"Shut up and stop calling my Pokemon babies! They're not babies nor am I, what rights do you have to make fun of us anyway!" Shouted Ash and then felt himself staggering backwards from the man. Poking his chest and playfully pushing him back.
"I call them as I see them baby and of course you are." He then laughed lightly with a shrug of his shoulders "only a baby will get upset and easy tempered from somebody taunting them." He informed the young trainer. Watching the Ash just looked down in somewhat disgust even though he is correct. An immature person would probably behave the way Ash is, for letting insults like these get to him. "But anyway forgot to give my name earlier." The man then smiles down and raise a hand up and then thumbs against his biceps "names Lt Surge the Vermilion city Gym leader, I unlike most other gyms separate the babies from the pros. Weeding out those who don't have what it takes to entering the Pokemon league tournament." Surge then leans forward with an eye smile "and you baby don't have what it takes, not with the Pokemon you have as of now." He taunted. Listening at the way Gardevoir, Buneary and Pikachu were yipping and chanting out their names towards the man.
In their own language saying how they know nothing about them or Ash. Or how skilled the trainer is in Pokemon battles, even stating how they can easily beat him without needing to go full power! This angered Ash greatly and felt his temper hitting boiling point which is very bad for Trainers to do, considering they won't be able to think straight or be calmed during a Pokemon battle! "Oh yeah we will just see once we battle", Ash then thrust his arm forward with an accused finger "than you will be the one in the babies ring after we defeat you and your Pokemon!" exclaimed Ash while watching the smile on Surge face just grew. And then stood upright with both arms resting against his sides chuckling down at him.
"Is that so then let's get this battle going shall we?" And with that everyone got into position and prep for the gym battle that is going to start. With Lt Surge standing on the far south part of the battlefield with Ash standing on the northern part of the battlefield. With Gardevoir and Buneary standing on the sidelines ready to cheer for Ash and Pikachu, shouting and saying show this creep what for and pegging him down from his high horse!
"This is an official gym battle between Lt Surge, the Gym leader and the challenger Ash Ketchum from Pallet town!" called out the man with the Mohawk. "This is a 1 vs. 3 match which the challenger is prohibited from switching out!" This caught Ash by surprise when he heard that he couldn't switch out any of his Pokemon! Once he sends out that Pokemon that is it, he is stuck using them until they faint during battle. Which leaves little to no room for any strategy or plans of attacks when he thinks the Pokemon he choose first. Isn't faring well against the opponents Pokemon and has no choice but to watch that Pokemon faint. What also is confusing is why this is a 1 vs. 3 battle? Is Lt Surge crazy or does he really believes he can easily take out Ash with just one of his Pokemon?
"What's wrong baby getting scared feet because you can't switch out your Pokemon?" taunted Surge while chuckling and adjust his voice to that of teasing "Aw does the baby don't think he can handle losing one of his Pokemon?"
"Shut up!" Ash retorted with a growled earning loud laughter in the room from everyone. Really getting annoyed at being made fun of or being teased at. Just because they think he wouldn't be able to win or do good against Lt Surge "I don't have to worry about switching out or not! I believe in my Pokemon and they believe in me. If I don't lose sight of that then we can do almost anything!" Ash then grabs Ninetails Pokeball first. Thinking ahead of time to saving Nidoqueen for being his second Pokemon of choice or third Pokemon of choice right after Pikachu. "Ninetails I choose you!" Ash called out while throwing the Pokeball forward and watching it fly through the air, landing onto the ground. Bursts open releasing white energy onto the ground materializing into the nine-tailed Pokemon. Who blew some fire into the air and did her species cry, to then leaning low to the ground baring her fangs. Ready and willing to fight against whatever Pokemon Lt Surge might send out.
"Sure baby whatever you say, I wonder how long you can hold that train of thought. After my Pokemon pulverize all three of your team members!" Taunted the large man while he grabs one of his Pokeball's. "Alright then Raichu let's give this boy a reality check!" he shouted while throwing the Pokeball forward and watching it burst open with white energy shooting towards the ground.
