Chapter 21: Cerulean Gym
After the storm had passed and the wind had settled, the morning after the rain was exceptionally cool. Under Pikachu's gentle licking, Ash slowly opened his eyes.
"Pika!"
Seeing Ash awake, Pikachu immediately showed a big cheerful smile.
"Mmm… Pikachu, is it morning already?"
Ash rubbed his eyes, still a bit dazed.
"Cha~"
Something soft wriggled in his arms. Ash looked down and met Charmander's bright, glimmering eyes.
"Charmander, are you feeling better?"
Ash chuckled softly. Charmander immediately jumped from his embrace, its tail flame now burning vigorously.
Ash's Pokémon all gathered around Charmander, happily giving it high-fives to celebrate.
Watching Pikachu and Charmander's affectionate excitement, Ash couldn't help but smile.
So that's why I didn't get woken up by a Thunderbolt today…
They must've wanted to give Charmander the spotlight.
"Morning, Ash."
Sorrel and Verity were already up as well, greeting him energetically.
"Charmander, let me take a look at your tail."
Sorrel walked over thoughtfully and examined it. He nodded at Ash.
"It's fine now. Completely recovered."
"Thank you—truly."
Ash straightened his posture and looked at Charmander seriously.
"Charmander… even though you've gone through a painful experience before… are you still willing to trust humans?"
"Cha?"
Charmander tilted its head in puzzlement.
"Would you like to come with me?"
Ash asked sincerely.
"To become my and Pikachu's partner—our family."
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded with a bright smile.
"Cha…"
Charmander's smile had just begun to bloom… when suddenly it remembered Cross' cruel words.
"A useless Charmander like you is better off dead."
"Cha…"
Seeing Charmander's hesitation, Ash instantly understood.
He gently placed a warm hand on its head and stroked it.
"I know what you're thinking, Charmander. But forget what others say. I believe in you. You're definitely the strongest Charmander there is.
So—want to get stronger together?
One day, we'll beat the crap out of that jerk and show him how wrong he was!"
Charmander stared at Ash's hopeful eyes—
and the clouds in its heart finally cleared.
The little one nodded earnestly.
It accepted Ash's invitation.
"Well then—"
Ash held out a Poké Ball, expanded into full size, and placed it before Charmander.
"Cha—"
Charmander lowered its head in a reverent gesture and touched the switch.
The Poké Ball clicked shut.
Excellent! Perfect capture.
"Let's do our best, Charmander."
Ash pressed his forehead gently against the Poké Ball before attaching it to his belt again.
"The weather's cleared… and we've met Entei. It's time we head down the mountain." Sorrel suggested.
"Yeah! And I still have to challenge the Cerulean Gym!"
Ash's eyes sparkled.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Verity cheered, raising her hand.
Side by side, the three walked out of the cave and headed downhill.
...
Back in Cerulean City, following Sorrel's advice, Ash first brought Charmander to the Pokémon Center for a full examination.
After confirming that everything was fine, the three made their way straight toward the Cerulean Gym.
Cerulean City's largest swimming arena—this was where the Cerulean Gym was located.
"Let's see… challengers please use the side entrance… What kind of rule is that?"
Verity stood with hands on hips, puzzled.
"They're probably reserving the main entrance for audiences."
Ash glanced at his phone—
Tickets for the morning Water Ballet performance were already sold out.
So annoying… no swimsuit show today…
"Water Ballet is Cerulean's specialty performance. They say the three main performers are top-tier beauties… celebrities, even."
Sorrel explained.
Ash and Verity slowly turned toward him.
(￢_￢) …
"Sorrel~ your research areas sure are… broad."
Verity said sweetly, with a suspicious tone.
"Ahem—It says so… on the poster."
Sorrel's face flushed red.
"Well, anyway, let's hurry up and challenge the gym."
Ash shook his head.
"Verity, do you want to challenge them too? Isn't your goal to become a strong pokemon trainer?"
"I… still don't have the courage."
Akiko shrank back a little.
"I'll wait until I catch more Pokémon… and feel more confident."
"Well, alright."
Ash shrugged.
Every one has its own problems; only Verity herself could overcome hers.
At the side entrance, they indeed found the challenger's door.
Pushing open the glass door and walking through a hallway connected to dressing rooms, the trio arrived at the main battlefield of the Cerulean Gym.
An enormous swimming pool equipped with high diving platforms, and above it, three large floating boards—
a battlefield made specifically for Water-type Pokémon.
"Welcome to Cerulean Gym!"
From the top of the diving tower, a girl in a blue swimsuit, ponytail swaying, stepped forward—showing off a strikingly elegant figure.
Sorrel and Verity took one step back automatically, leaving the main stage to Ash.
Ash grinned.
"Mm… more mature now, huh? The washboard changed too. Looking sharp—it's nice."
"Eh? Nani?"
Up on the diving platform, Misty didn't catch Ash's muttering and looked down curiously.
Ash pressed down his cap, calmed himself, and stepped forward.
"I'm Ash from Pallet Town! I want to challenge the Cerulean Gym!"
"Good!"
The girl leapt off the platform—splash!—and vanished into the water, only to be lifted up again by two bikini-clad assistants.
"Oh~ impressive, impressive."
All three of them applauded.
At Pewter Gym, the disciples only needed to guard doors…
At Cerulean Gym, apparently you need synchronized swimming skills too…
Misty gave a confident smile, standing at the end of the pool.
The two swimsuit sisters stood on the front and rear floating boards.
Their positions neatly divided the pool into three battle sections.
"According to the Cerulean Gym rules, you'll have to defeat both swimsuit beauties before you can challenge me. Good luck~"
Misty winked at Ash.
Ash's face instantly turned bright red.
What the heck—this Misty… she's way too good at this!
Seeing Ash's honey-colored blush, Verity couldn't take it anymore.
She grabbed his shoulders and shook him like crazy.
"Ash! Get a grip! You can't be stupid during a match!"
"Ash… I feel sorry for you, honestly."
Sorrel sighed while flipping open his sketchbook, ready to draw.
"Ahem!"
Ash almost choked from Akiko's shaking. He quickly straightened up.
"Relax, Verity. My eyes are on victory, not long legs… Women only slow down my poke ball throwing speed…"
"Pff—"
Misty burst out laughing, shaking her head.
"Kawaii~ Don't worry. Big sisters here will be gentle with you."
Ash grimaced.
"Enough nonsense. Let's battle."
He flicked off his jacket, letting it fly behind him as he tightened his gloves and stepped toward the first battlefield.
Misty suddenly froze—
Staring carefully.
This challenger…
He looked way too much like that guy.
Not just the face…
Even the aura…
"All right! Prepare yourself, you straight-laced Red wannabe!!"
Misty clenched her little fists with shining anticipation.
Ash saw her sudden shift in attitude and rolled his eyes.
Something tells me…
this girl's mistaking me for someone else.
Oh my Arceus… I'm innocent…TT_TT
To be continued…
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〔TL〕
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