Sage took a deep breath as she gripped her next Pokéball tightly as she smiled and said.
Pikachu, I choose you!" Sage called out as she released her trusty electric type Pokemon onto the battlefield.
Lt. Surge smirked as he sent out his final Pokémon.
Raichu, show 'em what we're made of!" Lt. Surge said as he sent out his ace Pokemon who looked powerful.
Sage's Rotom Phone buzzed, displaying Raichu's Pokédex entry: Raichu the Mouse Pokémon. When its electricity builds, its muscles are stimulated and it becomes much stronger than its pre-evolution Pikachu.
Let's see if that Pikachu of yours can handle a real Electric Pokémon" Lt. Surge teased.
Pikachu use Iron Tail!" Sage called out as Pikachu's tail glowed bright silver as it leaped toward Raichu.
"Raichu, dodge quick!" Lt. Surge commanded as Raichu barely avoided the hit but as it moved, everyone noticed something critical—despite its power, Raichu was slower than Pikachu.
Red, Leaf, and Blue all realized the same thing: Lt. Surge must have evolved Raichu early and sacrificed its speed for strength.
We can use that. Pikachu, Double Team!" Sage said with a smirk.
Pikachu dashed around the battlefield at blinding speed and created multiple copies of itself until the gym floor was filled with Pikachu clones as Lt. Surge narrowed his eyes.
Raichu use Shock Wave! Wipe them all out!" Lt. Surge shouted.
Raichu unleashed a wave of electricity and instantly destroyec all the illusions but when the dust cleared, the real Pikachu was behind Raichu much to everyone surprise.
Pikachu use Iron Tail, now!" Sage commanded.
Pikachu's tail gleamed silver again as it slammed its tail into Raichu's head, sending the larger Pokémon crashing into the wall as Lt. Surge gritted his teeth in absolute frustration.
Raichu, hit it with Electro Ball!" Lt. Surge called out.
Raichu summoned a glowing orb of electricity and hurled it at Pikachu.
Jump up, quick!" Sage called out as Pikachu leaped high into the air and dodged the Electro Ball with ease.
Pikachu, Quick Attack!" Sage shouted as Pikachu streaked through the air like lightning and slammed into Raichu's stomach and sending the fully evolved Electric Pokemon flying across the battlefield.
Leaf cheered loudly from the sidelines. "Go, Sage! You've got this!"
Blue crossed his arms, hiding his jealousy with a smirk of approval.
Not bad" Blue mumbled.
Red gave a small nod as he was watching closely as if he already knew where this battle was headed.
Lt. Surge clenched his fists. "Raichu, Thunder Punch!"
Sage's eyes gleamed. "Pikachu, Thunder Punch!"
Both Pokémon charged at each other with electricity crackling in their fists as their Thunder Punches collided in the center of the battlefield causing a brilliant flash of light to erupt as sparks flew everywhere as the two Pokémon struggled against each other.
Red's eyes widened slightly as he noticed something the others hadn't as Pikachu was pouring more and more electricity into its Thunder Punch and was slowly overpowering Raichu as he didn't say a word but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as Pikachu was on the verge of leaning a new move his Pikachu already learned.
With a final surge of energy, Pikachu broke through Raichu's Thunder Punch and struck it square in the face, sending the larger Pokémon reeling but before Raichu could recover something amazing happened.
Pikachu's cheeks sparked intensely as it released a massive bolt of electricity that striked Raichu directly as the attack sent Raichu flying across the gym and crashing to the ground as smoke filled the air as everyone held their breath, waiting for the dust to clear.
When it did, Raichu lay motionless. The referee raised his hand. "Raichu is unable to battle! Sage is the winner!"
The gym erupted in cheers. Leaf clapped her hands and shouted, "You did it, Sage! That was amazing!"
Blue crossed his arms, smirking. "Looks like she's the real deal after all."
Even Red gave a small smile of approval, his respect for Sage growing as he watched her bond with Pikachu.
Sage grinned and ran to Pikachu, scooping the little Electric-type into her arms.
We did it, Pikachu! You were incredible!" Sage squealed in absolute excitement as Pikachu squeaked happily.
As Sage celebrated, her Rotom Phone buzzed. The screen displayed an update: Pikachu's Moves: Quick Attack, Thunder Punch, Iron Tail, Double Team, Thunderbolt as Sage beamed with pride.
You really are Chase's kid. You've got his fighting spirit and as proof of your victory, here's the Thunder Badge! And the TM for Electro Ball!" Lt. Surge said with a smirk.
Thank you, Lt. Surge!" Sage said, holding the badge and TM proudly.
Lt. Surge glanced at the clock on the wall.
You'd better hurry. The party on the S.S. Anne starts in five minutes. Do any last-minute preparations and get going!" Lt. Surge said.
Sage turned to her friends, excitement lighting up her face. "We'd better move! Let's get ready for the S.S. Anne!"
With the Thunder Badge in hand and her team stronger than ever, Sage was ready for the next chapter of her journey.
