As the first rays of the morning sun slipped between the leaves of the thick forest canopy, Austin pedaled his bike along the narrow trail winding between Mt. Moon and Cerulean City. The cool morning air washed over him, each breath filling his lungs with a crisp freshness that made him feel alive. Dew sparkled on the leaves, and birds chirped overhead, their songs blending with the soft crunch of his bike tires over the dirt path. For a moment, he almost forgot where he was, just letting himself be lost in the serenity of it all.
Then he remembered the 20k increase, and a broad grin spread across his face. "Hell yeah," he muttered, feeling the excitement bubble up inside him. He couldn't help himself; the rhythm of a rap he frequently listened to drifted into his mind, and before he knew it, he was rapping softly to himself as he rode along.
"We put our hands in the sky, let 'em know that we about that… Cash flow…" He kept the beat steady, patting the handlebar to the rhythm as he continued, "I need it on time, I'm talkin' bankroll… My money, my money…"
He glanced over to Pikachu, who was bobbing his head along with the words, tiny yellow cheeks sparking now and then as he tried to mimic the beat with little "Pika, pika, pika!" sounds.
Austin laughed. This was it, wasn't it? Just him, his buddy, the open road, and a fat paycheck coming his way. Life couldn't get much better.
But just as he was about to continue his rap, a piercing scream shattered the calm. His heart leapt as every muscle tensed, instincts kicking in faster than his mind could process. He stopped rapping mid-word, hands tightening on the handlebars.
Pikachu's ears stood alert, his cheeks sparking more fiercely now as he picked up on Austin's urgency.
"Hold on!" Austin muttered, pumping his legs harder as he veered off the trail, tearing through the thick underbrush. Branches and leaves slapped against his arms and legs, but he ignored them, focused only on the direction of that scream.
He skidded to a stop with the precision he'd been practicing for days, finally nailing that cool Akira-style slide he'd been wanting to pull off for so long. But there was no time to celebrate. He could barely catch his breath as he stared at the scene in front of him, heart pounding in his chest.
"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, his eyes wide with disbelief at the ridiculous sight before him.
There, in the middle of a small clearing, stood Misty, her face a mix of frustration and pure horror, steam practically billowing from her flared nostrils. She clutched a can of repellent in one hand, her knuckles white, as if it were the only thing standing between her and certain doom. Her eyes were wide, locked on something in the grass with the kind of disgust that should've been reserved for something much, much worse.
"Stay away from me, you vile, disgusting hellspawn!"
Austin followed her gaze, struggling to keep his face straight. His lips twitched as he spotted the source of her terror: a small Caterpie, quietly munching away on a leaf, staring up at her with an almost bored expression. The tiny bug Pokémon looked at Misty, blinked slowly, and then went right back to its meal, as if completely unimpressed by the human who'd dared disturb its breakfast.
Austin exchanged a quick glance with Pikachu, who simply shrugged, his small face saying everything Austin was thinking: What can you do?
He slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a berry. With a gentle flick, he tossed the berry into a nearby bush. The Caterpie immediately perked up, catching the scent, and without a second thought, turned away from Misty and followed the berry's trajectory, disappearing into the undergrowth with a soft rustling.
Misty's rigid stance eased, her shoulders sagging as she exhaled in relief. For a second, Austin thought she might actually thank him, but the moment was short-lived.
Her gaze snapped back to him, narrowing as she took him in. "I know you two," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're that idiot who got chased by a flock of Spearow."
Austin's cheeks flushed slightly, but he forced a sheepish smile. Next to him, Pikachu managed to look equally abashed, ears drooping as a bead of sweat seemed to appear over both their heads. He'd never thought he'd cross paths with Misty again so soon.
Then, her eyes landed on his bike, widening in shock as she took a step back, one finger pointed accusingly at him. "You stole my bike!"
Austin bit back a sigh.
"I didn't steal it," he said, trying to keep his tone light and innocent. "I just… found it abandoned in Viridian Forest."
Misty seemed to accept this with only a skeptical glance before giving a resigned sigh. They started walking together, Misty keeping close to her reclaimed bike.
"So," he ventured, breaking the silence, "what were you doing out here anyway?"
She glanced over at him, her grip still tight on the handlebars. "The League asked me to patrol the area," she said with a shrug. "Make sure there aren't any lingering Team Rocket members lurking around."
Austin nodded, feeling some of the tension in his chest ease. The League is taking this seriously, he thought, relief washing over him. If they're this vigilant, maybe—just maybe—Team Rocket will keep a low profile for a while.
"So, why are you heading to Cerulean?"
"Well, today's my last day of patrol," she replied, a blissful look crossing her face. "So I'm going to treat myself to a hot shower and a real bed for the night."
"Last day…" Austin murmured, a slight frown creasing his brow as he considered the implications.
But his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rushing water and a delighted squeak from Pikachu. Austin looked up, his eyes widening as Cerulean City unfolded before them, looking like something straight out of a fantasy.
The city was a masterpiece of water and architecture, with canals weaving through its heart, transforming bustling streets into serene waterways. Boats glided gracefully along the currents, their polished wood gleaming, flags fluttering in the gentle breeze. Trainers and their Water Pokémon moved in harmony along the banks, the creatures leaping and splashing, each movement filled with joy. Buildings with sweeping roofs crowned the skyline, adorned with flowering balconies that spilled vibrant colors down toward the water. Bridges arched elegantly over the canals, connecting the different sections of the city, their intricate stonework inviting one to stop and marvel. The setting sun cast a golden glow across the scene, making the water shimmer and the entire city seem bathed in a warm, magical light.
"Welcome to Cerulean City," Misty said, her voice filled with pride. "The City of Waterways!"
Austin took a moment to let the sight sink in. It was surreal. "How do you even get around in a place like this?"
Misty arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. "Since when did I become your guide?"
Austin grinned. "Come on, you know this place way better than I do."
Pikachu chirped in agreement from his shoulder, his little head bobbing in encouragement.
Misty sighed, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. "You can walk along the stone paths, take a gondola, or travel by Water Pokémon if you have one."
"What are you planning to do?"
"Stone path." She pulled a hat and sunglasses from her bag, slipping them on with practiced ease.
Austin's brow quirked up. Trying to go incognito, huh? he thought, amused by her low-key disguise.
Guess it's still just like the anime, he mused, looking over the canals and watching boats drift by. But I wonder… how much of Cerulean is like the anime, and how much is different? He glanced around, taking in every detail, trying to compare it to his memories of the show.
Spotting a gondola docked nearby, he waved to the gondolier and arranged for a ride. As he waited, he looked down at the vibrant blue waters below, his reflection broken by the gentle ripple of a passing Magikarp. The color was so striking—it was as if the entire city had been dyed in shades of cerulean.
"Maybe that's why they call it Cerulean," he mused aloud, watching the Magikarp glide by with lazy, sweeping strokes.
"Awesome, isn't it?" he murmured, glancing down at Pikachu, who looked just as mesmerized by the water. The Electric-type's nose twitched as he leaned closer to the edge of the gondola, his paw reaching out tentatively, unable to resist the shimmering blue surface below.
