Part CXVII: The City of Events

Ash, Misty, May, and Serena all emerged from the forest and onto a large area with rolling grass plains as far as the eye could see. There were paths crisscrossing it that broke the plains up into large fields and a general slope up to a massive tree in the distance. There were also fences around some of the fields, but it was hard to tell as there was a lot to take in.

As Ash got accustomed to the sight he saw the city itself. Coumarine was similar in a lot of ways to both Shalour and Cyllage in that like them it was built on the coast and factored in the sea and the natural land surrounding it in its construction. That was to be expected from the last of the major coastal cities in Kalos.

However, where Shalour was built up the cliffs of the coast, Coumarine was more like Cyllage in that it was built into a natural cove with the cliffs forming a barrier between it and the grass plains they were on. The major differences with Cyllage though were that Coumarine was a lot greener compared to the rocky area where Cyllage was due to the mountains that bordered that city, and the shape of the cove. It was in a full U shape that gave it three full sides rather than the gentler curve of Cyllage City.

It was the day after Ash had caught Goomy and they had made good time in reaching Coumarine City. They had to push it more than usual the day before as Goomy's arrival, training, and capture had caused a bit of a distraction, but they had managed it. Now they were within striking distance of their destination and should reach it just after lunch seeing as it was in eyeshot at last.

"Wow it looks amazing." Ash said his eyes wide. "Similar and yet different to the other two big cities in this part of Kalos we've been to."

"Yeah that is often the case with the cities in Kalos." Serena said as they walked down the path that led to the city. "Even though we are in Coastal Kalos, we are further north and past the mountains and canyon, so the weather is more temperate thus making it greener here."

"That and Ramos is a grass type specialist." May said pointing to the tree in the distance. "That massive tree is the largest in the area, probably the largest in all of Kalos, and is where the Pledging Festival happens as that is where a trainer and his Skiddo planted the tree way back when that would become the first settlement of Coumarine City. It is also where the gym is."

"It is that large?" Misty asked amazed as they walked. "I didn't think a gym could fit in a tree."

"Yeah not even in Unova did they have a gym that unique and that's saying something as their gyms are almost all unique in their own ways." Ash said. "Clay's ground type gym was underground in a mine he personally carved out but that was it for gyms that were tied to nature as far as I can remember. Pretty much all other gyms I've been to have been in buildings of some sort, though some battlefields are outdoors."

"Blaine's is in an active volcano." Misty pointed out. "That is pretty unique."

"True, that one is different." Ash agreed recalling it vividly. "Normally there is one per region that is in some natural setting. Blaine's is the one in Kanto, the flying type gyms in Violet and Fortree Cities in Johto and Hoenn respectively are fully open to the air, though not the one in Unova for some reason, and as I mentioned Clay's gym. Only Sinnoh hasn't had one and I've never faced a grass type specialist in a natural gym."

"Yeah neither of the grass type gyms we've been to were in trees." Misty said recalling those gyms well. "Erika's is in the shame of a Gloom's bulb and Gardenia's is pretty standard."

"I can't say to the other gyms as we didn't see many of them." May said. "Only really the Shalour one last year though because we were at the Pledging Festival here we know it's the gym and probably the most unique one in the region. I think Anistar's is pretty normal, though I can't speak to Laverre or Snowbelle's as we didn't visit those cities last year."

"Well, I look forward to facing the gym." Ash said with a grin. "First though we should get to the Pokémon Center and plan the coming week."

With that Ash began to hurry down the main path leading to Coumarine City with the girls trailing behind him knowing there was no point in slowing Ash down once he had a location set in his mind and was within striking distance of it. It was as Ash was walking that he heard the trotting of hooves coming up from behind them.

"If it is the Pokémon Center you are seeking young man, then I recommend the side path further down the road and not the main path to the city." An older voice called out to Ash. "It is easier to walk and takes you straight to the Pokémon Center so faster. Remember, sometimes the main path is not the best one. Always look for other routes to get to your destination."

"That is good advice." Ash admitted turning to see who had approached them. "Just like how in a Pokémon battle sometimes the best tactic isn't the head on attack but something more circumspect."

The person was an old man riding a large, quadrupedal Pokémon. The Pokémon looked like a larger version of a Skiddo with the horns flowing back and lighter brown fur on its upper legs and sides. It had to be a Gogoat, Skiddo's evolved form that Ash had heard about.

The man on it was smiling at Ash. He had a weather-beaten face with rosy cheeks and a pair of white whiskers on either side of his chin, otherwise he appeared to be bald under the green farmer hat he wore. He kept up the farmer look with a simple green work shirt with the sleeves slightly rolled up, thick green gloves, brown pants held up by suspenders and sturdy work boots. At his left hip were a massive pair of sheers in a leather holder.

