Vermilion City bustled with activity as Andrew made his way through the port town. Ships came and went from the harbor, sailors called out to each other, and the smell of salt water filled the air. The Vermilion Gym stood near the waterfront—a large, imposing building with electric-themed architecture.
Andrew paused outside, looking up at the gym's entrance. Pikachu sat on his shoulder, ears perked forward.
"This is it," Andrew said quietly. "Lt. Surge. They say he's one of the toughest gym leaders in Kanto."
"Pika," Pikachu responded, electricity crackling around his cheeks.
Andrew pushed open the doors and stepped inside.
Inside Vermilion Gym
The interior of the gym was industrial—metal floors, exposed wiring designed to look like lightning bolts, and bright overhead lights. At the far end of the battlefield stood a tall, muscular man with blonde hair styled into a flat-top. He wore military-style clothing and had an intimidating presence.
Lt. Surge.
He looked up as Andrew approached, his expression skeptical.
"Another baby trainer looking for a badge?" Surge called out, his voice booming. "You sure you're ready for this, kid? My Pokémon don't go easy on anyone."
Andrew met his gaze steadily. "I've got two badges already. Pewter and Cerulean. I'm ready."
Surge raised an eyebrow. "Pewter and Cerulean, huh? Not bad. But this is an Electric-type gym. My Pokémon hit hard and fast. You bring any Ground-types?"
"No," Andrew said. "But I've got a strategy."
Surge grinned—a sharp, competitive expression. "I like your confidence. Alright then, let's see what you've got. This'll be a three-on-three match. Standard gym rules. You can switch out, I can't. Sound good?"
"Sounds good," Andrew confirmed.
They took their positions on opposite sides of the battlefield. The referee—a gym trainer in military fatigues—stood at the center.
"This is an official gym battle between Gym Leader Lt. Surge and Challenger Andrew!" the referee announced. "Three Pokémon each. The battle ends when all of one trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue. Begin!"
Round One: Haunter vs Voltorb
"Voltorb, you're up!" Surge threw his first Pokéball.
A spherical Pokémon emerged, looking like a Poké Ball with eyes. It hovered in place, crackling with electricity.
Andrew threw his Pokéball. "Haunter, let's go!"
The ghost-type emerged, floating ominously above the battlefield, its gaseous form swirling.
Surge's grin widened. "A Ghost-type? Smart thinking, kid. Electric moves won't do much against that. But let's see how you handle this. Voltorb, Rollout!"
Voltorb curled up and launched forward, spinning rapidly across the battlefield.
"Haunter, phase through it and use Shadow Ball!" Andrew commanded.
Haunter's body became translucent as Voltorb passed harmlessly through it. Then Haunter fired a Shadow Ball that struck Voltorb directly, sending it spinning off course.
"Voltorb, Sonic Boom!"
A shockwave of sound blasted toward Haunter.
"Dodge and counter with Night Shade!"
Haunter vanished, reappearing behind Voltorb. Dark energy enveloped the electric-type, and Voltorb cried out as the ghost-type attack hit home.
"Voltorb's taking damage," Surge muttered. "Alright, time to switch tactics. Voltorb, Self-Destruct!"
Andrew's eyes widened. "Haunter, get out of there!"
But Voltorb glowed brightly and exploded in a massive blast. The shockwave rocked the gym.
When the smoke cleared, Voltorb was unconscious on the ground—but Haunter had phased out at the last second, floating above the battlefield, singed but still in fighting condition.
The referee raised his flag. "Voltorb is unable to battle!"
Surge recalled his Pokémon, nodding with approval. "Not bad. You've got good instincts. But let's see how you handle this. Magneton, go!"
Round Two: Haunter vs Magneton
Three linked magnets emerged from Surge's Pokéball—Magneton, a Steel and Electric-type with powerful magnetic fields surrounding it.
"Magneton, Thunder Wave!"
A paralyzing wave of electricity shot toward Haunter.
"Haunter, dodge and use Shadow Ball—rapid fire!"
Haunter weaved through the Thunder Wave and began firing multiple Shadow Balls in quick succession. This was the technique Andrew had been training—creating multiple projectiles to overwhelm the opponent.
The Shadow Balls struck Magneton from different angles, each impact causing the steel-type to wobble in midair.
"Magneton, Magnet Bomb!"
Metallic orbs shot from Magneton's magnets, homing in on Haunter.
"Phase through them!"
Haunter became intangible again, the bombs passing through its ghostly form harmlessly.
"Now, while it's recovering—Shadow Ball barrage and detonate!"
Haunter fired five Shadow Balls in rapid succession, surrounding Magneton. Then, with precise control, Haunter detonated them all at once.
The explosions created a cloud of smoke and energy. When it cleared, Magneton was smoking and sparking, barely hovering.
"Finish it with Night Shade!" Andrew called.
Dark energy wrapped around Magneton, and the steel-type fell to the ground with a metallic clang.
