Erika gently stroked Gloom's flower.
"This story begins ten years ago. When I was little, I got lost and accidentally encountered a Grimer. I was so scared I couldn't move. At that moment, a Gloom walked by, and I called out to him for help. I could tell that Gloom understood my feelings very well at that time."
"Then he released a foul odor, driving the Grimer away. The Gloom that saved me that day was him, so I am very grateful to him," Erika said with a warm smile.
"That's when Miss Erika decided to become a Grass-type Pokémon Trainer," the receptionist added.
"I really wish Ash could hear this story," Misty said, nodding in agreement.
Just then, Pikachu suddenly walked over and used Thunder Shock, causing Ash's wig to fall off and reveal his true identity.
"I told you we definitely couldn't hide it from Pikachu," Alex said, pulling off his wig as well. "This thing is too hot to wear."
"Huh? You even wore women's clothes to get in?" Misty asked in surprise.
"Erika, we snuck in this way because we came to challenge you. Please, you must battle us!" Ash declared.
At that moment, in a small room in the Gym, Team Rocket discovered a bottle of legendary perfume.
"Alright, since someone has come to challenge me, I can only accept. The Pokémon used will be limited to three," Erika announced.
"Grass-type Pokémon battling Grass-type Pokémon! Go, Bulbasaur!" Ash sent out Bulbasaur first.
"Then you deal with him, Tangela!" Erika commanded.
"Tangela, the Vine Pokémon. Its entire body is covered in vines, and its contents are completely unknown," the Pokédex chimed.
"Bulbasaur, Vine Whip!" Ash commanded.
"Tangela, use Bind Attack!" Erika responded.
Tangela spun its body, wrapping Bulbasaur with its vines.
"Use Stun Spore!" Erika said elegantly.
"Return, Bulbasaur," Ash said, recalling his Pokémon.
"Next, Charmander!" Ash called.
"Weepinbell, your turn! Razor Leaf!" Erika said, facing the Fire-type Pokémon with a serious expression.
"Charmander, use Flamethrower!" Ash shouted.
The flames knocked down all the flying leaves.
"Fire Punch!" Erika countered, and Weepinbell immediately knocked Charmander out.
"Ash, I admit your strength is impressive, but my love for Grass-type Pokémon far surpasses your strength! Don't underestimate me!" Erika warned.
"Gloom!" As soon as Gloom appeared, it released a foul odor that knocked out Charmander.
"It seems your Pokémon aren't trained enough yet," Erika said with a smile.
Suddenly, Team Rocket appeared and detonated a bomb, but it exploded right at their feet, blasting them away.
"Hahaha! It doesn't matter! We, Team Rocket, have taken this legendary perfume!" Jessie laughed as she soared into the sky.
At that moment, the entire area caught fire due to the explosion. Because the Gym was filled with plants, the fire spread quickly.
"Quickly, get the Pokémon to safety!" a young woman directed everyone to evacuate.
"Alright, everyone, quickly return to your Poké Balls!" The young women recalled their Grass-type Pokémon.
Immediately, everyone joined the firefighting efforts.
"Ash, what are you spacing out for? Move faster! Help everyone put out the fire!" Alex urged, giving Ash a hard pat on the head.
"Exactly! Why are you just standing there, Ash?" Misty added angrily.
"Squirtle, Water Gun!"
"Staryu, Starmie, you two help too!"
"Go, Gyarados! Hydro Pump! Tentacruel, Bubble Beam!" Alex commanded.
"What?" When Alex sent out his Red Gyarados, everyone present was stunned for a moment.
Especially Misty; the moment she saw the Red Gyarados, her eyes sparkled with admiration.
As an enthusiast of Water-type Pokémon, she knew the legend of the Red Gyarados, and now it was right in front of her, owned by one of her companions.
"Geodude, quickly bring sand to put out the fire!" Brock said with a smile.
"Erika, what's wrong?" Misty asked, noticing Erika's flustered expression.
"Gloom, I can't find Gloom!" Erika exclaimed anxiously.
"Could it be that he's still inside?" Ash wondered aloud.
"Ash, let's go!" Alex said, rushing in with Ash.
By the window, they spotted Gloom looking lost in the garden.
"Found him, Ash! He's right there! Let's go save him quickly!" Alex shouted, running out.
At that moment, Gloom suddenly released a foul odor out of fear.
Suddenly, several burning wooden planks fell from the ceiling.
"Can't worry about that now! Hurry, Ash!" Alex urged.
They covered their noses as they rushed in.
"No, I can't hold my breath anymore!" Alex exclaimed, letting go of his breath.
"Strange, it doesn't smell at all," he said, surprised. He had prepared himself for the overwhelming stench, but there was none.
Suddenly, he remembered what Erika had said, and his perspective on Gloom shifted.
"Alright, let's go!" Alex declared, releasing a white Muk to lead the way.
Finally, Ash ran out, holding Gloom.
"A white Muk? And it's not ugly at all! Alex, your Pokémon are all so well-trained!" everyone gasped in shock at the rare Pokémon in Alex's hands.
"Gloom!" Erika rushed over, visibly moved.
"Thank you so much, Ash, Alex. I'm very sorry about what happened earlier," Erika said apologetically.
Afterward, the fire was successfully extinguished, and the Gym was saved.
"These are the Rainbow Badges. You two take them," Erika said with a smile.
"Huh? Is that okay?" Ash and Alex asked in unison.
"Of course! Gloom, isn't that right?" Erika said, looking at Gloom.
Gloom nodded, looking very happy.
"And considering the strength of Alex's Pokémon, I'm no match for him at all. Just one Muk, and I couldn't handle it, let alone the fact that you both saved Gloom."
"Then it would be disrespectful not to accept," Alex said, taking the badge and handing another to Ash.
"But the legendary perfume was taken by Team Rocket," Ash admitted, feeling a bit guilty.
"That's alright; that was just the raw material for making perfume—Gloom's extract—so it's fine," Erika reassured them.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket was hiding in a small room, quietly opening the bottle of the so-called legendary perfume.
Suddenly, they were knocked out by the overwhelming odor.
"What kind of legendary perfume is this? I'm going to die!" a loud roar echoed from inside the room.
On the other side, Alex and his companions had already left Rainbow City and were heading to their next destination.
"So, Ash, when training Pokémon, always remember that the most important thing is love, you know? No matter what, love is a very good quality for a Trainer," Misty said, stretching.
"I know, I know," Ash replied casually.
"Love, huh…" This idea resonated with Alex, and he pondered it deeply.
"And me? Now I seem to be with them, but in reality, my path is only my own, isn't it?"
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