Chapter 33
Electric shock Showdown (p1)
meanwhile, back with Lincoln's group,
if Lincoln and company could be described as one word, it would most certainly be "lost". when trying to get to the next town after helping Aj fix his gym. but he didn't take into account of how dense the forest was, which led him and his companions to wonder aimlessly through the forest, which was putting Lincoln and misty in a bad mood," ugh, we're lost Lincoln, you must have read the map wrong!" misty yelled as she snatches the map from Lincoln.
"Well, excuse me the path to vermillion city is confusing miss complain a lot," Lincoln argued back.
"What did you call me?" misty asked.
"ALRIGHT, that's enough!" brock yelled, finally having enough and breaking up the fight," look, if you two keep arguing, we're never get out of this forest!" however, it proved fruitless, as Lincoln and misty were still arguing. brock groaned in annoyance," Pikachu, a little help please?"
"With pleasure," Pikachu replied, as he went to the bickering pair, and fired off thunder shock, electrocuting them both. both of them fell to the ground, twitching from the shock.
"Ok, we'll behave. sorry about snapping at you Lincoln," misty slurred.
"I'm sorry too for snapping at you," Lincoln replied.
"Good, now that that's settled," Pikachu said, as he noticed something in the distance," hey, what's that?" he asked, as Lincoln and misty pulled themselves together.
high in the skies,
"Why didn't we think of this before?" jessie exclaimed, as she and her cohorts were flying towards vermillion city.
"I haven't the foggiest idea, but if that white haired brat is going for gym badges, then vermillion city is his next stop, seeing as how saffron city is still on lockdown. don't know why he went to cerulean cape though," meowth replied.
"Anticipating his every move, then cutting him off at the pass...a sound strategy if i ever had one," James commented.
"that's why I'm the brains of this whole operation," meowth commented, only to get two fists to the top of his head.
"The only thing you are is an annoyance! how long before we reach vermillion city?" jessie asked James.
"If we keep up this pace, we should be there in the morning," James replied, as they continued on their path.
back with Lincoln and company,
"what's what?" Lincoln asked.
"I thought I saw some weird building," Pikachu replied.
"Oh, that's an underground path, it's like a shortcut to get to the next town," brock explained.
"I didn't know such a path existed," Lincoln said.
"Well, let's get going then," misty said, as she heads towards the building with Lincoln, Pikachu and brock following her.
Lincoln and friends had just excited the other end of the underground path, and were once again making their way to their next destination, vermillion city," so, how much further is it?" Lincoln asked.
"Not too much further. we should see the gates in about 10 minutes," brock replied.
"Someone is certainly excited to get to vermillion city," misty commented.
"Well, can you blame me? this is my chance to earn my third badge. speaking of which, what can the two of you tell me about the gym leader here?" Lincoln asked.
"Well, I've heard the gym leader goes by the name lieutenant surge. based on his name, you can easily tell that he's an electric type Pokémon trainer," misty replied. Pikachu perked up upon hearing about an electric type gym leader.
"Is that so? Lincoln, I want to be one of the Pokémon you use for the battle," Pikachu requested.
"we'll see when we get there. so, is there anything else you can tell me? based on his name, I can assume that he served in the army at some point," Lincoln asked.
"Well, you're right about that. I've heard that he's served in the military at some point. and there's one more thing that I think you'll be interested to know about him," misty said.
"what's that then?" Lincoln asked.
"The lieutenant is an American, just like you," misty replied. Lincoln was very surprised.
"Another American trainer like me?" Lincoln asked.
"Yep. they call him the 'lightning American'," brock replied.
"Hmm, maybe I should look into making a nickname for myself," misty pondered.
"What, like the 'tomboy mermaid'?" brock joked, as Lincoln snickered, only to get a glare from misty.
"So, are there any other trainers from America like me?" asked.
"As far as I know, I haven't heard of any other. American trainers in one of the Japanese regions are pretty scarce. most trainers from America usually go to the Unova region from what I've heard, since it's so close," brock replied.
"Wait, there are regions in the U.S.?" Lincoln asked.
"From what we've heard, there are three different ones; Unova, Aloa, and Orre. Unova has what many regions have, you know gyms, Pokémon league, the elite four and champion, but you have to 14 years old to get a trainer's license. I don't think a Pokémon league exist in the aloha region, but it might. as for the Orre region, well... you'd be better avoiding it like a plague. heard some nasty rumors about it," misty replied.
"What kind of rumors?" Lincoln asked.
