Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
Trauma Shock Showdown
It was six in the evening and the group sat together eating dinner. Not wanting to walk for three more hours in the dark as they saw the city in the distance, they decided to resume their journey early the next morning.
Sitting next to Brock's new Bulbasaur, Aidan watched his trainer a little worriedly. Ash had seemed a little antsy all day, though he had tried his best to hide it. Maybe he was just nervous about the Gym battle the next day.
Two days ago, Ash, Cobalt, Green, Psi, Yami, and Aidan had discussed who was going to face Lt. Surge's Raichu at the Vermillion Gym, and Cobalt had been chosen. He was the only one who could not only fight from a distance without making contact thanks to Vacuum Wave, but he was also the only one of them with a Ground-type move. Ash trained his starter's attack and speed, along with working on his marksmanship with Vacuum Wave. Not only that but like always, Ash trained his other Pokemon too, with Aidan having also learned Fire Fang to replace Ember. The little Charmander was very excited about seeing his first big Gym Battle the next day, but also a little nervous. He hoped Cobalr would do well.
But something more seemed to be wrong with Ash than simple nervousness. Ash was picking at his food, a sure sign that something was wrong, as Ash normally had a huge appetite. Aidan noticed that Ash's other Pokémon, as well as Brock and Misty, seemed concerned as well.
Aiden: Hey Ash, you okay?
Ash: Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine, Aidan. Just thinking about the gym battle tomorrow.
Though Ash replied, he seemed distracted. Cobalt and Green exchanged a concerned glance, making Aidan even more confused. They finished dinner and Ash and Misty helped Brock clean up as Aidan went over to Green.
Aiden: Is Ash okay? He seems really anxious about something and I don't think it's just the gym.
Green: …. *sigh* You're right, Aidan. It's not just the gym. I need to tell you something.
—-
After Green told the story, Aiden looked on in horror, almost breaking into tears.
Aiden: I can't believe it. That's awful. Why would his own starter do that to him?
The Grovyle sighed and shook his head, looking over to his trainer as he set dwon his sleeping bag.
Green: I don't know. I'm worried tomorrow is going to be tough for Ash; having to face the evolved form of the Pokémon that hurt him.
Aidan nodded, understanding what Ash was going through. He didn't know what'd he do if he ever had to face Damien again, but he was confident in his friend. Aiden nodded, which caused Green to smile and ruffle his head as they joined his trainer.
Later that night, Ash lay awake, finding it impossible to fall asleep. He was just too worried about the gym battle tomorrow.
Ash: 'I'm being an idiot! Lt. Surge's Raichu is not Pikachu and wouldn't do to Cobalt what Pikachu did to me, right?
Involuntarily, his mind flashed back to Pikachu's betrayal and the pain and terror he had felt, and he shuddered.
Ash: 'Stop being such a coward! It's been months; I should be over this by now! What type of Pokémon trainer is afraid of a stupid gym battle? I have to keep my head! I can't fail Cobalt out there!'
However, not too far away, he heard what seemed to be watery breaths over by a tree. Ash got up to investigate, seeing Cobalt come out from behind the tree, clutching his lucky charm close.
Ash: Cobalt?
Cobalt: *surpised* Ash… What are you doing up?
Ash: Just having trouble falling asleep. You okay?
Cobalt: Who, me? I'm just a…. A little nervous about the Gym battle and I had to go to the bathroom. Sorry if I woke you.
Nodding, Ash allowed Cobalt to go first over to the sleeping bag as he laid down, still clutching the wood carving. However, as Ash was about to sleep, he noticed stains on Cobalt's face, going down from his eyes. It almost looked like Cobalt had been…. Crying.
—-
After about 3 hours of trekking through the woods, they had finally reached Vermillion City as Misty began to cheer now that they were out of the wilderness.
Misty: We're finally here! I can't wait to take a bubble bath.
Brock: We'd better hit the Laundromat as well.
Ash: And I want to get my team healed before the gym battle too.
They went into the Pokémon Center where they handed their teams over to Nurse Joy to be healed. As they waited, Ash took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his anxiety. He couldn't go to the Gym as a nervous wreck.
