The following morning, Ash met up with Hilda to discuss their plans.
"So, Hilda, how do we get to the Pokémon League for the Tournament?" Ash asked, to which Hilda replied: "We'll have to ask around a bit, maybe Marlon will know?"
"Sure, we can try that" Ash replied, and they headed out towards the Gym.

When they reach the Gym, they find Marlon standing out the front.
"Hey guys," Marlon said, and Ash and Hilda both replied "Hey Marlon", before Hilda continued with "We've got a question to ask"
"Ask away" Marlon replied, to which Ash asked, "Do you know how to get to the Pokémon League, now that Route 10's destroyed?"
"As it so happens, I do. You have to follow the first cave of the Giant Chasm, onto Route 23. The entrance to Victory Road is on the other side of that route" Marlon replied, to which both Ash and Hilda nodded.
"Thanks," they both said, and they headed off for that Route.
"Good luck" Marlon called as they departed.

When they reach Route 22, they decide to do a little training to strengthen their team. And Hilda's Mienfoo was ready to challenge a Solrock.
"Be careful Mienfoo, they're part-Psychic" Hilda called, to which Mienfoo nodded.

Battle: Mienfoo VS Solrock
"Mienfoo, quick, use Fake Out" Hilda called, and Mienfoo cloaked his hands with white energy and clapped Solrock, dealing Slight damage and causing Solrock to Flinch.
"Now Mienfoo, follow up with Drain Punch" Hilda called, and Mienfoo cloaked its fist with orange energy, and punched Solrock, dealing Considerable damage. The Solrock's eyes then glowed, and unleashed a burst of psionic energy at Mienfoo, dealing Considerable damage.
"You OK Mienfoo?" Hilda asked, to which Mienfoo nodded. Hilda then said "Alright then. Mienfoo, use Drain Punch" and Mienfoo once again cloaks its fist with orange energy and punched Solrock, dealing Moderate damage and healing a Minor amount of health.
Mienfoo was once again struck by a burst of psionic energy at Mienfoo, dealing Considerable damage.
"End this Mienfoo, use Drain Punch one more time" Hilda called, and Mienfoo again cloaked its fist with orange energy and punched Solrock, KO'ing it and healing a Minor amount of health.
"Congratulations Mienfoo, that was a great battle. I knew giving you the Eviolite would come in handy" Hilda said as she picked up and hugged her Mienfoo.
Conclusion: Mienfoo wins

As Hilda hugged Mienfoo, he returned the hug, then, started to glow.
"Huh? Mienfoo? Oh wow, you're evolving" Hilda said, just about jumping with excitement at watching Mienfoo evolve.
"Whoa, Mienfoo's evolving, that's awesome," Ash said as he watched Mienfoo change form. When the light vanished, it called "Mienshao!"
"Wow! Mienfoo evolved into Mienshao" Hilda said, and she got out her Pokédex.
"Mienshao, the Martial Arts Pokémon and the evolved form of Mienfoo. Mienshao's arm attacks are so fast they're almost invisible. It uses its long arm fur as a whip." Hilda's Pokédex said, to which Hilda nodded.
For a bit, Mienshao looked itself over, then cheered.
"Great work Mienshao" Hilda said, and Mienshao cheered.
"Well, we'd better keep going then, we've got a Tournament to make," Ash said, to which Hilda nodded, and they headed on.

They soon reach the entrance to the Giant Chasm.
"So, remember, we have to go past the hole in the wall that leads further in, and find the other exit that'll lead us onto Route 23," Ash said, to which Hilda nodded, and they entered.

The first thing they notice when they enter is that the cave is a bit warmer than it was.
"Seems like Kyurem's influence has lessened," Ash said, to which Hilda nodded, and replied "That's a good thing. Now, we had better get going", to which Ash nodded, and they continued.

