"I've never been so glad about your credentials as Professor Oak's Field Researcher," Delia commented with a relieved smile, as she watched fondly as her son prepared himself to embark on his next journey. "Arceus knows that your pokemon would have driven us all crazy if one of them had to stay behind."

"Lucky for us all, I get to carry up to twelve pokemon with me," Ash giggled. "Though, I will keep my pokemon team as it is for a while. I rather focus on them mastering their abilities, than adding more pokemon."

"Quality over quantity, smart choice," Delia hummed proudly. "Got everything you need?"

"I do," Ash beamed. "I'll miss you mom, but Cilan is waiting for me!"

"Safe travels Ashy," Delia hugged and kissed her son. "Say hi to Cilan for me."

"I will!" Ash waved excitedly, as summoned Nephele and jumped on her back. "To Striaton City Ele!"

"Al-taria!" Nephele cooed, spreading her majestic wings and taking flight.

Delia watched as Ash and Nephele soared into the sky, their figures gradually becoming smaller in the distance. A mix of emotions swirled within her — pride in her son's determination, a motherly worry for his safety, and a sense of nostalgia as she remembered the young boy who had left on his very first journey. She sighed contentedly and turned back toward the house. As she closed the door, Delia couldn't help but smile. Her son was off on another adventure, and she had no doubt that he would face each challenge with the same enthusiasm and determination that had carried him so far. And with friends like Cilan and a team of loyal pokemon by his side, Ash was destined for greatness in the world of pokemon training.

High above the serene landscapes of Unova, Ash and Nephele, soared gracefully through the open skies. The gentle caress of the wind ruffled their hair and feathers as they embarked on their journey towards Striaton City. Nephele's melodious coos filled the air as she glided effortlessly, her golden wings glistening like precious gold in the sunlight. The sunlight painted the world below in warm, inviting colors, creating a breathtaking tapestry of greens and blues.

From their vantage point among the clouds, Ash marveled at the beauty of the Unovan region. The vast forests, rolling hills, and meandering rivers stretched out as far as the eye could see. He couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement coursing through his veins, eager to explore these new horizons. As they approached Striaton City, the sprawling metropolis came into view, its tall buildings and bustling streets a stark contrast to the tranquil countryside they had traversed earlier.

Upon arriving in Striaton City Ash couldn't help but be excited. With a determined smile, Ash set off to reunite with an old friend: Cilan, one of the famed Striaton City Gym Leaders. His brother of the heart. Though, he did take a few minutes mourning that the Opelucid Academy famed trio were not getting back together. As Ash made his way through the city, he soon found himself at the doorstep of a charming and quaint restaurant known as "Striaton Café." The café's exterior exuded an aura of warmth and hospitality, and the tantalizing aroma wafting from within only heightened his curiosity.

Pushing open the café's door, Ash was greeted by the cheerful faces of Cilan, Chili, and Cress, the three brothers who served as the Gym Leaders of Striaton City. Their restaurant also doubled as the Striaton Gym, a place where the culinary arts and pokemon battles seamlessly intertwined.

"Welcome, Ash!" Cilan greeted him with a warm smile, huffing when Ash threw himself in his arms. "It's been too long, my friend. We're delighted to have you here."

"Cilan... I've missed you so much," Ash murmured on his chest, tightening his arms around the older boy's waist. "So much..."

"Me too, little prince," Cilan's smile was fond and kind, as he nuzzled Ash's hair. The height difference was perfect to make Ash the little spoon, fitting perfectly in Cilan's arms.

The café's cozy interior was adorned with wooden tables and plush chairs, and sunlight streamed in through large windows, casting a soft glow over the dining area. Before Ash could even voice his intention of challenging the Gym, Cilan, Chili, and Cress insisted on treating him to a meal. The brothers were renowned for their culinary skills, and it was an offer Ash couldn't refuse. Plates of delectable dishes were brought to the table, each one a masterpiece of flavors and presentation. Ash savored every bite, his taste buds dancing with delight.

Between bites of delicious food and friendly conversation, the moment finally arrived when Ash expressed his desire to challenge the Striaton Gym. The brothers beamed with excitement, ready to showcase their skills as Gym Leaders. With a swift, practiced motion, Cilan led Ash to a concealed door at the back of the restaurant. Behind it lay a state-of-the-art battlefield, a stark contrast to the cozy ambiance of the café.

