The Kanto Journals: A Pokemon Crossover

Chapter 21: General's Orders

Journal Entry #658

Ash finally did it! He finally beat Lt. Surge in a Gym Battle yesterday morning. I did think that he would be able to do it because of his training with Misty, but still, I'm impressed. Lt. Surge's Raichu is a force to be reckoned with, so I have all my respect with Ash and his partner Pikachu.

Brock and Lucy accompanied me in my training for Lt. Surge's battle yesterday before Ash, Misty, and Brock boarded St. Anne yesterday afternoon (though Brock seemed so sad about leaving Lucy behind; I think he's got a crush on her or something). I asked Brock if that kind of training would really help me and Geronimo achieve our desired results, and he said it would. Just last night, I was already thinking of catching a Diglett or a Sandshrew just for this battle, but then, I realized that this would mean I'm losing my faith with Geronimo.

I don't really want to sound naïve but I know Geronimo and I would be able to come through somehow. And this has nothing to do with Brock saying that Geronimo would get his wish on the day Lt. Surge and I would battle again. It's more of the fact that Geronimo has my full confidence. He is, after all, my first partner, just like Pikachu is Ash's.

I'm writing this entry on the morning of my battle with Lt. Surge because Geronimo and I chose to sleep early last night after Lucy treated us at a family diner. Who would have thought that I would wake up only two hours before Lt. Surge's set time would arrive. It can't be helped, though. Although Geronimo's training wasn't that intense, it was a grinding task that would really seep you of all your energy for that day.

I think I'd better get ready. Win or lose, I'll write everything that happens afterwards on my next entry. Best of luck!

Geronimo woke up and stretched his body just as Arndolfr was stashing his journal inside his bag.

"Good morning, Geronimo," Arndolfr breathed as he went over the bed where Geronimo is. "Had a good night's sleep, I see."

"Chaa-chaar!" Geronimo happily replied as though agreeing on what Arndolfr just said.

"We'd better get ready," Arndolfr then said. "We barely have two hours before our rematch with Lt. Surge. You good?"

The small Chimchar flexed his thin arms to answer Arndolfr's question, which the latter took as a 'yes.'

Arndolfr went down to the Pokémon Center's lobby to meet up with Lucy. Both of them had a short breakfast and then they went on their way towards Vermillion City Gym.

"You ready, hon?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, thanks to you and Brock," Arndolfr replied in a somewhat serious tone.

"Nervous?"

"A little. But I think I'll manage, somehow."

Lucy merely nodded at this. A few more seconds of walking and they soon saw the Gym. And in front of it was...

"Dolph, I think Lt. Surge is really expecting your return," Lucy whispered at Arndolfr.

'Expecting' is actually an understatement. Several soldiers lined a path towards the entrance of the Gym in order for Arndolfr to enter. All of them saluted once Arndolfr went near them.

"Okay, this is making me more nervous than I should be," Arndolfr mumbled as he and Lucy walked through the path the soldiers lined.

When both of them entered the Gym, Arndolfr immediately saw that the Gym looked a lot different from when he entered here last time. What used to be a training barracks for soldiers is now decorated with striped blue, white, and red cloth. The pedestal where Lt. Surge stood last time is now lined with a white star-spangled blue cloth that made it look more regal-looking. Arndolfr looked at Lt. Surge and saw that he's now wearing a green tank top, cargo pants, and black sunglasses.