The brown fur Pokemon that they saw earlier that day who used Thunderbolt on Team Rocket. Appeared before everyone with his paws moving outward and crying out species name, wiggling and wagging his thin tail with the lightning bolt at the tip. Swishing left to right as the Raichu began sparking electricity from his cheeks. "I would suggest giving up before the fight begins loser", Lt Surge taunted with a smirk "my Raichu here is the strongest of electric types you will ever face. Along with being able to take down all three of your Pokemon with relative ease", he then moves a finger forward and points at Ninetails "you will wish that you never hear the word paralyze ever again!"
"Don't count my Pokemon out just by observing them! You'll be surprise how much they went through. Just to get here and we will wipe that smug smile off your face! Ninetails Quick attack!" Ash commanded while throwing his arm forward. Watching the fire fox do just that by leaping up into the air and darted straight towards Raichu with white energy trailing behind her.
"Oh well I tried to warn ya, alright Raichu dodge it and use Mega punch!" The gym leader announced out watching the electric mouse barking out his name. Then immediately side-step out of the way completely avoiding Ninetails attack! Before she could get her baring, Ninetails let out a horrible cry of pain when Raichu's paw. Glowed white and thrust the paw right into the side of Ninetails ribs with so much force that everyone heard a boom sound emitting from the punch and then watches Ninetails go flying across the arena bouncing, rolling and flailing of her tails against the ground. To then suddenly start sliding to a stop as the girl could be seen flinching and twitching her body in agonizing pain!
"Ninetails! Are you alright!" Ash called out in fear along with the other Pokemon, who had their paws up to their mouths in complete disbelief! That Mega punch looked like it really hurt and the way Ninetails is having trouble getting back up onto her feet, indicated that this Raichu is very strong! "Quick Ninetails get up and try to counter with flamethrower!"
"Raichu thunderbolt!" Lt Surge called out lazily with one hand moving towards the sides. In which the Pokemon began charging very powerful electricity around its body, glowing a menacing blue glow around his entire body and cheek patches. That the Pokemon then threw his limbs apart firing what looked to be a very powerful electric attack that roared through the air and strikes on Ninetails before the Pokemon could even get up onto her legs with the female Pokemon. Screaming a terrifying shriek of pain and once more being thrown off from the ground, crashing straight into the wall followed by a loud explosion with smoke covering the area Ninetails was.
"NO Ninetails!" Ash cried out and began running around the arena and straight towards the spot. Where Ninetails was thrown straight into the wall and receiving the Thunderbolt attack! After the smoke cleared up and dissipated. Ash had to literally stop in place and widen his eyes in pure fear and panic at the sight of Ninetails condition! The once white clean fur is now totally charred and covered in nothing but dirt and grime! Pieces of her fur looked to be badly burnt along with a few of her fur falling out near her ankles and hands, her muzzled is completely red when she slammed into the wall. All the while her arms and legs looked to be twitching and somewhat bent in a way they shouldn't be…all just from one attack and hitting against the wall. Ash fell onto his knees next to the female Pokemon while carefully dragging her close to him, hugging her close to him as he closes his eyes and grits his teeth.
"Ninetails is unable to battle! This match goes to the Gym Leader!" called out the referee with the red flag in his right hand. Raising up and pointing towards Lt Surge and his Raichu as the two just smiled and crosses their arms against their chest. Watching Ash recalling Ninetails to her Pokeball while softly whispering to her of how she did well.
"Alright baby send out our next victim so we can get this show on the road." Lt Surge taunted out with a chuckle while raising his right arm up. Looking at a wristwatch "I got a meeting to go too in thirty minutes and do some shopping." Which was all a joke, he isn't taking Ash at all serious. The boy couldn't believe this man and how heartless he was towards his own feelings for Ninetails! He thinks this battle is a joke, not even worth his time to even battling him!
