Austin took a deep breath as he stepped onto the Nugget Bridge. It was similar to the games in the sense that it wasn't some grand bridge, but so much different. Then again, you couldn't really compare the 2D designs to a 3D structure in real life. The bridge was a sturdy, stone structure with a grand arch in the center and smaller arches on either side, spanning a sparkling canal below. Shops and vendor stalls lined the walkway on both sides, their colorful awnings flapping gently in the breeze. Trainers and spectators gathered around, creating a lively atmosphere as battles took place along the bridge's length.

"Pika!" Pikachu chirped from behind, trotting up to Austin with a little bounce in his step, eyes wide with excitement as he spotted trainers preparing for their own challenges on the bridge.

Austin bent down with a smirk. "Easy there, buddy. Today's not your fight."

Pikachu gave him a disbelieving look, crossing his tiny arms.

"C'mon, we talked about this. You need to rest up a bit more before we get you back into battles."

With a dramatic huff, Pikachu looked away, clearly unimpressed with his trainer's decision. Austin chuckled, shaking his head as they continued toward the top of the bridge.

At the crest, Austin noticed a battle in progress. A Starmie was getting knocked out by a Butterfree, the defeated trainer groaning as he handed over a handful of cash to an older man standing nearby. The man, dressed head to toe in black with a long coat and a dark hat that cast a shadow over his face, looked up just in time to catch Austin's eye.

"Hey, you the guy running this challenge?"

The man nodded, sizing Austin up with a critical gaze. "That's right. This here is the Nugget Bridge Challenge. Five trainers in a row, no breaks, no items allowed mid-battle. You make it through without getting knocked out, and you win the grand prize."

"What's the prize?"

The man's lips curled into a small smile. "A shiny, golden nugget. And bragging rights, of course. But there's a fee to enter. Two thousand Pokédollars."

Austin snorted. "Two thousand just to take a walk on a bridge and knock out some rookies? That's a bit steep, don't you think?"

"Then don't take the challenge, kid."

Austin's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Tell you what," he said, voice calm but confident. "I'll pay double if I lose. But if I win, I don't pay a thing."

The man raised an eyebrow, his gaze appraising. "Cocky, aren't you? Alright, kid, you got yourself a deal." He held out his hand, and Austin shook it firmly.

"Perfect," Austin said, pulling out his wallet to hand over the cash. As he did, a voice rang out behind him.

"Well then, Mr. Mysterious," a girl said with a teasing lilt, "if you win, how about you show me what you're hiding under that scarf?"

Austin was dressed in a dark green sweater layered under a brown coat, with a neatly wrapped scarf covering his mouth. A pair of sunglasses hid his eyes, and a hat cast a shadow over his face, giving him an air of quiet mystery.

"Let me guess," she continued with a raised eyebrow. "Hiding from a secret past? Maybe you're an undercover agent?" She winked.

Austin chuckled, adjusting his scarf a bit tighter. "Or maybe I just don't want everyone in town to recognize me as the guy who stomped five trainers in a row."

The girl laughed. "Alright, let's see if you can back up that talk."

"Don't worry," Austin replied smoothly. "You'll have a front-row seat."

As she stepped onto the battlefield, she tossed out a Pokéball, and in a flash of light, a menacing Beedrill appeared, its stingers glinting under the midday sun.

Pikachu tugged at Austin's pant leg, letting out an insistent "Pika!" and giving him a determined look.

"Pikachu, please. We agreed—no battling today," Austin said, holding out a peace offering in the form of a ketchup packet. "How about one of these?"

Pikachu shot him a withering glare, crossing his little arms.

"Fine," Austin sighed. "Two packets."

Pikachu's eyes softened, but he still huffed and looked away, clearly holding out for more.

Austin leaned down and whispered, "Come on, buddy. Let Vee have this one, okay? Besides, once you're rested up, I'll teach you something special."

Pikachu's ears perked up, curiosity piqued as he looked back at Austin with a little "Pika?"

Austin grinned. "It's called Counter Shield."

Suddenly, without a hint of concern for their conversation, the older man stepped up and called out, "Alright, trainers! Let the battle begin!"

Austin took a deep breath and reached for a Pokéball at his belt.

"Alright, Vee, let's show 'em what you've got!" With a flick of his wrist, he released Umbreon onto the field.

The sleek, dark Pokémon emerged gracefully, his golden rings glowing as he surveyed the battlefield with a calm, intense gaze. Across from him, Beedrill hovered menacingly, its stingers poised and ready.

"Swift!" Austin commanded.

Umbreon's tail-tip began to glow a brilliant yellow before releasing a flurry of star-shaped projectiles that shot toward Beedrill, spinning through the air like shurikens.

"Laser Focus!" the girl countered, her eyes sharp as she watched the field.

Beedrill's eyes narrowed, glowing with intense concentration as it darted through the air, weaving in and out with expert precision, not a single star landing a hit. As it dodged, Beedrill spiraled toward Umbreon, then abruptly flew upward, leaving the swirling Swift stars to continue their trajectory—right back toward their origin. In a flash, the glowing stars crashed into Umbreon, knocking him backward as smoke enveloped the area.

Austin's eyes narrowed, impressed but wary. That was no rookie's strategy. Not only had the girl used Swift against him, but with Laser Focus in play, her next attack was guaranteed to be a critical hit.

A smile crept onto her face as she peered through the smoke. "Looks like I win," she taunted. "Fury Cutter, now!"

Beedrill crossed its stingers, which glowed a vibrant green and grew in size before it shot forward like a missile, aiming directly into the smoke cloud.

"Pursuer," Austin said, voice low and calm.

From within the smoke, Vee's crimson eyes glowed, tracking Beedrill's movements. In a flash, Umbreon burst out of the smoke like a black comet, shrouded in a faint, dark red aura. His paw glowed with the crimson-black energy of Assurance, combining it with the speed of Quick Attack. This combo—Pursuer—was a move Austin and Vee had been practicing, capitalizing on Vee's Inner Focus ability to deliver a decisive counterattack.

With a fierce, sweeping motion, the dark type slammed into Beedrill mid-air, the crimson aura doubling the attack's power as Beedrill was sent flying like a rag doll.

"Beedrill!" the girl called out, concern flickering in her eyes as her Pokémon struggled to stand.

Austin saw his opening. "Finish it. Ember!"

Vee opened his mouth, a small, fiery glow gathering at his throat before he released a spray of hot embers down on Beedrill. The tiny flames struck the bug type just as it was trying to lift itself off the ground, igniting it in a burst of red and orange. The bug-type shrieked as greenish energy pulsed from its body—a desperate last surge from its Swarm ability, boosting its power as its health hit critical levels.

The girl seized the opportunity. "Beedrill, Fury Cutter!"

Despite the flames licking its body, Beedrill's stingers glowed green and elongated as it cut through the ember attack, buzzing toward Umbreon with renewed fury. It was relentless, fueled by Swarm, slicing through the air with vicious intent.

"Hidden Power—Dark."

Vee crouched low, energy crackling around him as he formed an orb of light. He let it hover for a moment, timing his attack with precision, then slammed it down into the ground. The orb shattered, unleashing an omnidirectional wave of darkness that radiated outwards, enveloping Beedrill in its shadowy tendrils.

Beedrill faltered mid-attack, its form engulfed by the wave of dark energy, before it crumpled to the ground, knocked out cold.

The girl's shoulders slumped, but she offered a small smile as she recalled her fallen Pokémon. "Good job, Beedrill. You did great." She then pulled out another Pokéball, tossing it forward. "Let's go, Butterfree!"

In a flash of light, her Butterfree appeared, its vibrant wings spreading wide as it fluttered gracefully above the battlefield.

As Austin recalled Umbreon, he patted the Pokéball gently, whispering under his breath, "Let's do a little switcheroo, Flareon." He slipped the Pokéball into his bag on the right, casually drawing out another identical Pokéball from the left. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed it onto the battlefield.

In another flash of light, Vee emerged, now in his Flareon form. The transformation was smooth, seamless—and exactly what Austin needed to keep his opponent on her toes.

The girl raised an eyebrow, her surprise evident. "Wow, two evolutions of Eevee. Guess you're full of tricks," she muttered, pursing her lips in realization. "That's not exactly fair, you know."

Austin shrugged, adjusting his scarf. "Are you going to give up?"

She shook her head, a stubborn grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Not a chance. I've got a paycheck on the line here."

Austin's gaze flicked briefly to the older man standing off to the side, watching the match intently. There was something about him—a calculating look in his eyes that made Austin uneasy. But he pushed the thought aside, refocusing on the battle.

"Alright, Butterfree," the girl called out, her voice sharp with determination. "Let's show them what we're made of!"

The match didn't last long.

