The following morning Ash and Hilda met up out the front of the Pokémon Centre.
Here, they discover a bigger man with brown hair and eyes, a white hat, dark brown top and light brown suit overtop, with a blue protective panel over his crotch standing near the entrance.
"So, Hilbert's little sister has started her journey, has she? And who's the friend that's joined ya on ya journey?" the figure asked. Hilda, recognising him immediately, responded "Hey Mr Clay, yes I'm on the journey that my brother took two years ago. And this is a guide to the world of Pokémon, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town", to which Ash nodded, and added "Yeah, we visited the Ex Team Plasmas yesterday, and we're planning to do a bit of training, and sightseeing before we take on the Gym Leader"
"Heh, well you're in luck lad, cause you're looking at the Gym Leader of Driftveil City. Just tell me when you're ready to battle, and we'll get the show on the road. Nice to meet you Ash, and good to see you again Hilda. I'll see you two around" Clay responded before he turned around and departed.
"So, is there anything you'd like to see in Driftveil City before we start preparing for the Gym?" Ash asked, to which Hilda replied "We could check out the Driftveil Market, I've heard about that from Hilbert"
"Sure, let's go" Ash responded, and they headed out.
After a bit, Ash and Hilda arrive at the Driftveil Market. It was morning, and the place was very busy. Ash grabbed hold of Hilda's hand so they wouldn't be separated, while Pikachu clung to Ash's shoulder, and they entered.
It was a good thing Ash grabbed Hilda's hand before they went in, the place was packed with morning customers.
"What should we go for first?" Ash asked, to which Hilda replied "I think we should pick up some Moo Moo Milk. That's something familiar to you, right?"
"Moo Moo Milk is sold here? That's cool, let's check it out" Ash replied, and Hilda led him towards the northern side of the market, where there was a small line of people lining up at the register of the owner of the shop. Ash and Hilda join the queue, and after about ten minutes, they reach the register.
"Welcome! This is straight from the farm! One bottle for 500 Pokédollars, or a dozen for 6000 Pokédollars. Would you like some for your trip?" the lady asked, to which Ash replied, "What's say we do one each?"
"Sure" Hilda replied, and they each paid 500 Pokédollars for a Moo Moo Milk each. The lady then added, "Here it is, your Moo Moo Milk" before giving it to them.
"Thanks" Ash and Hilda both replied, and they placed it in their bags.
"So, wonder what the Ex-Plasma sells," Hilda said, pointing to nearby, to which Ash responded, "Well, let's go and find out".
They didn't have to move very far to find the Ex Plasma Grunt, who said "I used to be part of Team Plasma. I have various kinds of incense."
"Incense, interesting" Hilda said, taking a look. Ash nodded, then added "Incense is used to produce baby Pokémon they otherwise would not be able to"
"They can also be used in low doses to liven up the atmosphere of a place" the Ex-Plasma grunt responded, to which both Ash and Hilda nodded.
"So, for Hilda's information, which Incenses do what?" Ash asked, to which the Plasma Grunt went through each one, most of them Hilda hadn't heard about but she took notes for the future.
"Though I won't use it for breeding, I'd like a Sea Incense to boost the strength of my Dewott's Water-type moves," Hilda said, and she paid the 9600 Pokédollars, before they continued exploring the market, seeing what there is.
After a while, Ash and Hilda headed out to do some training on Route 6. While she is training on Route 6, Hilda spies what looks like a Poké Ball on the ground. When she walks up and tries to pick it up, it turns out to be a Foongus.
"Whoa. What the? A Foongus?" Hilda asked as she jumped back, and she grabbed her Pokédex.
"Foongus, the Mushroom Pokémon. Foongus release poisonous spores to repel anyone who tries to catch them. For unknown reasons, they resemble Poké Balls." Hilda's Pokédex said. Nodding, Hilda said "Alright, this gives me an idea. Simisear, let's show them what we can do" and Simisear materialised.
Battle: Simisear VS Foongus
Since it took a bit for Hilda to get Simisear out, Foongus had enough time to send a cloud of Clear Smog at Simisear, dealing Minor damage.
"Alright Simisear use Fire Punch" Hilda commanded, and Simisear cloaked its fist with fire and Punched Foongus with it, KO'ing it in one hit.
Battle Conclusion: Simisear wins.
Meanwhile with Ash
Ash was also fooled by a Foongus, who, just like the Foongus Hilda encountered, was disguised as a Poké Ball.
"What's a Foongus?" Ash asked, getting out his Pokédex.
