The following day, Ashley found herself standing outside Celadon Gym much earlier than she'd anticipated. After the tense conversation with her father about the Game Corner, her nerves had gotten the better of her. She hadn't been able to sit still at the Pokémon Center, every creak and shadow making her jumpy. The idea of wandering through the city, even with Mars by her side, felt just as unsettling. The looming weight of suspicion surrounding the Game Corner had left her feeling out of place and on edge, like a stranger in what should've been a friendly, bustling city.

So, instead of pacing the walls of her room or forcing herself to walk through crowded streets, she'd headed straight for the one place she thought she might find a sense of purpose again—the Celadon Gym.

Now, she stood outside the massive greenhouse-like structure, her heart thudding in her chest with a mixture of excitement and nerves. The gym looked nothing like the imposing buildings she'd imagined as a child. Instead, it radiated tranquility and beauty, with thick vines cascading down the walls like nature's curtains. The glass roof sparkled under the morning sunlight, refracting beams of light into rainbow patterns that danced across the ground. She could smell the fragrant aroma of blooming flowers wafting through the open doors, their scents a heady mix of sweet and earthy.

Ashley tugged on the brim of her hat, trying to steady her thoughts. "Well, here we are," she muttered to herself, glancing down at Mars. "Ready to take on the Garden of Doom?"

Mars, her Charmeleon, stood with his arms crossed, his fiery tail swishing behind him with quiet confidence. His narrowed eyes scanned the entrance of the gym, as though already anticipating the battle ahead. The steady flicker of his flame felt oddly reassuring to Ashley—a constant reminder that, no matter how much doubt she carried, Mars was always ready to face the next challenge.

"I'll take that as a yes," Ashley said with a faint grin, placing a hand on his head briefly before stepping forward. She hesitated just before the entrance, looking up at the carved sign hanging above the doors. The letters spelling out "Celadon City Gym" were surrounded by intricate floral patterns, painted in soft, pastel colors.

"It's pretty, I'll give them that," she muttered. Mars let out a low grunt that almost sounded like agreement.

Taking a deep breath, Ashley adjusted the straps of her backpack and stepped through the doors, the scent of flowers growing even stronger as she entered. Sunlight streamed in from the glass ceiling, illuminating the interior with a warm, golden glow. Rows of vibrant plants lined the walls and paths, and Pokémon like Bellsprout, Oddish, and Gloom wandered freely, their presence adding life to the already breathtaking environment.

She took another step, the sound of her sneakers muffled by the soft moss that carpeted the floor. The air was cooler inside, with a faint humidity that reminded her of the Safari Zone. It felt more like stepping into a hidden garden than a place meant for intense battles.

"Alright, Erika," Ashley murmured under her breath. "Let's see what you've got."

Mars let out a quiet growl beside her, his tail flicking upward as his claws flexed. He was ready, even if she still had a knot of nerves twisting in her stomach.

The gym's interior was truly breathtaking. The entire space was a vibrant garden, filled with every shade of green imaginable. Brightly colored flowers bloomed in neat arrangements, forming intricate patterns that seemed almost too perfect to be real. Overhead, sunlight filtered through a glass dome, casting a soft glow over everything. In the center of it all was a massive floral display shaped like a Vileplume, its wide petals forming a canopy that provided shade to the battlefield below.

Ashley was so caught up in taking it all in that she didn't notice Erika approaching until she was only a few feet away. The Celadon Gym Leader looked as serene as her gym, her long hair pinned back with delicate flowers. She wore a kimono decorated with patterns of vines and leaves, and her smile was warm as she clasped her hands in front of her.

"Ashley! You finally graced my gym with your lovely presence," Erika said, her voice soft but carrying a confident undertone. "I've been quite excited."

Ashley blinked, startled. "You have?"

Erika's smile widened just a fraction. "Of course. Word travels fast in our community, and I've heard about your battles with Blaine and Koga. It's rare to see a trainer tackle gyms in such an unconventional order. It speaks to your determination." She gestured toward the battlefield. "Shall we?"

Ashley grinned, her earlier nerves melting away as excitement bubbled to the surface. "Absolutely!"

She followed Erika to the battlefield, which was bordered by hedges and ringed with colorful blossoms. Mars trotted beside her, his tail swishing as he surveyed the area. Ashley glanced down at him, her confidence bolstered by his steady presence.

As the two trainers took their places on opposite sides of the field, Erika's expression turned serious, though the warmth in her eyes didn't fade. "Before we begin, there's something you should know. At my gym, we value nature and growth, not just in Pokémon but in trainers as well. That's why our gym challenge reflects these principles."

Ashley tilted her head, curious. "What do you mean?"