Austin chuckled, patting Pikachu on the back. "Alright, buddy, let's give it a try." He gently lowered Pikachu, letting his chonky friend dip his paws into the cool water. Pikachu's eyes went wide with delight as he felt the soft current flow over his tiny paws, his cheeks sparking with excitement.
For a split second, Austin considered punting Pikachu into the water. Imagine the splash he'd make, he thought, grinning at the idea. But he quickly dismissed it, knowing he'd probably end up with a shocking payback. Yeah, getting zapped isn't exactly my idea of fun.
As Pikachu wriggled happily, splashing his paws in the water, Austin stood, letting the uniqueness of Cerulean City sink in. The cities in this world seemed to have their own personality, each more distinct and alive than he remembered from the anime, manga, or games.
Viridian City was like a sprawling green kingdom, surrounded by endless trees. Pewter City wasn't just nestled beside the mountains—it was carved directly into them, each street and building feeling rugged and grounded. And now Cerulean, with its waterways, stone bridges, and flowing canals, was like a dream—a bit like Venice, but somehow even more magical.
What about the other cities? Austin wondered, a thrill sparking in his chest. The unpredictability of it all was jarring, but it made each stop on his journey feel like a discovery, a small secret this world was revealing just for him.
"Where to, son?"
Austin glanced up to see a gondolier grinning down at him, his face tanned from years of sunshine. Beside him, a Seel clapped its flippers, splashing cheerfully in greeting. The man's smile had a warmth that put him instantly at ease.
"Cerulean City Gym, please," Austin replied, still marveling at the beauty of the city.
But the gondolier's smile faded, replaced by a look of sorrow. "Ah… no can do, sonny," he said with a shake of his head. "The gym's been closed ever since the leader passed. May Arceus bless her soul." He tipped his hat in respect, and even his Seel dipped its head, as if sharing in the condolence.
Austin blinked, caught off guard.
"What about the Sensational Sisters?"
The man's eyes brightened a bit. "Ah, you've heard of 'em, eh? They're still around, putting on quite a show with their fancy water tricks and all that. Want me to take you to their show?"
Austin frowned. So, they're famous enough to be known here, but… they're not gym leaders?
"What happened to the gym building?" he asked, unable to keep the question from slipping out.
The gondolier's brow furrowed, his face somewhere between amusement and confusion at Austin's barrage of questions. "The gym's been repurposed for water shows. The Sisters turned it into a proper venue, and it's been a hit with tourists and locals alike."
Austin sighed, feeling his plan shift beneath his feet. His original idea had been to breeze through Cerulean, snag a quick badge, and head out of town in time to rescue Charmander. But now, with no battles to win, that plan was off the table.
"You wouldn't happen to know where I could find a private investigator, would you?" he asked, thinking maybe someone with local knowledge could speed things along.
The gondolier chuckled, giving Austin a sly look. "Ah, asking me for directions, eh? Normally that'd cost an extra hundred on top of the ride—plus something for the chat."
Austin shot him a deadpan look, then shrugged, turning on his heel. "Thanks for the free conversation," he said, taking a few steps away.
"Alright, how about seventy-five for the investigator, no extra for my charming company?"
Austin stopped, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He turned back, meeting the man's gaze with a negotiating glint. "How about twenty-five?"
The gondolier laughed, his eyes twinkling. "Twenty-five? What are you looking to buy with that—a stick of bubblegum?"
"Exactly," Austin retorted, folding his arms to seal the deal.
The gondolier laughed heartily, throwing up his hands in defeat. "Fifty. That's my best offer."
Austin smirked, relenting. "Alright, fine. And while you're at it, treat me like a clueless tourist. Tell me everything about Cerulean City."
With a grin as wide as the canal, the gondolier extended his hand to help Austin back into the gondola. Pikachu settled comfortably in Austin's lap, paws dipping close to the water's edge as the gondolier started to row, his Seel flapping its tail with excitement, serving as a makeshift motor.
"Cerulean City has a history as deep and winding as these canals, sonny," the gondolier began, his voice carrying the practiced rhythm of a storyteller. "Long before Kanto as we know it took shape, Cerulean was just a small settlement by the river, a few humble houses on stilts and rafts, keeping safe from the floods."
Austin leaned forward, intrigued by the tale.
"In those days," the gondolier continued, "the people here had to get clever with the floods and the marshes. So they started digging, channeling the river into a network of canals that let them build right on top of the water. They turned that problem into a solution, and soon, they were the ones controlling where the river went."
Austin's gaze drifted to the shimmering water, imagining the hands that had dug these very canals.
"As the years passed," the gondolier went on, his tone softening as if he were letting Austin in on a secret, "Cerulean grew. Wealth and traders came, drawn to the city's beauty and craft. They brought stones from distant mountains, wood from lush forests, and Cerulean rose up from the water like a jewel."
Beside them, Seel gave a happy bark, splashing the water as if affirming the gondolier's words.
"They say these canals carry more than boats and water—they carry the history of this place. People here believe the canals remember every story, every voice that has passed through."
Pikachu leaned over the edge of the gondola, his little paw gripping the side as he stretched one ear out, tilting his head to "listen" to the water as it lapped softly against the boat. His eyes were wide with curiosity, his ear twitching as if trying to catch some secret message hidden in the gentle ripples.
Austin snorted, covering his mouth to hide his grin. "What are you doing, bud?" he whispered, half amused, half charmed by the sight. "Expecting the water to start talking?"
"And there's a saying around here, lad," the gondolier added, his voice dropping to a hushed, almost reverent tone. "If you make a wish by these canals on a night when the city's asleep, your wish will drift down the waterways and mingle with the city's own memories. And sometimes… those wishes find their way back to you."
"Wow, you really are treating me like a clueless tourist, huh?"
The gondolier chuckled, dipping his oar smoothly into the canal, sending soft ripples over the surface. "Believe what you want, lad," he replied, his voice gentle and warm. "But on nights, when the water's as still as glass and the moon's casting her silver across everything… well," he looked out over the canal, his eyes reflecting the glow of the city, "it's hard not to believe in a bit of magic."
Austin leaned back, his eyes drifting over the city as they glided under a stone bridge covered in flowers.
"So, what else should a 'clueless tourist' know?"
"Well, seeing as you're headed for a private investigator…" The man leaned in, lowering his voice with a conspiratorial air. "Stay away from the east side docks after dark."
Austin's pulse quickened at the mention. "East docks, huh?" Interesting, he thought, tucking the information away. Who knew when that might come in handy?
The boy, the gondolier, and the Pokémon continued through the waterway, the quiet lull of Cerulean weaving its way into Austin's story, one ripple at a time.
----------------------------------------
Misty woke up with a long, satisfying stretch, sinking deeper into the plush mattress as she savored the soft embrace of a real bed. After what felt like an eternity of sleeping on uneven ground, rocks poking into her back, and the occasional rain-soaked night, this felt like a dream. She'd spent countless uncomfortable nights on her journey, and even more since that ill-fated decision to bring along a water-filled sleeping bag. What a disaster that had been—especially after a mischievous Weedle decided to puncture it. The memory made her wince.
