Vermilion Gym, Lt. Surge!
Kanto, Vermilion City.
The whistle of a departing ship echoed as a massive cruise liner slowly left the bustling harbor.
Vermilion, the largest port city in Kanto, thrived on international connections. People from all over the world arrived and departed on cruise ships, bringing with them diversity and vitality.
A burly man leaned casually against a railing near the port. Dressed in green camouflage, his short blond hair gleamed in the sunlight. His powerful physique gave off an imposing aura.
Tssssk.
He cracked open a beer can and took a long sip.
Suddenly, from the shadows, something shot toward him.
Lt. Surge's expression shifted. His reflexes were lightning-quick—his large hand darted out and caught the object midair.
When he opened his palm, he found a badge—Fuchsia Gym's Pink Badge!
Lt. Surge smirked, balancing the badge on his fingertips.
Ding!
He flicked it, sending it spinning into the air before catching it deftly again.
"Well, well," he muttered, glancing toward the shadows.
There, a man in ninja attire emerged from the darkness—a middle-aged figure with an aura as sharp as a blade.
"You're awfully free these days, Koga," Surge said, taking another swig of his beer.
The figure, Fuchsia Gym Leader Koga, replied in his deep, muffled voice:
"I have a mission in Johto. I need you to handle something for me."
"And here I thought you were always busy."
Koga's gaze narrowed beneath his mask.
"You seem quite relaxed yourself."
Lt. Surge grinned.
"When the boss halts all activities, things get pretty dull. I'm even stuck helping someone pick Pokémon for a TV show. Doesn't get much more boring than that."
"You doubt the boss's orders?" Koga asked coolly, his piercing eyes focused.
Lt. Surge's expression turned serious.
"Of course not."
He caught the Pink Badge again and examined it idly.
"But I am curious... What kind of person could make you go out of your way?"
Koga's voice lowered.
"Johan."
Lt. Surge frowned.
"Johan again? What's his deal?"
"You don't know Johan?" Koga seemed surprised.
"Should I?"
Lt. Surge wasn't one to spend time online or keep up with buzz about individuals outside his military or Rocket circles. To him, Johan was just a name—one that seemed to be popping up more often lately.
Koga explained briefly, summarizing the key points he'd heard about Johan from his daughter Janine and online chatter.
But Surge merely scoffed.
"Being good at tactics doesn't make him good at actual combat."
For a man like Surge, once a soldier, combat meant survival in life-and-death situations. Pokémon battles governed by League rules? Child's play.
Even as Vermilion Gym Leader, he found it dull. That's why he was infamous for being a tough and ruthless opponent. Trainers who challenged him often found themselves limping to the Pokémon Center.
"Just deliver the badge," Koga instructed curtly, disappearing back into the shadows.
Lt. Surge sighed, crushing the empty beer can in one hand before tossing it aside.
His eyes glinted dangerously.
"I'd like to see what this Johan guy is really made of."
At the Vermilion coast.
Waves glittered under the sunlight as they lapped against the shore.
"Ka-kah—!"
Gengar cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted at the sea, his voice brimming with excitement.
Today, I'm eating ten bowls!
Johan sighed, feeling his wallet cringe.
"Woo~~"
Vulpix, perched on Johan's shoulder, pointed toward a departing ship.
What a big boat!
Johan smiled.
"That's the S.S. Aqua, a luxury cruise ship."
Meanwhile, Tinkatuff had its sights set on something grander—the enormous and opulent S.S. Anne, docked at the port.
"Chu!"
That one's even bigger!
Johan rolled his eyes.
Yeah, sure. Let's see you try hammering that into your club.
"That's the S.S. Anne," he explained. "It's a super-luxury liner that can carry thousands of passengers at once. They even hold major competitions onboard during each voyage. But tickets..."
He trailed off, recalling a detail from the Pokémon Adventures manga.
If memory served, Lt. Surge wasn't just Vermilion's Gym Leader and a Rocket Executive—he was also the captain of the S.S. Anne.
Honestly, these League-appointed roles are tough.
The Gym Leaders had it rough, juggling their duties with various side gigs. Surge had to manage his gym, command an electric Pokémon army, and captain a cruise liner.
Even the Cerulean Gym Sisters turned their facility into a water performance stage just to make ends meet.
"Driii..."
Dratini gazed at the open sea, a longing stirring deep within her.
Should we go sailing?
"Next time," Johan promised.
At that moment, a rugged off-road vehicle pulled up beside them.
A young woman with short white hair, tanned skin, and a pink headband stood atop the vehicle. Her muscular frame exuded strength and confidence.
"Johan!"
Her boisterous voice startled everyone.
"I'm Visquez, Lt. Surge's deputy!"
Johan remembered hearing of her—a former soldier and vice-captain of Surge's squad.
When Surge was busy captaining the S.S. Anne or handling Rocket affairs, Visquez took over as Gym Leader.
He also recalled a fun fact: she ranked 2109th in the World Coronation Series.
Respectable, but not exactly top-tier.
"Nice to meet you," Johan greeted.
"Lt. Surge sent me to pick you up," she said.
"Thanks."
Johan climbed into the vehicle, knowing he'd soon meet the infamous Electric Army and pick out a Pichu for the show.
Visquez stomped the gas pedal, sending the jeep roaring forward.
As she drove, she sized Johan up through the rearview mirror.
He's handsome, I'll give him that, she thought.
But a guy who hugs a cute Vulpix?
She wrinkled her nose.
What a pretty boy.
Her judgment was cut short when a shadow appeared in the passenger seat.
It was Gengar, grinning menacingly.
Did you just call my trainer a pretty boy?
Visquez nearly swerved in surprise.
"Where did you—?!"
Gengar pointed to the steering wheel.
"Ka-kah?"
Can I drive?
Moments later, Johan noticed something amiss.
"Gengar! What are you—"
Too late.
Visquez had fainted, slumped over the wheel, while the jeep's horn blared obnoxiously.
Johan groaned.
"You're the vice-captain of a military squad, and you faint from a ghost prank?"
Gengar cackled, donning sunglasses and gripping the wheel.
"Ka-kah!"
Time for Gengar's road trip!
"Gengar," Johan muttered.
"Do you even know where Vermilion Gym is?"
Gengar froze.
Good point.
At Vermilion Gym.
Lt. Surge led his trainees and staff on a morning jog around the facility—a daily ritual that reflected his military roots.
"Sir!"
One of his subordinates, Tony, pointed toward the road.
"Deputy Visquez's jeep!"
Surge frowned.
She's late. Two hours late.
The delay had already made him extend the jog unnecessarily.
The jeep finally appeared—but instead of stopping, it sped past the gym.
Surge's scowl deepened.
It reversed moments later.
When the door opened, Johan stepped out, visibly awkward.
"Uh... Sorry. She's just... sleeping."
Lt. Surge cracked his knuckles, his lips curling into a menacing grin.
"Looks like we're gonna have to settle this..."
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Powerstones?
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