close, and he fell down onto the field.

"Private is unable to battle! Blaze wins!"

Although I was happy Blaze won, it seemed the Static ability made things worse for us.

"One more, Summer!" Ariel screamed. "You can do it!"

Weldon then stood up straight, as if the main event was about to start.

Lt. Surge returned Private and nodded. "You're quite the Trainer, Summer. Show me you can handle the heavy artillery! Sergeant, prepare for battle!"

An orange mouse-like Pokémon with brown stripes and a long black tail with a yellow lightning-shaped end jumped out of his last Pokéball. He landed on the ground and lightly growled.

That Pokémon looks familiar…Let me see what the Pokédex says.

[Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pikachu. If it stores too much electricity, its behavior turns aggressive. To avoid this, it occasionally discharges excess energy and calms itself down.]

Lt. Surge laughed. "The Pokédex is right. Sergeant usually has a lot of electricity from late night training. He enjoys battling to release it."

Sergeant nodded and continued growling at Blaze.

"Do you want to continue, Blaze?" I asked, noting his injuries and paralysis.

Blaze looked at me and said, "I'm fine, Summer. I may be paralyzed, but I'll try to weaken him."

I nodded to the referee, and he said, "Battle begin!"

"Blaze, use Flamethrower!"

"Sergeant, aim and use Thunderbolt!"

The Fire and Electric attacks collided in midair, but the Thunderbolt pushed the Flamethrower back towards Blaze. The Young Fowl Pokémon fell to his knees after being hit from the attack. He slowly got up, but once he did, the paralysis brought him down once more.

I don't think Blaze can battle anymore…I have to do it…

"Lt. Surge, I'm removing Blaze from the battle."

Lt. Surge nodded. "I understand. You know when to take care of your comrades."

The referee nodded also. "Summer has chosen to remove Blaze from battle! Sergeant wins!"

I walked over to Blaze and took out his Pokéball.

"Sorry I couldn't help beat Sergeant, Summer," he muttered as he winced in pain.

I put my hand on his shoulder and whispered, "Don't worry, Blaze. Flower and Lightning can do it."

He nodded as I returned him to the safety of the Pokéball. I walked back to the Trainer side of the field and stared at Sergeant.

That Raichu's really tough. Time to for the Leech Seed strategy…

"Go, Flower!"

Flower jumped back onto the battlefield, looking a little better from the rest.

"Battle begin!"

"Flower, use Leech Seed!"

"You're not going to get us that easily! Sergeant, Iron Tail defense!"

Sergeant's tail turned silver as he waited for Flower to launch the seed. Once the seed flew towards him, he batted the seed into the left wall, making the attack useless.

I didn't know Iron Tail can be used like that!

"Sergeant, Mega Punch!"

The Raichu charged at Flower with his right fist glowing white.

"Quick, Flower! Stop it with Vine Whip!"

Flower immediately shot out a vine and stopped Sergeant from getting close.

Lt. Surge smiled. "You've fallen into our trap! Thunderbolt!"

Sergeant grinned and released a strong electrical shock. I reluctantly watched Flower take more damage through her vine. I saw she still wanted to continue as she threw Sergeant back to his side of the field. It looked like her Grass typing negated some of the extra damage.

We need to get Sergeant close enough for Leech Seed to work…I have an idea!

"Flower, use Vine Whip again!"

Flower nodded and shot two vines at Sergeant. The vines tightly wrapped around her opponent's arms.

Lt. Surge sighed disappointedly and shook his head. "I thought you've learned by now, Summer. Sergeant, you know what to do."

The Raichu nodded and charged up another Thunderbolt.

Seeing the opportunity, I shouted, "Now, Flower! Use Leech Seed!"

Flower aimed her bulb at Sergeant and launched the seed. It struck him on the chest and released the energy-sapping vines. The Raichu winced in pain but continued his attack. Flower felt the electricity surge through her vines and collapsed from the power.

"Flower is unable to battle! Sergeant wins!"

I returned Flower and said, "Thanks, Flower. You battled well."

