Chapter 26

"An SS Ticket is required to board the ship," the sailor standing in front of the harbor said. "Only trusted and strong trainers are allowed to step foot on the SS Anne. And proof of that is the ticket."

Red drew the ticket from his pocket and showed it to him. He looked very surprised at this, most likely due to Red's age. The sailor nodded before gesturing behind him. The ship was absolutely massive, maybe three stories tall.

"You may proceed."

The trainer's heart soared with excitement to know he had advanced to a secretive, specialized division of the Kanto military. Red couldn't believe his luck. The young man ran down the harbor before racing up the ramp to enter the cabin's immensely wide doorway and was immediately wowed with the decor.

There hung a crystal chandelier while dinner tables filled it as well. It was like something out of a cotillion dinner or mansion, every table was decorated with flowers, neat silverware and plates. The floor was clean red velvet and the walls had a certain sheen to them. He'd never seen such fine dining.

"Wow," Red said. "Must be for a fancy dinner party."

"The dinner party is always laid out to save time for the maintenance crew to do other things," someone said from behind.

The young man turned around to see an odd sight. An old man with a white beard and mustache in a white sailor uniform stepped towards him. He looked rather old but still full of vigor as he reached Red.

"We sailors," he said. "We focus on more important matters. Like shipping cargo. The SS Anne is a hybrid between a luxury cruise for the most politically and financially important people in the world to discuss trade and world affairs while simultaneously shipping most of our supplies through here. However, we will only be shipping cargo and not entertaining the upper class so security will not be as numerous today."

"Oh," Red said. "Yeah…I know the SS Anne is a big deal to the world leaders who govern Kanto. I just…never thought I'd be here."

"Yes," he said. "Your father deliberately decided to live a simple life in the country rather than associate with the hustle and bustle of the city. I can say with great certainty that Lance would be proud to see his child to already be given such a privileged and special spot in this…special division of Kanto's military."

"Gee," Red said. "It seems everyone knows about my father and me."

"Well," the elderly man said. "As someone who fought with him a great deal back in our war with Johto…I should know how powerful he and his kindred are."

"So who are you?" Red asked. "I don't think I recognize you as a gym leader."

"I am not," he said. "But I have instructed many of those same gym leaders in the art of Pokemon battling and tactics in defeating Kanto's enemies. I'm a tutor to them in the same way Matis was during these months of training. Does the name, Carter Ulysseus Trister mean anything to you?"

"Captain Cut?" Red gasped.

He laughed.

"Yes," the captain laughed. "Funny nickname that my initials abbreviate into. Especially considering I was known for being specialized in teaching slashing moves to Pokemon for close quarters combat. Your father didn't think much of it…Lance was more a fan of boisterous Dragon attacks but…my instruction has won many fights. And after seeing your gym battles and hearing of your exploits…I'd say you'll make a remarkable soldier in no time."

Red couldn't believe his luck. The idea that anyone back at Pallet Town would think he'd associate with any of the bigwigs of the Kanto military was laughable. They all thought Red would be some sort of washout who only managed to scrape by with his relation to Lance. Now it looked like he was forming his own military career in a way even Professor Oak didn't expect.

He used feared the idea of entering Pallet Town. Even if Red did manage to make some accomplishment while taking the gym challenge, he'd still have to compete with Blue and live up to his father's legacy. This meant Red was screwed no matter how hard he worked unless his accomplishments were downright miraculous.

Just wait when the kids I grew up with in Pallet hear of this. He thought. You can't get better than being recognized by Surge and Captain Cut. I've saved people from Team Rocket, my Pokemon all have a signature move and now I get the honor of being in this specialized division most people probably haven't even heard of. Then we'll see who the loser is.

"You should call out your Pokemon at this time," Captain Cut said. "This is a requirement in case of an attack."

Red nodded before plucking all four Pokeballs from his waist and opening them. Selven, Cinder, Leta and Hurzer appeared in front of Red, all of them having slightly different expressions to being in this new environment. Hurzer looked apathetic, Selven was rather curious, Leta looked happy as usual and Cinder just looked tired.

"We made it!" Red said. "After all that hard work we're finally able to become a valued trainer! Just imagine how cool this is!"

"Yeah," Hurzer said. "Cool if we don't die from it."

"If you say so," Cinder said.

"Yeah!" Leta said. "Hard work really does pay off!"

"I'm kind of excited," Selven said. "Never been on a ship. I can't wait to see all the cool new places."