"Piii", Pikachu never felt so angry in his life! Never has he seen such a smug person before in his life, let alone even his own Pokemon. Adopted his trainer's personality and even worse is that while Surge was talking the Raichu, turn his attention towards Pikachu and gave a wry smile too him. While whispering out and pointing with his paw that he will be next to the emergency room. Right after Ash's second Pokemon in turn had Pikachu sparking electricity from his cheeks, daring Raichu to try something or edge the electric mouse to attacking him. So he can take him down and deflate that ego of his along with upholding Ash's honor and Pokemon who don't want to evolve!
Buneary who is watching the two Pokemon exchanging looks between one another felt herself shivering and becoming quite scared. Of what would happened if these two did start fighting…would Pikachu be able to win against Raichu? Or would he get seriously hurt if the two of them were to duke it out and trying to take one another down. She didn't know and is quite scared of what would happened in the future, especially if Raichu is able to take out Ninetails with only two moves? Who knows how many moves it will take to take out Pikachu…
Gardevoir, couldn't help but look away in sorrow and concern for the fire type who just lost. Let alone feeling the intense emotions running through Ash right now and his Pokemon. The boy felt devastated of witnessing Ninetails being taken out so easily without much effort on Raichu's end. Unable to deliver a single blow or even getting a chance to even fight effectively towards Raichu! Ad to make things worse Ninetails felt a shamed for not doing a good job of surviving Raichu's attacks and felt like she failed Ash.
Even more so after they were just training not so long ago to work on their reaction time for Pokemon attacks! Raichu was just too fast for her and even more powerful then they originally thought, that Mega Punch to the ribs would definitely render Ninetails from getting up from the ground then followed by Thunderbolt. Yeah, even Gardevoir will have to admit that no Pokemon will be recovering from something like that. The female Psychic type stared towards Ash watching the boy walking back towards his spot, standing next to Buneary and Pikachu. Still having his head facing down towards the ground not once ever moving it up towards Surge or to his other Pokemon. Deep in thought of what he should do next and figuring out what plan of attack he should do? No doubt Gardevoir thought, he wants to try and save Nidoqueen for last. Considering being part ground type she will be able to handle Raichu with no problems whatsoever, but seeing that the electric mouse has Mega Punch? He practically has no other choice but to use her now as his second Pokemon of choice, which then leaves Pikachu being the last to do battle towards Raichu.
Gardevoir lightly grabs her chest with her hands, praying that Nidoqueen will be able to win and at least injured Raichu enough for Pikachu to take down during his turn! "Nidoqueen you are up, let's try and take down Raichu!" called out Ash while throwing Nidoqueen Pokeball forward and out into the field. Watching and hearing the female Poison/Ground type Pokemon roaring loudly and huffing out air through her nose.
Along with showing great anger and rage in her eyes! From what she heard in the Pokeball, Ninetails gotten hurt very badly from the electric rodent right in front of her and then heard Ash recalling her into the ball. Meaning she was taken out easily and then got dissed by the gym leader! No one and she means no one will dissed her friends like that and get away with it, she showed it by lifting one foot up and then slamming it down into the ground with a loud thump. Then pumping her arms away from her body as she lets out another roar of anger!
This only made Lt Surge laugh loudly while holding his stomach with his eyes closed "oh man I don't know who the bigger baby is? You and the fact your Nidoqueen is easily losing her temper over your loser Ninetails had fainted and lost in the first round!" taunted the gym leader. Earning a tick mark from Nidoqueen as the female Pokemon shook in anger and then immediately charges forward at the Raichu without waiting for Ash's command "oh please Raichu start hopping backwards and whack her hands away with your tail!" commanded Lt Surge.
Watching his Raichu doing just that after Nidoqueen reached right in front of him and slammed a fist straight down towards the ground. Breaking apart the floor in front of him and then swung her tail at Raichu, only to miss once more when the electric mouse hops into the air once more and then swung his tail across Nidoqueens face. Causing her to stumble towards the left and then swipes her hand across her cheek "Nidoqueen use Sludge bomb in the air!" Ash called out.
