The Cerulean Gym was elegant and modern, with a large indoor pool that served as the battlefield. Water cascaded from various levels, and the facility gleamed with professional maintenance.
Misty stood at the far end of the pool in her gym leader attire—confident, composed, and radiating experience. She had red hair tied back, sharp eyes, and the bearing of someone who'd traveled with a legend.
She watched Andrew approach with Pikachu on his shoulder, and her expression shifted—recognition, but also confusion.
"Welcome to Cerulean Gym," Misty said. "I'm Misty, the Gym Leader. You here for a badge challenge?"
"Yes, ma'am," Andrew replied. "I'm Andrew. I've got my first badge from Pewter. I'd like to challenge you for the Cascade Badge."
Misty studied him more closely. "Andrew… there's something familiar about you. Have we met before?"
"Not directly," Andrew said, meeting her gaze steadily. "But you might have known my parents. James and Jessie."
Misty's entire body went rigid. Her eyes widened, and her hand moved instinctively toward a Pokéball—then stopped. She took a sharp breath.
"James and Jessie?" she said quietly. "Team Rocket?"
"Former Team Rocket," Andrew said calmly. "They left that life a long time ago. They're good people now. And I'm here to prove that I'm not defined by their past—I'm defined by who I choose to be."
There was a long moment of silence. Misty's jaw tightened. Then she nodded slowly.
"Alright," she said. "We'll settle this in battle. If you've got the skill to back up that confidence, then your parents' past isn't my concern. But I'm warning you—I don't go easy on anyone."
Andrew smiled slightly. "I wouldn't expect you to."
Misty gestured to the pool. "This match will be three-on-three. You, as the challenger, can switch out after I send my Pokémon. Standard rules apply. Ready?"
"Ready," Andrew confirmed.
Both trainers took their positions on opposite sides of the arena. The referee—a neutral official in formal attire—stood between them.
"Gym Leader Misty versus Challenger Andrew," the referee announced. "This is a three-on-three match. The challenger may switch Pokémon. Pokémon are unable to battle when they can no longer continue. The match ends when all three of one trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue. Let the battle begin!"
Round One: Charmeleon vs Staryu
Misty threw her first Pokéball. "Staryu, let's start!"
A beautiful starfish Pokémon emerged, spinning gracefully in the water. Its core glowed with a warm light.
Andrew threw his first Pokéball. "Charmeleon, I choose you!"
Charmeleon burst from his ball, landing on a floating platform. The fire-type was visibly nervous—water was not his element. But Andrew could see the determination in his eyes.
"This isn't going to be easy," Andrew called out, "but we've trained for this! Charmeleon, use Dragon Claw!"
Charmeleon roared and extended his arms. The dragon energy coalesced around his forearms, forming glowing claws. He leaped forward across the floating platforms.
"Staryu, Water Gun!" Misty commanded.
A jet of water shot toward Charmeleon, who barely twisted in midair to dodge. He landed on another platform and immediately launched forward again, slashing with Dragon Claw.
The attack connected—Staryu's core flickered as it took the hit.
But Misty was experienced. "Staryu, Rapid Spin into the water!"
Staryu dove beneath the surface, spinning like a buzzsaw. The water churned violently, and suddenly Staryu launched upward like a missile, striking Charmeleon hard from below.
Charmeleon was sent flying, crashing onto a platform. He struggled to his feet, panting heavily.
"You're doing great!" Andrew encouraged. "One more Dragon Claw—give it everything!"
Charmeleon roared and charged again, his claws blazing with dragon energy. Staryu met him head-on with another Rapid Spin.
The two attacks collided in a massive burst of energy. Water sprayed everywhere. Dragon force crackled through the air. The gym shook from the impact.
When the mist cleared, both Pokémon were down—Charmeleon collapsed on a platform, Staryu floating motionless in the water.
The referee raised both flags. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle! This round is a draw!"
