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, revealing a brown starfish Pokémon with a bright red gem embedded in the center of its body.
“Bulbasaur, you’re up!” Ash shouted as he threw his Poké Ball.
Green light flashed, and Bulbasaur landed opposite Staryu.
At the same time, Ash activated his Pokémon Data Scouter to check Staryu’s data.
[Pokémon: Staryu]
[Gender: Genderless]
[Type: Water]
[Introduction: The Star Shape Pokémon.
As long as its central core remains intact, it can regenerate even if the rest of its body is cut into pieces.]
[Ability: Natural Cure — Status conditions are cured when it switches out.]
[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 trained pretty well,” Ash thought.
Ash swept his bangs aside.
“The laws of victory have been decided.”
He glanced at Bulbasaur and called out, “Bulbasaur, let’s see what it can do.
Use Vine Whip!”
Bulbasaur extended two vines and lashed them toward Staryu like a pair of arms.
Misty smiled confidently.
“Staryu, use Rapid Spin!
Dodge Vine Whip!”
Staryu began spinning faster and faster until its body formed a ring of light.
It dodged Bulbasaur’s vines and charged straight toward it.
“Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!” Ash called.
“Bulba!”
Bulbasaur tensed as the bulb on its back began to shake.
Sharp leaves shot from the bulb, slicing through the air toward Staryu.
Misty reacted at once.
“Staryu, use Swift and meet it head-on!”
The red gem in the center of Staryu’s body shone brightly.
Sparkling stars flew from its body and collided with Razor Leaf in midair.
The collision sent fragments of leaves and stars scattering in every direction.
“Bulbasaur, use Poison Powder.”
Bulbasaur released a cloud of fine purple powder from the bulb on its back.
In the original story, Staryu could wash off Sleep Powder and Stun Spore before either took effect.
Poison Powder, however, was different.
Misty tried to make Staryu dodge, but it was already too late.
Poison Powder covered Staryu, making its body tremble.
Staryu had been poisoned.
“Staryu, hang in there!
Use Water Gun!” Misty shouted.
Despite the poison, Staryu fired a jet of water.
“Bulbasaur, block it with Razor Leaf!” Ash commanded.
Bulbasaur launched another wave of sharp leaves, which collided with Water Gun in midair.
The poison continued to drain Staryu’s stamina.
Razor Leaf broke through Water Gun, and several leaves struck Staryu.
Staryu staggered, and the light in its body began to fade.
Unable to hold on any longer, it fell into the water with a splash and was unable to battle.
“Staryu is unable to battle.
Bulbasaur wins!” Violet announced.
“Staryu, you did very well.
Come back and rest.”
Misty recalled it in a flash of red light before turning to 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 frowned at Feebas, making no attempt to hide her disdain.
Then Feebas began to glow.
Its small body changed as the surrounding water churned.
Its body grew longer and more graceful, while its once-dull scales began to shine.
When the light faded, a sea-serpent-like Pokémon appeared before everyone.
Its body was cream-colored, with red eyes and three black dots beneath its neck.
Its head was long, with a slight protrusion at the end.
Red, eyebrow-like extensions stretched from above its eyes.
Red hair-like fins decorated both sides of its head, moving with the water.
Its tail was covered in blue scales with black stripes.
Four large blue scales overlapped at the end, each with a red spot in the center.
Ash applauded, impressed.
“Not bad, Misty.
All the care and training you put into Feebas finally paid off.”
He looked at Misty with clear approval.
“Hmph, of course.” Misty planted her hands on her hips and lifted her chin.
“Wow!
It’s so beautiful!” Daisy, Lily, and Violet exclaimed almost at the same time.
Their earlier disdain disappeared, replaced by surprise and envy as they stared at Milotic.
Milotic swam gracefully through the water, displaying both its beauty and strength.
Its red eyes shone as the fins beside its head drifted through the water.
Ash activated his Pokémon Data Scouter, and Milotic’s information appeared on the display.
[Pokémon: Milotic]
[Gender: Female]
[Type: Water]
[Introduction: The Tender Pokémon and the evolved form of Feebas.
It is said to be the most beautiful of all Pokémon.
It can soothe hearts filled with anger and hatred, bringing conflicts to an end.]
[Base Stat Total: 540]
[Ability: Competitive — Boosts the Pokémon’s Sp.
Atk stat sharply when its stats are lowered by an opposing Pokémon.]
