Hello and blessings to you all. Welcome back ton another chapter. I wasn't planning to release this till tomorrow night but was inspired to grind out another chapter after seeing the trailer for Scarlet and Violet. What'd you all think of it? Personally, I was rooting for a northern region based off either Canada or Scandanavia, but Spain definitely looks interesting, and I liked the starters a lot. Hopefully more information will come out soon and I can find a way to incorporate the region into the story. Anyway, let's end my rambling and jump right in.
"Ash! Slow down!" Called Misty as she, Serena, and Brock desperately tried to keep pace with their fourth friend as the trainer from Pallet Town marched ahead at an uncomfortable pace.
It was a couple days after the events in Mt. Moon. Things has started easy enough for the gang, they had opted to sleep in and then began a few hours walk to Cerulean City. All had been simple enough until they reached the sign announcing they were five miles away from the city. Brock quickly discovered someone had scribbled a message at the bottom of it reading, "Gary was here. Ash Ketchum is a loser." This had sent the 16-year-old Ash into a rage before he began marching ahead at a breakneck pace, leaving his companions in their current predicament.
"I can't slow down." Ash shouted without even turning back towards the group, "While we were in Pewter City Gary has only been getting further and further ahead. I have to get my second badge fast to close the gap." The raven-haired trainer spoke confidently but it was clear even he was getting tired from walking so fast.
"Serena, who's Gary?" Brock asked as he panted in exhaustion.
"He was another boy from Pallet Town. He and Ash have been rivals since I met them." Serena explained.
"How juvenile." Huffed Misty, "Ash should focus more on himself and less on some dumb childhood rival."
Serena laughed nervously, "You would think so, but this really is different. Those two get at each other's throats every chance they get. Ash would ever admit it, but I believe part of his motivation to be a great trainer is to prove himself to Gary."
"Having a rival that pushes you can be a great way to improve." Brock said thoughtfully, "Sometimes others bring out more of us than we ever could alone."
Misty rolled her eyes, "Great, and while Ash brings out more of himself, we're stuck marching along like cattle."
It was then the group noticed Ash had stopped walking and was staring out in front of him. As the group came up to him it became clear what he was looking at: sitting in the distance was Cerulean City.
"Well, welcome to my home." Said Misty sadly.
As the four walked through the suburbs towards the main city Ash looked around in shock. Although similar in many ways to Viridian and Pewter, Cerulean differentiated itself by having hundreds of small waterways and rivers that ran next to the roads.
"Cerulean City was originally founded as a trading hub with the east. These rivers and waterways all connect to a large river on the other side of town that flows directly to the ocean." Misty explained. "As time went on and the city grew and industrialized, the architects made it a point not to disrupt any of them as they're a valuable part of our history and culture."
Misty then stopped in her tracks, directly in front of the group sat the Cerulean gym. While Pewter cities gym had been incredibly plain this gym was anything but. The building was all white with a glass roof that rose to a pointed top like a pyramid. It was surrounded by a moat that flowed water in from nearby rivers. There was only one way across, a long bridge over the moat that led to a finely decorated door flanked by large white pillars. In front of the door stood a stone statue of a man with long hair holding out a pokeball.
"Brock, this gym seems a little more… extravagant than yours." Serena said as she sweat dropped.
"Hey, we're a rock type gym. Fancy designs aren't really our thing." Brock said as he rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Well, what are we waiting for? I have a gym badge to win!" Ash exclaimed as he and the group marched forward, with the exception of Misty. The redhead hesitated for a second before looking down in shame.
Serena looked back and noticed her friend lagging behind, "Misty, you coming?" The girl asked sweetly.
"I just… I just don't think I can." Misty said.
Brock and Serena looked at each other with uncertainty about what to say but Ash smiled warmly, "Don't worry about it. We'll meet you in the pokemon center as soon as the battles over!"
Misty smiled gratefully, "Thanks Ash."
With a nod back the three went ahead without their friends. Serena was a bit taken back to see upon entry that they didn't walk directly into the gym like Pewter City but rather into a waiting room. The walls were lined with a fish tank where small water pokemon, some pokemon Serena had never seen before, swam happily around. There wasn't a receptionist at the front desk in the center of the room but rather a half dozen men scurrying around, they set up banners, and signs, and a ticket kiosk.
"It looks like we aren't the only ones interested in this gym." Serena noted.
"They must be setting up for some event." Brock stated, "A lot of gyms double as event centers for other pokemon competitions."
