Bonjour les spectatuer
Je m'appelle True-InTha-Blue

Yes I am trying to learn french. Wish me luck.
You there dear viewers who speak multiple languages (I know because I see viewers from different countries), you guys rock.
Speaking of languages.
This chapter should be called 'In which the characters discuss unnecessary things never addressed in the Pokemon world such as language'.

Just some fun stuff this chapter. Interaction and characters, which is my favorite thing to write about.
Hope you guys don't mind but this is my writing style. I am a character oriented author. Plus I need to get character relations established and how they can grow.

It amazes me that people actually like Jed. Not many enjoy OC's. ( I included), so I try my hardest to make him not annoying.

While he will be comic relief, he is also there to be a mentor figure for Ash and Anabel.
Representing a different type of maturity than what previous companions had to offer. He is not going to replace anyone.

Also...
Does anyone want to draw fanart of the FOSTA universe?
I would love to see what you guys got.

Follow me at Bluespinda at Tumblr.

Just google search bluespinda. Click on the tumblr link.
You'll find me.
I post art (sometimes) and I am a follower of the Miraculous Ladybug and other things.

Love to see FOSTA get some fanart, headcannons or other things people like about it.
Is it narcissistic of me to ask for this?

Anywho, as always-
Enjoy the chapter!

DISCLAIMER! The rights to Pokemon belong to Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak

From One Side to Another
By True-InTha-Blue
Chapter 7
Triple Gym Verse Double Frontier

x

Back to Ash,
A warm hug greeted him to which in his humble opinion was one of the best ways to say hello.

A crooked grin found a way to his face as they pulled back.

"Thanks. I needed that." Anabel said mimicking the expression.

"Rough?" He asked.

"Eh... More like too long. Lot of details, necessary... But it took a long time."

"PIKA!"

"I haven't forgotten you." Anabel turned to the electric type and picked him up. Nuzzling his nose she asked him "You've been well Pikachu?"

"Pi pika pikaka!" In a sign of trust he rubbed cheeks against her. A small jolt but nothing she couldn't handle.

Walking up, Iris briefly remembered what Ash had told her earlier about Pikachu rubbing cheeks with the ones they trust.

"YOUR FRIEND IS A GIRL?!" She finally yelled after the questions and confusion she bottled up inside of her.

Ash looked at Iris bewildered expression, curious as to why she yelled out such a thing. "Uh..." He scratched his head. "Yeah." He cast a bemused expression at the Salon Maiden. The young woman was trying desperately to stifle the giggles erupting. To her, the spontaneous and random events that seem to happen around Ash were already adding more joy to the rough beginnings.

Even with Ash's own rough start to the region, the bright smile he had on his face that made his eyes crinkle and twinkle with a raw happiness never lessened or faded.
Needless to say it was a trait Anabel envied and one of the reasons that made her fall for him.

"Hello there." Anabel addressed Iris with a polite bow, regaining the Salon Maiden persona. "My name is Anabel. And yes, I am Ash's friend. Who, is a girl by the way." She chuckled at the last part.

"OH!" Iris was taken aback by the prim and proper attitude of this young woman in contrast to the boisterous and wild Ash who she had been traveling with for the past couple of days. "Um... I'm Iris." A dragon appeared from her head. "And this is Axew!"
The dragon-type spied the new comer and waved one of his stubby arms. "Xew!"

A new Pokemon, and Anabel's smile brightened at the sight. "Hello there." She approached closer, on impulse to pet the cutie but then stopped realizing what she was doing. "My I...?"

Iris got the idea and took out Axew from the bundles of hair and into her arms. Slowly, Anabel reached out to touch the hide of the Pokemon. Warm scales met a soft gloved hand and instantly Axew was putty in her hand.

"Xeeeeeeewwwwwwww..." The tusk Pokemon sighed in bliss with soothing emotions emitting through his body and easing all forms of stress and anxiety, no matter how small it was.

Truly the Salon Maiden was the bane for all aggressive Pokemon. One touch showed the connection of emotions and hearts.

"He's so cute." Anabel whispered before drawing her hand back. "He is a wonderful Pokemon. You must love him a lot." She commented towards Iris.

"YES!" Pride shot through the dark skinned girl. "Yep! Axew is my best friend."

"Oi. Anabel." Behind Iris was a familiar sight to Anabel. Jed waved with a wry grin. Apparently her sudden attraction to the new Pokemon and the way she couldn't control her empathetic link was humorous to the Aura user.

"That's right. Go figure we would run into here. Are you well Jed?"

A shrug. "Not bad. Least not compared to all the crap you and Ash went through. Ran into Ash here earlier and met his new..." Jed through for an appropriate word. "... companion?" He asked both Iris and Ash.

Ash and Pikachu shrugged while Iris bristled at the mere mention! "No! I'm guiding this k-..." Pause to consider her choice of words. "-guuuuuyyyy and we just happen to be going to same direction." she said with a huff.

Unsure, Jed and Anabel turned to Ash.

All he did was shrug again.

"Still, it's uncanny to to how fast you met someone to at least travel with you in another region." Anabe paused before laughing slightly. "Did he accidentally electrocute your bike?" A look of betrayal appeared on Ash and Pikachu's face when she asked that.

Immediately Iris' temper rose up. "NOOO! He toasted me instead!"