"Good match," she muttered, though her voice was tight. Austin noticed her hands trembling slightly as she clipped the Pokéball back to her belt. It wasn't just disappointment—there was something else in her expression, a hint of nervousness that caught his attention.

Before he could ask her about it, his next opponent stepped up. This time, it was a kid with a Rattata and a Nidorino, both looking fierce but ultimately falling to Vee's precise attacks. One by one, challengers came forward, and one by one, they fell, each battle feeling a little easier than the last.

But something felt off.

As Austin observed the trainers, he noticed a pattern: none of them looked like locals. Their desperation grew with each defeat, their strategies more erratic, their faces tinged with worry.

Finally, after a decisive blow from Flareon's Hidden Power Fire took down his fifth opponent's Bellsprout, Austin felt a strange tension lift from the air. The last trainer slumped, looking defeated, as the older man approached him.

"Well, well," the man said with a slow clap, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Congratulations, kid. Not many make it through all five battles unscathed." He reached into his coat and produced a small black box, opening it to reveal a shiny, golden orb—a Gold Nugget.

Austin's eyes narrowed as he reached out to take the item, feeling its weight in his hand. It was lighter than he'd expected, but the solid gleam of gold from the games was unmistakable.

The man watched him with a calculating gaze, his voice lowering to a near whisper, thick with a sinister undertone. "You know, you've got real skill for a young trainer. We could use someone like you… in an organization that can make you even stronger. Think about it. Power, money, respect—all within reach if you join us."

Bingo, Austin thought, keeping his expression neutral. He knew about the Nugget Bridge in the games, a hidden Team Rocket recruiter disguised as a regular trainer. But he hadn't known who it would be—or how it would go down in the real world. That was why he'd donned the dark academia disguise in the first place, to avoid being recognized or pursued. Unlike in the games, he doubted Team Rocket would take "no" for an answer so easily.

Feigning innocence, Austin tilted his head. "Can I ask you something?"

The man raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Of course."

"If I join this… 'organization' of yours, am I gonna end up like those five?" Austin gestured casually toward the defeated trainers around him, who were casting nervous glances at the older man.

The man's face hardened slightly. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on," Austin said, his tone turning sharp. "You tricked those five into working for you, didn't you? Probably some scam organization you roped them into. I mean, they don't look too happy about their so-called 'employment.'"

The man's expression shifted, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Those five signed legitimate contracts," he said, his voice a bit too defensive.

"No, we didn't!" the girl from earlier burst out, her voice cracking. "You told us we'd get paid after this—promised us a big reward! We haven't seen a single Pokédollar!"

The man's face darkened, and with a swift motion, he released an Arbok in front of the trainers. The massive snake hissed as it rose up menacingly, its hood flared. The trainers backed up, fear evident in their eyes.

Austin clenched his jaw. He could have just walked away from this mess, left the trainers to deal with their mistake. But as he looked at their terrified faces, he cursed his own nature. He couldn't stand by and let Team Rocket make more victims.

"Sword Strike!"

Pikachu, who had been watching the entire scene eagerly, finally sprang into action, disappearing in a flash of yellow as he dashed forward. He reappeared directly in front of the Arbok, his tail glowing with a metallic sheen as he swung it like a sword. The Iron Tail connected with a resounding smack, sending the poison-type flying off the bridge and into the canal with a splash.

"No!" the older man shouted, running to the edge of the bridge to recall his Arbok from the water. He turned back to Austin, fury blazing in his eyes, just as the boy calmly reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek, black taser.

With a quick trigger pull, the taser shot forward, sending electric prongs into the man's chest. He convulsed, a garbled shout escaping his lips as he spasmed and fell to the ground, twitching from the shock.

"You're making a big mistake, kid," the man hissed through gritted teeth. "My organization doesn't take kindly to people like you. They won't let this go."

Austin smirked, his voice dripping with mock fear. "Oh, I'm so scared." With a swift kick to the man's head, he knocked him out cold.

Turning to the five trainers, Austin found them staring at him like he was an alien. After a beat, he gestured toward the road leading back to the city. "Someone call Officer Jenny."

Two of the trainers nodded quickly and ran off to find the authorities. The girl, the first one he'd battled, lingered for a moment, looking at him with a mixture of awe and gratitude.

"Thank you," she called, her voice a little shaky.

Austin gave her a casual wave as he picked up the box, tossed the gold nugget inside, and tucked it securely into his bag. Without another word, he turned and began walking off the bridge, a satisfied smile hidden beneath his scarf.

As he made his way down the path, he muttered to Pikachu, "Alright, let's go sell this thing. Misty's tournament isn't going to fund itself."

Pikachu squeaked in agreement, clearly proud of his own performance. But as they walked away, Austin couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him from the shadows.

Austin slipped into a quiet alley on the east side of Cerulean City, his sharp eyes scanning the streets for any sign of trouble. It wasn't paranoia—it was pragmatism. Team Rocket wouldn't just let him walk away after humiliating one of their recruiters, and the last thing he wanted was to be easy to track. Tugging his scarf a little tighter, he let out a soft sigh, his breath misting in the cool afternoon air.

Ahead of him, tucked between a fishmonger's stall and a modest flower shop, was a tiny clothing store with a faded wooden sign that read "Whirl Tail Fashions." The storefront looked like it had been around for decades, its windows filled with mannequins dressed in dated but sturdy clothing. What caught Austin's attention wasn't the quaint vibe but the lack of security—no cameras, no flashy ads, and no curious eyes. It was perfect.

As he stepped inside, the soft chime of a bell echoed through the shop. The interior was dimly lit, smelling faintly of lavender and old wood. Clothes of all kinds—jackets, shirts, trousers—were crammed onto racks that seemed like they hadn't been reorganized in years. Behind the counter, an elderly woman with kind, crinkled eyes looked up from where she was carefully folding a scarf. Her silver hair was pinned neatly beneath a floral-patterned kerchief, and by her side, a Poliwhirl stood at attention, its round body swaying slightly with a soft, rhythmic "Poli… Poli…"

"Welcome, dear," the woman greeted warmly, her voice as soothing as a lullaby. She adjusted her glasses and gave Austin a once-over, pausing at his scarf and sunglasses. "My, you're dressed awfully fancy for the east side. Need something more local, do you?"

Austin offered her a polite nod. "Yeah, I'm looking to change into something that... blends in a little better."

The woman smiled knowingly, as if she understood exactly what he meant. "Ah, a traveler trying to keep a low profile, hmm? Don't you worry, love. We'll find you something just right. Poli, help the young man, will you?"

"Poli!" the Poliwhirl chirped, waddling over to a rack of clothes with surprising efficiency. It pulled out a few pieces—practical, sturdy garments—and held them up for inspection.

Austin chuckled softly at the sight. "Got an eye for fashion, huh?"

The old woman laughed as she folded another scarf. "Oh, Poli's got more style than half the folks in this city. Now, let's see… something comfortable, nothing too flashy…"

After a few minutes, Austin found himself holding a new outfit: a cream-colored button-up shirt, a dark gray cardigan that looked well-worn but cozy, and a pair of straight-cut olive-green trousers. A brown newsboy cap completed the look, along with a pair of scuffed leather boots that felt like they'd seen their fair share of Cerulean's canals.

"Try it on, dear," the woman encouraged, gesturing to a curtained-off corner in the back. "No rush."

Austin stepped behind the curtain, carefully peeling off his dark academia-style clothes. As he swapped his old outfit for the new one, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The cardigan was soft and smelled faintly of cedar, and the boots fit snugly.

When he stepped back out, the old woman clapped her hands together, delighted. "Oh, look at you! A proper local now, you are. Poli, don't you think he looks dashing?"

"Poli!" the Pokémon croaked with a vigorous nod.

Austin chuckled, adjusting the cap on his head. "Thanks. This is perfect."

The woman waved off his gratitude with a warm smile. "Nonsense, dear. A good outfit should make you feel like yourself, not just someone else. Now, you take care out there, alright? The east side's no place for trouble."

Austin handed her the money, along with a little extra as thanks, before heading out of the shop. As the bell chimed behind him, he glanced over his shoulder to see Poliwhirl waving enthusiastically. He returned the wave with a small smile.

----------------------------------------

Back on the bustling streets, Austin made his way to a food cart near a canal. The vendor, a middle-aged man with a bushy mustache and a Gyarados tattoo peeking out from his rolled-up sleeve, was grilling small, golden-brown sandwiches that smelled divine.

"Can I get three pieces, please?" Austin said, handing over a few coins. The vendor handed him the steaming sandwiches stuffed with gooey cheese and savory herbs, wrapped in wax paper.

With his hands full and Pikachu already sniffing the air expectantly from his shoulder, Austin wandered to a quiet bench overlooking one of the city's smaller canals. He sat down with a sigh of relief, setting the Carrozzas on the bench beside him.