"Well regardless, let's just keep moving!" Ash exclaimed as he clenched his fist in determination. There was no way he was going to let Gary get even one step further than him.
As the three continued on they entered the next set of doors that led them to the actual gym. The main gym had large bleachers on each side and magenta walls. To Serena's surprise instead of a large battlefield there was a swimming pool with dozens of platforms rising out of the deep water. Like the previous room there were more men at work setting up concessions stands and what appeared to be a judges table. Misty's sisters though were nowhere to be found.
"Maybe they had the day off." Serena wondered aloud as the group walked around looking for any signs of the three gym leaders.
"Hmm unlikely." Brock said. "Gym leaders are required to stick to a very tight schedules especially this early in the season. There's no way they could just take a Friday off."
Getting impatient, Ash groaned before shouting, "Excuse me! We're looking for the gym leaders! Are they here!"
Brock and Serena sweat dropped as the boy and his Pikachu continued to shout in vain, "Maybe there's a better way." Serena stated.
"Ugh, like, what's with all the yelling." A voice as a door in the back of the gym slid open.
"Yea you're interrupting our favorite soap." Came another.
The group looked over to see three very pretty girls in their early 20s step forward. They each were tall with the shortest being at least 5'8 and had colorful hair and dresses. The lead one had blue hair while she was flanked by girls with blonde and pink hair respectively.
"Are you three the gym leaders?" Ash asked.
"That's right!" The pink haired one chirped, "We're the Sensational Cerulean Sisters!"
"Well, my name's Ash Ketchum and I want a-"
"Well, my name's Brock and I'd like to take you three out to dinner!" The tanned trainer said as held the three sisters' hands between him, "I'm just a weary traveler but I've come to this water pokemon gym to ride the waves of love!"
"Um no thanks." The blue haired girl said.
"Yea no offense but you're, like, so not our type." The blonde added
Dejected Brock hung his head and walked off to the corner to sulk.
"Anyway…" Ash said as he and Serena both sweat dropped, "I'm here to request a gym battle! I traveled a long way but I'm ready. So, who do I face? One of you? All of you? Whatever it takes, I'm ready to prove myself in battle."
"Pass," The blue haired girl said, causing both Ash and Serena to fall over in shock.
"What do you mean "Pass"?" Ash exclaimed.
"It's just we've had to do a lot of battling recently." The blue haired girl explained.
"Yea there was the kid with the Sandshrew, the girl with the Bellsprout, that kid with the Squirtle." The pink haired girl listed.
"There was that purple haired kid." The blond added.
"He was so mean." The pink haired one said to her sister, causing the blonde to whisper back, "I know!"
"Anyway" The blue haired girl continued, "On top of all that we kind of have an event we're setting up here for tomorrow and that's a lot of work."
"It looks like the workers are doing everything." Serena noted as she sweat dropped.
"Regardless, we're just like, to tired, to do anymore battling right now."
"But I came all this way." Ash said sadly, "We crossed through Mt. Moon to get here."
The blue haired girl sighed, "Ok, well, how about this. We'll just give you a badge."
She then pulled a badge shaped like a water droplet out of a back pocket and held it out to Ash, "Here, it's yours."
"But I didn't earn it." Ash said in confusion.
"Isn't that kind of… wrong?" Serena asked.
"It is." Brock said as he seemed to recover from his rejection, "You were challenged by a trainer on a standard day of operation. Per the pokemon league rules you must accept his challenge."
"Technically we only have to see if he's worthy of the badge." The pink haired girl responded.
"And how about since he made it through Mt. Moon, we'll use that as proof that he's deserving." The blonde-haired girl said.
"So, what'll it be kid: do you want the badge or not?" Ash looked at Serena who shrugged with uncertainty before looking back at Brock who was shaking his head in frustration at the sisters. Finally, the raven-haired boy sighed, "Alright, I guess I have to take-"
"Not so fast!" A voice came from the entrance of the gym. Standing there defiantly was none other than Misty.
"Oh great. Look who's back." The pink haired sister said sarcastically.
"Shut it, Lily." Misty growled.
"I thought you weren't coming back until you became the world's greatest water pokemon trainer." The blue haired sister taunted, "That must have been easier than we thought considering you were only gone for 2 whole months."
"I didn't come back for you, Violet. I came back to support my friend."
"Friend?" Violet said in confusion.
"We've all been traveling with Misty." Serena exclaimed.