A mirthful glance and a bark of laughter tore out of Anabel's mouth. "Ash!" She called him out half in humor and half in disbelief.

Immediately Ash was on the defensive. "I didn't mean too! She was in a bush so I couldn't see and I apologized after!" He said waving his arm widely as though to wave his troubles away. It seemed like there a little bit of ill willing between Ash and Iris, from what Anabel could tell. Jed too judging by the way the green eyes glanced from between the two of them.

With remnants of laughter still in her voice Anabel turned to Iris, who, in turn, was fuming. "I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you. Ash said he was sorry right?"

With a pause, stemmed from reluctance and a nudge of frustration, then did the young girl nod. A gentle smile appeared on Anabel. "There you go. Ash never meant to harm you. Truly he never really means anyone any harm. And he said he was sorry, there is nothing now to fret about."

Despite of the calming words, and true words, the Salon Maiden spoke, Iris puffed her cheeks out in defiance. The dark skinned girl was fighting against the peaceful atmosphere that this strange newcomer brought with her. Instantly, Iris' gut reaction was the fight or argue.
But there was nothing to argue about, her words would be hollow and mean to a person who has done nothing to her except smile and complimented her and Axew.

With the last of her stubbornness that faded in the way of the gentle smile of Anabel's face. "Fine." She turned to Ash. "I accept your apology and..." Another pause, probably because the next words that came out tasted bitter. "Sorry... for being... a butt."

Not very eloquent but at least it was something.
As for Ash, he nearly whistled in amazement. How Anabel's gentle and soothing demeanor overcame the stubbornness of Iris, in just short of meeting each other not less. Being able to reason with people in such a calm and civil way was something that Ash was envious of her, and another reason as to why he was attracted to the young lady.

As for the whistle, Ash held in it. Best be to be quiet and just take it like it is.
So he smiled and held out his hand.

"Hey, thanks. And once again, never meant to shock ya. Right Pikachu?"

A chirp of agreement came from his shoulder.

A reluctant smile came out.

A small petite clapping sound came from behind. Jed was tapping the tips of his fingers together with Spinda doing the same in some form of applause.

"Yes yes. Very good. All is well." Jed trailed off as trying to think of any other types of well-do sayings. "But now the real question. Are you ready for your Gym Battle?"

The answer.

No.

Jed suspected that much (disappointed because it was always a treat to see his two friends battle), the two trainer wanting to rest for the night and Anabel probably wanted to get some dinner. The poor girl had been booking on that rattling bike since she left Nuvema Town and been rushing since Accumula town to get here in time.

She was a bit tired and frazzled with a craving for a hot cup of tea.

"So Anabel." Ash said as they walked along the main street, each side surrounded by tale houses and apartments with gardens hanging from the roofs. To the west did a large garden appear with fruit trees and finely trimmed hedges. Wooden arches created with vines blessed the entrances into and out. "Do you remember any good places?"

A pause from Anabel and an inquisitive eyebrow from Jed, along with a surprised expression from Iris. And then she answered.

"Not really Ash. I... never really got out around Unova before I went to Kanto. So...Sorry no." She offered an apologetic smile.

Ash cocked his head. "Hey that's alright. Just wondering."

"That explains it!" Iris proclaimed with pounding her first in her hand. When everyone turned to her to explain what was this profound epiphany, did the girl point towards Anabel.

"You. Your accent is like Ash's but I knew you looked too much like a Unovian to be from Kanto. I thought you seemed to fit in here more." Iris a smirk on her face.

Upon looking on Anabel, Iris didn't know why she didn't see it sooner. Pale skin, and a small compact build. Her hair was bright colored (common but the purple color was unusual even for Unova) and bright eyes that gleamed of Bellflowers in the sunlight. The hair seemed wispy like mist streams but fluffy in the way it stuck out and curled around her neck and face. Only the fact she spoke, much like Ash, exchanging a few syllables and raising their pitch accent at the end of sentences.

The young lady in question shifted uncomfortable, but for what exactly it was hard to say. "Goodness. It's the pale skin isn't? No matter how much time I spend outside, I never can seem to get a tan." She turned to Ash. "I mean look at you, you got far darker then when I met you when we were thirteen."

Once again, as his go-to action, Ash shrugged. "Eh... But Iris is right. You do speak more like me, Guess living in Kanto for as much as you did you speak more kantonese."

"It is interesting how much can change in dialect between Unova and Kanto." Jed commented. "Apparently this is because, the original language of Unova was rather rough and eventually became too convoluted, so they took up Eastern Dialect, though remnants of the original does still persist."

Anabel turned to Jed. "You certainly seem to know a lot of about languages." She commented.

Jed didn't think much of it. "I like to do research when coming to a new region... for... personal reason.. For example, did you know, a region called Kalos, still uses its native Language... so If you ever decide to head their... best brush of on you Kal so you know where you're going."

This was interesting and nice little talk. Something simple and fun, especially for Ash and Pikachu. There has been a rough few days, but tomorrow was going to be a gym battle, tomorrow was where he will watch Anabel be in a gym battle.
Right now he was enjoying a meal with his friends, laughing when Larvesta popped out of Anabel's backpack and the tale of how Jed wrecked his bike when he got a random headache that lead him off a cliff and into a river.

