When Liu Qing arrived at Hearthome Gym, which had a Ghost Balloon emblem on its roof, he found that the "closed" sign had been taken down from the entrance of the house-like building. At least I didn't come all this way for nothing, he thought, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
"Excuse me, I'm here to challenge Hearthome Gym!" Liu Qing called out after looking around the Gym's empty battlefield.
"Another challenger?" A man in a white suit emerged from the door beside the spectator stands and looked at Liu Qing. "I'm the referee for this Gym!"
"My name is Liu Qing, and I'm from Saffron City in Kanto. Is the Gym Leader here?" Liu Qing asked.
"The Gym Leader has accepted your challenge!" The referee stepped onto a white platform beside the battlefield and continued, "First, please welcome Hearthome Gym's Leader, the Enchanting Passionate Dancer, Lady Fantina!" He gestured with his right hand toward a door opposite Liu Qing. As it opened, a woman in a purple gown, with purple hair and purple eyes, appeared before Liu Qing, striking a pose.
"Welcome to Hearthome Gym!" Fantina raised one leg and danced onto the battlefield on the other. "I'm in a wonderful mood today. Do your best, handsome Trainer!" A slight smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you for the compliment, Miss Fantina. I'll give this battle my best!" Liu Qing replied with a nod.
Fantina laughed at his response. "You're quite serious, aren't you?"
"The Hearthome Gym battle in Hearthome City will now begin! Each side will use three Pokémon. The battle will end when all three Pokémon on either side are unable to battle. Only the challenger may switch Pokémon!" The referee promptly announced the rules.
"My first Pokémon, Gengar of lofty status!" Fantina danced as she