In turn making Nidoqueen to smile at the amazing idea! If she aims her sludge bomb into the air and fire off multiple of them? The gravity will pull them down towards the ground at random spots, making it hard for anyone to judge or determined of where they will land! Now they just have to hope Raichu will get hit by the sludge bombs…
"Raichu don't give her a chance and use Surf!" Lt Surge shouted with haste and watches his Pokemon running forward for a bit. Confusing everyone there at the weird move he wanted the electric type Pokemon wanting to use. Making Ash to shake his head with a chuckle knowing perfectly well that Raichu cannot learn Surf since it's a water type only move.
"Please even I'm not that dumb", the boy spoke out while throwing his arm to the side. "Nidoqueen don't get fooled, Raichu cannot learn…what the!?" Ash suddenly exclaimed with both him, Pikachu and Nidoqueen all widen their eyes from the sight they were seeing or even witnessing!? The chubby looking electric who was running forward, leaps into the air and gathered a blue energy ball between its paws. And then threw it straight down towards the ground couple feet from Nidoqueen, who about to fire off a sludge bomb attack. Only to suddenly yelp out in surprise, watching that blue energy orb slamming down into the floor and then creating a giant tidal wave! "Nidoqueen quick fire the sludge bomb at the water! Break it apart!" What else could he think of? Nidoqueen wouldn't be fast enough to out run the giant tidal wave of water let alone jump over it! The only way he could think of stopping such an attack would be firing off Sludge bomb right into the wave and hope for the best!
"It isn't going to work if yer Pokemon isn't strong or powerful enough to even break it!" Surge taunted out and watches the giant wave get blasted by multiple sludge bombs from Nidoqueen. Who is desperately trying her best to break it apart, only to scream and gurgle out in horrible pain once the waves landed right on top of her and caused Nidoqueen to lose her footing. Being dragged away with the currents and down on her stomach, groaning heavily and doing her best to getting up. "Alright Raichu now use thunderbolt!"
"Nidoqueen!" It was too much this battle is becoming way over Ash's head! There is really a huge experience gap between him and Lt Surge. He watch in horror of watching Nidoqueen roaring and whining out in tremendous pain and agony. Even if she is a ground type Pokemon she will still get hurt by the Thunderbolt attack after getting soaked and drenched by the surf attack. And to add insult to injury, Raichu after using Thunderbolt ran forward and delivers a powerful Mega punch right into her stomach that literally lifted her up off the ground and then passing out completely on the floor. With swirls replacing her eyes indicating she had fainted.
"Nidoqueen is unable to battle this round goes to Raichu!" shouted the referee raising the red flag once more towards Lt Surge. As they all watch Ash running fast he could over towards Nidoqueen while stepping to the front of the female Pokemon. Checking over her injuries and damages she had taken from the battle and just like Ninetails, she didn't get a single attack in or even managing to hit Raichu at all. Her entire body is covered in static of electricity and parts of her body were charcoal, burned and even singed from being fried by the combination of Surf and Thunderbolt.
"…you did well." Ash whispered quietly feeling his confidence, mental and physical been slipping away from him. Gardevoir, just could not move from her spot let alone removing her hands from her mouth. She is watching this once excited and up beat young boy, slowly losing himself into despair and worriedness along with even questioning his own skills and abilities of being able to defeat Surge with his current experience? The psychic type couldn't bared to read his thoughts anymore or the strong emotions running through his entire being. Just turning her head with her eyes closed tightly, doing her very best not to choke up or go into tears from the swirling emotions Ash is feeling right now.
"Well baby are you done yet? Want to go home and cry to mommy now that I have taken out two of your Pokemon?" One thing Gardevoir is certain of, is that man is quite annoying and can see why every trainer who ever fought him or lost to him. Would want to try and give up their dreams of traveling or challenging the Pokemon league…he as one would say is an Asshole.
