A/N: Hey so not gonna lie, my sister-in-law's wedding was very fun but it kept me very distracted from writing. But either way I definitely took some time to write this as my internet access had been a little spotty. Mainly to check some facts from the anime or re-check some scenes in some episodes for reference. I hope you all don't think I have given up on this story or been too neglectful with it. Hope you enjoy, leave a review or favorite if you feel inclined. Obviously I do not own Pokemon and all its subsidies and characters at most I own original trainers.
Under the soft sheets of his familiar bed at the Cerulean City Gym, Kieran slept soundly. He was snuggled up in a cocoon of blankets, the familiar scent of home wrapped around him. The rhythmic lullaby of water Pokémon's splashing in the Gym's pool filled the room, replacing the silence of the night.
Suddenly, Kieran felt something poking at him—once, twice, thrice. His eyebrows furrowed as he cracked open his eyes, groggily staring at the figure in front of him. For a moment, he thought he was still dreaming. Standing on his bed was none other than Pikachu, looking as adorable as ever but with a hint of surprise in his eyes. The tiny scar on Pikachu's left red cheek, a telltale sign of past battles, confirmed his identity. This was indeed his dad's Pikachu.
A yawn escaped Kieran as he sat up, stretching out his arms before giving Pikachu a warm smile. "Pikachu!" he exclaimed, promptly pulling the electric Pokémon into a tight hug. Pikachu let out a happy squeak, his cheeks sparking with mild excitement.
Releasing Pikachu from the hug, Kieran tilted his head, a questioning look in his eyes. "If you're here, does that mean Dad's home too?" he asked, to which Pikachu gave a nod and a chirpy "Pika!"
A smile of anticipation lit up Kieran's face as he scooped Pikachu up onto his shoulder, the Pokémon's weight familiar and comforting. Without wasting a moment, he bolted out of his room and rushed down the hallway, his bare feet padding against the cool floor. Laughter echoed around him, a jovial atmosphere filling the gym as he made his way to the kitchen.
Entering the kitchen, Kieran found his dad, Ash, standing against the counter, engrossed in some paperwork. The sight was quite odd; Ash wasn't usually the one to pore over documents. On hearing Kieran's arrival, Ash quickly shuffled the paperwork into a folder and stashed it away, replacing it with a warm smile. "Kieran, you're back!" he said, his eyes twinkling with joy. "We've got a lot to catch up on!"
In the comfort of his home, with Pikachu on his shoulder and his dad standing in front of him, Kieran knew he was where he needed to be. His journey, however, was far from over.
Just as Kieran was about to respond to Ash, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor outside the kitchen. A moment later, Misty appeared in the doorway, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint. "Mr. President, I think you need—" she began in a flirty tone, stopping abruptly as she spotted Kieran.
A soft blush crept onto her cheeks, mirroring Ash's, and the room filled with a tense silence. Recovering quickly, her surprised look melted into a broad smile. "Kieran, you're back!" she exclaimed, rushing to wrap him in a warm embrace.
Pulling away, she placed her hands on her hips, a teasing smirk on her face. "Why didn't you wake me up when you got home? Or at least call ahead?" she asked.
Kieran scratched the back of his head, a sheepish look on his face. "Well, Mom, it was pretty late when I got in. Plus, I had the key so I thought I'd just crash in bed," he explained, utterly oblivious to the flushed exchange his parents had shared moments earlier.
His parents exchanged a brief, meaningful glance before Ash cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence. "So, Kieran," he began, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "How many Pokémon have you caught so far?"
Kieran began listing off his Pokémon with visible pride, detailing each one's abilities and strengths. He recounted his gym battle with Forrest in Pewter City, his descriptions so vivid and detailed that they painted a clear picture in Ash and Misty's minds.