The trainer then turned back to Captain Cut.

"Well this is really an honor," Red said. "To see that even the infamous Captain Cut thinks highly of me is a real treat. I can't wait 'til everyone in Pallet hears about this."

"Yes," the captain said as he cleared his throat. "You…you will need to keep the activities aboard this vessel a secret. Everything you see and hear in this vicinity and on this trip are to not be made aware to the general public."

"Oh," Red said. "So…I'm not allowed to tell…anyone?"

"Well," Captain Cut said. "Obviously we need to discuss matters like this with other high ranking members of the Kanto military and government. But this is…even further secretive than most anything else. You are only allowed to tell people or discuss this matter with those who have an SS Ticket. If they cannot show you the verifiable, physical proof of the ticket then you are not allowed to discuss it with them. If you do, all privileges you have will be stripped away from you and you will be expelled from the Kanto military without any chance of forgiveness from the government once so ever."

"Gee," Cinder said. "How…not suspicious at all."

Red couldn't help but feel odd. Obviously military secrets were a reasonable part of any government but something about this felt strange. What was so important they would have to keep it secret?

"What are we even transporting?" he asked. "Classified information documents? Rare minerals? A Pokemon never discovered before?"

"We are transporting Pokemon," Captain Cut said. "Both rare and common ones alike. They are stored below deck in both Pokeballs and cages. Those that will be used for battle in Pokeballs and those not are in such strong holding cells that can't be broken through. The captive Pokemon are at a low level where they do not have the strength to break out."

"Hmm," Cinder said with a wry smile. "Pleasant experience."

"That…" Selven said with a frown. "That sounds…harsh."

"Do they live happy lives?" Leta asked.

"Well the world is full of unpleasant realities," Captain Cut said. "Not everyone gets the same as everyone else. Especially Pokemon, that are meant to serve humanity. That is life and we should accept it. Now, allow me to show you around."

The captain gestured for them to follow as he walked through the dining hall to leave it. Red would have followed but he first turned to his Pokemon. Leta and Selven looked perfectly distressed while Cinder had the same expression he'd had for months on end. Disappointment.

"Come on guys," Red said. "We gotta head on over."

"Oh yes," Cinder said. "As your loyal, obedient slaves…to make more slaves."

"Red," Selven said. "Are you sure we're doing the right thing? I mean…this sounds pretty nefarious. And…the condition of those Pokemon…?"

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"They'll be well taken care of," Red lied. "I'm sure of it."

"Really?" Selven said. "Because…because it seems like they'll be as hopeless and caged as us Bulbasaur were back in Cerulean City."

"I-I-" Red said.

"Red doesn't care," Cinder said. "Red stopped caring a long time ago. Others' happiness is something he threw away for proving to everyone he's a bigshot. Isn't that right?"

"Um…" Red said.

"Red cares!" Leta said. "If he didn't…he wouldn't have saved those daycare workers from Team Rocket!"

"Yeah…" Selven said. "Red obviously cares. He saved me after all. I mean…I'm angry but…I know Red couldn't save everybody."

Red smiled at Cinder, hoping it would cheer his Pokemon up. The Charizard's rather stoic expression turned heated with rage. His tail flame even rose in length.

"Only after I guilt tripped him," Cinder said. "The old Red would have jumped headlong to rescue anyone he could. Now…I have to shame him into doing good acts. A good man never has to be pressured into doing such."

"Oh you stupid urchins!" Hurzer shouted. "Let's get going!"

He began marching forward toward Captain Cut, the Nidoking obviously frustrated as he muttered to himself.

"Stupid bunch of pretentious nitwits…" he cursed under his breath. "You have food and water…what more do you ingrates want…?"

Red gave one last look at Cinder to see his Charizard's expression barely softened as he walked forward. Selven walked forward as well with a dour, saddened expression with Leta flying beside him. As the Venusaur moved past Red, he sighed at his trainer.

"I know you mean well," he said. "And I know you can't save everyone. That's why I…I won't feel justified unless I can make some change to this world. Maybe serving under these guys will help us do that."

The trainer was more distraught at the Venusaur's words than anything else. He wasn't comforted but immensely angry at himself. Cinder kept bringing up how Red used to be as opposed to how he was. But to him he didn't seem that bad.

I just do what everyone else does. Red thought. Catch Pokemon…throw them into battle. They fight for me…they die for me. But then…why do I feel so guilty for all those deaths that happened on my hands?

