Return of the defeated (on hold)

Part 17

Surge called an attack before Ash could open his mouth after seeing Raichu standing again. "Come on Raichu you can finish this. One more time Thunder!!" Raichu prepared himself to attack but then flinched from all the damage he had taken.

Ash saw this and made his move, "Pikachu quick let's end this battle Thunderbolt!"

"PIIIKA-CHUUUU!" Pikachu cried out unleashing a powerful bolt of electricity. The attack was right on target and after a few moments Pikachu cut the power. Raichu stood for a moment before swaying slightly then falling to the ground with swirls in his eyes.

"Raichu is unable to battle. Lt. Surge is out of usable pokemon, that means the challenger Ash Ketchum is the winner." The referee said bringing the battle to a close.

Ash cheered as he ran towards Pikachu, picking up his faithful starter, "I knew you'd do it Pi. Good job." Pikachu squeak happily as he hugged Ash back.

Surge sadly returned his fainted pokemon. "Raichu you did everything you could and I am very proud of you. Rest well and we'll win the next one." Walking over to Ash he smiled. "I told you to bring your best and you did. I'm disappointed my team and I lost but we lost to an amazing opponent. So with that being said I present you with the Thunder Badge." Surge handed Ash the badge. "Although I still think you should evolve your baby Pikachu." He added with a chuckle.

Pikachu scowled and hit Surge with a small current of electricity. Laughing Surge just ruffled Pikachu's head, "It'll take more than that to hurt me, I'm practically an electric type at this point."

Ash laughed at the exchange, before going his pose, "Alright we got the Thunder Badge!"

May giggled as she walked to her boyfriend, she loved that even as much as he grown Ash was still the same Ash. Wrapping her arms around him May congratulated him, "Ash that was an amazing battle. I was so amazed at your techniques I've never seen anything like it."

"She's right Ash. Your pokemon are amazing and your battle smarts are something that I've never seen. Keep it up and make sure you train hard and you'll win for sure this time." The electric gym leader added. Seeing an odd look on Ash's face he explained more, "I'd like to think that I helped shake you and make you realize your potential."

Ash understood what he meant now and was thankful, "Well this time we won't lose no matter what. Thank you for making me see what I had done." Fire burned in his eyes, he knew as long as his friends supported him and with May by his side nothing was impossible.

May and Ash bid farewell to Lt. Surge and headed back to the Pokemon Center to have Ash's pokemon healed and change out their teams. Once the door closed behind them Surge put his pokemon into the healer machine and went straight to his office. Closing the door tightly he went to his desk and picked up his phone. He found the number he needed, after dialing the numbers he waited for an answer.

"Well to what do I owe the pleasure of speaking with Lt. Surge?" Said the voice on the other end of the line.

"I wanted you to know that I just wrapped up my battle with Ash Ketchum."

The man became focused and sat upright listening intently, "How did it go?"

"Let's say if he continues training in whatever way he did before I battled him you could be in some trouble. It has only been two days since I spoke to him and he almost shut me out. I knocked a few out but I get the feeling one was newer than the rest." Surge explained.

"Hmmm that's very interesting. We'll see how he is once I face him. Thank you for your help with this." The man replied. "Oh and remember no one is to know we've talked and who I am. You know what I'm capable of."

Surge didn't need telling twice. Even with all his experience and strength the man made him shiver slightly. "You have nothing to worry about your secret is safe with me."

With that the conversation ended and the man on the other end sat quietly in a darkened office. "That's very interesting. Hopefully the boy can live up to the expectations.

As always thanks for reading.Until next time. Byyyeee😁👋