"Sorry… I feel like I've caused you a lot of trouble."
After they got far away from the swarm of bothersome reporters, Misty finally let go of Logan's arm once she saw he wasn't resisting. The two walked in silence down the beautiful, scenic paths of Cerulean City. It was a while before Misty finally broke the quiet.
"It's really no big deal for me," Logan said, shrugging casually. "I spend most of my time in the wild anyway. I barely stay in cities. If anything, I'd say you're the one getting dragged into trouble. You're Misty, one of the most famous Gym Leaders in all of Kanto, and now this scene's probably already splashed across every gossip site. That can't be great for your reputation… especially as a girl."
Logan shrugged again. He hadn't fully grown into his frame yet, but he still stood a head taller than Misty. Walking together didn't feel awkward at all.
"You looking down on girls or something?" Misty snapped, arching a brow and glaring at him.
"Where'd you get that from? Don't put words in my mouth." Logan met her glare with one of his own. "I still don't even know what's going on. You just dragged me out of the Pokémon Center with no explanation!"
Misty was undeniably pretty, but Logan wasn't the type to grovel just because a girl was cute. Especially in this new world—his fascination with power and Pokémon far outshined any teenage interest in romance. Back in his original world, girls were everywhere, but real power… that only existed here.
Logan's bluntness made Misty a little embarrassed. She had dragged him out without much warning. Still, the headstrong girl wasn't going to admit fault that easily. Turning her face away with a pout, she muttered, "Staying in the Pokémon Center's a waste. My place is way better—food, comfort, everything. Besides, if you suck up to me a little, I might let you skip the Gym preliminaries and challenge me directly~"
"Wait… you can just skip the preliminaries? That's allowed?"
Logan blinked, surprised.
"Of course it is! As the Gym Leader, I have the authority to directly nominate someone for the final challenge," Misty explained, her eyes sparkling mischievously like she was daring him to grovel.
"Isn't that kinda… shady? I mean, what about all the people actually training for those preliminaries? Seems unfair."
Logan raised an eyebrow.
"This nomination doesn't take a slot from others. Think of it as an extra match—a bonus round. To everyone else, it's just one less person to worry about in the qualifiers. As for favoritism, the main event's always held in front of thousands of spectators, both in-person and on TV. No one can cheat with that many eyes watching. So? What do you say, Logan-kun~? Want to beg me a little?"
"Yeah, no thanks. I'd rather earn my way in the regular way. What's a day or two of battling anyway?"
"Tch. Can't you just try asking nicely?"
Seeing Logan refuse to take the bait, Misty sighed in defeat.
The two continued walking, chatting casually. They weren't close enough to delve into personal topics, but the conversation was comfortable. Neither of them tried to push any boundaries.
"Here we are! This is my home!" Thıs content belongs to 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢•𝕟𝕖𝕥
What stood before Logan was something out of a dream—a mansion that looked like a palace floating atop a river. Styled like a European manor, the estate sat upon tranquil waters with only a narrow path leading to its grand entrance.
"This… is your house?!"
Logan stared in awe. While it wasn't in Cerulean's central district, this location was clearly prime real estate. The building itself screamed wealth. Surrounded by still waters and luxurious designs, the mansion made it clear: Misty was loaded.
He glanced at Misty again. Athletic and energetic, she had that healthy glow from constant swimming. While not exactly his type, she was undeniably a beautiful young woman—with long, toned legs and a charming face. She was strong too, a Gym Leader in her own right. Aside from maybe a modest bust and a bratty attitude, she was practically flawless.
Misty didn't seem to notice his thoughts. She simply gestured forward and said, "Come on, follow me."
Walking the narrow path toward the mansion's entrance, Logan remembered hearing that Misty had inherited the Gym from her parents. That'd explain the luxury. It was family money.
He thought of Brock, who used to live like a monk. But now, as Pewter City's Gym Leader, he was doing quite well—thanks to government support and maybe a bit of… creative bookkeeping.
"Welcome home, Miss Misty!"
A line of maids stood respectfully at the doorway, bowing in unison with hands folded.
"This is my friend, Logan. Please make him feel at home."
"Welcome, Mr. Logan!"
Another synchronized bow.
After the quick introduction, Misty led him into the grand living room. "I'm going upstairs to change. Dinner's not for a while, so just relax here, okay?"
Logan flopped onto the plush sofa, watching as Misty disappeared up the stairs. The decor was outrageously opulent—even the central fireplace looked hand-carved. The staff, trained to perfection, had vanished to give the guest space.
As Logan examined the room, he started munching on the fruit platter beside him. The fruits were sprinkled with powdered berries—rare kinds only top-tier Trainers could afford—topped with a dressing that made the whole dish taste like a high-end dessert.
"A few years of this and anyone would lose their edge," he muttered. Becoming a Gym Leader meant wealth and status. But luxury could be a poison. Many Leaders eventually got too soft, beaten and forgotten by rising challengers.
[Logan, she's coming down now.]
Mewtwo's calm voice echoed in his mind.
Logan turned toward the stairs and immediately sat up straighter.
Misty descended like a noblewoman—heels like glass, hair loose over her shoulders, shimmering orange locks glinting under the chandelier. She wore a white formal dress that clung delicately to her graceful form. Gone was the energetic tomboy—this was a poised and elegant young lady.
Logan hadn't expected this transformation. Misty dressed casually in public, but at home? She looked like royalty.
She sat down across from him without a hint of awkwardness. Her expression turned serious.
"Logan-kun, I'll be direct with you. I need your help. It's about Team Rocket."
"Not long ago, I received a report. Someone spotted Sabrina—the Gym Leader of Saffron City—here in Cerulean. But she was wearing a Team Rocket uniform. I didn't want to believe it, but…"
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