Andrew recalled Charmeleon with pride, pressing the Pokéball to his chest. "You were amazing. Rest now."
Misty recalled Staryu with a small smile. "Not bad at all."
Round Two: Pikachu vs Starmie
"Starmie, you're up!" Misty called, throwing her second Pokéball.
A larger, more evolved starfish Pokémon emerged—Starmie, with its purple body and gleaming jewel core. This one radiated power and experience.
Andrew didn't hesitate. "Pikachu, I need you!"
Pikachu leaped from Andrew's shoulder onto the battlefield, electricity crackling around his cheeks. The mouse Pokémon looked determined despite the type disadvantage.
"Starmie, Hydro Pump!"
A massive torrent of water blasted toward Pikachu.
"Quick Attack to dodge, then Thunderbolt!" Andrew commanded.
Pikachu became a blur, dodging the water stream with incredible agility and firing back with a powerful Thunderbolt. The electricity struck Starmie directly—the water-type cried out but held its ground, more resilient than expected.
"Starmie, Psybeam!"
A rainbow-colored beam shot from Starmie's core. Pikachu barely rolled out of the way, the psychic energy scorching the platform where he'd been standing.
The battle intensified. Starmie was fast, powerful, and had type advantage. But Pikachu was faster, more agile, and Andrew's training had paid off.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail glowed metallic silver as he spun and struck Starmie hard. The psychic-water type reeled backward, its core flickering.
"Now, Thunderbolt again!"
Another blast of electricity. Starmie was weakening, but it wasn't done yet.
"Starmie, Recover!"
The starfish Pokémon's core glowed brightly as it began healing itself, its injuries fading.
Andrew gritted his teeth. They couldn't let this drag on. "We can't let it recover completely! Pikachu, use Chidori!"
Pikachu's eyes widened—then narrowed with determination. This was it. The move they'd been practicing.
Electricity surged through Pikachu's body, channeling down into his paws. He brought his forearms together, spinning them rapidly. The electricity concentrated into a tight, rotating lance of pure electrical energy—crackling, focused, deadly.
Pikachu charged forward with blinding speed.
Misty's eyes widened. "What is that move?!"
"Pikachu, strike!"
Pikachu's electrified paws pierced through Starmie's Recover technique, striking the core directly. The concentrated electricity didn't spread—it pierced, driving deep into the water-type's defenses like a spear.
Starmie's jewel flickered violently, then went dark.
The Pokémon collapsed into the water.
The referee raised his flag. "Starmie is unable to battle! The challenger wins this round!"
Misty stared in disbelief for a moment, then recalled her Pokémon. "That was… I've never seen a move like that before."
Andrew was breathing hard, and Pikachu was visibly exhausted, his breathing labored. "It's something we've been working on."
Misty's expression hardened with respect. "Alright then. Let's see how you handle this. Gyarados, let's finish this!"
Round Three: Pikachu vs Gyarados
The water exploded as a massive serpentine Pokémon emerged—Gyarados, towering at over twenty feet tall and intimidating beyond measure. Its roar shook the entire gym, rattling the windows.
Pikachu looked up at the massive water-dragon type, exhausted but refusing to back down.
"Pikachu," Andrew said quietly, "you've already done so much. If you need to rest—"
"Pika!" Pikachu snapped back, electricity crackling weakly around his cheeks. His message was clear: I'm finishing this.
Andrew smiled, pride swelling in his chest. "Then let's win this together."
"Gyarados, Hydro Pump!"
A colossal stream of water—wider than Pikachu's entire body—blasted toward the mouse Pokémon.
"Quick Attack, evade and circle!" Andrew commanded.
Pikachu moved like lightning despite his exhaustion, dodging the water and racing around the arena, forcing Gyarados to track him with its massive head.
"Thunderbolt!"
The electricity struck Gyarados—and the massive Pokémon roared in pain. Electric attacks were super effective against water-flying types.