Pikachu, perched on Kieran's shoulder, let out a soft sigh. It wasn't out of boredom or exasperation, rather it was a sigh of nostalgia. The scene reminded Pikachu of a younger Ash, who would return to Pallet Town brimming with stories and experiences from his journeys. Despite the passing of time, it seemed the spirit of adventure lived on in the Ketchum family.
Just as Kieran was starting to narrate his encounter at Mt. Moon, Misty interjected abruptly. "What were you thinking, Kieran?" she exclaimed, her face reflecting concern and a hint of frustration.
Ash opened his mouth to say something but was met with a look from Misty that clearly communicated he should stay out of this. He raised his hands in surrender, backing down immediately.
"But Mom, didn't you and Dad encounter Team Rocket all the time when you were kids?" Kieran retorted, a defiant edge to his tone.
"That's not the point, Kieran," Ash responded, his voice rising slightly in volume. "They were mostly after Pikachu, not us."
Just as the argument was beginning to heat up, the gym doors swung open, causing the trio to fall silent. Lila stepped inside, her voice echoing through the gym as she called out, "Hello!"
The Ketchum family turned towards the door in surprise, their argument momentarily forgotten in the wake of Lila's unexpected arrival.
Again, Lila's voice echoed through the gym, calling out for Misty. Misty eyed the young girl standing in the middle of her gym; the same girl her son couldn't seem to stop mentioning, despite their apparent rivalry.
Kieran glanced towards his dad, a question lingering in his eyes. "Why aren't you going down there, Dad?"
Ash offered a soft chuckle, shaking his head lightly. "There's no need to make a challenger feel unworthy if I'm around," he said, his tone laden with a weight that Kieran didn't quite understand.
Ash continued, his gaze fixated on the gym floor below, "My position can sometimes make new trainers feel like if they fail in front of me, then I wouldn't want to see them later on in their journeys. That couldn't be further from the truth."
Kieran's mind wandered back to a moment from the past, the funeral of Mr. Charles Goodshow, the previous president of the Pokemon League. He could recall Ash's words from that day, the ones that had resonated with everyone who had been present, "It's about what one does in their journey as a whole, not just one instance." It seemed his father was living by those words now, giving every new trainer their space to grow and make mistakes, just as he had once been allowed to do.
Misty descended the stairs, her confident stride echoing the demeanor of a seasoned mentor. Her gaze fixed on Lila, analyzing, perhaps trying to gauge if this young trainer truly had the potential her son so often raved about.
"Hello, Lila," Misty greeted warmly, extending a hand. "Kieran has spoken quite a lot about you."
Lila, in response, wore a confident smirk. Her posture upright, her chin raised just a tad higher, and her eyes shining with a hint of mischief. To Kieran, observing from the sidelines, she looked every bit as self-assured as he'd often described her.
As Kieran began to make his way down to join them, Ash's hand swiftly grabbed the back of his shirt, halting him in his tracks.
"Dad! What are you-?" Kieran started, but Ash's signature smirk interrupted him, accompanied by a conspiratorial glint in his eyes.
"How about you and I watch from the top of the stands?" Ash suggested, nodding toward the shadowed viewing area above. "Let's not mention we're there."
Kieran opened his mouth to protest, so many questions bubbling up, but something in Ash's expression—part mischief, part wisdom—made him reconsider. With a resigned sigh, Kieran agreed, "Alright, Dad, we'll watch from the top."
Inside the Cerulean City Gym, the vast arena awaited its competitors. Dominating the center of the gym was a massive pool, its water shimmering under the overhead lights. The pool was bounded by four islets, connected to each other and the edges of the pool by narrow walkways. On one end of the arena stood the gym's main platform, proudly bearing the emblem of the Cerulean City Gym—a stylized blue water droplet. The stands rose in a semi-circle around the arena, each row elevated a little higher than the one before, offering every spectator an unobstructed view of the battles that would unfold.
The walls, adorned with oceanic patterns and murals of various Water-type Pokémon, reflected the vibrant history and tradition of the gym. The atmosphere was palpable—a mix of tension and anticipation, further emphasized by the quiet murmur of water splashing gently against the sides of the pool.
