Chapter 1- Setting Sail
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Standing on a ship a thousand miles away from his home, a young man looks out into the calm open sea. His raven black hair has been cut off leaving him nearly bald. On the collar of his freshly pressed uniform are gold bars signifying his status as a Second Lieutenant, and more importantly, the famous Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is embedded onto his tan garrison hat signifying his status as a Marine.

Resting on his shoulder and watching the sea with him is his long time friend, Pikachu. The little yellow mouse Pokémon scratches itself behind the ear.

In his mind the young Marine thinks back to the party that was thrown for him upon his graduation from the Officer Training program in Pewter City.

All his friends had been there congratulating him on his success, and teasing him by referring to him as "The General." A grin came across his face as he thought back to that day, but perhaps the best part was being able to finally lose his virginity to his long time girlfriend Misty.

They had gone out to the garden when no one was watching and made passionate love under a cherry tree. They stayed the night out there, embraced in each other's arms until the sun came up and they had to return home.

Then a few weeks later his orders came in, he was going to the war. His mother, girlfriend, and father like figure Professor Oak came to say goodbye. His mother broke down in tears and had to be consoled by Oak.

Misty had given him one last parting kiss and promised to wait for him. Then boarding the boat, he watched as his family became smaller and smaller until finally, they disappeared.

"Hey Ash," The young Marine turned at the sound of his name being called. Approaching him was another young Second Lieutenant named Drew. He was about the same height as Ash, and equally built; in his hands he was carrying two root beers "Thought you might want one." Drew said offering Ash one of the sodas.

"Yeah thanks." Ash replied taking the drink.

Ash had meet Drew while in Officer Training School, they were in the same class together and the two quickly became close friends.

On the rare occasions that they got time off from training, they would go into the city and mess around at the local bars, sometimes getting into fights with the cliché biker gangs and then having to dash before the cops showed up to stop the fight, other times they'd just get wasted.

"Only one more day before we arrive in Lilycove City," Ash said "Then from there they'll send us god knows were." Drew shrugged his shoulders "God help the poor bastards who have to face us, I bet the minute they see us running up those beaches there going to piss their pants with fear."

Another grin came across Ash's face, this time it was more forced "Yeah wishful thinking." He said. Though he would never admit it, Ash was terrified to go into combat, it had been the primary motivator for him to become an officer, so he could receive a few years extra training and perhaps miss the war.

If he had been born a year or so later then his plan might have worked, but now not only was he trying to keep himself alive, but also the men whom he commanded. "It'll be alright." Drew said reaching into his pocket.

He pulled out necklace with a cooper bullet strung through a chain.

"See this," Drew said holding up the bronze colored bullet "You know what this is, right?" Ash nodded recognizing the significance of the object.

When Ash joined the Marine's he received a full indoctrination of its history and superstitions. The object that Drew possessed has a significant meaning among, not just Marine Scout Snipers, but snipers in general.

In military lore it is believed that there is one round to ultimately end a soldiers life, the round with his name on it, until that round is fired the person whom it's intended for is believed to be invincible.

But if the person carries this round with him at all times it will never be fired and the soldier is therefore untouchable.

In order to obtain this round a soldier must kill an enemy sniper, and then take the snipers bullet, the one with the soldiers name on it. Marine Scout Snipers refer to this round as a HOGs tooth, and the person who carries it is referred to as a HOG, meaning Hunter of Gunmen.

"You better not let any of our Scout Snipers catch you wearing that. " Ash said.

"I know," Drew replied "But this belonged to my father, he gave it to me before I shipped out, said as long as I have it I'll be safe."

As looked down at the bullet "I forget does that give off enough protection for me also?" Ash asked, Drew shook his head "Sorry, it only has enough juice for one person." "Well then I'm fucked." Ash replied.

"Naw," Drew said "All you have to do is find a sniper, kill him, and then take his bullet." "Oh it's that easy?" Ash replied sarcastically. A grin came across Drew's face.

Ash checked the time on his watch, it read 1855, at 1900 there was going to be a briefing for all the officers on board the ship. "We should leave now if we're going to make it to the briefing in time."Ash said.

"I don't see the point, there just going to tell us the same thing that they've already told us a million times." Drew said placing the necklace back in his pocket.


In the briefing room there were about twenty one other second Lieutenants, along with Ash and Drew. They sat before a Major who was rambling on about what the officers responsibilities were once they landed at Lilycove.

"We'll be arriving at 1300 tomorrow, remember to brief your men about some of the hazards within the city, while for the most part it's secure, there is the occasional enemy sniper lurking about waiting for a chance to take a shot at some unsuspecting Marine."

"Also remember that there is still a civilian presence within the city, under the rules of war they are not to be harmed in any way, and besides, we're Marines we don't play that shit." The Major was shifting his gaze from officer to officer.

"Any questions?" When the Major failed to receive a reply he nodded "Alright then, you're dismissed."


Drew and Ash were walking down the ships hallway, heading down to their bunks when another second lieutenant stepped out from his quarters. The lieutenant was about six feet in height, he had a good build to him and had features similar to Ash.

The Lieutenant glared at Ash as he passed him, they had known each other during officer training school and had quickly grown to dislike one another. His name was Red, and he had been the best student in the class, displaying remarkable leadership skills and tactful decision making.

No doubt a trait he learned from his father who was a general in the Corp. But for all of Red's talents, he had two major flaws, envy and jealousy. While Ash was at officer training school he had received top marks that were high enough to rival Red's.

