Ash and Misty took their positions on opposite sides of the water battlefield.
Violet stood in the center and cleared her throat.
“Each side may use two Pokémon.
The match ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle.”
“Go, Staryu.” Misty threw out her Poké Ball.
Blue light flashed, and a brown starfish appeared on the field.
A vivid red circular gem was embedded in the center of its body, shining with a mysterious glow beneath the lights.
“Bulbasaur, fight for me!” Ash shouted, throwing out his Poké Ball.
Green light flashed, and Bulbasaur landed steadily across from Staryu.
At the same time, Ash activated his scanner and began scanning Staryu’s data.
[Pokémon: Staryu]
[Gender: Genderless]
[Type: Water]
[Introduction: The Star Shape Pokémon.
It is said that as long as the central part of its body remains alive, it can regenerate even if cut into pieces.]
[Ability: Natural Cure — Status conditions are healed when it returns to the party.]
[Current Strength: Gym Level]
[Potential: Elite Four Level]
[Base Stat Total: 340]
[Moves: Tackle; Harden; Water Gun; Minimize; Rapid Spin; Swift; Psybeam]
[Status: Healthy]
“It’s been raised pretty well,” Ash thought to himself.
Ash brushed aside his bangs.
“The formula for victory has already been decided.”
He glanced at Bulbasaur and called out, “Bulbasaur, test its strength first.
Use Vine Whip.”
Hearing the command, Bulbasaur immediately extended two vines.
Like a pair of nimble arms, they lashed quickly toward Staryu.
A confident smile appeared on Misty’s face.
“Staryu, use Rapid Spin!
Dodge the Vine Whip!”
Staryu’s body began spinning rapidly, faster and faster, forming a ring of light.
It nimbly dodged Bulbasaur’s Vine Whip and rushed straight toward Bulbasaur.
“Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!” Ash ordered loudly.
“Bulba~!”
Bulbasaur responded to the command, its swaying body instantly tensing.
The bulb on its back began trembling rapidly.
Then sharp leaves shot out from the bulb like flying knives.
They gleamed with a cold green light, cutting through the air with sharp whistles as they flew toward Staryu.
Misty’s gaze tightened slightly.
Facing the sudden attack, she reacted quickly.
“Staryu, use Swift and meet it head-on!”
The red gem in the center of Staryu’s body shone brightly.
Sparkling stars shot out from its body, colliding fiercely with Razor Leaf in midair.
A series of bangs rang out as the leaves and stars exploded into countless fragments, scattering in every direction.
“Bulbasaur, use Poison Powder.”
Bulbasaur followed the command and released a fine purple powder from the bulb on its back.
In the original story, Sleep Powder and Stun Spore could both be washed off by Staryu before they took effect, but Poison Powder was completely different.
Misty wanted Staryu to dodge, but it was already too late.
Staryu was covered by the Poison Powder, and its body trembled slightly.
Very quickly, Staryu was poisoned.
“Staryu, hang in there!
Use Water Gun!” Misty shouted.
Staryu endured the discomfort and sprayed out a jet of water.
“Bulbasaur, block it with Razor Leaf!” Ash commanded.
Bulbasaur released another wave of sharp leaves, colliding with the Water Gun in midair.
But because of the poison, Staryu’s stamina was constantly draining away.
In the end, Razor Leaf successfully blocked Water Gun, and several leaves struck Staryu.
Staryu swayed a few times, and the light on its body gradually dimmed.
It could no longer hold on.
With a splash, it fell into the water and lost its ability to battle.
“Staryu is unable to battle.
Bulbasaur wins!” Violet’s voice rang out, announcing the result of the round.
“Staryu, you did very well.
Come back and rest.” Misty spoke gently, her eyes full of heartache for Staryu.
Red light flashed as she recalled it.
“Ash, the battle isn’t over yet.
Go, my darling.”
When the white light faded, Feebas appeared on the field.
“Huh?