As Lila took her place on one of the challenger's platforms, Misty approached from the opposite side, standing tall and confident on the gym leader's platform. "How many badges do you have?" Misty asked, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious arena.
"Just one," Lila replied with a hint of defiance.
Misty gave a small nod. "Figured as much. But regardless, I accept your challenge."
Lila's eyes narrowed slightly, determination evident in her gaze. "Who's going to referee?" she inquired, scanning the area for any gym officials.
Misty looked around for a moment, and then with a soft whistle, Psyduck waddled out to the center near the stands. The yellow duck Pokémon looked around in its typical confused manner before spotting Misty and giving an affirmative nod.
"Hope you don't mind," Misty began with a smirk, "my trusty Psyduck will be the referee for our match."
Lila gave a half smile, eyeing the Psyduck skeptically. "Fine by me," she replied, clearly amused by Misty's choice.
Misty stretched out her arm, pointing towards the arena's center. "It'll be a simple single battle, two versus two. Are you ready, Lila?"
Without a word, Lila pulled out a Pokéball and enlarged it. With a confident toss, she released her Pokémon. A burst of light revealed her female Nidoran, who landed gracefully on the platform, ears perked and ready for battle.
Misty watched with interest, mentally preparing for the clash to come. Misty, with a sly grin, took a Pokéball from her belt. With a fluid movement, she threw it onto the battlefield, and in a burst of light, a blue, crab-like Pokémon appeared - Clauncher. It took a defensive position in the water, its large claw raised, ready to attack or defend on command.
Ash smiled from the stands, fond memories flashing in his eyes. He remembered the fierce battle between Misty's Politoed and his own Corphish. A battle in which Misty had triumphed, marking the beginning of Clauncher's journey with her.
Lila, however, didn't seem fazed. She studied Clauncher with a calculating gaze, making quick mental notes. "Nidoran, use Double Kick!" she commanded.
The female Nidoran lunged forward, her powerful legs aimed squarely at Clauncher. But Misty was ready. "Dodge it and use Bubble Beam!" she shouted.
Clauncher, with surprising agility for its size, evaded the incoming kicks, and its large claw glowed a bright blue. It then released a powerful stream of bubbles towards Nidoran. The Nidoran tried to dodge, but a few of the bubbles struck her, causing her to stumble back.
Lila gritted her teeth, clearly not expecting such a move. "Nidoran, regain your footing! Use Poison Sting!"
Nidoran quickly fired a series of sharp, purple quills from her back. But Clauncher, buoyed by the water's support, once again managed to dodge most of them.
"Clauncher, use Water Gun, then follow with Crabhammer!" Misty shouted. The water-type Pokémon complied, releasing a high-pressure jet of water. Nidoran was hit square on, causing her to slide back, wet and disoriented. Seizing the moment, Clauncher propelled itself forward and slammed its hefty claw into Nidoran.
The female Nidoran was sent sprawling across the platform. She tried to get up but was clearly weakened from the onslaught.
Lila, although surprised by Misty's tactics, showed determination. "Nidoran, use Bite!"
The Nidoran lunged forward again, her jaws open wide. But Misty was one step ahead. "Clauncher, counter with Vice Grip!"
Clauncher's claw glowed once more as it caught Nidoran mid-lunge, gripping her tightly. The bite never landed. With a final exertion of energy, Clauncher tossed Nidoran to the side, effectively ending the match.
Psyduck, in his own dazed way, raised one arm, indicating Misty's win.
Lila looked a bit deflated but also impressed. Misty's experience, combined with her home field advantage, had proven to be the defining factors of the battle.
As Nidoran was returned to her Pokéball, Lila took a moment, determination burning in her eyes. She then tossed another Pokéball into the arena, and out emerged her trusty Squirtle. Its blue shell glistened in the gym's light, and it stood in a combat-ready stance, eyes locked onto its opponent.
