After two long weeks of travel, the bewildered and noticeably roughed up crew has reached Vermilion City making all four youngsters breathe a sigh of relief. The international port town where magnificent boats gather from across the world.

"Hip-hip hooray!" The four cheered three times.

Misty clasped her hands together, "I can't wait to take a bubble bath!"

Brock said, "I gotta hit the laundromat!"

Laoise squealed, "Finally a place with indoor plumbing and other modern necessities!" and she remembered, "Oh gotta call home too, let my folks know we made it!"

Ash said determinedly, "I have to find the Vermilion City Gym right now!" he prepared to run forward into the city.

Brock then grabbed him by the back of his jacket. "Hold it!"

"What's the matter?" Ash saw Pikachu worn out and collapsed on the ground with his stomach growling. He picked up Pikachu. "Pikachu!"

Most likely he like everyone else were hungry, since they haven't had a decent meal for three days.

Laoise suggested, "We can head over to the Pokémon Center, and grab a bite!" and she remembered, "Oh gotta call home too, let my folks know we made it!"

Our heroes soon arrive at the Pokémon Center where as expected, the Nurse Joy is nearly identical to all the other from previous areas.

After they all freshened up and their Pokémon checked in by Nurse Joy, Laoise had gone to call her family in the Bluebell Hollows. The last thing she needed was her over anxious parents calling the gym before she can challenge the gym leader.

"How wonderful to hear from you, sweetheart! We've been so worried since you left home. Vermilion City, what a big and exciting place! Are you eating well? Getting enough sleep? I know how you love adventure, but please be careful out there in the world." Laoise's father Dave.

"Yes, yes. I am Dad." Laoise assured. "What's more," she opened her badge case to show off her two badges.

"No way, that is so wild!" Her flighty fashionista sister 15 yr old Taryn squealed and clapped excitedly. The Eldest sister 17 yr old Shae beamed, as did their parents.

"Your father and I are so proud of how far you've come already. Two badges - I never thought I'd see the day!" Corporate Lawyer Hyacinth smiled, "And we're glad you've made such good friends. That Ash boy seems like a determined trainer. Just remember to take things at your own pace."

"That I do mom." Laoise said, "We're just here in the Vermilion city Pokémon center where our pokémon are getting freshened up too. Ash and I wanna be ready for our third gym battle."

Shae then spoke up, "I know you're excited, Superstar. But remember, The gym leader there might have more than one electric type and you better be ready."

"We'll be cheering you on the whole way!" Taryn added.

Laoise nodded.

"Now you'd better get going and show them what you're made of! We love you so much. Be safe and have fun! Give our love to Ash, Misty and Brock too."

"Talk to you all later." Laoise waved, "I'll tell them."

"Bye for now!"

However, at the Pokémon Center, the group witnessed Nurse Joy's Chansey and a Trainer run in. On a stretcher pushed by the Chansey is a badly beaten-up Rattata.

"That is the 15th one brought in this month." Nurse Joy said grimly.

"What do you mean 15th one brought in this month, Nurse Joy?" Laoise questioned.

"Follow me, to the recovery room."

Everyone followed Nurse Joy to a room where there are many badly injured Pokémon, they can't believe their eyes.

Laoise asked, "What happened to all of them?"

Nurse Joy responded, "They all lost to Lieutenant Surge, the Vermilion gym leader."

Ash was stunned, "Whoa! He must be a great trainer!"

Misty put her hands on her hips and said slyly, "So, Ash, Laoise, you two scared already?"

"No way!" The two trainers snapped back.

"Well, you both talk big." Misty said loftily. "But when you see how tough it is to get badges, Ash, you turn chicken. Maybe you should just quit now."

"No way. I'm not afraid to face him!" Laoise said sternly.

Misty replied, her tone still lofty. "I'm not calling you chicken, Laoise. But the point being, the badges that Ash won, he got out of pity."

Laoise glared, "Excuse me, out of pity?!"

Ash answered back, "A badge is a badge!"

Misty flicked Ash's nose.

"Ow!"