"All right, Pikachu, you've been patient," Austin said, unwrapping one of the sandwiches. "Here you go." He tore off a small piece and handed it to his partner with a ketchup packet, of course.

Pikachu squeaked happily, grabbing the piece with both paws and nibbling on it with tiny, delighted bites. Vee sat beside Austin on the bench, his tail swishing lazily as he stared at the other sandwich.

Austin smirked. "You too, Vee." He tore off another piece and held it out, watching as the evolution Pokémon gently took it from his hand, chewing with a contented purr.

For a moment, everything felt peaceful. The three of them sat together, enjoying the quiet hum of the city around them.

Austin took a bite of his own Carrozza, savoring the rich, cheesy flavor. "Not bad, huh?" he said, glancing down at his companions. Pikachu let out a soft "Pika!" in agreement, while Vee gave a small, approving growl.

As they sat there, a pair of kids ran by chasing a Marill, their laughter ringing out as the Water-type Pokémon splashed into the canal. A gondola passed by, its operator humming a soft tune as his Slowpoke lounged at the front, half-asleep.

Austin leaned back on the bench, savoring the last bite of his Carrozza when a soft, playful voice cut through his thoughts.

"Oh wow, you have some awesome Pokémon."

Austin turned with a polite smile, but it froze on his face as he saw the speaker.

A young girl stood before him, around his age, with striking green eyes and slightly messy dark brown hair that cascaded down to her lower back. She wore a sleeveless black one-piece short dress paired with black low-heel shoes, white socks, and white gloves.

Austin's mind screeched to a halt. He knew this girl.

As a dedicated fan of the Pokémon Adventures manga, there was no mistaking her.

Leaf Green.

One of the three protagonists from the Red, Blue, and Green arc.

His mind spiraled. Why is she here?

He had already come to terms with the fact that this world wasn't a one-to-one replica of the Pokémon anime. It was more like a realistic anime. But seeing a manga-exclusive character like Green? That threw him completely off.

Does this mean Gary's father is manga Blue? Austin's head throbbed with questions. Why is Green the same age as me here?

His train of thought broke when Green gave him a shy, blushing look.

Austin's heart skipped. He knew better—it was a lie. She was the queen of misdirection. Yet, seeing his favorite manga character acting this way still made his chest flutter.

To distract himself, he leaned toward Vee and whispered something. Vee perked up and suddenly jumped into the canal. The brown fur shimmered before disappearing beneath the water.

Green tilted her head. "Shouldn't you be worried?"

Austin shook his head with a soft smile. "Nah, I trained him to swim."

Green's brows rose in surprise, a hint of genuine admiration flickering across her face. "Impressive. You really do know your stuff, huh?"

"Something like that," Austin replied, trying to stay nonchalant as Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder.

Green's smirk turned mischievous. "Say, you're clearly a talented trainer. I've got something you might like." She pulled out a small pouch and began laying out various items on the bench beside him.

"Deep Sea Scale, for boosting special defense," she said, holding up a shimmering scale. "Choice Band—power up one move to pack a punch. And, of course, Sea Incense, for enhancing Water-type moves. A trainer like you could use these, don't you think?"

Pikachu seemed utterly charmed by the Sea Incense, sniffing it enthusiastically with a delighted "Pika!"

"So... how many of these are real?"

Green gasped, placing a hand dramatically over her heart. "Fake items? Me? How dare you! I'll have you know, my merchandise is as genuine as my winning smile."

Austin raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "Right, because nothing screams 'trustworthy' like a pitch full of charm and zero receipts."

Green leaned in, her emerald eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, come on. You're hurting my feelings here. I don't scam people—I provide opportunities."

"Opportunities?" Austin repeated. "Is that what we're calling overpriced trinkets now?"

She tapped a finger to her chin, pretending to mull it over. "Well, when you put it like that, it sounds bad. Let's go with 'specialized trainer investments.'"

Austin laughed, shaking his head. "Sure. And I'm supposed to invest based on your... what? Flawless customer service and impeccable reputation?"

"Exactly," Green quipped without missing a beat. She gave him a wink and added, "And let's not forget my irresistible charm."

Before Austin could retort, Green suddenly stiffened. Her confident smirk faltered as she glanced down, noticing something cool and wet near her pocket.

"What the—" Her eyes widened as she spotted a paw slipping out of her pocket, clutching her wallet.

She turned to see Vee, now in his Vaporeon form, standing beside her, his liquid-like tail swishing innocently.

"You thief!" Green shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at Austin. "You trained your Pokémon to pickpocket me!"

"Whoa, whoa. Let's not jump to conclusions here." Austin paused, tilting his head. "Speaking of stealing, did your Ditto happen to... oh, I don't know... swipe my gold nugget?"

Green's confident smirk flickered for a moment, her green eyes narrowing. "What nugget?"

"Pikachu." Austin said, having enough of her games.

The girl jumped back from the bench as Pikachu leapt from his shoulder and launched a Thunderbolt straight at her.

"Ditty!" Green called out. A pink blob-like Pokémon appeared beside her, morphing instantly into a perfect Pikachu clone. The transformed Ditto countered with a Thundershock, causing the two attacks to collide.

The resulting explosion sent smoke billowing into the air. Austin groaned inwardly. Seriously, Arceus, what's with this universal smoke law?

As the smoke cleared, Austin's eyes darted upward. Green was floating high above him, clutching an overinflated Jigglypuff like a hot-air balloon.

"Better luck next time, handsome!" she called, waving his golden nugget at him with a triumphant grin.

"Pikachu, Vee, remember the training we did for Brock's Onix."

Both Pokémon snapped to attention. Pikachu exchanged a quick nod with Vee before they sprang into action. Using Quick Attack, they generated momentum as Pikachu jumped onto Vee, using his back as a springboard to propel himself higher. Sparks flew from his cheeks as he soared toward Green.

Green's eyes widened. Thinking quickly, she threw the golden nugget toward Pikachu, forcing him to halt his Thunderbolt mid-charge. Destroying the nugget wasn't an option.

Using the distraction, Green and her Jigglypuff floated farther away, disappearing over the canal.

Pikachu tumbled through the air, his small, round body twisting as he tried to stabilize himself. His tiny arms flailed, his soft yellow fur ruffling in the wind, and his large brown eyes were wide with a mix of alarm and frustration. His pink cheeks sparked faintly, reflecting his irritation at having to abort the Thunderbolt mid-air.

"Pikaaa—!"

Austin stepped forward, arms outstretched, his focus locked on his partner. In one smooth motion, he caught Pikachu, pulling the small, warm Pokémon close to his chest. The moment Pikachu felt Austin's steady grip, his tense body relaxed, his ears drooping as he let out a soft, tired squeak.

"Hey, it's okay, buddy," Austin murmured, his voice calm and reassuring. "We got the nugget back—that's what matters."

Pikachu tilted his head up, his large eyes meeting Austin's, and a soft coo escaped him. He leaned into the boy's hand as it scratched behind his ear, his little tail flicking in satisfaction.

Not wanting to be left out, Vee padded over, his sleek, aquatic body glistening faintly in the sunlight. He nudged Austin's side with his cool nose, looking up with expectant eyes as if to say, Where's my attention?

Austin chuckled, shifting Pikachu to one arm and reaching down to rub Vee's head with his free hand. "You did great too, Vee," he said with a grin.

"That was close," he muttered, mostly to himself.

Pikachu chirped softly, nuzzling against his chest, while Vee gave an encouraging growl.

Then his thoughts wandered, as they always did when the adrenaline settled. If Green's here… what other changes from the anime are waiting for me? He frowned slightly, his mind spinning with possibilities. The presence of a manga-exclusive character like Green was one thing, but it also raised bigger questions about this world's shifting rules. Who else might he run into? What other surprises did this blended reality have in store?

A sudden thought made him straighten up. "I wonder," he murmured aloud, his tone contemplative. If Green's here, then maybe Bill is too. In the games, he's in Cerulean City, but in the anime, he's closer to Vermilion. Could be either one... so let's find out.

----------------------------------------

The Cerulean Cape stretched out before Austin like something out of a dream. Lush green grass swayed gently in the breeze, dotted with patches of wildflowers that shimmered like tiny gems under the sunlight. To his right, the calm, expansive lake reflected the sky in a perfect mirror, its surface broken only by the occasional ripple of a Magikarp leaping up or the gliding form of a Goldeen. The gondola rocked gently as it moved through the canal, the sound of the oar cutting through the water blending with the distant calls of Water Pokémon.

"This is… peaceful," Austin muttered, leaning back slightly. Pikachu sat by his side, his ears twitching every time a splash echoed across the lake. Rattata peeked out of Austin's bag, her little nose sniffing curiously at the cool breeze, while Vee sat contentedly on Austin's lap, his tail flicking back and forth.