Misty: You okay, Ash?
Ash nodded as Brock and Misty looked at each other. They could tell Ash wasn't being entirely truthful, but they let it go. Fifteen minutes later, their call button dinged and the group picked up their teams. Ash released Yami, Aiden, and Psi as he turned to his Fighting type. "
Ash: You ready for the gym, Cobalt?
Cobalt: *nods* Mm-hmm.
Ash: Then let's go!
Ash tried to sound cheerful. He knew Aidan was in the area and the little Charmander was excited to see his first big Gym battle and didn't want to ruin it for him with his nervousness over nothing. As they headed towards the entrance, a young boy came running in carrying a badly shocked Pidgey.
Boy: You'll be alright, Pidgey! *to Nurse Joy* Pidgey needs help!
Psi: Why would you use a Flying Type at an electric Gym? That is just bad strategy.
Then he looked at Ash and noticed that Ash had gone pale as a ghost. Green squeezed Ash's hand, trying to get him to relax as Cobalt noticed too.
Cobalt: Don't worry, Ash. That's not going to happen to me, because we're gonna win!
Ash forced himself to relax a bit and gave Cobalt a nod and a smile. The group left the Pokémon Center and walked over to the Gym, a tall, imposing green building with lightning bolts painted on it. Ash knocked on the double doors and they creaked open. The group walked in to find two trainers, a brown haired young woman and a black-haired man with a buzz cut, both wearing military clothing.
Ash: Hello, Sir. I'm here to challenge Lieutenant Surge for the Thunder Badge.
The male trainer smirked at him.
Man: Hey, Boss, your next victim's here!
Green: *sarcastic* Well, that's reassuring.
?: Which one?
As a booming voice asked, an extremely tall, muscular man with spiky blonde hair stepped out of the shadows, making Brock gasp at the sight.
Brock: Whoa. He's huge.
Misty: Is he the Gym Leader you have to beat?
Ash: Yes. That's Lieutenant Surge.
Lt. Surge: Welcome to the Vermillion Gym! Now which of you unlucky souls is my challenger?
Ash: *quiet* Me, sir.
Lt. Surge looked down at his clearly nervous challenger.
Lt. Surge: Speak up, kid! Your voice is tinier than your Charmander!
Aiden: Hey!
Both Ash and Cobalt glared at him, the canine growling as he stepped up.
Ash: I want to challenge you for the Thunder Badge!
Lt. Surge: *smirks* 'It's working. He's going from nervous to riled up. Now it will be a real fight!' You sure you want to do that? I'm not sure you have the guts. Maybe you should just surrender now!
Ash: Never.
Lieutenant Surge smirked again, and Ash swore he saw an approving glint in his eye.
Lt. Surge: Alright then, let's get started.
They stepped onto the battlefield as all of Ash's Pokemon, minus Cobalt, joined Misty and Brock at the bleachers.
Yami: That guy's a jerk.
Green: Your concern is appreciated, Yami, but he's actually not. He's helping Ash.
Yami: Huh?
Psi: Surge is deliberately making Ash angry so Ash will snap out of his nervousness. He is daring Ash to prove him wrong and it is working… Green, how do you know?
Green: An older Grovyle in my tribe always used it to get our younger members into the fighting spirit. Now, shush it! The battle's about to start!
Referee: The battle between gym leader Brock and the challenger Ash shall now begin! Each trainer shall only use one Pokemon for the battle and furthermore, there will be no substitutions allowed! Will both sides let out their Pokemon!
Lt. Surge: Go, Raichu!
Lt. Surge threw a Poké Ball, making the orange Mouse Pokémon appear, smirking at his opponents. Ash was doing his best to hide his nervousness from Lieutenant Surge, but shook it off as he pointed forward.
Ash: Cobalt, I choose you!
Like with Brock, Cobalt did his ritual with his lucky charm before going to the stands, asking Green to hold it before he stepped onto the field.
Referee: Let the match begin!
Ash: Cobalt, Vacuum Wave!
The wind attack struck Raichu and Lieutenant Surge was surprised to see it actually did some damage.
Lt. Surge: Raichu, show them true power! Use Thundershock!