"Why don't you two prove how tough you are at the Vermilion gym?" Misty challenged haughtily.

Brock surmised, "From the looks of things here, you will have to be tough to battle with this Lt. Surge. Same goes for Laoise."

Ash wondered, "You think he's that tough?"

Misty said, "No worries, they're just rumors. We gave you badges, you know. How do you think we'll look if you get crushed by Surge?"

Ash became indignant. "Surge may be just a gym leader, but you have nothing to worry about, Misty. Except maybe seeing my own incredible strength!"

Nurse Joy stepped in to stop their argument from escalating. "That's enough of you."

Ash retorted. "She started it."

Laoise grumbled, "Maybe Misty oughta THINK before she TALKS."

Nurse Joy said, "I agree with that remark, because you all should remember, this is a hospital."

Ash, Laoise and Misty turn to see all the other trainers that were sitting by their injured pokèmon staring at them unpleasantly. Laoise glared right back at the other trainers. Who were they to judge?!

"What do you looking at?!" she snapped, "You cakesniffers never seen a snoot underestimating the underdog before?"

And Laoise stomped off to wait for her pokèmon to be healed in the Pokèmon center foyer, putting on her noise cancelling headphones to listen to music to calm down.

A sound is soon heard. Nurse Joy notified. "That signal means your Pokémon has recovered."

Laoise, still feeling frustrated and agitated, took off her headphones and approached Nurse Joy. She thanked her for taking care of her Pokémon and asked if there was any information available about Lt. Surge and his battling style.

Nurse Joy, sympathizing with Laoise's concerns, shared what she knew. "Lt. Surge is known for his powerful Electric-type Pokémon and his strict training methods. He believes in overwhelming his opponents with sheer strength and power. Many trainers have fallen victim to his formidable team. It won't be an easy battle, but if you prepare well and remain determined, you may have a chance."

Laoise nodded, appreciating the advice.

Ash had also received the signal that their Pokémon were healed. Both his and Laoise's Pokémon in their pokeballs were all set, while Pikachu was happily munching on an apple.

However Pikachu, upon seeing an injured Pidgey being rushed, loses his nerve and refuses to go to the Gym. Ash doesn't give him much of a choice.

The Vermilion Gym resembled a large pale-teal warehouse with lightning bolt decorations.

"So this is the Vermilion City gym." Ash said, staring up at it.

Misty teased, "It's not too late to back out."

Ash answered back, "Why should I back out when I'm gonna win?"

"We're going into that gym, win the Thunder Badge and enter the Pokémon leagues!" Laoise chimed in.

"And besides, I can last longer than you think! Just stand back and watch me!" Ash declared.

Misty replied, "I'll stick around to see your face when you get creamed."

Laoise gives Misty the death glare and held her fist up. "Speak for yourself, you're the one with all the water types who are weak against electric FYI!"

"I'm NOT competing!" Misty sneered.

"Then butt out!" Laoise said.

"Yeah, If you think we're gonna get creamed, you're gonna be disappointed!" Ash added.

Brock inquired, "Are we ever gonna go inside?"

"We're going, but Misty here is stalling!" Laoise retorted.

"Am not!"

They push open the door, the place was somewhat dark but not entirely empty. Staring them down were two people, a man and a woman, that were probably the gym personnel dressed in military uniforms.

Ash spoke up, "Hello. Me and my friend have come for a Pokémon battle to earn our Thunder badges."

One of the Subordinates, the male in a leather jacket, called to the back with a smirk. "Hey, boss! More victims for the emergency room."

"Which ones?" A deep voice spoke, that could only belong to the Vermilion gym leader.

Lt. Surge was a large, muscular man with spiked blond hair, and tanned skin. He easily towered the four visitors.

Brock's jaw dropped, "Whoa! He's huge!"

"Uh-huh..." Laoise nodded, impressed.

Misty was inevitably staring in shock. "Is he the gym leader you two have to beat?"

"Welcome to Vermilion gym." And he ended up hugging Misty, taking the redhead by surprise.

Laoise tried hard to keep from laughing in spite of the situation.

