Return of the defeated (on hold)

/Part 15/

"Vermillion City gym, this Lieutenant Surge speaking how may I help you?"

The stranger smiled at hearing an old familiar voice, "Its been awhile since I last heard you speak old friend. I'm glad I was able to get ahold of you."

"Sorry but who is this?" The electric gym leader asked.

"I'm an old friend, I'm not surprised you don't recognize my voice, but for now my name isn't super important."

"Well then, friend what can I do you for you?" The Lieutenant asked, racking his brain trying to place the voice. He was a little leery of the man on the other end of the call, he didn't like not knowing who was talking to.

"I understand if you're a bit apprehensive talking to me, seeing how you're at a slight disadvantage. I have a favor to ask of you, it involves a trainer whom you've dealt with in the past and you'll be seeing again shortly." The man said.

Surge thought for a moment, "You mean Ash Ketchum. What does he have anything to do with you?"

"Let's say I'm interested in his future and I will eventually have the pleasure of battling with him before the league." Was the man's answer.

A metaphorical light went off in Surge's mind, "You're the new Viridian Gym leader, that's why I know your voice. Granted we only spoke on a conference call before the season began."

The man gave a small chuckle, "I see time hasn't dulled your mind at all. Now back to the favor, I'm sure you're well aware of how young Mr. Ketchum vanished for five years to train. His hope was to become stronger than ever and win the leagues, but there is a small problem. I've witnessed his last two gym battles and they seemed a bit lacking." The man paused letting the info sink in for the electric gym leader, "I'm not sure if its because they're his friends or if he's holding back for some other reason. He has definitely shown improvement, but not what you'd expect from all those years of constant training."

Surge listened to the man speak, "So I'm guessing you want me to do something about it when he visits me."

"Exactly, whether you call him in the carpet, push him to the brink in battle, or one of you head games. Something needs to rattle him, other wise the pain of leaving won't be worth it at all."

"That's sounds easy enough, but my question is why don't you approach him and say the same?"

The man's eyes narrowed slightly as he gave a sigh, "I believe him hearing it from you might make it sink in better, I know you were the first gym that actually pushed him to think outside of the box."

"I guess that makes sense, but I have a condition before I accept this favour of yours. I know Charles Goodshow is the only person I know of that knows who you are and that man holds info better than anyone out there. I'd really like to know who you are." Surge said with small smirk

The man wore an amused smile, "Well I guess in order to get what I want I'll have to give a little now won't I. I'll tell you, but if it gets out and I find it was you we'll have some big problems."

The tone of voice was enough to send a small shiver down the hardened military veteran's spine, "You have my solemn vow that no one find out from me "

"Good, I'll hold you to that. Now as to who I am, my name is..."

On the other end of the line, Surges mouth dropped and was speechless. After a moment he got his bearings back, "Ok I promise I'll do my best to get through to him and I'll call the remaining leaders and tell them to push him as well."