"Well, for starters, there are gangs that are able to catch Pokémon even if they already have trainers, not only that, but they also have gang wars causing problems for the citizens," misty replied, shocking Lincoln, so he decided to change the subject.
"So, how many regions are there?" Lincoln asked.
"Well, there are four near Japan, those being kanto, hoenn, sinnoh, and jhoto, the three we mentioned that are in America, and there are three over in Europe, those being kalos, galar, and paldea," brock replied.
"Interesting," Lincoln commented," so, how much further is it to vermillion city? it shouldn't be too much further by now," right?
"that's right. in fact, we should be at the gates right about..." brock said, as they looked up to see an archway gate with a sign that said" welcome to vermillion city - the port of exquisite sunsets" on it. beyond it was a massive, comely- looking port town,"...now."
"Whoa, this place is beautiful. royal woods has nothing on this," Lincoln commented, awestruck at what he was witnessing.
"I know right? of course, I'll always prefer cerulean city over anywhere else, but this is still quite the sight to behold," misty replied.
"Well, first things first, we need to hit up the Pokémon center. we're running low on supplies, and you got to get firestorm healed up," brock commented.
"Good idea. and I need to swap out some of my Pokémon," Lincoln replied.
"And when that's all said and done, we can do some sightseeing," misty declared. this caused Lincoln to look at her with a bewildered expression.
"What?! no! we're heading straight to the gym afterwards! I can't afford to let myself fall behind!" Lincoln dismissed.
"Aw c'mon Lincoln, you're bound to be leaving out here with your third badge anyway. why not just slow down and relax?" misty suggested.
"No, Lincoln has a point. after all, work before pleasure," brock replied.
"Aw no fair!" misty whined.
"Tell you what...I'll buy you a double scoop ice cream cone after my gym battle," Lincoln haggled. misty then perked up.
"Now that's a deal!" misty agreed.
'Heh, using the same trick on Lola worked like a charm,' Lincoln thought.
"Any chance I can have one too?" Pikachu asked.
"we'll see," Lincoln replied, Kirila popped out of his pokeball.
"Me too, Lincoln!" he asked.
"Ooh boy, this may be quite the mess. alright, after my battle, we'll see about an ice cream parlor," Lincoln replied.
"YAY!" both of his Pokémon cheered. Lincoln couldn't help but smile at the shenanigans of the two. he then recalled Kirila, and the group continued into the city. once they were on the streets, Lincoln immediately saw a large building with lightning bolt motifs on it. at the entrance, there were some people in military attire.
"I take it that's the gym?" Lincoln asked.
"Yep. we'll head over once we're done at the Pokémon center," brock replied, as they continued to their first stop. nearby, some familiar figures saw the trio.
meanwhile, at professor oaks lab,
Professor oak was sitting in his office, taking care of the one thing he hates the most as a professor: paperwork. though he knew it was a vital part of his profession, it didn't mean that he liked it," I'll never understand why my job has to come with so much paperwork," he grumbled. just then, a knock was heard from his door," come in!" the door opened, revealing one of his assistants.
"Sorry to bother you, professor, but I have an update regarding one of your sponsors, namely your grandson," the assistant replied.
"Oh? and what has Gary been up to since I talked to him last?" professor oak asked.
"Well, he just called from celadon city Pokémon center. he just finished his gym battle with erica, and earned the rainbow badge, which puts his badge total up to four," the assistant replied.
"I see. most impressive," professor oak nodded.
"He had also sent over some new Pokémon he caught in the area. that brings his total up to at least 50," the assistant added.
"That many in such a short amount of time? that boy has to slow it down with the catches, otherwise, we won't be able to support the rest of the Pokémon we have here," professor oak groaned. as proud as he was with his grandson's progress and being a little less prideful, he was finding it hard to maintain the food supply they had in the lab. it was situations like this that he was grateful the grant from the grant from the Pokémon league, otherwise, he wouldn't be able to feed the Pokémon staying there,' at least the others aren't to catch happy as Gary is. I doubt my aides or myself for that matter could handle that many Pokémon at once,' the professor thought, as his thoughts went straight to the other three trainers he was sponsoring.
the last he heard from red, he had just earned the thunder badge, and was making his way to celadon city. he called from the Pokémon center near the rock tunnel. leaf, on the other hand, had earned the thunder badge too, but was electing a few days off from traveling and stay in vermilion city, saying she wanted to check out the St. Anne. as for Lincoln, the professor had not heard from him since the last call he made from the town nearest cerulean cape, and that was a few days ago,' as sure I'm thinking he's doing alright, I do hope Mr. loud calls soon to check in,' he thought. just then, a knock was heard from the door, as another aide came in.