"Oh!" Lt. Surge then released Misty, "My next challenger is a cute one! Don't think I'll go easy on you."

Misty laughed sheepishly. "Uh, excuse me. I'm not one of the challengers."

Lt. Surge blinked, "Then who?"

Ash said, "Me and Laoise! That's who!"

"I'm right here, Mr. Lt. sir." Laoise waved brightly. "Besides, Misty's pokèmon are all water types and they're weak against electric. You'd have wiped the floor with them."

Misty shot her a dirty look. "Laoise!"

Lt. Surge looked at Ash and Laoise. "Hm? Oh, you two!" then he said cheerfully, "But the tiny tot in the blue hoodie's got a point - I WOULD have wiped the floor with them." Then he ruffled both Laoise and Ash's head. "Okay, babies!"

Ash glowered. "We're no babies!"

"Right! And I call everybody who loses to me 'baby'." Surge then noticed Pikachu hiding behind Ash's leg. "A Pikachu! Hey! Look at this! One of the babies brought along a baby Pokémon!"

Surge and his subordinates laughed rather derisively.

"But Pikachu's full grown, if he were a baby he'd be smaller." Laoise said. For being a girl with Asperger's syndrome, she took the meaning literally.

"That's not what he meant." Brock was shaking his head worriedly.

Ash became indignant with Lt. Surge's putdown. "Quit it! Why are you making fun of my Pikachu?"

Pikachu seemed to have regained his confidence. "Pika Pika!"

Lt. Surge grinned, "Oh, I'll show you why. Go, Pokéball!"

From the Pokéball materializes a Raichu. A bipedal, rodent-like Pokémon. Raichu is covered in dark orange fur with a white belly. Its bifurcated ears are brown on the outside, yellow on the insides, and end in a distinctive curl. There is a circular yellow marking on each cheek where its electric sacs are, and it has a triangular, dark brown nose. Its arms and feet have patches of brown fur at the end, and the soles of its long feet are tan with a circular orange pad in the center. On its back are two horizontal brown stripes. Its long, thin tail has a lightning bolt-shaped end.

"It's a Raichu!" Ash brought out Dexter to analyze.

"Raichu, a Mouse Pokémon of the electric element. Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu. It can shock with more than 100,000 volts, enough to render a Dragonite unconscious." Dexter's voice said coolly.

Laoise inadvertently blurted out, "Cool."

Ash and Pikachu stared Raichu down.

Lt. Surge challenged, "Okay, babies. If you want to quit, now's your chance."

His Raichu was also looking arrogant. "Raichu"

Ash said sternly, "There's no way we're gonna quit now!"

Lt. Surge scoffed. "What could a baby like THAT do? If yours want to become a Pokémon master, you should make your Pokémon evolve as soon as you catch it."

"There's more to raising a Pokémon than forcing it to evolve! And I like this Pikachu just the way he is." Ash said.

The Subordinates laughed and Lt. Surge said, "Wrong, baby! Electric Pokémon are only useful once they've learned all their electrical attacks! If you keep Pikachu puny like that, it's no more than a little pet." he was wagging his finger condescendingly. His Raichu did the same to mock Pikachu.

Pikachu visibly scowled. "Pika?"

Misty wondered, "Can Pikachu beat Raichu?"

Brock responded. "I seriously doubt it, especially if Raichu knows all the electrical attacks."

"Okay, babies!" Lt. Surge taunted, "Did you both come here just to show your little pet and your work in progress?"

"We came here to earn our Thunder badges!" Ash responded.

Pikachu glowered at the Raichu. "Pika Pika!"

Ash noticed his pokémon's determination. "Pikachu?"

"Weird, at first he was pretty scared." Laoise noted.

Brock noticed, "You're right. That's unusual. Pikachu really wants to go into battle."

Misty said, "I'm not surprised."

Laoise had intended to challenge Lt. Surge first, but it looked like Ash's pikachu was quite persistent. Looks like Ash would go first.

Ash was taken aback by his Pokémon's determination "Pikachu, I'm counting on you."

Pikachu nodded at him, "Pikachu."

