Ash had earned the Water Drop Badge, and Misty was feeling much better thanks to Ralts, who seemed to sense her mood and jumped into her arms to offer a comforting hug.
Although still young, Ralts showed remarkable emotional intelligence, and would likely grow into a wise and smart 'young lady'.
Holding Ralts, Misty looked at her three sisters with a complex expression. Not long ago, she had boasted in front of them, declaring her intention to demonstrate the true essence of a Trainer.
But now she was defeated so badly; her sisters wouldn't miss the chance to tease her, would they?
The eldest sister, Sayo, stepped forward and... placed her hand on Misty's head.
"Eh?"
"What, did you think we'd mock you? You did great, Misty. If it were us, even with the same Pokémon, we'd probably lose even more embarrassingly." Sayo teased with a smile.
"Although your beauty doesn't match ours, we acknowledge your Pokémon commanding skills. This battle wasn't your fault, Misty. We've seen so many matches, but never a Trainer as unconventional as this guy." Violet awkwardly comforted Misty, glancing at Ash.
Ash pointed at himself, his mouth twitching slightly. What did she mean by "as unconventional as him"? His strategies were quite standard, thank you very much. He was getting a bad rap out of nowhere.
"We were wrong before. It's truly challenging to be a Gym Leader, battling others and guiding them while bearing the pressure of possible defeat. It's a tough responsibility." Penny hesitated but shared her true feelings.
Misty, tearful, looked at her three sisters. How many years had it been... how many years since they had spoken to her so kindly!
After all the talk, nothing compared to letting them actually experience it. It was only by experiencing the role of a Gym Leader that they understood just how hard it was!
"No... no worries, sisters, you work hard too. Without the money you earned, I wouldn't have been able to train Starmie to be so strong. I was wrong before too."
The four sisters finally opened up, resolving the issues in their hearts.
Then, Misty appeared hesitant. She looked at Ash and Brock, then at Sayo and the others, feeling conflicted.
Since her sisters admitted their mistakes, should she return to her role as leader? If Sayo and her sisters were to take on the role, aside from how exhausting it would be to balance performances and gym duties, the reputation of Cerulean Gym might plummet.
In the Gym, only her Pokémon were at an Advanced Level... Precisely speaking, the Pokémon that could be commanded were at an Elite Level.
The Gym also housed a trump card Pokémon with a level as high as Professional Level, but that Pokémon... Not even Misty, let alone Sayo and the others, could probably command it.
Moreover, Misty harbored a deep-seated fear of that Pokémon and wouldn't use it unless absolutely necessary.
So in terms of strength, Starmie was the strongest she could exhibit. Having her guard the Gym would be best for Cerulean Gym's future and reputation.
But... she was reluctant to leave this group. In just a few weeks with Ash, she felt like she had experienced more excitement than in her entire life.
Traveling with Ash seemed to reveal many wonders unseen by common eyes, whether it be Ho-Oh, the Shiny Ralts, or the peculiar sight of Ash withstands Pokémon attacks with just his body...
These thrilling experiences were not something one could witness staying within the Gym.
So Misty found herself deeply conflicted, whether to stay with Ash or at the Gym.
"Misty, go on the journey." Sayo seemingly saw through Misty's thoughts, softly making the decision for her.
"Sister Sayo..."
"Only by seeing the outside world can you walk further on the path of a Trainer. Isn't that what you said? Staying here might one day make you reach the level of our parents, but that wouldn't be enough... I look forward to the day you truly become the strongest Gym Trainer in the Kanto Region, as you said."
Sayo smiled encouragingly at Misty.
If Misty chose to stay at the Gym, it would indeed be beneficial for Cerulean Gym. It wouldn't be long before her Pokémon reached the Professional Level, lifting Cerulean Gym from the title of the weakest Gym.
But this wouldn't be good for Misty's long-term development.
That's why Sayo encouraged Misty to leave Cerulean Gym and explore the wider world with Ash and the others.
As for the mess at Cerulean Gym...
The Gym assessment wasn't going to happen anytime soon, so being the weakest Gym was fine for now.
She believed in Misty; once Misty returned, Cerulean Gym would surely reach new heights. Until then, their sisters would hold the fort.
"Exactly, didn't you say you would become stronger than our parents? You haven't fulfilled that boast yet."
"Just go already. Whether you're here or not, Cerulean Gym remains the weakest. You might as well become stronger and come back."
Misty's other two sisters teased her openly but complimented her indirectly.
Though their words were sharp, they genuinely hoped for Misty's success.
Misty wiped away her tears, displaying a determined expression: "I understand. I'll become stronger and stronger and then return to revitalize Cerulean Gym! Until then, you must hold on!"
...
"Goodbye, make sure to visit Cerulean Gym when you have the chance!"
"And Misty, remember to capture some strong Pokémon and send them back. Your sisters don't want to lose so badly every time!"
"That's right! Also, Misty, I took a picture of you crying before. I'll show it to you when you become a powerful Trainer~"
Violet's words left Misty, who was happily waving goodbye, with a stiff expression. Just now, she felt warm from her sister's affection, but that had to be an illusion!
These sisters still loved to tease her!
Setting off again, Misty left her evolving Goldeen at home. With regular care, it should evolve into a Seaking within a month, providing her sisters some capability to fend off challengers.
Thus, the trio set out again for the next Gym—Vermilion Gym!