Raichu shot off a Thundershock, much more powerful than anything Ash's former Pikachu had done.
Ash: Dodge it!
Cobalt got out of the way by inches.
Ash: Now use Vacuum Wave again!
Another Vacuum Wave hit Raichu before it could dodge, making the veteran growl.
Lt. Surge: Okay, no more kid stuff! Raichu, Thunderbolt!
Ash: Counter with Bone Rush!
The Riolu formed a blue bone staff, twirling it as the Thuderbolt hit, cancelling out the attack. However, the force still sent both Pokémon flying backwards.
Ash: You okay, Aidan?
Getting up, Cobalt nodded as Raichu got up as well.
Lt. Surge: Raichu, Mega Kick!
Raichu ran at Cobalt, Mega Kick at the ready. Seeing this, Ash had an idea.
Ash: Wait for it…
Despite having no clue what his trainer was up to, Cobalt obeyed. Just as Raichu was about to reach him, Ash yelled.
Ash: Side-step, now!
Cobalt got out of the way just in time, and Raichu, who had been about to kick him, got off balance.
Ash: Force Palm!
Cobalt reeled his hand back, striking Raichu in the back with his palm.
Lt. Surge: Hmm…. Not bad, kid.
He had gotten cocky and clearly underestimated his opponent. He would not make that mistake again. Raichu was panting and a few more good hits could take him out. They had to slow that Riolu down.
Lt. Surge: Raichu! Thunder Wave!
Ash: 'No! If that move hits Cobalt, he'll be paralyzed!' Dodge it!
Cobalt tried to dodge, but couldn't completely get out of the way of the widespread wave of electricity in time. He felt his muscles begin to stiffen, his form trembling as he fell over.
Ash: Cobalt!
Should he surrender the match? If Cobalt couldn't move, he couldn't defend himself. Cobalt: forced himself to get up, fighting the growing stiffness in his muscles.
Cobalt: I'm fine, Ash! I can do this!
Lt. Surge: Raichu, Mega Punch!
Ash: Dodge it, Cobalt!
He got out of the way, but barely.
Ash: Now use Vacuum Wave!
He tried, but the paralysis took over and he collapsed, unable to move. As the Raichu approached with a smirk, Cobalt gasped in shock as his mind shifted. In his perspective wasn't Raichu, but the very same Pikachu at the beginning of the story, chuckling and smiling evilly as his cheeks sparked, a human body seen on the ground in the background. In reality, Cobalt had begun hyperventilating, trying to crawl away, but his paralysis prevented it as tears began streaming down his face out of pure, unadulterated fear.
Lt. Surge: *smirks* Now finish it off with Thunder!
Seeing Cobalt lying helpless on the ground, about to be struck by Raichu's most powerful attack, sent Ash into a state of complete terror.
Ash: No!
He started to run over to protect Cobalt, only for Green to vault over the bleachers and grab Ash's arm, afraid that he would try to jump in front of Cobalt and into the path of Raichu's Thunder as Ash struggled against Green, not even registering his presence in his fear.
Green: Ash, stop! You can;t go out there!
Seeing Ash almost running onto the field, Raichu powered down his attack, actually showing concern and worry.
Raichu: Kid, are you crazy?! I could have fried you!
Ash: Stop! I surrender! Just don't hurt him any more, Pikachu!
Ash's friends and Pokémon, including the still panicking Cobalt, looked at Ash in shock and worry, and Lt. Surge and Raichu looked at each other, then at Ash, in complete confusion. What had freaked their young challenger out so much, and why had he called Raichu a Pikachu? Ash snapped out his panic. Looking around, he saw everyone staring at him in shock and he realized what he had said and done. Looking down in shame, he walked over and scooped u[p Cobalt in his arms.
Ash: I'm sorry…
And just like that, he ran off. Green snapped out of his own shock and ran after him.
Green: Ash, wait!
Lieutenant Surge turned to Brock and Misty, about to ask what happened, but they were already running out the door.
—-
Ash ran all the way to the Pokémon Center without stopping. And there he stood, panting at the Center's front desk, starter in his arms.
Ash: Nurse Joy, please heal my Riolu! He was paralyzed.