"Sorry to interrupt, professor, but you have a call on the videophone," he informed.
"Oh? and who might I ask is calling?" professor oak asked.
"it's Lincoln loud, sir. he's calling from the vermillion city Pokémon center," the aide replied.
"Very well. I'll be right there," professor oak replied, getting up from his seat, relieved that he could take a break from the paperwork he had to deal with. he made his way into the next room, where he saw Lincoln on the videophone screen," ah, hello Mr. loud. I see that you've arrived in vermillion city, safe and sound," he greeted.
"Hello professor. yes, we've managed to get here with relatively no problems," Lincoln replied.
"that's good to hear. so, what's happened since the last time we talked?"
"Well, we made it to the cerulean cape and enjoyed our day at the beach, as well as enjoying a bikini contest. I even caught a krabby," Lincoln replied.
"My, my, you sure had had fun there," professor oak said, smirking and raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me about it. anyhow, after we had some fun on the beach, we went up to bill's light house, where he told us about how there are more 900 different known species of Pokémon, including extinct evolutions," Lincoln continued.
"Yes, I've heard stories that some Pokémon used to be able to evolve, but are no longer able to, and some of them have forms that no longer exist in the modern world," professor oak replied.
"Not only that, after seeing certain Pokémon I began to see visions of being there, after telling bill he said it's a possibility that they're memories from my past life and i a reincarnation or it's a memory from my ancestor," Lincoln said.
"Hmm, maybe Bill could be right about that, if you've been seeing the past through someone else's eyes, we'll have to look into it later," professor oak said, thinking about what bill said.
"Ok, but it was pretty cool learning about such a phenomenon. anyhow, after we had a little dinner party, Bill and the rest of us met up with a humongous dragonite, and I'm talking HUGE! like, the lighthouse looked like a toy playset in comparison," Lincoln explained.
"I've heard of Pokémon growing to enormous proportions in the galar region, but never of anything of it," professor oak replied, intrigued by what Lincoln was telling him.
"Bill said the same thing. and things were going so smoothly until team rocket showed up and nearly drove off the dragonite in an attempt to catch it," Lincoln continued.
"Hmm, team rocket has been a lot more active as of recently according to news reports. I strongly urge you to exercise caution during your travels, Mr. loud," professor oak warned.
"don't worry. I always try to avoid trouble like the kind team rocket brings like a plague," Lincoln replied.
"Good man. so, have you managed to challenge the vermillion city gym yet?" professor oak asked.
"Not yet. I'm fixing to head over there after this call," Lincoln replied.
"Hmm, very good. just be sure to stay alert. surge is very strong. I'd suggest adding sandshrew to your team, since ground Pokémon are strong in terms of defense against electric attack along with," professor oak replied until he noticed Lincoln holding his stomach.
"I will professor. I'll let you off now," Lincoln replied.
"Hold on Lincoln, what happen to your stomach?" professor oak asked.
"Well, I met the trainer that hurt Damian, his name is cross, I met him on the way to meet and face AJ, I experienced my first lost and when cross made his Pokémon lunged at firestorm while he was already defeated, I jumped in and took the attack protecting him," Lincoln replied.
"What! are you ok?" professor oak asked worried.
"Yeah, I'm ok, but firestorm is still troubled by that experience, so I'm going to help him," Lincoln replied.
"That's good to hear, but seeing you protect him really affected firestorm, he just needs some rest for a while, well I'll be off then," professor oak said.
"Ok professor," Lincoln said.
"Just one more thing, Mr. loud. do you intend to call your family after your battle?" professor oak asked. Lincoln visibly tensed up. the professor couldn't blame him after what Lincoln had told him during their previous call," i ask because your mother, father and sisters expressed a very keen interest in hearing from you again."
"I don't know professor. I guess after what happened with the cerulean city call, I think it may be a bit awkward after what happened," Lincoln replied.
"I understand, but I recently spoke with your family, mostly to ask about your two friends and their trainer exams, and they have expressed a desire to hear from you again. and, according to Lisa, she had set up measures to ensure a repeat never happens again."
"Well, I guess I can try," Lincoln replied.
"Very good. well, I'll let you off now. and I hope to hear about your endeavors," professor oak replied, as he hung up.
in the vermillion city Pokémon center,
while Lincoln was waiting for his team to finish healing, he was busy going over his strategy for when he takes on surge," so, come up with any good plans yet?" the voice of misty asked, as she and brock joined their white-haired companion.