"Unfortunately for me... Looks like Striaton City doesn't have a good bike shop, so I'm stuck here until a bus comes for I get on the road myself." Jed muttered ruefully. Waiting meant wasting time for him, and he was in no position to waste time.

They were sitting in a large Pokemon center that had an east wing connected to it. It was more dedicated for trainers and travelers to hang out, complimentary pre-packed snacks and vending machines containing any myriad of drinks from the overly healthy chalk like textures of protein drinks to the all consuming sugar of soda pop.

Jed and Iris were on the left, another pot of tea served, conjured up magically from Jed's backpack. Spinda sitting on the edge of the table, Axew in Iris' hair. Iris had a large blush on her face, but no one paid no mind to it.

Ash and Anabel were on one side of the table, snacks littered here and there, Pikachu and Espeon sat in the middle of them and Larvesta was held in the Salon Maiden's arms.

Anabel was quietly munching on a sandwich.

The Pokemon had berries on their paws.

Ash had been asking how Anabel's journey went. Compared to the adventures and trials Ash went, her was needless to say, tame. A few wild pokemon she asked to battle with Larvesta, in order to get him used to the trainer's life. Of course when she spoke of asking Pokemon, Iris seemed to be at a lost of what the young woman meant.

Anabel was indeed asking them. Politely mind you. In contrast Ash talked about his adventures, Pidove and Team Rocket, next with the Sandiles, and getting Oshawott who followed him from Professor Juniper's Lab to his encounters with Team Rocket, and that lead to him finding Tepig.

A very uncharacteristic dark look crossed over Anabel's face when he told her of Tepig's unfortunate past.
A shiver passed over Iris. It was even darker than Ash's. Quickly her eyes darted to the White Haired man next to her, his face impassive and blank. Thoughts hidden underneath an iron lock.

In her hair, unbeknownst to her, Axew shivered as though something bad intruded in his mind.

"Laaarrr..." But it was Larvesta who whimpered, looking up to Anabel with pleading eyes. Instantly her face softened with apologies at the ready.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to have that happen." Her voice soft and comforting. Underneath the table, a rough hand covered hers.

"Hey." Ash said. "It's alright. I'll take good care of Tepig." He offered a grin.

"On to a different subject." Jed wisely said. "Ash you challenged me to a battle after the Gym Match. "He grinned. Mischievous and cunning. "Why don't we include Anabel in aye?."

A look of surprise and excitement coursed through Ash. "A three way battle?"

"In my travels I found that Unovians like to do things in three. Triple battles and... as you poorly put, three way battles."

Iris chimed in. "Oh yeah. We do that. Plus rotation battles are a thing here to."

Ash, needless to say, couldn't wait to try all these new ways to battle. And he had three pokemon for one of those Triple battles. But back to the subject at hand, he turned to Anabel to see what she had to say.

And needless to say what the answer was. "Of course." She was a trainer, and even more so, a Frontier Brain. Pokemon Battles ran in her blood and was one of the ways to simultaneously connected to Pokemon and humans. "Espeon has been itching for a battle."

Ash nodded, saying it was the same with Pikachu.

"But what are we going to do with the gym battle?" Ash asked her, curious to what she had to say.

A thoughtful look, she explained. "Larvesta isn't strong enough to take on a gym, and Espeon is too strong, I assume the same with you."

"Yeah, Tepig, Pidove and Oshawott are not strong enough yet. But I don't want to crush the gym with Pikachu."

As they were discussing this, Iris was bewildered. Crush the gym, too powerful? Were Ash and Anabel really that strong? Once again she questioned just who were these trainers?

Briefly, she wondered if Jed was just as strong.

'Of course.' She thought with pride. 'He's a mature smart man.' A blush slowly raised on her face again.

"Axew..." Her Pokemon noticed this, and sweat dropped.

"What about limiters? Braces?" Jed brought up. "I know they may not be preferable... but they could solve your problem. But that's up to you."

Considering it, Ash and Anabel turned to their Pokemon. "Would you guys mind?

Immediately Pikachu and Espeon began to discuss it, a sequence of chirps and meows between the cat and the mouse Pokemon. In only a little bit did they both nod.

They were willing to try it out and see how it goes. They may have to get use to it, but they were willing to take on the challenge.

"The gyms should have limiters on pokemon. Or I can lend you mine... I happen to have a spare as well as my main one, needs a bit adjustment... and then there is the thre-" Jed abruptly halted his sentence. "So... who get's the battle first?"

"Spi spi spi." Spinda laughed at his trainer's near misstep. No spoilers please.

Immediately, Anabel answered. "I believe Ash should. He's the most excited. Not to mention it will help me by example. It's been awhile since I actually participated in a gym battle. So I'll learn from him." She said with a fond smile towards him.

Ahs grinned, getting her joke that he would be the one teaching her for a change. "Don't know how much I can teach ya. You're already a great trainer."

A red blush passed over both their faces.

Jed smiled at the cuteness.

Iris... didn't know what to make of it. She squinted at the both of them trying to figure out what mystery laid before her.
Just what was going on?

Night time, with the half waned moon standing high in the sky, did the noise of the day slumbered to make room for those who dwell in the shadow of the horizon. Thus too did our heroes decided it would be best to sleep as well.
Jed already having a separate room, offered to have Ash sleep as well. Anabel and Iris would be together.

