Normally, even with special conditions, Gym battles followed one basic rule: the same number of Pokémon on both sides. Numbers mattered. Two or three Pokémon working together could turn a fight around instantly.
Back in Pewter Gym, if Ash had only sent out Pikachu or Butterfree, there's no way he would have won as smoothly as he did.
So when Misty announced she wanted to fight him in a three-on-one match, Ash's jaw nearly hit the floor.
"You've gotta be kidding me, Misty! Gym battles are supposed to be fair, same number of Pokémon on each side! What's this three-against-one nonsense?!" he shouted, clearly annoyed.
"I know the rules," Misty replied, calm but firm. "But the rest of the Gym's lower-level Pokémon are still recovering at the Pokémon Center. Based on how many badges you've earned, and how long you've been traveling, I should be setting up the lowest-tier challenge for you. But I can't. The only option left is to use my strongest partner."
She crossed her arms and met Ash's glare. "I turned you down when you asked to battle me before. I'll be honest, my ace is my strongest partner, and she's been through way more training than your team. She's not on the same level as the powerhouse Pokémon most Gym Leaders use, but against your team right now? You don't stand a chance."
Ash winced at her bluntness. But she wasn't wrong.
Pikachu had just reached Advanced Intermediate. Butterfree and Pidgeotto weren't even Advanced yet. Against a Superior Peak Pokémon, the level gap was enormous.
Sure, clever tactics could bridge small gaps, but not this much. Misty had traveled with Ash long enough to know exactly where his limits were. And she had the home-field advantage: a water arena where her ace would shine.
In truth, Misty did have another Pokémon she could've used, her Goldeen, sitting at Superior Beginner and nearly ready to evolve. But she didn't want to test Ash with half measures. She wanted to face him at full power.
Not being able to meet him in an even three-on-three match was already a regret. At the very least, she wanted this: to show him her strongest Pokémon, to fight with everything she had, and, if she could, win.
Deep down, Misty had a hunch. If she didn't defeat Ash now, then later… it might already be impossible. His growth was too fast. In another year, who knew what kind of monster he'd become?
Ash clenched his fists, thought it over, and then smirked. "Fine. Three-on-one it is. But don't you dare say I didn't play fair if I manage to win!"
For Ash, the handicap didn't feel like an advantage at all. With the sheer level difference, even three Pokémon might not be enough. But that was exactly the kind of challenge he wanted.
"Then, as the Gym Leader, I'll send my Pokémon first," Misty said. She drew a Poké Ball from her belt and tossed it high. "Come out, my partner!"
With a flash, Starmie landed on the water, its purple body gleaming under the lights, the crimson gem at its core glowing like a heartbeat.
"It really is Starmie," Ash muttered, his eyes narrowing. He looked down at the small figure by his feet. "Ralts, watch carefully from here, okay? You won't be battling today. I'll show you how your trainers fight."
He picked up her Poké Ball, then threw another forward. "Butterfree, I choose you!"
"Starting with Butterfree, huh? Figures." Misty smirked, hands on her hips. "But don't think the same tricks you pulled on Brock will work on me."
Ash's tried-and-true combo, Sleep Powder, String Shot, Supersonic, had carried him through Pewter. But here, in Cerulean's water arena, Misty had every advantage. Starmie was faster, stronger, and had the pool at its back. Even if Sleep Powder touched it, the water would wash it away before it could take effect.
"Butterfree, use Sleep Powder!" Ash called, ignoring her taunt.
"I told you, that won't work! Starmie, into the water!"
With a splash, Starmie dove gracefully beneath the surface. Green motes drifted harmlessly onto the empty platform before dissolving. Misty crossed her arms, certain of her advantage.
But Ash's eyes narrowed. "That's exactly what I wanted. Butterfree, return! I choose you, Pidgeotto!"
"Pid-geotto!" The bird Pokémon burst forth, wings beating proudly as it took to the air for its first Gym battle.
Misty raised an eyebrow. "So you finally realized Butterfree can't touch Starmie."
Ash grinned. "Butterfree did its job. It forced Starmie into the water. Now… Pidgeotto, use Twister!"
The bird's wings whipped furiously, conjuring a spiraling cyclone that roared across the pool. The vortex tore through the surface, dragging water upward in a towering spiral. The currents churned so violently that Starmie was caught in the raging whirlpool, spinning helplessly inside.
"Wha—?!" Misty's eyes widened. "He turned the water against me?!"
She hadn't expected Ash to counterattack with her own battlefield. The Twister's suction, combined with the turbulent water, pinned Starmie in place. The pool sloshed wildly, waves crashing over the edges as the water level dropped from the cyclone's pull.
"Starmie, get out of there, hurry!" Misty cried.
The suction of the Twister, combined with the violent churning of the water, was overwhelming. Starmie spun helplessly inside the vortex, its jewel flashing erratically as it struggled against the raging current.