The next morning dawned bright over Cerulean City. The canals shimmered like sheets of glass beneath the morning sun. Misty stood in front of the large dome of the Cerulean Gym, the emblem of a water droplet gleaming above the entrance.
Delia placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Ready?"
Misty took a deep breath. "As I'll ever be."
Alex gave a calm nod. "Let's go in."
---
Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of salt and pool chlorine. The vast battle arena stretched before them — a water field surrounded by crystal-blue tiles.
From the opposite side, three young women approached, each dressed elegantly in pastel swimsuits.
"Long time no see, Misty," said the eldest, Daisy, with a teasing smile.
"Like, totally didn't think you'd actually come back," added Lily, flipping her hair.
"And with company too," giggled Violet, eyeing Akg with curiosity.
Misty's cheeks puffed up. "You guys haven't changed at all!"
Delia chuckled softly beside Alex, whispering, "Sisters will be sisters."
Alex smiled faintly. "It's… refreshing."
After the greetings and light teasing, Daisy waved toward the field. "So, what brings you back, sis? Here to show off your new trainer friends?"
Misty stepped forward, her expression firm. "We're here for a Gym battle. Alex will be challenging for the Cascade Badge."
The sisters exchanged glances — then grinned. "Then we'll give him a real show."
---
Cerulean Gym Battle — Alex vs. Misty's Sisters
Referee Daisy: "Three-on-three battle! Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon!"
Alex adjusted his gloves, calm and ready. "Rena, you're up first."
The elegant Gardevoir stepped forward, her aura glimmering softly above the water's surface.
Round 1:
Lily sent out Seaking (Lv. 35), who charged with Aqua Jet. Rena barely moved — a flicker of psychic energy lifted Seaking mid-charge and gently set it back into the pool, dizzy but unharmed.
Alex raised a hand. "Psybeam, controlled output."
Rena's beam shimmered — Seaking fainted gracefully without harm.
"Winner: Rena!"
The sisters were already whispering among themselves.
---
Round 2:
Violet threw her Poké Ball. "Go, Starmie!"
Alex smiled. "Let's make it fair, Charmeleon!"
The Fire-type emerged with a proud roar, his tailflame reflecting in the water's surface.
Starmie opened with Swift, stars of light flying across the air.
Alex's voice was steady. "Dodge with Flame Dash—then Dragon Claw!"
Charmeleon blurred through the mist of steam, his claw glowing green before striking. Starmie staggered, its gem flickering out.
"Starmie is unable to battle!"
Delia clapped softly from the stands. Misty's eyes sparkled with pride.
---
Final Round:
Daisy smirked. "You've got skill, Professor Alex. But let's see how you handle this!"
She threw her Poké Ball. "Go, Gyarados!"
A massive serpent burst from the water, roaring loud enough to shake the walls.
Alex's expression didn't change. "Shiny Pidgeot — let's soar."
Pidgeot's brilliant crimson feathers caught the light as he rose above the arena, flames dancing along his wings.
The two giants faced off — water and wind clashing in the air.
"Hydro Pump!" Daisy called.
"Counter with Fire Tornado!"
The twin attacks collided, creating a spiraling vortex of steam and lightning. When it cleared, Gyarados was floating dazedly at the surface, fainted.
---
The arena fell silent before Daisy finally smiled. "We… officially concede."
She approached with the shining Cascade Badge, handing it to Alex. "You're more than strong, Professor. You're balanced — calm, decisive, and fair. The kind of trainer this city respects."
Alex nodded. "Thank you."
Misty stood beside him, pride glowing in her eyes. Her sisters gave her approving looks for the first time in years.
"You've changed, little sis," Violet said warmly. "Guess traveling with him was good for you."
Misty blushed slightly. "Y-Yeah, it's been… something special."
Delia smiled quietly, watching from the stands — pleased at both the battle's outcome and the bonds deepening between them all.