One more reason to hate bugs, she thought with a frown, shaking off the unpleasant memory.
Today was going to be a calm day. Misty had told herself that as she lingered in the warmth of her bed, stretching luxuriously under the soft sheets. No battles, no drama—just a slow, easy breakfast, maybe picking up some supplies, and then hitting the road again. Her journey awaited, after all, and she was eager to get back to it. But for once, she wanted to start her day feeling refreshed.
After drying off from a long, hot shower, she finally pulled out one of the new outfits she'd bought back in Viridian City. Her trusty orange shirt and shorts were her usual go-to, a familiar look that had practically become her signature since leaving Cerulean. But lately, with her bike stolen by those Team Rocket goons, she'd found herself wanting a bit of a change. Something new to go with this new chapter in her life, even if it was forced on her by frustration.
In front of the small mirror in her room, Misty tied her short, orange hair up into a small side ponytail with a blue hairband, brushing out the stray strands so they framed her face neatly. It was a playful style, a bit different from her usual look, and she liked how the color of the hairband matched the rest of her outfit.
Next, she slipped into a white tank top with light blue straps that contrasted nicely with her sun-kissed skin. There was a small opening on each side near her ribs, giving it an edgy feel that made her grin at her reflection. The top felt comfortable and airy, perfect for the warmer weather. She paired it with a pair of light blue shorts with white and blue detailing along the seams, just snug enough to be flattering but loose enough to move in. Finally, she laced up her red and blue sneakers, each with thick white soles that added a little extra bounce to her step.
Before leaving, she decided to put on a mask—a simple blue one that complemented her outfit.
Once she was ready, she made her way down to the Pokémon Center cafeteria and ordered her breakfast: a bowl of Magikarp scale miso soup, a side of steamed white rice, and a glass of fresh juice. Settling down at a corner table, she took her time savoring each bite, letting the familiar, comforting taste of home settle her nerves. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed this, the quiet simplicity of a meal that didn't involve rationed supplies or eating on the road.
She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the soup as it spread through her, letting herself just… be. She could feel the tension melting away, the weight of her journey slipping off her shoulders, at least for a moment. This was what she needed. Peace. Solitude.
Of course, it didn't last long.
"Oh, hey there, Misty!"
Her shoulders tensed at the sound of her name, her eyes snapping open. She turned slowly, hoping against hope that maybe it wasn't her he was talking to.
She exhaled, keeping her expression neutral. She supposed she should be grateful it was just Austin rather than someone who knew her or, god forbid, her sisters.
"Did you catch a cold or something?" he asked, gesturing to her mask.
She simply gave him a blank stare, silently hoping he'd take the hint and leave her alone. But Austin seemed unfazed, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from her as if they'd planned to meet up. She resisted the urge to sigh.
Misty cleared her throat, deciding she'd try a more direct approach. "Austin, I was actually hoping to have breakfast alone."
"Great!" he replied with an easy smile, completely ignoring her statement. "Me too."
She blinked, incredulous. Either he was deliberately ignoring her, or he really was that oblivious.
Misty stood up, her mind set on heading back to her room to avoid a conversation. But Austin, either oblivious or just plain persistent, decided to follow her.
"Why are you following me?"
"Oh, I'm just going to my room," he replied with a casual shrug, completely unbothered by her tone. It was like trying to push away a stubborn Psyduck.
Misty felt a little embarrassed now, her cheeks warming as she turned and started walking faster, trying to leave him behind. She was used to being independent, to making her own decisions without having to entertain anyone else's presence. This… tagalong rookie was the last thing she wanted right now.
But Austin, oblivious or not, kept chatting like they were old friends. "I'm excited to battle my second gym. I want to see how different it'll be from Brock's gym," he said, sounding almost like he was bragging. She didn't respond, hoping he'd give up and find someone else to talk to. Anyone else.
Undeterred, he continued, "I'm pretty sure I could beat the Cerulean Gym in one go."
Misty stopped dead in her tracks and turned, giving him a hard stare. "Cerulean Gym isn't that easy, newbie."
He shrugged, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I beat Pewter in one go. I'm sure Cerulean will be just as easy."
Her hands curled into fists. For a moment, Misty seriously considered giving him a piece of her mind—or even her fists. But instead, she forced herself to take a deep breath and turned away, walking faster, leaving Austin and his smug smile behind her. She had her own plans for the day, and getting into an argument with this overconfident rookie wasn't part of them.
Still, the fact that he'd managed to beat the Pewter Gym on his first try stuck with her. She didn't want to admit it, but it did show he was a cut above the usual rookie. Most new trainers barely scraped by their first badge, let alone breezed through it. But even as the thought lingered, she tried to brush it off. It's not talent that makes a good trainer, she reminded herself. It's persistence. It's endurance.
Misty had seen countless "genius" trainers come and go, trainers who seemed to win without breaking a sweat. Some of them made it far, sure, but many burned out, falling short in the end. They lacked the grit, the resilience it took to truly succeed. The trainers who made it big, who pushed through to the top, were the ones who lost, who struggled, and who rose up again and again, refusing to give up no matter how many times they were knocked down.
Maybe I'm just making excuses to downplay his feat, she thought, a bitter edge creeping into her inner voice. Maybe it bothers me more than I want to admit. She didn't like the idea of some kid waltzing into her hometown, bragging about his easy victory and acting like he could take on the Cerulean Gym without a second thought. It felt like he was undermining everything she believed about being a true trainer, everything she'd fought for.
But what do I care? she told herself firmly. Let him think he's invincible. He'll learn the hard way that it takes more than raw talent to make it in this world.
"Shame that the gym is used for water shows now."
Misty froze. She spun around, her face a mix of shock and indignation. If her hands weren't full with a food tray, she might have grabbed him by the collar.
"What did you just say?"
Austin raised an eyebrow, looking at her with feigned innocence. "The Cerulean Gym. It's being used for water shows by the Sensational Sisters, right?"
The words hit her harder than she wanted to admit. Water shows. The thought made her stomach turn. Her sisters had reduced the gym—her gym, the place she'd poured her heart and soul into—to nothing more than a performance stage, a place for cheap tricks and entertainment. The idea of the Cerulean Gym being anything less than a place of competition, of pride… it hurt more than she'd expected.
She felt herself deflate slightly, the energy draining from her as she turned to leave, needing to get away from this conversation.
"You know, I was expecting much more of a reaction, considering what your sisters are doing."
She forced herself to keep her expression steady, but her mind was racing. How does he know about that? she thought, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. Austin might have seemed like an average, clueless rookie when she first met him, but the more he spoke, the more she realized he was anything but. He was confident, too confident. And somehow, he knew things about her family that even some of her close friends didn't know.
What's his angle? she wondered, her mind whirling with possibilities. Is he trying to mess with me, to get under my skin? Or… could he be blackmailing me?