"I have to say Summer," Lt. Surge acknowledged. "That was some strategy. But Sergeant hasn't been hit once, so you still have a long way to go."

"We'll see, Lt. Surge," I said with determination. I took out my last Pokéball and looked at it.

It's now your time to shine, Lightning!

"Now, Lightning, it's your turn!"

Lightning softly landed on all fours, emitting small sparks from her cheeks. The Soothe Bell jingled softly around her neck. Her nervousness was gone and was replaced with happy anticipation.

Lt. Surge laughed and said, "Your Pichu has more spunk than any I've seen so far! I've been looking forward to this battle."

"I have too. We'll show you how strong we are!"

"Battle begin!"

"Lightning, let's start with Charm!"

She nodded and winked playfully at Sergeant. She then created several large red hearts with her arms and pushed them towards her opponent. Unfortunately, Sergeant easily destroyed the hearts with his tail.

Lt. Surge laughed. "Sergeant, charge with Iron Tail!"

The fully evolved Pokémon charged at Lightning and hit her with his silver tail. Lightning stood her ground, and growled at Sergeant. He then smiled at his much younger opponent.

"Iron Tail!" Lt. Surge and I shouted in unison.

Both Mouse Pokémon charged their tails and lunged towards each other. Although Lightning was able to turn faster, Sergeant's longer tail knocked her back again. This time, she wasn't able to reduce the impact.

"Are you okay, Lightning?"

She got up and said, "Yeah. I'm fine, Summer."

Sergeant smiled at her determination, then winced as the Leech Seed sapped some of his energy and gave it to Lightning. She took a deep breath and returned the smile.

"Now, Lightning! Use Thundershock!"

"What a weak move! Sergeant, you know what to do!"

Sergeant unleashed another strong Thunderbolt. The stronger attack cut through the Thundershock and struck the Pichu. Pichu winced from the pain, but surprisingly, she didn't seem to take much damage.

We need to do something! But, I don't know how to beat Sergeant!

"Come on! Is that the best you got?" Lightning shouted, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Sergeant crackled his fists and gave a wide grin.

Lightning's not giving up…So I shouldn't either!

"Lightning," I said solemnly. "If you're not going to give up, I won't either. Let's show him what we can do together!"

Lightning nodded firmly, then suddenly glowed white. Lt. Surge, the referee, and I watched in shock. Hearing the sudden silence made it obvious Weldon, Ariel, and Sebastian had the same reaction we did.

Instead of just a white light, small pink hearts also circled around Lightning. After a few seconds, Lightning looked taller, was more yellow, and had the distinctive red cheeks, brown stripes, and black ear tips.

"You did it, Lightning!" I shouted in jubilation.

I quickly took out my Pokédex and almost dropped in from the excitement. [Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pichu. It stores electricity in the electric sacs on its cheeks. When it releases pent-up energy in a burst, the electric power is equal to a lightning bolt.]

"How do you feel, Lightning?"

"I feel awesome, Summer!" she shouted in a slightly squeaky voice. "Not only do I feel stronger, I feel faster too!"

I then realized Lightning learned some new moves after evolving and felt we have a better chance now.

"Impressive," Lt. Surge acknowledge while crossing his arms. "Let's see what the new Lightning has in store!"

Lightning then dashed around the field, similar to Blaze's Quick Attack.

"I get it! Use Quick Attack, Lightning!"

She nodded and dashed towards a surprised Sergeant. She slammed into Sergeant, but he quickly recovered from the physical attack. After brushing of the dust on his chest, Lt. Surge shouted, "Use Mega Punch, Sergeant!"

"Quick, Lightning! Counter with Iron Tail!"

Sergeant ran towards Lightning with a white fist while Lightning greeted him tail first. After a few seconds of trying to gain the advantage, both Pokémon pushed each other back. I saw they were panting from exhaustion. Lightning also received another energy boost from the Leech Seed

Lt. Surge surveyed the scene. "Seems Sergeant's more tired than I thought. Time to end this!"

"I agree!" I shouted, putting up my fist.

The tall Gym Leader grinned and shouted, "Sergeant, Thunderbolt!"