"Well, most likely surge will set the rules to be three-on-three. the professor suggests I use ground types, but I only have Andrea, since she's immune she'll be fine. Pikachu already voiced his desire to be a part of the match, which leaves bruteroot to fill in the last spot," Lincoln replied.
"Sounds like a good choice," brock said as the Pokémon center chime went off.
"Lincoln? I'm happy to report that your Pokémon are all back in perfect health," nurse joy said, returning Lincoln's Pokémon to him.
"Thank you nurse joy," Lincoln replied, just as the front doors to the center opened, and angry looking boy, with an equally irate growlith stormed in.
"Stupid electric puzzle! what kind of a gym leader lets some dumb puzzle decide who battle him and who doesn't?!" the boy said, marching up to the front counter," nurse joy, I need a room for a day."
"Again? young man, this is the sixth time this week! there are other people in need of our rooms too, you know?" nurse joy questioned.
"Well blame surge and that stupid puzzle of his! if it weren't for that, I would've had my thunder badge by now!" the boy complained, as his growlithe growled in irritation as well.
"what's this about a puzzle?" Lincoln asked sounding perplexed.
"it's part of some stupid 'test of character' they have. but nothing i try can even make a dent in the damn thing! who's idea was it to even come up with these stupid tests of character anyways?! I don't care about those things! I just want my eight badges!" the boy exclaimed, still quite irritable. misty then pulled Lincoln off to the side.
"This why we have the test of characters. to prevent trainers like him from making it to the Pokémon league and making the rest of us look bad," misty whispered.
"Well, that didn't stop cross did," Lincoln whispered sarcastically.
"Well, why not challenge one of the other gyms around kanto? there are plenty of others," nurse joy suggested.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. who even needs the thunder badge anyway?" the boy replied, as he and his growlithe left.
"So, how many gyms are there in kanto?" Lincoln asked.
"Mostly eight, but there's just enough to where everyone can have equal opportunity to qualify for the league in case the viridian city gym leader is not available," brock replied.
"There are the ones in pewter city and cerulean city, as you already know from your two badges, as well as the one here in vermillion city misty added.
"There are gyms on Cinnibar island and Fushia city," nurse joy chimed in.
"Wow, I can't wait to challenge them all!" Lincoln said excitedly.
"Awesome. but for now, let's focus on the vermillion gym, then we can go from there," brock suggested.
"But surge is busy with something so you can wait a little bit," nurse joy said.
"Great! it'll give me time to strategize with my team," Lincoln said.
"Ok, we'll meet up in an hour, in the meantime brock and I will go sightseeing," misty said, as she and brock left.
One hour later, vermillion city entrance,
Lincoln and company made it to the gym, Lincoln looked excited." so this is the gym?" Lincoln asked.
"Yup, you ready," brock asked as Lincoln nodded.
the trio entered the gym only to meet up with two gym trainers, a man and woman.
"So, I assume you're this gym's next challenger?" the red-haired woman asked.
"that's right. are any of you lieutenant surge by any chance?" Lincoln asked.
"Afraid not kid, we're the gyms trainers," the guy said.
"What are gym trainers?" Lincoln asked.
"To put it simply, we're what you would call understudies of the gym leader. we train under the gym leaders of the kanto region to improve ourselves and our Pokémon," the guy explained.
"Huh, well that's one way to learn," Lincoln said.
"Hey boss, you got another challenger," the guy said.
A big shadow stands up," which one?" he asked as he walks up to the trio.
'Whoa he's huge' Lincoln thought looking at surge.
"Welcome to the vermillion gym, who's my challenger?" surge asked.
"That would be me sir, Lincoln loud sir," Lincoln replied.
Surge looks at Lincoln and noticed his hair," why does your hair look like albert's?" Surge asked.
"How do you know my pop-pop?" Lincoln asked.
"That makes sense you're his grandson, with that hair you look just like him," Surge replied.
"To answer your question, I was a scout when I was a teenager in the military, your pop-pop taught me how to be strong after he saved my life in the war," Surge explained.
"Wow, my pop-pop really is amazing," Lincoln said.
"Despite that, don't think I'll give you special treatment just because you're related to albert," Surge said.
"I wouldn't want it any other way, it won't be a good challenge to get the thunder badge," Lincoln said.
"Kid's got guts alright follow me. alright, its right over here," the male gym trainer said., leading Lincoln over to where a fence made up of electricity was, as for Surge he went to a secret door," your goal is to deactivate the fence. now, then, do you see those machines scattered around the room, each with a glowing red button.
"Yes. I assume that the buttons have to be pressed in some fashion?" Lincoln asked.