Erika folded her hands gracefully. "This will be a three-on-three battle, but with a unique twist. Each trainer must use one Pokémon from each evolutionary stage—first stage, second stage, and final stage. The idea is to showcase the journey of growth and to appreciate each phase of development."

Ashley frowned slightly, her hand instinctively brushing against her Poké Balls. "That's... a great idea, but I've got a bit of a problem." She hesitated, then raised her hand like a kid in class. "I don't have any fully evolved Pokémon yet. But—" she added quickly, "I do have a Pokémon that doesn't evolve. Could they count as my final stage Pokémon?"

Erika regarded her thoughtfully, then nodded. "Yes, that's acceptable. Pokémon that cannot evolve have their own kind of completeness, and they can absolutely represent the final stage of growth."

Relieved, Ashley flashed her a grin. "Thanks, Erika. That means a lot."

Erika inclined her head, her smile returning. "You're very welcome. I appreciate your honesty, Ashley. It's a sign of a good trainer to adapt and find solutions. Now, let's see how you fare in battle."

Ashley's pulse quickened as she adjusted her cap and prepared to select her lineup. "Alright," she said under her breath. "Let's make this one to remember."

The female referee raised her hand, her voice clear and formal as she announced, "The Celadon Gym Challenge begins!"

Ashley grinned, gripping Apollo's Poké Ball tightly before releasing him onto the field. The sleek, serpentine Dratini materialized in a swirl of light, his scales glinting under the sunlight streaming through the greenhouse dome. Apollo coiled in place, his bright eyes fixed on the Pokémon across the field.

Erika smiled gently as she released her Tangela. The bundle of writhing blue vines landed gracefully, her large, curious eyes peeking out from behind her tendrils. Tangela swayed slightly, as if testing the breeze, her vines rustling faintly as she prepared for battle.

Ashley took a deep breath, pointing at Apollo. "Alright, Apollo, let's show them what you've got!"

"Begin!" the referee called, her voice echoing across the serene battlefield.

Tangela moved first, her vines snapping forward like coiled springs released at lightning speed. "Vine Whip!" Erika commanded, her tone as calm and steady as a river's flow.

"Dodge it, Apollo!" Ashley shouted, her voice sharp with urgency.

Apollo's serpentine body shimmered under the sunlight as he twisted and slithered with incredible agility. The Vine Whip lashed out but struck empty air, missing him by mere inches. His movements were fluid, each motion calculated, earning an approving hum from Erika.

"Now, Wrap!" Ashley countered, her finger pointing forward with determination.

Apollo darted toward Tangela with precision, his lithe form a blur as he coiled tightly around her. His grip was firm yet measured, restricting Tangela's movements and pinning her vines close to her body. Tangela wriggled furiously, her glowing blue vines thrashing wildly in an attempt to escape, but Apollo's hold was unyielding.

"Stun Spore," Erika said, her eyes gleaming with strategic intent.

Tangela's vines glowed faintly before releasing a cloud of golden spores. The shimmering dust enveloped both Pokémon in an instant. Ashley's heart clenched as the glowing particles clung to Apollo's sleek scales.

Then, Apollo's body shimmered faintly, the spores sliding off harmlessly. "Shed Skin!" Ashley cheered, punching the air. "Way to shake it off, Apollo!"

Erika's lips curved into a small, impressed smile, but she wasted no time. "Don't lose momentum, Tangela. Shake free and prepare for Sleep Powder."

Ashley, seeing the opportunity, quickly called out, "Thunder Wave, Apollo! Let's slow her down!"

Electricity sparked along Apollo's scales before a jolt of energy shot toward Tangela. The attack crackled as it struck her directly, the charge locking her vines in place as paralysis set in. Tangela's movements slowed, her thrashing vines now jerky and stiff.

"Sleep Powder," Erika ordered, unfazed.

Tangela shook her vines again, releasing a glittering cloud of green powder that floated gently toward Apollo. Ashley's jaw tightened. "Double Team!" she called, her voice steady.

Apollo's form flickered before multiplying into a dozen identical copies, each one shimmering faintly in the golden sunlight. The Sleep Powder drifted harmlessly through the illusions, the real Apollo slithering to safety. Tangela's wide, confused eyes darted between the clones, her paralyzed movements too sluggish to figure out the real target.

"Yes!" Ashley exclaimed, her confidence surging. "Now, Twister!"

Apollo whipped his tail in a graceful arc, summoning a swirling vortex of wind. The twister spiraled forward, the force lifting Tangela slightly off the ground. Leaves and loose petals swirled in the gust as Tangela's vines flailed wildly, unable to stabilize her in the storm.

Ashley seized the moment. "Let's turn up the heat—Sunny Day!"

Apollo raised his head, releasing a small glowing orb that shot skyward. The orb exploded in a burst of light, illuminating the battlefield with a warm, golden glow. The flowers around the field shimmered as if sparkling with life, the entire atmosphere shifting into one of radiant beauty.