Nurse Joy: Right away. *takes Cobalt* Don't worry, hon. He'll be just fine.
Ash: Thank you…
He took the call button she handed him and walked into the boy's changing room, trying to get his emotions under control without anyone seeing him. Sitting down on a bench, Ash took a few deep breaths, his body shaking. He couldn't believe how he had acted out there. He had freaked out and completely failed Cobalt! What kind of Pokémon trainer was he? Another wave of fear overcame him. What if his Pokémon didn't want him anymore after seeing how pathetic he had been? He curled up his legs, wrapping his arms around his knees, his shaking getting worse.
Ash: I have to be better than this. I have to be or I'll lose them. I need to be the trainer they deserve.
Green immediately rushed outside the Vermillion Gym, looking desperately for Ash as Psi, Yami, and Aiden joined him from behind.
Green: I don't see him!
Psi: Let us check the Pokémon Center. That would be the first place he would go.
They ran to the Pokémon Center and Yami pushed open the double doors.
Yami: Ash? You in here?
He didn't see him in the lobby and he wasn't at the front desk. The double doors opened again and Brock and Misty rushed in.
Misty: Nurse Joy, did a boy with black hair and a Pokémon League hat come in? He was holding a furry blue Pokemon that was paralyzed.
Nurse Joy: Yes, one did just a few minutes ago. Are you his friends?
Brock nodded as Nurse Joy walked to the door of the locker room.
Nurse Joy: He went into the boys changing room connected to the showers. He seemed pretty shaken up.
The Pokemon ran over to the door Nurse Joy had motioned to and Green pushed it open. Looking inside, they saw Ash on one of the benches, arms wrapped around his knees, and shaking like a leaf. He didn't even seem to realize they were there.
Green: Ash?
Green went up to the boy, touching his arm. Ash flinched for a second, then looked at them, his eyes frightened and haunted. Green sat by him on the bench, reaching over and hugging him tightly.
Green: It's okay, Ash. We're here for you.
Even though the Grovyle was trying to remain strong, his voice was breaking due to seeing Ash in such a state. Aiden snuggled up on Ash's other side and Ash slowly began to relax, wrapping an arm around Green and petting Aiden. Psi and Yammi approached as well, the Haunter placing a supporting hand on Ash's shoulder and Psi sitting at Ash's other side next to Aiden, giving him a sense of comfort. Brock quietly opened the door and peeked in, then closed it again. Misty gave him a questioning look.
Brock: He needs to be with just his Pokémon right now. They can help him more than we can.
When the stress of trying to be a father and a mother to his ten siblings had been too much, he had done the same thing; sitting and talking to Onix and Geodude, pouring out his fear, anger, and hurt and being comforted by their strong, steady presence. Brock and Misty took a seat in the lobby and waited for Ash to come out.
Green had always felt a connection with Brock, since both of them were older siblings of their families, with Green having Cobalt and Brock having his other siblings. But when Ash became his trainer and he saw the more sensitive and vulnerable side of himself, Green saw him as not just a trainer, but as another little brother to look out for. After all, Ash was a part of their tribe now. After a few more minutes of soaking in his Pokémon's comfort, Ash spoke up.
Ash: I'm really sorry about this.
Green: You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for.
The others seemed to agree. Ash was about to reply but the call button rang.
Ash: Looks like Cobalt's done. Let's go pick him up…. Thank you.
Psi: Anytime.
As Ash walked out of the changing room, he saw Brock and Misty waiting in the lobby outside.
Misty: Are you okay, Ash?
Ash: *nods* Yeah, I'm fine now.
He was still worried that Cobalt would be upset at him over the loss, but he didn't want to worry Misty or for her to pity him. He was embarrassed and ashamed enough over what happened in the Gym. Ash went up to the front desk and Nurse Joy walked out, Chancet right next to Cobalt as the Riolu held a lollipop.
Nurse Joy: Your Pokemon's doing just fine.
Ash thanked her, then went over to a quiet corner of the Pokémon Center and sat with Cobalt. The others waited with Misty and Brock, guessing that Ash wanted to talk with him privately. Cobalt and Ash looked at each other for a minute before blurting out-
Cobalt/Ash: I'm sorry… Wait, what are you sorry for?