"Correct. here's how it works. there are sixteen machines, but only two of them are for deactivating the fence. your task is to find what two buttons are for deactivating the fence," the red-haired woman gym trainer said.
"Sounds easy enough. I'll just press them all until i find the right ones," Lincoln replied, only for the gym trainers to chuckle.
"I'm afraid it's not quite that simple. you see, every time you press the wrong buttons, the buttons will change randomly. for example, if you pressed a right button and a wrong one, then the right button you pressed will no longer be the right one," the male gym trainer replied.
"Then that means there's only a 1 in 8 chance he'll get the right ones," misty commented.
"Quite right. so, now you know the rules. you're test of characters starts now," the red-haired gym trainer declared. Lincoln then began rubbing his chin in a thinking manner.
'Ok, there should be an easier way than just pressed buttons at random. that guy said that each button resets with each wrong combination I make,' he thought, when an idea hit him,' wait, if that's the case, then maybe I can cheat the system,' he thought as he walked up to two machines, and pressed the buttons, only for them to buzz.
"Too bad, guess those weren't the right ones," the male gym trainer taunted, only for Lincoln to press the same ones again, only to get the same buzzing noise again. he then repeated it again," uh kid? it's clear those two aren't going to the right switches."
"Why is he only focusing on those two switches?" brock pondered, when it hit him," wait, that's it! I know what he's doing! the entire system resets with each wrong combination! so, Lincoln's pressing those two switches until they're eventually the right combo!"
"Whoa, I didn't think of doing that, good idea Lincoln," Pikachu said. Lincoln continued the process for about ten to fifteen minutes until...
PING-PING
Both buttons then turned green, as the fence went down," smart kid. he found a weakness in our character test, and exploited it," the red-haired female gym trainer commented, as Surge started grinning.
"I hope that was acceptable," Lincoln replied.
"The point of the test was to test if you could keep your cool under infuriating circumstances. how you manage to do so isn't important, as long as you managed to solve the puzzle," the male gym trainer replied.
"In any case, you passed the test of character, and now have the right to challenge lieutenant Surge," the male gym trainer said, sounding quite irritated with how quickly Lincoln managed to solve the puzzle.
"Glad you passed the test, well done," Surge said.
"Thanks, let's get this battle started," Lincoln replied.
"Very well then," Surge said.
At the same time, in Luna and Luan's room,
both sisters were getting ready for bed, while they were gazing at a wristwatch like device, they had received from Lisa.
flashback, sometime after the failed attempt to reseal Lincoln's door,
"And there you all go," Lisa said, passing out a wristwatch like device to her mother, father, Leni, Luna, Luan, Lucy, Lana, and herself.
"So, what's with the deal with these watches?" Lucy asked.
"I'm glad you asked. they're linked up to the videophone, and will alert each of us when someone is calling, including the caller ID," Lisa replied.
"So that way, if Lincoln does call again, we'll know when to come in?" Rita asked.
"Precisely," Lisa replied, just as a call came in. looking at the screen, they saw the caller was professor oak," I wonder what the professor could be calling about?" she wondered, as she answered the call, the professor's image showing up on the screen.
"Hello Lisa, I hope I didn't call at an inconvenient time," the professor greeted.
"Not at all professor. what can we do for you?" Lisa asked.
"I'm calling in regards to what we discussed a few days ago, about reserving a conference room at the Detroit airport for Lincoln's friends, about them taking the trainer qualification test. were you able to reserve one?" professor oak asked.
"I regret to inform you, but all of the available conference rooms were taken when I tried booking one for you," Lisa replied, scratching the back of her head.
"Oh, I see. well, that's a shame. fortunately, I had planned on such event," professor oak replied.
"What do you mean, professor?" Rita asked.
"Well, an old friend of mine has just recently opened her own research laboratory in the orange islands, it's in the south side of kanto. I think we can have them take the exams there, then they can meet up with Lincoln," the professor explained.
"I see. well, I'll have to see about relaying this info to Ronnie Anne and Clyde. when can we expect this friend to come and get them?" Lisa asked.
"It'll probably be maybe two days before I can get a plane for her to bring them to the orange islands," professor oak replied.
"Ok, that should be plenty of time to get ready. I'll notify them immediately," Lisa replied.
"Excellent, then I'll let you off," professor oak replied, when...
"Hang on a minute, professor," Luna piped up.
"Yes, miss Luna, was it?"
"that's right. is there any chance you can convince Lincoln to call us?" Luna asked." please?" Luan asked. no one in the room was expecting Luna and Luan to ask a question like that, and were very surprised.