The gondolier, a grizzled man in his forties with a straw hat that had seen better days, gave a low chuckle. "Aye, peaceful now. But where you're headed, kid, things ain't so serene."

Austin glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

The man paused, digging his oar into the water to guide the gondola around a bend in the canal. "The place you're heading to—it's private property. Belongs to some mad scientist up on the cape. People around here call him the 'Madman of Cerulean.' Crazy rumors flying around, too."

"Madman, huh? What kind of rumors?"

The gondolier's face broke into a grin, his teeth a little too white against his tanned skin. "They say Pokémon go in, but they don't come out. Some folks reckon he's doing experiments—turning Pokémon into... I dunno, robots or something."

"Robots? Really? That's what people think?"

The gondolier shrugged, his grin widening. "Hey, I didn't come up with it. I just hear the talk." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a mock-hushed tone. "But there's worse theories. Like him trying to merge humans and Pokémon—create some kind of freaky hybrids."

Austin laughed, shaking his head.

The gondolier joined in, his deep laugh echoing over the water. "I know, right? But people love their stories."

Austin glanced down at Pikachu, who was listening to the conversation with wide eyes. His little paws gripped Austin's leg tightly, his body visibly tense. Austin grinned mischievously, deciding to have a bit of fun. "Hey, Pikachu, you think he's gonna turn you into a half-human Pikachu? You could wear a little lab coat and start talking like Meowth."

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Pikachu's cheeks sparked immediately. "Pika!" he growled, narrowing his eyes at Austin.

"Relax, buddy, I'm kidding."

But Pikachu wasn't having it. With a sharp cry, he zapped Austin with a quick jolt of electricity.

"Ow! Gah!" Austin yelped, his hair standing on end as the gondola rocked slightly from the sudden commotion. "Okay, okay, I deserved that!"

"You two are a riot. Not every day I get passengers like you," the gondolier said, chuckling.

Austin rubbed his arm, the faint sting of the shock lingering. "Yeah, well, keeps things interesting."

The gondola slowed as they approached the edge of the cape, the small building coming into view. It was modest, almost unassuming, surrounded by tall grass and artificial pools that sparkled under the sunlight. A thin fence marked the boundary of the property, though it didn't look particularly secure.

"Here we are," the gondolier announced, planting the oar firmly into the mud to stop the boat. "End of the line, kid."

Austin stepped off, handing over the fare. "Thanks for the ride—and the conspiracy theories," he said with a grin.

The gondolier tipped his hat. "Anytime. Good luck with the mad scientist. Don't let him turn you into a Pikachu-human hybrid, eh?"

"I'll keep that in mind," Austin replied, laughing as he adjusted his bag and called out to his Pokémon.

"All right, guys," he called after them. "Go have fun, but don't wander too far."

Austin turned his attention to the small building in the distance. If Bill's anything like he was in the games or manga, he's either inside that place or stuck in some ridiculous situation. He sighed, already dreading the possibility of this world having more elements of the Pokémon manga. And if he's not here, then he's probably in that lighthouse near Vermilion, like in the anime. Great.

With a resigned shrug, he approached the door and knocked. The sound echoed faintly, but there was no response.

----------------------------------------

Suddenly, distant cries of distress shattered the quiet.

A group of Spearow circled above, their sharp cries filling the air as they dove at a wild Rattata cowering against a tree. The poor thing looked terrified, its back pressed to the bark as it tried to dodge the relentless attacks.

Pikachu darted forward, intercepting one of the Spearow mid-dive. He parried the bird's Peck with a well-timed Iron Tail, sending it tumbling back. Austin's Rattata followed up, her movements a blur as she tackled another Spearow, knocking it to the ground.

From a distance, Vee sprang into action, releasing a barrage of Swift stars that struck the remaining Spearow, scattering them with sharp cries of pain. The flock quickly retreated, disappearing into the sky.

The wild Rattata trembled, still pressed against the tree, before a voice rang out.

"Thank you for saving me!"

Austin's Pokémon looked around, confused.

"Down here!" the voice called again.

Pikachu, Vee, and Rattata turned toward the wild Rattata, their expressions ranging from shock to suspicion.

"Pika?" Pikachu asked cautiously, his head tilting. Was this Rattata like Team Rocket's Meowth?

"I need your help! Can you take me to your trainer?"

The trio exchanged glances, silently debating whether this talking rat was a threat. Eventually, they nodded and led the wild Rattata back to where Austin stood, his notebook open as he scribbled something down.

When he saw them approach, his eyes immediately landed on the wild Rattata. He let out a long sigh, crossing out whatever he'd written.

"Hey there, kid, name's Bill," the Rattata said in a surprisingly Southern drawl.

"You're… a talking Rattata? Aren't you supposed to be a scientist?" Austin asked, doing his best to sound casual, though his mind was racing. Bill being a Rattata, just like in the manga? What else is lurking out there? Ecoterrorist Elite Four? The Masked Man? He pushed the thoughts aside, unwilling to dwell on them any longer.

"Well, yeah, I am a scientist," Bill replied, his little whiskers twitching, "but there was an accident. Now I'm stuck in this here body."

"Wait… this isn't a Pokémon body?"

"Nope. This here's a doll, not a Pokémon."

"Okay… so why are you outside instead of, I don't know, trying to fix this?"

"Because I was lookin' for help, but no one comes by. This place is private property, so people think it's off-limits," Bill explained, his tail flicking. Then he paused, narrowing his eyes at Austin. "What're you doin' here, anyway?"

"Oh, you know…" Austin shrugged casually. "I heard rumors about a crazy scientist living out here. Thought I'd swing by and see if he wanted to battle."

"Well, hate to disappoint, but I ain't much of a battler," Bill said with a chuckle. "I'm more of an inventor type."

"Figures," Austin said, pretending to look a little disappointed. Then he crossed his arms. "So, what do you need me to do?"

"Simple!" Bill said, his tiny eyes lighting up. "I need ya to help me get back into my body."

Austin gave him a skeptical look. "Okay… and how exactly am I supposed to do that?"

Bill's tail pointed toward a panel by the door. "There's a keypad over there. Punch in the password: 69420."

Austin froze, staring at him. "...Seriously? That's the password?"

"What?"

"Really interesting numbers, Bill," Austin deadpanned as he walked over to the keypad.

"How'd you even know those numbers were a thing?"

"I don't know. Adults in Pallet Town giggle every time they come up," Austin lied as he typed in the numbers.

Bill sighed. "You'll understand when you're older."

With a beep, the panel clicked open, and Austin pushed the door. His jaw immediately dropped.

The building was in chaos. Papers, wires, ketchup-stained wrappers, and random bits of machinery were scattered everywhere. The air smelled faintly of burnt metal and, somehow, old socks.

"You… live like this?" Austin asked, stunned.

Pikachu sniffed a discarded ketchup packet on the floor and immediately gagged.

"Probably should've warned ya," Bill muttered.

Meanwhile, Vee and Rattata wisely retreated into their Pokéballs, disappearing in flashes of red light. Honestly? Probably for the best.

"So, what now?" Austin asked, turning back to Bill, who was trying (and failing) to climb a pile of junk.

Bill let out a frustrated squeak. "Alright, fine. Maybe I oughta clean up later. But for now, pick me up and take me to the basement."

Austin grabbed him, holding the doll-like Rattata awkwardly in his hand. "You're lucky I'm not charging you for this."

"Don't get all high and mighty on me, kid."

The basement was a complete contrast to the chaotic room above. The sleek, futuristic space looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. A massive control panel with flashing buttons and levers took up one wall, while thick cables snaked across the floor, leading to two large cylindrical pods that hummed softly.

"Alright, now set me down by that console," Bill said, pointing with his tiny paw.

Austin placed him down and crossed his arms. "Okay, now what?"

"Press that green button first, then toggle the yellow lever to the right," Bill instructed.

Austin followed the directions. "And then?"

"Now hit the big red button. That'll activate the machine."

Austin hesitated, glancing at Bill. "Are you sure this won't, like, accidentally turn you into a Pidgey or something?"

Bill glared up at him. "Kid, just press the dang button!"

"Alright, alright," Austin said, pressing the red button.

The machine roared to life, the hum of energy building as lights danced across the console. The pod Bill had climbed into lit up with a blinding white glow, and steam hissed from its vents. Pikachu watched nervously, his ears twitching at every sound, while Austin squinted against the light.

Finally, the pod door swung open with a loud hiss, and out stepped a human Bill. His brown hair was messy, and he wore a light purple shirt that hung loosely on his thin, emaciated frame.

"Well, howdy!" Bill greeted, waving weakly. "Guess it worked after all."

Austin blinked at him. "...You don't look so great."

"Yeah, well, bein' stuck in a Rattata body for who-knows-how-long ain't exactly great for yer health," Bill said with a dry chuckle.