Misty, seeing the choice, decided to give Politoed the stage once more. With a gentle call, she returned Clauncher to its Pokéball, and without missing a beat, she released Politoed.
"Squirtle, Water Gun!" Lila shouted.
With precision, Squirtle shot a stream of water from its mouth, aiming straight for Politoed. Misty's Pokémon took the hit but quickly regained its balance.
"Politoed, use Bubble Beam!" Misty retaliated.
Politoed unleashed its barrage of bubbles, which Squirtle deftly dodged by retreating into its shell and spinning away. Lila seized the moment. "Now, Rapid Spin attack!"
Emerging from its shell, Squirtle spun at high speed, slamming into Politoed and pushing it back. The force caused Politoed to stumble and momentarily lose its focus.
"Follow up with Skull Bash!" Lila commanded, her confidence soaring.
Squirtle, gaining momentum, charged at Politoed with its head glowing and reinforced. Just when it looked like Politoed was about to take a direct hit, Misty calmly called, "Politoed, defend with Protect!"
A shimmering barrier materialized around Politoed just in time, repelling Squirtle's powerful attack. Misty's experience and calm demeanor under pressure were evident. Without giving Lila time to react, Misty ordered, "Politoed, use Ice Beam on the ground!"
Politoed fired a frosty beam at the floor of the arena, creating a slippery layer of ice. Squirtle struggled to maintain its balance, its legs sliding and wobbling on the icy floor.
Misty didn't miss the advantage. "Now, Hydro Pump!"
From Politoed's mouth erupted a powerful jet of water, which, combined with the slippery terrain, knocked Squirtle off its feet, effectively pinning it down.
Lila sighed, a mix of frustration and admiration on her face. "Good job, Squirtle," she whispered, returning her partner to its Pokéball.
Misty smiled, "That was a well-fought battle, Lila. You have great potential."
Watching from the stands, Kieran and Ash exchanged impressed looks, both amazed by the skill showcased in the battle below.
Kieran's feet were almost propelling him forward, the urge to check on Lila overwhelming. But just as he was about to move, Ash's firm grip on his shirt halted him. "Dad! Why can't I just go and see if she's okay?" Kieran protested, his frustration evident.
Ash, with that familiar understanding look in his eyes, simply said, "Kieran, trust me on this. After a battle, especially a loss, a trainer needs some space to reflect and regroup. It's a personal moment."
"But I just want to-" Kieran began, but his words were cut short by Misty's voice.
"Your father is right, Kieran," she said, her gaze both stern and empathetic. "I've seen it in him countless times during our travels. After a loss, Ash would sometimes doubt himself, wondering if he was cut out for this. But in that solitude, he found the determination to push through, to be better. It's part of the journey, and it's essential for growth."
Kieran took a deep breath, processing what his parents were telling him. As much as he wanted to comfort Lila, he also recognized the value of what his parents were saying. With a reluctant nod, he replied, "Okay, I get it. But just... promise me she'll be alright?"
Ash placed a reassuring hand on Kieran's shoulder, "Every trainer goes through it. It's how champions are made. She'll bounce back, stronger than before."
Kieran's eyes darted between his parents, the weight of their words sinking in. "So, what should I do then? Just wait for her?" he inquired, feeling a mix of helplessness and confusion.
Ash, leaning against the railing of the gym's stands, responded, "Just be there for her when she's ready. It might be later today, or it might be much further down your journey's path. But remember, Kieran, this journey you're on, it isn't just about winning or losing. It's about forging bonds, both with your Pokémon and with those you meet along the way. It's about the lessons learned, the memories made, and the person you become."
Misty nodded in agreement, adding, "And when the time is right, she'll appreciate having someone like you by her side."
Kieran looked down, absorbing their wisdom. Then, with newfound determination in his eyes, he said, "Thanks, Mom, Dad. I'll remember that."