"I can try once he makes land in vermillion city. i assume you two want to try to make amends?"
"You have no idea how much we want to clear the air with him."
"Well, it's been a few days since I last spoke to him. he should be arriving in vermillion city any day now. when he calls, I'll let him know," the professor mused.
"Thanks professor. we really appreciate it," Luan replied.
"you're most welcome. now, is there anything else you'd all wish to discuss?" the professor asked.
"I have one," Rita stepped up.
"Yes, Mrs. loud?"
"a few days ago, we had an incident with our TV, and it no longer works. if we can get a new TV here, is there any chance we can get some way to view broadcasts from kanto?" Rita asked.
"Yes, it'll also allow us to see Lincoln's gym battles," Lynn sr. added as the sisters nodded in agreement.
"Hmm, that's easy to accommodate. I can get in touch with the Pokémon league association and have them supply you with a cable box that can receive kanto region broadcasts," professor oak replied.
"Wonderful! I'd love to see how Lincoln does in his gym battles. not that your progress reports aren't informative," Rita stated.
"No offence taken, but it'll be about two days before the cable box can arrive. I can have one of Lincoln's friends deliver it to you when I come to collect them."
"That'll do wonderfully, professor," Rita replied.
"You're most welcome. now, if none of you have anything further to discuss, I'll need to inform my colleague about this update," professor oak said.
"You girls have anything you wanted to add?" Lynn sr. turned to Leni, Lucy, and Lana, who simply shrugged," I think that's everything, professor."
"Very well. I'll call again if I need anything immediately," the professor replied, as he hung up.
"Well, looks like we're going to be quite productive for a while," Lisa commented, as she got her phone.
"At least the issue with the TV can be somewhat resolved," Rita commented.
"We can help chip in to help buy a new one, mom and dad," Leni said.
"That would be much appreciated Leni. thank you," Lynn sr. replied.
Realtime,
"Luan noticed the look on her sister's face," Luna? is everything alright?" she asked.
"Y-Yeah. things lately kind of have me on edge, you know?" Luna replied.
"I know what you mean. things have been crazy lately, like getting attacked by wasp, or attacked by alley cats," Luan replied, it seems like things really have gotten worse for us since Lincoln left."
"No question about that. all we can do is hope that things do eventually take a turn for the better for us," Luna replied, as they got in their beds.
Meanwhile, in another part of royal woods,
Ronnie Anne was beaming happily, as she was getting her bags packed,' I can't believe they all agreed to let me and Clyde try out for being Pokémon trainers,' she thought, as she remembered the conversation, she and Clyde had with their parents earlier in the day.
Earlier that day, at the McBride household,
Lincoln's peers, along with Margo and Paula, had gathered the Santiago's and the McBride's together to discuss their wishes to go to kanto to meet up with Lincoln and try their hands at being trainers," and that, in conclusion, is why Clyde and I want to follow in Lincoln's footsteps, and try our hands at being Pokémon trainers," Ronnie Anne said, as they had just concluded a rather professional looking presentation. the parents all had contemplation looks on their faces. it was Harold McBride who spoke up first.
"Well kids, this is quite the informative presentation you put on," Harold stated.
"And you all looked very professional when making your cases," Maria said.
"So, you're at least considering it for our friends?" rusty asked.
"Well, I think I speak for the rest of us when I say that I don't really like the idea of you two being so far away for extended periods of time," Howard replied.
"But dad, we're plenty responsible," Clyde pointed out.
"I know sweety, but it's just that nagging feeling at the back of our heads. after all, these 'Pokémon' as you call them, while they do sound interesting, they could also be dangerous, which is to say nothing of that 'team rocket' group you've talked about. what if there are even worse organizations out there?" his father replied.
"don't worry. they're bound to avoid guys like those the plague. you all did raise them to identify and avoid hazardous situations like that," stella countered.
"Could you kids go to the next room? we should all discuss this privately," maria requested. the kids all did as the Santiago matriarch requested, and went to Clyde's room.
"So, what do you guys think?" Ronnie Anne asked the others.
"Well, it's pretty much up in the air. after all, what we're asking is a pretty big deal after all," tabby replied.
"But with how we helped handled that presentation, I'm sure they'll at least consider it," Zach pointed out.
"That may be, but it's still up to them to decide," stella replied. minutes later, a knock was heard at the door.
"Ok kids, you can come out now," Howard called out.
"Well, it's now or never," Ronnie Anne said, as they excited the bedroom, and made their way back out to the living room.
