The Beautifly Effect
Chapter Twenty-Four -- An Unexpected Letter
A/N: I had to make up a surname for Richie. I picked Wilson, but it's really quite arbitrary. If you don't like it, feel free to substitute another one.
Ten days later...
Johto-Kanto Military Alliance
Golden Recruitment Office
To Mr Richard Wilson
Owing to increasing hostility from neighbouring countries the
Johto-Kanto alliance has been forced to recruit available
non-essential civilian personnel for military service.
Your name has been randomly selected from known Kanto
citizens resident in Johto. You are required to report within
seven days at the Goldenrod Recruitment Office, where you
will be assessed and dispatched to a Kanto military training
centre. You may bring one Pokémon for assessment.
Failure to respond may result in imprisonment.
(Signed)
Lieutenant J. James
Goldenrod Recruitment Officer
Two days later, in Vermilion City Military Camp...
"With all due respect, Colonel, sending inexperienced children into Hoenn is sending them to their deaths."
"I know the risks, Major, but my hands are tied. You want Johto to keep feeding you, you gotta make sacrifices."
"Sir, they're babies. You asked me to make soldiers out of them, not... pawns!"
"Surge, we didn't give you a promotion for you to disobey orders. You will train recruits for this mission. It needs to be done. Dismissed."
"Sir."