"I'm going next after him, Lt." Laoise volunteered.

Lt. Surge shrugged, "Oh well. I guess you'll learn that playing with the big boys can be a shocking experience."

The lights come on and one of Surge's subordinates took the place of referee. "The Pokémon battle will now begin. Only one Pokémon may be used. The gym leader, Lt. Surge, has chosen Raichu. The challenger, Ash, has chosen Pikachu. No time limit! Let the battle begin!"

The other subordinate rings the bell to start the match.

Fired up due to the taunting, Pikachu decided that he is ready to fight. Lt. Surge accepted Ash's challenge and the battle promptly begins. Both Pokémon begin with a Thunder Shock attack, but Raichu's is significantly stronger and does far more damage to Pikachu than Pikachu deals to Raichu. Brock realizes that Pikachu simply cannot stand up to Raichu's more powerful attacks and recommends that Ash withdraw Pikachu. However, when Ash tells Pikachu to return, he refuses and charges again at Raichu. The resulting trade-off between Pikachu and his adversary leaves Pikachu severely damaged by a Mega Punch and Mega Kick from Raichu. Outside, Team Rocket is looking in, seeing Pikachu getting knocked around. They begin to worry that if Pikachu is getting beaten up like this, then maybe he is not worth stealing after all, and all their efforts have been in vain. Meowth suggests that they could steal Raichu instead, but Jessie and James decide that they should root for Pikachu.

However, Lt. Surge and Raichu have already won, with Raichu unleashing a powerful Thunderbolt that defeated Pikachu easily.

It looked like the Pokémon Center is going to have the 17th one brought in for the month.

"I just hope Laoise doesn't lose as well." Misty murmured.

Ash picks up his unconscious Pikachu. "Pikachu. We gotta get it to the Pokémon Center!"

Laoise became determined to see this through. "You guys go ahead. Ash, Misty, Brock, you all go to the Pokémon Center." Her face hardened, "I'll battle Surge, next. I might be on the spectrum but I'm ready to try." Laoise replied.

"So you're that Asperger's kid trying out for the big time. I won't go easy on you." Lt. Surge warned with a smirk.

"I'm aware of that, sir." Laoise replied, trying to keep her composure.

Was it too much to ask that her parents not keep calling ahead to every gym or pokèmon center in Kanto to make sure she arrived alive and in one piece?

"Are you sure?" Brock asked.

"I am." Laoise used her head on the spot. "Rocks beats electric… just like Goliath!"

Misty asked, "What's she talking about?"

"One of her pokèmon, she named it Goliath." Brock replied.

Laoise gently put her hand on Ash's shoulder, "I'll be okay."

Ash looked her and nodded his understanding. "We'll be waiting for you."

The main trio leaves for the pokèmon center.

Lt. Surge chuckled. "Heh. You named your pokèmon Goliath, like the gargoyle? Or the cute widdle dog?"

Laoise got up straight. "No. Goliath as in Goliath of Gath, the giant!" She said fiercely, throwing the pokéball.

At once, Laoise's Onix materialized with a challenging roar. Since Onix is a Rock type Pokémon, Electric attacks won't do much damage against it.

Laoise stood tall and resolute as she threw out her Pokéball, releasing her Onix onto the battlefield. Onix, a massive Rock and Ground-type Pokémon, towered over the arena, with its long, serpentine body made of solid rock.

Lt. Surge's smirk faltered for a moment as he sized up the formidable Onix before him. "Well, well, looks like you've got yourself a tough opponent there," he remarked, his tone tinged with surprise.

Laoise crossed her arms, a determined glint in her eyes. "I'm not backing down. Let's see what your Raichu can do against Goliath!"

"The challenger, Laoise from the Bluebell Hollows, has chosen Onix, while the Gym Leader, Lt. Surge, has chosen Raichu." The referee raised his hand and shouted, "Let the battle between Lt. Surge and Laoise begin!"

Lt. Surge smirked. "I like your spirit, kid. Show me what you've got, and let's make this battle electrifying!"

