"So explain to me again why we aren't heading towards the amusement park again for your gym battle." Rosa asked.
"After what happened yesterday with the whole N revelation, I needed something not as serious to think about today." Ash admitted. "And I figured that we could check out the local sport stadium I'd heard about in the meantime."
"Which stadium?" Elliot asked.
"The, the sport one, I said that." Ash responded.
"Ash, there are two stadiums, the Small Court and the Big Stadium." Rosa pointed out.
"Ahh, then I have no idea, we'll pick one and see what happens." Ash said.
Inside the small court waiting room
"Looks like they're practicing basketball today, but visitors are welcome to check out the field and players." Ash said.
"Rumor has it that the athletes enjoy battles between matches, perhaps you could get some last minute training while we're here as well." Elliot said, looking at the schedule.
"Yeah, yeah, sounds like a good plan." Rosa said, tearing off a flier without being noticed. "You know you two go on ahead, I'm going to go do some shopping."
"Alright, have fun." Ash said, not paying attention.
"Don't buy too much, I'm not carrying anything for you." Elliot remarked.
Inside the court proper
"Hey there kids, good to see some fans." A man said jogging up.
"We heard you guys might be interested in some battles from trainers." Ash responded. "Is that true?"
"It's true, alright, is it both of you coming to play, or just one?" The man said.
"Want to join Elliot?" Ash asked.
"Sure I could join in a battle." Elliot responded, grabbing Porygon2s Pokeball.
"Bobby come on, we'll have a battle together." The man said. "My name is Lamarcus by the way."
"I'm Ash, and this is Elliot." Ash responded.
"Alright then, let's see what you two have." Bobby said. "Come on out Whirlipede!"
"Swadloon come on out." Lamarcus said.
"Porygon2 I choose you!"
"Alright Pikachu, let's go!" Ash exclaimed.
"Swadloon use Razor Leaf!"
"Whirlipede use Poison Sting!"
"Pikachu use Quick Attack!"
"Porygon2 use Lock On!"
Porygon2 rose into the air, taking aim as Pikachu sped across the arena, dodging both attacks.
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
"Whirlipede use Poison Tail!"
"Swadloon use Protect!"
'Porygon2 use Psybeam!"
Porygon2 sent out a beam of psychic energy, picking up Whirlipede and keeping them from striking Pikachu, while Swadloon protected themself from Pikachu's attack.
"Let's switch our partners." Ash said.
"You have a plan?" Elliot asked.
"Yes I do." Ash responded. "You get around Swadloon's protect, I'll handle Whirlipede for right now. Pikachu use Iron Tail!"
"Whirlipede use Poison Tail!"
"Swadloon use String Shot!"
"Porygon2 use Ice Beam!"
Swadloon shot a string of strong silk around Porygon2, slamming them into Pikachu as both were struck by Whirlipede's Poison Tail.
"Great plan Ash, any other ideas?" Elliot asked.
"One, just trust me." Ash said.
"Whirlipede use Bug Bite!"
"Swadloon use Bug Bite!"
"Pikachu, Counter Shield!" Ash called out.
Pikachu spun around on the ground, sending out a thunderbolt that spun around him and Porygon2, protecting them both from the bug types attacks.
"Porygon2 use Ice Beam!"
Porygon poked its head up, firing an ice cold beam right at Swadloon knocking it away and giving the duo an opening.
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu leapt into the air, sending a bolt of electricity down on Whirlipede as the bug types rolled and reeled back.
"Whirlipede use Poison Sting!"
"Swadloon use Razor Leaf!"
"Pikachu use Charge Beam!"
"Porygon2 use Psybeam!"
Pikachu sent out a straight beam through the storm of leaves and needles, striking into Swadloon while powering himself up as Whirlipede was launched backwards.
"Combo finisher?" Ash asked.
"Sounds good." Elliot reminded. "Porygon2 use Lock On and grab Pikachu!"
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
Porygon2 flew back around, lifting up Pikachu and aiming their nose to be in line with both big types as Pikachu sent out a bolt of electricity, knocking the two out.
"So feeling better about your gym battle now?" Elliot asked.
"Yeah, I'm doing better, thanks for battling with me, and thanks both of you for the great battle." Ash said.
"It was our pleasure." Lamaracus said. "Best of luck in that gym battle."
Back at the Pokemon Center
"There you two are, I was wondering when you'd finally come back." Rosa commented.
"We figured we would've beaten you back. Done shopping already?" Ash chuckled.
"Not as fun when you know you have to carry it yourself." Rosa admitted.
"Well I'm going to turn in early, big match tomorrow." Ash said.
"Hey Ash, if you want I can take Darumaka, you know let her stay with us girls for the night." Rosa said.
"Sure, just make sure she actually gets some sleep." Ash said not seeing a problem with it.
"Of course, I'll make sure she's asleep in no time." Rosa said as Ash and Elliot went to their room, she waited before ducking out and behind the building.
"Alright Darumaka come out." Rosa whispered.
"Daru?" Darumaka asked in surprise seeing just Rosa and Lillipup. "I need you to ignite the papers in this trash can for me, can you do that please?" Rosa asked.
"Darumaka?" Darumaka said before seeing the bin full of colorful papers, flames erupting from her hand before striking them setting them ablaze.
"I never thought I'd run into them on this journey, and now I know Ash needs to win his gym battle and lead us out of Nimbasa before they find the truth." Rosa said as various posters advertising The Lillipups burnt up into smoke and ashes.