Why did Misty catch a Pokémon like that?” Lily looked at Feebas with clear disdain and could not help curling her lips.
However, in the next moment, dazzling light shone from Feebas’s body.
Its small body began changing rapidly, and the surrounding water churned along with it.
Its figure gradually became long and graceful, and its once-dull scales turned radiant and dazzling.
As the light slowly faded, a Pokémon with an appearance very similar to a sea serpent appeared before everyone.
Its body was cream-colored, and its red eyes looked like two burning rubies.
Three black dots were neatly arranged beneath its neck, adding a unique charm.
Its head was long, with a slight protrusion at the end, and red eyebrow-like markings extended from above its eyes beyond its fur.
Red hair-like fins covered both sides of its head, swaying gently with the water.
Its tail was covered in blue scales with black stripes.
At the end of its tail were four overlapping large blue scales, each with a red spot in the center, like stars twinkling in the night sky.
Ash clapped, his face full of sincere admiration.
“Not bad, Misty.
Your care and training for Feebas have finally borne fruit today.”
He looked at Misty, light shining in his eyes.
Beneath the brim of his cap, his gaze was full of approval.
“Hmph, of course.” Misty planted her hands on her hips and raised her chin slightly, looking like a proud peacock.
“Wow!
It’s so beautiful!” Daisy, Lily, and Violet exclaimed almost at the same time, their voices rising one after another.
The teasing expressions they had been wearing vanished instantly, replaced by envy and surprise.
Their eyes were filled with admiration for Milotic.
Milotic swam gracefully through the water like a lively water fairy, as though showing everyone both its beauty and its strength.
Its red eyes shone with gentle light, and its red hair-like fins drifted softly with the water, displaying elegance and nobility.
Ash opened the scanner, and Milotic’s detailed information quickly appeared on the screen.
[Pokémon: Milotic]
[Gender: Female]
[Type: Water]
[Introduction: The Tender Pokémon and the evolved form of Feebas.
It is said to be the most beautiful Pokémon.
It has the power to soothe hearts filled with anger and hatred and calm conflicts.]
[Base Stat Total: 540]
[Ability: Competitive — If its stats are lowered, its Special Attack rises sharply.]
[Current Strength: Gym Level]
[Potential: Champion Level]
[Moves: Splash; Tackle; Water Pulse; Wrap; Water Gun; Disarming Voice; Twister; Aqua Ring; Attract]
[Status: Healthy]
Seeing those stats, Ash sighed inwardly.
As expected of a Pokémon he had adjusted for Misty using the cheat function.
With Milotic’s Champion-level potential, as long as Misty trained it well, it would absolutely become one of her main partners.
But soon, he gathered his thoughts, and his gaze became focused again.
He narrowed his eyes slightly and had no intention of switching out Bulbasaur.
With the Exp.
Charm, the continuous training they had never once interrupted, and the battle at the Pewter Gym, he had a feeling that Bulbasaur was about to evolve.
The Exp.
Charm had played a significant role during this journey, allowing Bulbasaur to gain extra experience after every battle, while their constant training had strengthened its foundation.
So he would simply let Bulbasaur fight to the end.
“Bulbasaur, don’t be intimidated by your opponent’s evolution!
Let’s take the win in one go!” Ash shouted, his voice echoing through the Gym.
Hearing Ash’s encouragement, Bulbasaur shook the seed bulb on its back in response.
“Milotic, use Water Pulse!” Misty ordered decisively.
Milotic opened its mouth and fired a wave of blue energy.
“Bulbasaur, block it with Razor Leaf.” Ash responded quickly.
Bulbasaur heard the command, and sharp leaves shot out one after another, trying to withstand Water Pulse.
Water Pulse and Razor Leaf collided, releasing a powerful burst of energy.
A series of loud bangs sounded in the air.
Water splashed everywhere, and leaves scattered through the air.
But Bulbasaur gritted its teeth.
Its body trembled slightly as it struggled to maintain its defense, refusing to retreat even a little.