Erika tilted her head slightly, her brow raised in curiosity. "Using Sunny Day in a Grass-type gym? An interesting choice."

Ashley smirked, brushing her hand along the brim of her cap. "Let's see if it pays off."

Erika remained composed. "Absorb, Tangela."

Tangela, still buffeted by paralysis but determined, extended her glowing vines toward Apollo. The energy tendrils latched onto Apollo's form, draining a faint glow of energy. The healing effect, though minimal, gave Tangela a brief reprieve.

"Not bad," Ashley murmured. "But let's show them what you're really made of. Apollo, Fire Blast!"

It was a bet. Like using Sunny Day in a Grass-type Gym. Fire Blast in the newly taught move to Ashley's team, which she taught to Mars, Vulcan, and Apollo. But it seems to have worked, the Sunny Day-Fire Blast combo was what was needed for the win!

Apollo reared back, his body glowing with fiery energy. His mouth opened, releasing a massive kanji-shaped burst of flames that roared forward, fueled by the intensified sunlight. The blazing attack illuminated the battlefield, casting shadows across the lush greenery.

The Fire Blast struck Tangela head-on, the flames consuming her form in a controlled explosion of heat and light. Tangela let out a soft cry as her vines drooped, her energy spent. The sunlight seemed to dim slightly as Tangela collapsed onto the grass, her movements stilled.

The referee raised her hand confidently. "Tangela is unable to battle! The first round goes to Ashley and Dratini!"

Ashley let out an exhilarated cheer, pumping her fist into the air. "We did it, Apollo!" she called, her voice brimming with pride.

Apollo slithered back toward her, his tail swishing happily as Ashley crouched down to give him an affectionate pat. "You were incredible out there," she whispered, her grin wide. "That Fire Blast was perfection."

Erika recalled her fainted Tangela with a small nod of respect. "Your strategy was bold, and your bond with Dratini is evident. But this was only the first round. Prepare yourself, Ashley. The battle is far from over."

Ashley straightened, her grin never faltering. "Bring it on, Erika. We're just getting started."

Ashley pumped her fist, beaming as Apollo slithered back to her side, his chest puffed out in pride. She knelt to ruffle his head. "You were amazing out there, Apollo! That's how we do it!"

Erika recalled Tangela with a soft smile. "Your Dratini's agility and control are impressive. This battle is far from over, but you've certainly earned this first round."

Ashley grinned, her excitement bubbling over as she prepared for the next phase of the challenge. "Round one down. Let's keep this momentum going!"

The referee stepped forward, as Ashley recalled her Dratini, and spoke up, "For the second round, only Pokémon who are on their secondary evolutionary stage are allowed to participate. Do you understand?"

Erika stood with her arms crossed, a serene smile playing on her lips as she released her second Pokémon. In a burst of light, a Weepinbell appeared on the battlefield, swaying slightly in the light breeze. Across from her, Ashley adjusted her hat and cracked a smirk, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as Mars barked in determination. She winced, realizing that she would have her started angry at her for a second time in such a small amount of time.

She knelt before him and grimaced, "Sorry buddy, but you already had two gyms and a contest. We need to let the others in the team have fun as well." Mars pouted, but he seems to agree, most likely recalling his win in the previous gym, in which he was able to evolve. Standing up with a relieved smile, Ashley recalled him, before she patted her second Poke Ball. "Proserpina, you are up next!"

Her Gloom, Proserpina, appeared with a burst of light, waddling forward with determination. The bright glow of her entrance reflected off her gleaming petals, and she turned to face Weepinbell with a focused hum, her small body radiating determination.

"Alright, Proserpina, let's crank up the heat! Sunny Day!" Ashley called, snapping her fingers for emphasis. Her voice rang with confidence, cutting through the quiet hum of the gym.

Proserpina lifted her stubby arms, the petals on her head trembling slightly as a small ball of golden light formed above her. The orb shot skyward with a shimmer, exploding into a cascade of bright rays that bathed the field in intense sunlight. The atmosphere shifted immediately—the golden light cast intricate shadows of leaves across the gym's lush terrain. Proserpina's petals sparkled under the sunlight, her movements becoming noticeably quicker and more fluid as her Chlorophyll ability kicked in.

Erika raised an eyebrow, her serene expression unshaken. "Not a bad start," she remarked, her tone calm but commanding, "but we're just getting warmed up. Weepinbell, show them we're not afraid. Stand your ground."

Weepinbell swayed slightly, his wide, puckered mouth giving him a perpetually unimpressed look. He shifted his bulbous body, the vines coiled tightly around his base twitching as though they were alive, ready to spring into action.