Lily formed a disgusted look on her face before asking, "Why?"
"Because Misty has been a great friend and really helpful." Serena responded with a hint of venom in her voice.
The girls rolled their eyes before the blonde sister added, "Well, like, this wouldn't be an issue if you had been here, Misty. You are supposed to battle new trainers after all."
Misty turned red with anger, "There's three of you, Daisy! Just because I leave doesn't mean you can stop doing your job! Now who is going to battle Ash?"
Daisy huffed, "No need to get worked up Misty. It's, like, so bad for your skin."
"We already said we aren't battling your friend. So quit acting like a little brat." added Violet.
"Fine. If you three won't battle him, I will!" Misty shot back.
"WHAT?" The three sisters and Ash said in shock.
"I'm just as much a gym leader as you three. And Ash, there's no way I'm letting you get that badge without earning it." Misty said.
After thinking for a moment Ash smiled widely, "Ok, you're on!"
Violet shrugged, "Whatever. Honestly, the three of us could care less."
"Jeffrey, get out here! We have a battle!" Daisy called.
A young boy in his early teens came rushing out, "Oh Ms. Misty, you're back!" He said in surprise.
"That's right Jeffrey. This is Ash, he and I will be having a gym battle. The rest of you just go to the bleachers and watch." Misty ordered.
"Brock, who are the kid referees at gym battles?" Serena asked.
"They're local students in school who are trying to be trainers one day. They spend time at the gym as a part of a class helping out and in return we let them see matches up close." Brock explained.
"Isn't it a little risky letting children be the referees?" Serena asked.
Brock shrugged, "It's more of a formality. Unlike real matches they don't do more than make announcements. It's really the gym leaders judging the battles since we're the ones who award the badges."
As Ash and Misty stood at opposite ends of the pool the ref held his flags up, "This will be a two-on-two battle between the challenger, Ash and the gym leader, Misty. On my mark release your first pokemon!"
Misty smiled at Ash, "I hope you know I won't go easy on you!"
Ash smirked back, "I was about to say the same thing!"
"Begin!" Jeffrey said as he dropped his two flags.
"Butterfree, I choose you!" Ash shouted
"Go Staryu!" Misty added.
Two pokemon took the field in opposite fashions, Butterfree soaring high into the air while Staryu dove into the water.
"Butterfree, we need to force Staryu out of the water. Float down close and use psybeam!"
The bug type flapped its wings before majestically floating down to the surface. It's antenna then glowed a light purple color before it unleashed a wave of psychic energy that split the water, eventually landing a hit on Staryu.
"Oh no you don't. Staryu, use rapid spin!" Misty hollered. The yellow starfish leapt from the water in the midst of an aggressive spin and slammed the bug type.
"Sleep powder!" Ash growled. Butterfree again flapped its wings, this time released a faint blue powder. Staryu went for another rapid spin flying directly into the powder. As the blue powder settled on the water type though it seemed to lose control as its spins slowed and it wobbled on its axis. Finally, the star pokemon collapsed into the pool below, unable to land a hit.
"All right Butterfree! Now quick, fly down close and use psybeam." Ash ordered.
As Butterfree floated down Misty merely smirked, "Staryu now use rapid spin again!"
In the blink of an eye Staryu burst from the water and slammed into its opponent.
"Impossible!" Ash shouted, "There's no way Staryu could recover that quickly!"
"The water will wipe away any powder attack before it takes effect." Misty taunted. "Now Staryu, come out behind Butterfree and use water gun!" The pokemon burst directly behind Butterfree and launched a point-blank water attack that sent the bug type flying across the field.
"I was worried about this." Brock said glumly.
"Worried about what, Brock?" Serena asked.
"The field they're competing on." The older trainer explained. "Ash has never battled over water before."
"Does it really make much of a difference?"
"It changes everything." He explained, "Generally pokemon battles are fought on two dimensions: land and air. But this field offers a third dimension, water. The water acts as a shield to many attacks going into it and also hides all pokemon in it. On top of that Misty is clearly an expert battler on this field. She'll surely know all sorts of tricks to give her pokemon even more of a leg up."
"Hardly seems like it's fair." Serena huffed.
"Gym leaders are allowed to design their field however they wish." Brock explained, "For instance you might have noticed mine was covered with rocks. I did that to slow down fast pokemon because my rock types were all slow."
"So each gym field will look different?" Serena asked.
"Not all of them. In fact most will look like the normal fields you see professional matches placed on. That being said there's definitely some weird one's out there. I don't think any will as radically change battle strategy as a water field though."