"Foongus, the Mushroom Pokémon. Foongus release poisonous spores to repel anyone who tries to catch them. For unknown reasons, they resemble Poké Balls." Ash's Pokédex said.
Ash nodded, then Pikachu jumped off from Ash's shoulder, and charged at Foongus with a Quick Attack. Thanks, Pikachu being more than double the level of Foongus, the latter was KO'ed by one Quick Attack.
"Good move Pikachu, now let's go find Hilda and warn her about the Foongus," Ash said, to which Pikachu nodded, returned to Ash, and they headed back to look for her.
He doesn't have to look long, though, before he finds Hilda.
"Hey, Hilda, I've got a question for you," Ash said as Hilda ran up to him. Hilda responded with "What is it?"
"Have you encountered a Pokémon called Foongus? Maybe disguised as a Poké Ball?" Ash asked, to which Hilda nodded, and replied: "Yeah I have, why?"
"Oh, right, so you know about them," Ash responded, to which Hilda nodded.
"OK, we'd better stay on guard for those in the future," Ash said, to which Hilda nodded.
Suddenly, Ash and Hilda were surrounded by three Foongus, and an Amoonguss.
"Hilda, you handle the Foongus, I'll take down the Amoonguss," Ash said, to which Hilda nodded, and said "Alright"
Battle: Simisear VS 3 Foongus
Hilda starts by giving her Simisear a Lum Berry, then commands "Simisear, use Fire Punch" and Simisear cloaked its fist in fire and swung, KO'ing the first Foongus. The other two Foongus then breathed Clear Smog, but Hilda was ready and called "Simisear, Fire Punch while spinning" and SImisear started spinning while his fists were cloaked, and dispersed the Clear Smogs, before KO'ing the other two Foongus with Fire Punches.
Battle Conclusion: Winner, Simisear
Battle: Pignite VS Amoonguss
"Pignite, use Substitute" Ash called, and Pignite hid behind a doll using a quarter of its health. Which worked well because the Amoonguss had just fired off a Toxic.
"Pignite, use the Substitute to strike Amoongus with Fire Punch" Ash called, and not only did Pignite avoid the Clear Smog, thanks to it destroying the Substitute, but before Pignite got hit by a second Clear Smog, which dealt Considerable damage, it was able to inflict considerable damage with both Fire Punches it landed.
"Pignite, one more Fire Punch" Ash commanded, and Pignite cloaked his fist with flames one more time and KO'ed Amoonguss with the Fire Punch.
Conclusion: Pignite wins
"Well, that was exciting," Ash said after he and Hilda KO'ed the Foongus and Amoongus, to which Hilda replied, "Yeah, that was". The two them headed for another part of Route 6 to resume training.
After a great morning, and part of an Afternoon, training, and some rest, Ash is ready for a mid-afternoon Gym Leader battle. He walks up to the entrance of the Driftveil City Gym and is met by a worker.
"Hello, are you here to challenge the Driftveil City Gym?" the worker asked, to which Ash replied "Of course, I can't wait to test my skill against Clay"
"Good. Then follow me" he worker said as he entered, Ash and Hilda close behind. Hilda took a seat in the stands, while the worker stood mid-way between the two sides of the arena, while Ash and Pikachu stood at one end.
"There you are, Ash. I was wondering when you were going to challenge me" Clay said as he approached. He then reached his spot, then added "Let's get this show on the road"
"The battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and the Driftveil City Gym Leader Clay will now begin. This will be a three-on-three battle, only the challenger can make Substitutions, and the first trainer to have all of their Pokémon KO'ed loses" the worker said. Clay then responded "Aright Krokorok, let's get to work" and Krokorok materialised.
In the stands, Hilda got out her Pokédex and scanned Krokorok.
"Krokorok, the Desert Croc Pokémon, and the evolved form of Sandile. The special membrane that covers Krokorok's eyes detects heat, which allows it to see in the dark" Hilda's Pokédex recorded. Hilda thought about this for a moment, then said to herself "I hope Ash knows what he's doing"
Back in the arena, Ash had a tough choice. After a few moments, Ash made his decision and called "Rufflet, I choose you" and Rufflet materialised.
Battle: Krokorok, Palpitoad and Excadrill VS Frillish, Rufflet and Pignite
"We're going to have to be a little careful, quite a few Ground-type Pokémon carry a Rock-type move," Ash said, and Rufflet called, acknowledging.
"You're correct Ash, Krokorok, use Rock Slide" Clay commanded, and Krokorok dropped several rocks down at Rufflet.