In the beginning Red had paid little mind to this, until Ash's unit bested him in a training exercise. The praise Ash received for his accomplishment wounded Red's hard earned pride, and as a result Red beat Ash within an inch of his life.

Lucky for Ash a superior officer was present to break them up. They were both taken and stood before the Major in charge of the school. Both of them faced expulsion, but with a war brewing and a desperate need for officers, the Major let the incident slide.

"What a prick," Drew said when Red was out of ear shot "He thinks he's hot shit cause his dads a fucking general." Ash shrugged his shoulders as he entered his quarters. It wasn't worth Ash's time to think about Red. Just as long as they steered clear of each other things shouldn't be a problem.

Pikachu hopped off Ash's shoulder and scampered up to the top bunk; Ash followed close behind and began adjusting his sheets. Next to him was a pad and pen, Ash thought about writing a letter to Misty, telling her everything was alright and that he was about to arrive in Lilycove City.

"I'll just write it tomorrow." Ash thought, rubbing his tired eyes.

"Hey Ash," Drew said from the bottom bunk "What?" Ash replied "Do you think Lilycove looks as bad as it does on TV?" "I would think so. They did bomb the hell out of it after all."

"I remember visiting Lilycove with my dad when he'd go on his business trips, it was really beautiful, I hope I can still recognize it when we arrive."

Ash thought back to the Officer Candidate program, it was their Drew had revealed to him that he was from the Hoenn region. He hadn't told anybody else, for fear of being discriminated against. To Ash though, it didn't really matter were Drew originated from, because now he was here, fighting for Kanto.

Although, Ash couldn't help but wonder if being born in the Hoenn region would make Drew more sympathetic to the people of the region. "Good night Ash." Drew said turning off the light. "Night." Ash replied closing his eyes.


"Second Platoon, form up!" Ash shouted from the dock. His twenty man platoon quickly formed up in front of him. Up front was the Platoon Sergeant Brock Harrison, originally from Pewter City. When he turned eighteen he immediately enlisted in the Marines and quickly made his way up to Gunnery Sergeant. He was a tough bastard.

It was a scorching hot day, it was the sort of heat where a person wanted to remain absolutely still, because even the slightest movement would send a wave of sweat across the body. "Gunnery Sergeant Harrison, get these men to their barracks." "Yes Sir." Brock replied turning to the men "Alright second platoon, let's move."

The barracks for the enlisted men were situated in a converted apartment building, most of the rooms housed four marines and their Pokémon. Generally the larger Pokémon were kept inside their pokeballs to save space. The apartments had electricity, but no heating, which wasn't a problem given the intense heat outside.

The officers on the other hand were situated in nice condos that were equipped with a few more commodities such as personal showers, and, depending on the persons rank, they would either have their own room or have to share with one other officer.

Brock led the men of second platoon over to their barracks, while Ash followed a young Colonel over to the officer's barracks. Since Ash was only a second Lieutenant he was required to share a room with Drew. They were placed on the sixteenth floor of the building and overlooked the entire city.

As Ash laid his gear out onto the bed he turned and saw Drew staring out the window overlooking the city. "Hey, they told us not to do that remember. A sniper would love a chance to take out a dumb second lieutenant standing by the window."

Drew didn't reply he just stood there looking in awe of the city. "It's worse than when they showed us it on TV." Drew said "Most of the buildings are gone, even the fucking department store." After tossing his K-Bar knife onto the bed Ash joined Drew looking out the window.

The city had endured three days of constant bombardment from the air, leaving the city in ruins. Most of the buildings were now empty concrete shells, rubble littered the streets and even now Ash could smell the foul stench of sulfur.

"Come on, we've got to brief our platoons." Ash said pulling Drew away from the window.


"Attention on deck." Brock shouted as Ash entered the room. The men of second platoon ceased all activity and shot up into the position of attention. "At ease gentlemen," Ash said walking in front of them. The men relaxed their posture.

"I'm here to brief you on a couple of important items," Ash said "Right now you are in Lilycove City, I do not know when they'll ship us out to face the enemy, but I do know that while you're here, in this city you must remain vigilant."

"For the most part the city is secure, but there is the occasional sniper who likes to take pot shots at Marines and there Pokémon. Wherever you go you must take a buddy, I don't care if you're going to use the head in the middle of the night, you will have a buddy, is that understood."

"Yes sir," The Platoon shouted in unison.

"Also while we are stationed here I will not tolerate any of you harassing the local women, so keep it in your pants for the next few months, is that clear?"

"Yes sir!" His platoon responded in unison.

"Alright, are there any questions?" A young private named Colby raised his hand "Are we allowed to visit the local shops and stores?"

Ash eyed the young Private then turned to the rest of his men "Gentlemen we are in a hostile region among a hostile people. Yes you may visit the local population's shops and purchase their goods, but I would not expect a warm reception from them, and also make sure that were ever you visit you do so with caution."

Ash looked around at as his men "Any other questions?" No one replied "Alright then, chow is at 1630, I'll see you then." Ash exited the enlisted men's barracks and returned to the officer barracks.

When Ash entered his quarters he found Drew sprawled out onto his bed reading an old fish and wildlife magazine.

"You brief your men?" Ash asked taking a seat across from Drew "Yep, they now know as much as we do, which isn't a lot." Pikachu suddenly hopped onto Ash's lap.

Ash gently stroked the Pokémon's yellow fur while looking out the window. He watched as a fleet of medical helicopters graced the skyline of the broken city.