A sinking feeling settled in her stomach, a dark suspicion creeping in. She thought about her bike, how it had been conveniently "recovered" right around the same time this kid had shown up. Wait… what if he's from Team Rocket? Her imagination started running wild. They did steal my bike… maybe he's here to sabotage me, or worse, keep me from taking over the Cerulean Gym!
She clenched her fists, feeling her pulse quicken. She might have been mature for her age, but she was still only thirteen, and her thoughts spiraled toward the worst possible scenarios. This has to be it. He's here to stop me from becoming the Gym Leader. He's here to… to…
Misty took a step back, her voice dropping into a low growl. "What do you want, Team Rocket grunt?" Without waiting for a response, she released Starmie in front of her, its purple body shimmering as it spun defensively.
Austin blinked, clearly taken aback. "Team Rocket grunt?" he repeated, looking genuinely baffled. "What are you talking about?"
"I figured it out," Misty said, her voice laced with suspicion. "You're a Team Rocket agent, aren't you?"
"How… on earth did you come to that conclusion?"
"It's simple!" Misty snapped, feeling prideful at her genius intellect. "You had my bike—the one that was stolen by Team Rocket. And now, here you are, acting all mysterious, talking about my family and the gym." She took a deep breath, glaring at him. "You're here to… assassinate me, aren't you?"
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Austin just stared at her, his expression somewhere between exasperation and disbelief. "Assassinate you?" he repeated, deadpan. He looked at her Starmie, which was ready to strike at any moment. "You think I'm here to… assassinate you?"
"Confess!" Misty said, her voice sharper than she intended. "Or else Starmie is going to Water Pulse you right out of here."
"Why am I dealing with this stupid kid?"
Misty's cheeks flushed, her fear quickly morphing into indignation. "Hey, I'm not a kid! And I'm not stupid!"
He sighed, crossing his arms as he gave her a level stare. "This situation begs to differ."
She glared at him, her fists clenched, but she couldn't deny the small prick of doubt creeping in. "Fine, then. If you're not with Team Rocket, what do you want from me?"
"Oh, I want you to battle me for the Cerulean Gym."
Misty blinked, taken aback.
"Repeat that?"
"I want you to battle me for the Cerulean Gym."
Her mind scrambled for a response. Is this some kind of joke? She crossed her arms, giving him a pointed look. "Look, even if I wanted to, I'm not the official Gym Leader. Battling me won't mean anything. You wouldn't get a badge."
"Oh, that's easy to fix."
Misty raised an eyebrow, part of her curious despite herself. "And how, exactly, would you fix that?"
"Let's make you the Cerulean Gym Leader."
Austin suggested nonchalantly, as if ascending to such a prestigious position was a minor, everyday occurrence.
She narrowed her eyes, giving him one last withering look. "Don't bother me with this nonsense, stupid."
With that, she opened her room door, shot him a final glare, and slammed the door in his face.
Inside her room, Misty sank onto the bed, her breakfast tray untouched beside her as her mind replayed their conversation. Each word he'd said buzzed in her head, refusing to leave her alone.
Her spoon lay idle in her hand as she stared into her untouched soup, her appetite gone, her thoughts racing. She didn't have the answers she needed, but one thing was clear.
She needed some answers.
Rising abruptly, Misty made her way towards the Cerulean City gym—a simple natatorium marked by a Dewgong silhouette at the front, now bustling and unusually vibrant.
Approaching the gym, Misty could see lines of people waiting outside.
Peeking through the windows, her heart sank. The giant indoor swimming pool where her mother had taught her everything about water Pokémon was now a stage for her sisters, who were signing posters for adoring fans. The gym was decorated elaborately for a water show, with colorful banners and shimmering lights creating a spectacle of the space that held so much significance to her.
A sharp pang of betrayal tightened in Misty's chest when she noticed that her mother's portrait, which had always held a place of honor, was missing.
In its place hung a garish advertisement for the Sensational Sisters' show.
She bit her lower lip hard, fighting the urge to burst into the facility and confront her sisters.
How could they?
Last year, when she had set out to specialize in water Pokémon and reclaim the Cerulean City gym, they had promised to preserve its legacy. Yet here they were, turning it into nothing more than a venue for their performances.
It was their right, legally speaking.
The gym wasn't provided by the league but was something her father had built for her mother when she retired as a Gym Leader.
It was their family's private property, and yet, their actions felt like a profound disrespect to both their parents' intentions and memories.
Misty, feeling a whirl of emotions, returned to the Pokémon Center determined to confront the situation head-on.
She found Austin in the cafeteria, his attention absorbed by his journal as Pikachu, Eevee, and Rattata enjoyed a meal nearby. Without hesitation, she approached and slammed her hand onto the table, making enough noise to catch only his attention.
"I am in," she declared, her voice firm.
Austin looked up, visibly surprised. "What?"
"I'm in, what's your plan to get me to be the Cerulean City Gym Leader?" Misty repeated, her stance resolute. Around them, Austin's Pokémon paused, looking up in shock at her words.
"What convinced you?"
"The universe, I guess," Misty replied vaguely, not wanting to delve into the deeper reasons behind her sudden change of heart.
Austin sighed, a knowing look crossing his features. "I figured that would happen."
Misty was puzzled by his response but chose to ignore it as Austin slid his notebook across the table toward her. It was filled with detailed plans—not just strategies to convince her but also elaborate steps to reinstate her as the gym leader. For a moment, Misty's usual tough demeanor softened; it was the first time someone had gone out of their way to help her in such a focused manner.
But why?
The question had been nagging at her for the last hour.
"Why are you going so far for me?"
Austin flashed a playful smile and replied, "You're cute, so I want to help you."
Misty's face turned a deep shade of red, resembling a ripe tomato.
Austin knew exactly what he was doing when he made the comment. He'd watched enough of the anime to understand Misty's character—prickly, insecure about her femininity, quick to react. If a well-placed compliment could throw her off balance and help him push her in the direction he wanted, then he'd play that part without hesitation.
Sorry, Misty, he thought, watching her carefully for a reaction. But you're my test subject right now. I need to know if I truly have free will.
----------------------------------------
Misty sat on the smooth bench outside the Cerulean City Bank, her gaze distant as the sun glinted off the cobblestone streets and shimmering canals. Around her, the city hummed with its usual rhythm—people walked briskly past, their conversations blending into a soft murmur, while Pokémon filled the air with their unique calls. A pair of Seels slid playfully across the fountain nearby, their laughter-like cries carrying through the square. A Poliwhirl led a parade of smaller Water-types, splashing happily in the midday heat.
She tapped her foot against the pavement, a habit she'd picked up when her thoughts were louder than the world around her. Today, those thoughts were deafening.
Austin.
The memory of his words lingered in her mind like the taste of sweet berries: "You're cute, so I want to help you." Simple words, but they tugged at something deep within her, something she rarely allowed herself to feel. She bit her lip, unsure whether to laugh or groan.
