"We finally made it!" Ash cheered as he stood on top of a hill. As his friends came to his side, they looked down to see a sprawling city below bordered by luscious beaches and an unending expanse of ocean.
"I can't believe we finally made it." Serena said cheerfully.
"I don't think my feet could take another minute of walking." Misty added.
"So, do you all want to stop by a restaurant? It's been a while since we've had professional cooking." Brock offered.
"Are you kidding?" Ash exclaimed, "We're going right to the gym!"
That ended any kind of conversation as the raven-haired trainer began marching forward at a brisk pace. Serena smiled as she looked around the bustling city. It had been well over a month since the group had departed from Cerulean City and since that time there had been very few reprieves of urban areas. As the group walked through town Serena watched businessmen bustling around, a group of young kids playing a game of pickup basketball, and even a tour bus showing visitors the city.
"I wouldn't mind taking a tour while we're here." Serena said absentmindedly.
"Why not? We've got plenty of time." Brock noted. This was very true. Serena's first showcase would not begin for about two weeks, so the group had plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach city.
"Ash, do you even know where you're walking?" Misty questioned skeptically.
Ash looked back with a big smile, "If we keep walking around, we'll find it eventually!"
Misty rolled her eyes at this while Serena giggled.
"Maybe we should ask someone at the pokemon center." Brock offered as he pointed to the nearby refuge for traveling trainers.
When the group entered Misty and Brock were able to convince Ash to have his pokemon checked out while they got directions.
"The gym is about 6 blocks down if you turn right at the next street." Explained the pokemon center nurse, a tall woman with short black hair.
"Thank you, nurse." Ash replied as he handed over Pikachu and his other pokemon for a quick checkup. At that moment the pokemon center doors burst open and a boy about Ash's age came rushing in with an unconscious Rattata.
"Nurse, please help!" He cried.
"Not again." The nurse mumbled to herself before saying, "I'll be with you in a minute."
"I wonder what that's about." Brock questioned as they made their way to the cafeteria. The group was able to find a table near the front of the cafeteria where they enjoyed a quick snack.
"I'm just glad we actually know where we're going now." Misty grumbled.
"Hey, we would've found it eventually!" Ash shot back.
Serena laughed as she watched the two fight, "Let's just agree it's best to save the wandering until after you win your badge."
"Excuse me." A voice came from behind the group, "May I ask why you hide your native tongue?" The owner of the voice had a thick accent. To the three others in the group the accent sounded completely alien. To Serena though it was completely normal, it was the accent of her native region.
Serena looked up to see a tall boy standing around 6'1 with black hair nearly extending to his shoulders and piercing gray eyes. The boy wore a blue jacket, jeans, black combat boots, and a red hat with sunglasses resting on them.
Serena smiled warmly at the boy, "I moved from Kalos to Kanto when I was very little and lost most of my accent since then. Honestly, I'm pretty impressed you noticed it."
The boy smiled back, "I can pick up traces of my homeland anywhere." He then extended his hand, "My name is Calem Xavier"
"Serena Yvonne" Serena replied as she shook her hand, "These are my friends."
Calem then went around and introduced himself to each of them before he finally rested on Ash, "Nice to meet you Ash-"
"The pleasure is all mine!" Ash nearly erupted, "Calem, I remember watching you in the Kalos league last year. You were amazing!"
"You know this guy, Ash?" Misty asked in surprise.
Ash nodded enthusiastically, "As a rookie last year Calem made it all the way to the top 8 in Kalos. It was the best performance by a rookie in Kalos in over 20 years!"
"Truthfully it was mostly luck." Calem responded sheepishly, "It became clear by the round of 32 that I wasn't truly ready to compete against the other competitors."
"There's no way luck can carry anyone to the top 8 of a pokemon league. Especially not a rookie." Brock noted.
"So, what are you doing here, Calem?" Serena asked.
"After the Kalos league I decided to travel to Kanto. I'm currently working to qualify for the Kanto league."
"How many badges do you have?" Ash asked.
"I just got my fourth today." The boy responded.
"Sounds like you have some work to do, Ash." Misty taunted with a playful wink.
"Once I beat the Vermilion gym leader I'll only be one behind!" Ash declared confidently.
"You're going for the third badge of your career?" Calem asked.
"That's right." Ash confirmed, "Me and Serena just became trainers a few months ago."
Calem frowned at this, "Well Ash then please let me offer you some friendly advice: don't challenge the Vermillion gym. Go to Celadon or Fuchsia City."