"Time to bulk up! Growth!" Ashley ordered, pumping her fist with enthusiasm.

Proserpina glowed faintly, a warm, pulsing energy surrounding her as the sunlight intensified her power. Her stubby body seemed to swell slightly, her leaves glistening as her strength and special attack surged. She let out a contented hum, the energy crackling faintly in the air.

Ashley grinned, her confidence growing. "Looking good, girl. Now let's—"

"Vine Whip," Erika interrupted, her tone carrying an edge of quiet authority, like a blade sliding from its sheath.

Weepinbell's vines lashed out without hesitation, slicing through the air with an audible snap. The twin tendrils streaked toward Proserpina, their speed surprising despite Weepinbell's seemingly relaxed stance.

Ashley yelped, hopping back instinctively. "Whoa, whoa! Double Team, now!"

Proserpina's form shimmered and then multiplied, creating a cluster of identical Glooms scattered across the field. The Vine Whip struck one of the clones, the force causing it to fizzle and vanish in a brief sparkle of light. The real Proserpina darted to the side, her movements erratic yet deliberate, each step calculated to keep her one step ahead of the whipping vines.

"Nice dodge!" Ashley cheered, clenching her fists with excitement. Proserpina swayed slightly, her clones moving in perfect synchronization with her, adding to the confusion.

Erika's eyes narrowed slightly, her Weepinbell already poised for his next strike. "Keep up the pressure," she instructed, her tone firm yet calm.

Weepinbell nodded, his vines coiling tighter before lashing out again in rapid succession. The attacks came like a rhythmic assault, each whip slicing through the air toward the scattered images of Proserpina.

Proserpina darted left, then right, narrowly avoiding the strikes. The shimmering illusions flickered as the vines struck them down, but Proserpina herself remained unscathed, her stubby legs moving with unexpected grace.

"Stand your ground, Proserpina!" Ashley called. "Let's make it count. Growth again!"

Proserpina swerved to avoid another lash of the vines, planting her feet firmly into the soft grass. Her petals quivered as she glowed faintly once more, drawing strength from the sunlight that bathed the field. Her form seemed to pulse with energy, the increased power radiating from her leaves and petals in shimmering waves.

Erika's Weepinbell retracted his vines, pausing for a brief moment, his gaze locked onto Proserpina as if recalculating his next move. Erika tilted her head, her voice carrying a note of challenge. "You've increased your power, but it's meaningless if you can't land a hit. Weepinbell, Acid."

Weepinbell swayed again, his puckered mouth glowing faintly purple before releasing a stream of bubbling, corrosive liquid. The attack arced through the air, sizzling faintly as it made contact with the ground, leaving small scorch marks in its wake as it raced toward Proserpina.

"Intercept it with your own Acid!" Ashley shouted, her voice ringing with determination.

Proserpina swayed forward, opening her petals wide as a violet liquid sprayed forth, meeting Weepinbell's attack mid-air. The two streams collided in a burst of steam, the hiss echoing across the field as the acidic sprays neutralized each other.

Ashley smirked. "Nice work! Now, Stun Spore, quick!"

Proserpina spun on her stubby legs, shaking her petals vigorously. A golden cloud of sparkling spores erupted from her leaves, spreading rapidly across the battlefield. Weepinbell, still recovering from his Acid attack, had no time to dodge. The spores settled on his vines and bulbous body, causing his movements to jerk and slow as paralysis took hold.

Erika pressed her lips together, her calm demeanor cracking just slightly. "Razor Leaf."

Despite the paralysis, Weepinbell summoned a flurry of sharp, spinning leaves, launching them toward Proserpina in an elegant arc. The sunlight reflected off the leaves, making them shimmer as they closed in.

"Counter with Swift!" Ashley commanded.

Proserpina's petals glowed as she unleashed a barrage of glowing stars that zipped through the air, meeting the incoming leaves in mid-flight. The two attacks collided, scattering leaves and stars alike in a dazzling burst of light.

Ashley jabbed a finger toward Erika's Pokémon. "Cloud time! Recall your training with Koga! Give it everything you've got!"

Proserpina's stubby legs dug into the earth, and her petals flared wide as she began to charge. The golden sunlight streaming down from the earlier Sunny Day seemed to funnel into her, making her glow with an intense, almost blinding light. The air around her seemed to ripple with heat as she prepared to unleash her power. Her petals trembled with the effort, emitting faint sparks of energy.

Erika raised her hand slightly, her voice soft but cutting through the tension like a blade. "Acid."

Weepinbell didn't hesitate. His puckered mouth glowed faintly purple before spewing a glob of bubbling, corrosive liquid. The attack streaked across the field with startling speed, sizzling faintly as it arced through the sunlit air. The Acid splattered across Proserpina's petals and face, hissing as it burned.