"Alright, after some debate, we have all decided to agree to let Clyde and Ronnie Anne go to kanto and join Lincoln," Carlos said. the kids were all ecstatic about, even haiku.
"However, we do have some conditions," maria stated.
"For starters, we want to meet the professor that Lincoln was living with," Hector said.
"Sounds reasonable," Haiku replied.
"And depending on how our meeting with him goes, you'll need to take a chaperone with you," Rosa declared.
"I suppose that's fair," stella replied.
"I'll call up Lisa and let her know about this. we can meet up with her tomorrow and have a chat with the professor," Ronnie Anne declared.
"Very good. now, we won't discuss this any further until AFTER we talk to the professor, agreed?" Harold asked.
"That'll be fine, dad," Clyde replied.
"Good. now, we'll head home to get things ready," Carlos said, as they all left the McBride residence, as the other kids went home, they all gave Clyde and Ronnie Anne a thumbs up.
Realtime,
Ronnie Anne couldn't be more excited. after all, she's going to meet up with her boyfriend and try out the Pokémon league," of course, we still need a chaperone, but who would be available on such short notice?" she wondered aloud.
"Well, we might have a suggestion," Ronnie Anne turned to see Bobby and Carlota standing in her doorway," if you and your friends need some chaperones, then I'm more than willing to fill the job," bobby said.
"Wait, really? but don't you have a job, Bobby?" Ronnie Anne asked.
"I was able to get a vacation from my boss. besides, i think some time away from Lori will not only do me a lot of good, but for her as well," Bobby replied.
"can't argue with you there. after all, she needs to learn that family takes top priority, not romance," Carlota replied.
"When she comes over tomorrow, I'll discuss it with her. but my mind is made up, and I'm not backing down," Bobby stated firmly.
"Good on you," Ronnie Anne commented.
Back with Lincoln,
the battle begins with Lincoln sending out Andrea, Surge had pulled out his pokeball," here's my first one," Surge said releasing a Pokémon that resembles a pokeball except it has eyes.
"what's this one," Lincoln said, as he pulled out his pokedex.
"voltorb, the ball Pokémon, an electric type, its usually found in power plants. easily mistaken for a pokeball, it has zapped many people, some believe pokeballs were inspired from voltorb," dexter said.
'I see,' Lincoln thought, as an hisuian voltorb appeared in front of him except it had wood at the bottom.
"Alright, voltorb use skull bash, Surge ordered, as voltorb dashed towards Andrea.
"Andrea, quick use dig," Lincoln ordered, as Andrea dig underground.
Voltorb stopped in its tracks for a moment," now use rapid spin," Lincoln ordered, as Andrea used rapid spin under voltorb, spinning fast sending voltorb flying," now, use magnitude," he ordered again as Andrea sends rocks towards voltorb, knocking it out.
"Voltorb is unable to battle, sandshrew is the winner," the male gym trainer said.
"Alright Andrea, you're awesome," Lincoln said.
"Thanks link," Andrea said.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, little albert," surge said, as he recalls voltorb then sends out another Pokémon, a green Pokémon with lightening marks on the center, sides, and its tail.
"what's this one?" Lincoln wondered, as he pointed dexter at it.
"Electrike, the lightning Pokémon, an electric type, it stores electricity in its fur, it gives off sparks from all over its body in seasons when the air is dry.
"Alright, Andrea, use roll out," Lincoln ordered, as Andrea rolled into a ball, and charged at electrike and damaged it.
"Nice hit Andrea," Lincoln said, until he noticed static electricity was covering Andrea.
"Andrea, what's wrong?" Lincoln asked in concerned.
"Don't you know, electrike's ability is static, meaning anyone who hits it, becomes paralyze, thus they can't move," Surge explained.
"Aw crud," Lincoln said.
"Electrike, use volt tackle, Surge ordered, as electrike started running fast coting itself and an electric charge hitting Andrea, she was sent flying towards the wall knocked out.
"Andrea!" Lincoln called out," sandshrew is unable to battle, electrike wins," the male gym trainer said.
Lincoln recalled Andrea into her pokeball," you did great Andrea," Lincoln said.
"Bruteroot, you're up," lincoln said, as he called out Bruteroot to the field.
"My first battle, I'm ready," bruteroot said.
"Electrike, use electroball, Surge said, as electrike shoots a ball of electricity at bruteroot.
"Quick dodge it, then use leechseed," lincoln ordered, as bruteroot dodged the attack and shoots a seed at electrike.
The leechseed covers electrike zapping its energy," now use razor leaf," Lincoln ordered, as bruteroot shoots razor leaves at electrike knocking it out.
