I smiled helplessly. I closed the PokéNav and let my head rest against the tree trunk. Growlithe was breathing peacefully, curled up; hopefully, tomorrow would be my last day in this city.
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The morning was bright and warm when I found myself back in front of the doors of the Celestial Gym. The air smelled damp, mossy, and electrical. That feeling before a storm... or a big battle.
Charlotte was already waiting for me there, sitting with one leg crossed over a railing, and Andrew was standing, hands in his pockets, staring at the sky as if trying to sort out a swarm of thoughts. I approached silently, not wanting to break the moment.
"Good morning," I said in a low tone.
To my surprise, Charlotte smiled and stood up gracefully.
"Today is the big day, isn't it?"
Andrew nodded, glancing sideways at Charlotte. His lips were pursed, as if he had something stuck in his throat. He looked like he wanted to say something to her, but couldn't.
I gave him a quick nod, subtly indicating Charlotte. He got the message: take advantage of this moment alone. He responded with a look filled with anxiety and determination. Then, as if trying to hide it behind a shy smile, he added:
"I won't wish you luck because I know you'll win easily."
"See you inside," I said, and walked through the entrance without looking back.
The gym was just as impressive as the first time. Soaring ceilings, metal structures surrounding an Olympic-size pool whose crystalline blue shimmered like a perfect trap. The echoes of the water reverberated off the walls. Natural light descended in soft columns from the skylights above, casting dancing reflections on the undulating surface.
Misty was already there, waiting for me at the other end. She was wearing her signature orange swimsuit and high ponytail, but the playful air from yesterday was gone. Today, she was a Gym Leader. And I was her challenger.
"You arrived on time," he said with a slight smile. "I was beginning to think you might have changed your mind."
"And miss out on the chance of a second consecutive victory against a leader?" I replied. "No way."
Misty laughed softly. Then, a short-haired woman wearing rectangular glasses and a navy blue vest stepped forward into the middle of the gym, raising a white flag.
"I'm the official referee for the Azure Gym. This will be a two-on-two battle. The first Trainer to defeat both of the opponent's Pokémon will be declared the winner. Are you ready?"
We nodded simultaneously. The world shrank to the field. The flag fell like a silent lightning bolt.
"Begin!"
"Kirlia, on stage," I said, releasing my glowing companion.
The light from the Poké Ball gave way to her slender, elegant figure. Kirlia landed gently on one of the floating platforms, spinning like a dancer, with a serene smile. Her psychic energy vibrated around her like an invisible field.
"Staryu, let's go," Misty said firmly.
The star Pokémon emerged from its Poké Ball, spinning like a frenzied saw. When it hit the water, it left perfect concentric ripples, as if the field were welcoming it.
"Double Team," I ordered.
Kirlia multiplied in a dance of perfect illusions. The copies spread across the floating platforms, reflected a thousand times in the water, as if the entire gymnasium had been filled with spectral Kirlias.
"Rapid Spin," Misty ordered.
Staryu spun violently and leaped out of the water like a thrown star. It pierced one copy, then another. The illusions disintegrated like smoke beneath blades. But the real Kirlia remained intact, standing silently aside.
"Psybeam."
The multicolored beam shot out like a luminous arc. It struck Staryu full on in the air, causing him to tumble, disjointed, to the surface of the water.
"Recover," Misty ordered.
Staryu's red core vibrated intensely, pulsing with light. Healing particles scattered over her body like stardust. Misty knew how to resist.
"Draining Kiss, approach from the right," I whispered.
Kirlia moved forward with agility, jumping between platforms until she reached her target. She placed an energy-charged kiss on Staryu's surface. A pink glow flowed from the star toward my Pokémon.
"Water Gun!"
The jet of water shot out like a spear. Kirlia was swept backward, slipped, and nearly fell into the water, but managed to gracefully catch herself on the edge of the platform.
"Teleport, behind him."
Kirlia disappeared and reappeared in a blink of an eye right behind the stunned Staryu.
"Magical Leaf."
The mystical blades spiraled like energy daggers. Some sank into the water, others slammed straight into it. Staryu let out an electric whine, spinning erratically.
"Recover again," Misty ordered.
"Hypnosis."
Kirlia didn't let up. His eyes flashed with purple waves. Staryu's core flickered, slowly... slower... until it went out. He floated down, completely asleep.
"Finish it with Psybeam."
The psychic beam struck unopposed. Staryu's body froze, floating like a toy without a wind-up.
"Staryu can't continue," the referee declared. "Maxwell is in the lead."
An excited voice was heard from the stands:
"That was brutal!" Andrew exclaimed, his arms raised in approval.
Charlotte, with her arms crossed and a barely contained smile, said in a calm voice:
"For once, I admit you did well, Maxwell."
Misty called out her next Pokémon. Her expression wasn't that of someone defeated, but rather that of someone taking the challenge seriously.
