A flash of red light illuminated the battlefield as a strong, muscular Pokémon emerged. It had dark orange fur, a white belly, two brown stripes on its back, and a long, thin black tail ending in a yellow, flat, lightning-shaped tip. Its brown paws pressed against the gym floor, and its large ears, brown on the outside and yellow on the inside, twitched slightly.
The Pokémon's black eyes locked onto its opponent with sharp focus. It let out a short spark from its cheeks, giving off an intimidating presence.
[Pokémon Identified: Raichu]
Category: Mouse Pokémon
Type: Electric
Height: 0.66 meters
Weight: 19.2 kg
Gender: Male
Ability: Static (May paralyze opponents upon contact)
Moves: Tail Whip, Thunder Shock, Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Thunder, Growl, Mega Punch, Mega Kick
Strength Level: Elite Intermediate
Robert studied Raichu carefully, taking in every detail.
"An elite intermediate-level Raichu... Pretty strong, but this probably isn't his main Pokémon. Lt. Surge is known to have stronger Pokémon in his arsenal. But considering that this is just a Gym battle, it makes sense that he's using a mid-tier Pokémon from his roster."
Lt. Surge smirked, arms crossed as he watched Robert analyze his opponent. "Heh, still thinking, kid? You gonna send out a Pokémon or just stand there?"
Robert didn't respond to the provocation. Instead, he reached for a Poké Ball at his waist, pressing the button to expand it. "You'll see soon enough."
He tossed the ball forward, and in a burst of red light, Charmeleon appeared on the battlefield. The Fire-type Pokémon let out a confident growl, flames on its tail flaring up as it locked eyes with Raichu.
"Charmeleon, huh?" Lt. Surge raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. But it ain't gonna be enough."
The referee stepped forward and raised a flag. "The battle between Lt. Surge, the Vermillion Gym Leader, and Robert, the challenger from Pallet Town, is about to begin! The battle will be a one-on-one match. Lt. Surge may not switch Pokémon, while the challenger is allowed to switch freely. The battle ends when one Pokémon is unable to continue. Are both trainers ready?"
Robert and Lt. Surge both nodded.
"Then let the battle… begin!"
The Battle Begins!
Lt. Surge wasted no time. "Raichu, hit 'em with Thunderbolt!"
Raichu's cheeks crackled with yellow electricity before unleashing a powerful jolt straight at Charmeleon. The electric attack sizzled through the air at incredible speed.
"Charmeleon, counter with Flamethrower!" Robert commanded.
Charmeleon took a deep breath, then launched a jet of orange-red flames toward the incoming Thunderbolt. The two attacks collided mid-air, creating a brilliant explosion of sparks and embers. The battlefield trembled from the impact, sending small debris flying.
Both Pokémon stepped back slightly, but neither showed signs of backing down.
Lt. Surge grinned. "Not bad, kid. But let's see if you can keep up with this! Raichu, Quick Attack!"
Raichu became a blur as it shot forward at lightning speed, closing the distance between itself and Charmeleon in an instant.
"Charmeleon, brace yourself!"
Raichu slammed into Charmeleon's side with incredible force, sending the Fire-type skidding backward across the battlefield. However, Charmeleon quickly steadied itself, eyes burning with determination.
"Charmeleon, Ember!" Robert ordered.
Charmeleon launched a series of small flames toward Raichu.
"Raichu, counter with Thunder Shock!"
Raichu released bolts of electricity, clashing against the Ember attack. Smoke filled the battlefield as the attacks canceled each other out.
Robert saw his opportunity. "Now, Scratch attack!"
Charmeleon dashed through the smoke, claws glowing white as it swung at Raichu.
"Raichu, dodge!"
Raichu leaped backward, but Charmeleon's claws managed to graze its side, leaving faint scratch marks. Raichu let out a short cry of pain, shaking off the attack.
Lt. Surge's smirk faded slightly. "Hmph. You're good, kid. But we ain't done yet! Raichu, Thunder!"
Raichu's body crackled with energy before summoning a massive bolt of lightning that shot down toward Charmeleon.
"Charmeleon, dodge to the left!"
Charmeleon leaped out of the way just as the Thunder attack struck the ground, leaving a smoking crater where it had been standing moments ago.
Robert grinned. "That was close… but now it's our turn. Charmeleon, Fire Fang!"
Charmeleon's fangs ignited with flames as it lunged toward Raichu.
Lt. Surge's eyes narrowed. "Raichu, counter with Mega Punch!"
As Charmeleon came in for the bite, Raichu's fist glowed with energy before delivering a powerful punch to Charmeleon's jaw. The impact sent Charmeleon rolling backward, but it quickly recovered, shaking its head.
"Not bad," Robert admitted. "But Charmeleon's still standing. Flamethrower, full power!"
Charmeleon roared before releasing an intense stream of flames.
"Raichu, Quick Attack, now!"
Raichu darted to the side, barely avoiding the flames, then attempted to close the distance once more.
Robert was ready. "Charmeleon, Dragon Claw!"
Charmeleon's claws glowed a bright blue as it slashed at the incoming Raichu. The attack struck cleanly, sending Raichu skidding across the battlefield.
Lt. Surge clenched his fists. "Raichu, get up!"
Raichu struggled to its feet, panting heavily.
Robert saw his chance to finish it. "One more Flamethrower!"
Charmeleon let out a final burst of flames, engulfing Raichu completely. When the fire faded, Raichu was left standing for a moment—before its legs buckled and it collapsed.
The referee raised his flag. "Raichu is unable to battle! The winner is Charmeleon!"
Victory!
Robert smiled as Charmeleon let out a victorious roar, flames on its tail burning brightly.
Lt. Surge sighed before laughing loudly. "Hah! Gotta admit, kid, you're stronger than I thought. I underestimated you."
He walked up to Robert and handed him a small badge. "Here. You earned it. The Thunder Badge."
Robert took the badge, holding it up proudly.
Lt. Surge smirked. "You've got real talent, kid. Keep training, and you'll go far."
Robert nodded. "Thanks. But I'm just getting started."
With the Thunder Badge in hand, Robert had taken another step forward on his journey.
To be continued…
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