A loud growl echoed through the room, and both of them froze.

"Was that…?" Austin asked.

"Yup. That'd be my stomach," Bill admitted sheepishly.

Austin opened the mini-fridge and grimaced. "Okay, you've got… one slice of bread, some butter, and a sad-looking tomato. That's it."

Bill perked up. "Make me a sandwich, and I'll owe ya one!"

Austin raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't I call an ambulance or something? You look like you're about to pass out."

"Nah, don't worry about it," Bill said, waving him off. "I got a machine that can fix me up in no time. Problem is, it makes food into tasteless mush."

Austin sighed, grabbing the ingredients. "Fine. One sandwich coming up."

As he worked, Bill leaned against the counter, watching intently. "So, you know Professor Oak?"

"Yeah, he's my sponsor," Austin replied, slicing the tomato.

"Really? So which royal starter did he give ya?"

Austin paused. "Royal starter?"

"Y'know, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander. The royal family of Ransei used to pass those down to their heirs, so now they're called the royal starters."

"Oh," Austin said, glancing at Pikachu, who was sitting on the counter. "Well, I got this guy. Couldn't have asked for better."

Pikachu blushed, happily nibbling on a slice of tomato Austin handed him.

Bill chuckled. "You're a good trainer, kid. I can see it."

"Thanks," Austin said, putting the sandwich together and handing it to the man.

Bill paused, staring at the sandwich in his hand as if he were contemplating life itself.

"So… you want me to get the machine now?" Austin asked carefully, glancing toward the futuristic contraption in the corner.

Bill shrugged nonchalantly, and before the boy could stop him, he took a massive bite of the sandwich. His eyes lit up as he let out a groan of satisfaction. "Mmm, now this is a sandwich. Hits the spot."

Austin's jaw practically hit the floor. "Bill!"

The older man waved him off with one hand, his mouth still full. "What? I ain't about to eat that tasteless mush my machine churns out," he said, his accent thick and casual as he savored another bite. "Worth it."

Austin pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're literally about to go into shock from eating that."

Bill swallowed, looking completely unbothered. "Relax, kid. If I keel over, just zap me with the defibrillator machine over there."

"That's just Pikachu."

"Toh-may-toh, toh-mah-toh," Bill drawled with a shrug, completely unfazed. "Ain't the first time this's happened."

"That's not exactly comforting!" Austin exclaimed, gesturing helplessly as Pikachu watched the exchange, munching on his own tomato slice.

Bill just grinned and took another massive bite. "Yup, totally worth it."

----------------------------------------

Misty tugged at the hem of her shorts as she sat in the center of the audience, her nerves as taut as a freshly-strung fishing line. She didn't want to be here—not really. The Cerulean City Gym-turned-theater stretched before her, every detail dredging up memories she'd rather not dwell on.

The pool that once held fierce battles against challengers was now a glittering stage, decked out with shimmering lights and decorations designed to dazzle tourists. Banners hung from the rafters, proclaiming in bold letters: "The Sensational Sisters' Water Extravaganza!" The boldness of it grated at her, but she couldn't argue with its effectiveness. The place was packed. The murmur of excited spectators echoed around her, punctuated by the occasional splash of water as one of her sisters' Pokémon warmed up behind the curtain.

Her stomach churned as she glanced around the room. She didn't belong here. She never had. This had always been their domain. Daisy, Violet, and Lily. The golden triplets of Cerulean City. The stars. The Sensational Sisters. Misty's gaze lingered on the giant posters of their faces plastered along the walls, their bright smiles and flowing hair lit up by spotlights. The sight twisted something deep in her chest, an ache she couldn't quite smother.

It wasn't just their fame or their beauty. It was the way they always seemed so… together. Inseparable. As if they lived in a world Misty could never enter, no matter how hard she tried. Even their dyed hair—golden-orange for Daisy, deep blue for Violet, and bright pink for Lily—felt like a statement, a unified declaration that they were one unit. A trio. And then there was Misty, the youngest, left in the shadows of their vibrant glow.

She shook the thought away and turned her eyes to the stage. She wasn't here to sulk. She wasn't here to brood over old wounds. She was here for one reason: to demand the gym back.

If she was going to go through with Austin's tournament plan—and she'd decided she would, on her terms—then they needed a venue. A proper venue. There was no way she'd let him sink 20,000 Pokédollars into renting some overpriced arena. The Cerulean Gym was hers by right, even if her sisters refused to see it that way. And if she had to swallow her pride and endure one of their shows to make her case, so be it.

The lights dimmed, and the crowd hushed as soft, ethereal music filled the room. Misty shifted in her seat, her hands clenching into fists on her lap. She wasn't ready to face them—not yet. She wasn't sure she ever would be.

The curtains parted with a dramatic flourish, revealing Daisy at the edge of the pool. Her long, wavy golden-orange hair glinted under the stage lights, cascading over the shoulders of her sleeveless red dress. The petal-like design of the hem swayed as she raised her arms, her voice ringing out clear and bright.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Sensational Sisters' Water Extravaganza!" she announced, her tone dripping with confidence and charisma. The crowd erupted into applause, and Daisy's smile widened, her eyes sweeping over the audience. If she noticed Misty sitting there, she gave no indication.

"Tonight, we'll take you on a journey through the wonders of the ocean, with the help of some of our closest friends," Daisy continued. "So sit back, relax, and let the magic of water Pokémon sweep you away!"

The music swelled, and the first act began. Lily stepped onto the stage, her bright pink curls bouncing with each step. She wore an orange dress with flared hems adorned with tiny red bows, her bubbly personality shining as she waved enthusiastically to the crowd.

"Get ready to fall in love!" Lily sang out, holding up a Poké Ball. She tossed it high, and in a burst of light, a Luvdisc emerged, its heart-shaped body glistening under the stage lights. The audience cooed in delight as the little pink Pokémon darted through the water, leaving rippling trails of light in its wake.

Lily clapped her hands, and Luvdisc performed a graceful backflip, scattering shimmering bubbles across the pool. The bubbles refracted the light, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the walls. Misty couldn't deny the beauty of it, even as her jaw tightened. It was… impressive. She hated that it was impressive.

Next up was Violet, her deep blue hair cascading over her green dress like a waterfall. She carried herself with an elegance that seemed effortless, her every move calculated to draw attention. With a flick of her wrist, she released her Shellder into the pool. The spiky blue shell Pokémon wasted no time, propelling itself forward with its red tongue and spinning like a top.

"Shellder, Ice Beam!" Violet commanded, her voice smooth and controlled. A beam of icy light shot from Shellder's shell, freezing the surface of the water in intricate patterns. The crowd gasped as the ice spread, forming a delicate lattice of snowflakes across the pool. Shellder's tongue poked out playfully, as if it knew it was stealing the show.

And then came Daisy's turn. She strode forward with the poise of someone who knew she belonged in the spotlight. Her red dress shimmered as she released her Seel into the water, its sleek white body cutting through the pool like an arrow.

"Let's show them how it's done, Seel!" Daisy called, her voice full of flair. Seel leapt high into the air, its horn catching the light like a beacon. With a sharp cry, it dove back into the water, creating a towering fountain that sparkled like liquid diamonds. The crowd erupted into cheers, and Daisy basked in the applause, her smile radiant.

Misty let out a slow breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions swirling inside her. If there was one thing she knew about her sisters, it was that battling had never been their passion. They weren't trainers, not really. They were performers, artists at heart, and they'd made it their mission to bring a new kind of culture to Kanto and Johto—one that didn't revolve around battles. Unlike regions like Hoenn and Sinnoh, where Pokémon Contests and Showcases were woven into the cultural fabric, Kanto had always been battle-centric. But her sisters dreamed of changing that. They wanted to create something beautiful, something that showed the bond between humans and Pokémon in a way that didn't require fighting.

And maybe, in some ways, Misty admired that.

As the finale began, all three sisters stepped onto the stage together, their Pokémon performing in perfect harmony. Luvdisc, Shellder, and Seel swirled through the water, creating patterns of light, ice, and spray that left the audience mesmerized. The triplets struck a final pose, their arms raised in unison as the crowd rose to its feet in thunderous applause.

The crowd finally thinned, leaving just a few stragglers—a father snapping pictures of his giggling children as they posed with Daisy, Violet, and Lily by the pool's edge.

Why did she feel like a stranger in her own gym? No, not hers—their gym. Misty clenched her jaw. No. It was hers too, wasn't it? Or had she given up that claim the moment she'd stormed out two years ago, vowing not to come back until she'd proven herself?

The father finally herded his kids out the door, leaving just the three sisters near the pool. They were talking amongst themselves, laughing quietly.

Misty took a deep breath and straightened. Time to stop watching from the sidelines. "Let's talk after you're done with your fans," she said, her voice cutting through the stillness.

