Pokemon: Legends of Kanto

A New Rival Appears

With the Cascade Badge secured, Alex wasted no time heading toward Vermilion City. The path through Route 5 and 6 was relatively smooth, with a few wild Pokémon encounters.

During his journey, Alex focused on training his team:

Riolu refined its Aura Sphere, improving accuracy.

Spearow grew stronger, sensing an evolution was near.

Magikarp showed signs of transformation, its power growing.

As Alex reached Vermilion City, he noticed a commotion near the Pokémon Center.

A trainer with spiky silver hair and a confident smirk stood in front of a defeated opponent.

Daniel Oak, standing beside Alex, smirked. "That's Leon Surge, son of Lt. Surge."

Leon turned to them, eyes locking onto Alex.

"You Ketchum?" he asked, stepping forward.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, who's asking?"

Leon chuckled. "I've heard about you. You beat Brock and Misty, but Vermilion's a whole different league. My old man doesn't hold back."

Alex crossed his arms. "Neither do I."

Leon grinned. "Good. I'll be watching your battle. Don't disappoint me."

With that, he walked away, his Raichu following closely.

Daniel nudged Alex. "That guy's a beast. If he's impressed by you, you must be doing something right."

Alex smirked. "Guess I'll just have to prove him right."

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Entering Vermilion Gym

The Vermilion Gym was different from the others. The battlefield was surrounded by high-voltage generators, crackling with electricity.

At the center stood Lt. Surge, a towering man with sunglasses, grinning confidently.

"Another challenger, huh?" he said, cracking his knuckles. "I hope you're ready for some serious voltage!"

The referee stepped forward.

"This will be a three-on-three battle for the Thunder Badge. The challenger may switch Pokémon; the Gym Leader may not. Begin!"

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Battle Start!

Lt. Surge's First Pokémon: Voltorb!

A Voltorb rolled onto the battlefield, sparking with energy.

Alex sent out Spearow.

"Voltorb, Thunder Shock!" Surge commanded.

Spearow barely dodged as electricity crackled past it.

Alex smirked. "Use Aerial Ace!"

Spearow shot forward, slamming into Voltorb.

Surge grinned. "Voltorb, Self-Destruct!"

Alex's eyes widened. "What?!"

BOOM!

The battlefield exploded in light as Voltorb took Spearow down with it.

When the dust settled, both Pokémon were knocked out.

The referee raised his hand. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"

Alex recalled Spearow. "You did great."

Surge smirked. "You're not bad, kid."

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Second Battle: Pikachu vs. Riolu

Surge sent out Pikachu, while Alex chose Riolu.

Surge started fast. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu's electricity surged through the battlefield, hitting Riolu.

Riolu gritted its teeth, standing strong.

Alex smirked. "Now, Counter!"

Riolu absorbed the damage and struck back hard, sending Pikachu flying.

Surge grinned. "Heh. Didn't expect that. Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"

Pikachu shot forward.

Alex's eyes glowed with determination. "Dodge and finish with Aura Sphere!"

Riolu barely dodged before firing Aura Sphere, hitting Pikachu directly.

Pikachu collapsed.

The referee raised his hand. "Pikachu is unable to battle!"

Surge nodded, recalling Pikachu. "Not bad, kid. But can you handle my ace?"

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Final Battle: Raichu vs. Magikarp?!

Surge sent out Raichu, its body surging with electricity.

Alex grinned. "Let's do this, Magikarp!"

Daniel facepalmed. "You're kidding me."

Leon, watching from the stands, burst into laughter. "He's using a Magikarp?! This is gonna be a massacre."

Surge smirked. "You're either crazy or a genius. Let's see which one. Raichu, Thunderbolt!"

Electricity surged toward Magikarp.

At that moment…

Magikarp began to glow.

Everyone's eyes widened.

Leon stood up. "No way…"

Daniel smirked. "Took him long enough."

In a flash of light and energy, Magikarp transformed.

A massive Gyarados emerged, roaring in fury.

The entire Gym shook from its presence.

Alex smirked. "Looks like the massacre is happening, just not how you expected."

Surge chuckled. "This just got interesting. Raichu, Thunder Punch!"

Raichu shot forward, fist crackling with electricity.

Alex grinned. "Gyarados, Aqua Tail!"

Gyarados swung its massive tail, colliding with Raichu.

Raichu was sent flying, crashing into the ground.

Surge's eyes widened. "Raichu, get up!"

Raichu struggled but couldn't move.

The referee raised his hand. "Raichu is unable to battle! The winner is Alex Ketchum!"

The Gym fell silent.

Then, Leon whistled. "Not bad, Ketchum. Not bad at all."

Daniel smirked. "He always finds a way."

Lt. Surge walked over, handing Alex the Thunder Badge.

"You're one hell of a trainer, kid. Keep climbing higher."

Alex took the badge, clenching it in his fist.

Three badges down.

Next stop: Celadon City!

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End of Chapter 5

Word Count: 1,150

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Next Up: Chapter 6 - The Battle for the Rainbow Badge!