Proserpina flinched, letting out a startled cry as her glowing charge flickered and faded. She stumbled back, shaking her head vigorously to rid herself of the burning sensation. Drops of Acid hissed against the grass beneath her, leaving charred patches in their wake.

Ashley groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "Ugh, come on! Seriously? That was dirty!"

Erika offered a delicate shrug, her lips curving into a faint smile. Her calm demeanor was maddening. "It's a battle. We take every opportunity."

Proserpina growled lowly, the trembling in her petals now one of determination rather than pain. Her stubby legs steadied as she shook off the lingering discomfort, her eyes narrowing. She wasn't going down that easily.

Ashley jabbed her finger forward again. "Alright, you're not stopping us that easily! Sunny Day, one more time!"

Proserpina lifted her face to the sky, her petals quivering as another golden orb shot upward. The sun above flared even brighter, bathing the battlefield in light so intense it made the grass shimmer and the air feel warmer. Proserpina moved faster now, her body a blur as she darted into a better position.

But Erika didn't look concerned. "Solar Beam," she commanded smoothly, her Weepinbell already charging.

Weepinbell opened his mouth wide, a sphere of golden light gathering rapidly inside. The sunlight-boosted Solar Beam didn't take long to charge. With a sharp cry, Weepinbell unleashed the beam, a brilliant, searing ray of energy streaking directly toward Proserpina.

"Move it, Proserpina!" Ashley shouted, panic creeping into her voice.

Proserpina twisted to dodge, but the beam's speed was overwhelming. The Solar Beam struck her full force, sending her skidding backward across the field. She staggered as she tried to recover, her petals drooping slightly, her breaths coming in shallow huffs.

Ashley winced, her fists clenched. "Don't just stand there! Giga Drain, let's go!"

Proserpina swayed unsteadily but obeyed, her leaves glowing a vibrant green. Tendrils of energy reached out toward Weepinbell, aiming to sap his strength and replenish her own. But Erika's sharp eyes caught the move.

"Knock Off," she said, her voice sharp and precise.

Weepinbell's vines coiled and then snapped outward, slamming into Proserpina with a force that cut through the Giga Drain tendrils. The attack sent her stumbling again, leaving her visibly weakened.

Ashley growled, stomping her foot in frustration. "Come on, think... Okay, Proserpina, go for Toxic! You've got this!"

Proserpina steadied herself, her petals trembling as she tried to summon her remaining strength. A dark purple glow began to form around her, but before she could release the attack, Erika was already one step ahead.

"Finish this. Solar Beam, again."

Weepinbell took advantage of the residual sunlight, charging up the powerful beam almost instantly. The energy blast hit Proserpina squarely, the impact shaking the ground and sending a cloud of dust into the air. When it cleared, Proserpina was barely standing, her body trembling as she struggled to stay upright.

Ashley bit her lip, her heart sinking. "Proserpina..." she whispered, her voice soft.

But Erika didn't let up. "Vine Whip," she commanded, her voice carrying a finality that made Ashley flinch.

Weepinbell's vines lashed out in a blur, striking Proserpina with a resounding crack that sent the Gloom sprawling onto the grass. The field fell silent as Proserpina lay still, her petals twitching faintly before going limp.

Ashley's hat nearly flew off her head as she recoiled. "Oh, come on!" she shouted, exasperation mingling with her concern. She ran onto the field, crouching beside her fallen Pokémon.

The referee raised her hand. "Gloom is unable to battle! The round goes to Erika and Weepinbell!"

Ashley sighed heavily, scratching the back of her head as she gently lifted Proserpina into her arms. "Alright, alright, you win this one," she muttered, her tone begrudging but not without a hint of admiration. She glanced at Erika, who was already beckoning Weepinbell back with a calm nod. "But don't think I'm letting you off easy next round!"

Erika smiled faintly, resting a hand lightly on Weepinbell's vines as they curled around her wrist. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Despite her loss, Ashley grinned, adjusting her hat with a flick of her wrist. "Next round, you're the one eating dirt. Just wait." She turned, holding Proserpina close as she returned to her side of the battlefield, her mind already racing with strategies for the final round.

Erika's eyes sparkled with quiet amusement as the sunlight dimmed slightly, signaling the end of the battle. "We'll see."

The tension crackled in the open field as the third round began. Erika and Ashley recalled their Pokémon. They released their third choice as soon as the referee's flag was waved. Erika's Vileplume came out in a burst of light, her enormous flower bobbing rhythmically, releasing faint puffs of shimmering spores with each step. Across from her, Ashley's Lapras, Neptune, glided into position on his smooth belly, his serene expression betraying none of the power lurking beneath his shell.

Erika adjusted her kimono with a fluid motion, the hint of a smile touching her lips. "Vileplume, let's take the lead. Start with Acid."

