Morning sunlight bathed Cerulean City in a warm, golden hue. The cobblestone streets bustled with trainers heading toward the central plaza, where the city's grandest structure stood—the Cerulean Gym. Its glass dome shimmered like the surface of a clear lake, and a massive statue of a Starmie adorned the entrance.
Philip stood just outside, Riolu at his side, silently gazing at the impressive structure.
"Ready, partner?" he asked.
Riolu nodded firmly, aura flickering faintly around its paws.
Frogadier's evolution the day before had bolstered Philip's confidence, but he knew better than to underestimate Misty. She wasn't just a Gym Leader; she was also a member of a prestigious water-type specialist family. And her battling skills were said to rival trainers twice her age.
He pushed open the gym doors.
Inside, the massive battlefield was half pool, half land. Floating platforms lined the water, while the sidelines were dry for spectators and referees. Misty stood across the arena, arms crossed, her battle-ready stance poised and confident.
"You made it," she said with a smirk. "Let's see if yesterday's performance wasn't a fluke."
Philip walked into position. "You'll get more than just a repeat."
A referee raised his flag. "This is a one-on-one Gym battle for the Cascade Badge! Each trainer will use two Pokémon. The challenger, Philip Clark, versus Gym Leader Misty!"
Misty threw her Poké Ball. "Let's start with Starmie!"
The star-shaped Pokémon landed in the water, spinning gracefully. Its core pulsed with a rhythmic pink light.
Philip already knew his choice. "Frogadier—go!"
The newly evolved Pokémon leapt onto a floating platform, eyes narrowing at its opponent.
"Battle begin!"
Misty didn't waste time. "Starmie, Swift!"
A barrage of golden stars burst from Starmie's body, speeding toward Frogadier.
"Double Team!" Philip commanded.
Frogadier blurred into multiple illusions, the stars piercing through only one clone.
"Water Pulse!"
The real Frogadier launched a surging orb of water, but Starmie spun rapidly and dodged, then retaliated with a jet of high-pressure water.
"Rapid Spin and Water Gun?" Philip muttered. "You're going all in on mobility."
"Smart boy," Misty said. "But let's kick it up. Use Confuse Ray!"
The water around Starmie glowed, and a pulse of light radiated across the field.
"Frogadier, close your eyes—then use Aerial Ace, low angle!"
Frogadier shut its eyes tight and darted forward in a blur, slashing Starmie with incredible speed. The blow knocked the water-type backward, its core flashing erratically.
"Now finish it with Ice Punch!"
Frogadier's hand glowed blue. With a swift leap, it slammed the punch into Starmie's core.
Starmie let out a mechanical cry and dropped into the water, unconscious.
"Starmie is unable to battle!" the referee called. "Frogadier wins!"
Misty returned her Pokémon, smiling. "Not bad. But let's see how you handle this—go, Seadra!"
A sleek blue dragonfish emerged from the pool, its fins flaring and eyes narrowed.
Philip clenched his fist. "Return, Frogadier. Riolu, it's your turn."
Riolu stepped onto the floating platform with determination.
"Seadra, Agility!"
The Pokémon darted through the water at blinding speed.
"Counter with Quick Attack!"
Riolu shot forward, meeting Seadra as it lunged from the water with Twister, summoning a vortex of wind and water that pulled Riolu off balance.
"End it with Dragon Pulse!"
A burst of dragon energy shot from Seadra's mouth—too fast to dodge.
Philip shouted, "Endure!"
Riolu crossed its arms, absorbing the hit, its body trembling as it skidded backward but remained standing.
"Now, Reversal!"
Glowing with energy, Riolu dashed forward and landed a clean strike to Seadra's side, sending the Water-type crashing into a pillar.
Seadra didn't rise.
"Seadra is unable to battle! Riolu wins! The victory goes to Philip Clark!"
Cheers echoed from the sparse crowd in the gym.
Misty returned her Pokémon, walking across the field. "You're strong. But more than that—you adapt. That's rare for someone so early in their journey."
She held out a small, blue badge shaped like a teardrop.
"The Cascade Badge is yours."
Philip accepted it with a grateful nod. "Thanks. That was a good battle."
She leaned in slightly. "You've got talent, but something else too… there's an intensity in your eyes. Like someone who knows more than they should."
Philip looked away, unsure how to respond. "Let's just say… I've got a purpose."
As he exited the gym with Riolu at his side and his second badge secured, he couldn't help but notice a figure watching him from across the street.
A man in a long coat, wearing dark glasses, disappeared into an alley.
Philip's eyes narrowed. "They're still watching me."
He reached into his bag and glanced at the Poké Ball his father had given him—his trump card. It hummed faintly, like a sleeping beast waiting to be awakened.
He hoped he wouldn't need it anytime soon.