"You catch on quick young whippersnapper." The man said to Ash with an approving nod before looking over the others. "I take it…why I don't believe it. May, what an unexpected surprise to see you here of all people. Serena too, it has been even longer with you as I didn't have the pleasure of seeing you during the incident several months back."

"I was in the helicopter with Sycamore and Steven coordinating Braixen from there." Serena said with a slight bow of her head as Ash and Misty looked on in confusion. "That is why, I wasn't on the front lines with May, Alain, Diantha, and the Gym Leaders."

"Ramos, a pleasure to see you out here." May said shocking Ash and Misty at the realization that this was the Coumarine Gym Leader. "Tending to your Pokémon again I see."

"Aye, they need a lot of care, and the fields are large, so they require time." Ramos said with a nod before patting Gogoat's neck. "But with Gogoat here I can go between the paddocks with ease and make sure all are doing well and check up on them even at my age."

"Pokémon?" Misty asked confused.

"Why yes young miss, I raise and study grass types up here." Ramos said gesturing around him to the fields that made up the rolling plains above Coumarine City. "This whole area is used for that purpose. Been doing so for years. The environment is quite perfect for grass types to flourish, so it is perfect for me."

"I see." Misty said looking around but not seeing any Pokémon, but they were probably too small to see from this distance.

"If you're the gym leader then I am here to challenge you." Ash said with a grin at Ramos. "As soon as you can face me preferably."

"Ah I had a feeling you were a challenger." Ramos said with a smile back at Ash. "And you are?"

"Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." Ash said instinctively. "I am trying to enter the Kalos League this year. I'm already half way there and looking for my 5th Gym Badge."

"Wait, Pallet Town?" Ramos asked and Ash nodded. "So, you are from Kanto then."

"I am." Ash confirmed a little surprised that Ramos knew where Pallet Town was.

"You wouldn't happen to be from Sinnoh young miss, would you?" Ramos asked looking to Misty. "I presume so because of the Piplup but I do not wish to be rude without confirming first."

"I am, Twinleaf Town to be precise." Misty said with a nod. "I'm Misty by the way."

"Yes, yes you are." Ramos said surprising her, something he noticed. "Sorry, as I raise, breed, and study grass types here I keep abreast of all major developments in the Pokémon world. When Professor Oak officially revealed fairy types, well I read the paper to learn about the grass types who added a fairy type and checked the parties involved in the research as both of you are named as key assistants in the data given your Pokémon's involvement in the process."

"Oh yeah we seem to be getting that a fair bit here." Misty said a little taken aback by Ramos knowing who they were but so far all the Gym Leaders had so she shouldn't be surprised at this point. "I didn't realize we were that well known."

"You aren't, only a few of us who have fully read the paper know of your involvement and that it was your Togekiss that first sparked Professor Oak's inquiry that led to the discovery of fairy types." Ramos said. "Ash, well he was the one who revealed them to the world at the end of a full battle in the Indigo League, so he is well known. I had to personally confirm that 4 of my grass types have added it just to make sure that the data was correct. It now makes them really bad against poison types."

"Four?" May asked a little surprised. "I've heard that Cottonee and its evolved form Whimsicott added the type, but I thought that they were the only dual grass and fairy types."

"Morelull and Shiinotic, the former's evolved form, added it as well." Ramos said. "They are native to Alola though, so it is understandable that you haven't heard of them. I only have some from my travels there back in my youth and they are really shy so don't expect to see them."

"Ah ok." May said. "We were just talking about the new type the other day; it is something we are all still getting used to having to deal with as the nuances of it aren't fully worked out yet."

"We all are." Ramos said. "But shows how life is not always as we expect it to be. Still, wait until you reach Laverre City. Of all of us, Valarie was the most affected by it and she probably understands the type best so she can answer any lingering questions that you might have."

"That's next up for us." Ash said. "So, once we've had our battle and finished our other business here we will be heading straight there."

"I see, well tomorrow is the best time for our battle then." Ramos said. "After tomorrow, I have to close the gym for the week as the Festival begins and the tree needs to be prepared for it. It will open after the Festival ends so you can also wait a week to face me."

"Tomorrow it is." Ash said with a nod. "I don't want to wait all week as we have other things to do during the week."

"Ash is correct, we will be around through the whole Festival." May said. "Serena here is competing on the Contest Circuit this year so will be in the Contest this week that is part of the festivities."

"Really?" Ramos asked. "Didn't you debut as a performer in the Showcase here last year, I think I recall seeing you when I watched the Showcase."

