21.Thunder Stone

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"Bulbasaur, use Sleep Powder!"

"Bulbasaurrrr!"

After being hit a few times, Bulbasaur seized an opening, shook the bud on its back, and released a shimmering cloud of phosphorescent pollen.

The pollen drifted without the aid of wind and, in just a breath, blanketed half the battlefield.

Lt. Surge's expression changed slightly as he urgently called out, "Electabuzz, dodge it!"

But Electabuzz was too close. Caught off guard, it was covered by the Sleep Powder.

A heavy drowsiness overcame it, and it couldn't resist. Staggering, it collapsed to the ground and began snoring softly.

"Electabuzz! Wake up, now!!"

Lt. Surge's desperate shouting did nothing; Electabuzz was fast asleep. No matter how loud he yelled, it was futile Electabuzz's consciousness was completely submerged in slumber.

"It's over." Kai gave Bulbasaur its final command. "Use Razor Leaf!"

Bulbasaur walked up to the slumbering Electabuzz, looking down at it. Leaves formed at the tip of its bud, sharp and glowing, before flying out in rapid succession to strike Electabuzz directly.

The attack landed cleanly, dealing critical damage!

Still fast asleep, Electabuzz had no chance to recover before fainting.

Lt. Surge sighed as he retrieved its Poké Ball, recalling the unconscious Pokémon in a flash of red light.

But just then, a radiant glow enveloped Bulbasaur. In a matter of seconds, the light faded, revealing its evolved form Ivysaur!

"Bulbasaur evolved into Ivysaur?" Kai exclaimed in surprise.

Compared to Bulbasaur, Ivysaur didn't look drastically different, but its body was a richer shade of green.

The bud on its back now had four large, banana-shaped leaves surrounding it.

Kai pulled out his Pokédex and scanned Ivysaur.

Pokédex: "Ivysaur, the Seed Pokémon. A Grass- and Poison-type. The bulb on its back grows larger as it absorbs sunlight. Once it is fully nourished, it blooms into a large flower."

"Congratulations," Lt. Surge said as he walked over. Despite losing, he didn't seem upset. "Not only did you beat me, but your Pokémon evolved as well. It looks like a promising partner has grown even stronger!"

At that moment, Chloe came down from the stands and joined Kai. She looked even happier than Kai but remained quiet in the presence of others.

Instead, she crouched down to pat Kirlia and Ivysaur, expressing her joy with gentle gestures.

Lt. Surge reached into his pocket and handed a badge to Kai.

"This is the Thunder Badge. You earned it. Take it."

The badge resembled a golden-orange sun, radiating bright rays.

Kai accepted the badge and turned to leave with Chloe, but just as they reached the exit, Lt. Surge called out, "Wait a second. I've got something else for you."

He tossed a small, shiny stone through the air. It arced perfectly, but just before it reached Kai, it stopped in mid-air, suspended by Kirlia's psychic power.

Ever protective, Kirlia wouldn't let anything unfamiliar approach its trainer unchallenged.

Kai examined the stone. It resembled a gleaming green gemstone, and through its crystal surface, he could see a distinct lightning bolt etched inside.

"A Thunder Stone?" Kai murmured, puzzled by the gift.

"Take it," Lt. Surge said with a grin. "Consider it a personal token of recognition from me. You've proven yourself a skilled trainer."

Kai was stunned but smiled brightly as he accepted the gift. "Thank you! I'll put it to good use!"

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That Evening

The sky had turned dark as Kai and Chloe left the Vermilion Gym and returned to the Cerise Laboratory, strolling along the brightly lit streets.

Inside the lab, Professor Cerise was still hard at work, typing at his computer.

When he heard about Kai's successful Gym Challenge, his face lit up with pride.

Upon learning that Chloe had also attended, he was even more surprised.

"I never thought I'd see the day you'd enjoy a Pokémon battle, Chloe!"

Chloe glanced at Kai, her tone soft but amused. "Watching it live made me realize how fascinating Pokémon battles can be."

Without Kai's invitation, Chloe doubted she'd have attended on her own.

As the hour grew late, Kai stretched and yawned. He was about to bid the professor and Chloe goodnight when Cerise stopped him.

"By the way, Kai, if you're free tomorrow, I have a favour to ask."

"What is it?" Kai asked curiously.

"There's an unmanned power plant nearby that supplies electricity to the lab. Although it's been abandoned for years, its systems have always operated without issue until recently."

"For the past few days, the voltage has been unstable, causing frequent blackouts. I suspect wild Electric-type Pokémon are interfering with the machinery."

Kai nodded. "An abandoned power plant… Sure, leave it to me!"

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Late Night

Back at the dormitory, Kai had showered and was lying on his bed, the Thunder Stone in his hand.

The cosy room was warmly lit, its blue and green minimalist décor giving it a serene atmosphere. His Pokémon were relaxing nearby.

Kai waved over his Eevee, who approached curiously. "Eevee, have you thought about what you want to evolve into?"

Eevee tilted its head, its eyes wide and inquisitive.

"I was thinking…" Kai turned the Thunder Stone in his fingers. "You're quick and full of energy. Jolteon might be a perfect fit for you! But if you'd prefer another path, I'll respect your choice."

"Ee-vee-vee!"

Eevee let out a soft cry, gazing at the Thunder Stone. After a moment of contemplation, it slowly leaned forward and touched its forehead to the stone.

In an instant, a brilliant flash of electricity filled the room. Jolteon was emerging.

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