Outside the grand department store, a man in a trench coat, backpack slung over his shoulder, walked in with slow, suspicious steps. His red scarf wrapped high, concealing half his face, eyes darting around as he slinked through the entrance. Yet there was no cowardice or guilt in his gaze—only fanaticism… and devotion.

His odd appearance and suspicious movements quickly caught the attention of the mall's security team. But before any of the guards could step in to question him, the man suddenly ripped off his scarf, shrugged off his coat and bag. Beneath the coat—a Rocket uniform, the infamous crimson 'R' emblazoned across the chest.

As the backpack hit the ground, dozens of Poké Balls spilled out, rolling across the tiled floor.

With a burst of light and mechanical clicks, a swarm of Voltorb and Electrode erupted into the mall.

The Rocket member raised both arms like a zealot, shouting madly:

"Long live Team Rocket! Team Rocket reigns supreme!!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

A chain of devastating explosions echoed through the entire mall. The Voltorb and Electrode all self-destructed in unison using Explosion, reducing glass storefronts to razor-edged shards, bending steel pillars, ripping through brick and mortar. Smoke rose in heavy columns as sirens wailed and human screams rang out:

"Aaaaaahhh! Help!!"

"Mommy?! Where are you?!"

"It's a terror attack—run!!"

"My wallet! My WALLET—argh! Don't step on me!"

Amid the chaos, flames soared into the air, while the mall's sprinkler system kicked in. Steam hissed from the clash of fire and water—scorching heat below, cold droplets from above. The floor became slick and dangerous, the screams never ceasing. Crying, trampling, the desperate wails for rescue—it all blended into a nightmarish cacophony.

Vermilion City's emergency services quickly responded. The fire department deployed Squirtle and Blastoise units, arriving at the scene within minutes. Blastoise with its massive twin cannons aimed upward, blasting high-pressure water jets to fight the inferno. But even as they fought to contain the disaster, new explosions shook the city—two more skyscrapers, both bustling with people, erupted in flames.

In an instant, Vermilion's firefighting capabilities were stretched to the breaking point.

"We interrupt this program for breaking news."

A shaken newscaster appeared on screen.

"Ten minutes ago, Vermilion City experienced a massive coordinated terror attack orchestrated by Team Rocket. Multiple skyscrapers are engulfed in flames. Emergency crews and water-type Pokémon are working around the clock, but the city's resources are overwhelmed.

Tragically, Gym Leader Lt. Surge is currently out of town, in the Johto region. There is no word yet on whether further attacks are expected. What you're seeing now is live footage from the scene—"

The broadcast cut to a building spewing black smoke, people waving from upper floors, crying for help. Flying-types soared upward in desperate rescue attempts, while dozens of water-type Pokémon battled to suppress the flames—but they were clearly too few.

Sitting calmly on a sofa, Logan stared at the television. The rising smoke, the terror, the desperate cries—it all flickered across the screen like a nightmare made real.

Thump-thump-thump.

Footsteps thundered from upstairs.

A moment later, Misty came hurrying down, still adjusting her clothes. She spoke quickly, multitasking as she grabbed her gear:

"I just got word from the League. Lt. Surge is out of town, and they don't know if more Rocket attacks are coming."

She glanced at Logan, face tight with urgency.

"The League is asking me—Cerulean's Gym Leader—to go to Vermilion immediately, to hold the line if necessary. They want me to rally local Cerulean trainers with strong water-types to assist in fire control and civilian rescue."

She pulled out a tablet, her fingers tapping rapidly, most likely alerting Cerulean's trainers.

"You're heading to Vermilion too, right? Want to come with me?"

Misty had already packed twelve Poké Balls. She looked over at Logan, waiting.

Logan shook his head slowly, his voice as calm as ever:

"I don't have any water-types. I wouldn't be much help.

And you know me—I don't like fast-traveling straight into cities. I prefer going on foot, training my Pokémon in the wild as I travel."

Misty looked unsurprised. She nodded rapidly and replied, already half-out the door:

"Stay here until you leave Cerulean. The staff all know you. If you need anything, just ask."

Logan smirked lazily.

"This place is cozier than any hotel. Even if you tried to kick me out, I wouldn't leave."

That finally earned a laugh from Misty.

"Once we're done with Vermilion, I'll have to file a full report to the League. Especially about Sabrina."

Logan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Don't. You'll only bring trouble on yourself. Team Rocket definitely has people in high places at the League. And if Sabrina dares walk around in uniform, out in the open, it means she has nothing to fear."

He leaned forward slightly.

"You're both Gym Leaders. If you accuse her without solid proof, they could hit you with slander. That won't end well—for you."

Misty bit her lip, visibly torn. Eventually, she sighed in frustration.

"You're right… Without evidence, there's nothing I can do. And she could even turn the tables on me. Damn it…"

She was clearly angry—furious, even—but powerless.

"Cerulean's prepared a batch of flying-types. I'm heading out now."

She slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to go. But then, as if something had suddenly come to mind, she hesitated, reached into her pocket, and pulled something out.

She held it toward Logan, eyes avoiding his.

"Once you leave Cerulean, who knows when we'll meet again… This is a Permanent Water Stone I've been keeping. Consider it a reward for saving me. It's nothing special, not even expensive. Just… a little token. Don't read into it."

It was a small, water-blue gem, no bigger than a fingernail, with a droplet symbol carved into its surface.

Logan stared at her—at her awkward, tsundere-like fidgeting—and couldn't help but chuckle.

"I get it, I get it. Now go. Every minute saved might mean another life rescued."

Misty gave a firm nod.

"Right. I'm off!"

And with that, she stormed out the door, fast as ever.

Logan sat in silence, turning the Water Stone in one hand, holding the blue Gym Badge he'd won from Misty in the other.

His expression darkened.

"Why… why is Team Rocket attacking Vermilion City?"

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T/N:

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