"I did." Serena said. "And it was a pivotal moment for me in more ways than one. This year it's Misty's turn to debut in the Coumarine Showcase. She's trying performing just as I am trying coordinating."

"So, you are originally a coordinator." Ramos said looking at Misty and then Piplup. "I can see it. Your Piplup has the look of a Pokémon raised for Contests and not straight battles. The gleaming coat gives him away."

"Piplup." Piplup said proudly glad the random goat guy saw his awesomeness. "Pip, Piplup."

"Yes, I'm a Top Coordinator in fact and in addition to trying my hand at performing I am helping May with the Contest Circuit." Misty said while trying not to sigh at the ego boost Ramos had just given Piplup's galactic sized ego. "Though as the one who wasn't here last year most of my help has been with setup and promotion, I haven't judged yet, but I should be allowed to do so soon."

"I see that does make sense." Ramos said with a nod. "Well, the Contest is in 3 days I believe and the Showcase in 5 days. Then there is a day of preparation and the Pledging Festival to finish the week."

"What is the Pledging Festival?" Ash asked. "I am still a little confused about it."

"It is an annual tradition here in Coumarine City that celebrates our founding." Ramos said pointing to the massive tree on the hill where the gym was. "I assume you are aware that centuries ago a trainer and his Skiddo settled on that hill and planted that tree."

"I mentioned that a little while ago, but I didn't know it was that old." May said. "Then again I never really thought about it either."

"A tree that size takes that long to grow and in fact it is still growing." Ramos said. "I doubt it will ever stop in fact."

"Wait it is?" Serena asked amazed.

"Yes, that is what makes it so special." Ramos said with a smile. "It is constantly growing and as Coumarine City was founded from that trainer and his Skiddo settling here, it has become the center of the City's history and is its pride and joy even if the main city is by the sea and not up here."

"I bet." Ash said, he didn't doubt that a city would be proud of such a tree. "And the Festival has to do with the tree?"

"It is a way of honoring the city's founding while celebrating what made it possible." Ramos explained. "It was the bond between that trainer and his Skiddo that made it possible, or so the story goes, and as such the tree has become a symbol for the bonds between trainers and Pokémon. Every year, trainers from all over Kalos, gather at the tree to exchange presents with their Pokémon and pledge to always love and honor them. It is said that it deepens the bonds between Pokémon and their trainers."

"That is certainly something that might do it." Misty said with a nod. "And even not, it is a good bonding experience regardless."

"Oh, it definitely works." Ramos said. "Every year, at least one Pokémon evolves during the Festival because its friendship has reached that level. Often it is a grass type like Swadloon into Leavanny as this is a special place for that type, but I've seen Buneary, Golbat, Riolu, Pichu and Eevee all evolve as well. Though for some reason Eevee has only ever evolved into Umbreon during the Festival and not Espeon or Sylveon."

"Is the festival at night?" Misty asked.

"Why yes it is." Ramos said. "It always occurs at sundown after the town and tree have been decorated during the week, hence why the gym is closed during that time period. The lighting at night is the start of the Pledging Festival though the whole week has become known as it since the Showcase decided to precede it and now with the Contest in the week before it's effectively a full holiday for the city."

"I see well I can explain why it's only Umbreon." Misty said surprising Ramos. "It's a time-of-day thing."

"It is?" Ramos asked intrigued by the revelation. "I must admit I don't have an Eevee, never have in fact though I'd naturally want one that wished to become a Leafeon, but alas I've never caught one. As such I am unaware of how the more nuanced evolutions of it occur."

"I have an Espeon and my mother an Umbreon, so I know about those evolutions in particular." Misty said. "They are friendship based apparently and the time of day is important to determining the outcome. Espeon can only evolve during daylight, that was when mine evolved last year, while Umbreon evolves at nighttime though why that is the case I have no idea. Now I have heard that Sylveon is also friendship based but not dependent on time of day."

"It can't be, mine evolved at night with no other explanation but for friendship." Serena said. "However, it can't be just friendship as that alone would have resulted in an Umbreon. There has to be something else at play, but no one has figured it out yet."

"That certainly explains why it is only Umbreons during the Festival." Ramos said before noticing something. "However, on the note of time of day, the sun is still up, and I have a lot of work still to do as sunlight ensures that grass types are at their peak. Ash, I look forward to seeing you bright and early tomorrow at the gym. I need your assistance with something first and then we can have that battle once it is done. I look forward to facing someone with your reputation."

"I'll be there." Ash said determination in his voice.

Ramos just nodded before clicking his tongue and Gogoat trotted off towards the fields. They watch the old man leave for a moment before resuming their walk but no longer heading to the main path but along the one that Ramos had suggested when he'd first shown up.

