Yes, Alpha Adventures is back.
I run to the Gym in Petalburg City, knock on the door and patiently wait for it to open. When it opens, I run past the guy who always stands there in the gyms giving out water for free, and see my dad.
"I caught a few Pokémon and want to challenge you now so let's hurry up and battle", I say in the space of about two seconds.
"Now, Orlando, you can't battle me right away. See, this boy is Wally." He points to a small boy in the corner I didn't notice before. "He doesn't have a Pokémon yet. Catch one for him." I grab the boy and run out of the gym as fast as my Running Shoes can carry me.
"Here'saPokéBallyoubattleapokémonlikethisallrightIcaughtthisRaltsforyoulet'sgetbacktothegym."
Less than a minute after I left, I run back into the gym.
"Come on Dad, why'd you give me the tutorial? I've already caught three Pokémon!"
"Don't act like that; everyone needs the tutorial. Now, are you ready to challenge me?"
"Yes!", I say.
"Hold up. Where are your badges?"
I squint in confusion.
"The badges that the gym statue thing that looks like a gargoyle or something talked about?"
I look back at the statue. In print that has to be smaller than a millimetre, I read: "This is a top-percentage gym. Those who go to this gym must have already received at least 50% of the badges needed to enter the Pokémon League. Norman is great!" I bang my head against the gargoyle thing in frustration. I quickly run out of the gym and head in the direction of the next city.
Well, this was a small chapter. Why is Norman the only leader with this rule? At least Giovanni and Fantina were away and there was a stupid blackout at Clemont's gym. Does the Pokémon League know this is going on?