“Bulbasaur, use Poison Powder now!” Ash saw the opportunity and gave another command.
Purple Poison Powder drifted toward Milotic.
Misty’s expression changed slightly, and she inwardly knew this was bad.
“Milotic, dive into the water and dodge it!” she shouted urgently, her tone carrying a trace of tension.
Milotic nimbly moved its long body and quickly dove into the water, cleverly avoiding the Poison Powder.
Bulbasaur watched Milotic disappear beneath the water, and a trace of anxiety appeared in its previously determined eyes.
Sure enough, before long, Milotic suddenly leapt out of the water with such speed that it caught them off guard.
“Bulbasaur, behind you!” Ash warned.
“Hehe, use Twister,” Misty said, a hint of pride appearing on her face.
Milotic’s tail spun rapidly, and a powerful current formed a huge waterspout in the pool, charging toward Bulbasaur.
The waterspout rushed forward with roaring wind and splashing water, fierce and overwhelming.
Bulbasaur could not dodge in time and was struck head-on by Twister.
Its entire body was sent flying before crashing heavily onto the shore.
“Bulbasaur!” Ash hurriedly opened the scanner, his heart full of worry.
[HP: 13%]
After all, Bulbasaur had already battled Staryu before continuing to fight Milotic.
Now that it had taken Milotic’s Twister head-on, its HP had dropped sharply.
The situation was bad.
“Bulbasaur, stand up!
We promised Melanie that we’d make the seed on your back bloom into the most beautiful flower.
Stand up!” Ash encouraged Bulbasaur.
“Bulba…”
Bulbasaur gritted its teeth and stood up.
Its body trembled slightly, but its gaze remained fixed firmly on Milotic.
“Bulba!”
With a loud cry, dazzling light shone from its body.
That light was like warm sunshine, enveloping Bulbasaur completely.
“Is it starting?” The corner of Ash’s mouth lifted, expectation flashing in his eyes.
Bulbasaur had finally begun to evolve.
A gentle yet dazzling light wrapped around its whole body.
Under that glow, its originally small body gradually grew larger.
Its limbs became thicker and stronger, firmly supporting its body.
The bud on its back became fuller, and the outer seed shell slowly opened, revealing the flower bud within.
The bud was pink, looking especially charming under the light.
As the glow gradually receded, an Ivysaur appeared before everyone.
It was larger than Bulbasaur, and the flower bud on its back looked more mature, as if it could bloom at any moment.
“Ivysaur, let’s keep battling!” Ash shouted, his voice full of confidence.
“Ivy~!” Ivysaur shook the flower bud on its back and let out a powerful cry in response.
Ash’s scanner flashed blue and displayed Ivysaur’s full information.
[Pokémon: Ivysaur]
[Gender: Male]
[Type: Grass, Poison]
[Introduction: The Seed Pokémon and the evolved form of Bulbasaur.
It carries a flower bud on its back.
Once the bud absorbs enough nutrients, it will bloom into a huge flower.]
[Base Stat Total: 405]
[Ability: Overgrow — When HP is low, the power of Grass-type moves increases.]
[Current Strength: Gym Level]
[Potential: Champion Level]
[Moves: Vine Whip; Tackle; Growl; Growth; Leech Seed; Razor Leaf; Poison Powder; Sleep Powder; Stun Spore; Seed Bomb; Take Down; Acid Spray; Body Slam; Bullet Seed; Energy Ball; Protect; Giga Drain; Sunny Day; Leaf Storm; Petal Dance; Solar Beam; Synthesis]
[Status: Low HP]
“Ash, not bad.
Bulbasaur evolved too.” The corner of Misty’s lips curved beautifully.
“Of course.
We’re constantly growing too.” Ash’s gaze beneath his cap was astonishingly bright.
“Then let’s continue.”
Before Misty’s voice could fade, the entire Gym suddenly shook violently.
Boom!
A wall collapsed with a crash.
