Pokémon: Perfect Start

After Steven and Clefairy discussed, Ash and Chansey prepared a large pot of food for all the staff. Despite being a simple meal, the taste was top-notch, attracting many wild Pokémon to join in. During this time, Ash managed to convince a Clefairy to come with him, explaining that it would be going to someone else. The Clefairy agreed, as it had come voluntarily to thank Ash for helping its clan.

What surprised Ash, however, was that this Clefairy had exceptional potential, at least capable of reaching the level of a Totem Pokémon. Even so, Ash believed this Clefairy belonged to Diantha, as the Ralts Diantha had given him was the offspring of a Champion.

At the Kalos League, Diantha had just finished filming a movie when Ash's call came through.

"Ash, what's up?" Seeing it was Ash, Diantha's mood instantly lifted. After all, she had already received the dowry and the ring. Her family couldn't resist the offer Ash had made, so everything was pretty much settled.

Glancing at the ring on Diantha's left hand, Ash smiled and said, "I've found a Clefairy for you. Since I helped their clan, they're willing to listen to me. Diantha, I hope you'll take this one. Its potential is at least at the Totem level. You know what that means, right?"

If the minimum is Totem level, then the ceiling is even higher. Diantha immediately understood the value of this Clefairy, especially since Clefairy is a pure Fairy-type...

"I understand. I'll take good care of her. Thank you, Ash. Remember what I said before?" Diantha certainly remembered her earlier conversation with Ash, though she hadn't expected him to find such a high-quality Clefairy so quickly.

"Between us, no need for thanks. Get some rest. I'll send Clefairy over."

When Diantha received the Clefairy from Ash, she smiled and released it, saying, "Hello, Clefairy. I believe Ash has already told you. I'll be your Trainer. How about a battle?"

Holding a Moon Stone, Clefairy looked at Diantha and nodded.

Seeing Clefairy's strong fighting spirit, Diantha was even more pleased.

"Go, Gardevoir! Let our future teammate see our strength!"

—Separator—

Meanwhile, after resolving all their issues, Ash and his friends were finally approaching Cerulean City. However, the closer they got, the more uneasy Misty seemed.

Seeing Misty like this, Ash couldn't help but say, "Misty, why don't you head to the restaurant first? After I get the badge, we'll leave right away."

Misty looked at Ash in surprise, but seeing his concerned expression, her mood improved. "Thanks, Ash, but it's fine. I need to go back too. You know, I'm the Trainer of the Cerulean Gym, the youngest of the Cerulean City sisters."

"Oh? Then I'll count on you to go easy on me."

"Hmph, even if you say that, I won't hold back."

Brock chuckled as he saw Misty's mood lighten. This kind of journey wasn't so bad after all.

Upon arriving in Cerulean City, the group rested at the Pokémon Center before finally entering the Cerulean Gym. This time, however, something felt off. The gym was eerily quiet.

For some reason, Ash had a bad feeling, as if something terrifying was watching him. He also recalled the looks Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny had given him earlier—it was a look that said "good luck."

"Misty, is the Cerulean Gym always this quiet?"

Misty was also puzzled.

"No, usually my sisters would be performing around this time."

Hearing this and noticing the water in the pool starting to freeze, Ash's heart skipped a beat!

"Not good! Meowth, Pikachu, Chansey, let's get out of here!"

Sensing something was wrong, Ash rushed straight to the door, but a voice called out.

"Cloyster, Ice Beam!"

With an icy blue light, the gate of the Cerulean Gym was frozen shut, followed by a clamor of voices.

"Lorelei! Lorelei! Lorelei!" *n

Listening to the cheers around him, Ash broke out in a cold sweat. Unlike Ash, Misty and Brock were very excited, after all, Brock liked beautiful women while Misty was a fan of Lorelei.

Ash, sweating, looked at Lorelei and said, "Master Lorelei, is there something you need?"

Lorelei smiled at Ash, the corners of her mouth carrying a smile that made Ash's heart skip a beat, and said, "Oh, what do you think? I heard you're going to participate in a Gym battle, so with your strength, isn't it appropriate for me to be your opponent?"

Ash looked at the smiling Lorelei and helplessly touched his hat, saying, "No need, I'll take my leave..."

Seeing Jynx blocking his path, Ash said helplessly, "Hey Jynx, I've made a lot of delicious food for you, you can't be ungrateful."

However, Jynx shook her head, indicating she wouldn't let him pass. Seeing this situation, Ash had no choice but to take off his hat and seriously look at Lorelei, saying, "Stop joking, I just started my journey, those kids can't fight someone of your level."

Seeing Ash get serious, Lorelei smiled and said, "Then let Meowth and the others come, how about a three Pokémon battle?"

'Ash, you shouldn't be so modest, you need to let everyone know your true strength!'

Hearing that Meowth and the others would be participating, Ash understood that Lorelei was serious, so he handed his hat to the nearby Ralts and said, "Ah, then don't cry later, Chansey!"

"Lucky!"

Chansey also walked onto the battlefield with full momentum. Watching Ash finally get serious, Lorelei couldn't help but lick her lips.

'Indeed, this is when you are most charming, so let's begin, at least let the people of Cerulean City know your true strength.'

"Pokémon Gym Battle! Novice traveler Ash versus Kanto Elite Four Lorelei begins now!!!!"