He took one last look at the Cerulean Gym, the place filled with memories of his childhood. With Pikachu on his shoulder and his backpack slung over him, Kieran stepped out into the bright sunlight, ready for the next chapter of his adventure.
Making his way through the tall grass towards Vermillion City, Kieran was lost in his thoughts. The rhythmic sounds of Pidgeys chirping and Rattatas rustling in the foliage were almost meditative. But suddenly, a weak whimper caught his attention.
Peering ahead, he spotted a Growlithe lying on the ground, its usually fiery orange coat dulled with dust and sweat. It looked weak, panting heavily, with visible injuries and scrapes on its body.
Kieran approached the injured Growlithe cautiously, Pokedex in hand, and quickly scanned the Pokémon.
**Growlithe** - *The Puppy Pokémon*. Very protective and loyal. It will bark and bite to protect its territory from intruders.
Eyeing its surroundings, Kieran tried to find any sign of its Trainer. "Hey there, it's going to be okay. Let's find your Trainer and get you some help," he whispered softly, trying to console the Growlithe.
However, at the mention of its Trainer, the Growlithe's eyes flashed with anger and it let out a low, threatening growl. It was evident that there were unresolved issues with its Trainer.
Not wanting to waste any more time, Kieran carefully tried to lift the wounded Pokémon to rush it to the nearest Pokemon Center. But as he did so, the Growlithe, fueled by pain and mistrust, clamped its jaws around Kieran's arm. The bite was sharp, but it wasn't deep enough to force Kieran to release his grip.
Holding onto the Growlithe firmly yet gently, Kieran whispered, "I know you're scared and hurt, but trust me. I'm just trying to help."
As they approached Vermillion City's Pokemon Center, Nurse Joy and a few Chanseys quickly came to their aid. They took the Growlithe for immediate treatment while another Chansey treated Kieran's bite.
Despite the painful bite and the surprise it brought, Kieran's thoughts were solely on the well-being of the Growlithe. He was determined to find out the story behind its pain and anger, hoping to give the Puppy Pokémon a chance at a better life.
Inside the Vermillion City Pokémon Center, Chloe Cerise's eyes widened as they settled on a young trainer sitting on a nearby bench. He looked so much like a younger version of Ash Ketchum, and she couldn't shake the sense of familiarity. Her journeying with Ash and Goh had given her a fair share of adventures and a good look at the pictures of Ash as a young boy.
Walking over, with Eevee trailing behind her, Chloe asked, "You wouldn't happen to be related to Ash Ketchum, would you?"
Kieran looked up, slightly startled by the approach, but responded with a grin, "Yeah, I'm Kieran Ketchum. Ash is my dad. Wait, you're Chloe, right? You traveled with my dad and Goh for a while!"
Chloe nodded with a smile, "That's right! Those were some interesting times."
Without missing a beat, Kieran blurted out, "Oh! And you were the one who had a crush on Goh, right?"
Chloe's face flushed a shade of pink, and she looked a tad flustered. "Uh, well..." She trailed off, avoiding direct confirmation but not denying it either. "Anyway, what brings you here?" She quickly attempted to change the subject, eager to steer the conversation away from her past feelings.
Kieran's enthusiasm dimmed a bit as he recounted his recent encounter. "I found an injured Growlithe on the way here. It was lying there, all alone. I can't imagine how anyone could abandon a Pokémon like that. It's just... heartbreaking," he sighed, his brows furrowing with concern.
Chloe's eyes softened with compassion, and her Eevee nudged closer to her, sensing her unease. "That's really hard, Kieran. Unfortunately, not everyone is kind or responsible. But it's a good thing it found you. I'm sure you'll take good care of it."
Kieran nodded, "Yeah, I just wish I could understand what happened."
Eager to lift his spirits, Chloe inquired, "So, how has your journey been so far? Aside from this incident, I mean."
A more cheerful glint returned to Kieran's eyes. "It's been great! I mean, I've had a few bumps along the way, but I've also made new friends and caught some cool Pokémon. I even won my first gym badge in Pewter City!" he beamed, his excitement palpable.