"Lightning, Thundershock!"

The two Electric moves collided in midair, but Sergeant's attack seemed to have more power.

As Sergeant pushed the attack closer to Lightning, I shouted in encouragement, "Don't give up, Lightning! I believe in you!"

Her ears perked up when she heard my words, and she tried to push the Thunderbolt back. As she summoned all of her strength, the Thundershock became stronger and slowly pushed back Sergeant's Thunderbolt .

Is she using Thunderbolt, too?! I didn't know Lightning was able to learn new moves so quickly.

"Keep going, Lightning!"

Lightning smiled softly and gave her attack more power. This time, the Thunderbolt pushed Sergeant's back and hit the tired Raichu. After the attack dissipated, Sergeant fell face first onto the battlefield.

"Sergeant is unable to battle! Lightning wins, which means the match goes to Summer from Hoenn!"

As soon as the last words left the referee's mouth, Lightning collapsed from exhaustion. I worriedly ran over to her and gently picked her up.

"Are you okay, Lightning?"

"I'm fine, Summer. I just need to practice more with Thunderbolt," she said, slowly getting up and climbing onto my shoulder.

Lt. Surge and Sergeant walked over to us as they clapped their hands.

"You surprised me, Summer and Lightning. Never expected such a hard battle from you too."

"Thanks, Lt. Surge," I said, petting the tired Pikachu.

The Gym Leader then took out a multi-pointed star from his chest pocket.

"As proof of your victory, I present to you the Thunder Badge."

I gratefully took the badge and placed it into my badge case. Lt. Surge then looked at Lightning, who fell asleep from the battle.

He chuckled and whispered, "She's just like her brother…"

I was confused by what he meant, but I decided not to push it further.

"Anyway," he said in his normal voice. "Why don't we go to the lobby and see the guests?"

I nodded and followed him out of the room. Once we got there, Ariel ran over and immediately hugged me.

"Congrats, Summer! That was such an exciting battle!"

"Thanks, Ariel," I replied, returning her hug. "Thanks again for coming to watch."

After we separated, I looked at Weldon, hoping he'll have a better impression of me. Instead, he just shrugged and said, "It was okay."

I sighed expectedly.

Ariel and I were about to leave when Lt. Surge asked, "Hey Summer, can we exchange Pokégear numbers? I wanna see how much stronger you get farther on."

I smiled and did just that. We waved goodbye to Lt. Surge, and he and Sergeant waved back. Weldon just stared off to the left, ignoring my gaze. Ariel and I then walked to the Pokémon Center. When we got there, I gave the nurse my Pokémon. Ariel and I then found a couch where there were few people around.

"So, ready to start your journey, Ariel!"

"You bet! I'm going to catch the next ferry to Fuchsia City and learn about the Pokémon there."

"What about Kaito?"

"Oh…hopefully I won't have to see him."

We giggled until Ariel's Pokégear went off. She took out her sea green device and turned off the alarm.

"I should get going, Summer. The ferry just docked. Let's exchange numbers and meet up again when you're in Fuchsia City!"

"Okay! Good luck, Ariel!"

We hugged one more time, then she ran out of the Center with Sebastian scuttling behind her. I heard the nurse call my name, and I got back my Pokémon. After a quick lunch in the cafeteria, I looked at the Pokégear to figure where to go next. Hopefully the road to the next Gym wouldn't be so long…

Pokémon: Blaze (Combusken, male): Brave Nature, moves: Quick Attack, Double Kick, Flamethrower, Focus Energy

Errol (Hoothoot, male): Rash Nature, moves: Tackle, Growl, Hypnosis, Peck

Swirls (Poliwhirl, female): Relaxed Nature, moves: Water Pulse, Hypnosis, Water Gun, Doubleslap

Lightning (Pikachu, female): Adamant Nature, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Sweet Kiss

Flower (Bulbasaur, female): Gentle Nature, moves: Tackle, Leech Seed, Vine Whip, Sleep Powder

Questions for the Chapter:

Do you think Summer should battle Lt. Surge again?

Will Summer ever get Weldon's full respect?