Ash knew it was for the best, as many people would be confused with how comfortable he was with Anabel and she with him, and may even deem it inappropriate.

It was a common thing, too many people now these days rushed and never took it easy like these too.

Anabel walked out, hair wet from her shower and dressed in flannel PJ's. It was good to take one again; though the experience of once again traveling and using the local water she found as hygiene was not unwelcome, it was always good to stay clean.

After all, she wasn't here at Unova just as a trainer, but also as a Frontier Brain. She had to look professional even then.

She sighed thinking of how much work she had to do... She wasn't used to this, working on Battle Frontier stuff when off season... But Scott has been nagging her to find a passion she could use outside of the Battle Frontier.

Wasn't Pokemon and Pokemon battling along being a Salon Maiden wasn't enough? Those were her passions, the only thing that she had.

Anabel shook her head to ward off the thoughts. She will deal with this on a later date.
In front of her, the pokemon Axew and Larvesta were playing with each other in the middle of the floor, a mock pokemon battle of waving stubby arms and softly butting heads.

A smile passed her. Right, now here would be time to relax and just be a trainer.
Seems like they could be good friends, since they were of similar age.

Iris was sitting on the bed, knees up to her chest watching the pokemon. Her long, long dark hair was down. Espeon was loafing on Anabel's bed, watching the young pokemon closely, Chirping in with advice on how a pokemon battle would go.

"Sorry about the wait." Anabel said to Iris. And beckoned to the bathroom behind her. "Do you need to use the shower?"

Iris shook her head. "No. It's fine." To be honest, Iris was a bit intimidated by this strange young woman who suddenly appeared. In all honesty she felt like the fourth wheel with Ash and Pikachu knowing Jed and Anabel.
What a familiar feeling.

As though sensing the girl's unease, and in all actuality she probably did, Anabel smiled gently. "So you got to know Ash huh?" A grin spread across her face as she sat down on her own bed. Fond memories appeared along with a warmth that was always associated with them. "Gotta tell you, that guy really knows how to make a first impression." Beneath her voice came a mysterious playfulness.

Iris glowered. "Yeah. Seriously." Then she perked up. "Wait. What was it like when you first met Ash?" The girl was curious on how someone was refined as Anabel could meet a guy like Ash and how they clicked off.

"Well..." A small snort came out of the purple haired girl, slowly eroding the image of a composed young lady. "He, Pikachu and his other pokemon were being chased by a hoard of beedrill. And that wouldn't be the first time either."

"Really?" Iris thought about it for a moment. "Yeah that sounds like him. He seems to get into trouble a lot. "So you ended up being chased as well?"

"Not the first time." Anabel choose her next words very carefully. "I helped him... escape. Though the second time. Those Beedrill were very determined and their stings caused his Tauros to crash into us and into a lake."

Pure disbelief came across Iris' face. Horror of what it might be like for that to happen to her. "Then how on earth did you become friends with a guy like him?"

"Because it was fun." Anabel said simply. "The thing about Ash is... despite all these things happen or what he might cause to other people, he has never meant ill intent." She closed her eyes, thinking of the strange happenings that Ash brings with him. The excitement, the joy, from going across regions to traversing in different dimensions.

"So I have to ask. You're intending to travel with him?" The Salon Maiden asked. She was genuinely curious about this.

You could see Iris bristle at the thought. "Yeah right!" She said crossing her arms in defiance. "We just happen to be walking in the same direction that's all!"

Undoubtedly, Anabel did not believe the young girl's protest in the slightest. "Okay. Okay." She gentle said with her arms up to show she will not pry. "Larvesta." She called out softly to her pokemon.

Knowing instantly on what his trainer wanted, the dual type said goodnight to Axew and got on the bed.

Iris saw this, and made her remember something else she wanted to say. "Okay, one more thing. How on earth did you get a Larvesta? Even in Unova they are rare."

Anabel thought about it for a moment. "You're gonna need to ask my friend, Brandon, about that. He's the one who gave me Larvesta as an egg. But that can wait for tomorrow. We should sleep well, as it's going to be an exciting day ."

Iris nodded. "The gym battle... Alright... g'night."

"Good night."

It was morning, together the four and their respective Pokemon walked in the marketplace of Striaton City.

Larvesta was in Anabel's backpack, snoozing despite of the other humans around. The civilians watched in turn at the trainer's with the rare pokemon and other region pokemon like the Espeon, Pikachu and the strange, strange blue Spinda.

A camera came out of the side pocket of her bag, kinda bulky as it is an old model. Finding a hobby what seemed to her amateur photography.

While Anabel was enjoying the sight of this new town. Rarely she went outside the Tohjo Falls area. But when she did, it was always good to intake the sights. Even more so now that she was back into her home region after so long.
Gosh... it really has been over five years hasn't it...
Feels like a lifetime ago...
She shook her head.

"Taking up photogrophy again?" Jed asked from the side. He had a hobby too as an ameture artist. It was fun to have and helped broaden one's interest.

Another click of the camera. "Yeah. Figured that this would be a good place to start up again."

Ash, couldn't help but grimace, the camera reminding him of the brat, Trip, with his camera.

"Watcha got there?" He asked glancing over.

A soft little smile got on her face as Anabel showed him her pictures. "Just stuff. People and pokemon watching, looking at their smiles. Just... nice you know?"

