"No more fighting, we're done."
"Big brother, you're so strong, we won't challenge you anymore."
Watching the sisters concede, Alex Carter was speechless.
What was happening? Wasn't this supposed to be a Gym battle?
It wasn't over, yet they declared they wouldn't fight anymore. Wasn't that a bit childish? Why would the Kanto League endorse such a Gym?
Alex found himself torn between laughter and disbelief.
"So, did my challenge succeed?" Alex asked softly.
"Of course it succeeded!" Daisy replied from the opposite platform.
"Then can I have the blue badge?" Alex inquired.
"A blue badge? Absolutely, we'll give it to you! Follow us, we'll show you all the Gym's badges, and you can pick your favorite," Daisy offered.
After speaking, the three sisters led Alex off the stage, inviting him to follow.
Inside the Gym, which served as their living quarters, the decor was brimming with girlish charm—cozy pink walls adorned with Water-type Pokémon pillows.
"Big brother, where are you from? Your Pokémon are fierce..."
"Uh... I'm from Pallet Town," Alex replied, suppressing a smile.
"You're from Pallet Town?"
The sisters turned simultaneously, speaking in unison.
"Yeah, why?"
"What kind of people come from Pallet Town? Each one stronger than the last! The only one who's a bit weaker is Ash. I don't know what Misty sees in traveling with him," Lily remarked.
Hearing her comment, Alex recalled the sisters' struggles—frequent challenges from Pallet Town Trainers, all but Ash succeeding.
They were nearly driven into seclusion.
Especially with Alex's performance, which had literally brought them to tears in battle.
While chatting, Violet retrieved a small box, opening it to reveal an assortment of blue badges.
Yet to Alex, they all looked identical.
What was there to choose?
Couldn't they just hand him one?
"Here, pick any blue badge. You've successfully challenged our Cerulean City Gym. Congratulations!" Violet stepped forward, presenting the badge box to Alex.
Without overthinking, Alex selected one and added it to his badge case.
Now, he had successfully collected three badges.
He was edging closer to qualifying for the Indigo League, the Kanto Region competition.
Given his Pokémon's evolution speed, Alex felt confident. With more time, he believed a high ranking was within reach.
Perhaps even becoming the Champion!
...After securing the blue badge, the sisters insisted Alex join them for a meal. With beautiful company, he was naturally delighted.
After the meal and lively conversation, Alex finally departed the Cerulean City Gym.
Leaving the Gym, Alex bought supplies in the bustling city, as his airship's stock was depleted.
After shopping, he headed to a quiet alley to store items in his spatial backpack, avoiding cumbersome bags.
With everything settled, Alex contemplated his next destination.
Cerulean City was close to Celadon City.
Likewise, it was also near Vermilion City.
Between Vermilion City and Cerulean City lay Bill's Lighthouse. The mysterious Pokémon rumored to appear there intrigued Alex, a curiosity sparked during his childhood viewing of the show.
With this in mind, Alex knew his next direction.
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