But Gyarados wasn't going down easily. "Gyarados, Dragon Rage!"
A blast of draconic energy erupted from Gyarados's mouth. Pikachu was caught in the explosion and sent flying, crashing onto a platform with a sickening thud.
"Pikachu!" Andrew shouted, his voice cracking.
The mouse Pokémon struggled to stand, breathing hard. He was running on sheer willpower now, his legs trembling.
"Gyarados, finish this with Aqua Tail!"
Gyarados's massive tail glowed with water energy as it swung downward like a hammer.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail to counter!"
Pikachu's tail glowed metallic, and he leaped upward to meet the attack. The two tails collided with a deafening CLANG that echoed through the gym, and both Pokémon were thrown backward from the sheer force.
Pikachu landed hard, barely keeping himself upright.
Andrew knew this was it. One more attack would decide everything.
"Pikachu… can you do it? One more Chidori?"
Pikachu looked back at Andrew, exhausted but determined. His eyes burned with resolve. He nodded.
Electricity began to surge through Pikachu's body again. Slower this time. More strained. The effort was visible—but the focus was there. The energy channeled into his paws, spinning, condensing into that piercing lance of electricity.
"Gyarados, Hydro Pump! End this!"
The massive water blast launched toward Pikachu—an overwhelming wall of water.
"Pikachu, charge through it!"
Pikachu ran forward—directly into the Hydro Pump. The water pressure was immense, pushing against him with crushing force. But the Chidori technique pierced through the stream, creating a path. The spinning electricity cut through the water like a drill.
Pikachu pushed forward with everything he had left.
Closer.
Closer.
His vision blurred. His muscles screamed.
Strike!
Pikachu's electrified paws struck Gyarados's chest directly. The concentrated electricity surged through the water-type's body in a devastating cascade.
Gyarados roared—a sound of pain and defeat—then collapsed into the pool with a massive splash that sent water flying across the entire gym.
Silence filled the arena.
The referee raised his flag, voice ringing out. "Gyarados is unable to battle! The winner is Challenger Andrew!"
Pikachu collapsed onto a floating platform, completely exhausted. His eyes closed.
Andrew rushed forward, splashing through shallow water, and scooped up his partner carefully.
"You were incredible," Andrew whispered, cradling Pikachu. "I'm so proud of you."
"Pika…" Pikachu managed weakly, nuzzling against Andrew's chest before going limp in his arms—not unconscious, just utterly spent.
After the Battle
Misty recalled Gyarados and walked across the pool's edge toward Andrew. Her expression was a mix of respect, astonishment, and genuine admiration.
"That was one of the most intense battles I've had in years," Misty said. "Your Pikachu fought with everything it had. And that technique—Chidori—I've never seen anything like it. Where did you learn that?"
Andrew smiled tiredly, still holding Pikachu. "We created it together. It's not in any training manual."
Misty's eyebrows rose. "You created it? That's… that's advanced-level training. Most trainers don't innovate like that until they've been battling for years."
"I guess I like to think outside the box," Andrew said.
Misty reached into her jacket and pulled out a badge shaped like a water droplet—the Cascade Badge, gleaming in the gym's light.
"You've earned this," she said, handing it to him. "You're a skilled trainer, Andrew. And whatever your parents' past might be… you're forging your own path. I respect that."
Andrew accepted the badge with his free hand, holding it up carefully so Pikachu could see. The mouse Pokémon's eyes fluttered open slightly, and a weak smile crossed his face.
"Alright!" Andrew said, his voice full of emotion. "I got the Cascade Badge!"
Pikachu gave a weak but triumphant, "Pika!"
Misty smiled. "Get your Pokémon to the Pokémon Center. They've earned a good rest."
"Thank you, Misty," Andrew said sincerely. "This battle… it meant a lot."
"To me too," Misty replied. "Good luck on your journey, Andrew. Something tells me we'll be hearing your name again."