The feel he got from her was different from Trip's photography. More feeling and more honesty.

Then Anabel glanced at his face. A thoughtful expression passed over her. "Y'know... I have to say... you seem...?"

"Seem?" Ash grimaced. He past a glance at Pikachu, who gave one back. They were hoping that she had not been noticing their nervous glances when they had been walking around towns.
But they should know better than to hide this from a person that senses emotions like reading a book.

"Nervous." The purple haired girl said bluntly. She stopped, then she crossed her arms. "What's wrong? You can tell me."

"Uh..." The party halted and all eyes were in him. "So... Don't freak out." He and Pikachu put their hands (and paws) up defensively. "But... I don't know where the gym is."

"Ha!" Iris voice came from behind him. "Typical for a k-" She halted her triumphant tone when she saw an amber eye peered at her from beneath the darkness of Ash's cap.

"Well... figures from someone who is not from here." She quickly corrected herself. Before casting a small glare back at Ash.

Sensing the slight hostility between the two, Anabel smoothly and calmly stepped in. "Iris. Since you are from here, could you direct us to the gym please?" She asked sweetly.

And then it was Iris turn to look nervous and sheepish. Her eyes diverted like there was something spectacular in the sky. "Oh um... well you see... I uh..." Her eyes darted to Jed and remembered a particular detail when she first met him. "Um! Jed! Y-you battled the gym here before! You obviously know where it is!" Mission success, she has diverted the attention off of her.

Jed's face remained impassive. "I do." Spinda nodded with him.

Everyone waited for him to continue.
And he didn't.

"And?" Ash asked when nothing seemed to come out.

This time a wide cheshire grin spread across his face. "I'm not gonna tell you."

"Why?" Anabel and Ash both asked in disbelief.

"Why should I?" He asked with a shrug. That insufferable tone made Ash's blood boil and Anabel's eye twitch.
Iris stood with bewilderment at the flippant attitude this guy had.

"Because we're friends." Anabel stressed that last word. Breaking her cool polite persona for the no nonsense attitude as someone who has dealt with Jed's bull before.

"Not a good reason as to why I shouldn't mess with you guys. Well..." He said pondering but not really pondering. With the same grin he turned to face them. " I guess I could help you in some aspect...You could try what I did to find it." He offered but trailing off.

"And that is...?"

Jed thumbed towards the town Square. "Go to the middle of town and scream for a few minutes. I did that until someone told me where the Gym was. Good thing to otherwise any longer and I think they would have called the police on me."

Pure silence met him. An unfathomable look was over the humans and pokemon both. As for Jed and Spinda, he remained completely impassive to their stares.

"It worked."

He paused.
"On second thought. Maybe not. Don't think these folks would appreciate someone screaming for a second time. They may actually call the police. Don't know about you, but I don't really want to meet an Officer Jenny..." He turned around and muttered quietly to himself. "At least if I can help it."

After a good minute or so did Anabel finally speak up. "Okay. Here's a plan. Let's just ask around like normal-" She cast a glance at Jed. "-people."

"Yeah sounds good." Ash quickly agreed before any more nonsense was spouted. He liked fun and all but yeesh did this guy take it to another level.

Said person had one last thing to say. "Pfft. Boring. Fine do it you plebeian way. I would ask..." Green eyes glanced around. "That guy." He pointed to a green haired teenager. "Anyway bye." With that, Jed Fled From the Battle.
(run away sound effects)

Spinda didn't notice this until his trainer was a bit away. "Spi?... SPIN! DA! SPINDA!" And the Blue Panda pokemon scurried off to the direction his trainer with.
Spinda Fled From the Battle..

"That. Was the soundest advice we have gotten from him this whole entire time." Anabel said.

"Ephe."

"Eh..." Ash said with a grin. "At least he's funny. Can't believe he actually screamed until he got a gym battle. Let's go though. He gave us a direction guess we have nothing left to but to ask."

The two trainers started to walk but then noticed that a certain dark-skinned girl was still frozen in place to where the white haired man left.

A sigh escaped Anabel. "I'll handle it." She said before gentle taking Iris' shoulder and leading her away. "Yes... he is like this." She said to to the other girl with a grin. Referencing Jed's eccentric behavior.
Rejoining Ash, she continued. "I much rather have him act like this. From what he told me, in the past he was far more antisocial and very reclusive. In his words, "a drag to be around".

"Yeah. We should ask Steven. He would know more what Jed was like." Ash said, referencing the Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone, who was also Jed's cousin, sharing the same last name.

From what Ash and Anabel heard, the two were good friends. Though Steven seems to be the far more talented trainer, they kept in contact and trained with each other.

One could say that by that extension, Ash is distantly related to a Champion. Something that excited the boy when he thought about it.

Iris sighed lost at what was going on around her. It seemed like a hurricane of endless madness and chaos wherever Ash went.
Obviously he influenced Jed as well, as it would be impossible otherwise for a young man like him to be so... Goofy.

Axew popped out, laughing at the obvious denial of his trainers. Young, he may be but even this little dragon could see what was written in clear detail.

Of course, Iris ignored this and handed her pokemon an apple in some attempt to stifle the laughter.

Much to the surprise of everyone, the one guy, Jed had pointed up earlier came up to them.

