Meanwhile, in Vermillion Gym...
"Raichu raichu raichu rai!" a Raichu half sang as she led a group of Pikachus through their morning manuvers.
"Pika pika pika chu!" the Pikachus replied back as they paraded by the Raichu.
"Raichu raichu raichu rai!"
"Pika pika pika chu!"
"Raichu raichu raichu rai!"
"Pika pika pika chu!"
"Raichu!"
"Pika!"
"Raichu!"
"Pika!"
"Raichu!" the Raichu suddenly barked as her master, a fairly young soldier, entered the room to overlook the recruits. The Pikachus all jumped to attention and saluted as the human looked them over--they had come to learn that failing one of Lt. Surge's inspections meant twenty Quick Attacks around the Gym...and they were in no mood to do that at 5 in the morning.
Finally, Surge looked down at his Raichu and smiled. "Well done, Raika...you're doing great with the recruits." He turned to the Pikachus. "Company dismissed!" Relieved that they had passed inspection, the Pikachus filed out of the room, where they would get some one on one time with the attendants.
"Sir!" an attendant gasped as he raced into the room. "A message from General Ash...he's sending his top envoy here with the Ultima Trainers...they should arrive by 0800 hours tomorrow morning, at the earliest."
"Excellent...we'll see which one of them is worthy of my Crest, Honor." Surge replied as he led Raika of to one of the many workout rooms. "As for you, Raika, it's time for you to train." Although Surge had fought countless battles and seen many wars, he still had his softer side.