The salty wind of Vermilion Harbor carried the clamor of the crowds. By the docks, a Steelix strained to drag cargo crates, while Chinchou swam beneath the water's surface, providing light for the loading and unloading.
As the largest trade port in the southern Kanto Region, Vermilion City was bustling and full of life everywhere one looked.
The salty sea breeze swept the docks' din through the streets. Ignoring the curious and astonished looks around them, Dongshu strolled leisurely along the coastal boulevard with Raikou and the others.
Squirtle looked left and right, its face full of curiosity as it took in the unfamiliar city.
Gastly floated by Dongshu's shoulder, somewhat drowsy—daytime was hardly when Ghost-type Pokémon came out and about.
Raikou walked slowly at his side, his golden mane flowing beneath the sunlight. Passersby stopped one after another to stare, yet none dared approach because of the restrained pressure he exuded.
Dongshu did not linger. Once inside the city, he headed straight for the iron-gray building on the western side, its exterior covered in lightning patterns.
That was the destination of Dongshu's trip—the Vermilion Gym.
Pushing open the heavy metal doors, he found a battle arena laid with non-slip alloy panels. Energy conduits around it crackled and hissed, while a faint scent of ozone hung in the air.
A tall man in a khaki flight jacket, his hair cut close, stood in the center of the arena, wiping a pair of goggles bearing an air force insignia.
Several Poké Balls hung from the tactical belt at his waist, and scars were faintly visible on his arms. He was the Vermilion Gym Leader, Lt. Surge.
"A challenger?" Lt. Surge looked up, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's as it swept over Dongshu and his partners. When he saw Raikou,