That Night - Misty's Phone Call
Misty sat in her private quarters that evening, staring at her video phone. She hesitated for a moment, then dialed a familiar number.
The screen flickered, and a young man's face appeared—older now, with familiar dark hair and warm brown eyes that had seen countless battles. Ash Ketchum, World Monarch and longtime friend.
"Misty!" Ash grinned widely. "Hey! How's it going? It's been a while!"
"Hey, Ash," Misty said with a smile. "Sorry to call so late. I know you're busy with the World Tournament prep."
"Never too busy for you," Ash replied warmly. "What's up? You look like something's on your mind."
Misty leaned back in her chair. "I had an interesting battle today. A new trainer—just starting his journey. Got his first badge from Forrest at Pewter Gym."
"Oh yeah? How'd it go?"
"He won," Misty said simply. "Three-on-three. His Charmeleon drew with my Staryu, and then his Pikachu took down both Starmie and Gyarados."
Ash's eyes widened in surprise. "His Pikachu beat your Gyarados? That's seriously impressive! Your Gyarados is no joke."
"That's not even the craziest part," Misty continued, leaning forward. "He used this technique I've never seen before—called it Chidori. It was this concentrated, piercing electrical attack that punched straight through my Pokémon's defenses. Completely original. He said he created it himself."
Ash leaned forward, genuinely interested now. "Created his own move? That's really advanced for a new trainer. What's his name?"
"Andrew," Misty said quietly, watching Ash's reaction carefully. "And here's the thing, Ash… his parents are James and Jessie."
Ash's expression froze. His eyes went wide. "Wait… Team Rocket James and Jessie? Jessie and James?"
"Former Team Rocket," Misty clarified quickly. "Apparently they left that life behind years ago. Started a family. But yeah, those two."
Ash was silent for a moment, processing. His expression cycled through surprise, nostalgia, and something softer. "Wow. I never thought… I mean, we haven't heard from them in years. I always wondered what happened to them after they stopped following us around."
"The kid's got nothing to do with Team Rocket," Misty said firmly. "He's his own person. He's fighting his own battles, making his own path. And honestly, Ash… he reminded me of you."
"Me?" Ash looked genuinely surprised. "How?"
"Yeah," Misty said with a small, fond smile. "When you were just starting out. That determination. That bond with his Pokémon. The way he fights—not just to win, but because he genuinely cares about his team. The way his Pikachu refused to give up even when exhausted. He's got that same fire you had back in the day."
Ash smiled softly, a bit nostalgic. "That's high praise coming from you, Misty."
"I mean it," Misty said seriously. "I think he's going to go far. And if he keeps developing techniques like that Chidori move… he might become something really special. Maybe even World Monarch material someday."
"Sounds like someone worth keeping an eye on," Ash agreed thoughtfully. "Thanks for telling me, Misty. If he's really that good, and he's creating original techniques… yeah, I'd like to meet him someday."
"I figured you'd want to know," Misty said. "Especially given the history with his parents."
"Yeah," Ash said, his expression distant for a moment. "Jessie and James… they weren't bad people. Just… misguided. If they found a better path, I'm happy for them. And their kid sounds like he's doing them proud."
They talked for a little while longer—catching up on tournament schedules, mutual friends, memories of old battles. After the call ended, Misty sat in the quiet of her room, thinking about the young trainer who'd challenged her that day.
James and Jessie's son.
A kid with his own dream, his own path, his own bond with his Pokémon.
And the determination to see it through, no matter what.
She smiled to herself.
"Good luck, Andrew," she whispered to the empty room. "Something tells me you're going to need it. The road ahead won't be easy."
Outside her window, the moon hung full and bright over Cerulean City, casting silver light across the water. Somewhere out there, a young trainer was resting with his team, one step closer to his dreams.
And the world was starting to take notice.
A/N how was it. Do u think I introduced ash to early or was it okay