Chloe smiled, genuinely happy for the young trainer. "That's amazing, Kieran! And Vermillion Gym is up next, huh? I bet you'll do great. That gym has a rich history, and I'm sure you'll add to it."
Kieran grinned, his earlier gloom replaced with fresh determination. "Thanks, Chloe! I'm really looking forward to the challenge. I've heard a lot about the Vermillion Gym from dad's stories. It's time to make my own memories there."
The once calm atmosphere of the Pokémon Center was shattered as glass and debris rained down from the ceiling. Through the dust and confusion, the figure of a woman descended, landing gracefully on the polished tiles. Her medium-length, rainbow-dyed hair gleamed in the center's overhead lights, and her yellow eyes scanned the room with purpose. The emblazoned 'R' on her black gear confirmed her identity — it was Rachael, the Team Rocket agent.
Beside her, the menacing figure of Houndoom growled, its eyes glowing ominously, sending shivers down the spines of the trainers and Pokémon present.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Nurse Joy cried, rushing forward, her pink apron billowing. Her faithful Chansey was right by her side, eyes wide with worry.
Rachael's sharp gaze locked onto Kieran's. "Hand over the Growlithe, boy. It's vital for Team Rocket's experiments. Don't make this harder than it has to be," she sneered, the threat in her voice evident.
Kieran stepped forward, placing himself between Rachael and the infirmary's entrance, where the injured Growlithe was being treated. "I won't let you take it. It's injured, and you have no right!"
Chloe quickly stepped beside Kieran, her Eevee ready for a potential clash. "You heard him. Team Rocket's days of causing trouble are over."
Rachael laughed, the sound echoing eerily in the vastness of the Pokémon Center. "You really think you two can stop me and my Houndoom?" She smirked, her confidence palpable.
However, before any action could be taken, an alarm began to blare loudly throughout the Pokémon Center. Flashing lights and a voice-over system warned of an incoming breach, signaling for all trainers to evacuate. Nurse Joy hurriedly began ushering everyone out, ensuring the safety of both trainers and Pokémon.
The Pokémon Center's pristine white tiles trembled as Kieran tossed his Pokéball, releasing his Pidgeotto with a blinding flash. Its proud cry echoed in the tension-filled room, its wings flaring out, ready to defend.
Rachael chuckled, her laughter cold and piercing. "Really, you think your little Pidgeotto can do anything against Houndoom?" she sneered. "Remember, you only bested me last time because you teamed up with that blonde from Mt. Moon."
Chloe, not one to back down, retorted sharply, "And who said he's alone now?" With a flick of her wrist, her Eevee jumped down, eyes shining with determination. The small fox Pokémon's fur bristled, standing on its end, ready to back up Pidgeotto at any cost.
The two Pokémon faced off against the looming Houndoom. Pidgeotto took to the air, spiraling upwards while Eevee remained grounded, its focus unwavering.
Houndoom, with a command from Rachael, unleashed a ferocious Flamethrower. Eevee narrowly dodged it, and Pidgeotto countered with a powerful Gust, sending Houndoom staggering back.
Chloe called out, "Eevee, Swift!" The little Pokémon quickly fired off a series of shining stars at Houndoom. But Rachael was prepared. "Houndoom, Dark Pulse!"
The dark, ethereal waves from Houndoom met Eevee's swift attack, creating a blinding collision in the center of the room. Kieran's heart raced, his faith in his Pidgeotto unwavering, but the strength of Rachael's Houndoom was undeniable.
"Come on, Pidgeotto! Wing Attack!" he shouted.
Pidgeotto dived from the sky, its wings glowing as it aimed straight for Houndoom. Rachael was quick to react, commanding Houndoom to evade and counter with another Dark Pulse. The move hit Pidgeotto squarely, causing it to falter in the air momentarily.