"Prepare yourself, Ash," Cilan said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "The Gym challenge at Striaton is as unique as our cooking style. Let's make it a battle to remember!" With a determined look in his eyes, Ash nodded. The battle was about to begin, and he was more than ready to put his skills to the test. "First of all, who do you choose? Who will you challenge for the Trio Badge?"

"Choose? What do you take me for Cilan? Or have you forgotten all about our time in the Opelucid Academy?" Ash smirked challengingly. "I choose all three of you!"

Cress and Chili wore an expression of surprise, no one had ever challenged them all for a gym battle. Though, Cilan simply threw his head back and laughed. That was the Ash he knew and loved. Always so extra and surprising everyone. "Then I will go first! Simisage you are up my friend!"

"Simisage?!" Ash exclaimed, eyes widening and jaw dropping. "So, you did use the Leaf Stone we gave you! So cool! How are you buddy?"

"Sim-sage!" Simisage waved, smiling.

"Ok, then, the best course of action against a Grass-type is a Fire-type," Ash smirked. "Agni, I choose you!"

Cilan gave the first command. "Simisage, let's start with Solar Beam!"

Simisage responded swiftly. His leafy hands began to gather sunlight, charging the powerful Solar Beam.

Ash was quick to react. "Agni, dodge and counter with Flamethrower!"

With a graceful movement, Agni gracefully sidestepped the oncoming Solar Beam, the scorching attack just grazing his scales. In retaliation, Agni unleashed a fierce Flamethrower that surged forward in a searing burst of flames, heading straight for Simisage.

However, Cilan was no novice Trainer. "Simisage, use Dig to evade the Flamethrower!"

Simisage's agility came into play as he swiftly dug into the ground, disappearing from view just as the Flamethrower scorched the earth. Ash clenched his fists, knowing that Simisage's underground maneuver was a clever evasion. As the dust settled, Agni scanned the battlefield with his fiery eyes, ready for Simisage's next move. The ground trembled slightly as Simisage reemerged behind Agni, ready to strike.

"Catch him off guard, Simisage! Use Rock Slide!" Cilan commanded.

Simisage summoned a cascade of sharp rocks, causing them to tumble toward the unsuspecting Agni. The rocks rained down, threatening to strike with the force of nature. But Ash wasn't about to let his Charizard be overwhelmed. "Agni, Aerial Ace!"

With astonishing agility, Agni shot into the air, executing a perfect Aerial Ace. His speed and precision allowed him to weave through the falling rocks with ease, narrowly avoiding the Rock Slide. As Agni soared above the battlefield, he readied himself for the next move. Both Trainers watched intently, their strategies forming with each passing moment. The clash between Simisage and Charizard was far from over, and the gym's other leaders were hooked by the battle before them.

This kind of seamless dance, being able to predict the other's next move and strike back, could only be achieved after years of friendship. It was an ability earned from knowing your opponent perfectly. But right now, none of that mattered as the battle between Ash and Cilan at the Striaton Gym raged on, the excitement in the air almost palpable. Simisage and Charizard were locked in a fierce showdown, with each Trainer strategizing their next move.

Cilan wasn't one to be easily discouraged. "Simisage, regain your footing! Use Vine Whip to grab onto Charizard!"

Simisage's vines shot out like lightning, aiming to ensnare Agni in their leafy embrace. Charizard, however, was always up for a challenge. "Counter with Dragon Claw!" Ash commanded.

Agni's claws enveloped in draconic energy, slashing at Simisage's vines around him, liberating himself from their hold. The vine-wielding Grass-type let out a yelp of pain as he was struck by the powerful Dragon Claw.

Cilan smile was wide. This was his little brother, who had grown up so much during his journey through Sinnoh. Cilan could not have been any prouder. "Simisage, use Grass Whistle to disrupt Charizard's focus!"

Simisage began to emit a gentle, melodious tune from his lips. The soothing notes drifted toward Charizard, creating a hypnotic rhythm that threatened to lull Agni into a deep sleep. Ash knew he had to act quickly. "Agni, break free with Flamethrower!" Agni's response was immediate. He belched forth a torrent of flames, the searing heat dispersing the enchanting Grass Whistle. Simisage flinched as the flames singed his fur, causing the Grass Whistle to falter. "Now finish it off with Overheat!"