Her sisters turned to her, startled.

"Misty?" Daisy said, blinking in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"I'll be in the kitchen," Misty said, ignoring the question. She turned on her heel before any of them could respond, her boots echoing sharply on the tiled floor as she walked away.

The sound of splashing water filled the back room as Misty stepped through the door, greeted by the sight of the giant aquarium that dominated the space. It was as mesmerizing as she remembered—an underwater kingdom of vibrant, shimmering Pokémon. Schools of Goldeen swam lazily in formation, their tails flicking in unison like synchronized dancers. A group of Finneon flitted through the coral, their translucent fins catching the light in hues of pink and blue. Near the bottom, a Corsola rested on a rocky perch, its coral branches swaying gently in the current.

A familiar Magikarp caught her eye, swimming up to the glass with an excited wiggle, its wide mouth opening and closing as if calling to her. She tried not to look at it, pulling out her Pokétch and pretending to check something.

The Magikarp didn't seem to care. It bumped against the glass a few times before swimming in a happy circle, splashing water over the edges of the tank.

The door opened, and Misty stepped into the quiet hallway of her childhood home. Her parents had been something else, blending a gym and a house into one cohesive space. She wasn't sure who'd had the idea first, but her gut told her it was her mom. Her dad was practical, sure, but her mom? She always had a soft spot for sentimental touches.

The hallway opened into the living room, and Misty's eyes were immediately drawn to the family portrait hanging on the far wall. It was large, taking up most of the space above the old couch. Her mom stood in the center, smiling warmly, her reddish-orange hair tied back in a loose ponytail. Her dad stood beside her, one arm around her shoulders, the other holding a fishing rod as if they'd just come back from a day at the river. Then there were her sisters—Daisy, Violet, and Lily—all lined up neatly, their natural reddish-orange hair matching Misty's own before they'd decided to dye it. And at the end of the row, there she was, a toothless five-year-old grinning ear-to-ear as she clung to her dad's leg.

She moved through the house slowly, taking it all in. The old furniture, the faint scent of lavender, the tiny scuff marks on the floor that had been there since she was a kid. It felt like no time had passed at all, as if the house had been frozen in place, waiting for her to return.

When she reached her old room, she hesitated. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open gently, her breath catching as she stepped inside. It was spotless. Cleaner than it had ever been when she'd lived there. Her bed was neatly made, the blue-and-orange comforter tucked perfectly at the corners. The shelves were still lined with her old books—training manuals, water-type encyclopedias, and a few novels she'd never finished. Her desk by the window held her sketchpad, the edges of the paper curling slightly with age. She traced a finger over the surface of the desk, her heart tightening.

She moved to the window and sat on the sill, staring out at the canal below. The water was calm, reflecting the fading light of the setting sun. She closed her eyes, letting the cool breeze wash over her face. What was she even going to say to them? How could she explain why she was really here without it turning into a fight?

The sound of footsteps broke her thoughts.

"Misty," Daisy said, her voice softer now. "You're back."

Misty hummed as she stood, her fingers brushing against the windowsill. The air between them was heavy, awkward, and charged with years of silence.

"What happened? Did you become a water-type master or something?" Lily asked, her voice light, but her bright pink curls betrayed a hint of nervousness.

"No," Misty said plainly, folding her arms. Her heart thudded in her chest as Violet arched a brow, glancing at Daisy. They were doing it again—communicating without words, leaving her on the outside.

"Then why are you back?" Violet asked. There was no malice in her tone, but the question still stung.

"What, can't I come back to my own house?"

Lily frowned. "Didn't you say you weren't coming back until you became a water-type Pokémon master?"

Misty's lips pressed into a thin line. "People change."

Violet scoffed quietly, crossing her arms. "Clearly you haven't."

Before Misty could respond, Daisy stepped forward, her voice calm and authoritative. "Misty, this is your house. You're always welcome here. No one's saying otherwise."

Misty hesitated, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Daisy always had a way of diffusing tension, even when it felt like the room was about to explode.

"Let's get something to eat," Daisy continued, her tone warmer now. "You've got to have some stories to tell us about where you've been."

"I don't have time for that," Misty said quickly, shaking her head. "I just came here for the gym."

The room fell silent. Lily and Violet exchanged another glance, this one more incredulous than anything.

"What?" Lily said, her voice rising. "No way! We have shows planned!"

"Yeah," Violet added, frowning. "Do you even know how long it takes to set everything up? You can't just waltz in and take over."

"I'm not asking," Misty said firmly, meeting Violet's gaze head-on. "I have a right to the gym, and I'm going to use it."

"Why?" Daisy asked, her voice calm but curious.

"I'm organizing a tournament," Misty explained. "I need to get more wins to register with the League. If I do that, I can become the Cerulean City Gym Leader."

The triplets stared at her as if she'd just announced she was challenging the Elite Four.

"How long?" Daisy asked after a pause.

"A week. Maybe two," Misty said, though she knew it might take longer.

"No," Lily said, shaking her head. "Come on, Misty. We've been planning these shows for months!"

"Yeah, think about what this'll do to us," Violet added, her voice sharp.

"I don't care," Misty snapped, her frustration boiling over. "This is my gym too, and I'm not asking for your permission."

All three sisters turned to Daisy, waiting for her decision.

"You're right," Daisy said finally, her voice even. "It is your gym, so you can use it."

"What?" Lily and Violet exclaimed in unison, their voices overlapping.

"But," Daisy continued, holding up a hand to stop their protests, "the gym can only be used during the day. At night, it's still ours for the shows."

Misty blinked, surprised by the compromise. "Fine," she said after a moment. "Thanks."

Daisy tilted her head, studying Misty with a softer expression. "Don't you want to stay and catch up? It's been two years, Misty. Don't you think we have some things to talk about?"

Misty hesitated, the words catching in her throat. Part of her did want to stay. But the other part—the part weighed down by her unfinished goals and the constant feeling of living in their shadow—kept her rooted in her mission. "I can't. I'm busy with the tournament," she said flatly.

Lily threw up her hands in exasperation. "Of course. Misty's too busy for her family. Big surprise."

"Lily," Daisy cut in sharply, casting her a warning glance. Lily huffed but said nothing more.

Violet's gaze fixed on Misty. "Let me guess—you're not even going to ask for help, are you? You're just going to bulldoze through this on your own."

"I don't need help," Misty said quickly. "I have someone who can handle it."

"A friend? Since when do you let anyone else 'handle' anything for you?"

Misty ignored the bite in her words. "Since now. They're… helping organize everything."

Daisy sighed and stepped between them, her voice calm and measured. "Alright. The gym's yours during the day. But if you change your mind, and you—or your friend—need anything, just ask."

"Thanks," Misty said shortly, turning toward the door. She paused, her hand resting on the knob as she glanced back at them. "I'll make this work. You'll see."

"We'll be watching."

Without another word, Misty pushed the door open and walked down the stairs. "Austin better not screw this up," she muttered, a faint smirk tugging at her lips as she headed toward the Pokémon Center.

----------------------------------------

The sun was barely up, and the early morning stillness wrapped around Cerulean City like a blanket. Austin adjusted the straps of the baby carrier on his chest, glancing down at Pikachu, who was snuggled inside, fast asleep.

Adorable, Austin thought, before turning his gaze back to the gym. It was just as he remembered from the anime: a massive Olympic-style pool, rows of seats for spectators, and a stage covered in plastic sheeting—likely left from one of the Sensational Sisters' performances. Even though it was all familiar, standing here in person felt surreal.

"You've been gawking for ten minutes," Misty said, standing a few steps behind him. Her orange hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail.

"I'm just waiting for you to say the words."

Misty raised an eyebrow. "What words?"

"That you've officially agreed to the plan."

Misty rolled her eyes. "I thought it was obvious. Why else would I drag you to the gym at this hour?"

"Maybe you're plotting my murder," Austin said with a smirk.

Misty's lips twitched, and for a moment, he thought she might smile. Instead, she replied flatly, "I'm considering it."

The banter lightened the mood, but Austin could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers fidgeted with the Poké Balls at her belt. Coming back here wasn't easy for her, not after two years away. But Misty wasn't one to dwell on her feelings. She shook off whatever was running through her head.

"So, what's the plan?" she asked. "I'm still not sure about the prize money thing. Feels risky."

"Don't worry," Austin said. "We'll charge 100 Pokédollars for entry. That way, we'll make back the prize money and have enough left over for whatever we need. Easy."

Misty nodded slowly, though doubt lingered in her expression. "It's not just the money," she admitted. "It's the battles. I've got twelve Pokémon total, and some of them aren't ready for high-stakes fights. How many matches can I even win before my team's wiped out?"

"I thought about that," Austin said. "We'll make the battles shorter—two-move limits and no items allowed. That'll throw most trainers off their game and conserve your Pokémon's stamina. You'll have a higher win rate and avoid overworking your team."