Raichu and Onix faced each other, ready to clash in an epic showdown. Laoise knew that her strategy relied on Onix's resilience against Electric-type attacks. She had to play this battle smartly.

"Goliath, use Rock Throw!" Laoise commanded.

Onix responded swiftly, gathering rocks from the ground and hurling them towards Raichu with incredible force. The rocks smashed into Raichu, dealing a significant amount of damage.

Lt. Surge's eyes narrowed as he watched his Raichu stagger. "Impressive," he admitted. "But my Raichu won't go down so easily. Raichu, counter with Thunderbolt!"

Raichu unleashed a powerful surge of electricity, crackling with energy as it shot towards Onix. However, Onix's sturdy rock body absorbed the attack, minimizing the damage it took.

Laoise couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as her strategy paid off. "Great job, Goliath! Keep it up! Use Rock Tomb!"

Onix obeyed, creating a wall of massive rocks around Raichu, trapping it within the confines of the battlefield. Raichu struggled to break free, but the rocky prison held it in place, rendering it unable to attack.

Seeing an opportunity, Laoise seized the moment. "Now, Goliath, finish it with Earthquake!"

Onix slammed its massive body onto the ground, causing a powerful earthquake to ripple through the battlefield. Raichu was caught off guard, unable to escape the tremors in time. The impact was devastating, and Raichu was left severely weakened.

Lt. Surge gritted his teeth, his confidence wavering. "You may have the advantage, but don't think you've won just yet. Raichu, use Thunderbolt!"

Raichu mustered its remaining strength and launched a final Thunderbolt at Onix. The attack hit, causing Onix to stagger momentarily, but it stood its ground, refusing to back down.

Laoise knew this was her chance to claim victory. "Goliath, use Rock Slide!"

Onix unleashed a barrage of rocks that cascaded down upon Raichu, dealing the final blow. Raichu was unable to withstand the onslaught and was knocked out cold.

The referee checked and announced, "Raichu is unable to battle, Onix is the winner. And the victory goes to Laoise McGrady of the Bluebell Hollows!"

Laoise's underdog victory had come true. She couldn't help but smile proudly at her triumphant Onix.

Lt. Surge, although visibly surprised, chuckled and extended his hand. "You got guts kid. I didn't expect that."

"Thank you sir." Laoise replied.

"And for your win, You've earned the Thunder Badge." The thunder badge resembled a yellow sun with an orange core.

Laoise shook his hand, a sense of pride swelling within her. "Thank you, Lt. Surge. I may be on the spectrum, but that doesn't mean I can't be a formidable Trainer."

Once outside, Laoise felt like cheering, she got the thunder badge!

But she had to see if Pikachu was alright and to support Ash. She hurried to the Pokémon Center where Ash, Misty, and Brock are sitting by Pikachu in the recovery room.

"How's Pikachu?"

Then the yellow electric rodent soon awakened but he turned his head away.

Brock said, "Pikachu got hurt pretty badly."

Ash retorted, "I can see that."

"No. I meant his spirit."

Laoise sighed, "And not just hurt his spirit, but his pride."

Brock agreed, "Pikachu was totally overpowered by that Raichu."

Ash said, "We'll try harder! We'll win next time if Pikachu tries harder."

Misty said uncertainly, "I think Pikachu was trying its hardest the last time."

"There is one way you might win." Nurse Joy enters the room, revealing that she has come across a Thunder Stone.

With it, Ash could evolve his Pikachu into a Raichu as well. Brock warned him to think hard about this, because once he evolves Pikachu, there is no way to change him back. At this, Ash is extremely torn. He knows that if he evolves Pikachu into Raichu, he might be able to defeat Lt. Surge.

Ash held the stone in his hand, "If Pikachu becomes a Raichu, I might be able to win that badge. On the other hand, to make it evolve just to fight, I would be just like Surge."

"Think carefully, Ash." Laoise said, even she had some reservations about it.

Ash held the stone to Pikachu, "Pikachu, what do you want to do?"

Pikachu looked at the Thunder Stone.

Ash said, "I really want to beat that Surge, but I also don't want to force you to evolve if you'd be happier staying the way you are."