As they did, Hilda asked "Hey Ash, has Rufflet evolved yet?", to which Ash replied "No, not yet. It still seems like there's a couple of levels left before he evolves"
"Oh, OK. Well, he's going to have a hard time in the Tournament until he evolves, I suspect" Hilda responded, to which Ash replied "He's tough, he'll be OK. And once he evolves, he'll be really tough"
"Cool," Hilda replied.

To the surprise of both Ash and Hilda, they found Drayden waiting for them at the entrance to Route 23.
"Drayden? What are you doing here?" Ash asked, to which Drayden replied "We've had to implement a pre-selection test for trainers wanting to enter the Unova League Tournament, due to the number of people who are trying to enter"
"Wow. That many people? Why?" Hilda asked, to which Drayden replied "A lot of changes in Gyms have taken place over the last two years, plus a lot of Trainer Schools claim to have passage straight into the League. So, I'm using the trainers on Route 23 to separate the wannabe masters from those who could actually put up a challenge"
"Alright. So, what's the challenge?" Ash and Hilda both asked at the same time, to which Drayden replied "You must defeat the twelve trainers on the route. All Pokémon on their side is reduced to 50. You can't heal your Pokémon, and if all six of your Pokémon are KO'ed at any point, you fail the challenge"
"What happens if we fail the challenge?" Ash asked, to which Drayden replied "You go into a conciliation Tournament that takes place at the Pokémon World Tournament. The trainers who pass the challenge, go on to the Unova League Tournament at the League. That is far more glamorous than the one at the World Tournament, ironically enough"
"Alright. Then let's do this" Ash and Hilda said. Drayden nodded, then said "Well, Hilda, you go first on this. Good luck"
"She doesn't need luck, she'll do this" Ash said, to which Hilda nodded, and headed onto Route 23 to start the challenge.

With Hilda
"Oh, before I start, what happens if my Pokémon gets a Status Condition?" Hilda asked, to which Drayden replied "All Status Conditions will be healed at the end of the trainer battle"
"OK," Hilda said, then she headed on.

Hilda's first battle was against Black Belt Brenda.
"Hello there, I am challenge trainer #1. Good Luck" Brenda said, then she added "Now go, Throh" and Throh materialised.
"Alright Reuniclus, let's show them what we can do" Hilda called, and Reuniclus materialised.

Battle: Reuniclus VS Throh
"Throh, use Reversal," Brenda said, and Throh struck with a small aura pf orange energy, which did Slight damage. Hilda called "Reuniclus, use Trick Room" and Reuniclus glowed, then a blue room appeared around all of them.
"Now Reuniclus can go first, use Psychic" Hilda called, and Reuniclus unleashed a burst of psionic energy at Throh, dealing Considerable damage.
"Now Throh, another Reversal" Brenda called, and Throh struck with an inverted aura of orange energy at Reuniclus, dealing Slight damage.
"Reuniclus, strike again with Psychic" Hilda called, and Reuniclus struck again with a psionic energy burst, dealing Considerable damage.
"Now brace yourself, Throh, use Endure" Brenda called, and Throh struck with an inverted aura of orange energy, dealing Minor damage to Reuniclus.
"I had a feeling you were going to do that. So, Reuniclus, use Shadow Ball" Hilda called, and Reuniclus struck with a ball of spectral energy, dealing Minor damage.
"Now, Endure again" Brenda called, but Endure failed, then Hilda called "Now Reuniclus, end this with Psychic" and Reuniclus' blast of psionic energy KO's Throh.
Conclusion: Reuniclus wins

"Congratulations, that's one battle down," Brenda said, pointing at the path to follow. Hilda nodded, said "Thanks" and went down the path.

She reached the second trainer, an Ace Trainer named Grant, who said: "I'm Number two, think you have what it takes to win?"
"Yeah, I think I do" Hilda replied. Grant nodded, then said "Now Emolga, let's go" and Emolga materialised.
"OK then Eelektrik, let's show them what we cand do" Hilda replied, and Eelektrik materialised.