"Starmie. It's your turn."
The Pokémon spun in the air with a low whir and appeared above the water. Its core glowed with an almost aggressive intensity.
"Kirlia, come back," I said. Andrew's battle had given me valuable information: Misty tailored her team based on the challenger's experience. One more badge or less, and I would have used Psyduck or Goldeen. But now I'd use the same Pokémon.
"Come on, Nidorino."
My purple companion emerged with a strong stride. His eyes fixed on Starmie like a spear.
"Thunderbolt."
Its horn sparked with pure electricity before unleashing an explosive discharge. The lightning zigzagged and struck Starmie. The core vibrated, but the Pokémon held on.
"Surfing."
The water in the field trembled, then rose like an imposing wall. The wave crashed down on Nidorino, crushing him brutally. I saw him disappear for a second before his body rolled against a metal railing.
"Nidorino!" I whispered apprehensively.
"Focus Energy."
My Pokémon reared up, furious, its body tensing until it was almost shaking. A latent energy pooled within it.
"Toxic Spikes."
Nidorino slammed the ground, sending poisonous spikes flying in all directions. The traps scattered across platforms and floated subtly in the water, invisible but lethal.
Misty didn't hesitate.
"Psychic."
Starmie lifted Nidorino with invisible energy and slammed him into a platform. My Pokémon screamed, but got back to its feet in anger.
"Horn Attack."
Nidorino ran. More than running, he galloped. He jumped between platforms as if flying. He slammed his horn into the center of Starmie. A sound of breaking glass echoed across the field.
"Recover."
"Double Kick."
Two swift blows. One to the base, the other to the core. Starmie lost his balance and began to spin erratically.
"Poison Sting."
Purple spikes flew in all directions. Several hit Starmie's limbs. Its core began to flicker. The venom worked, silent and lethal.
"Flank him and finish him off with Thunderbolt."
Nidorino circled the field, leaped from a low angle, and fired the final bolt. Electricity entered through the core and exited around the edges of Starmie's body. A soft explosion lit up the water.
Starmie fell, its nucleus extinguished, like a lifeless comet.
"Starmie can't continue," the referee shouted. "The victory goes to Maxwell Jones of Pewter City."
I held my breath without realizing it, then let it out forcefully. Everything stopped for a moment.
Andrew clapped enthusiastically, and shouted:
"That was awesome, Max!"
Charlotte, from her seat, simply said:
"Not bad... now I can't stay in the city any longer or I'll be left behind."
Misty walked toward me without a hint of hostility. More like... respect.
"It was an intense fight," he said. "You have instinct, strategy… and guts. Here you go."
He held out the Cascade Medal. A small blue jewel, pure, gleaming like an ocean tear.
I took it with both hands, almost reverently.
"Thank you, Misty."
She winked at me, and added:
"Also, as agreed, I will give you this."
He deftly took my PokéNav and wrote down its number.
No sooner had Misty finished typing her number into my PokéNav and handed it back to me with a cheeky wink than I felt something in the air change. Not the air, exactly... more like an invisible pressure, a tension that spread out from the stands like an invisible wave.
I turned around, and there it was.
Charlotte.
Standing with his arms crossed and an expression so neutral it was obvious he was bothered by everything he'd just seen. Even though he didn't say a word, his eyes spoke volumes. I put the PokéNav in my pocket with a smile that twisted on its own, awkwardly.
It took him less than three seconds to walk down the gym stairs with a firm step, and without saying hello, he stopped in front of Misty.
"What was that?" Charlotte said sharply.
Misty looked at her with a raised eyebrow, as if she was waiting for exactly that reaction.
"What was what?" he replied with a hint of irony.
"You know perfectly well what I mean."
"Oh, are you talking about the number? Relax, it was just professional. Or maybe not."
And he winked at her.
Charlotte clenched her fists, visibly irritated. She didn't raise her voice, but her tone was so full of venom that I was surprised Misty didn't back down.
"You know he's younger than you, right?" Charlotte said.
Misty let out a cheeky laugh.
"Yes. But I also know that you are not her mother."
And that's when he stuck his tongue out at her. Straight up. Cheeky.
I decided to look away before the fight turned into a real duel, and just then Andrew approached me, keeping his distance as if the atmosphere might explode.
He stood next to me and whispered to me in a low voice:
"Hey... didn't you say Misty wasn't your type? So... why did you ask for her number?"
I held back a laugh.
"It's not," I replied calmly. "But being a trainer isn't just about battles. It helps to have connections. Especially if they're Gym Leaders. Who knows when I might need to talk to her?"
Andrew looked at me as if I still hadn't figured out the deal. I guess for him, getting a girl's number was an emotional event, not a strategic move.
"And you?" I said, patting him lightly on the arm to shift focus. "How did it go with Charlotte?"
He scratched the back of his neck, uncomfortable.
"Well… one way or another, I got her number."
