#14 "Electric Shock Showdown"

    After weeks of being lost, Ash-tachi finally arrive at Vermilion City. Ash wants to head straight to the gym to get a Thunderbadge, but Pikachu is tired, so they go to the Pokémon Center first. In there, they see a lot of Pokémon who are injured go past. They have been badly beaten by the gym leader, Surge, and his Raichu. Pikachu is nervous about challenging, but Ash is insensitive and forces it.

    Once there, Surge and Raichu taunt Ash and Pikachu. When Pikachu sees his opponent, he loses his fear and wants to fight, because it is being insulted for being weak and not evolving. So they battle, and Pikachu loses badly. Pikachu is disheartened, and Joy offers a Thunderstone. Ash asks if Pikachu wants to evolve... and Pikachu is inspired by this offer, knowing it does NOT want to evolve and will battle how it is. Team Rocket, who is peeking through the hospital window, thinks Pikachu is very brave and admire it. ^_^.

    After a cheer from Team Rocket, Pikachu and Ash go to the gym. Brock gave them a hint; Raichu was evolved too soon and did not learn speed attacks, so Pikachu might be able to beat it if it can be faster. After a strong and tough battle, in which Raichu exhausts itself from using too much electric energy, Pikachu manages to just win, and the two deserve their hard-won Thunderbadge.