"Why's that?" Ash asked in confusion. As if on cue the doors to the pokemon center burst open again and another boy with a Sandshrew came rushing in calling for a doctor.
"That's the reason." Calem said sadly as he sat down with the group. I've been in Vermillion City for a few days now. I've learned that the gym leader of this city holds a certain… reputation."
"What kind of reputation?" Serena asked.
"The gym leader is a man known as Lt. Surge." Calem explained, "The title "Lieutenant" is not just made up. Apparently, Surge was a soldier in the Kanto military. He even became an officer and took part in the Orre crisis about eight years ago. According to the locals he led a unit that evacuated many civilians when Orre terrorists tried to take Phenac City. He even took a bullet to the chest but kept fighting. Afterwards he was given the Kanto medal of honor and became the gym leader here in his hometown."
"That's great!" Misty cut in, "We should be glad that a veteran is getting the position after all he's done."
"Well unfortunately the story doesn't end there." Calem replied, "You see, apparently Surge has a very unique way of running his gym. You all know the rules for trainers with less than three badges, correct?"
"Brock mentioned it a bit back." Serena responded, "Trainers with less than three badges in their careers face weaker pokemon in gym battles."
Calem smiled at the girl, "That's correct. The pokemon league believes that the best way for young trainers to improve is to start off with an easier challenge. Lt. Surge doesn't believe in this though. He was a soldier, you see. When one enters the military, they are immediately thrown into intense training. The idea is that they must learn to perform under stress right away to be prepared for battle. Also, if anyone can't make it it's better to weed them out right away. Surge holds the same views for trainers. He believes trainers must face difficult battles right away. To him it's better that weak trainers give up right away than to carry on and fail down the line."
"But being a pokemon trainer isn't the same thing as being a soldier." Misty challenged, "The skills and requirements are completely different."
Calem nodded, "I'm inclined to agree with you. But Lt. Surge spent a large portion of his life in the military. The things he was taught were drilled into him in a way us civilians could never understand. So, whenever a trainer with less than three badges comes along Surge uses one pokemon. A pokemon that's far stronger than the standard beginner gym pokemon. He goes out to crush the beginner and really see if they have what it takes to be a trainer."
"This doesn't sound at all like what the pokemon league intends." Brock said thoughtfully, "Frankly I'm shocked the pokemon league would allow it."
"I guess they've tried to stop him a few times." Calem responded, "But as your friend said, Surge is a war hero. You don't fire war heroes. So they've mostly decided to just leave him be. Now I face Surge earlier and I was able to dispatch his pokemon with minimal difficulty. Sure, he raises strong pokemon but in all honesty I found his tactics to rely too heavily on overwhelming power and my pokemon were able to take him down rather easily. But I'm an experienced trainer, Ash. At the moment you would get put in Surge's intense one-on-one battle and there's a real chance you'd end up like all the others. If you want my honest opinion I would say go challenge another gym or two. Get stronger. When you've gained more experience, you should be able to brush the lieutenant aside."
Ash smiled at Calem when the story was complete, "I appreciate the story Calem but I can't take your advice. My goal is to be the world's greatest pokemon trainer. I know how hard it will be to get there, and I also know that there isn't an easy path to get there. I have to face this challenge head on."
Calem smiled at Ash with a look of admiration, and maybe a bit of pity, "Well I obviously can't stop you. I wish you the best Ash Ketchum."
"Thank you, Calem." Ash responded confidently. At that moment the nurse's voice rang over the intercom announcing the group's pokemon had completed their checkups. The gang said their goodbyes to Calem as the head of. As Serena got up her eyes met the new boys. His piercing gray eyes left her with the feeling that he wanted to speak with her more.
Following the nurse's instructions, it wasn't very difficult to find the gym. The structure itself wasn't very flashy but still was quite nice. The gym was a large building that was mainly white with a yellow slanted roof. It also was lined with windows along the very top. As the group entered, they saw two people, a man and a woman, dressed in military fatigues lounging on the bleachers.
"Excuse me, would one of you be Lt. Surge?" Ash asked.
The two examined Ash closely before bursting into laughter, "Please don't tell me you're a challenger." The girl asked in between laughter.
"What's so funny about that?" Ash growled.
"What's funny is they can tell from just looking at you how green you are." A booming voice from across the gym called out. Slowly a man stepped forward. As he approached his shadow grew and larger as he hulked over the four trainers. The man was massive, standing nearly 7 feet with thick muscles and spiky blonde hair.