Cobalt: I didn't dodge that Thunder Wave in time. I should have been faster.
Ash: Cobalt, it's not your fault. Thunder Wave is a widespread move and incredibly hard to dodge. I should have thought of some way to counteract it….. I'm sorry, Cobalt. I should have kept my head out there. I shouldn't have been such a coward-
Cobalt: Stop it. You are being way too harsh on yourself. You're telling me not to be so hard on myself, now you have to take your own advice…
Ash: Cobalt… Why did you freeze up in the gym? Don't say the paralysis, I know that, but it seemed like you froze up against your control.
Cobalt: I….. Ash…. I've been trying to keep strong for you, but it's hard… I'm absolutely terrified like you are. I have nightmares of that Pikachu, Ash. Where he kills me. Where he kills Green. But all of them lead to him killing you….. I just…. *tears up* I just don;t know what to do. I want to be a good Pokemon for you, but… I can;t get that STUPID RAT OUT OF MY HEAD!
He then exploded into tears, his face in his paws as his lolly laid abandoned. With Cobalt sobbing loudly, Ash hugged his starter, rubbing his back soothingly as he held him tight. He had been trying to be brave to make Ash happy, but there was always one thing people underestimated; As a Riolu, Cobalt was technically still a baby Pokemon. Eventually, Cobalt sobs turned into sniffles, with Ash relaxing a little now that he knew Cobalt wasn't mad. Looking each other in the eye, Cobalt and Ash smiled as they released… But then Cobalt frowned seeing his lollipop on the ground.
As Aidan watched the scene from afar, he realized something.
Ash: 'He's as afraid of abandonment as I am.'
All this time Aidan had been worried Ash would be angry at him over losing a battle in the future, Ash had been worried about the same thing, that Aidan would be angry at him. Seeing them calm down, Aiden ran over to the counter, sneaking away with another lollipop as he went over to the pair, handing the lollipop to Cobalt, who smiled as he took it and popped it in his mouth.
Aiden: Are you okay?
Cobalt: Better now, buddy. I just…. Needed to get some things off my chest.
Ash: Aidan, about what happened out there, there's something I haven't told you-
Aidan: Ash, if you're talking about Pikachu, I already know. Green told me last night.
He then climbed up onto the bench, taking Ash's hand with both his tiny paws..
Aiden: Ash, I understand. I know what it's like to be abandoned, remember? You were there for me. I will always be there for you.
Ash: *softly smiles* Thanks.
—-
Later that day, Brock was carrying groceries back to the Pokémon Center when he suddenly collided with someone.
Brock: Oof! Sorry about that!
?: That's okay.
Looking up, Brock saw that it was Lieutenant Surge, his Raichu beside him.
Lt. Surge: Hey, you're that friend of the kid who challenged me today. What happened with him? He acted like my Raichu was going to kill his Pokemon or something.
Brock: Ash had a really bad experience with a Pikachu.
Lt. Surge: That does explain things. I might be able to help him. What happened? Did it shock him or that little starter of his?
Brock studied him for a few seconds, trying to see if he could be trusted. Finally, he decided he could.
Brock: Cobalt, his Riolu, wasn't his starter. That Pikachu was. And it absolutely hated humans, well, hated everyone. Ash saved Cobalt sinc he had befriended him from the Pikachu, and it turned on him, hurt him pretty bad. Thankfully the Pokemon he saved called their tribe and they saved his life, or Ash might have died that day.
Lt. Surge: *eyes widen* No wonder he reacted the way he did. Kid's a fighter though. Some would have just given up after something like that…. Where's he at? I'll talk to him.
Brock: In the Pokémon Center.
The two stepped through the double doors and Lt. Surge noticed the raven haired kid sitting in the lobby, talking quietly to his Charmander, Riolu, and Grovyle. As soon as Ash spotted him though, he stopped talking to his Pokémon and stood up, eyeing them nervously. Ash tried to look respectfully, though his posture was tense and his eyes never left Raichu.
Lt. Surge: Hey, kid.
Ash: Hello, sir. Did you need something?