"Pikachu, chu, chu!" Pikachu shouted out enough of your bull crap ad immediately ran forward into the battlefield. Without letting Ash coming up with a decision or deciding what Pokemon to use next, alerting the boy greatly while stretching his arm out to stop his buddy. Only to blink his eyes when Pikachu turn his head at him "Pikapi, Pikachu, Pika!" chanting out towards Ash saying he will defeat Raichu and up hold Ash's honor! All the while saying how he will do it to all Pokemon who doesn't want to evolve or need the strength of evolution to win Pokemon battles. He even began sparking electricity in great anger "Pika-Pika-Pikachu!" shouting towards Raichu. Calling him and his trainer assholes along with stating of what rights do they have to making fun of his friends! Making fun of his partner and best friend Ash! That they will pay for treating him like he is a, nobody along with the girls who went and fought for him, trained so hard for him. Only to get their honor tainted and being dissed by this rude and cruel gym leader and his fat, ugly, disgusting rodent!
In which Raichu step back from the insult Pikachu just gave and then slammed his paw down with dangerous level of electricity shooting out from his cheeks. Not taking too kindly of Pikachu's words or mouth, especially the rodent part considering Pikachu. Will evolve into him if Ash were to go and use the Thunderstone and even went to insult the electric mouse by saying: If his trainer wasn't such a baby or battling all willy-nilly they would have won against them if he took it more seriously. All the while stating that Pikachu might actually stand a chance if he were to evolve. Things were now going into personal levels between the two electric type Pokemon as their fangs and teeth were showing, their fur sticking out all over their body in a threatening manner.
Making both Ash and Lt Surge to honestly become quite scared of what is happening or the discussion the two Pokemon were having with each other. "Err…does this normally happen?" Ash openly spoke towards Lt Surge, whom shook his head left and right. This is honestly his first time in a very, very long time he ever seen his Raichu becoming this angry or furious before.
"To be perfectly honest boy I have not seen Raichu this mad, in a very long time. Something tells me we should let them settled it out between themselves." The gym leader suggested and in a good way too. Considering both he and Ash were thinking the exact same thing, if they were to start ordering or commanding the two Pokemon? They would probably get badly shock or electrocuted from the two electric types who want to settle things their own way.
Thus the two began the battle and charges straight at one another with cries of their names. Running towards one another with incredible speed only for Pikachu, to let out a cry of pain after they both made contact. Raichu, being bigger than Pikachu was able to throw him into the air after tackling him and gave chase through the air. In which Pikachu quickly up righted himself and discharged his Thunderbolt attack at Raichu! Who easily pushed his way through the electric type attack and punches Pikachu across the face with a Mega punch! Sending the yellow mouse straight down towards the ground with a loud boom and small veil of smoke covering around him.
"Pikachu get up quick before Raichu attacks again! Use Quick attack!" Ash cried out to his best friend along with Buneary doing the same. Yipping while hopping up and down in pure fear for Pikachu. The two of them then widen their eyes in fear along with gasping in fright of Raichu, using Body slam against Pikachu! But instead with his stomach Raichu, decided to use his elbow instead against Pikachu's back which caused the yellow mouse to let out an unsettling cry of pain. "Pikachu, Pikachu!" Ash cried out multiple times trying to get his buddy to hear him. But is unable to not with Raichu constantly slamming his elbow against Pikachu's back, even twisting and digging it more into him which no doubt will leave a bruise later.
Raichu then stops his assault only to continue fighting again! Only this time by sweeping his electric tail around Pikachu's body to then lifting him up into the air. Watching the yellow mouse doing his best to open his eyes, only to yelp and scream out in pain. While throwing his head left to right from Raichu using Mega punch once more in rapid session. Hitting the left side and then the right side of Pikachu face, making sure that the electric rodent will understand where his place is in this gym. "Knock it off Pikachu had enough! Let him go, let him go! Can't you see he can't take anymore!?" Ash cried out feeling hot tears ready to break through his eyes as the boy. Just stood there and watch Pikachu taking such brutal beatings and punches to the face that its makes one wonder, how much Pikachu can take before fainting?
