The Way of the Dragons

Military Grade Mind

As we sprinted down the route, the smell of the sea grew more potent. I smiled when I saw the silver and blue buildings ahead. The others and I stopped and smiled when we arrived at the seaport city, the smell of the azure sea more potent than before.

"Alright, Georgia, where's Surge's gym?" Eric asked.

"It should be near the port," Georgia said, "Follow me."

The others and I nodded as we jogged after the cowgirl. As we sped through the city, I slowed to admire it.

I never really got the chance to check out this place.

On top of some of the buildings were rooftop gardens, and along the city streets, for the festival, were golden banners.

This city is beautiful.

"Here we are!" Georgia proclaimed.

We stopped and gazed at a white, beige building with a slanted roof. When Georgia pushed open the doors, a man with blonde hair stood in the center of the battlefield. He wore a green tank shirt, olive camo pants, and black combat boots. Shading his eyes was a pair of black sunglasses. Standing beside him was a Pokémon that looked like Pikachu but was a bit bigger and orange. I took out my Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.

"Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon, and the evolved form of Raichu. When electricity builds up inside its body, it becomes feisty. It also glows in the dark. It can loose 100,000-volt bursts of electricity, instantly downing foes several times its size."

"Welcome to the Vermilion City gym, kids!" he said, "The name's Lt. Surge."

The Raichu let out a happy cry as it swished its long tail.

"So, I'm assuming you're here to get my badge for the scavenger hunt, huh?" he asked, glancing over his glasses.

"We sure are." Nina said.

The blonde nodded as he took off his sunglasses; his eyes were a striking electric blue.

"Alright, then! Follow me outside for the challenge," Surge said, walking over to us, "We'll see if you kids have the willpower to earn my badge."

We nodded to the man and followed him and his Raichu outside.

"So, Lt. Surge," I began, "Are you actually a Lieutenant?"

"I was a long time ago," Surge explained, "I was known as the Lightning Lieutenant. I was a soldier who fought in at least one war. Almost didn't make it out, but Electric-type Pokémon saved my life. That's how I've come to love and respect them."

Surge grinned as he patted the Riachu's head, making the Mouse Pokémon smile.

"I was a CO and a pilot, my planes powered by my Electric-type Pokémon; another practice that saved my life a few times," Surge said, "Now, after I retired, I run a gym dedicated to those Electric-type Pokémon that saved my life."

We all gasped in awe as we listened to the veteran.

"That is amazing!" Nina exclaimed.

"You must be really strong then." Eric commented.

"Hah, not to toot my own horn, but I'd like to think I'm pretty strong." Surge said, flexing his muscles.

The Raichu beside him did the same.

"Is Raichu one of the Pokémon that saved your life?" Kat asked.

"He sure is," Surge said, "I owe everything to this lil' guy."

The Mouse Pokémon let out a happy cry. As the veteran continued to talk about his glory days in the war, we stopped when we were at the port. The port had many warehouses with cargo around them.