"I take it you're Surge." Ash questioned. The raven-haired teen tried to sound confident, but Serena could hear a little fear slip into his voice. Not that she could blame him, Lt. Surge had to be the biggest man she'd ever seen.
"You nailed it, baby." Surge responded condescendingly.
"Who are you calling baby?" Ash growled.
"I call all my rookie opponents' baby." Surge replied nonchalantly. His eyes then settled on Pikachu resting on Ash's shoulder, "Oh look, baby has a baby pokemon. I hope you're not seriously planning on battling me with that runt."
"And what if I am?" Ash responded fiercely. Pikachu sparked electricity from its cheeks as it now glared at the gym leader.
Surge gave a powerful laugh, "There's no reason you should ever tote around a Pikachu. Don't you know that you can evolve it with a thunderstone?"
"I don't need to evolve Pikachu, he's plenty strong." Ash shot back.
"Hah, well why don't see my pokemon, baby." With that Surge took a pokeball off his belt. The pokeball looked like a golf ball in the man's enormous hand. "Come on out!" He shouted.
What emerged was a pokemon very similar to Pikachu. Its body was of a similar shape, and it had the signature electric pouches on its cheeks. Unlike Pikachu though this pokemon was a dark orange with a long tail. It was also twice the size of Pikachu both in height and physique.
"Raichu" The pokemon taunted as it smirked at Pikachu.
"Pika" Pikachu growled as electricity escaped its cheeks.
"As you can see, I'll be using your baby pokemon's evolved form. So, I'd suggest you rethink your strategy." Surge said.
Pikachu didn't wait for Ash though. The pokemon leapt from his trainer's shoulder to the ground where it took a defensive stance and glared at its evolved form.
"We're not backing down." Ash growled.
Surge gave a hardy laugh again, "Well I admire your spirit. Let's get this over with."
At that the two made their ways to their respective side of the field. The man who had been sitting on the bleacher lazily got up and stepped to the referee's position while Serena, Misty, and Brock replaced him in the bleachers.
"Ash lost his head." Misty whispered.
Brock nodded, "You're right, this is bad."
"What's the big deal?" Serena asked. "I think Ash will win."
"Serena, Raichu is Pikachu's evolved form." Brock explained, "Evolution isn't just for show, it's an immense increase in power. Look how much bulkier Raichu is than Pikachu. It can withstand far more damage, hit much harder, and most importantly release amounts of electricity that Pikachu just isn't capable of."
Back on the field Ash wasn't even thinking these things though. Surge had insulted him and his pokemon, he would pay.
"This will be a one–on-one battle between the challenger, Ash Ketchum and the gym leader, Lt. Surge." The referee announced with a hint of disinterest, "Battle, begin."
"Come on baby, I'll give you the first shot!" Surge taunted.
Ash didn't need to hear anything else, "Pikachu use thundershock!"
"Pi-ka-chuuu!" The pokemon exclaimed. Pikachu let his anger build and released an attack far greater than any it's normal thundershock. The electricity rushed towards its opponent, who's arrogant smile matched that of its trainer. When the attack reached the Raichu the pokemon became encased in the bright yellow attack. Ash even had to look away from this display to avoid getting blinded. When the attack cleared though Ash's jaw dropped in shock. There was Raichu, not looking the least bit banged up.
"Is that really all you got?" Surge taunted. "Alright Raichu, let's show em a real electric attack. Use thunderbolt!"
"Rai-chuuu!" The pokemon shouted. Electricity colored dark orange escaped the pokemon's body. The attack came across the field at such speeds that neither Ash nor Pikachu could react. Pikachu stood no chance. The smaller pokemon was instantly thrown from his feet as he screeched in pain. When the attack finally subsided Pikachu was only feet away from Ash and struggling to get to its feet.
"Pikachu…" Ash said nervously.
"Don't let up, use thunderpunch!" Surge called. Raichu lumbered across the field. The pokemon was not the quickest although certainly not the slowest either. It was soon standing directly over a shaken Pikachu. The evolved pokemon's right fist sparked with orange electricity as it delivered a devastating punch to Pikachu that pummeled the pokemon back into the ground.
"Now use mega kick!" Surge commanded.
"Pikachu use iron tail!" Ash shouted desperately. Pikachu stumbled to its feet and smashed its tail directly into the Raichu's kick. The two attacks met and for a moment it looked like Pikachu was getting the upper hand.