Up in the stands Misty's sisters were watching the battle with great interest.
"Wow Misty seems, like, way tougher." Lily said.
"Just wait, she's still a loser." Daisy replied with a scowl.
Back on the field Staryu was dancing circles around Butterfree. The water type would burst from the water at random moments to launch rapid spins and water guns at its opponent. Butterfree had escaped high in the air though, so most attacks were either missing or not hitting hard. Nevertheless, the bug type was firmly on defense and beginning to lose steam.
"I need to change things up quickly." Ash thought to himself, "How do I make Staryu stay out of the water?" He silently cursed himself for not watching more battles on water fields as a kid. Then, as he studied Butterfree intently, an idea came to him.
"Butterfree fly down closer to the water!" Ash shouted. His partner seemed concerned at this order but obeyed and descended towards the field.
"Hah, it seems you realized you can't beat us!" Misty shouted.
Ash smirked, "Think again, Misty. Now Butterfree, use gust on the water. Give it all you got!"
More aggressively the bug type flapped its wings. As it did so the water began moving more and more aggressively until it looked like a full-on storm. The waves thrashed in every direction as Staryu was thrown around helplessly.
"No Staryu, get out!" Mist shouted.
The pokemon finally was able to jump free but as it did Butterfree dashed in front of it.
"Finish this off with Psybeam!" Ash ordered. The bug type ley one more great burst of kinetic energy and blasted Staryu unconscious.
The young ref held up a flag towards Ash, "Staryu is unable to battle. That makes Butterfree the winner!"
"Great work Butterfree!" Ash cheered with Pikachu jumping for joy next to him.
"Way to go Ash!" Serena shouted from the stands.
"Impressive" Brock said, "Ash was able to come up with a strategy on the fly to make Misty's advantage a disadvantage."
"That's Ash for you!" Serena said with a broad smile.
Down on the field Misty scowled as she watched her sisters giggling in the stands. As she pulled out a pokeball she looked down on it and said, "I'm counting on you." Then released her Starmie.
"I hope you're not planning on using your water strategy again." Ash called out with an arrogant smirk.
Mist scowled as the young ref shouted, "Battle, begin!"
"Butterfree use gust!" Ash shouted. The winds slammed down onto the purple water type pokemon as it stood defiantly on a platform.
"Starmie, jump above Butterfree and use bubblebeam!" Misty shouted. To everyone's amazement Starmie was able to fight through the crippling gust to jump high above its opponent before releasing a stream of bubbles that exploded on impact with the bug type. Butterfree stood no chance as it tumbled towards the water below. Ash was able to return the pokemon quickly before it hit the water but nonetheless the ref gave the battle to Starmie.
"Starmie is my starter, Ash. We have a number of tricks up our sleeves." Misty called out.
"Well, I guess I'll need to use mine then." Ash said as he looked down at Pikachu, "You ready buddy?"
"Chu" the pokemon nodded as it leapt forward onto the platform.
"Alright, now Ash has an advantage with an electric type." Serena exclaimed.
"Maybe" Brock said wearily, "But now Misty doesn't have to worry about gust and Starmie can go back into the water. Also, Pikachu is a speed pokemon and this field isn't exactly welcoming to speed pokemon, there's just not enough places to step.
On the field the battle was underway again. Misty had returned to her strategy of having Starmie leap from the water to attack Pikachu. The yellow mouse proved to be more graceful dodging though and avoided many attacks, even managing to hit Starmie a couple times with a well-placed thundershock. Still Starmie seemed to be picking up speed and was slowly wearing its opponent out.
Ash grit his teeth, "We can't keep doing this Misty will win." He thought to himself. He desperately thought about any strategy that could turn the tide, but nothing came to him. In truth, the boy would needed a miracle. And then it came. Leaping out of the water, Starmie slammed Pikachu directly in the back with a rapid spin. Pikachu went down hard but was able to recover. Starmie leapt again preparing to fire one last bubblebeam on its opponent when suddenly it seized up, electricity coursing across its body.
"Starmie?" Misty said in shock.
"No way, it's paralyzed!" Ash shouted with joy.
"I don't understand, Pikachu didn't attack Starmie. How could it be paralyzed." Serena questioned.
"Static" Brock responded, "All pokemon have special abilities. Pikachu's is static. It means whenever an opponent makes contact with him there's a small chance they'll be paralyzed." Brock explained.