"Say, an Axew!" A young man of sixteen, with bright green eyes and hair to match, suited up in a waiter outfit. Obviously he had been shopping by the bag of produced in his arms. With a peering curiosity. He searched for something in the dragon-type, smiled when he seemed to find it.

"Soft skin as fresh as new grass and tusk like newly sprouted shoots. And a future as bright and limitless as the early morning sun. A perfect partner for a young lady who seems at one with nature."

"Wow. Thanks so much." Iris was obviously flattered and Axew showed similar appreciation.

"Axew."

The two older trainers and their Pokemon had their heads coacked. And here they thought they heard the end of nonsensical words.

"Ephe?"
"Pi?"
The pokemon voiced the unsaid thoughts of their humans.

To which the green haired stranger turned his gaze in their direction.

His jaw dropped slightly.

"A Pikachu?" His eyes turned down to Anabel's feet. "And an Espeon?!" You could see were the stranger's irises widen to where they nearly took over all his eyes.

"IT'S A PIKACHU AND ESPEON!"

And once again it seems like Unovians do not know the golden rule of personal space and suddenly reach and grab a Pikachu.
"It's the first one I've seen up close." He started to peer around the pokemon and pikachu was slowly starting to twitch from agitation.
"Hello there!"

"Pi..."
Ash stepped and took Pikachu back into his arms.
"Careful there buddy. Pikachu doesn't like being handled like that." Ash said putting his partner back on his shoulder.

The stranger seemed to realize what he was doing. "Oh! Forgive my manners. It's just that it's such a treat to see one. You and the miss here are lucky to have such rare pokemon, y'know?"

Anabel however corrected him. "Actually, were from Kanto." The stranger expressed obvious surprise coming from her, as noted by Iris previously, the Salon Maiden looked Unovian.

"Yeah." Ash continued. "My names Ash and I come from Pallet Town." He gestured to the Salon Maiden. "And this is Anabel. She lives near the Tohjo Falls."

Then Anabel picked up where he left off. "Pikachu is Ash's Special Partner and Espeon is mine."

"Pikachu."
"Espeon."

"How do you do. My name is Cilan. A Pokemon Connoisseur."

Another thing that Ash and Anabel were at a lost for.

"Pokemon Connoisseur?" Ash echoed back. "Never heard of it. Anabel?"

She shook her head. "I may originally be from Unova but I never got out much. So I have never heard of that term. Iris?" She turned to the girl with a polite smile. "You would be so kind as to explain to us what that is, or you Mr. Cilan?"

Iris, once again, was taken back by the sheer sophistication and purity of the Young Lady, her normal first reaction to call Ash a kid again evaporated in this person's presence.
"I-I- Um..."

Cilan was far more civil and composed. "Oh that's not odd at all. It's a job not commonly known outside of the Unova region." A sense of pride overcame him. "I use my knowledge and experience to judge the compatibility between trainer's and their pokemon. I then help them form closer relationships. And that's the job of a Pokemon Connoisseur."

"Really?" Ash mused and directing his eyes towards Anabel.
"Pretty Useful." Anabel met his gaze with a slight smile that he returned.
Pokemon Connoisseur is cool and all but Ash doubted it was better than someone who could actually feel Pokemon emotions like their own, to the point where they could practically know what the pokemon were speaking.

AKA. Anabel.

"Shouldn't we be searching for the Gym?" Iris insisted. She was getting weird vibes from Ash... more so than usual.

"Oh yeah. That's right." Ash realized that they had been distracted. "So Cilan. Someone told us that you would know where the Striaton City Gym was? Think you can help us out?"

"I see." Cilan said. "That explains it. I'll take you there. Follow me."
Well that was surprisingly easy.

Immediately Anabel was on guard. She knew better than this, Jed liked to play games.

Still she smiled in her mind.
'Alright. Let's see what game you have for us.' Always a bit fun to mix things up.

They arrived at a very big building. More like a miniature palace. But the unique poke'ball symbol on top and the atmosphere it extruded definitely called it out as a bonafide gym.

"Yes!" Ash got a excited look. "[Sugoi]!" He exclaimed. But seeing Cilan's and Iris' face of confusion, Ash realized he slipped back into Kantonese slang.

Luckily for him, Anabel was there to help. "That's a common way to say 'awesome' in Kanto. A lot of people say it often."

Cilan was excited at this. "Interesting. While I do not know much, Kantonese culture, from what I do know, is fascinating. If we ever have time, I would love to know more about the differences between Kanto and Unova.

"Sure thing." Anabel agreed as Ash and Pikachu ran on ahead to barge through the doors.

"Alright! Let's Battle!"
"Pi Ka!"
Their typical enthusiasm was shot though, when nothing seemed to be a gym.

It was a cafe`... Full of girl.

No surprise, his face became red with embarrassment with a tinge of frustration. Wasn't this suppose to be the gym?
None of the female patrons looked like trainers...

He and Pikachu gritted their teeth and turned to Cilan.
"I thought you said this was a gym." He growled out.

Cilan was taken aback by the duo's sudden change of attitude. Ash wasn't wrong, even Iris didn't know what was going on.

"This is the Striaton Gym?"

Anabel stepped in, questioning the area around them. Her sense told her something was up. Espeon felt the same judging by the way she was twirling around her legs. But no one was able to further question when a waiter with wild bright red hair and eyes shimmied up to the group.