"You taught your Pikachu iron tail? I got to admit baby that's quite impressive." Surge called out, "Unfortunately for you my pokemon can use its tail too. Raichu, use slam!"
With their attacks still fiercely pushing on each other Raichu's long tail came to life and whipped down on Pikachu, again smashing the pokemon into the ground.
"End this, Raichu. More slams!" Surge called. His pokemon complied and continued to brutally beat down on Pikachu. The yellow mouse tried desperately to escape but the attacks continued at such brutal intervals that it never got a chance. Soon the pokemon could do nothing more than cower as it continued to take a beating."
Ash grit his teeth and finally called out, "Enough, I quit"
Raichu stopped immediately before returning to his trainer's side.
"The challenger Ash has forfeited. That means Lt. Surge is the winner!" The referee announced.
Sadly, Ash reached down and picked up his barely conscious pokemon.
"You ain't half bad, baby." Surge shouted from across the field. "But you'll never win with a puny pokemon like that. In this world only the strong survive."
Ash growled as he tried to come up with a retort. Nothing came to his mind though and instead he feebly walked with his friends on his heels. As they left they heard Surge and his friends erupting into laughter.
It was about a half an hour later when the pokemon nurse came out of an operating room to face Ash and his friends.
"Pikachu will be just fine." She told Ash warmly, "In fact with a good night's rest he should be ready as soon as tomorrow. You can go see him now."
Ash didn't need anything else. He swiftly rushed into the room to see Pikachu lying in a bed looking up at the ceiling.
"Pikachu…" Ash said sadly to his friend. Pikachu saw Ash and then quickly looked away, clearly Ash wasn't the only one embarrassed by the battle.
"I'm so sorry, Pikachu. I shouldn't have put you out there."
The small yellow mouth only shook its head at this.
"You can't blame yourself for that, Ash." Misty said, "Pikachu wanted to beat that Raichu as much as you did."
"But I'm supposed to be the trainer." Ash said bitterly.
"If it's any consolation, you made the right call forfeiting the match." Brock added, "You showed real maturity and because of that Pikachu isn't badly hurt."
This didn't cheer up Ash at all as the boy only looked down at his feet in sadness.
"Sounds like the battle didn't go well." Said a voice from behind the group in a thick accent.
"Calem!" Serena exclaimed in surprise.
Calem walked over and joined the group, "So tell me what happened."
After getting a quick rundown Calem sighed, "You shouldn't get discouraged you know. Losing is a part of life. It's what makes us better."
"It's just me and Pikachu have trained so hard. It was terrible watching him get overpowered like that." Ash responded with frustration.
"What if there were a way to make Pikachu more powerful?" Calem asked. The boy then reached into his backpack and pulled out an item, handing it to Ash. It was a large gem with a green hue and a pale-yellow thunderbolt symbol in the center.
"Is that?" Misty began.
Calem nodded, "I won it at some Rapidash race in a nearby town a few weeks back. I don't have any pokemon that need it so I thought I'd give it to you."
"You mean Pikachu could become a Raichu." Ash said in shock.
Calem smiled, "That's correct, as a Raichu I have no doubt your pokemon could match Surge's. Heck, it could very well exceed its power."
"I think you should do it, Ash." Brock said, "You and Pikachu have trained so hard and grown so much since we first met. If you're ready to evolve Pikachu I have no question that Pikachu is at the developmental stage to do it."
"But Ash, there's no coming back from this." Misty warned, "Once a pokemon evolves they can't revert. And sometimes their personality changes along with it."
"Pikachu would never be the same, Ash." Serena added, "Please think hard about this."
Calem shook his head sadly, "What you both say is true, but the Lieutenant wasn't wrong when he said strength is everything in this world. If you want to be the best you'd need to do this eventually. And from what your friends say there's no reason to wait."
"There's far more than strength in this world." Serena shot back before turning to Ash, "Please don't make this decision hastily."
Ash looked down at the stone, "Luckily it's not my decision to make."
He then turned to Pikachu and held out the stone. The pokemon had been eyeing it wearily, "Pikachu, I really want to beat Surge and make you stronger. But I don't want to change you either, I love you just the way you are buddy. So, what do you want to do?"
As Pikachu stared at the stone Calem chuckled, "I've never seen a trainer let his pokemon make these decisions."