Vileplume wasted no time, leaning forward as a stream of noxious purple liquid arced toward Lapras. The attack splattered harmlessly across Neptune's shell, the sturdy armor gleaming as the droplets rolled off.

Ashley smirked and wagged a finger at Erika. "Yeah, nice try, but Neptune's got more defense than a fortress. Water Gun, Neptune!"

Neptune reared his head before releasing a high-pressure jet of water. The spray struck Vileplume dead-on, her petals rippling from the force, but the Grass-type dug her stubby feet into the damp earth and refused to budge.

"Good footing," Ashley muttered under her breath. "Alright, big guy, let's keep—"

"Stun Spore," Erika interjected, her voice calm but commanding.

The air shimmered gold as Vileplume spun, releasing a cloud of sparkling spores. Neptune flinched as the particles settled on his slick, damp body. Ashley frowned, her fingers twitching toward her hat.

"Come on, Neptune, shake it off! You're not going down like this," Ashley said, practically bouncing on her heels.

The moment she said it, the sky darkened as thunder rumbled in the distance. Neptune's Hydration ability kicked in, the moisture from the spores dissipating instantly under the rain that began to pour. Ashley grinned and pointed dramatically. "Rain Dance! Boom! Your Stun Spore just got washed away!"

Erika blinked up at the now-overcast sky, the downpour soaking into the grass and making the field slick. "Impressive. But let's not give up the weather advantage so easily. Sunny Day."

Vileplume raised her arms, attempting to part the heavy clouds with a faint golden glow. The effort was valiant, but the rain overwhelmed it, and the clouds thickened again, the sun retreating completely. Erika's smile wavered, but only slightly.

Ashley leaned forward, elbows on her knees. "Sorry, but you can't outshine Neptune in his own storm. Ice Shard!"

Chunks of jagged ice materialized around Neptune's body before being launched at Vileplume like mini torpedoes. The shards pelted Erika's Pokémon, sending her skidding backward. Vileplume let out a low groan, her petals drooping slightly.

"Keep steady, Vileplume," Erika encouraged, her voice firm. "Sweet Scent."

The field filled with a cloying, floral aroma, the misty rain now tinged with the smell of honeysuckle and damp earth. Lapras blinked, momentarily distracted, but Ashley wasn't about to let them lose focus.

"Don't let it get to you, Neptune! Double Team!"

Neptune shimmered as copies of his massive form appeared across the field, each one mirroring the real Lapras. Vileplume spun in confusion, his eyes darting between the identical figures as Ashley clapped her hands.

"Now we're cooking! Let's make some noise—Swift!"

Neptune launched glowing stars from all angles, the attack raining down on Vileplume like hail. Each star found its mark, leaving the Grass-type wobbling. Erika frowned, her usually serene demeanor showing the faintest sign of concern.

"Sleep Powder," she said softly, her voice almost drowned out by the rain.

Vileplume puffed out another cloud of spores, this one heavy and green, wafting toward the cluster of Lapras copies. The spores settled on the illusions, causing them to fade, but the real Lapras glided smoothly to the side, unharmed.

Ashley's grin widened. "Missed me! Now, let's end this—Body Slam!"

The rain slicked field gave Neptune a surprising burst of momentum as he surged forward, his massive body slamming into Vileplume like a freight train. The impact sent the Grass-type sprawling, mud splattering across her petals.

Erika pressed her lips together, her gaze steady. "Giga Drain, now."

Vileplume raised a trembling arm, trying to sap energy from the looming Lapras, but the rain-slick field and Neptune's evasive gliding made it nearly impossible to land the attack. The energy dissipated harmlessly into the wet air.

Ashley straightened, her hands on her hips. "Nice try, but you're outta juice. Neptune, Life Dew!"

Neptune released a calming mist that swirled around his body, the sparkling water rejuvenating him while further demoralizing Vileplume. The mist seemed to extinguish what little fight the Grass-type had left.

"Finish it with one last Ice Shard," Ashley said with finality.

The jagged ice flew once more, striking Vileplume squarely. The Grass-type toppled over, her petals fluttering to the ground like a wilting flower.

Erika sighed, recalling her fainted Pokémon with a nod of respect. "A fine performance. Your Lapras is certainly resilient."

Ashley tipped her hat, Neptune letting out a triumphant cry. "What can I say? Neptune knows how to make a splash!" The rain slowed, the field quieting as Erika prepared for the next round. Ashley, meanwhile, made her way next to Neptune, scratching his neck. "You crushed it, big guy. Ready for the next?"

Neptune let out a low, melodic hum, his eyes gleaming in the fading rain.