The referee raised his flag. "Magneton is unable to battle!"
Surge recalled Magneton, his expression serious now. Two of his Pokémon down, and Haunter was still standing—tired, but standing.
"You're better than I thought, kid," Surge said. "But this is where it ends. Raichu, let's show them what real power looks like!"
Round Three: Haunter vs Raichu (Brief)
A large, orange mouse-like Pokémon emerged—Raichu, the evolved form of Pikachu. It was bigger, more muscular, and its tail crackled with intense electrical energy.
"Raichu, Thunderbolt!"
A massive bolt of electricity shot across the battlefield.
"Haunter, dodge—"
But Raichu was too fast. The Thunderbolt struck before Haunter could phase out completely. The ghost-type cried out and collapsed to the ground, wisps of smoke rising from its form.
The referee raised his flag. "Haunter is unable to battle!"
Andrew recalled Haunter, pressing the Pokéball to his chest. "You did amazing. Rest now."
He looked across the battlefield at Raichu, then at Pikachu on his shoulder.
"You ready?" Andrew asked quietly.
Pikachu's expression was intense, determined. He leaped from Andrew's shoulder onto the battlefield, electricity crackling around his cheeks.
"Pika!"
Round Three: Pikachu vs Raichu
Surge stared at Pikachu, then at Andrew. "You're sending out a Pikachu? Against my Raichu?"
"That's right," Andrew said firmly.
Surge's expression changed—something flickered across his face. A memory.
(Flashback - Years Ago)
A younger Surge standing in this same gym. A young trainer with a backwards cap and a determined expression. And a Pikachu—smaller, scrappier, but with eyes that burned with the same fire.
"You think your baby Pikachu can beat my evolved Raichu?" Surge had laughed.
And then he'd lost.
That trainer had been Ash Ketchum.
(End Flashback)
Surge's jaw tightened. "Alright, kid. If you want to try this, I'll respect it. But don't expect me to hold back. Raichu, Thunderbolt!"
"Pikachu, dodge with Quick Attack!"
Pikachu became a blur, the Thunderbolt striking where he'd been moments before. He raced across the battlefield, moving faster than the eye could follow.
"Thunder!"
A massive bolt of lightning crashed down from above.
"Keep moving!" Andrew shouted.
Pikachu dodged again, the Thunder strike leaving a smoking crater in the battlefield.
"Now, Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu fired back, his electricity striking Raichu directly. The larger Pokémon grunted but held its ground.
"Raichu, Mega Punch!"
Raichu's fist glowed as it charged forward with surprising speed.
"Iron Tail to block!"
Pikachu's tail glowed metallic, and he spun to meet the punch. The two attacks collided with a resounding CLANG, and both Pokémon were pushed backward.
"This Pikachu…" Surge muttered, watching the battle unfold. "It's just like back then."
(Another Flashback)
Ash's Pikachu, exhausted but refusing to give up. Using speed, agility, and sheer willpower to overcome the power difference.
"Pikachu, use the gym equipment!" Ash had shouted.
And Pikachu had won through creativity and determination.
(End Flashback)
"Raichu, Thunder again!"
Another massive lightning bolt crashed down.
"Pikachu, use Chidori!"
Electricity surged through Pikachu's body, channeling into his paws. He brought his forearms together, the electricity spinning and concentrating into that piercing lance of power.
Pikachu charged forward—directly into the Thunder attack.
Surge's eyes widened. "What is he doing?!"
The Chidori pierced through the Thunder, creating a path through the electrical energy. Pikachu pushed forward, the concentrated electricity in his paws cutting through Raichu's attack like a spear through water.
"Impossible…" Surge breathed.
Pikachu closed the distance and struck Raichu directly in the chest with the Chidori.
Raichu roared in pain as the concentrated electricity surged through its body—not wild and scattered, but focused and precise.
The larger Pokémon stumbled backward.
"Raichu, Mega Kick!"
Raichu recovered and kicked out with devastating force, catching Pikachu and sending him flying across the battlefield.
Pikachu hit the ground hard, rolling to a stop. He struggled to his feet, breathing heavily.
Both Pokémon were exhausted now. This battle had pushed them both to their limits.
"This is it," Surge said, his voice carrying respect now. "One more attack decides everything. Raichu, give it everything—Thunder!"
"Pikachu," Andrew called out, "one more Chidori! Let's finish this!"
Both Pokémon gathered their remaining strength.
Raichu's body crackled with massive electrical energy as storm clouds seemed to gather overhead in the gym (an illusion created by the electric field).
Pikachu's paws glowed with that spinning, concentrated electricity—smaller in scale than Raichu's Thunder, but focused like a blade.
"Now!" both trainers shouted simultaneously.
Thunder crashed down from above.
Pikachu charged forward, Chidori blazing.
The two attacks met in the center of the battlefield.
There was a blinding flash of light—
Then an explosion of electrical energy that shook the entire gym—
When the light faded and the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were down.