Finally, Pikachu got out of bed and approached the stone. For a moment it looked like the pokemon would reach for it when it whipped its tail around and smacked the stone from Ash's hand.
"Pi pika pik pik kachu!" The mouse exclaimed as it flailed its arms around.
Pikachu is a pokemon. Ash had no way of understanding it, in fact Ash wasn't entirely certain Pikachu could even understand what he was saying. Still though, at that moment things were entirely clear. Ash smiled as he picked up the stone and handed it to Calem, "Thanks for the offer Calem but we're going to pass. Pikachu is going to keep getting stronger just how he is."
"Maybe for now you can use Bulbasaur against Surge." Misty offered.
Ash shook his head with a small smile, "Nope I'm going to beat him with Pikachu. Pikachu doesn't want to take the easy way out and neither will I."
"That's great Ash!" Serena said as she clasped her hands together, "I know you guys can do it!"
"That's what you said last time." Misty grumbled.
"Think hard about this, Ash." Brock warned, "Maybe with serious training Pikachu could defeat Surge's Raichu but that doesn't come quick. And even if you do win it'll never change the fact that if Pikachu evolved it would always be stronger than its Pikachu form."
"Maybe not." Calem said thoughtfully, "Ash, you might be the most unique trainer I've ever met. I have to admit you intrigue me. I might have a strategy for how Pikachu could win."
The next day Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Misty, Brock, and even Calem stood at the entrance to Surge's gym.
"Are you ready, Pikachu?" Ash asked his partner. The pokemon nodded back and with this the group entered.
As they came in the same two people were hanging out on the bleachers with Surge, "Hey Lieutenant, look who's back." The girl called out.
"Well, well, well. Baby came back again. I hope you'll be using a different pokemon." Surge taunted.
"I won't be." Ash responded confidently, "We're going to win this time."
Surge burst into laughter, "I love the confidence! But in the army they teach us to always be adaptable, especially in difficult situations. You could stand to learn this lesson."
"Let's just do this." Ash said with a serious expression.
With a smile and nod from Surge the two took their respective sides of the field and the ref stepped forward again, "This will be a one–on-one battle between the challenger, Ash Ketchum and the gym leader, Lt. Surge. Battle, begin!"
"Raichu use thunderbolt!" Surge ordered. Like last time the evolved pokemon released a powerful burst of electricity.
This time though Ash was ready, "Pikachu dodge and use quick attack!"
Pikachu spun out of the way of the attack and charged toward the orange electric type at an intense speed.
"Endure it, Raichu." Surge called. His pokemon remained rooted in place. When Pikachu slammed into the larger pokemon it grimaced slightly but stood its ground.
"Now use slam!" Surge call.
"Pikachu get out of there!" Ash hollered but it was too late. Like last time Pikachu found itself trapped under Raichu as it was beaten over and over.
"Pikachu" Serena said nervously.
"This is bad." Misty added, "Pikachu needs to escape now or it's over."
Ash nervously watched; he knew he had to think of something. Finally, it came to him, "Pikachu use thundershock!"
Without having to move Pikachu was able to release a burst of electricity. The attack did little damage but halted Raichu just long enough for Pikachu to scamper to its feet.
"Clever, baby." Surge shouted, "But you still have no way of beating me!"
"We'll see." Growled Ash, "Pikachu, use agility!"
In the blink of an eye Pikachu was gone. The pokemon began rapidly appearing and disappearing all around his opponent. Raichu tried to use slam, but the mouse was far quicker and easily avoided each attack.
"Now iron tail, don't let up!" Ash ordered. Pikachu appeared directly behind Raichu and slammed its tail into the larger pokemon. Raichu stumbled in pain. Just as it gathered itself appeared in front of it and landed another strike. Then it appeared in the air directly above Raichu, slamming down on the pokemon and smashing it into the ground.
"Amazing, Pikachu!" Serena cheered.
"I can't believe it's working, Calem." Misty said.
"It's simple when you think about it." Calem explained, "When a Pikachu becomes a Riachu it grows bigger and bulkier. This size change makes it much more powerful and by every standard stronger. But there is a single trade off. With its size increase the Raichu becomes slower, it just can't move at the same speed as it could as a Pikachu. Pikachu's speed might only be a slight advantage, but it is an advantage and it's up to the trainer to get the most out of it."
"So, in other words, Ash can make Pikachu stronger as a Pikachu than a Raichu." Serena added.
Calem smiled and nodded, "Essentially, yes."