Battle: Eelektrik and Stoutland VS Emolga and Jellicent
"Now Emolga, use Discharge" Grant called, and Emolga shot a 360-degree burst of electricity at Eelektrik, dealing Minor damage.
"Eelektrik, respond with Spark" Hilda called, and Eelektrik covered itself with electricity and charged into Emolga, dealing Considerable damage.
"Emolga, another Discharge" Grant called, and Emolga unleashed another 360-degree burst of electricity, dealing Minor damage.
"Strike again Eelektrik, use Spark again" Hilda called, and Eelektrik covered itself with electricity and charged into Emolga, dealing Considerable damage.
"A third Discharge" Grant called, and Emolga unleashed another 360-degree burst of electricity at Eelektrik, dealing Minor damage and Paralysing Eelektrik.
"Argh. Eelektrik, try to battle through the Paralysis and use Spark" Hilda said, but Eelektrik was immobilised by Paralysis.
"Strike another Discharge" Grant called, and Emolga shot another 360-degree burst of electricity at Eelektrik, dealing Minor damage.
"End this Eelektrik, use Spark" Hilda called, and Eelektrik got through Paralysis to KO Emolga with Spark.
"Emolga, return, now Jellicent, let's go" Grant called, and Jellicent materialised.
"Now Jellicent, unleash the power of Hydro Pump" Grant called, and Jellicent unleashed a blast of water, but Hilda responded "Eelektrik, dodge it then use Spark" and Eelektrik avoided the torrent of water. Then, it cloaked itself with electricity and charged into Jellicent, dealing Considerable damage.
"Jellicent, strike with another Hydro Pump" Grant called, and this time, the blast of water hits, dealing Considerable damage.
"Eelektrik, strike back with Spark" Hilda called, and Eelektrik cloaked itself with electricity and struck, dealing Considerable damage.
"Jellicent, end this with Brine" Grant called, and Jellicent shot a stream of saltwater at Eelektrik, KO'ing it.
"Oh no, Eelektrik, I'm sorry, return," Hilda said, and Eelektrik was withdrawn.
"One down," Grant said, to which Hilda replied "Five to go. Stoutland, let's show them what we can do" and Stoutland materialised.
"Now Stoutland, use Crunch," Hilda said, and Stoutland's fangs grew and were cloaked with Anti-Positive energy and bit Jellicent, KO'ing it.
"Jellicent, return," Grant said and Jellicent was withdrawn.
Conclusion: Stoutland wins

"Good work Hilda, but you have a long way to go to complete the challenge," Grant said, to which Hilda replied "I intend to win", Grant pointed her in the correct direction, and she headed down the line towards the third trainer.

The third trainer turned out to be Hiker Don, who said "I'm the third trainer, now it's serious"
"I'm sure it will be," Hilda said. Don nodded, then said "Now Piloswine, let's do this" and Piloswine materialised. Hilda nodded, then said "Samurott, let's show them what we can do" and Samurott materialised.

Battlle: Samurott VS Piloswine and Probopass
"Samurott, use Surf" Hilda called, and Samurott unleashed a wave of water at Piloswine, dealing Severe damage.
"Respond, quickly, Piloswine, use Earthquake" Don called, and Piloswine unleashed waves of light brown energy at Samurott, dealing Considerable damage.
"Samurott, end this with Surf" Hilda called, and Samurott unleashed another wave of water that KO'ed Piloswine.
"ARGH! Piloswine, return" Don said, and Piloswine was withdrawn.
"Now then, Probopass, let's go," Don said, and Probopass materialised.
"Samurott, use Surf" Hilda called, and Samurott unleashed another wave of water at Probopass, dealing Significant damage.
"Probopass, respond with Stone Edge" Don called, and Probopass summoned a bunch of stones and shot them at Samurott, dealing Moderate damage. This, however, had reduced Samurott to Torrent.
"Now Samurott, a Torrent-boosted Surf" Hilda called, and Samurott unleashed a bigger wave of water, also tinted with blue energy, and washed it over Probopass, KO'ing it in one hit.
"Argh. well done, Probopass, return" Don said, and Probopass with withdrawn.
Conclusion: Samurott wins

"What item does your Samurott have, that Surf did more than it should have," Don asked, to which Hilda replied "It's a mix of Samurott's Torrent Ability, and it's Wave Incense held item"
"Cool" Don replied, and he pointed towards the fourth trainer for Hilda to face. She then followed the path towards the fourth trainer.