[Current Strength: Gym Level]
[Potential: Champion Level]
[Moves: Splash; Tackle; Water Pulse; Wrap; Water Gun; Disarming Voice; Twister; Aqua Ring; Attract]
[Status: Healthy]
Ash sighed inwardly when he saw those stats.
This was a Pokémon he had enhanced for Misty with his cheat ability, after all.
With Milotic’s Champion-level potential, proper training would make it one of Misty’s main partners.
Ash soon focused on the battle again.
He narrowed his eyes, deciding not to switch Bulbasaur out.
Between the Exp.
Charm, their uninterrupted training, and the battle at the Pewter Gym, Ash had a feeling that Bulbasaur was about to evolve.
The Exp.
Charm had provided extra experience after every battle throughout their journey, while their constant training had strengthened Bulbasaur’s foundation.
He would let Bulbasaur fight to the end.
“Bulbasaur, don’t be intimidated by its evolution!
Let’s finish this and win!”
Bulbasaur shook the bulb on its back.
“Milotic, use Water Pulse!” Misty ordered.
Milotic opened its mouth and fired a pulsing blast of water.
“Bulbasaur, block it with Razor Leaf!” Ash countered.
Sharp leaves flew from Bulbasaur’s bulb and struck Water Pulse one after another.
The two Moves collided in a powerful burst.
Water splashed across the battlefield as leaves scattered through the air.
Bulbasaur gritted its teeth.
Its body trembled as it fought to hold back the attack without giving up any ground.
Ash saw his chance.
“Bulbasaur, use Poison Powder now!”
A cloud of purple Poison Powder drifted toward Milotic.
Misty realized the danger.
“Milotic, dive into the water and dodge it!”
Milotic twisted its long body and dove beneath the surface, avoiding the Poison Powder.
Bulbasaur grew anxious as Milotic disappeared underwater.
“Bulbasaur, watch out for a surprise attack!” Ash warned.
Milotic soon burst from the water behind Bulbasaur, catching it off guard.
“Bulbasaur, behind you!” Ash shouted.
“Heh.
Use Twister,” Misty said with a proud smile.
The Twister roared across the battlefield, carrying wind and water with it.
Bulbasaur could not dodge in time.
The attack struck it head-on and sent it crashing onto the shore.
“Bulbasaur!” Worried, Ash checked his Pokémon Data Scouter.
[HP: 13%]
After battling Staryu and taking Milotic’s Twister head-on, Bulbasaur was down to only thirteen percent of its HP.
“Bulbasaur, stand up!
We promised Melanie that we’d make the bulb on your back bloom into the most beautiful flower.
Stand up!”
“Bulba…”
Bulbasaur gritted its teeth and rose.
Its body trembled, but it kept its eyes fixed on Milotic.
“Bulba!”
Bulbasaur cried out as light burst from its body.
The warm glow surrounded it.
“Is it starting?” Ash smiled in anticipation.
Bulbasaur had finally begun to evolve.
Within the light, its small body grew larger.
Its limbs became thicker and stronger, supporting its new weight.
The bulb on its back grew fuller and began to open, revealing the flower bud within.
The bud was pink.
When the glow faded, Ivysaur stood before everyone.
It was larger than Bulbasaur, and the flower bud on its back had developed enough that it looked ready to bloom.
“Ivysaur, let’s keep battling!” Ash shouted.
“Ivy!” Ivysaur shook the flower bud on its back and answered with a strong cry.
Ash’s Pokémon Data Scouter flashed blue and displayed Ivysaur’s information.
[Pokémon: Ivysaur]
[Gender: Male]
[Types: 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 — Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon’s HP is low.]
[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]
“Not bad, Ash.
Bulbasaur evolved too.” Misty smiled.
“Of course.
We’re constantly improving too,” Ash replied, his eyes bright beneath the brim of his cap.
“Then let’s continue.”
Before Misty could finish, the entire Gym shook violently.
Boom!
A wall collapsed as a giant machine smashed through it, sending dust and debris across the Gym.
“What on earth is that?” Violet asked.
“Prepare for trouble!”
“And make it double!”
“To protect the world from devastation!”
“To unite all peoples within our nation!”
“To denounce the evils of truth and love!”
“To extend our reach to the stars above!”
“Jessie!”
“James!”
“Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!”
“Surrender now, or prepare to fight!”
“Meowth!
That’s right!”
“Team Rocket, you again?” Misty’s eyes widened.
“What are you trying to do this time?”
“Water-type 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.
“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 machine roared as it sucked up the water, and the water level began falling rapidly.
“Not a chance!
Pikachu, use Thunder!
Eevee, use Buzzy Buzz!” Ash shouted.