"Rufflet, quick, dodge it and use Slash" Ash commanded, and Rufflet narrowly avoided the rocks and, claws glowing white, it charged at Krokorok and Slashed it, dealing Significant damage.
"Quick Krokorok, use Crunch" Clay called, and Krokorok's fangs glowed with Anti-Positive energy, and crunched Rufflet, dealing Considerable damage and thrown back.
"Another Rock Slide" Clay commanded, while Ash commanded "Rufflet, another Slash", and just as Rufflet's glowing white claw KO'ed Krokorok, Rufflet was almost KO'ed by the falling rocks.
"Are you OK Rufflet?" Ash called, and Rufflet retreated, before calling to Ash.
"Krokorok is unable to battle, Rufflet wins" the Worker called and Rufflet cheered, as did Ash and Hilda. Clay then laughed a bit, then added "I gotta say, you might be a young whippersnapper, but that strategy shows me you've got spirit. Now, Palpitoad, let's get to work" Clay said, and Palpitoad materialised.
"This is a risky move, but I'm going for it. Time to show you the newest addition to my team. Frillish, I choose you" Ash called, and Frillish materialised.
"Palpitoad, use Bulldize" Clay called, and Palpitoad jumped, then shot a light-brown shockwave across the ground.
"Quick Frillish, fire off a Water Pulse" Ash commanded, and Frillish was able to shoot a ball of water at Palpitoad, and deal Considerable damage, then took Minor damage from the Bulldoze, but had its Speed lowered.
Palpitoad then restored a slight amount of health with its Leftovers.
"Palpitoad, use Aqua Ring," Clay said, and Palpitoad generated rings of water around it to slowly restore health.
"Frillish, quick, use Ominous Wind" Ash commanded, and Frillish shot a wind of spectral energy at Palpitoad, but much of it was dispersed by the Aqua Ring, only dealing Minor damage. Palpitoad then restored most of the damage inflicted with Leftovers and Aqua Ring.
"Now Palpitoad, use Bulldoze again" Clay called, and Palpitoad jumped, then shot a light-brown shockwave across the ground, dealing exactly a quarter of Frillish's health in damage.
"Keep the Bulldozes coming Palpitoad" Clay commanded, and more light brown shockwaves are shot across the ground.
"Frillish, grab the toad with Absorb" Ash commanded, and Frillish generates tentacles of natural energy and shot them at Palpitoad, avoiding the rings of water, and though it took a quarter of its maximum health with each Bulldoze, Frillish stood its ground, dealing Considerable damage, while taking minor damage from the Bulldoze, though most of that was restored by Absorb.
Palpitoad then restored minor health with both Aqua Ring and Leftovers.
After a second Bulldoze, which dealt a quarter of Frillish' health, and lowered it's Speed down a total of four stages, the last Absorb KO'ed Palpitoad, and restored a Minor amount of health.
"Palpitoad is unable to battle, Frillish wins" the worker called, and Ash called "Alright, well done Frillish" and Frillish cheered. Clay withdrew Palpitoad and said "You did well Palpitoad. Now rest up". He then added "Now, let's see how you handle my final Pokémon. Excadrill, let's get to work" and Excadrill materialised.
"Alright Frillish, use Pain Split" Ash called as Clay commanded "Excadrill, use Bulldoze" and as Excadrill sent light brown shockwaves at Frillish, Frlillish sent a beam of white energy at Excadrill, dealing Considerable damage to Excadrill, and restoring a Significant part of Frillish's health. The shockwaves then hit, dealing Considerable damage.
"Now Frillish, serve a wave of Water Pulse" Ash called, and Frillish generated a ball of water and fired it at Excadrill, but Clay was ready.
"Excadrill, protect yourself with Rock Slide" Clay called, and Excadrill dropped rocks down from above onto the arena, causing the water to disperse, and reduced the damage to Excadrill down to Moderate, but Excadrill restored almost all of the damage inflicted with its Sitrus Berry.
"Excadrill, use Drill Run" Clay commanded, and Excadrill turned into a drill shrouded in light brown energy, and charged through the rocks and into Frillish, KO'ing it.
"Frillish is unable to battle, Excadrill wins" the worker called as Ash withdrew Frillish.
"You did well Frillish, now take a good, long rest," Ash said. He then grabbed another ball, and said "Rufflet, I choose you" and Rufflet materialised.
"Rufflet, use Slash" Ash commanded, while Clay called "Excadrill, use Metal Claw". Rufflet charged at Excadrill, while Excadrill's claws glowed silver, and Excadrill blocked Rufflet's Slash, then KO'ed Rufflet with another Metal Claw.
