Chương 68: Chapter 69: The Cerulean Gym
Cerulean City, located in the northern part of the Kanto Region, is a bustling urban area bordered by rivers to the north and pathways leading to Saffron City in the south, as well as Mt. Moon to the west and Lavender Town to the east.
Known as "The City of Mysterious Blue Water," Cerulean City derives its name from its abundant water resources. The "mystery" in its title also alludes to one of the most dangerous and forbidden places in the region—the infamous Cerulean Cave.
The cave, located northwest of Cerulean City, is home to some of the most powerful wild Pokémon in Kanto. According to the Pokémon League, the Pokémon inside the cave are so strong that they pose a grave threat to inexperienced trainers. Even the weakest Pokémon in the cave are at Gym Leader level, while others reach Elite or even Champion levels.
"Cerulean Cave is no joke," Misty explained as the group walked toward the Pokémon Center. "Unless you're an Ultra Ball-level trainer with an official pass from the Pokémon League, entering that cave is practically a death sentence."
Hearing this, Ash shivered. He recalled his game experiences where Mewtwo resided in Cerulean Cave, guarding its domain with unmatched strength.
"That's intense," Ash said. "I guess even skilled trainers wouldn't go in there lightly."
"Exactly. The League even stations guards outside the cave to keep trainers from wandering in by mistake," Misty added.
As they approached the Pokémon Center, Ash turned to Misty. "Are you planning to go home today?"
Misty hesitated before shaking her head. "Not yet. I'll go with you to the Cerulean Gym tomorrow. Let's talk about it then."
Ash nodded, respecting her decision.
After arriving at the Pokémon Center, the group handed their Pokémon to Nurse Joy for healing. They then headed to the dormitory to drop off their belongings before heading to the cafeteria for dinner.
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Preparing for the Cerulean Gym Challenge
After dinner, Ash and Brock stayed in their room to study the Cerulean Gym. Despite its reputation for being one of the weakest Gyms in Kanto, Ash wanted to ensure he was prepared.
Brock, , helped Ash look up information about the Gym online. Most reviews painted a grim picture. Many trainers criticized the Cerulean Gym's lack of competence, with some even calling it the "Shame of Kanto."
"The three sisters running the Gym now might be beautiful and talented at water performances," Brock said, reading from an article. "But their battling skills are questionable at best. Most trainers think they should step down."
As Ash continued researching, he found more information about the Gym's history. A few years ago, the Cerulean Gym was one of the strongest in Kanto. Its leader, Misty's father, was a renowned trainer who could even explore Cerulean Cave.
However, tragedy struck when Misty's parents disappeared on a journey together, leaving the Gym in the hands of her three older sisters. Lacking their parents' skill and dedication, the sisters struggled to maintain the Gym's reputation. Over time, many students left, and the Gym's financial situation deteriorated.
To keep the Gym afloat, the sisters began hosting water ballet performances, which brought in spectators but further tarnished the Gym's legacy.
Ash sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for Misty. "No wonder she feels conflicted about going back," he muttered.
Brock nodded silently, his expression thoughtful. The situation in Cerulean Gym seemed even worse than his own Pewter Gym's struggles.
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A New Day
The next morning, Ash woke up early and headed to the training field outside the Pokémon Center. With his Gym battle approaching, he wanted to ensure his Pokémon were in top form.
Pikachu, Pidgeotto, and Beedrill worked on refining their moves. Although they had grown stronger, Ash felt their progress had slowed due to the constant traveling.
"After this Gym battle, we'll slow down a bit and focus on training," Ash decided, watching his Pokémon practice.
Once training was done, Ash joined Brock and Misty for breakfast. However, the atmosphere at their table was tense. Misty, clearly preoccupied, picked at her food in silence.
Brock attempted to lighten the mood with conversation, but Misty's unease made it difficult. When Ash returned, Brock looked relieved to have someone else take over.
"Misty," Ash began gently, "you don't have to be so worried. We'll be with you when you face your sisters."
Misty didn't respond immediately. She poked at her food with her fork, lost in thought.
Part of her hesitation stemmed from her fear of being teased by her sisters in front of Ash and Brock. She didn't want to appear weak or be ridiculed for returning so soon after leaving.
But another part of her, one she was reluctant to admit, wondered if her sisters might actually be happy to see her again.
Misty's memories of Cerulean Gym were complicated. While she often felt frustrated by her sisters' lack of dedication to the Gym, she knew they cared for her in their own way. They had always tried to make her happy, even gifting her an expensive bicycle before she left.
Still, the state of the Gym weighed heavily on her mind. Misty couldn't forgive how her sisters had turned the battle arena into a stage for water performances. To her, it felt like a betrayal of their father's legacy.
"Misty," Ash said, breaking the silence, "whatever happens, we've got your back."
Misty looked up, meeting his gaze. For the first time that morning, she smiled faintly.
"Thanks, Ash. I'll face them," she said, her voice steadier now.
Brock smiled in approval, and the group finished their breakfast in better spirits.
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