Pikachu lay on the ground, completely exhausted.
Raichu was collapsed on its side, unconscious.
The referee stared for a moment, then raised both flags. "Both Pokémon are unable to— wait."
Pikachu's ear twitched.
Slowly, painfully, the mouse Pokémon pushed himself up on shaking legs. His breathing was ragged, his body was covered in burns and scorch marks, but his eyes were still burning with determination.
"Pika…" he managed weakly.
Raichu didn't move.
The referee raised his flag. "Raichu is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner! Victory goes to Challenger Andrew!"
After the Battle
The gym fell silent for a moment. Then Surge began to laugh—not mockingly, but with genuine respect and amazement.
"I'll be damned," Surge said, recalling Raichu. "You actually did it, kid. That Pikachu of yours… it's something special."
Andrew rushed onto the battlefield and carefully picked up Pikachu, cradling him gently. "You were incredible. I'm so proud of you."
"Pika…" Pikachu nuzzled weakly against Andrew's chest before his eyes closed, utterly spent.
Surge walked over, extending his hand. Andrew shifted Pikachu carefully and shook it.
"That was one hell of a battle," Surge said. "Your Pikachu refused to give up, just like…" He paused, a distant look in his eyes.
"Like what?" Andrew asked.
Surge smiled slightly. "Just like another Pikachu I battled years ago. Trainer named Ash Ketchum. You remind me of him, actually."
Andrew's eyes widened slightly. "Ash Ketchum… the World Monarch?"
"Yeah," Surge said. "Back when he was just starting out, he came here with his Pikachu. I thought I'd crush him easily—my evolved Raichu against his little Pikachu. But that kid proved me wrong. Taught me that evolution isn't everything. Heart, determination, and the bond between trainer and Pokémon—those matter more."
Surge reached into his jacket and pulled out a badge shaped like a lightning bolt—the Thunder Badge.
"You've earned this," Surge said, handing it to Andrew. "You and your Pokémon fought with everything you had. That's what being a trainer is all about."
Andrew accepted the badge with his free hand, holding it up carefully so the exhausted Pikachu could see.
"We did it," Andrew whispered. "Thunder Badge, earned."
Surge patted Andrew on the shoulder. "Get your Pokémon to the Pokémon Center. They've earned a good rest. And kid?"
"Yeah?"
"Keep training that Pikachu. If you two keep growing together like this, you might just become something truly special. Maybe even World Monarch level someday."
Andrew smiled, exhausted but proud. "That's the goal."
Pokémon Center - That Evening
Andrew sat in the Pokémon Center waiting room while his team recovered. Nurse Joy had said they'd all be fine—just needed rest and healing.
He stared at the three badges now pinned inside his jacket: Boulder Badge, Cascade Badge, and Thunder Badge.
Three down. Five to go.
His Pokédex chimed—a video call. He answered it to see Gary Oak's face.
"Andrew," Gary said with a smile. "I heard from Lt. Surge. Congratulations on your third badge."
"Thank you, Professor," Andrew replied. "It was intense. Haunter took down two of his Pokémon, but Raichu was on another level."
"Surge mentioned your Pikachu refused to give up," Gary said. "He was impressed. Said it reminded him of Ash's Pikachu."
Andrew felt pride swell in his chest. "He mentioned that. High praise."
"It is," Gary agreed. "Surge doesn't compare trainers to Ash lightly. You're doing well, Andrew. Keep it up."
After the call ended, Nurse Joy returned with his Pokéballs.
"Your Pokémon are fully healed," she said with a warm smile. "They all fought very hard today."
Andrew released Pikachu, who immediately hopped onto his shoulder, looking refreshed.
"How are you feeling, buddy?" Andrew asked.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu responded energetically, nuzzling against Andrew's cheek.
Andrew smiled. "Good. Because we've got a long journey ahead of us still."
He looked out the window at Vermilion City's harbor, where ships were preparing to depart under the evening sky.
Three badges earned through determination, strategy, and the unbreakable bonds with his team.
And somewhere out there, Team Rocket was still operating. Cassidy and Butch knew his face. The organization was watching.
But Andrew wasn't afraid.
He had his Pokémon. He had his goals.
And he had the will to see them through.
The journey continued.
Meanwhile - Team Rocket Headquarters
In a dimly lit room, Cassidy and Butch stood before a large screen displaying surveillance footage from various Kanto locations.
"The kid's getting stronger," Butch said, reviewing footage of Andrew's gym battles. "Three badges already. And those techniques he's using—they're not standard."
Cassidy's expression was cold. "We need to know more about him. His background, his connections, his weaknesses."
A voice spoke from the shadows behind them—authoritative, commanding.
"Find out everything. James and Jessie's son has become… interesting."
Both operatives saluted. "Yes, sir."
The screen displayed a frozen image of Andrew holding up the Thunder Badge, Pikachu on his shoulder, both of them smiling.
In the darkness, someone was watching