"electrike is unable to battle, Bulbasaur wins," the male gym trainer said.
"Awesome bruteroot, lincoln said.
"kid's pretty good, now for the ace," Surge said, as he sends out an orange mouse like Pokémon with a long tail with a lightning bolt, which made Pikachu's cheeks spark.
"what's this one," Lincoln wondered pointing dexter at it.
"Raichu, the mouse Pokémon, an electric type, and the evolved form of Pikachu. if its electric punches run empty, it raises its tail to gather electricity from the atmosphere, dexter explained.
"Ok then, Bruteroot, use razor leaf," Lincoln ordered, as bruteroot shoots razor leaves at Raichu, only for it to swat them away.
"No way!" Lincoln said surprised.
"Raichu, us thunder punch," Surge ordered, as Raichu's hand turned electric and punched bruteroot sending him flying, Luckly Lincoln was able to catch him.
"Bulbasaur is unable to battle, Raichu wins," the male gym trainer said, as Lincoln recalls brutroot.
"You did great buddy, you rest now, Pikachu you're up," Lincoln said.
"Right, I'll avenge bruteroot, Pikachu said, as he jumps on to the field.
"Your final Pokémon is a Pikachu, this'll be easy," Surge said.
"We'll see about that, Pikachu use iron tail," Lincoln ordered, as Pikachu's tail glowed white and truck Raichu, but Raichu caught it surprising both Lincoln and Pikachu.
"What the?!" lincoln said.
"Now, Raichu use mega punch, mega kick, and then use thunder," Surge ordered, as Raichu punches Pikachu, then kicks him, sending him in the air, then fires a thunder attack on Pikachu causing great pain, knocking him out.
"Pikachu, are you ok?! Lincoln asked concerned.
"Pikachu is unable to battle, Raichu is the winner, and the victor goes to lieutenant Surge," the male gym trainer said.
"You, put up a good battle but it wasn't enough," Surge said, as Lincoln picks up Pikachu and leaves to the Pokémon center with brock and misty following.
That's chapter 33, Lincoln has experienced his first gym lost, will he make a comeback, wait and see.
Thanks to Lincoln's friends, Clyde and Ronnie Anne has taken the first step to go to kanto, now the next step is professor oak.
Will Luna and Luan earn Lincoln's trust or will Lynn ruin it again.
Lincoln's team
Pikachu (male)
moves: thunderbolt, iron tail, quick attack, electroball.
Fearow (female)
moves: drill peck, wing attack, gust, brave bird.
poliwhirl (male) at loud house
moves: hypnosis, water sport, and water gun.
pidgeotto (female)
Moves: gust, whirlwind, sand attack, tackle, brave bird, steel wing, and quick attack.
butterfree (male) at loud house
moves: sleep powder, stun spore, confusion, quick attack, and psybeam.
beedrill (shiny) (male) at loud house
poison sting, string shot, bug bite, harden, pin missile, poison jab, and whirlwind.
riolu (male)
moves: quick attack, endure, counter, metal claw, and egg move vacuum wave
Kirila (male)
moves: confusion, double team, thunder punch, disarming voice, teleport, and egg move misty terrain.
Flapple (male)
moves: dragon rage, grassnot, razor leaf, and whirlwind.
Appletun (female)
moves: dragon rage, grassnot, razor leaf, and energyball.
zubat (male) at the louds
moves: absorb, supersonic, bite, wing attack, astonish, and giga drain.
paras (male) at the louds
moves: scratch, stun spore, poison powder, absorb, and fell stinger.
sandshrew (female) (Andrea)
moves: poison sting, defence curl, rapid spin, fury cutter, magnitude, and metal claw
clefable (male)
moves: metronome, minimize, double slap, disarming voice, sing, and wake up slap.
steenee (female)
moves: sweet scent, razor leaf, rapid spin, splash, play nice, and grass whistle.
rockruff (male) at the louds
moves: rock throw, crunch, sand attack, roar, dig, stone edge, and counter.
goomy (female)
moves: tackle, bubble, bubble beam, absorb, bide, protect, dragon breath, and poison tail.
Bulbasaur (male) (bruteroot)
moves: vine whip, tackle, sleep powder leech seed, and razor leaf.
Charmelon (male) (firestorm)
moves: flamethrower, cratch, sand attack metal claw, and ember.
Squirtle (male) (shell shocker)
moves: tackle, bite, withdraw, water gun, rapid spin and aqua jet.
krabby (male)
moves: water gun, harden, leer, metal claw, mud shot, protect, and the egg move ancient power.