There was snothing Simisage or Cilan could do. The heat was overwhelming,knocking out Simisage and giving Ash his first victory of the day.

"You are as good as always," Cilan beamed, recalling his starter and heading towards Ash to envelop him in a hug. "I am so proud of you, little prince."

"Thank you, Cilan," Ash nuzzled his face on Cilan's chest, cheeks flushed in delight. "You do not know how much thosee words mean to me. You are my best friend and the brother I always wished to have."

"I am the youngest of my siblings, I always wanted a little brother... now I have one," Cilan shared, kissing Ash's forehead, and finally letting him go. "Now, you got to face my older brothers. Cress you are up next!"

"Water-type, eh?" Ash hummed. "Agni return! Astrape you are up next!"

"A Mareep? A shsiny Mareep at that?" Cilan's eyes widened in shock, before laughing in delight. "Always surprising us all! You and your luck little prince!"

Cress smirked as he released his Simipour. He had heard all about Cilan's little brother back at the Opelucid Academy, and this battle plus the Lily of the Valley Conference proves all the stories real. He could wait for the battle to start. This was going to be the most exciting gym battle yet.

"Alright, Astrape, let's give it our all!" Ash exclaimed, his determination shining through. "Start with a Thunder Wave!"

Astrape responded swiftly, releasing a wave of electrical energy that crackled through the air and surged toward Simipour. However, the agile Water-type performed an acrobatic maneuver, leaping and twirling to the side, evading the incoming attack.

Cress grinned confidently. "Impressive agility, Simipour! Now, hit her with a Hydro Pump!"

Simipour responded with a powerful jet of water from his mouth. Astrape tried to dodge, but the Hydro Pump struck her, sending her tumbling backward. She quickly got back on her feet, a bit soaked but determined. "Shake it off, Astrape! Let's hit back with Discharge!"

Astrape released an electrifying burst of energy that surged outward, forming a sphere of electricity that enveloped Simipour. The Water-type grimaced as the attack coursed through its body, causing it to twitch and spasm momentarily. Cress wasn't one to be deterred.

"Simipour, use Acrobatics!" Simipour sprang into action, performing a series of agile flips and spins. He launched himself into the air and descended rapidly towards Astrape, striking her with a powerful acrobatic attack. Astrape yelped in pain but stood her ground. Cress smiled, before frowning when he Simipour yelped and got paralyzed. "What? Static!"

"You've gotta love pokemon abilities!" Ash smirked in victory.

"That you do," Cress smirked in return, making Ash frown in confusion.

Ash groaned when he saw Simipour eating a Cheri Berry and getting rid of his paralysis. "Of course, he has the Gluttony ability, just like Simisage."

The battle between Ash and Cress continued, the excitement in the air palpable. It was clear that both trainers were equally committed to pushing their limits and honing their skills. "Simipour, let's go with aanother powerful Hydro Pump!"

A focused torrent of water formed in his mouth. Without hesitation, heunleashed the Hydro Pump towards Astrape. The high-pressure water blast surged through the air, aimed directly at the shiny Mareep. Ash wasn't about to back down.

"Astrape, use your Thunder Wave to disrupt it!" Astrape complied immediately, sending another electrifying wave coursing through the battlefield. The electrical energy collided with the incoming Hydro Pump, creating a dazzling display of sparks and water droplets. The resulting clash caused the Hydro Pump's trajectory to falter, veering off course and striking the ground beside Astrape with a mighty splash. Ash took advantage of this momentary distraction. "Now, Astrape, hit Simipour with another Discharge!"

Astrape gathered electrical energy within herself and released it once more, forming a pulsating sphere of electricity that enveloped Simipour. The Water-type grimaced as he struggled against the powerful electric currents, but Cress's well-trained pokemon managed to withstand the attack. Cress wasn't one to let the momentum slip away. "Simipour, follow up with a Crunch!"

Simipour lunged forward with his sharp fangs bared, aiming to bite down on Astrape. But Ash was quick to respond. "Dodge and use Thunder Shock, Astrape!"