He thought about how Kurer and the others that died in gym battles. Oftentimes Red would justify this by saying they could have just as easily died in the wild. But now he saw that reasoning for what it was. An excuse to continue his selfish ambition.

Will Cinder and the others really be safer in this special division of Kanto's military? Red thought. If sanctioned battles are tough…what about on the real battlefield?

These thoughts compounded in his mind while he unconsciously moved to the huge doorway in front. It was big enough for Cinder, Hurzer and Selven to move through without much trouble. When Red entered the outside of the cabin with Captain Cut leading them he found a few other trainers.

Most wore sailor uniforms, a few camouflage and others looked almost like they were in civilian clothes. Most didn't seem to have as many Pokemon as Red and most weren't even fully evolved. He recognized many of them as Surge's trainees by the number of Electric-type Pokemon.

However, there were a few Machop, Growlithe and various Water-types among the crowd. And those on deck were not as numerous as Red assumed they'd be. Red stood next to Captain Cut, his Pokemon not far from him as they surveyed the ship.

"Not as many guarding on board as I'd expect," Red said.

"Yes," the captain said as he stood on board next to the young trainer. "Only twelve trainers on deck, four swimming alongside in case of an attack via sea. Sixteen trainers in total with two airborne Pokemon guarding us from above. Usually we have far more, between twice or thrice that many trainers, but Team Rockets exploits have spread us thin. They're appearing in places they haven't before…and from the information Brock gave us…it even includes Viridian City."

"Really?" Red asked. "That's close to Pallet Town!"

"I am aware," Captain Cut said. "But they've also been spotted near Saffron City and Celadon so…the military is very frenzied at this point. Personally I think it's somewhat irresponsible to leave us so unguarded but I still trust the judgment of my comrades. Anyway-"

"Hey!" a familiar voice called out. "What are you doing out here?!"

Red froze at the sound of him. He turned slowly to see a familiar boy with spiky brown hair and an arrogant face. The sight made the hairs on Red's arms stand up, goosebumps crawling across his body. Blue's expression was a mix of rage, confusion and…opportunity? A glimmer of the third emotion sparkled in his eyes, almost like the anticipation of a predator when encountering prey.

Red felt almost embarrassed that Blue was watching him. There was no way Blue didn't know of Red's loss to Brock and tie with Misty. Red never wanted to face Blue again until he had gym badges to show him and an impressive record of accomplishments. While some might say that he'd made it far, to not feel inferior in the face of Blue without being a champion was an impossibility.

I'm dead. He thought. My life…it's over. I'll never be able to live with myself if I don't live up to his expectations. Always bullying me…always getting Green's affection…always getting the most praise…

Red had to hold back tears as the boy observed him.

I'm worthless! He thought. I knew it! I knew I could never be good at anything! It was pointless to even try! Why-why did I go on this fool's errand thinking I could outshine Blue! It was all a waste! All of it! I just want to dig my own grave and bury myself in it! To pretend I don't exist and live out the rest of my days in a hole so no one will see me! My ugly, stupid, worthless existance! Everything I've ever done is wrong! Every move I make, every step I take, every breath and word out of me…it's all just a poison to the Earth! Because I AM a parasite to this world! What I'd give to have Blue's success and his charm. What's it like to be perfect?

He stumbled back, quickly looking for an exit as he tried to get away without Blue seeing him cry. However, instead he found Cinder marching forward. With his Charizard being directly behind him and moving in closer, Red couldn't help but walk the opposite direction he wanted to hide in order to avoid getting trampled.

He then turned to see Cinder staring directly at Blue. The young man's indignant expression became fearful as the Charizard's face turned into a mask of pure rage. His tail flame didn't just lengthen, it doubled. And what was worse it began to turn blue at the sight of Red's childhood rival. Cinder spread his wings and roared, a little bit of blue flames escaping his mouth. Many of the surrounding trainers turned around to watch in curiosity.

"Blue," he seethed with killing fury. "I never thought I'd see the day…when I could pay you back for all you caused my friend."

"Wh-What are you talking about you monster?!" Blue said. "I never did anything t-t-to y-y-you! Just-!"

"To burn to ashes your existence," Cinder said as he held up a claw that was becoming surrounded by a thin layer of fire. "Is something I should have done long ago…"

Blue began to back down in fear, scrambling for words as his face broke out into pure panic.

"What is wrong with you?!" he said.

"Hold still," Cinder said as his maw gaped open.