Despite being injured, Pikachu stood up from the bed. Was he considering it?

"Pikachu!" Ash gaped.

Misty said, "Save your strength!"

"You've got to rest." Laoise said.

Pikachu looked at it, then he slapped the Thunder Stone away with its tail

Ash gasped "Pikachu!"

Pikachu looked stern as it said, "Pika Pikachu Pika Pi Pi Pi Pikachu chu Pika Pikachu! Pika Pi Pika Pi Pika Pikachu!"

Outside, Meowth was tearing up. "It's so brave!"

Jessie urged, "Tell us what Pikachu is saying!"

Meowth "Pikachu won't change! If it's going to beat the Raichu, it wants to do it just as it is."

"You mean it's going to battle again as a Pikachu?"

"It's going to fight in the name of all Pikachu."

James started to tear up, "Really?! That's so beautiful!"

Ash took Pikachu's paw. "Pikachu, together, you and I will beat Lieutenant Surge and his Raichu!"

Pikachu agreed. "Pika Pika!"

Misty said, "You're both crazy!"

Brock suggested, "You should change your strategy, Ash. Maybe use your other Pokémon."

Ash looked at them, "It's hard, but it's not impossible! Pikachu and I will find a way to win!"

Pikachu nodded. "Pika Pikachu Pika!"

"Alright! Are we all charged up!"

"Pi!" Pikachu then suddenly fainted from exhaustion.

Nurse Joy reassured them all, "It hasn't fully recovered its stamina. You should let it rest a little while longer."

So they let Pikachu sleep in for a while, while they waited and talked in the foyer. Laoise had finished her lunch. Ash sat on a bench drinking juice.

Misty was getting an orange soda. "This whole thing has me nervous."

"Really? Since when did you decide to worry about me, Misty?" Ash asked slyly.

Misty pointed. "Not you! I'm concerned about Pikachu. I hope he'll be okay."

"Nurse Joy has got that covered, you worry about the rest." Laoise retorted.

Brock then thought of something. "Hey, Ash!"

Ash glanced at him, "Yeah?"

"During the fight, Surge said he made his Raichu evolve as soon as he got it, didn't he?"

"Yeah."

"Then perhaps, there is a way."

"Then we mighta found Raichu's weakness besides type differences." Laoise said.

Later, our heroes exit the Pokémon Center with a well-rested Pikachu leading the way with Ash by his side

Ash declared pointing to the sky, "Pikachu, our lucky star, is shining today!"

Pikachu looked up at the sky, confused. Misty also looked up, leaning on Ash's arm. "Where? How can you see a star out in the middle of day?"

Laoise said, "I think that was a figure of speech."

Ash nodded, "I don't mean it's actually shining! Let's go, Pikachu!

Pikachu agreed. "Pika!"

Brock commented, "Seems like they're ready to win, doesn't it?"

Our heroes follow Ash as he and Pikachu marched toward the gym, when suddenly, Team Rocket appeared.

Ash questioned. "Huh? Who are you guys?"

Team Rocket was about do their motto but Meowth cut them off.

Meowth declared. "We're the challenger's cheerleaders, and we're here to show our support for the brave Pikachu and Ash!"

Jessie and James cheered. "Ra!"

"In honor of the great Pikachu's bravery, we wish to offer a cheer!"

Team Rocket then started doing multiple different cheers at once, it made for a bizarre sight, taking the heroes by surprise.

Meowth then told the two, "Okay, let's split."

Team Rocket ran away, they couldn't risk being identified.

"That was really disturbing." Brock said warily.

Misty waved brightly, "Thanks for your support!"

Laoise called cheerfully. "Bye, Team Rocket!"

This shocked Team Rocket so much their disguises fell off.

Meowth yelped, "How did they know it was us?"

Jessie mumbled, "Lucky guess."

Ash chuckled despite the oddity of the situation. Now that that mondo-bizarro event is over, it was time for a rematch.

Our heroes soon arrive at the Vermilion gym and Ash and Surge take their places on the battlefield.