"Hi! Welcome!"

Then a waiter with blue hair that draped over his face and blue eyes.

'Welcome friends."

And as though affecting him with their own bravado, did Cilan forgot his previous nervousness and gently pushed the party further in.
"Please make yourself at home."

Before they all knew it, the humans were seated at the table. Pikachu still on Ash's shoulder, Espeon leaping on Anabel's lap and Axew still in Iris' hair.

"Comfy?" Cilan asked when the red haired waiter zoomed in as a staraptor would dive for prey.

"So, are you all ready to order?" He asked with a smile.

"May I start you off with something to drink?" The blue haired one asked in turned.

"No... thanks." Ash bit out feeling a spark of irritation within. He and Pikachu had been so hyped for today. Already the hot flame of passion and his blood itching for a fight. For a brawl.

But the barrage of questions didn't end there.
"Change your mind? May I suggest a refreshing Soda Pop?"

"Not thirsty." This time it was growl.
"Piii..." Pikachu was getting irritated himself, judging by the tiny sparks emitting from his cheeks that brushed against Ash's face.

None of the waiters seemed to be sensing this change. "Alright then." The red waiter winked. "We have a reasonably priced lunch menu."

No matter how many times he said no, the two just kept at it, suggesting this or that, specials or favorites? The woman started to gossip none too quietly about him.

And that spark of irritation in the both of them was starting to turn into an inferno.

Right before he exploded in frustration, a hand met his shoulder. His anger flowed out in a river as calm and soothing feelings replaced them.

It was Anabel. Who else? With relaxed eyes and pacifying smile that helped ease the negative emotions in both Ash and Pikachu.
It boggled Ash's mind how she could remain so calm in this situation. Ever so slightly she leaned in a whispered not to be heard by anyone but him.

"Follow my lead." She said.

While not know what she meant, Ash trusted her and waited.

Abruptly, Anabel got up, looking dejected and saddened and thus the waiters shut up.
"I'm sorry." Anabel was somber, Espeon head's dropping as she pawed her trainer's leg. Picking her up, Anabel continued. "I guess... this isn't the place we were looking for." Her voice lowered. Disappointed was more than evident.

Ah... now Ash saw what was going on. "Anabel." He said softly, getting up. He put on a grim face. "You're right. Obviously, we were mislead." He cast a glare towards Cilan. "Guess... This place doesn't want good trainers." He said.

"Pikaaaaaa..." Pikachu's ears dropped.

"Yeah..." Anabel's voice was still doleful. Together the two and their Pokemon started to walk out.

"WAIT!" The three waiter's cried out simultaneously. Arms reaching out, desperate to grab the two's attention.

With their backs still turned towards the waiters, hidden grins of the utmost accomplishment dawned on our heroes and their pokemon's faces.
But Anabel quickly put on her somber persona.

"Yes?"

Arrows of regret shot through the waiter's hearts for making such a pretty lady cry.

They bowed, spines craning with their heads almost touch the floor.

"We apologize!" Cilan said first, half yelling as to show his guilt.

"We took our act too far." The red haired one said.

"We are ashamed to make such a bad impression on our guests."

Still acting, and having fun with it, Ash turned arms crossed and eyes narrowed. "Why do you guys care? Obviously you guys are not gym leaders, so guess me and Anabel gotta head somewhere else." Once again they slowly turned around but before they could did the triplet's

"WAIT PLEASE!" They cried again.

This time Anabel and Ash turned around fully.

Casting nervous glances at each other, did Cilan finally speak up.
"The gym is here..." He bowed again, the others following suit. "We are the gym leaders."
The patrons who had been watching this whole were shocked and amazed. It was unusual for the trio to lose their cool and composed attitude.

So, as the fangirls, cheerleader outfits appeared out of nowhere to hail and celebrate the handsome triplets.

"Yeah! You guys can do it!"

"Challenge them! You guys can beat these noobs!"

Inspired by the cheers, the three regained their bravado.
In a flash, spot lights washed over the three and the main lights dimmed. The flair of performance and drama spread to the far corners of the gym, and the cheers of the girl's grew louder.

Cilan spoke first. "Alright you two! We'll grant your request.

"So you're a challenger." The red haired guy said next. "Then you'll receive a welcome as hot and pleasant as the new day sun!"

The the blue haired one countered. "No. I think we should be cool. Like a refreshing glass of water. Chilled of course."

Hearts were popping out from nowhere. The sighs and dreamy gasps of the fangirls were countering the dramatic serious appearance that the three gym leaders.

And yet despite of all of this fanfare and glamour, the two Frontier Brains and their Pgave flat stares.

"Okay then." Ash said unamused.
Phantom arrows of dejection pierced the hearts of the triplets and the fangirls.

Once again Anabel whispered to him.
"They could rival Tucker in their performance."

The black haired teenager attempted to stifle his laughter, not succeeding judging by the light snickers. Pikachu was faring worse.

In attempt to regain their cool persona's.

"This is the Striaton Gym."
"And the three of us-"
"Are Triplet Brothers."

"And where the Gym Leaders!"

Iris and Axew, who were absorbing everything with wide eyes, was amazed that there could be more than one gym leaders.

Obviously she hasn't been to Hoenn.

"Now it's-" Cilan began.

"Show Time!" His two brothers finished, posing and the wall behind them opened revealing bright light and more importantly a battle ground.