Lt. Surge: I would like to talk to you for a few minutes. Can you come with me to the gym?
Unsure, Ash looked first at his Pokémon, then at Brock and Misty. Misty looked confused, but Brock whispered something to her, then both nodded to him. Still confused about what was going on, Ash gave Lieutenant Surge a nod and followed him out of the Pokémon Center, Cobalt, Green, and Aiden right beside him.
In the gym, Lt. Surge led Ash to his private office and gestured for Ash to take a seat. Nervously, Ash did, and Cobalt and Aiden jumped on his lap while Green sat on a chair beside him. Meanwhile, Surge sat in his own seat while Raichu laid down beside him.
Lt. Surge: Kid, about our battle today…
Ash: I know I acted like a coward. You don't have to tell me that.
Lt. Surge: Kid, even though you were scared, you were more afraid for your Pokemon than yourself to the point where I thought you were going to dive in front of Raichu's Thunder to protect him. That wasn't cowardly. It certainly wouldn't have been very smart, but it wasn't cowardly. *laughs* But then again, I've done crazy stuff like that during my days in the Army too, so I'm not one to talk about smart. Amiright, Raichu?
The mouse nodded, remembering the time that Lieutenant Surge, at the time; Private Surge, had leapt on top of a dummy grenade that one of the sergeants had suddenly thrown at them and screamed at Raichu and his comrades to run, thinking the grenade was live. After the commanding officer had told him the grenade wasn't live and it had been a test, Surge had been embarrassed, but they were impressed. Raichu had hugged Surge, then gave him a Thundershock for scaring him.
Lt. Surge: Your buddy told me about what your starter did. *Ash stiffens* Don't get angry at him; he wanted to help you and he only told me after I asked.
Ash: I'm not.
Lt. Surge: And I'm going to say it again, son, you're not a coward just because you were scared. Everyone's afraid of something.
Ash: You're not.
Lieutenant Surge stared at him, then burst out laughing.
Lt. Surge: Kid, only a fool fears nothing. I have been through many battles and a lot of dangerous missions, and I can tell you, most of the time I was scared out of my wits. I would have been stupid not to be. But do you want to know why I fought in the Army, even though it was dangerous, even though I was afraid?... As a wise man once said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the knowledge that something is more important than fear." For me, serving my region and keeping our people safe was more important than fear. Tell me, son, what made you fight your fear and battle in the gym today?
Ash took a deep breath before replying to him.
Ash: I want to be the best trainer I can be, the trainer my Pokémon deserve. They, and Misty and Brock, mean everything to me.
Lieutenant Surge smiled in approval.
Lt. Surge: And are you willing to do what it takes to overcome your fear, not just for them, but for you?
Ash: Yes.
Lt. Surge: Good. Come over here and sit on the floor.
Looking confused, Ash did, allowing Aiden and Cobalt to get off first. Lieutenant Surge then picked up Raichu, placing him gently on Ash's lap. Ash stiffened instinctively and looked nervously at Raichu for any signs of aggression. But Raichu gave him a smile, then curled up on his lap.
Raichu: It's okay, child. I'm not going to hurt you.
Lt. Surge: He likes to be scratched behind the ears.
Ash lifted his hand, hesitated for a second, then gently began to scratch Raichu behind the ears. Raichu leaned into his touch, letting out a soft purr. Ash gave a small smile and relaxed even more, petting Raichu. Ash's Pokémon smiled at seeing Ash so comfortable around an Electric. This actually gave Cobalt courage, steppin forward as Raichu looked at him.
Cobalt: Sir… About our battle… I-
Raichu: No worries, kid. I know.
Lt. Surge: *sits next to Ash* Not all Electric types are like the one that hurt you and your partner, son. For every bad Pokémon out there, there are so many more good ones, like my Raichu and your team. Don't let the actions of one make you miss out on a lot of great friendships. Don't let that Pikachu win.
Ash smiled at him and nodded, knowing Lieutenant Surge was right.
Lt. Surge: I won't, sir.
Lieutenant Surge got back up and Raichu hopped off Ash's lap, smiling at him.
