Route 4 continues on through some grassy terrain with lots of trees. Kari and the others come across some new Pokémon to join the team: a Spearow, an Ekans, and a Sandshrew. Along the way, Kakuna has evolved into a Beedrill and Rattata's evolved into Raticate. They grow up so fast!
In the early morning of the next day, Kari arrives in Cerulean City. After a quick shower, check-up, and breakfast at the Pokémon Center they head off to find the Cerulean Gym. It's not long before Kari is upon the large building.
Kari gives a soft push, surprised to find that the doors aren't locked. Kari looks to Eevee standing beside her. He shrugs. The two let themselves in. They expect to run into someone along the way, but no one seems to be there.
Farther inside the gym the two are distracted. They've reached a large panel of glass filled with water and Water-Type Pokémon! Kari has her Pokédex out as she's running from one glass window to the next, waving at all of them inside. She laughs, "It's like a huge aquarium! I've never seen this many Water Pokémon before!"
"Hey! Who let you in?" A stern voice yells out to them. They spin around to face a young girl. She looks to be about 12yrs old and is wearing high-waisted jean shorts with a red tank-top and matching red sneakers, her short ginger hair cut just to her shoulders. She has her hands on her hips, shooting darts at Kari and Eevee with her eyes. Kari gulps, knowing how much trouble they're in. But then she notices the Pokémon standing beside the girl and completely looses her cool. Kari's eyes light up- she dashes forward towards the purple Pokémon, "Oh, wow! Is that a Starmie!?" Kari's reaction surprises the girl. She doesn't know what to say.
Later, the two girls are laughing together beside the pool. Kari had explained to Misty about searching for the Cerulean Gym Leader. Misty rolls her eyes, "Ugh! Those three sisters of mine! I can't believe how irresponsible they are!" Starmie is flying in and out of the water while Eevee is following, using the platforms across the pool as the girls talk.
Misty tells Kari about her sisters: Daisy, Violet, and Lily. Her sisters always leave Misty out of their games, calling themselves the "Sensational Sisters." She sighs, "They're the oldest, which means they're supposed to be in charge of the Gym, but all they ever want to do is go shopping. All they care about are their looks, not their Pokémon."
Kari considers her words, her bare feet kicking back and forth in the pool water, "Well… are they good Trainers..?" Misty shrugs, "I mean, sure..? Otherwise they wouldn't be able to run the Gym, but... I'm just as good! Maybe better- even if they don't believe it..!" Misty gives a huff, "And you know- who's the one always left to watch the Gym while they're away? Me! I took care of that Red kid that one time and they're still upset at me for it..!"
Kari can see the intense look in her eyes. She can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
Misty stands and looks at Kari, "I'm sorry you came all this way and couldn't have your Gym Match." She gives an apologetic smile, "My sisters won't be back for another day or two, if you wanted to wait for them? You can always stay with me." Kari also stands, "Thanks, Misty! I'd love that!"
…
"No way!" Kari and Eevee are staring at the large mansion before them. Misty continues on past the gate. Kari's and Eevee's mouths are sitting open, "You live here?"
"Yup. Come on. I'll show you around."
After being told about the rain on Mt. Moon Misty has her maids bring Kari a fresh pair of clothes. She's now wearing a pair of jean shorts with a blue tube-top. Once she's dressed Misty shows them around the grounds and to where the Pokémon Train and play together. Kari's never been in such a big home before and Misty seems to be enjoying the company. After seeing the exquisitely lush garden and 4 grande staircases and 8 different lavish bathrooms, a butler appears to announce that dinner is served.
And the food is just as extravagant as the household itself..! Kari and Eevee are drooling just looking at it all. She grabs her fork and knife, "Bon Appetite!" Misty starts to eat from her own plate, but she can't stop staring at her guests. Moving quickly from one plate to the next without any signs of slowing… Misty giggles at the sight of them.
Once they've finished their food Misty offers a soak in the bath to Kari and Eevee. Another surprise (you'd think Kari would be used to them by now), Misty's mansion has its very own hot springs!
The girls soak together and talk. Kari is thinking out loud, "I don't think I've ever had such a magical day… so this is what it feels like to be rich, huh?" Misty chuckles at the statement as Eevee floats on by. She picks him up as he nears her, "You know, I've always wanted an Eevee. If I had one of my own, I'd evolve it into a beautiful Vaporeon..!"
"That's the Water-Type Evolution of Eevee, isn't it?" She swims a little closer to the others, "You really do love Water Pokémon, don't you?" There's a sparkle in Misty's eyes, "Of course! Because Water-Type Pokémon are the absolute best! It's my dream to someday travel and see the world! I want to become the best Water Pokémon Trainer ever!" Her shoulders slump, "But… I guess that'll never happen… Not as long as I'm stuck here…"
Kari and Eevee looked at each other sadly, considering Misty's feelings. Not too long ago, Kari felt the same way. She was trapped in her father's shadow. The shadow of the Viridian Gym and of Team Rocket… but she found a way out…
Kari shares the bed with Misty. She rolls over and notices a photo on the bedside table. Misty is standing with three other girls. They must be her older sisters. She still doesn't understand why Misty has been left out of all this by her sisters. A mansion, maids, food… Misty has everything any girl would ever want except for the most important thing… a chance to fulfill her own dreams.
…
The next morning, after breakfast, Misty seems in high spirits, "Hey, Kari! I was thinking: how about we hang out at the pool today? We can even open the top of the roof- it's such a nice day!" She's wearing a yellow one-piece suit with a wide cut-out in the front.
"Actually Misty…" Misty pulls at Kari, "Oh, do you not have a bathing suit? Don't worry! You can borrow one of mine. I have plenty." She drags Kari to an upstairs closet to reveal row after row of bathing suits. Kari is speechless, "Uhm, that's not what I-"
"I know I'm a bit more matured than you are, but I'm sure we can find one to fit you…" She walks down one of the aisles several feet before reaching in, "Aha! How about this one?" She pulls out a two-piece: blue shorts with white edges and a blue tank with a white center stripe. She turns back to the other row, "No, wait. I think I might have one with frills that'll look just adorable on you-!"
"Misty!" Kari yells. Misty gives a start. She turns to look at Kari.
"I don't want to go swimming." Misty's shoulders slump at her words, "Oh… ok." Kari smiles. "I want to battle."
"Huh?" Kari steps forward towards Misty, "I want to challenge you for a Gym Badge." Misty blinks, "What..? Kari, I already told you... I'm not-" Kari cuts her off, "You're a Cerulean Sister, aren't you?" Misty's taken aback by her sudden change of attitude.
"Then that means, as one of the Sensational Sisters you can take on Official League Challenges." Misty looks down at her feet, "I mean… technically, sure, but I'm not-"
"Yes. You are." Kari takes her hand, "You are sensational, Misty. Your sisters may not see it, but I do." She gives a kind smile, "You're the 4th Sensational Sister..!"
Misty's butler and maids are standing in the hallway. They've heard everything Kari's said and they're smiling, nodding at one another. They agree with everything Kari's said. After a minute Misty clenches her fists. She looks at Kari and smiles, "Ok… I accept your challenge..!"