With remarkable agility, Astrape evaded Simipour's attack, narrowly avoiding being caught by his powerful jaws. She then retaliated with a jolt of electricity that struck Simipour. The Water-type hissed in pain, momentarily paralyzed by the electrical discharge. But rapidly shook it off.

Cress watched the battle unfold with a grin. "Well played, Ash. But let's see how Simipour handles this. Use Hydro Pump again!"

Simipour managed to summon his strength and unleashed another torrent of pressurized water. Astrape had little time to react, and the Hydro Pump struck her directly, sending her skidding backward. Ash clenched his fists, as the battle was called in Cress' favor as Astrape fainted. He sighed and recalled his pokemon. He was dissapointed with the loss, but totally understood it. Astrape was his newest pokemon and he had not had her long enough. Cress was Cilan's brother, coming from a family of very talented trainers. There was no shame to losing against one of them.

"All right!" Chili celebrated, taking his brother's position, on the other side of the battlefield across of Ash. "We are at a draw, one victory for each side. I will break it and the Dent brothers will win! Let's do this Simisear!"

"Don't count me out so easily!" Ash raised an eyebrow, smirking as he took out a Poke Ball. "Let's face them one more time, Agni! Show them real flames!"

Agni roared, wings flapping angrily as he took his position on the battlefield. He was not happy that his precious friend Astrape had been defeated. He will avenged her and show them not to mess up with his Thunder.

"Simisear, let's turn up the heat! Start with a Flamethrower!" Chili commanded, his voice filled with determination.

Simisear responded with a fierce burst of flames that roared toward Agni. The Charizard met the challenge head-on. "Retaliate with Flamethrower, Agni!"

Agni countered with a searing stream of flames from his own mouth. The two Flamethrowers collided mid-air, creating a dazzling display of fire and heat. The intense flames raged against each other, pushing and struggling to gain dominance.

Chili grinned, impressed by the evenly matched exchange. "Great job, Simisear! Now, use Fire Punch!"

Simisear's fist ignited with fiery power as he lunged toward Agni. The other Fire-type, however, was ready. "Block it with Mega Punch, Agni!"

Agni's fist glowed with a white sheen as he intercepted Simisear's flaming punch. The clash resonated through the battlefield. The two pokemon pushed against each other, neither willing to yield.

Chili wasn't about to back down. "Simisear, follow up with Flame Charge!"

Simisear's body became engulfed in flames as he charged toward Agni, gaining a burst of speed and power. The fiery simian raced towards the Charizard, aiming to deliver a powerful blow.

Ash knew he had to counter quickly. "Agni, use Dragon Tail!"

Agni's tail glowed with draconic energy as he swung it with incredible force. The Dragon Tail collided with Simisear's Flame Charge, creating a powerful shockwave that sent both pokemon skidding backward.

Chili smiled at Ash's resilience. "Impressive, Ash. But we're not finished yet! Simisear, let's show them the true power of our flames with Fire Blast!"

Simisear unleashed a massive sphere of intense flames that soared towards Agni, engulfing the battlefield in a blazing inferno. The heat was scorching, and the intensity of the attack was overwhelming.

Ash was determined to see this through. "Agni, use Overheat to counter it!"

Agni's body flared with an intense blaze, his temperature skyrocketing as he countered the Fire Blast with a powerful Overheat. The two tremendous fire attacks clashed, creating a blinding explosion of flames that temporarily obscured the battlefield. The smoke and embers gradually cleared, revealing both pokemon standing strong but visibly fatigued from the exchange. Ash and Chili exchanged determined looks, their fiery spirits burning as brightly as the battlefield they stood on.

The battle raged on, with both trainers pushing their pokemon to the limit. The flames continued to dance and roar, filling the air with intense heat and excitement. In the end, it was Agni who emerged victorious, narrowly overcoming the resilient Simisear with a overwhelming Dragon Rush.

"Not that I doubted it for a second, but I am incredibly proud of handing you your very first Unova Gym Badge," Cilan laughed, as Cress was consoling a sulking Chili. "This is the Trio Bagde, little prince."

"Thank you, Cilan!" Ash beamed his Sunflora smile, as he received the badge and Agni roared in victory. "One down, seven more to go!"