"Way to go Pikachu!" Ash shouted.
"It's not over, Ash!" Misty shouted. "Starmie, stay deeper in the water. When you regain the strength, come back and launch an attack!"
Ash frowned, "Pikachu's thundershock won't work from above the water. And Starmie might only need one more bubblebeam." Desperately he thought of a solution, but none could come. Then the words of Misty from when he battled Brock came back. "You're a great trainer! Just be Ash!"
"She's right." he said to himself.
"Listen Pikachu, I need you to trust me here!" The yellow rodent turned back and grinned, causing Ash to smile, "Now I want you to dive in the water and grab Starmie!"
"What?" Everyone in the gym said at once but Pikachu had already dived in. Normally the electric type would have been totally out sped in water by Starmie but by luck the water type was currently dealing with a tough stint of paralysis. Unable to move, Pikachu was able to swim down and wrap his tiny arms around its top point.
"Now Pikachu, use everything you got, thundershock!" For a moment Ash wasn't sure if his partner could hear him. Then an eruption of electricity burst from the water. Moments later Pikachu emerged from the water floating on a knocked out Starmie.
"Starmie is unable to battle. Pikachu and Ash the challenger are the winners!" The ref shouted.
Ash broke out in a broad grin as Pikachu leapt out of the water to hug him. "We did!" he exclaimed as his partner nuzzled up against him.
On the other side Misty stared at her starter in silence as it floated across the battlefield. Sighing, she returned it to her pokeball."
"You fought well." She told it quietly.
"Misty!" Ash shouted towards her, bringing the girl out of her thoughts. Misty looked down as he approached but to her surprise the boy stuck his hand out. "Great battle. I don't think I would've won if we hadn't got lucky with that static."
Misty looked at him in surprise before softly smiling and taking his hand, "Naw, that gust strategy was brilliant. You definitely deserve the win, and this badge." She then showed him a small blue badge in the shape of a water drop.
"Ash, Misty!" Came Serena as she and Brock hurried to them. "That was an amazing battle!"
Brock nodded, "You both showed incredible instincts out there forming new plans. And you should both be so proud at how well your pokemon battled."
Misty felt her eyes water slightly as she smiled at her friends, "Thanks guys." She said quietly.
"Well, that may be their opinion but not mine." Came a sneering voice from behind Brock and Serena. Misty three sisters walked forward with arrogant smirks on their faces.
"You tried your best Misty but it's still clear you're just a runt."
"You take that back!" Ash shouted startling the girls. "Misty fought great while you three just sat and did nothing. If you ask me, Misty showed she was the true gym leader!"
"That's right!" Serena added while Brock nodded in agreement.
Daisy gave a nasty look and prepared a retort but before she could a new voice cut in.
"I think I'll have to agree with the boy." The group looked over to see a man in his early 50's walking over. He had spiky black hair with a hint of blue in it and bright blue eyes while wearing a white and blue fishermans shirt. Serena instantly recognized him. He was the same man from the statue outside the gym.
"D-daddy!" Violet said in shock, "What are you doing here?"
The man smiled softly, "Misty came by to say hello this morning. It was I who convinced her to come watch her friend battle you three. I came by to make sure you three weren't picking on your sister and low and behold found out Misty was battling in your place. Now why would that be?"
Violet and Lily looked at their feet nervously as Daisy took the lead, "We were like, so worn out from preparing for the performance, Daddy. Besides there's been so many battles lately."
"Sounds like a lot of work. Luckily there are three of you to do a job that's usually only for one person." The group noticed his soft blue eyes seemed to harden slightly as he looked at the group. "When you three took over you promised you'd take your responsibilities as gym leaders seriously. It's very disappointing to see you can't. But it doesn't matter anymore. After watching that battle I've decided to make Misty the main Cerulean City gym leader."
And we end on another cliff hanger! I like to throw these in from time to time because it also helps me keep writing because I hate leaving my story up in the air. So, a little background, this chapter was actually one I started many months ago but ended up not completing it till recently. So it's kind of the bridge chapter between my original work on this story and my work recently. I'm curious if any of you can tell the difference in writing. Anyway, that'll do it for today. I'm hoping to have the next chapter out this week. As I've stated earlier in, reality I'm actually ten chapter ahead in this story. And not to reveal too much but the chapter I'm working on next is crucial one. So I might take longer than normal to make sure I get it perfect. In the meantime though, thank you for reading my story and I'll see you all soon!