"Rufflet is unable to battle, Excadrill wins," the worker said as Ash withdrew Rufflet, and said "You did well Rufflet, now take a long rest"
"Well done Excadrill, now to complete another sweep" Clay called, and Excadrill roared.
Meanwhile, in the stands, Hilda called "Ash, don't get discouraged, you can win this"
Back on the arena, Ash heard Hilda, nodded, then said "Well, I have one Pokémon left. Pignite, I choose you", and Pignite materialised.
"Excadrill, use Bulldoze" Clay called, and Excadrill shot light brown shockwaves. Ash responded "Pignite, Substitute and Fire Punch", and Pignite placed a doll in front, then leapt over it just before the Substitute was destroyed, cloaked its fist with fire, but Clay was ready and called "Excadrill, use Rock Slide" and Excadrill dropped rocks onto Pignite, dealing Considerable damage and stopping the attack.
"End this Excadrill, Drill Run" Clay called, and Excadrill became a drill enveloped in light brown energy.
"Pignite, get free, dodge it and respond with Brick Break" Ash commanded, and Pignite's glowing orange hand broke enough rocks to allow him to use another one to avoid the Drill Run from Excadrill, then strike with its hand, and KO.
"Excadrill is unable to battle, Pignite wins. The victor is Ash of Pallet Town" the worker said, and Ash, Hilda, Pikachu and Pignite cheered.
Battle conclusion: Rufflet, Frillish and Pignite win
"Hahaha! I haven't had a battle so intense for a while, Ash, thanks. You've shown strength, quick-thinking and some unorthodox strategies. That I respect, and you're worthy of the Quake Badge" Clay said as he approached Ash, and gave Ash the Quake Badge.
"Alright, I got the Quake Badge" Ash called and Pikachu, Pignite and Hilda all cheered.
"When we battle Hilda, I'll be expecting a battle of the type I had with your brother," Clay said, turning to Hilda, to which she replied "I will do my best to give you that battle"
"Good," Clay said. He then turned back to Ash and added "Here's TM78 Bulldoze, a move that does damage and lowers the Speed of everyone it hits", and he gave Ash the TM.
"Great, thanks Clay," Ash said, to which Clay replied, "I reckon you'll go far into the Unova League Tournament Ash, you've got the skill, strength and quick-thinking". Ash nodded, added "I intend to go all the way", before turning around and departing, with Hilda close behind.
Soon, Ash and Hilda return to the Pokémon Centre. While they gave their Pokémon to Nurse Joy to heal, Ash said "Well, we'd better rest up for tomorrow, especially you, since you've got a Gym Battle to prepare for", to which Hilda nodded, then responded "I've learned a lot from your battle with Clay, things I'll apply to my battle"
"Good to hear," Ash said. After dinner, they head upstairs to their rooms for the night.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Unova region, in Undella Town
Jessie and James are hiding in another Hidden Grotto and has just opened communications with Giovanni.
"Boss, we have successfully escorted the Rocket Workers to Undella Town," Jessie said, to which Giovanni replied "Good. Now, I have your next assignment"
"What is it, Boss?" Jessie and James asked, both with bated breath, to which Giovanni replied "We have received two sets of intelligence reports. Firstly, Neo Team Plasma are planning their attack on the Pokemon World Tournament. The second intelligence report gives strong evidence that Neo Team Plasma know that we have infiltrated Unova"
"Dang it," James said, but Giovanni shook his head, and said "It was only a matter of time. But, Neo Team Plasma has no idea about what we're planning, so that part is safe", to which James responded "Alright Boss. What is our assignment?"
"Your assignment is, should Neo Team Plasma attempt to attack the Driftveil Cup taking place the day after tomorrow, to engage Neo Team Plasma Grunts in battle. Learn as much about their battle strategies as you can, and report to me once the battle is over. Do not let yourselves get captured, getting captured now would imperil our mission in Unova" Giovanni responded. Jessie and James both nodded and said "Understood Boss" before the communication was cut.
"We'd better get going back to Driftveil City, we may not be able to enter the upcoming Tournament, but if Neo Team Plasma is planning to attack it, we'll need to be ready to respond," James said, to which Jessie nodded, and replied "Definitely"
"Then it's time to give Neo Team Plasma a taste of the power of Team Rocket" Meowth added, and after the trio chanted the Team Rocket motto, they set out, back the way they came.
Meanwhile, Neo Team Plasma's Frigate lands near the Pokémon World Tournament.