Electrical - Ash Ketchum {1}

Chapter 59 - The Battle Of The Badge

The kids were finally back to Viridian City. "I can't believe that it's been almost a year since we were last here," Ash said. Emma looked toward the Pokémon center where she first met Ash and Misty, "Hey, the Pokémon center is up and running again," she said as they walked past it. "That's great!" Ash said.

Soon enough they found the Gym building. "Look Ash, the Viridian Gym, and inside there's an Earth Badge with your name on it," Brock said. "Oh yeah," Ash said with a smile.

They slowed to a stop in front of the building, seeing two guards in front of the doors. "I already have seven badges, I just need one more to get in the Pokémon League," Ash said, "I've got to win it here."

"Pika," his Pikachu said with a nod. "So, what are we waiting for?" Emma asked with a smile. Ash opened his mouth to speak but another voice cut in.

"For me of course."

They turned around in surprise to see Gary and his cheerleaders standing next to their car. "Gary?" Emma and Ash asked. Gary smirked and looked at Emma, "Your Dad told me Ryan and Jane are getting married soon. I bet you're excited for it."

"Yeah," Emma said with a smile, "Are you going to be there?" Gary nodded, "Yeah, I wouldn't miss it in the world." He looked at Ash with a smirk as he spoke to the brunette girl, "So what are you and the loser doing here?"

Ash glared at him, "I'm not a loser! I'm here to win my eight and final badge!" he said. Gary chuckled, "You have some catching up to do," he said as he pulled out his badge case and opened it, showing ten badges.

"Wow, ten badges," Emma said. "That's right," Gary said and looked at Ash with a smirk, "Still thinks you got what it takes to become a Pokémon Master?" He looked at Emma, "Honestly Em, I don't get why you're friends with this loser."

Ash and his Pikachu glared at him while Emma frowned sadly. "If you already have more than eight badges, then why are you here?" she asked. "One of the reasons is your Dad said you'll be here," Gary said before glancing at Ash, "But also I wanted to stop by on my way to Pallet Town to see if the leader of this Gym wants to battle a real Pokémon trainer."

Ash glared at him while Emma looked between them. Gary looked toward the guards, "I'm Gary Oak from Pallet, and I'm hereby request for a battle with the leader of this Gym," he said. The doors slid open and Gary looked at Emma as he took her hand, "Come on, then."

"Huh?" Emma asked as she blushed slightly. Ash glared angrily at Gary's hand and watched as Gary pulled Emma toward the building, followed by the cheerleaders. Ash glared, "That Gary. Let's go Pikachu."

"Pika," his Pikachu agreed, and they ran after them. The guards held Ash back, "Only one trainer at a time kid," one of them said. "But I got to get inside," Ash said. "Gym's Rules," they both said as Emma turned to them.

"Togy, Togy," Togepi said as it waved its hands around as if wanting Ash to come with them too. But as Gary was pulling Emma inside, and Ash was getting far away, Togepi started to cry, which 'caused Gary and Emma to stop walking.

Emma looked at Gary, "I think I should stay outside. I don't Togepi likes the inside of this building," she said as she slowly let go of Gary's hand. Gary gave a small nod, "Yeah, guess so."

"Good luck," Emma said, giving him a small smile. "Thanks," Gary said and she stepped outside. Togepi didn't stop crying until it heard Ash's voice, "What's wrong Togepi?"

"Togy," it said as Ash petted its head. "I think we could have a problem when it will be your turn to challenge the Gym Leader in this place," Emma said, "I don't think Togepi likes the inside as much as the outside."