Amid the spreading dust, a giant machine smashed through the wall and entered.
“What on earth is that?” Violet asked.
“Since you asked so sincerely!”
“We’ll be merciful and tell you!”
“To prevent the world from being destroyed!”
“To protect the peace of the world!”
“To carry out the evil of love and truth!”
“The lovely, charming villains!”
“Jessie!”
“James!”
“We are Team Rocket, traveling across the galaxy!”
“A white hole!
A white tomorrow is waiting for us!”
“That’s right, meow~!”
“Team Rocket, you again?” Misty’s eyes widened.
“What are you trying to do this time?”
“Water Pokémon get stronger when they’re in water!” Jessie said.
“So if we drain the water…”
“Then there’ll be lots of weakened Water-type Pokémon!” James continued smoothly.
“Suck up all the water, meow!” Meowth stood atop the machine and pressed the start button with his paw.
A thick metal pipe plunged into the battle pool with a loud splash.
The water made a terrifying suction sound, and the surface visibly began dropping at high speed.
“Keep dreaming!
Pikachu, use Thunder!
Eevee, use Buzzy Buzz!” Ash practically roared the command.
Pikachu and Eevee arched their bodies, electricity wrapping around them.
Two bolts of lightning shot out like arrows from a bow, striking the wildly pumping machine with perfect accuracy.
Crackle!
The instant water and electricity collided, the entire Gym lit up with blinding white light.
Electricity spread madly along the water flow.
Sparks burst from the machine’s shell, and black smoke hissed from the display screen.
All the fur on Meowth’s tail exploded outward.
It hugged its head and screamed, “How did this happen, meow?!”
“Ah, water conducts electricity.
We forgot!” James said.
The next second, the overloaded machine let out a thunderous explosion.
“What a nasty feeling, meow!”
The Team Rocket trio was blasted away by the shockwave, drawing their classic parabolic arc through the air before disappearing through the broken dome of the Gym.
“All right, the troublemakers are gone.
Let’s continue.” Ash patted the dust from his clothes, and the fighting spirit beneath the brim of his cap reignited.
“Fine!” Misty flicked her damp braid.
“Milotic, use Twister!”
“Ivysaur, Protect!”
The moment Ash spoke, Ivysaur immediately raised a hemispherical green shield.
The waterspout slammed into the barrier, and the splashing water refracted into tiny rainbows under the sunlight.
“Ivysaur, Sunny Day!” Ash raised his arm high.
From the flower bud on Ivysaur’s back, a brilliant orb of light shot into the sky.
The sunlight instantly became blazing and dazzling, making even Milotic’s scales shine brightly.
“Milotic, use Twister again!” Misty ordered.
Milotic stirred the water with its tail, and a new Twister wrapped in vapor rushed straight toward Ivysaur.
“Ivysaur, Solar Beam!” Ash shouted.
Under Sunny Day, Solar Beam required no charging.
A blazing pillar of light shot from the flower bud on Ivysaur’s back.
The beam of light collided violently with Twister.
The powerful explosion kicked up dust and smoke like a heavy curtain, covering the entire battlefield.
Tiny water droplets mixed with charred debris fell pattering down.
The air was filled with a strange mixture of scorched odor and mist.
Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the depths of the smoke.
As the smoke gradually dispersed, the scene on the field finally became clear.
Milotic had collapsed in the pool.
Ivysaur lay on the shore.
Both sides had completely lost their ability to battle.
“Milotic!” Misty gently recalled Milotic into its Poké Ball.
“Rest well.
You already worked very hard.”
At that moment, Violet stepped forward, raised her arm, and loudly announced, “Milotic and Ivysaur are both unable to battle!
Since both of Misty’s Pokémon have lost their ability to battle, the winner of this match is—Ash!”
Ash let out a long breath, and a bright smile blossomed on his face.
He crouched down and gently stroked Ivysaur.
“You did great, Ivysaur!
This victory belongs to us!”