Let alone forcing himself to even continue fighting and tried to retaliate by using Thunderbolt once more on Raichu. After the Mega punch assaults stopped only for the evolution Pokemon to laugh and toss the yellow mouse to the left with the swift of his tail. Making Pikachu to grunt out and slide against the floor only to then letting out a wail of pain from Raichu firing off one more Thunderbolt for a good minute or so. "Raichu that is enough! Pikachu had enough now stop your attack now!" scolded Lt Surge towards the electric mouse, who blinked his eyes and twitched his ears upward. Too then stopping his Thunderbolt realizing what his trainer was saying and grimace lightly, from the horrible pain Pikachu might be in. Only to then smile greatly when Lt Surge then said "good job though Raichu that will teach the baby Pokemon not to step over his boundaries."
Gardevoir, Ash and Buneary all scrambled they're way over towards Pikachu after Raichu went ahead and headed back towards Lt Surge. Too then turning around with a smirk on his face, while proudly crossing his arms over his chest. "Pikachu, Pikachu please wake up, wake up let me know you are okay!" Ash cried out towards his starter Pokemon shaking the little mouse up and down in his arms. Choking and sniffing lightly from the tears finally breaking through his defenses "please buddy be alright!" he pleaded couple more times and then lets out a soft chuckled, when he heard Pikachu letting out a low groan.
"Buneary, bun, arrry." The little rabbit couldn't help but whine and whimpered. Leaning her face against Pikachu. Carefully nuzzling and rubbing her face against the now badly beaten and bruised up Pikachu. His yellow fur and red cheek patches were singed badly and almost looking like they have two degree burns from the constant Thunderbolt attacks he had received from Raichu. His fur is a complete mess and sticking out here and there with a few of them covered in nothing but bruises along with exposing little bit of his skin. His red cheeks were completely black and burnt from the overdose of electricity, in which Pikachu will twitch his body badly when he felt Buneary gently licking his cheek. Forcing her to stand back and crying out in fear from hurting him. "Come on let's get him to the Pokemon center!" Ash exclaimed after finally calming down and regaining his composure. "Don't worry Buneary you didn't hurt him and you don't mean too. I'm Pikachu understands you were just helping." The boy reassured Buneary while getting up from the floor and begins running towards the exit.
"Baby whenever you grow a spine or actually become more mature! Come back any time for a rematch, I would love to beat your pathetic ass again!" Surge laughed along with his cronies and Raichu who all watched Ash carry off Pikachu with him out through the gym exits. In which Gardevoir temporarily stops in front of the door and glares at the electric gym leader "oh make sure to call mommy to kiss your boo-boos!" continued the man. Forcing Gardevoir to growl dangerously at him to then having her eyes glowing blue! Lifting every single drum cans in the entire gym into the air with blue glowing energy surrounding them and having them about face towards Lt Surge and his goons. In which all of them then looked up at the drum cans in confusion and screamed in panic when about 20 to 30 different drum cans came spiraling down straight at them, including Raichu who let out yelps of surprise and doing his best to dodging them and avoiding them best he could. But isn't fast enough to avoiding them and gotten caught in a massive pile with his trainer. Causing Gardevoir who saw this to blink her eyes curiously with her body halfway out the door. To then looking down in thought of why…why wasn't Raichu fast enough to avoiding those drum cans?
For now though she needs to be with Ash and his Pokemon to hope and see they are doing alright. Especially Pikachu after the major beat down Raichu giving him, it will be a miracle if the electric mouse will be able to move after receiving those blows to his back.
As our hero rushes to the Pokemon center with his injured friend in his arms, Ash wonders if he will be able to defeat and win against Lt Surge at his current level of experience. Along with being able to win his third gym badge? One thing for sure is to wait and find out as his journey continues!