Lt. Surge taunted. "Hey, baby! You ready to take another beating! You didn't even make your Pikachu evolve. You haven't learned anything yet!"

Ash said, "Don't be so sure, Surge!"

"He learned plenty from his last fight!" Laoise said.

"The challenger, Ash, using a Pikachu!" One of the subordinates acted as referee once again, "The gym leader, Lt. Surge, using a Raichu! The Pokémon will battle one on one with no time limit! Let the battle begin!"

As everyone watches, the bell rings and the match is underway.

Ash "Use the strategy we planned, Pikachu! You can do it!"

Lt. Surge uses the same strategy as last time, but Ash orders Pikachu to dodge Raichu's heavy attacks, causing Raichu to give itself recoil damage from moves like Body Slam. Ash orders Pikachu to use Agility, and Pikachu accelerates to full speed. Repeated Body Slam attempts from Raichu all miss completely, as Pikachu is simply too fast. Brock reveals the strategy: because Lt. Surge evolved his Pikachu into a Raichu too fast, it never had a chance to learn the speed attacks it can only learn as a Pikachu. Lt. Surge, growing aggravated, orders Raichu to fill the entire Gym with a vicious Thunderbolt attack. Raichu rips up the arena floor and even blows out all the windows around the arena. At first, Lt. Surge is convinced he has won, but the smoke clears, revealing the unharmed Pikachu standing on his tail.

Brock explains that Pikachu used his tail as a ground to insulate himself from the electric shocks. Lt. Surge orders another Thunderbolt, but Raichu is unable to muster up the electricity for it.

"Alright! Quick Attack!" Ash called.

Pikachu picked up speed as he charged forward.

Lt. Surge ordered. "Raichu! Take Down, now!"

Raichu tried to grab Pikachu, but Pikachu is too fast and nailed Raichu right in the chest. Pikachu then charged up his tail with electricity and attacked Raichu with it. Raichu falls to the ground swirly-eyed, meaning one thing.

Lt. Surge was stunned. "Unbelievable!"

The subordinate confirmed. "Raichu is unable to battle! Pikachu wins! This battle goes to the challenger, Ash Ketchum!"

Ash smiled We did it, Pikachu!

"Yeah, alright!" Laoise clapped excitedly.

Brock smiled. "Way to go!"

Misty said, "Fantastic!"

Lt. Surge shook Ash's hand "Congratulations. Nice job, Ash, Pikachu. As proof of your victory, a Thunder badge."

"Thank you." Ash looked at his new badge. "Would you look at that? It's really a Thunder badge!"

Lt. Surge added, "You should be proud, as Laoise was. You and your Pikachu really work good together!"

"Thanks! A Thunder badge! And it's all mine!" Ash cheered.

Pikachu did a little peace sign with his paw. "Pi Pikachu!

Lt. Surge, his subordinates, and everyone else starts giving Ash a round of applause. "Nice victory, Ash. Like your friends, you're no baby!"

Brock clapped. "Congratulations, Ash, Pikachu."

Misty said, "You finally got your own badge."

Laoise lightly elbowed her, "Don't ruin the moment."

Surge's Raichu even congratulated Pikachu. "Rai ai ai."

Pikachu rubbed the back of his head. "Pika."

Ash picked up Pikachu. "Thank you, Pikachu." He pulled his pokèmon into a hug. "This is your victory!"

Pikachu happily gives off a Thunderbolt hug.

Ash gaped, "Wow! Now I can see lots of lucky stars!"

"Pika Pika!"

Ash and Pikachu start laughing, and everyone soon joined in. Laoise even hugged both Ash and Pikachu in celebratory victory.

Three gyms down, five more to go. But they still have a long way trip ahead to reach their goal. And so the adventure continues.

To be continued…

Author's note: Yep, wanted to show off that Laoise can be obnoxiously blunt too. Don't get cocky, Laoise only won because she read up alot about pokémon types and disadvantages, and used her head. But oh, oh, oh, the tougher and dangerous battles are yet to come.

And sorry to disappoint you all and annoy with this but, Goliath will not be be turning into a Steelix in the future.