Misty walked forward.
Although there was still disappointment on her face, she still reached out her hand.
“Congratulations, Ash.
I lost this time, but next time… I’ll definitely win!”
Ash reached out and poked her forehead.
“All right.
I’ll be waiting, beautiful mermaid.”
“Hmph, what’s with that silver tongue?” Misty’s pretty face turned red, and she turned away.
Under everyone’s gaze, Daisy took out the Cascade Badge and handed it to Ash.
Ash accepted the Badge.
“All right!
I got the Cascade Badge!”
“Pi~ Pikachu~!”
“Eevee~!”
“Congratulations, host, on your victory.
You have obtained 1,000 points and Waterium Z.”
“Congratulations, host, on obtaining the Cascade Badge.
Reward obtained: 10,000 points and a random Pokémon Egg.”
System reward Pokémon Eggs will appear near the host in a reasonable way.
In front of the Cerulean Gym, the fountain sparkled with tiny golden lights beneath the setting sun.
Daisy, Violet, and Lily escorted Ash and Misty to the entrance.
Violet suddenly grabbed Misty’s wrist.
“Misty, let’s discuss something.”
“What is it?” Misty turned around, looking at her sister suspiciously.
“Leave that Milotic at the Gym, okay?” Violet pressed her hands together, her tone full of flattery.
“Look, our recent water shows have been missing a highlight.
If Milotic swam around in the pool, the audience would be fighting to buy tickets.”
She described it vividly, and even Lily beside her nodded along.
“Exactly.
If we had Milotic, our performances would definitely become even more popular.
And with the lights…”
But Misty decisively shook her head.
“No way!”
Violet opened her mouth and still wanted to persuade her, but Daisy gently pressed a hand on her shoulder.
The setting sun outlined Misty in gold.
Her stubborn back gradually overlapped with the crying little girl from their memories.
Lily suddenly laughed softly, her glitter-painted fingernail pointing at Misty.
“Forget it.
Our Misty isn’t the ugly duckling anyone can push around anymore.”
Violet shook her head helplessly, but when her gaze moved back and forth between Ash and Misty, the corner of her lips suddenly curved into a sly smile.
“Ash, thank you for helping us drive those people away earlier.” Violet walked forward gracefully, her voice as soft as honey.
A faint scent of seaweed drifted from her hair as she moved.
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes carrying a somewhat alluring look.
“It was nothing.
Just a small favor.” Ash scratched his head and gave his signature bright smile.
“Then I’ll give you a thank-you gift.”
Before Violet’s words had even faded, she leaned forward and kissed Ash on the cheek.
The warm sensation was unexpectedly soft, shocking Ash so much that his eyes widened and his whole body froze in place.
“Ah!!!”
Misty instantly exploded.
Her orange hair almost stood on end, and her face flushed bright red like a tiny fireball that had been lit.
“Sis, what are you doing?!”
She rushed forward in three quick steps, yanked Ash behind her, and glared angrily at Violet.
“Who thanks someone like that?!”
Violet planted her hands on her hips and said as if it were perfectly natural, “Oh, it was just a thank-you gift.
Why are you so worked up, Misty?”
She blinked and deliberately leaned closer to Misty, lowering her voice teasingly.
“Could it be… our Misty is jealous?”
Misty’s face turned even redder.
She stammered for a long time without managing to say anything, then simply turned away and scuffed the ground with the tip of her shoe.
“I-I’m not!”
But her slightly burning earlobes betrayed her thoughts.
Standing behind Misty, Ash still felt the faint warmth lingering on his cheek.
His ears turned red as he stammered an explanation.
“I… I really was just helping!”
Lily twirled a strand of pink hair around her finger and deliberately dragged out her tone.
“If Misty isn’t jealous, then I should thank Ash once too~”
As she spoke, she pretended to move closer to Ash, the mischievous smile on her face impossible to hide.
“Don’t you dare!!!”
