Leaving the Pewter Gym with Misty, Xia You pointed to the Pewter Museum of Science on the other side of the street.
"The museum here is very famous," he said. "It can be considered a major attraction in Pewter City. How about we go take a look together?"
"Okay." Since she had nothing to do anyway, Misty agreed without hesitation.
They crossed the street, and the magnificent museum came into view. Xia You bought two tickets, and together with Misty, they entered the main hall on the first floor.
The Pewter Museum of Science was divided into two main areas: exhibition and scientific research. Unfortunately, the research area was off-limits to the public, so visitors could only explore the exhibition area.
The first floor displayed fossils, showcasing rare ancient Pokémon. The skeletal remains of Aerodactyl and Kabutops were the main attractions.
But Misty seemed uninterested. She glanced briefly at each display case before moving on.
"I really don't understand why they display these scary things..." she muttered.
They then went upstairs to the second floor. Unlike the first, this level focused on space. Historical relics, meteorites from the moon, and even a model of a space shuttle were on display.
As Xia You and Misty paused in front of the shuttle, an old man nearby spoke to himself.
"It's been decades in the blink of an eye since humans first set foot on the moon. I hear there are plans to go to the Red Planet next. News about the universe—true or false—always excites me!"
Xia You and Misty exchanged a smile before continuing to stroll leisurely around the museum a few more times.
After leaving, they found a nearby restaurant. Though not luxurious, the appetizers and desserts were surprisingly satisfying.
During the meal, Xia You listened to Misty recount how she met Ash and the unfortunate incident with her bicycle.
"You really should have seen it," she said, still a bit resentful. "I had just bought the bicycle, and after only one day, he turned it to charcoal!"
"So you'll keep following him until he compensates you?" Xia You asked.
"That's part of it," Misty replied with a smile. "My goal is to become a Water-type Pokémon Master, and traveling with him is the best shortcut."
Xia You smiled, agreeing silently. Hearing her story in person felt different than watching it in the anime.
In the evening, they returned to the Pokémon Center, but Ash was nowhere in sight.
Misty asked, "Ash… he wouldn't have left already, would he?"
"Impossible," Xia You shook his head. "He won't leave Pewter City without challenging Brock again. At the earliest tonight, at the latest tomorrow morning, he'll show up."
Sure enough, the next morning, while having breakfast, Ash appeared, exhausted but full of energy.
"Ash!" Misty waved. "Where did you run off to yesterday?"
"Sorry for worrying you," Ash said, plopping into a chair and hastily stuffing food into his mouth. "I met Flint outside the Gym and received special training with Pikachu."
"Flint? Charging training?" Misty was stunned. "But even so, an Electric-type Pikachu can't defeat Brock."
"How would you know if you don't try?" Ash said confidently. "And today, Pikachu is completely different from yesterday!"
"Oh?" Misty remained noncommittal. "I'll be looking forward to it, then."
Wiping his mouth with a napkin, Xia You said, "Good luck, Ash, but unfortunately, I won't be able to witness that moment."
"Why?" Ash asked curiously.
Xia You didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Your goal is to participate in the Indigo Plateau Conference, right?"
Ash nodded.
"Then we are rivals," Xia You said solemnly, "and I have my own path to follow. It's time for me to head to the next Gym city."
"Huh? Are you leaving already?" Misty felt reluctant. Though she hadn't known Xia You long, their day together had been relaxed and joyful. She appreciated his gentleness, thoughtfulness, and humor.
Xia You smiled. "Don't be sad. Kanto is vast, but our goals are the same. We'll meet again sooner or later—perhaps at the next city or the next Gym."
Upon returning to Vermilion City, Xia You went straight to the Cerise Research Institute.
"You've worked hard on this journey," Professor Cerise said, smiling. "After you delivered the prototype, Professor Oak called me and praised you over the phone. I almost felt embarrassed!"
At that moment, Chloe walked in, carrying her schoolbag.
Seeing Eevee, Squirtle, and Charmander, she exclaimed, "So you've already caught so many Pokémon?"
"Yes," Xia You said. "The royal three families are complete. Now I just need one more to form my team. This is Chloe—come say hello."
She gently touched each Pokémon's forehead. When she reached Kirlia, her eyes lit up. She knelt down in front of it.
"Is this Kirlia's new form? It's so cute!"
Kirlia bowed, its gentle demeanor surprising Chloe.
Watching the harmonious scene, Professor Cerise said, "Xia You, I've arranged a dormitory for you here at the Research Institute. You won't need to stay at the Pokémon Center anymore. Cerise Park has been built, so your Pokémon can be stored there."
"Cerise Park?" Xia You asked, surprised.
Professor Cerise pointed out the window.
Following the gesture, Xia You saw a huge hemispherical glass dome behind the institute. Streams, ponds, hills, valleys, and a dense forest could be seen beneath its transparent cover.