The rain had finally stopped, leaving the battlefield drenched and gleaming under the faint glow of the sun breaking through the clouds. Ashley stood next to Neptune, her arms crossed, and a cocky grin plastered across her face. Neptune let out a low, satisfied hum, water dripping off his shell as he nudged Ashley with his massive head.

Erika walked toward them with her usual calm elegance, holding something in her hand. She stopped a few feet away, her Vileplume safely back in her Poké Ball. A soft smile played on her lips as she extended her hand. "Congratulations, Ashley. You've earned this."

Ashley blinked, then leaned forward slightly, her grin growing wider when she saw the Rainbow Badge. It was shaped like a delicate flower, its petals painted in soft rainbow hues that caught the light. She snatched it up with both hands, holding it above her head dramatically. "Yes! Look at this, Neptune! We did it!"

Neptune let out an enthusiastic bellow, and Ashley threw her arms around his neck, laughing as the big Water-type nuzzled her shoulder. "You're the best, big guy. Totally crushed it!"

Erika chuckled softly, watching the display with an amused expression. "You fought well, and your strategy with Lapras was... surprising. I didn't expect you to use the weather so effectively. Or for him to be able to slide across the muddy grass as if it was ice."

Ashley smirked, brushing some damp hair from her face and spinning the badge between her fingers. "Yeah, well, when are raised by a Ranger for a father, you pick up a few things about using the territory as your advantage. Gotta keep you Grass-types on your toes!"

Erika tilted her head, her gaze softening. "Speaking of your father…"

Ashley froze mid-spin, the Rainbow Badge slipping from her fingers before she caught it awkwardly. "Huh? What about my dad?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Erika clasped her hands in front of her, her tone steady but serious. "I wanted to thank you. For what you told me about the Game Corner."

The badge almost fell again as Ashley stared at Erika, completely blindsided. "Wait, what?" She waved her hands as though trying to physically catch the conversation. "You mean... that shady stuff I mentioned? You were the one to check that out?"

Erika nodded, her serene expression giving little away. "I did. And you were right. There was a Team Rocket lair hidden behind a false wall, underneath the Game Corner."

Ashley's jaw dropped, and she pointed a finger at Erika as though trying to make sense of what she just heard. "You're telling me I—like, me, Ashley Ketchum—found a Team Rocket base? Are you kidding?"

Erika smiled faintly, clearly amused by Ashley's disbelief. "No, I'm not kidding. Your information was instrumental. After you called your father, he reached out to his contacts here in Celadon City. A Ghost Specialist was brought in to investigate."

Ashley gaped. "A Ghost Specialist? Those are rare… What did they do? Spook the Rockets out of hiding?" She mimed waving her arms dramatically, making ghostly "oooh" sounds.

Erika allowed herself a small laugh before continuing. "Not quite. The specialist used their Pokémon to slip through walls and report back on what was inside. Once we confirmed the lair's location, I coordinated with the police to plan a raid. We struck in the dead of night." Her expression grew sharper, her tone more serious. "We used the element of surprise. By morning, the lair was dismantled, and Team Rocket had been... neutralized."

Ashley's eyes widened even further, and she clutched her hat. "Neutralized? Whoa, whoa, whoa—are we talking handcuffs, or did you all just, like, Thunderbolt them into oblivion?"

Erika gave her a calm look, though there was a glint of something almost playful in her eyes. "Let's just say they won't be causing trouble in Celadon City any longer."

Ashley let out a low whistle, rocking back on her heels. "Man, and here I thought I was just spilling some random gossip! How did you even know it was me who tipped you off?"

Erika's expression softened again. "No one else knew about that call you made to your father. He informed his contacts, who then worked with me. But don't worry," she added, holding up a hand as Ashley's mouth opened in protest, "your involvement is a secret. No one else knows."

Ashley let out a sigh of relief, slumping slightly as she shook her head. "Phew. The last thing I need is some Rocket goon showing up at my door like, 'Hey, heard you were snitching.'" She jabbed a thumb at Neptune. "I mean, Neptune's tough, but even he can't Ice Shard every Rocket in Kanto."

Erika chuckled again, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "You did the right thing, Ashley. You stopped a Pokémon Traffic Ring. Celadon is safer because of you."

Ashley rubbed the back of her neck, suddenly looking a little embarrassed. "Yeah, well, I just thought it was sketchy, y'know? I didn't think anyone would actually do something about it. But, uh… thanks. For, y'know… handling it."

Erika bowed slightly; her movements as graceful as ever. "The thanks are mine. And congratulations again on your victory. You've more than earned your Rainbow Badge and this reusable Giga Drain TM."

Ashley took the TM with a grin. "Yeah, I guess I did, huh?"

Erika watched the pair with a faint smile. "Here's also my PokéNav number, in case you have any questions about raising Proserpina. After all, I do specialize in the Oddish line."