Back at the entrance
"She's doing pretty well so far," Drayden said, to which Ash replied "Of course she is, she's had me to guide and teach her"
"It shows, well done Ash," Drayden said, smiling, to which Ash nods, also smiling.

Back with Hilda
Hilda meets up with an Ace Trainer named Juliet.
"I'm Number 4. Beat me, and you're 1/3rd of the way there" Juliet said, to which Hilda replied "Good to know"
"Aright. Now Swanna, let's go" Juliet said, and Swanna materialised.
"Alright. Since Eelektrik has been KO'ed, it's time for me to use my backup. Stoutland, let's show them what we can do" Hilda said, and Stoutland materialised.

Battle: Stoutland and Mienshao VS Swanna and Galvantula
"Stoutland, use Return" Hilda called, and Stoutland covered itself with heart-shaped white energy and charged into Swanna, dealing Considerable damage.
"Respond Swanna, use Tailwind" Juliet called, and Swanna whipped up a tailwind that doubled it and its allies Speed.
"Now Swanna can go first, use Brave Bird" Juliet called, and Swanna cloaked itself in sky blue energy and crashed into Stoutland, dealing Moderate damage, and taking Slight recoil.
"Stoutland, quick, respond with Wild Charge" Hilda called, and Stoutland cloaked itself with electricity and crashed into Swanna, KO'ing it and taking Minor damage in recoil. Then, Stoutland restored a quarter of its health with its Sitrus Berry.
"Now Galvantula, let's go" Juliet called, and Galvantula materialised.
"Well, it was a good run, but now it's time to return," Hilda said, and Stoutland was withdrawn.
"Now, Mienshao, let's show them what we can do" Hilda called, and Mienshao materialised.

At the start of Route 23
"Her Mienfoo has evolved," Drayden said, to which Ash responded "Yep, it evolved earlier today"
"Congratulations to her" Drayden replied, and Ash nodded.

Back to the battle
"Well, time to test out Mienshao's power. Mienshao, use Fake Out" Hilda called, and Mienshao charged at Galvantula, its arms cloaked with white energy, and clapped, dealing Minor damage to Galvantula and making it Flinch.
"Now Galvantula, use Electro Ball" Juliet called, and Galvantula generated a ball of electricity, and shot it at Mienshao, dealing Moderate damage.
"End this Mienshao, use Stone Edge" Hilda called, and Mienshao generated a storm of stones and threw them at Galvantula, KO'ing it.
"No, Galvantula, return," Juliet said, and Galvantula was withdrawn.
Conclusion: Stoutland and Mienshao

When she withdrew Mienshao, Mienshao's Regenerator Ability restored the damage inflicted.

"Wow, that Mienshao is powerful," Juliet said, to which Hilda replied "Thanks, I'm proud of him"
"Good," Juliet said and pointed towards the fifth trainer. Hilda nodded and headed for the fifth trainer.

And when she arrives, she sees Black Belt Luke waiting for her.
"I'm number 5, starting to tire?" Luke asked, to which Hilda replied "Nope, I still have five Pokémon ready to go"
"Alright. Sawk, let's go" Luke said, and Sawk materialised. Hilda nodded, then said "Reuniclus, let's show them what we can do" and Reuniclus materialised.