Lt. Surge: Good. Now then, go on and get some rest. Then meet me at the Gym tomorrow for our rematch at 1500 hours. That's 3PM in military terms. And this time, I will not make the mistake of underestimating you again, so use your time to train hard, because I won't go easy on you.
Ash: *smiles* I wouldn't want you to.
Lt. Surge: Okay then, get ready for the battle of your life at three PM tomorrow. Unless you want to give up now~.
Ash: Never.
Surge smiled then clapped him on the back, making the small boy stumble forward.
Lt. Surge: That's what I like to hear!\
As Ash left Lieutenant Surge's office, he stopped and turned back.
Ash: Thank you, sir. For everything.
Lt. Surge: You're welcome.
When Ash and his Pokémon got back to the Pokémon Center, his friends noticed how much more relaxed he seemed and how there was a new spark of confidence in his eyes. Whatever Lt. Surge had told him, it had brought a huge change to their timid, insecure friend.
Misty: You look like you're feeling better.
Ash: I am. Lieutenant Surge said some things that really helped. And I have a rematch with him tomorrow at three.
Misty: That's great.
Ash: And Brock?
Brock: Yeah?
Ash: Thanks.
—-
The next afternoon, after discussing some more battle strategies the previous night, Ash and his team arrived at the gym. Though both Cobalt and Ash were nervous, they knew they could do it with their training.
Ash: Our lucky star is shining today, Cobalt.
Misty: What star? I don't see it. How can you see a star in the middle of the day?
Green: *facepalms* It's called the SUN.
Psi: Actually, it is called a figure of speech, Green, but I can see what Ash means.
Ash knocked on the gym doors and they opened, revelaing Lieutenant Surge as he came over.
Lt. Surge: You ready to lose, kid?
Ash just smirked as they stepped into the battle arena, knowing he was nly teasing. Ash stepped onto the field as Cobalt did his charm ritual, handing it to Green once more.
Ash: Never.
Referee: The rematch between gym leader Brock and the challenger Ash shall now begin! Each trainer shall only use one Pokemon for the battle and furthermore, there will be no substitutions allowed!
Yami: *from bleach* You know, Cobalt. If it's too much, I could battle for you.
Cobalt: Thanks, Yami. But I need to do this. This is personal. *walks to battlefield*
Referee: Let the match begin!
Lt. Surge: Start things off with Tail Whip!
Raichu swung his tail at Cobalt, who simply leapt over it.
Lt. Surge: Now use Thundershock!
Ash: Dodge it and use Vacuum Wave!
Cobalt nimbly dodged the bolt of electricity shot at him, and shot a Vacuum Wave at Raichu.
Lt. Surge: Dodge it, Raichu!
Raichu dodged, missing the full force of the attack, but he was hit by the edge of it.
Lt. Surge: Now use Thunder Wave!
Ash: 'Well, here goes nothing. I really hope Psi was right.' Cobalt! Bone Rush!
Cobalt summoned another bone staff, brandishing it outward as the electricity was drawn towards it like a magnet.
Ash: Now slam it down!
He stuck the staff into the ground, causing the electricity to be drawn into the ground, safely away from Cobalt and leaving him unharmed.
Lt. Surge: What?!
Ash took advantage of the distraction.
Ash: Now, dual wield Bone Rush!
Raichu, as much in shock as his trainer, was struck full force by the attack as Cobalt broke the bone over his knee and split it into 2.
Lt. Surge: Let's see your Bone Rush handle this! Raichu! Thunder!
Ash: Dodge it, Cobalt!
Knowing that the strategy wouldn't work with a full-out Thunder Attack, Cobalt ducked out of the way, missing the full force of the attack by inches, but was still damaged some by it.
Ash: Are you okay?
Lt. Surge: Raichu, Body Slam!
Ash: Cobalt, Force Palm!
The Riolu managed to hit Raichu, but Raichu powered through it, knocking Cobalt down. As Raichu got up, Cobalt groaned as he looked up. His vision shifted again abc to the Pikachu vision from yesterday, the mouse still smiling and spraking up.
Pikachu: I knew humans were scum. Look at that kid! He's made you weak! You're provng my point right now!
Seeing this did make Cobalt scared, but he recalled Surge's words from yesterday.
