A few moments later, Jessie, James, and Meowth slunk away furtively. Watching them vanish, the masked man turned, smoothly removing his disguise to reveal a familiar face beneath.
This mysterious Team Rocket Executive was none other than Lt. Surge, Gym Leader of Vermilion Gym—and a judge for today's Contest.
"Now, as long as the Pokémon League focuses on this ship, our real plan can proceed," Surge muttered, eyes narrowing toward the distant shoreline, where Team Rocket's true target awaited.
He retreated into his cabin, mulling things over briefly before tossing out a Poké Ball. A pink, gelatinous Pokémon emerged, landing softly on the floor. The Ditto flattened momentarily before rising on two jelly-like appendages, tiny eyes blinking open above its thin mouth.
"Ditto, transform into me," Surge commanded.
Instantly, Ditto swelled and shifted shape, perfectly mimicking Surge within mere seconds—down to every detail of his camouflage uniform.
"You'll replace me as a judge for the Contest. Just score the performances and ignore any questions."
As a Pokémon capable of near-perfect imitation, Ditto had remarkable intelligence. Its transformations granted it even the copied individual's abilities, though it couldn't speak. Fortunately, Surge's taciturn, tough-guy persona meant Ditto wouldn't need to say a word.
Satisfied with his replacement, Surge quickly changed into tactical gear, slipped silently out the window, and plunged into the sea, swimming swiftly toward Vermilion City's shoreline.
Minutes later, Surge vaulted from the water onto dry land, recalling his Water-type Pokémon in one fluid motion.
A group of Team Rocket operatives, waiting discreetly at the shore, straightened immediately at his arrival.
"Sir! Everyone is assembled."
Surge nodded approvingly, glancing briefly at a secured phone in his hand. "Good. All units, stand by and await word from the others. Once Pokémon League personnel are diverted, we'll begin."
His gaze drifted past the trees, settling upon a cluster of decrepit buildings in the distance: an abandoned power plant. Tonight's mission revolved around capturing the elusive Mythical Pokémon hiding within.
But the target was notoriously strong and agile in flight—not an easy capture. To prevent interference from League Trainers, Surge had intentionally orchestrated trouble aboard the S.S. Anne as a diversion.
He had taken every precaution to conceal his own involvement.
What Surge didn't know was that shortly after his departure, Officer Jenny sped toward the S.S. Anne on a jet ski. She flashed her badge at the crew and quickly boarded.
"Hopefully Lt. Surge can provide information on that Pikachu that attacked humans," she thought, determination blazing in her eyes. "Whether human or Pokémon, justice will be served."
Her eyes suddenly sharpened as she noticed Ash approaching with a Pikachu on his shoulder—a Pikachu matching the culprit's description perfectly: brimming with showy confidence, acting as if it were the protagonist destined to save the world—in other words, a textbook case of delusions of grandeur.
"Ah, you must be Officer Jenny from Vermilion City! Would you like to go on a date with—"
Before Jenny could politely refuse, a tall figure appeared in front of her: Brock, kneeling dramatically with flowers of uncertain origin.
She sighed in mild annoyance as Ash and Misty quickly appeared, dragging Brock aside despite his frantic protests. "Sorry about that, Officer Jenny! We'll leave right away."
Shortly thereafter, Jenny learned that Ash's group had only recently arrived in Vermilion City, quickly dispelling suspicion from him and his Pikachu. The timeline didn't match the incidents. She confirmed this by calling Officer Jenny in Cerulean City, who verified their movements.
Unfortunately, Vermilion City's Officer Jenny withheld crucial details during that call—if she'd shared more, she might have uncovered valuable information. Instead, she narrowly missed identifying the true culprit.
Clearing Ash and his friends, Jenny explained she wanted to speak with Lt. Surge about recent events. Ash enthusiastically volunteered to guide her.
The group entered the main hall, where preparations were still underway. Judges hadn't yet taken their seats.
Jenny gazed curiously around the Contest arena. She hadn't had time to watch the broadcast due to her duties, though the recorded performance would undoubtedly become popular later throughout Kanto.
The finalists' portraits adorned the giant screen overhead. Soon, pairings would be randomly selected, and judges' scores would determine the winner.
As the competition neared, excited spectators flowed into the stands, buzzing about previous performances and debating their favorites.
Jenny overheard mentions of an incredibly skilled Pikachu from earlier—its exceptional moves suggested a high level. She quietly noted this detail.
Yet, when Ray Chu stepped onto the stage for the finals, that impressive Pikachu was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he brought out a Shiny Farfetch'd.
Facing him stood a confident Gardevoir and her Trainer.
"Your earlier performance was stunning," the opposing Trainer smiled calmly. "But I won't lose here. Gardevoir, use [PSYBEAM]!"
Brilliant, multicolored beams burst forth from Gardevoir's leafy hands, creating a breathtakingly realistic illusion. A lush, phantom forest enveloped the stage, and within moments, Gardevoir seamlessly vanished into its midst, leaving no trace of her presence.
To the onlookers, it was as if she'd merged entirely with her surroundings.
---
bonus chaps
100 stones -> 1 chapter
200 stones -> 2 chapters
300 stones -> 3 chapters
and so on
hehe every 100 followers on either instagram or twitter is 5 bonus chapters...? (for all tls ongoing)
discord.gg/wisetl
patreon.com/wisetl
instagram: hanbaowise
twitter: WiseKingOfUruk_