"Ramos is an interesting man." Misty noted as they walked. "And one of the older gym leaders I've seen. I'd say he's around the same age as Blaine if I had to guess."

"I don't know him that well but he's certainly the longest serving leader in Kalos." May said. "I think Wulfric is the only other one near his length of service or age, but he seemed younger when I met him. Gogoat is more than Ramos's mount though, it's his best Pokémon so expect to face it Ash."

"I do and I already know who I'm going to use against it." Ash said with a nod. "And given that he raises grass types I have no idea what else he'll have so I need to be prepared for anything. Let's hurry to the Pokémon Center and check in. I want to go over a final battle plan with all my Pokémon and prepare for it."

"Have you decided who you will use?" May asked as they walked. "Same goes for you Misty and the upcoming Showcase."

"I know that Piplup will be in the theme round regardless." Misty said. "He deserves that given that he is my starter, as well as the freestyle if I make it that far. I'll probably add Vulpix for that round and do a dual performance. He never got to do a Contest as he hatched too close to the Cremini Town Contest to be use in it, and thus lacked the experience for the Grand Festival. That and I'd already promised Shuppet and Spiritomb that I'd use them in my final regular Contest last year. This way Vulpix can get to be my first freestyle with Piplup."

"Piplup." Piplup said with a nod, he was the right choice to go first. "Pip, Piplup."

"What about you Serena?" Misty asked. "Who will you use?"

"I will probably stick with Vivillon or Sylveon in the appeals." Serena said thoughtfully though as she thought on it a new idea came into her head that she'd think on when she had the time. "They are better for that part than the battles. Pancham, Rhyhorn and Braixen are all stronger in the battles, but I want them all to experience appeals as well so I may use Braixen or Rhyhorn. I want Meowstic to watch with you guys though, she's not ready to compete yet."

"That is wise." May said with a nod. "I know I always had a Pokémon watch first before competing except with the first few Contests when I was just getting my foot in the door."

"Same." Misty said. "Though Spiritomb never watched one, but I was using him in the battles and well he's a little overkill in those seeing as so few can handle him, so he didn't really need to watch one before debuting."

"Few people have ever even seen a Spiritomb, let alone battled one." May pointed out. "It's no wonder people can't handle him you send him out. Even Lucy doesn't claim a true victory over your Spiritomb and isn't she the only person to actually make him faint in battle."

"She forced me to use Spiritomb's last move which in his weakened state at the time was a sacrificial move." Misty confirmed. "That is why Lucy doesn't see it as a true win over my Spiritomb but yes she is the only one to push my Spiritomb that far. I am sure others will in time though. The more I use him, and I will use him in battles for various reasons, the more people will wise up to how to face one. Then there are people like Emily who specialize in the one type that can actually do serious damage against him, so he does have a weakness."

"True, I can see that now that we know fairy type attacks exist." May said. "But back to the Contest though, that is the right thing to do Serena. Have Meowstic sit with us so she can watch and learn. I think she may make a good appeal Pokémon with her looks, but she could also be used in battles depending on the moves she knows."

"I intend for her to be used in both once I get a better feel for her." Serena said. "Though Misty, you should practice for the Showcase as soon as possible. I can help a little, but I need to focus on the Contest first and a freestyle is still different from an appeal in a lot of ways. I'd say it was easier for me to transition than you as there is more to a freestyle performance then there is to a Contest appeal."

"I intend to practice for that just in case we make it to the second round." Misty said with a nod. "The theme is hard to prepare for as we won't know what it will be until the day of the Showcase and those are heavily dependent on the theme it seems. We can prepare for the freestyle and a water and fire approach we will look good, at least if I can pull it off."

"I know you can Misty." Ash said squeezing her hand and causing her to blush at his support.

"And Ash?" Serena asked shifting to Ash to avoid any cutesy couple things that could hurt her and May, she'd already decided that she and May would let the day of the Pledging Festival be a date day for Ash and Misty while they went out to look for gifts for their Pokémon. "Who will you use against Ramos? Fletchinder makes the most sense given type advantages it has over grass type Pokémon."

"I have an idea who I will use." Ash said with a nod. "And I have promised one Pokémon the honor of being part of the team so he is a must use. Of course, the rules will play a factor as well and I won't know what they are before I face Ramos, but I can easily adjust for them. I am expecting a three-on-three battle, but Kalos has already shown me that it can vary with Grant's battle, so I don't know."

"Makes sense." May said as they hurried. "Well let's get to the Pokémon Center and check in. Then we can plan accordingly from there."

The others just nodded as they continued on their way to the Pokémon Center. They would know more once they got there and could properly prepare for the coming week's events. One thing was for certain though, tomorrow Ash faced Ramos for his third gym badge.