'That was a nice peaceful journey. No unexpected surprises. No wild Pokemon attacks. No bandits trying to murder me. Just me and my gang of monsters. ' Gladion thought to himself as he reached Vermillion City.
Vermillion City buzzed with an energy that was distinctly different from the quieter towns Gladion had traversed. The port city was a hub of activity, with cargo ships docking and undocking, sailors moving about, and the distinct hum of electrical infrastructure that seemed to pulse with life.
After a quick trip to Pokemon centre to have all of his Pokemon checked, he headed straight towards the gym.
The Vermillion City Gym stood as a fortress. It was a fortified building that looked more like a small military installation than a Pokémon Gym. Gladion approached with excitement.
As he entered, the interior was surprisingly sparse. Military-style maps lined the walls, with strategic points marked in various colors. Training equipment was neatly arranged, and the entire space felt like a cross between a gymnasium and a war room.
Lt. Surge sat near the entrance to intimidate
and test all the trainers that wanted to challenge him.
And Gladion knew that a lot of ten year olds would be scared of his muscular frame with his giant height. Surge turned, recognition dawning in his eyes as he looked at Gladion
"Well, well," his voice boomed, carrying the rough edges of a seasoned soldier, "if it isn't young Gladion Vortex. Maren's grandson."
Gladion stood straight, meeting Lt. Surge's gaze. The gym leader looked exactly as he remembered from Grandpa Maren's funeral—a towering figure of military might, with eyes that had seen more than most would in several lifetimes at a very young age.
"I'm here to challenge the Vermillion City Gym," Gladion said, his voice steady.
Lt. Surge let out a laugh that was part bark, part genuine amusement. "Well, Your sister beat you it. She was quite the handful when she came through. That Gengar of hers? Absolute overkill for a three-badge challenge. Made me wonder if I should start designing more... sophisticated challenges."
The last part was delivered with a sardonic edge—a challenge within a challenge. Gladion recognized the test immediately. This wasn't just about battling. This was about understanding the spirit of Pokémon training.
Most trainers would have immediately protested or backed down. But Gladion, with the memories of his previous life and the wisdom instilled by his grandfather, saw something different.
"Maybe you should," Gladion responded, surprising even himself.
Lt. Surge raised an eyebrow. The response was unexpected.
"Most trainers would want the easiest path to victory," Surge said, studying Gladion carefully. "You're suggesting making the challenge harder?" ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novelꜰire.net
Gladion nodded. "Pokémon battles aren't just about winning. They're about growth. About understanding your Pokémon, pushing your limits. If a battle is too easy, what's the point? Easy victories teach nothing."
His words carried a depth that seemed beyond his years. Lt. Surge saw not just a child, but a trainer who understood something fundamental about Pokémon battles. Having fun. This was unlike the Pokemon wars where Pokemon battles were to kill each other, now the Pokemon battles were meant to be fun.
"Your grandfather used to say something similar," Surge remarked, his voice softening slightly. "That a true battle is a conversation between trainers and Pokémon. Not just an exchange of attacks, but an exploration of potential."
"I would like to have a 6 star badge challenge." Gladion said as Surge was rather surprised by it.
'He has 3 Pokemon at that level already? Now is not that a surprise?' Surge excitedly thought
"A 3v3 six-star challenge," Surge declared. "That means I'll be using Pokémon that could typically challenge trainers with six or seven badges. Are you sure about this?"
The six-star challenge was no joke. It meant Surge would use Pokémon at a significantly higher level and complexity than a standard gym battle. Most ten-year-old trainers would be crushed.
Gladion looked down at the Poké Balls at his belt. Hydros, Guy, Zeus, Nyx, Mystique, Collosus, Mankey—each representing a journey, a partnership, a potential waiting to be unlocked.
"We're ready," he said, a quiet confidence radiating from him.
Lt. Surge saw more than just a challenger. He saw a legacy. The grandson of Maren, a trainer who understood that Pokémon battles were about more than victories—they were about growth, understanding, and the profound connection between trainer and Pokémon.
"Your grandfather would be proud," Surge said, a rare moment of genuine emotion breaking through his tough exterior.
"Of course, he would. He taught me that battles should be fun," Gladion said, a smile crossing his face. "Not just about collecting badges, but about the excitement of discovery. About that moment when you and your Pokémon synchronize perfectly, when strategy and spirit combine into something magical."
The gym seemed to vibrate with the intensity of his words. Lt. Surge recognized this wasn't just a child talking—this was a true trainer, someone who understood the deeper essence of Pokémon battles.
Gladion took his place opposite Lt.Surge on the field.
'Alright, So I can use three of Guy, Nyx, Mystique and Collosus. Collosus is too strong for the gym. That leaves me with the rest. Heck, I think even Guy is too strong for a 6 badge challenge but at least it would give him a challenge. He is wanting to test his youth for ages now.' Thinking about his Youthful Machoke, Gladion could not help but chuckle.
Guy was his first Pokemon and has developed a special connection to Gladion. He had a special place in Gladion's mind and heart. And Gladion knew that Guy would die to protect his youthful trainer.
Guy was his ace along with Collosus. And it was about time that the Machoke get the desired recognition.
'He would get that with this battle.' Gladion thought as he took out a camera and handed it to one of the Gym trainers.
He asked them to film the fight for training purposes to which the trainer agreed after getting a confused nod from Lt.Surge.
'My first video on a social media should be about my first Pokemon, it's only logical.' Gladion had a big smile on his face as he carassed Guy's Pokeball.
-------Author Notes------
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