"WOAH!" Captain Cut cried. "WOAH! WOAH! WOAH!"

The Captain rushed to Blue's defense, putting himself between the two. His arms were outstretched in both directions before yelping in pain as his right hand was too close to Cinder's mouth. He choked down the pain before standing upright in front of Blue.

"Hold it!" he said. "Look…I understand you two had history b-b-but…I never thought it'd come to this!"

As the Charizard looked on at the captain his anger became more confused. He faltered a little, almost as if realizing what he was doing. Cinder stood frozen, unable to do anything else. Red then rushed toward the captain.

"I-I-I'm really sorry," the trainer said. "P-please…just…just forgive me-uh, I mean, Cinder-"

"Your Charizard was going to kill me!" Blue said. "What do you call that?!"

"Sometimes trash needs to be burned," Cinder said. "Before it can further dirty the world."

It was now time for the captain to get angry. He became completely red faced and indignant. Captain Cut shook his head and turned to glare at Red.

"Is this how you raise your Pokemon?!" he asked. "So unable to control themselves that they lash out at human beings?! You know…there was some amount of controversy about what your Electabuzz attempted to do to Misty-"

"I'm sorry!" Red said.

He rushed forward to put himself between the captain and Cinder. The Charizard backed away, obviously understanding he'd offended the captain. Red lowered his gaze in fear of further offending Cut.

"Kurer, my Electabuzz, just got frustrated and attacked randomly!" Red said. "Hitting Misty was not her intended purpose. But Cinder…well-"

He then looked at Blue to see the trainer scrambling to his feet. His panic and fear reminded Red of his own reaction to seeing Blue. It caused him to feel more self-conscious.

Is that how pathetic I looked? Red thought. So afraid that I was in fear of my life? But…with Blue…he might have been killed. Me…it was just because of his opinion of me.

"We…" Red said. "We…have something of…of bad blood between us."

"Just because I'm not a coward who whimpers at every little obstacle that comes his way!" Blue shouted. "You're so afraid that a pop quiz scares you! Taking the gym challenge is a pipe dream for someone that easily rattled! So your Charizard blames me for you not winning a single gym badge! Fat chance! You couldn't win anything because you're a worthless inheritor of Lance's title–you little runt!"

He was now standing up, nervous as he was obviously shaken from his encounter with Cinder.

"I just wanted to see how far you've come," Blue said. "To see if you've really improved any. To see if this last year or so has taught you anything."

"So you want to battle?" Cinder asked. "I'd love to. Only…where are your Pokemon? Did you get them killed?"

"For your information," Blue said. "My Blastoise is swimming beside us while my Pidgeot's above to protect from attackers. My other two Pokemon I have on hand are elsewhere on the ship."

"Only four Pokemon on hand, Blue?" Cinder asked. "Looks like you didn't catch them all like your grandpa wanted you to."

"I have literally more than a hundred Pokemon caught," Blue seethed. "All which I rotate depending on the gym battle. So…why don't I call those I do have on hand and-?"

"There will be no calling anyone!" Captain Cut yelled.

He then glared at Blue before turning a more heated leer at Red and Cinder.

"There are no battles to be had on board at this time!" he shouted. "It'll be a distraction that just tires us out in case of a surprise attack. Now…get that Charizard below deck before it causes anymore trouble! If your Pokemon so much as move anything out of place…there will be dire consequences Red. I'm willing to overlook this offense so long as your Pokemon depart immediately."

Cinder gave one last glare at Blue before turning and walking away. Selven gave a worried expression and Hurzer a mostly apathetic one before they followed. Leta flew towards them before Cut gave an order.

"No," he said. "Flying-types are meant to stay above to intercept aerial attacks. Now go."

The Butterfree flapped her wings before soaring up. Captain Cut then turned to Red and then Blue with restrained fury. He shook his head.

"I thought that inviting you two to join this special division of the Kanto military would be fine since you're both familiar with one another," Captain Cut said. "But I see that was a mistake. I don't want either of you to speak with one another until after we land. Do you understand? Any further incident will not only be reported but punished."

Red eyed Blue, the other boy meeting his heated gaze.

"Yeah," Red said. "I'll stay away from him."

Captain Cut regained his composure as he turned to Blue.

"And what of you?" he asked. "Are you going to behave and stay away from Red? Or will you risk discipline and lose this exclusive privilege?"

The young man glared.

"Yeah," Blue said. "Trust me. There won't be another incident. Quite guaranteed."