"Won't that make trainers think it's rigged or unfair?"

"Maybe. But the prize money will be enough to keep them interested. People care about the payout more than the rules."

"That's a bad idea."

Both of them turned to see Daisy standing in the doorway, her golden-orange hair slightly messy and her bright red pajamas rumpled.

"You're awake already?" Misty asked, though her tone wasn't exactly surprised. Austin immediately realized why they'd come so early: Misty had wanted to avoid her sisters.

"Yes, I'm awake," Daisy replied dryly. "Because someone decided to invade the gym before sunrise. And now we'll have to find another place to rehearse. Thanks for that."

"Rehearse somewhere else," Misty muttered under her breath.

"So, do you want to know why your plan is terrible, or should I let you figure it out when the League sends you a nice legal notice?"

"Alright, hit me. What's wrong with it?"

"For starters, this isn't just a friendly tournament if you're charging an entrance fee and offering a cash prize. It's classified as a public competition, which means you need to file a permit with the League Office and you can't charge an entrance fee. Without it, your tournament's illegal. That's the kind of thing that gets trainers banned from participating in official events."

Austin frowned. "Okay, so we need a permit. Noted. But why can't we charge an entrance fee?"

"Because," Daisy said, "charging an entry fee for the chance to win money makes it a lottery. And in Kanto, running a lottery without approval from the government is a crime. It's considered gambling. You'd be fined, and the whole thing would be shut down."

Austin opened his mouth to respond, but Daisy held up a hand. "Oh, and that two-move rule? That's considered a nonstandard battle format, which means the League might not recognize any of the wins toward Misty's official record. If you're trying to help her become Gym Leader, those wins have to count. Otherwise, this is all for nothing."

Austin and Misty stared at her, jaws slightly open.

"H-how do you know all this?" Misty asked.

Daisy smirked. "Because, sis, when we turned the gym into a performance venue, we had to jump through every legal hoop imaginable. We dealt with League regulations, safety codes, performance permits, insurance policies—you name it, we dealt with it. Do you think this all just happened overnight?"

"Wow," Austin said. "Okay, that's… a lot. Can you look over my notes and tell me what I can and can't do legally?"

Daisy raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by how prepared Austin was as he handed her a notebook. She flipped through the pages, scanning his meticulous plans. "You actually took the time to map this out," she said, her tone softer now.

"Well, I'm not trying to get anyone sued or arrested."

Daisy handed the notebook back to him. "Why don't we talk about this over breakfast? It'll be easier to explain everything with some coffee."

"I think that's a great idea," Austin said, a faint smile tugging at his lips as Pikachu stirred in his carrier, yawning and rubbing his eyes. At the mention of food, Pikachu perked up, his ears twitching excitedly.

"Don't you think so, Misty?"

"I don't know," Misty muttered, but her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.

Austin smirked. "I think that's a yes."

The dining table buzzed with energy, covered in plates of toast, scrambled eggs, and a basket of freshly baked croissants Daisy had insisted on picking up from a nearby bakery. A pot of steaming tea sat in the middle, flanked by cups, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room. Austin sat comfortably at the table, Pikachu nestled in his lap, nibbling on a tiny piece of toast. Across from him were the Sensational Sisters—Daisy, Violet, and Lily—looking far more put together than anyone had a right to at this hour of the morning.

"So," Daisy began, her hands wrapped around a mug of coffee, "about your tournament… you're basically trying to set it up like a League-sanctioned event but without going through all the hoops?"

Austin shook his head. "No, that's the thing—I want it to be League-sanctioned. I just didn't realize how many hoops there were to jump through. Thanks to you, I'm starting to see the picture. What I need is a way to streamline the process without it taking weeks, which I don't have."

"Ha!" Violet leaned back in her chair, her long blue hair shimmering in the light. "Good luck with that. The League doesn't exactly rush for anyone. We're still waiting on their approval for a sponsorship request we sent last year."

"A whole year?" Austin asked, blinking in disbelief.

"Not kidding," Violet replied, sipping her tea. "The League is slow, bureaucratic, and honestly, if you don't know how to work their system, you're stuck in limbo."

"That's why you need contacts," Lily added, pointing her spoon at Austin. "When we started doing shows, we realized early on that getting things done quickly meant knowing the right people. Misty wouldn't know because she's been too busy running around trying to be a serious trainer."

Misty flinched at the jab but said nothing, her eyes fixed on the ripples in her tea.

Austin ignored the tension and asked, "So, what's the trick to getting contacts? How'd you all do it?"

Lily grinned, twirling a strand of her pink hair around her finger. "We got creative. Networking, charm, and being a little pushy. Investors and League reps don't just fall into your lap. You have to make them notice you. And we had an edge—our shows. People love entertainment."

"That makes sense," Austin said thoughtfully. "People are more likely to help if you're already bringing value. So, what's the goal? More shows, bigger audiences?"

"The goal isn't just more shows," Violet said. "We want to build something bigger. Right now, we're a novelty act—fun, flashy, but not taken seriously. If we get enough traction, we could attract investors who want to fund something long-term. Coordinators, for example. Imagine if Kanto became as well-known for Pokémon Contests as Hoenn or Sinnoh."

Austin tilted his head, intrigued. "So, you're saying you want to introduce Pokémon coordination to a region where it doesn't have a foothold yet? That's bold."

"Bold but doable," Violet said. "The Contests in Hoenn and Sinnoh weren't always huge, either. They started small and grew because people believed in them. We want to do the same thing here. Kanto's so focused on battles that it's forgotten how beautiful Pokémon can be outside of combat."

"That's a smart move," Austin said. "You're filling a gap in the market. But if you want investors, you need more than just a few successful shows. You'll need hard numbers—attendance, ticket sales, profit margins. Something they can sink their teeth into."

Lily's eyes lit up. "Finally, someone who gets it! We've been trying to figure out how to organize all that. Investors love their spreadsheets, and we're more… creative types."

"Do you track your audience demographics?" Austin asked.

The sisters blinked in unison. "Track our what?" Lily asked, frowning.

"Your audience," Austin explained. "Age groups, gender breakdowns, spending habits. Are you attracting mostly kids? Families? Teenagers? Knowing that will help you market your shows better—and investors love that kind of data. They want to know who they're putting their money in front of."

Daisy leaned back, clearly impressed. "How does a ten-year-old know all this?"

Austin shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "I read a lot. My mom used to manage events, so I picked up some things."

"You're like a tiny businessman," Violet said, smirking.

"Tiny and useful," Lily added, grinning. "Where'd you find this one, Misty?"

Misty's eyes snapped to them, but she didn't reply. She was grateful for the attention shifting to him, though a twinge of resentment bubbled under the surface. It wasn't like she'd brought Austin here to impress her sisters.

"Pikachu helps," Austin said, gesturing to the yellow Pokémon happily munching a piece of toast in his lap. Pikachu looked up and chirped, "Pika!" earning a round of laughter from the sisters.

"Okay, so we'll definitely look into tracking demographics," Daisy said, steering the conversation back. "But what about your tournament? What's your next move?"

Austin set down his fork. "Priority one is filing for a permit ASAP. Then I need to restructure the rules so the battles align with League standards—no two-move limits, no weird restrictions. I'll have to rely on Misty's actual skill to carry her through."

"Makes sense," Daisy said. "And the money?"

"Still working on that," Austin admitted. "If we can't charge an entry fee, I'll need to find another way to fund it. Maybe sponsorships."

"Good luck," Violet muttered. "Sponsorships are hard to get unless you've got something to offer in return."

"We'll figure it out."

Lily rested her chin in her hand, studying him. "You know, it's kind of crazy how much you've thought this through. You're, what, ten? How are you not just some kid with big dreams and no clue how to make them happen?"

Austin smiled faintly, but there was a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. "Let's just say I've had to grow up fast."

Misty had been quiet for most of breakfast, her fork pushing a piece of toast around her plate as Austin effortlessly charmed her sisters. They laughed at his insights, clearly impressed. Misty couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't belong in this moment. When the opportunity arose, she blurted out:

"I want to put Mom's portrait up on the wall during the tournament."

The laughter at the table immediately died. Her sisters turned to her in near unison.

"No," Daisy said flatly, with Violet and Lily nodding in agreement.

"Why not?"

"That thing is massive," Daisy said, setting her coffee down. "Do you have any idea how much work it would take to put it up and take it down? Not to mention where we'd even store it after."

"I'll do it myself if I have to," Misty said, her voice rising. "This is important to me. It's Mom. She should be part of this."

"Misty, it's not about how important it is. It's about practicality. You're already balancing this tournament on a tight schedule. Adding something like this is just going to make things harder for everyone."

"I'll handle it then."