"He's got to be joking," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head as if that would banish the thought. But the image of his lopsided grin and the sincerity in his eyes refused to leave her alone. Was he serious? Or was this some ploy?
Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. She'd heard words like that before—too often, in fact. Boys at the gym had tried to use their younger siblings to get close to her, usually to win over her sisters' favor. Those words had always felt hollow, like stones skipping across water, never sinking in. But with Austin… it felt different.
Still, the doubts crept in. Maybe he's just pretending to help me become a Gym Leader to get closer. She glanced at the passing crowd, trying to distract herself, but the thought persisted. He's younger, inexperienced… but no one's been this nice to me just because.
She let out a soft, humorless laugh. "At least someone appreciates the beauty that is Misty." The words were meant to be light, but they felt heavy, weighed down by years of comparison to her sisters. Daisy, Lily, and Violet—they'd always been the stars of Cerulean, the radiant ones. Misty was just the tagalong, the "ugly Psyduck" they'd teased her about.
Maybe Austin was different. Or maybe I'm setting myself up for disappointment.
Her tapping foot kicked a small stone, sending it clattering across the pavement. She closed her eyes, trying to calm the storm in her mind, focusing instead on the world around her. The laughter of children, the splash of water, the faint breeze carrying the salty tang of the sea—it grounded her, if only for a moment.
"Pika!"
Misty's eyes snapped open at the familiar cry of alarm. She turned to see Pikachu darting behind the bench, trembling as if he'd seen a ghost. Austin followed close behind, balancing a paper plate in his hand and laughing softly.
"Come on, Pikachu, it's tasty," he coaxed, though his voice was more teasing than convincing. Pikachu hissed, darting further behind Misty like she was a shield against whatever monstrosity Austin was holding.
Misty raised an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth twitching upward despite herself. "What's that?"
"Oh, some local dish I picked up from a vendor outside the bank," Austin replied, gesturing vaguely behind him. He held up the plate, revealing dark, glossy noodles coated in black ink sauce. "Tentacool Ink Vermicelli. Pikachu got a taste and wasn't a fan."
Misty's eyes lit up. "Tentacool Ink Vermicelli?" The words came out almost reverent, her mind flashing back to childhood dinners in the kitchen with her mom. It had been one of her favorite meals, the rich umami flavor always lingering long after the last bite. She smiled, the memory wrapping her in warmth.
"It looks delicious," she said, her voice softer now.
"Want to try?" Austin offered, holding the plate toward her with a plastic fork.
She hesitated for only a moment before accepting the fork, her fingers brushing against his. Twirling the glossy noodles, she ignored Pikachu's horrified stare and took a small bite. The flavor exploded on her tongue—rich, salty, and just the right amount of tangy. It tasted like home.
"Just like how Mom used to make it," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Austin tilted his head. "Your mom made this?"
"Yeah," she said, her smile softening. "It was her favorite. She used to cook it all the time, and I'd help. Well, I'd mostly make a mess, but she let me think I was helping."
Austin chuckled. "Sounds nice."
"It was," Misty said, her voice quieter now. The memory felt bittersweet—something she treasured, but also something she missed dearly.
"Want me to get you your own plate?" Austin asked, his smile easy and genuine.
The question caught her off guard. Her cheeks warmed, and she nodded before she could second-guess herself. "Yeah, that'd be… nice."
Austin stood, handing Pikachu a plate of noodles drenched in ketchup before heading back toward the vendor. Misty watched him go, her thoughts swirling.
Was this a date?
The idea sent her heart racing, though she giggled at the thought.
"Pika?"
Misty glanced down at Pikachu, who was watching her with an expression that could only be described as amused disbelief.
"What's that look for?" she asked, folding her arms.
Pikachu's ears twitched, and he began a series of exaggerated gestures—pointing at her, crossing his arms, shaking his head, and miming eating.
Misty stared at him, her jaw dropping. "Are you trying to tell me this isn't a date?"
Pikachu nodded emphatically, squeaking with what sounded suspiciously like laughter.
She couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up despite herself. "Wow, even you're calling me out, huh?"
By the time Austin returned with her plate, Misty was still smiling, her doubts temporarily pushed aside.
"Here you go," he said, handing her the plate.
"Thanks," she said softly, her fingers brushing his again.
"And for you," he added, placing a plate of ketchup-smothered noodles in front of Pikachu.
The electric mouse lit up instantly, diving into the meal with unbridled enthusiasm.
Misty shook her head, watching the two of them. She laughed softly, the sound light and fleeting, as she watched Pikachu devour his ketchup-drenched noodles with unrestrained joy. But her amusement faded when she caught a sharp, disapproving glare cutting through the crowd.
She turned her head and immediately spotted the source—the vendor who had sold Austin the vermicelli. His arms were crossed, his mouth set in a tight line, and his narrowed eyes were locked squarely on them. There was no mistaking it. That glare was meant for Austin.
"What's his deal?"
"Uh, I may have, um, altered the dish a bit."
Misty raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to elaborate.
"Well, I didn't want to waste Pikachu's ketchup, so I, uh… just asked the guy for a plain plate of raw vermicelli and dumped ketchup all over it." Austin motioned to Pikachu, who was happily licking his plate clean. "Guess he didn't appreciate my culinary innovation."
Misty blinked, then sighed. "Austin, you essentially desecrated a Cerulean specialty. The vendor probably thinks you're mocking his craft or his culture."
"All because I added ketchup? Isn't that a bit extreme?"
Misty shrugged, her lips twitching with the hint of a smile. "You're in Cerulean City. We take food very seriously here. And by 'we,' I mean other people. Personally, I wouldn't die on that hill."
"Good to know," Austin muttered, twirling a forkful of his ink-stained noodles. "Well, at least someone enjoyed it." He motioned toward Pikachu, who was now sprawled out on his back, belly visibly bloated, his paws twitching in delight.
The two of them ate in companionable silence for a while, Misty savoring the rich, briny taste of the squid ink noodles. The flavors were nostalgic, tugging at memories of simpler times spent in her mother's kitchen. She didn't realize how much she missed that until now.
"Man, that hit the spot," she said, wiping her mouth with a napkin. She glanced at Pikachu, now in a blissful food coma as Austin gently rubbed his belly. The little Pokémon's contented expression was infectious, and for a moment, Misty let herself forget about her doubts and frustrations.
But then Austin broke the quiet. "So, I got the money."
"Money? For what?"
"The plan."
Misty froze, her fork halfway to her mouth.
The plan?
She repeated dumbly, "Oh, right. The plan. The one you came up with. For me." She laughed nervously, scrambling to recover. "Of course, I remember. Totally didn't forget."
Austin gave her a flat look.
Misty panicked, searching for an excuse. "I didn't forget! I was just… captivated by Pikachu's charades!" she blurted, pointing to the electric mouse as if he were the most fascinating thing in the world. "I didn't even know you could bypass the language barrier like that."
Austin raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why would that distract you?"