The battle was intense, neither side giving any leeway. Chloe and Kieran shared anxious glances; their Pokémon were giving it their all, but Houndoom was a formidable foe.
Lt. Surge, a towering figure, strode confidently into the Pokémon Center. Standing over six feet tall, he was hard to miss. His military-style haircut, sharp eyes, and a sleeveless white shirt which showed off his muscular arms made him an imposing presence. The green pants and heavy boots further accentuated his soldier-like demeanor. Most distinctive of all was the badge of a thunderbolt proudly displayed on his chest, symbolizing his mastery over Electric-type Pokémon.
The moment he entered, without hesitation, Lt. Surge released his Raichu, the evolved form of Pikachu. The orange rodent Pokémon appeared, its long, curling tail crackling with electricity. Recognizing the formidable strength of Lt. Surge and his Raichu, and knowing she was outnumbered, Rachael acted quickly. She recalled Houndoom to its Pokéball and threw down a smoke bomb.
Thick, gray smoke quickly filled the room, causing Kieran, Chloe, and Lt. Surge to cough and shield their eyes. When it finally cleared, Rachael was nowhere to be seen.
The trio wasted no time. Racing to the recuperation area, they were relieved to find the wounded Growlithe still resting in peace. The Team Rocket agent hadn't managed to snatch it.
Lt. Surge, having ensured Growlithe's safety, turned his attention to Chloe. "Thanks for stepping in," he said with a nod of appreciation.
His gaze then shifted to Kieran, and he blinked in surprise. The resemblance to Ash Ketchum was uncanny. "I must be seeing things," he murmured, scrutinizing the young trainer. "You... You're the spitting image of a young Ash."
Kieran rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm his son. Ash Ketchum's kid."
Lt. Surge let out a low whistle. "Well, I'll be! Your father... he taught me a valuable lesson once. Just because a Pokémon is fully evolved doesn't mean it can't be outclassed by its previous evolution." The memory seemed to amuse the gym leader as he looked down at his Raichu with a fond smile.
Before Kieran could form a response, Lt. Surge stepped forward, extending a large hand. "Good on you for standing up to Team Rocket. That's no small feat." As they shook hands, Surge's grip was firm, exuding confidence. "Whenever you're ready to challenge my gym, you let me know. I'd be keen to see how the son of Ash Ketchum battles."
Kieran nodded gratefully. "Thanks, Lt. Surge. I'll definitely challenge you, but first, I need to figure out what's going on with this Growlithe they were after. It doesn't sit right with me."
Surge patted him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit. Looking out for Pokémon, just like your father."
Watching Lt. Surge's departing figure, Kieran turned to Chloe with a puzzled expression. "Chloe, any idea what Rachael was talking about? Why would Team Rocket be so desperate for this specific Growlithe?"
Chloe paused, clearly deep in thought, as her Eevee hopped back onto her shoulder. "Honestly, I'm not sure. But Team Rocket is always after some kind of scheme. If it involves a Pokémon, then they must believe it has something special." She then remembered something. "You know, if you really want to get to the bottom of this, you should ask Professor Oak. He's encountered Team Rocket enough times and might have some information."
Kieran nodded, taking out his PokéGear. "Good idea. Thanks, Chloe." With a few button presses, he dialed Gary Oak's number.
After a brief ring, Gary's familiar voice came through. "Hey, Kieran! What's up?"
"Gary," Kieran started, quickly briefing him on the events at the Pokémon Center and Team Rocket's interest in the injured Growlithe.
Gary sighed deeply. "Team Rocket... Always up to no good. I'm not entirely sure why they'd want that Growlithe specifically, but if they're hurting Pokémon like that for some experiment, it's concerning. You did the right thing by bringing it to the Pokémon Center."
Kieran frowned, determination filling his voice. "I need to find out what they're up to. Pokémon don't deserve to be treated this way."
"Agreed," Gary responded. "If you need any assistance or information, just let me know. We'll figure this out together."