"Misty—" Daisy began, but Austin cut in.

"Misty, maybe let's agree with your sisters on this one."

Misty whipped her head toward him, frustration boiling over. "Of course you'd agree with them. You've been on their side all morning."

Austin gave her a pointed look, the unspoken message in his eyes clear: Really? You're doing this now? Misty's cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment.

Feeling the weight of their gazes, Misty stood abruptly. "I need to go for a swim," she muttered, her voice cold. Without waiting for a response, she walked out of the room, the door shutting softly behind her.

The tension Misty left in her wake hung heavily over the table.

"She's still putting Mom on a pedestal," Lily said, shrugging as she reached for another croissant.

"Yeah," Violet added, swirling her tea. "It's like she thinks living up to Mom is the only way to matter."

"You know it's more complicated than that," Daisy interjected, her tone softer. "Misty was always closer to Mom than the rest of us. She idolized her, even when we were kids. And when Mom died… I think she felt like it was her responsibility to pick up where Mom left off."

Austin, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke. "If it's not too much to ask… can I know more about what this is about?"

"No, it's fine. It's not like it's some big family secret," Daisy said. She leaned back in her chair, studying him for a moment. "Do you know who Calla Waterflower is?"

Austin shook his head. Violet took over. "Calla Lily Waterflower was our mom."

"But most people knew her as the Cerulean General of the West," Lily chimed in.

Austin's eyebrows shot up. "Cerulean General?!"

"She was a naval general during World War II," Daisy explained. "People still talk about her as one of the greatest military minds Kanto ever had. She practically built the Navy into what it was during the war. Her strategies are still studied in academies around the world."

"She was a legend," Violet added. "She earned every major military medal you can think of—the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Croix de Guerre, and the King's Medal."

"And she did all of it before she turned thirty," Lily said, her voice tinged with pride and sadness.

"But all those medals, all the recognition—it never meant much to her," Daisy continued. "She used to say the only thing that mattered was protecting people, fighting for those who couldn't defend themselves. The fame, the titles, even the legacy—none of that was why she did it. After the war, she walked away from it all. She met our dad, moved to Cerulean, and chose a quiet, simple life. She never asked us to live up to her reputation or follow in her footsteps. She just wanted to be our mom."

Austin nodded slowly, piecing together the fragments of their story. "But Misty..."

"She took it differently," Daisy replied, her voice heavy. "She loved battling, loved the water—just like Mom. They were inseparable. And when Mom got sick, I think Misty felt helpless. Like she couldn't do anything to save her."

"So, after Mom passed, Misty decided to carry on her legacy," Violet added. "She left to get stronger, to become someone who could honor Mom's name. But she's been chasing a ghost, and she doesn't even realize it."

Austin pressed his lips into a thin line, absorbing their words. Misty's fiery determination suddenly made so much more sense. She wasn't just pushing herself to prove something to the world—she was trying to prove it to herself.

"I'll go talk to her," Austin said, standing up. "Calm her down, see if we can move forward."

Daisy looked up at him, her expression softening. "Thanks, kid."

"For what?"

"For being Misty's friend," Violet said. "She hasn't had many, and I'm glad she has someone like you. Someone who actually gets her."

Austin smirked faintly, trying to brush off the compliment. "Someone with a head on their shoulders, right?"

"Exactly," Lily said, smiling warmly.

Meanwhile, Pikachu had eaten his fill, his belly round and his eyelids drooping as he looked ready to drift back to sleep. Austin chuckled softly, reaching over to scratch his partner's tummy. Pikachu let out a contented "Pikaaa…" before settling into a nap.

----------------------------------------

The sun had risen higher, casting golden streaks across the clear blue surface of the pool as Austin approached. The faint sound of splashing water grew louder with each step. Misty was in the water, cutting through it with aggressive laps, her strokes sharp and relentless.

He stopped at the edge of the pool, watching her for a moment. She didn't notice him—or maybe she was ignoring him. Either way, Austin knew she wasn't in the mood for company, but that wasn't going to stop him.

"Misty."

She didn't stop. Didn't even glance his way.

"Misty!" he said again, louder this time.

She finally slowed, swimming to the edge near him. Water dripped from her hair as she pushed it back, her eyes narrowing. "What do you want, Austin?"

He crouched down, resting his arms on his knees. "Your sisters told me about your mom."

"Oh, great. Did they give you the whole sob story? How amazing she was? How I'll never live up to her?"

Austin shook his head. "They didn't say that. But they did say she was incredible. A general, a strategist, a hero. Sounds like she was someone worth looking up to."

Misty's expression softened, her posture relaxing slightly. "The Cerulean General of the West. That's a big title."

"She earned it. Your sisters said she was the reason Kanto had the strongest navy. People still talk about her like she's some kind of myth."

"They do," Misty said quietly. "She was everything."

"But they also said she didn't put that pressure on you. She just wanted to be your mom."

Misty's jaw tightened. "Yeah, well, I'm not like them. They can prance around and do their little shows, and that's fine for them. But someone has to carry on her legacy."

"And that someone has to be you?" Austin asked.

"Who else?" she shot back, her voice rising. "Mom was strong, fearless, the best there ever was. I can't just sit around and let her memory fade."

Austin raised an eyebrow. "So, that means pushing everyone else away? Ignoring the people who are trying to help you?"

"They don't get it!" Misty snapped, pulling herself out of the pool and sitting on the edge. Water dripped onto the tiles around her as she glared at him. "They never did. They didn't care about battling or being strong. All they cared about was being pretty and popular. They don't understand what it's like to want to be more."

"More like your mom," Austin said gently.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't deny it.

"I don't think your sisters are the bad guys in your story," he continued. "From what I've seen, they just want to help you. Maybe they don't always know how, but they're trying."

"They don't care about what I care about," Misty said bitterly. "They just want me to fit into their world. But I'm not like them."

"Maybe not," Austin agreed. "But that doesn't mean they're against you."

Misty scoffed, wrapping her arms around herself. "You don't get it. You didn't know her. You didn't see how amazing she was. I have to match her image. I have to be worthy of being her daughter."

Austin frowned, his tone quiet but firm. "Would your mom want you to be like this?"

Misty froze, her breath catching in her throat.

"Someone who pushes her family away?" he pressed. "From what I've heard, she gave up fame and recognition to be with her family. Seems to me, you're doing the opposite."

Her head snapped up, her eyes blazing with unshed tears. "You don't know anything about her," she hissed, her voice trembling.

"I know she loved you," Austin said softly. "And I know she wouldn't want you to carry her legacy by cutting out the people who care about you."

Her lips quivered, and she turned away, her shoulders trembling. Her voice cracked as she whispered, "Please... just leave me alone."

Austin stayed quiet, giving her space. He watched as she wiped at her eyes furiously, trying to erase the evidence of her vulnerability.

Finally, she spoke, the words rushing out like a dam breaking. "I stayed with her the whole time. Through the chemo, through the pain. I watched her fade away, day by day, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. I sat by her bed and told her all my dreams—how I wanted to be a Gym Leader, how I wanted to make her proud. She smiled at me, even when she could barely breathe. She believed in me. So don't you dare stand there and lecture me on how I should live my life, Austin."

"I know what I want. I know what she wanted. So please, just... just leave me alone."

Austin's chest tightened at the raw pain in her voice. He didn't say anything for a long moment, watching as Misty stared into the pool, her tears silently falling into the water.

Before he turned to leave, he spoke quietly. "My brother," he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, "he died in my arms. He was everything to me. Someone I could always count on. And when he was gone, it felt like there was this hole inside me I couldn't fill, no matter what I did."

Misty looked up at him, her red and puffy eyes wide.

"I spent years trying to live in a way I thought would make him proud," Austin continued, "but none of it brought him back. And none of it made the pain go away."

He paused, his voice trembling slightly. "I'd give anything to have him back, Misty. Anything. And when I see you pushing your sisters away… it makes me think about what I wouldn't give to have my brother here. You've still got them. Don't throw that away."

"It's not the same," Misty whispered.

"No," Austin admitted. "It's not. But losing someone doesn't mean you have to lose everyone else, too."

For a moment, the only sound was the faint ripple of the water. Misty stared down at her reflection, the surface distorting her face as her tears continued to fall.

"I don't know what to do," she murmured.

"Look in your heart," Austin said. "Ask yourself if you want your sisters to be a part of your life or not. No one can make that choice for you. It's your life."

Misty didn't respond, her gaze fixed on the water.

"I'll handle the legal stuff for the tournament," Austin said as he turned to leave. "You focus on preparing yourself and your team."

He hesitated for a moment before adding, "You're not alone, Misty. You've got people who care about you. Don't forget that."

With that, he walked away, leaving Misty alone by the pool. She stared at her reflection for a long time, the rippling surface distorting her face as her tears fell silently into the water below.