Finding My Voice

Daisy and I made our way out of Saffron City and into Route Six. A few trainers were battling, and there were some wild Pokémon in the area. A few Poliwag were swimming in the pond in the center of the route.

On the other end of the trail, I could see the entrance to Vermilion City. The waterfront city had a compelling warmth to it, and I could see the ocean in the distance. A massive cruise liner with the letters S. S. Anne plastered on its side sat in the port.

We hurried through the route, as I was eager to get to Vermilion before the day was over. The sun was beginning to set, casting its golden light onto the waters.

"The Gym Leader of Vermilion is a former Lieutenant," Daisy commented. "I bet that means he knows all sorts of strategies for battles."

I tilted my head. What's the point of a Lieutenant? We don't have any wars. I let that thought hang as we entered the city.

Vermilion City was home to various buildings of interest. Most of the houses had orange-roofed buildings, while the pathways were slate grey. There was a large construction site in the corner of the city, and I was unsure what they were building.

The sounds of waves crashing into the coastline calmed my mind. "This place is so peaceful," I nodded and signed to Daisy that we should stay at the Pokémon Center for the night.

We went off to the building, eying the Pokémon Gym in the south of the city. Lieutenant Surge was famous for being a tough Gym Leader and requiring trainers to use most of their Pokémon. The leader only allowed both sides to use one Pokémon.

I would have to focus, and make sure I didn't get too cocky. While I had managed to win my rematch against Misty, it had still been a close match.

Daisy and I arrived at the Pokémon Center and arranged rooms to stay in for the night. Then, we sat down at one of the tables in the building and talked strategy. "He's an Electric-Type trainer and usually uses a strong Pokémon like Electrode and Raichu. You need to watch out for Paralysis, and keep in mind that he probably knows the battlefield better than you."

I closed my eyes and tried to think of which of my Pokémon I should use. Pikachu would resist the attacks, but the last time I used him he got overwhelmed. We needed a Pokémon that was flexible, and so I realized Bulbasaur was my best bet.

Daisy and I turned in for the night, and the next day it was time to take on the gym. We met up and left the Pokémon Center, traveling down to the orange-roofed building. There was a small sampling growing in the path that we walked around, and then we entered the building.

Inside the gym was a giant metal floor. Multiple poles were scattered around the square floor, there seemed to be electricity burgeoning from each one. I wasn't sure what that would mean for the battle, but I suppose I'd have to wait and see.

The lieutenant was standing on a slightly raised metal platform at the other side of the gym, a Raichu at his side. The man was dressed in a green tank top and camo shorts. He had sunglasses covering his eyes and a smug grin.

The orange mouse leered at me and rubbed his paws together. The Pokémon's tail had a lightning bolt on the end, and it began to sway back and forth. It was the largest Raichu I had seen, standing at half of its trainer's height.

"Welcome to the Vermilion City gym!" The leader's voice was gruff. "The only way I'm accepting any challenges is if you have two or more badges! I responded to his demand by showing him my badge case.

He crossed his arms, showing off the muscles on them. "The name's Lieutenant Surge! Me and Raichu will be your next Gym Battle, kid. You're gonna have your strategy and your Pokémon tested in this match. Choose your Pokémon." I noticed the lack of a referee, though I supposed it was unnecessary.