Lt. Surge Voiceover: 'Courage is not the absence of fear, but the knowledge that something is more important than fear…. Don't let that Pikachu win.'
As he proceeded to stand, Cobalt felt a new power fill him through his sore muscles, giving him determination as he stood up, looking the smirking Raichu in the face.
Cobalt: I…. I won't… I refuse! I won't! Let! Him! WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNN!
Suddenly, Cobalt began to glow with a bright light as his form changed, the crowd and both trainers looking in awe.
Misty: What's going on?
Brock: Cobalt's evolving!
Green: No way…..
As the light died down, a taller canine Pokemon stood in Cobalt's place. He now had darker bluee fur with a cream chest and stomach, a more jagged tail, and his ears stood up taller and sharper, along with dull, metal spikes residing on his chest and the back of his paws.
Looking down at himself,Cobalt's once bad-ass looking facade melted as he smiled and jumped in joy.
Cobalt: Oh my Mew, Oh my Mew, I did! I finally evolved! I look so cool! Do I look cool, Ash?!
Ash chuckled as a term of agreement, scanning his newly evolved Pokemon with his Pokedex.
Pokedex: Lucario, the Aura Pokemon and the evolved form of RIolu. A Fighting and Steel type. Lucario concentrates its mental enery into a type of kinetic force called aura. It uses this aura in order to strengthen its body and even allow it to read others thoughts. This Lucario is level 27, Male, and has the ability, Inner Focus. It knows the moves Force Palm, Bone Rush, Aura Sphere, and Metal Claw.
Lt. Surge: Hmm, interesting. Let's see if your new evolution lets you win! Thunderbolt, Raichu!
Ash: Let's see what you can do, Cobalt! Use Aura Sphere! Full power!
Raichu released a Thunderbolt as Cobalt put his paws together, creating a small blue sphere of energy within them until he then fired it at the Thunderbolt. Yhe attacks connected, but Cobalt's attack drove Raichu's back. There was a small explosion and a lot of smoke, throwing both Pokémon backwards.
Ash: Cobalt!
Lt. Surge: Raichu!
The smoke cleared, and they saw Aidan standing, but barely, and Raichu lying on the ground with swirls in his eyes.
Referee: Raichu is unable to battle! The winner is Lucario! And as such, the goes to Ash Ketchum!
Ash: You okay, Co?
Cobalt: Okay?….. No…. No, I'm not okay…. *smiles brightly* I'M FANTASTIC! WE WON! And more importantly, I FINALLY EVOLVED!
Lieutenant Surge sprayed a Max Revive on Raichu, then tossed a Full Restore to Ash, who sprayed it on Cobalt as Green and the other Pokemon congratulated him. Green couldn;t be any prouder of both of his little brothers.
Raichu got up shakily and nodded to his opponent in respect while Lt. Surge took a badge out of his pocket.
Lt. Surge: Congratulations, Ash and Cobalt! As proof of your victory, a Thunder Badge!
Ash: Thank you.
Ash took the badge and looked in awe. Then he grinned, hugging Cobalt close, though not too hard to be skewered on his chest spike.
Ash: We did it!
Lt. Surge: You should be proud. You two fought really well together. Keep up the good work in your next gyms and you'll make the Pokémon League in no time!
Brock: *high fives Ash* Congratulations.
Ash was about to high-five Misty, but she pulled him into a hug instead.
Misty: Good job, Ash! You did it!
Ash hugged her back, turning beet red and grinning a bit goofily. Brock noticed this, smiling to himself.
Brock: 'Aww, young love. Now I just need to get myself a girlfriend!'
Ash thanked Lieutenant Surge again and the group headed back to the Pokémon Center. However, before leaving, Cobalt turned back to Raichu, smiling as he gave a soldier's salute.
Cobalt" Thanks for helping me push through the dark.
Raichu smiled back, giving a salute right back at the Lucario.
Raichu: Anytime, soldier.
With that said and done, Cobalt left the gym and reunited with his team to get settled in at the Pokémon Center for the night. But little did they know that the very next morning, they would face their biggest and most dangerous adventure yet.
TO BE CONTINUED….