Battle: Reuniclus VS Sawk
"Sawk, use Reversal" Luke called, and Sawk generated an inverted aura of orange energy, and struck Reuniclus, dealing Slight damage.
"Alright Reuniclus, respond, use Trick Room," Hilda said, and Reuniclus generated a room of psionic energy that inverted the Speed order.
"Now Reuniclus, use Psychic" Hilda called, and Reuniclus shot a burst of psionic energy at Sawk, dealing Severe damage.
"Oh dear, looks like one turn left. Maybe. Sawk, use Close Combat" Lukas called, and Sawk cloaked orange, and punched and kicked Reuniclus repeatedly, dealing Minor damage.
"Well, let's end this, maybe. Reuniclus, use Psychic" Hilda called, and Reuniclus shot a burst of psionic energy, KO'ing Sawk.
"Oh no, Sawk, return," Lukas said, and Sawk was withdrawn.
Conclusion: Reuniclus wins

"Good work. Now, onto the half-way mark trainer," Lukas said, as he pointed to the sixth path. Hilda nodded, and said "Thanks" and she headed towards the sixth trainer.

When she reached the PKMN Ranger, Steve said "I'm number six, I'll show you my strength", to which Hilda replied "I'll be sure to show you how strong I am too"
"Good. Now, Stunfisk, let's go" Steve said, and Stunfisk materialised.
"Alright. Now, Reuniclus, let's show them what we can do" Hilda said, and Reuniclus materialised.

Battle: Reuniclus and SImisear VS Stunfisk and Amoonguss
"Stunfisk, use Thunderbolt" Steve called, and Stunfisk unleashed a blast of electricity at Reuniclus, dealing Minor damage.
"Reuniclus, use Trick Room" Hilda called, and Reuniclus set up a room of psionic energy that inverted the Speed tiers.
"Now Reuniclus, use Pain Split" Hilda called, and Reuniclus shot a beam of white energy between itself and Stunfisk, inflicting Considerable damage to Stunfisk, and also healing a Considerable amount.
"Stunfisk, again, use Thunderbolt" Lukas called, and Stunfisk unleashed a blast of electricity at Reuniclus, dealing Minor damage.
"Now, Reuniclus, use Psychic" Hilda called, and Reuniclus unleashed a burst of psionic energy at Stunfisk, dealing Minor damage.
"Stunfisk, another Thunderbolt" Lukas called, and Stunfisk again blasted Reuniclus with electricity, inflicting Minor damage.
"Reuniclus, use Recover" Hilda called, and Reuniclus regenerated cells to restore half its max HP.
"This is annoying. Stunfisk, another Thunderbolt" Lukas called, and Stunfisk shot another electrical blast at Reuniclus, dealing Minor damage.
"Reuniclus, use another Psychic" Hilda called, and Reuniclus shot a burst of psionic energy at Stunfisk, dealing Minor damage.
"Now Stunfisk, use Thunderbolt" Lukas called, and Stunfisk unleashed a blast of electricity at Reuniclus, dealing Minor damage. The Trick Room then fell.
"Stunfisk, another Thunderbolt" Lukas said, and Stunfisk blasted Reuniclus again with electricity, dealing Minor damage.
"Reuniclus, use Trick Room again" Hilda called, and Reuniclus again generated a psionic room that flipped the Speed tiers.
"Reuniclus, Recover again" Hilda called, and Reuniclus regenerated its cells to restore half its max HP.
"Again, Thunderbolt" Lukas called, and Stunfisk unleashed a blast of electricity, dealing Minor damage.
"Reuniclus, use Psychic" Hilda said, and Reuniclus unleashed a burst of Psionic energy, almost KO'ing Stunfisk.
"I get one more shot. Stunfisk, another Thunderbolt" Lukas called, and Stunfisk unleashed a blast of electricity at Reuniclus, dealing Minor damage.
"Reuniclus, use Recover" Hilda called, and Reuniclus regenerated its cells to restore half it's max HP.
"Another Thunderbolt Stunfisk" Lukas called, and Stunfisk unleashed a blast of electricity at Reuniclus, dealing Minor damage.
"End this Reuniclus, use Psychic" Hilda called, and Reuniclus unleashed a burst of psionic energy at Stunfisk, KO'ing it.

This battle will continue in Chapter 64.