Across the field, Surge growled, "Raichu, use thunderbolt!"
"Rai-chuuu!" The pokemon cried as it released electricity in every direction. One bolt hit Pikachu and stunned the smaller pokemon.
"Use mega kick!" Surge hollered. Raichu slammed into Pikachu with a leg to the gut and sent Pikachu flying across the field.
"That speed is impressive, but you can't defeat a fully evolved pokemon!" Surge boomed. "Raichu, thunderpunch!"
"We can and we will!" Ash called back, "Pikachu use quick attack!"
Raichu charged the smaller pokemon and winded up for a powerful punch. At the last-minute Pikachu leapt forward, momentarily disappearing before reappearing right in front of Raichu and slamming into the pokemon's gut.
"Keep using quick attack and iron tail!" Ash commanded.
"Stop it with slam!" Surge ordered.
Pikachu disappeared and reappeared all round Raichu, slamming into it every chance it got. The larger pokemon furiously fought through this and kept flinging around its tail. Occasionally making contact with Pikachu. The smaller pokemon wasn't deterred though and kept on fighting.
"Pikachu's become so much faster." Misty said in awe, "Even compared to when I battled him."
Brock nodded, "Calem's strategy was smart but it's Ash and Pikachu's hard work that is making it possible."
"Enough of this!" Surge boomed, "Raichu, use thunderbolt!"
"Pikachu use quick attack!" Ash shouted back.
Raichu released a burst of electricity as Pikachu rushed forward. He didn't dodge the thunderbolt though. Pikachu instead charged head first in, taking the attack head on and pushing through.
"What?" Surge cried in shock as Raichu's attack fizzled out.
Pikachu kept rushing forward but something was different. He was now covered in a dazzling yellow light.
"I can't believe it." Brock said in shock.
"What's happening?" Serena asked.
"A move that can only be learned by a lucky few in the Pikachu line." Calem said in awe, "That's volt tackle!"
"Pi-ka-pika-pika-pi-ka!" Pikachu shouted as he gained steam. The pokemon slammed into Raichu with such force that the larger pokemon was blasted off its feet, completely unconscious. Pikachu flinched momentarily as electricity coursed over its body but when it passed the pokemon stood victorious over its downed foe.
"We did it!" Ash cheered as he rushed to Pikachu. The two hugged as their friends joined them.
"Ash, that was amazing!" Serena cheered as she hugged Ash without thinking. After a moment she realized what she was doing and pulled away with a blush.
"You were great, Ash!" Misty added as Brock nodded with approval.
"You and your Pikachu sure are special." Calem said.
"Ash Ketchum!" Came a voice from behind the group. They all turned to see Surge marching over to them, his expression serious. As he finally stood in front of Ash, towering over him, a broad smile broke across his face.
"You sure aren't a baby. And neither is your Pikachu. It's an honor for me to give you this badge." As he said this, he handed Ash the badge. It was a golden octagon with eight yellow spikes protruding around it. If Ash didn't know better he'd assume it was meant to be the sun.
"Thanks Surge, it was a real blast battling you." Ash responded happily.
"You're welcome back anytime, I'd love a rematch."
After the group exited the gym, they stood facing Calem.
"It's a shame you can't stay any longer, Calem." Ash said sadly.
Calem smiled, "It's been fun but unfortunately, I'm behind schedule. I'm off to the East to continue my journey." He then shook Ash's hand, "That volt tackle was quite impressive. I very much hope that you and I get the opportunity to face each other in the Kanto League."
"Me too!" Ash responded enthusiastically.
Calem then looked over to Serena, "It was a pleasure to meet another Kalos native here. Maybe next time we see each other you and I could get dinner together, just the two of us."
Serena felt her face shoot bright red at this, "Uh yea, maybe."
Calem smiled at her one last time before departing.
"Well, that sure was interesting." Misty said with a sly smile. Serena could only blush and look down.
"Well, anyway, let's get back to the pokemon center." Brock offered as the group turned to leave.
As the left Ash could only stare at Serena. Why had Calem asked her to dinner? Why was she blushing? Ash couldn't explain it, but his stomach was now in knots, as if a beast had woken inside him. That night, Ash did not feel in the mood at all to celebrate his gym badge.
And that's rap for now. I've got 6 more chapters ready so they should be getting pumped out very soon. If any of you feel this story stayed too close to the original fear not. This story is about to diverge in a major way moving forward.