"Huh? When?"
"During your fight with Misty," he said, shrugging. "She got distracted looking at Kirlia and gave it to me without much thought. But I don't think she even remembers."
Before he could say anything else, a voice rose from the other side of the gym, as sharp as lightning.
"Sorry!?"
Charlotte was back, her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining. She'd heard us. Or at least, she'd understood the context.
"I said it was unintentional!" Andrew tried to justify himself, throwing up his hands.
But Charlotte was already turning on her heels, striding out of the gym with a firm stride and a frown deeper than ever.
"We're in trouble," Andrew muttered.
"It's nothing new," I replied with a lopsided smile. And as if the universe was trying to turn it into a comedy, Misty, from the background, stuck her tongue out at Charlotte just before disappearing through the gym doors.
I burst out laughing. So did Andrew.
We left the gym with our laughter still fresh in our faces, the sun descending behind the rooftops of Cerulean City, and the feeling that we had caused more drama than we had planned.
**
We walked to a quiet plaza, where the murmur of a Vaporeon-shaped fountain accompanied us as we sat down. The day was beginning to draw to a close, and it was time to plan our next move.
"So," I said, taking out a coin, "how do we decide?"
"Two ways to Vermillion City," Andrew said. "One through Saffron. Longer, but safer. The other through the underpass, more direct… lonelier."
"You flip the coin," I said. "Heads, Saffron. Tails, Underground."
I tossed it into the air. It spun, catching the golden light of the sunset, and I caught it in my palm.
Cross.
"Underground for me, then."
"Enjoy the smell of mold," Andrew joked.
"And you watch out for the psychic Pokemons in Saffron."
We looked at each other, still smiling knowingly. We didn't know what awaited us, but we did know the race was on.
"Remember the bet?" Andrew asked.
"Of course."
"Whoever arrives in Vermilion City first can ask the other for a favor."
"And there are no limits, right?"
Andrew gave me a warning look.
"Max, if you make me embarrass myself in front of Charlotte, I swear I'll throw a Tentacruel at you."
We laughed.
**
At dawn the next day, we were ready. We left the Pokémon Center at the first light of the sun, the city still shrouded in the light mist of dawn. Charlotte was waiting for us at the Vaporeon fountain, this time with a different attitude. Calmer, though distant.
"I'm beating Misty today," he said firmly.
I nodded.
"I trust you."
And then she turned to Andrew. What we expected was a sharp look or silence. But instead, she smiled at him. An honest smile. Brief. Serene.
"See you, Andrew."
It took Andrew a second to react.
"See you, Charlotte."
As she walked away, he continued to stare at her, confused.
"Did she... smile at me?"
"And it wasn't sarcastic," I said, crossing my arms. "Are you okay?"
"I think I need to sit down."
"There's no time. You have a whole city to cross."
We said goodbye right at the fork. Andrew took the road toward Saffron. I went down through the underpass entrance. Dark, cold, with the smell of old concrete and ancient secrets.
Before disappearing down the stairs with Growhlite in my arms and my gear ready, I took one last look at the city.
Trainer: Maxwell Jones
Hometown: Pewter City
Sponsorship: None
Money: $91,200 Pokedollars↑$20,000
Badges: 1.- Boulder Badge, Cascade Badge
Expandable Travel Backpack (Deluxe)
1. 3 potions (1 slot)
2. 3 Rage Candy Bars (1 slot)
3. 10 Pokeballs (2 slots)
4. 1 Escape Rope (1 slot)
5. 1 Red handkerchief with 20 orange berries (1 slot)
6. 3 Antidotes (Poison Cure) (1 slot)
7. Badge case (1 slot)
8. PokéNav (1 slot)
9. Travel Cooking Kit (Includes a folding frying pan, small knife, kettle container, and mini lighter, all in a compact case) – 2 slots
10. Pokémon Food Ration (6-day ration bag) (3 slots)
11. Human food ration (canned and freeze-dried food for 6 days) (2 slots)
12. Basic Camping Kit (Includes Compact Tent, Sleeping Bag, and Collapsible Lantern) – 3 Slots
13. Basic Pokemon care kit (1 slot)
14. Moon Stone (1 slot)
15 TM Rock Slide
Occupied slots: 21/30
Pokémon
Nidorino
Gender: Male
Level: 25↑1
Moves: Read, Peck, Focus Energy, Double Kick, Poison Sting, Rage Attack, Horn Attack Helping Hand, Thunderbolt, Toxic Spikes
Kirlia✨
Gender: Female
Level: 23↑1
Moves: Disarming Voice, Teleport, Growl, Double Team, Hypnosis, Draining Kiss, Lucky Chant, Psybeam, Charm, Magical Leaf
Growlithe
Gender: Male
Level: 24 Moves: Read, Ember, Howl, Bite, Flame Wheel, Flamethrower, Odor Sleuth, Fire Fang