Misty blinked, flustered, as Austin lightly tapped Pikachu's belly. The electric mouse giggled, his cheeks sparking faintly, and Misty suddenly found herself wondering if Pikachu was silently judging her.
"Well," she said, "it's just… impressive, I guess. I mean, you've got Pikachu understanding you so well. That takes skill."
Austin smiled faintly, glancing down at his Pokémon. "It's just practice. I've been working on it since I heard about Team Rocket's Meowth."
Misty perked up slightly at that. "Oh, I remember hearing about that. The talking Meowth, right? That's wild."
"Yeah," Austin said, scratching behind Pikachu's ear, earning a happy squeak. "Figured if a Meowth could learn human language, then I could at least figure out a game of charades with my team."
"Are you serious about this plan?!" she blurted, her voice sharper than she intended.
Austin, however, didn't flinch. He met her eyes calmly, his tone as casual as if they were discussing what to order for lunch. "Yeah, I already withdrew the 20K." His hand shifted toward his pocket, and for a horrifying second, Misty thought he was about to pull out the money right there in public.
She raised her hand in a hurry, as if to stop him. "No, no, I believe you!" she said quickly, her chest tightening as her mind raced. He wasn't joking. He really had withdrawn that kind of money—for her.
Austin's plan played back in her mind like a bad movie on repeat. Set up a public tournament. Offer 20,000 Pokédollars as the prize. Draw in as many challengers as possible so I could rack up the 300 wins I still need to qualify as Cerulean's Gym Leader.
On paper, it was straightforward. But in reality? It felt like an enormous weight pressing down on her chest.
"I don't think we should go through with this," Misty finally said, her voice quieter now, but edged with unease. Her hands tightened into fists at her sides.
Austin tilted his head, studying her. "Why?"
Misty's stomach churned. How could he not see it? How could he not understand what he was asking her to do? "Because..." She hesitated, trying to put the swirling mess of emotions into words. "What if I lose? That's 20K, Austin! That's the kind of money people save up for years, and you're throwing it at this like it's... like it's no big deal."
"You won't lose," he said simply, like it was a fact.
His unwavering confidence made her head throb. Misty's breath hitched as she forced herself to continue. "I don't know that! What if some insanely strong trainer shows up? Or—what if I choke under the pressure? I'm not afraid of losing, Austin. I've lost plenty of times before. But if I'm the reason you lose everything..." She trailed off, her voice faltering as her throat tightened.
Austin didn't say anything at first, and the silence felt heavier than it should. Pikachu let out a soft yawn, rolling onto his side, oblivious to the weight of the conversation above him.
"Yeah," Austin said finally, his voice slow and thoughtful. "You're right."
Misty blinked, surprised at his agreement. Relief started to seep in, but it was quickly replaced by confusion when he added, "If you lose, you can just pay me back by selling your kidney."
Her jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"
"If you lose, you sell your kidney. Problem solved."
"I'm not selling my kidney!" Misty snapped, her voice pitching high enough to make Pikachu's ears twitch.
"Then don't lose," Austin replied with a smirk, the corner of his mouth quirking upward.
Misty stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. Was he joking? He had to be joking. But his delivery was so deadpan that she couldn't be sure.
"Austin," she said slowly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This isn't funny."
He shrugged again, that infuriatingly calm expression still plastered on his face. "I'm just saying, it's not the end of the world if things don't go as planned."
Misty's frustration bubbled over, her thoughts spiraling.
"Look," she said, her voice quieter now but strained, "I can't do this. I can't risk it. You're putting so much on the line for me, and I—"
"Misty, it's fine," Austin interrupted, his tone softer now, almost reassuring. "It's just money."
"Maybe to you," she shot back, her voice trembling. "But to me, this is everything. This is my dream, and I can't let it come at the cost of someone else's failure. If I lose, I can live with that. But if I drag you down with me..."
Her words trailed off as she turned her gaze away from him, unable to meet his eyes.
The silence between them stretched, broken only by the distant chatter of the city and Pikachu's soft breathing.
"Thank you for everything," Misty said at last, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't go through with this."
She turned on her heel, her steps quick and decisive as she walked away.
Austin didn't try to stop her, and for that, she was grateful. Her heart was pounding, her mind spinning with what-ifs and second guesses. But she kept walking, determined not to look back.
----------------------------------------
Pikachu watched with wide, curious eyes as his human, Austin, sat in silence. The conversation with Misty had been heavy, and now a blank expression settled over the boy's face as he processed the sudden departure.
"Let's go," Austin said finally, his voice flat as he stood and tossed their trash into a nearby garbage can. He began to walk deeper into the city, his steps a bit slower than usual.
As they moved through the bustling streets, Pikachu considered the oddity of human behaviors. His human was different—how he interacted with the world, the Pokémon, and the people in it often left Pikachu puzzled. He couldn't fathom why Austin was so intent on helping that girl.
Was this some kind of mating ritual? Pikachu wondered, though the idea seemed far-fetched even to his small electric brain. And frankly, Pikachu felt the boy could do so much better with a different mate.
"Let's get some gelato," Austin announced, a hint of cheer returning to his voice.
"Pika," Pikachu chirped, instantly brightening at the idea. He then performed a small charade, mimicking squeezing a bottle and drizzling something—his universal sign for ketchup.
"No, I don't think they have ketchup gelato."
Pikachu's ears flopped down in disappointment.
"You know what, let's try to find a new flavor that'll be better than ketchup."
That statement caused Pikachu to burst into a fit of laughter, the sound squeaky and infectious. The laughter shook him so much that he toppled right off Austin's shoulder, landing softly on the ground. "Pika!" he exclaimed, still chuckling, his tiny paws clutching his belly as if the joke was the funniest thing he'd ever heard.
Meanwhile, Austin's mind was elsewhere, calculating. The private investigator he'd hired had assured him the job would be done in a week, which left Austin to focus on the other pieces of his plan. For everything to fall into place, he needed every variable accounted for—especially Misty.
----------------------------------------
Misty sat cross-legged on the windowsill of her rented room at the Pokémon Center, staring out over the serene waterways of Cerulean City. The afternoon sun sparkled on the canals, the sound of water trickling against stone faintly audible through the glass. It should have been peaceful, but her mind churned with unease.
Her hands gripped the windowsill tightly, as if bracing herself against a sudden gust of wind, but no breeze came. The conversation with Austin played on an endless loop in her mind, each word echoing like a stone dropped into still water.
He'd offered her everything—an opportunity to seize the dream she'd been chasing since she was old enough to understand what being a Gym Leader meant. A chance to prove to herself and everyone else that she was more than just "the youngest," the one who was always overlooked, the sister who would never quite measure up.
And she'd turned him down.
She let out a long sigh.
Why had she said no?
At first, it had been simple: pride. She didn't want to take handouts, didn't want to owe anyone anything. But the longer she thought about it, the clearer it became that it wasn't just pride holding her back. It was fear. Fear of putting herself on the line, fear of failing in front of someone who genuinely seemed to believe in her.
Her hands tightened into fists.