Pikachu and Eevee arched their bodies as electricity gathered around them.
Two bolts of lightning shot toward the machine and struck it directly.
Crackle!
The moment the electricity reached the water, the entire Gym lit up with a blinding white flash.
The current traveled through the water and into the machine, sending sparks from its shell as the display began spewing black smoke.
Meowth’s tail puffed up.
He grabbed his head and screamed, “How did this happen, meow?!”
“Ah, water conducts electricity.
We forgot!” James said.
The overloaded machine exploded.
“Looks like Team Rocket’s blasting off again!”
The shock wave sent Team Rocket flying through the broken dome of the Gym until they disappeared from sight.
“All right, the troublemakers are gone.
Let’s continue.” Ash brushed the dust from his clothes, ready to resume the battle.
“Fine!” Misty flicked her damp braid.
“Milotic, use Twister!”
“Ivysaur, Protect!”
Ivysaur raised a dome-shaped green barrier.
The Twister slammed into the barrier, and the splashing water broke into tiny rainbows beneath the sunlight.
“Ivysaur, Sunny Day!” Ash raised his arm.
A bright orb flew from the flower bud on Ivysaur’s back and rose into the sky.
The sunlight intensified, reflecting from Milotic’s scales.
“Milotic, use Twister again!” Misty ordered.
Milotic stirred the water with its tail, creating another Twister filled with water and vapor that rushed toward Ivysaur.
“Ivysaur, Solar Beam!” Ash shouted.
Sunny Day allowed Ivysaur to fire Solar Beam without charging.
A pillar of light erupted from the flower bud on its back.
Solar Beam collided with Twister.
The resulting explosion covered the battlefield in dust and smoke.
Water droplets and charred debris fell around them, filling the air with mist and the smell of burning.
Everyone watched the smoke-covered battlefield.
When the smoke cleared, they saw the result.
Milotic had collapsed in the pool.
Ivysaur lay on the shore.
Both Pokémon were unable to battle.
“Milotic!” Misty recalled Milotic into its Poké Ball.
“Rest well.
You gave it everything you had.”
Violet stepped forward and raised her arm.
“Milotic and Ivysaur are both unable to battle!
Since both of Misty’s Pokémon are unable to continue, the winner of this match is—Ash!”
Ash let out a long breath and smiled.
He crouched beside Ivysaur and stroked it.
“You did great, Ivysaur!
We won this together!”
Misty walked forward.
Although disappointment remained on her face, she held 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.
Since when are you such a smooth talker?” Misty blushed and turned away.
Daisy took out the Cascade Badge and handed it to Ash.
“Ash, this Cascade Badge is yours.”
Ash accepted the Badge.
“All right!
I got the Cascade Badge!” Find the original chapter at g.com.
“Pi—Pikachu!”
“Eevee!”
“Congratulations, Host.
You have won the battle and obtained 1,000 points and Waterium Z.”
“Congratulations, Host.
You have obtained the Cascade Badge.
Reward: 10,000 points and one random Pokémon Egg.”
Pokémon Eggs awarded by the system would appear near the host in a plausible manner.
Outside the Cerulean Gym, the fountain shone beneath the setting sun.
Daisy, Violet, and Lily escorted Ash and Misty to the entrance.
Violet grabbed Misty’s wrist.
“Misty, can I ask you something?”
“What is it?” Misty eyed her sister.
“Leave Milotic at the Gym, okay?” Violet pressed her hands together.
“Our water shows haven’t had a star attraction lately.
If Milotic swam around the pool, people would be fighting to buy tickets.”
Even Lily nodded along.
“Exactly.
Milotic would make our performances much more popular.
And with the lights…”
Misty shook her head.
“No way!”
Violet tried to argue, but Daisy placed a hand on her shoulder.
The setting sun outlined Misty in gold.
Her stubborn figure reminded her sisters of the crying little girl they remembered.
Lily laughed and pointed at Misty with a glitter-covered fingernail.
“Forget it.
Our Misty isn’t the ugly duckling anyone can push around anymore.”
Violet shook her head helplessly.
Then she glanced between Ash and Misty and smiled slyly.
“Ash, thank you for helping us drive those people away earlier.” Violet approached him, her voice soft.
A faint scent of seaweed drifted from her hair.
She tilted her head and gave him a flirtatious look.
“It was nothing.
Just a small favor.” Ash scratched his head and smiled brightly.
“Then I’ll give you a thank-you gift.”