Rocky, but with plenty of space to duke it out and use the terrain to the advantage of the party who's the smartest.
The cheerleaders and Iris were on the top floor.
The girls, in their cheerleader outfits, rushed out, squeals and other high pitched nonsense following in their wake and making out main hero cringe.

This time it was he who leaned towards Anabel. "And that's why you're the better girl." He said with a smirk that spoke about her mature persona.

She smirked back. "You flatter me." Playful until she lightly socked his arm. Light blushes were on both of their faces when they followed the Gym Leaders into the battle ground.

"Thanks for keeping up with me on that sudden act of ours."

"No prob. But I have to wonder how you figured it out."

Anabel looked towards the three gym leaders. "I had an inkling to what was going on
Plus... I can tell when someone is trying to lead me on." She cast an unamused look at Ash. "While I do not like tricking others... I dislike being tricked even more."

A sweat drop from Ash. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the trainer's checked the field, Cilan began to explain. "So now is the time for you to select your battle opponent."

Needless to say, that was a new one, especially to Ash and Pikachu who had many a gym battle underneath their belts. Literally and figuratively respectively.

"Choose?" He voiced the confusion both of them head.

"That's correct!" Cilan confirmed. "Me. Or Chili." The red haired waiter grinned. "Or Cress." Obviously the blue haired one. "You can battle any one of us. Our rule states, that if your victorious against the one you choose, you'll earn the Trio Badge."

And thus did the Triplets reveal their Pokemon. New ones, Pansear, Panpour, and Pansage. Each representing Fire, Water and Grass. And then once again, did the Gym Leaders began to vye towards both trainer's challenge.

But among this, Ash got an idea. A crazy, radical and outrageous idea. An odd grin appeared on his face that made the three Gym Leaders quiet and called attention to the Pokemon and the Salon Maiden.

"So... we can choose... anyone of you to battle?" He asked just to clarify. Hesitantly, did they nod, unsure to where this guy was going.

"What are you thinking Ash?" Anabel questioned getting a large sense of excitement and eagerness from the trainer. Sparking interest inside of her.

"Well." The grin turned on full force and a hot fiery feel came off of Ash, the battle spirit burning within. "How bout Anabel and me battle all three of your. At the same time."

Truly what a bewildering statement. Never did any suggested such a bizarre and outrageous challenge before.

Anabel on the other hand was excited and thrilled to bits about the idea. " A two on three battle... I knew there's a reason why I like you." She said to him, though the three Gym Leaders were too startled to pay attention to her. She then turned to the three. "I'm game. What about you?"

Iris, was in a similar state. "Really? Three against the both of them? Isn't that unfair?"

And so the three were voicing their concern.
"Are sure, it seems like an intense match for you and..." Cress' eyes turned toward Anabel. A slight smile on his face. "A pretty young lady such as yourself."

At this, neither the Pokemon or humans were impressed.
A sigh escaped Anabel. "Looks like we have no choice." she said to Ash. Then she walked towards the battlefield, Espeon on her heels and using Psychic to take off the backpack. With her eyes closed she straightening out her black gloves, a competitive look on her. "Guess Ash and I will have to educate you three on who you're going to be facing." The real Salon Maiden was starting to appear.

And like before, Ash followed, a savage grin on his face with Pikachu mimicking it. "That's right." He walked towards her. "There is no such thing as a battle too intense, especially for someone for me or Anabel."

Now it was there time to put on a performance. But one more raw, powerful and true then the three gym leaders.
"No surprise though. Not many hear of what we do outside of Kanto." Anabel said half speaking to herself and to the others.

"But that doesn't mean we are any less." Ash added. And then he slammed his fist into his hand, savage, raw and passionate. "We are the type who thrive in battle, fighting is in ours and our Pokemon's blood. I say bring it!" He called out.

Anabel, in contrast was composed, confident and able. "Bring you best, your gonna need it. We are from the Battle Frontier. I am the Salon Maiden Anabel!"

"And I'm the Castle Guardian Ash!"

Then they held their fist up and both said.

"You think you got what it takes?"

"Pika!"
"Ephe!"

The two stood tall with their pokemon on their side. There was no grandeur, just pure utter eagerness to fight, for victory and for flaming emotions to flow in the language of combat.

Not cheers or applause, just silence in the wake of these two's presence. They didn't need it. They were on a different league than anyone has seen before. These two and their pokemon were not to be trifled with.

Cilan couldn't help but swallow.
'Who are these people?' He asked himself, intimidated... but also... excited.

It was though their speech and presence ignited something within him. An urge that was slowly growing. To test his skill... not as a gym leader... but as a trainer.

And based on the looks of his brothers, they had the same feel.

"Very well." Cilan said. "We accept your challenge."

End of Chapter 7

Because sometimes you need to troll.

Played Final Fantasy XV on December.

Good game.
Made it to the top five games of all time for me.
Yeah it has plot hole and you can tell that the developers wanted to add more.
But this game is still

really good.

...
Still waiting for Kingdom Hearts 3.

IT'S BEEN 13 YEARS!
Common! WHY IS IT ALWAYS 13?
CURSE YOU XEHANORT!

NEXT TIME!

Ash and Anabel verse the 3 Gym Leaders!
Who will win?

...

...

Answer is kinda obvious.