She hated this feeling. This uncertainty. This knot in her stomach that refused to go away. She'd always been decisive, always charged forward without looking back. But now? Now she felt trapped in place, her feet stuck in the mud of her own doubts.
A soft knock at the door broke her thoughts. Misty's head snapped toward the sound, and for a moment, she considered ignoring it. But the knock came again, firmer this time.
Grudgingly, she slid off the windowsill and crossed the room. When she opened the door, Austin stood on the other side, looking far too casual for her liking. Pikachu perched on his shoulder, chewing on what looked like the remnants of a ketchup packet.
"Hey," he said, holding up a takeout bag. "Thought you might be hungry."
Misty blinked, caught off guard. She hadn't expected to see him again so soon, and certainly not bearing food. Her stomach growled softly in response, betraying her.
"Lunch?" she asked warily, narrowing her eyes. "Or another attempt to change my mind?"
"Can't it be both?" he replied with a grin, stepping past her before she could tell him to leave.
She closed the door with more force than necessary, turning to see him already unpacking the food onto the small table by the bed. There were two plates, each piled high with pasta in a creamy sauce, along with a small container of garlic bread.
Misty hesitated before sitting across from him. Her appetite was there, but her irritation lingered.
"So, what's the plan this time?" she asked, picking up a fork but not yet digging in.
"No plan," Austin said, twirling some pasta onto his fork. "Just lunch."
She didn't believe him, not for a second, but the aroma of the food was too tempting to resist. She took a cautious bite, the rich, buttery flavor melting on her tongue.
For a few minutes, they ate in silence, the only sound the occasional clink of silverware against plates. Misty found herself relaxing, though she kept stealing glances at Austin, trying to figure out what his angle was.
Finally, he spoke.
"I've been thinking about what you said yesterday," he began, his tone thoughtful. "About not wanting to be a burden."
Misty's grip on her fork tightened.
"And?"
"I think you're underestimating yourself," he said simply.
Her jaw tightened. "Don't patronize me."
"I'm not," he replied, meeting her glare with a calm look. "I mean it. You've got what it takes, Misty. I've seen it."
She laughed bitterly, setting her fork down. "You've known me for what? A few days? You don't know anything about me."
"I know enough," Austin said, leaning forward slightly. "I know you've got more fight in you than most people I've met. And I know you're holding yourself back because you're scared."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut.
"I'm not scared," she snapped, though her voice wavered.
"Yeah, you are," he said. "And that's okay. Everyone's scared of something."
Misty looked away, her nails digging into her palms. She hated how easily he'd seen through her.
"I don't get it," she said after a moment, her voice quieter now. "Why do you care so much? Why are you doing this for me?"
Austin hesitated, and for the first time, she saw a flicker of uncertainty in his expression.
"Because I've seen what happens when people stop chasing their dreams," he said finally. "And I don't want that to happen to you."
His words hung in the air between them, heavy and unspoken.
Misty swallowed hard, her emotions swirling. She wanted to believe him, wanted to trust that his intentions were pure. But the doubts wouldn't let her.
"What's in it for you?" she asked, her voice sharp. "What do you get out of this?"
Austin smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. "I get to see you succeed. That's enough for me."
She shook her head, laughing softly but without humor. "No one's that selfless."
"Maybe not," he admitted. "But this isn't about me. It's about you."
Misty stared down at her plate, her appetite gone. The weight of Austin's words pressed against her chest, almost enough to make her crumble. Almost. But the more she thought about it, the more a familiar frustration began to burn in her stomach.
This entire situation didn't make sense—Austin didn't make sense.
She raised her head, her sharp eyes locking onto his. "Okay, enough," she said, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "What's your angle?"
Austin blinked, clearly startled. "My angle?"
"Yeah, your angle." She stood abruptly, shoving her chair back with more force than she intended. Her hands rested on the table as she leaned forward, her glare pinning him in place. "This whole act you've been playing—'I want to see you succeed, I want to help you achieve your dreams.' It's almost convincing. Almost. But I'm not moving an inch until I know the truth."
Austin leaned back in his chair, his calm demeanor slipping slightly as her words hit him. "Misty, there's no act—"
"Don't you dare," she snapped, cutting him off. "Don't stand there and lie to my face. People don't just throw twenty thousand Pokédollars at someone they barely know for no reason. So either you're the most naïve person I've ever met, or you've got some kind of agenda."
He didn't respond immediately, his expression carefully neutral.
But Misty wasn't about to let him off the hook. She pushed away from the table, pacing the small room like a caged Growlithe, her frustration boiling over.
"You think I don't know how the world works?" she continued, her voice rising. "I've spent enough time around people who promise one thing and mean something else entirely. My sisters, trainers, so-called 'friends.' People always want something, Austin. So tell me—what do you want from me?"
Austin watched her silently, his hands folded in front of him. He looked calm, but Misty could see the tension in his shoulders, the slight twitch in his jaw. She crossed her arms, stopping mid-step to glare at him.
"Because if you think I'm just going to sit here and let you play the hero without knowing why, you're wrong," she said, her voice quieter but no less firm. "I'm not some charity case. I'm not someone you can fix, or save, or whatever it is you think you're doing."
Austin took a deep breath.
The truth was simple, yet unfathomably deep: he was doing all this because of fate. Fate—a concept he had scarcely considered before, but now it seemed impossible to ignore.
This world wasn't the anime he knew. I guess it wasn't from day one. I just figured it was a world that was more realistic yet still anime.
The exact nature of his reality was elusive, yet one thing was increasingly clear: this world was striving to adhere to the canon of the anime, despite the variations he encountered.
He had already gotten another chance to persuade Brock to join him at the Saloon, mirroring the anime's plot point of Ash getting Brock as his companion. He had encountered the Clefairy tribe, just like the show, despite Seymour explaining that no one was allowed near their sacred lands. And now, Misty was "coincidentally" near Cerulean City and perfectly positioned to agree to his plan, poised to become his companion as if scripted by Fate.
Yet even through all of that, he had Vee, Rattata, and Spearow as his Pokémon. He had left behind Caterpie and Pidgeotto.
He clearly had free will. He clearly had more.
So, was everything else just a domino effect on the system, or was something actively working to make sure the world stayed true to the anime?
Honestly, this was the reason he was doing this.
As long as he got answers, Austin was willing to use Misty to glean insights into the workings of fate and the extent of its grip on him.
Was this fair to Misty—to make her his guinea pig?
Probably not.
But in his mind, she stood to benefit from his plan, which tempered any moral reservations he might have had.
Austin's thoughts churned like a stormy sea as he sat across from Misty, her piercing gaze demanding the truth—a truth he couldn't possibly divulge.
As he sifted through his thoughts, he realized that no matter how he phrased it, any attempt to explain his true motivations would cast him as delusional, perhaps even insane. Misty was already suspicious of him; adding such an explanation would only solidify her doubts and might push her further away.
"Do you want the truth, or do you want a truth?"
Misty frowned. "What's the difference?"