Before Ash could react, Violet leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
The unexpected kiss froze Ash in place, his eyes wide as warmth lingered on his cheek.
“Ah!”
Misty exploded.
Her orange hair nearly stood on end as her face turned bright red.
“Sis, what are you doing?!”
In three quick steps, she rushed forward, pulled Ash behind her, and glared at Violet.
“Who thanks someone like that?!”
Violet planted her hands on her hips and replied matter-of-factly, “Oh, it was just a thank-you gift.
Why are you so worked up, Misty?”
She blinked, leaned closer to Misty, and lowered her voice.
“Could it be… our Misty is jealous?”
Misty’s face turned even redder.
She stammered without managing to answer, then turned away and scuffed the ground with the tip of her shoe.
“I-I’m not!”
Her ears were still burning red.
Standing behind Misty, Ash could still feel the warmth of the kiss on his cheek.
His ears turned red as he tried to explain.
“I… I really was just helping!”
Lily twirled a strand of pink hair around her finger and drawled,
“If Misty isn’t jealous, then I should thank Ash too~”
She pretended to move closer to Ash, grinning mischievously.
“Don’t you dare!”
Misty spun around with her eyes wide and fists raised, looking like a cat with its fur standing on end.
“If you try anything, I… I’ll cut up all your swimsuits!”
Daisy burst out laughing and pulled Lily back.
“All right, all right.
Stop teasing Misty.
If you keep going, she’s really going to cry.”
Daisy was clearly still amused.
Violet folded her arms and raised an eyebrow.
“Tsk, tsk.
Look at that reaction, and she still says she isn’t jealous?”
Eevee had exploded too.
Its fur puffed up like a dandelion, its eyes opened wide, and its claws dug deep marks into the ground.
If Pikachu had not grabbed Eevee in time, Eevee would already have charged at them and scratched them.
“Eevee!
Eevee!” Eevee twisted and struggled, waving its paws through the air.
Let me go!
I’m going to scratch them to death!
Pikachu held Eevee back with all his strength.
“Pika, Pika!”
Still blushing, Misty grabbed Ash’s wrist.
Her grip was so strong that Ash grimaced, but he did not dare pull free.
“Let’s go already!” She turned away from her sisters’ teasing gazes and marched off, her side ponytail swinging with every step.
Pikachu dragged Eevee along behind them.
Ash stumbled after Misty while straightening his crooked cap with his free hand.
“Misty, slow down!
I’m not going to run away!”
“Who cares about you!” Misty’s voice was muffled, but she did not slow down.
They rounded a street corner lined with blooming hydrangeas.
Once her sisters could no longer see them, Misty stopped and released Ash’s hand.
The tips of her ears were still red.
Someone coughed nearby.
Brock was leaning against a streetlight, waiting for them.
“Looks like the Gym battle is over.”
Brock looked at Misty’s flushed cheeks and Ash’s messy collar, trying not to laugh.
Ash took out the blue Cascade Badge and waved it.
“I got the Cascade Badge.”
“Then let’s keep going.” Brock closed his map.
He was about to step forward when Pikachu interrupted him with a puzzled “Pika?”
Ash looked down and saw Pikachu tugging at his pant leg.
Pikachu was staring at the bushes beside the road.
A Pokémon Egg covered in green, vine-like patterns was hidden among the leaves.
Drops of dew clung to its surface.
“Looks like the system reward arrived.”
Ash crouched beside the Egg as Eevee approached curiously, its fluffy tail brushing the back of his hand.
The Pokémon Data Scouter flashed blue, and pale green text appeared.
[Pokémon: Sprigatito (Shiny)]
[Gender: Female]
[Potential: Elite Four Level]
[Status: Egg; Healthy]
“What kind of Pokémon Egg is it?” Misty asked.
Ash smiled.
“We’ll find out when it hatches.”
He carefully picked up the Egg.
The three of them continued toward their next destination.
Misty suddenly stopped, crossed her arms, and gave Ash a dangerous look.
“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.
Her voice sounded casual.
Ash froze as beads of sweat appeared on his forehead beneath the brim of his cap.
“Huh?
Well…”
His mind raced, but no excuse came to him.
“Tell me the truth!” Misty stepped forward and clenched her fists until her knuckles cracked, her cheeks flushing with anger.
“Do you have some other girl out there?”
“Help!” Ash turned and ran.
Misty chased after him.
Brock shook his head and hurried after them.
“You two, don’t run too fast!
Wait for me!”
As Ash ran, he groaned inwardly:
If I’d known this would happen, I never would’ve shouted that line!