Misty instantly turned around, eyes wide and fists raised, looking like a cat with all its fur standing up.
“If you dare mess around again, I… I’ll cut up all your swimsuits!”
Daisy burst out laughing and quickly pulled Lily back.
“All right, all right.
Stop teasing Misty.
If you keep going, she’s really going to cry.”
But the amusement in her eyes could not be hidden.
Violet folded her arms and raised an eyebrow teasingly.
“Tsk, tsk.
Look at that reaction, and she still says she isn’t jealous?”
The one who had also exploded was Eevee.
Its fur had puffed up like a dandelion, its eyes were wide and round, and its claws dug deep marks into the ground.
If Pikachu had not reacted quickly and held Eevee back, this furious Pokémon might already have charged over to scratch them.
“Eevee!
Eevee!!!” Eevee twisted and struggled with all its might, waving its paws wildly in the air.
Let me go!
I’m going to scratch them to death!!!
Pikachu used all its strength to hold Eevee back.
“Pika, Pika!”
Calm down, big sister!
Calm down!
The blush on Misty’s cheeks had not yet faded as she angrily grabbed Ash’s wrist.
Her grip was so strong that Ash grimaced, yet he did not dare pull free.
“Let’s go already!” She turned her face away, deliberately avoiding her sisters’ teasing gazes behind her.
Her little ponytail swung rapidly with each step.
Pikachu dragged and pulled Eevee along behind the two of them.
Ash stumbled as Misty dragged him forward, his other hand busy fixing his crooked cap.
“Misty, slow down!
I’m not going to run away!”
“Who cares about you!” Misty’s voice was muffled, but her steps did not slow at all.
Only after they turned past a street corner blooming with hydrangeas and confirmed her sisters could no longer see them did she suddenly stop.
When she released his hand, the tips of her ears were still red.
A familiar cough came from the distance.
Brock was leaning against a streetlight, waiting for them.
“Looks like the Gym battle is over.”
His gaze swept over Misty’s flushed cheeks and Ash’s messy collar, and he could barely hold back a laugh.
Ash took out the glowing blue Badge and waved it.
“I already got the Cascade Badge.”
“Then let’s keep going.” Brock closed his map.
He was just about to step forward when Pikachu’s puzzled “Pika?” interrupted him.
When Ash lowered his head, he saw Pikachu’s little paws tightly tugging at his pant leg.
Its round eyes were staring without blinking at the bushes growing by the roadside.
Between the dense leaves, a Pokémon Egg with emerald vine-like patterns could be faintly seen.
Crystal-clear dew still clung to its surface.
“Mm.
The system reward has arrived.” As Ash crouched down, Eevee also came over curiously, its fluffy tail brushing across the back of his hand.
The scanner flashed blue, and pale green text appeared.
[Pokémon: Sprigatito (Shiny)]
[Gender: Female]
[Potential: Elite Four Level]
[Status: Egg; Healthy]
“What Pokémon’s egg is this?” Misty asked.
Ash smiled and said, “We’ll find out when it hatches, won’t we?”
He carefully held the egg in his hands.
The three of them continued toward their next destination.
Misty suddenly stopped, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Her eyes were full of danger.
“By the way, Ash, during the Gym battle earlier, I think I heard you say something to Bulbasaur about Melanie.
Who is Melanie?”
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
Her tone sounded casual, but it carried undeniable pressure.
Ash’s steps froze.
Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead beneath the brim of his cap.
“Huh?
Well…”
His mind spun rapidly, but for a moment, he could not think of a suitable excuse.
“Tell me the truth!” Misty stepped forward, her small fists clenching with a cracking sound, her cheeks flushing with anger.
“Do you have some other girl out there?”
“Help!!!” Ash turned and ran.
Misty chased after him furiously.
Brock shook his head helplessly and quickly followed the bickering pair.
“You two, don’t run too fast!
Wait for me!”
As Ash ran, he wailed inwardly:
If I’d known this would happen, I never would’ve shouted that line!