"Thank you!" Ashely beamed, returning Neptune as she made her way out.

The streets of Celadon City bustled around Ashley as she stepped out of the gym, the Rainbow Badge tucked safely into her jacket pocket. The city seemed as lively as ever—people laughing, chatting, and hurrying about their day—but for once, Ashley felt completely disconnected from the chaos. Her mind was spinning like a Pokéball after a failed catch.

"A Team Rocket lair," she muttered under her breath, her steps almost robotic as she navigated the cobblestone streets toward the Pokémon Center. "A freaking Rocket lair. What did I almost walk into?"

Mars, who Ashley had called back out, let out a low rumble, as he nudged her arm with his head.

"I'm fine, big guy," Ashley said automatically, waving him off. "Just, y'know… processing the fact that I might've been on Team Rocket's 'Most Annoying Trainer' list without even realizing it."

She blew out a breath, her gaze drifting toward the sky. The sunset had left the city covered in hues of orange, giving the city a dreamlike quality. Normally, she'd love it—Celadon looked like it belonged in a postcard right now—but all she could think about was Erika's calm, almost too-casual explanation of the raid.

Ashley pushed open the Pokémon Center's glass doors, the jingling bell above her head snapping her back to reality. The warmth inside hit her immediately, the faint hum of machinery and the soft chatter of trainers creating a cocoon of comfort. She approached the counter where Nurse Joy stood, her ever-present smile in place.

"Hey, Nurse Joy," Ashley said, her voice unusually subdued as she unclipped her Pokéballs one by one. "My team's pretty beat up after the gym battle. Mind taking care of them?"

"Of course!" Nurse Joy replied cheerily, taking the Pokéballs and placing them onto a tray. "Lapras too?"

Ashley shook her head and patted Neptune's Poké Ball. "Yeah, he won his battle, but still. Though, keep a special eye on Proserpina. She's, uh… been through a lot."

Nurse Joy nodded, her expression softening as she took the tray and disappeared into the back room. Ashley watched her go, then dropped herself onto one of the waiting area's couches, slumping back so far, her hat almost fell off. Mars settled beside her, his claws holding her hand in comfort.

She tightened her hold on Mars and stared at the ceiling, her foot tapping restlessly against the tile. "Okay, Ashley, let's break this down," she muttered, her voice low enough that only Neptune could hear. "You call your dad, you think you're just passing on some random gossip about sketchy dudes in suits hanging around the Game Corner, and boom! Turns out you're helping to take down an entire Rocket base."

Mars tilted his head, his gaze steady but questioning.

"I know, I know," Ashley said, throwing her hands in the air. "It's awesome in theory, but in practice? What if I'd screwed it up? What if those Ghost-types Erika mentioned couldn't find anything? Or what if Team Rocket did find out I was the one who squealed?!" She gestured wildly, nearly smacking a passing trainer with her elbow. "Like, what am I supposed to do if a Rocket admin shows up looking for revenge? Hide behind Proserpina's Sleep Powder and hope for the best?"

The trainer gave her a weird look but quickly moved on, muttering something about dramatic kids. Ashley ignored them, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees.

"I mean, sure, Erika said no one else knows, but still… this is Team Rocket we're talking about. Those guys have resources. And me? I'm just a kid."

Mars let out a low hum, nudging her shoulder again.

"Yeah, yeah, I know you're tough," Ashley said with a small smile, scratching Mars' head. "But this whole thing… it's just a little too big, y'know? Like, I wanted to stay here and train with Erika—she knows her stuff, and Proserpina could really learn from her team—but after this? Nah. I'm out. No way am I sticking around Celadon while the dust from that raid is still settling."

She leaned back again, pulling her PokéNav out of her pocket and flipping it open. Erika's number was already saved, sitting at the top of her contacts list. Ashley stared at it for a moment, her thumb hovering over the call button.

"If I need advice on Proserpina, I can just call her," she said aloud, as if trying to convince herself. "I don't have to be here for that. Right?"

Mars gave a small nod, as if agreeing, and Ashley let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, buddy. You're the voice of reason I never knew I needed."

The ding of the Center's machines caught her attention, and Nurse Joy reappeared with her tray of Poké Balls. "Your team is all healed up and ready to go!"

Ashley stood, grabbing the Pok Balls and clipping them back onto her belt. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. You're a lifesaver."

She turned toward the stairs, Mars following closely behind. As she stepped into the private area where all the rooms were located, Ashley felt herself relax.

"Okay," she said, adjusting her hat and giving Mars a determined grin. "One good night's sleep, and then we're outta here. Next stop… I dunno, anywhere that doesn't involve Team Rocket or secret lairs. Sound good?"

Mars let out an enthusiastic growl, and Ashley laughed, patting his head as they entered their room.