"The truth is the main reason why I'm doing this," Austin explained, meeting her gaze without flinching. "A truth is just one of the many reasons why I'm doing this."
"Give me the truth," Misty demanded, her voice low and laced with frustration.
Austin took another deep breath. "I can't tell you."
Misty's eyes narrowed, her tone cutting as she snapped, "Then excuse yourself out the door."
He straightened slightly, holding her gaze. "It involves the safety of my Pokémon."
"Pardon?"
"I know it's confusing," Austin replied. "But my agenda… it's tied to my Pokémon."
"Then why involve me?"
Austin leaned forward, his expression sharp with purpose. "Simple. You accomplish your dreams, and I accomplish my goal. You scratch my back, and I scratch yours. Simple as that."
Misty's eyes didn't waver, her voice cold as she asked, "How do you know everything about me?"
"Asked around," Austin said with a shrug, his lips quirking slightly. "Rumors travel faster than a Dodrio on caffeine."
Misty huffed, clearly unsatisfied but unwilling to push further. "Fine. I'll have to think about it."
"Well, we've got a lot of food left," Austin said, motioning to the spread in front of them. "Why not think it over while eating?"
Misty sighed, but the temptation of the free meal was too much to ignore. She grabbed her fork and started eating again, her expression guarded.
The silence stretched between them for a moment before Misty spoke, her tone curious. "What would you say if I asked for a truth?"
Austin looked at her, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. "I'd still tell you I think you're cute."
Misty paused mid-bite, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink as she focused on her food, trying to hide her flustered expression.
Unbeknownst to her, Austin studied her reaction with mild amusement, though his thoughts remained detached.
Misty had been his childhood crush, the kind of idealized admiration born from countless afternoons watching her on screen. But now that she was real, the idea of pursuing a relationship with her didn't cross his mind. Even if he were older, Misty simply wasn't his type—her fiery personality and sharp edges clashed with what he thought was his type.
"You know," Misty began suddenly, her voice quiet, "when I was little, my sisters used to call me the Ugly Psyduck."
Austin raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden confession. "Psyduck can evolve into Golduck," he said matter-of-factly.
Misty blinked, caught off guard by the seemingly random response. "Obviously," she said. "Future water master and all."
"Hm. An ugly Psyduck into a beautiful Golduck."
Misty's eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"When I was a kid," Austin began, "my mom used to tell me a story. It was about a Psyduck who was mocked for being clumsy and awkward, but one day it evolved into a strong and graceful Golduck. It became something everyone admired."
Misty's expression softened slightly, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. It was her favorite bedtime story—one her mom had always told her to lift her spirits.
"I think," Austin continued, "one day you'll grow up to be a beautiful Golduck."
Misty's cheeks flushed a deeper red as she quickly looked away, focusing on her plate. For a fleeting moment, Austin's words reminded her of her mother—encouraging, supportive, unwavering.
"Eat, you idiot, or else it'll get cold," she said brusquely, trying to hide the lump forming in her throat.
Austin smiled faintly, saying nothing as he turned to his Pokédex, fiddling with the buttons.
"What are you doing?" Misty asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Entertainment," Austin replied nonchalantly. "Sometimes I listen to Pokédex entries when I'm eating."
Misty tilted her head. "Can you check Psyduck's entry?"
Austin nodded, scrolling through the device. "Sure."
----------------------------------------
Psyduck Pokédex Entry:
For all mankind's inventions—volcano monitoring, satellite tracking of hurricanes, and the like—there remains no better predictor of natural disasters than the intensity of a Psyduck's headache. Although perpetually confused and in pain, Psyduck possess a telepathic bond with the Earth itself. When the world cries out in pain and upheaval, this link activates, causing its headaches to grow ever worse and its telekinesis to often become uncontrollable. While inexperienced trainers may mistake this for the Pokémon's usual erratic behavior, wise trainers have learned to run for cover whenever a Psyduck cries out in pain.
Unfortunately for those in some hotspots, these cries happen regardless of the nature of the disaster in question. It is not unheard of for people to run for cover on a Psyduck's warning fearing a hurricane, only to be crushed by that very cover in a freak earthquake. This unpredictability has underscored mankind's need to develop better disaster prediction methods—though, so far, efforts have largely failed. Additionally, many trainers feed headache medication to their Psyduck, which, while making them more effective in battle (except for psychic attacks), means far fewer Psyduck are left capable of giving warnings.
----------------------------------------
Austin chuckled softly as the entry ended. Gathering the leftover food containers, he stacked them neatly before placing them into the takeout bag. He wiped the table with a napkin, ensuring there were no crumbs left behind. Standing up, he glanced around the room, checking to see if he'd missed anything.
"Well then, it's been nice. If you ever want to mooch off someone, I'm just down the hall."
Misty rolled her eyes but still punched him lightly on the arm.
"Kidding," Austin added quickly, raising his hands in mock surrender.
As he reached for the doorknob, Misty's voice stopped him.
"How long are you planning to stay in Cerulean if I don't agree to your plan?"
Austin paused, his hand hovering over the handle. "I don't know. I'll probably leave right away."
Misty's lips pressed into a thin line, her expression unreadable. "Who are you, Austin?"
He turned back to meet her gaze, his tone softening. "Just a boy trying to survive in the world, Misty. A boy hoping to make sure he and his Pokémon are safe. A boy looking for answers from a world that seems to throw more questions at him every day."
Misty's expression shifted, her features softening as his words resonated with her. She knew what it felt like to face the unknown, to feel lost and unsure.
"I'll give you my answer tomorrow morning."
"Thanks, Misty," Austin replied, offering her a small, grateful smile. She gave a slight wave before closing the door behind him.
"You've been awfully quiet," Austin muttered, raising an eyebrow as he walked down the hallway.
"Pika, pika," Pikachu said slowly, exaggerating his tone as he made exaggerated kissing motions.
Austin snorted, shaking his head. "Don't worry, I'll get back at you when Dawn's Buneary shows up."
"Pika?" Pikachu squeaked, tilting his head in confusion, clearly unsure what Austin meant.
Austin chuckled, stepping into the Pokémon Center lobby. He made his way to the trash can and tossed the bag in, the sound of it landing echoing faintly in the otherwise quiet space.
As he turned to leave, something caught his eye—a bright yellow poster pinned to the nearby bulletin board. He stopped in his tracks, his breath hitching as he read the bold letters:
"Nugget Bridge Challenge - Come for the gold if you have the guts!"
Austin moved closer, studying the poster intently. The details were uncanny—almost identical to how the challenge had been portrayed in the games, from the structure to the location. His jaw tightened.
"If it's like the games…" he muttered under his breath, his mind racing. He knew what that could mean.
His eye twitched as the thought struck him.
"Team Rocket," he whispered, the words heavy with frustration.
Pikachu chirped curiously, sensing the shift in his trainer's mood.
"Looks like we've got more work to do, buddy," Austin said, his voice low but resolute. Pikachu nodded, sparks flickering faintly from his cheeks as they headed back to their room to prepare for whatever lay ahead.