In the Previous Chapter: After encountering a famous television presenter in the Desert Resort, Anita and Carlos obtained a Plume Fossil and a Cover Fossil, while Ash captured a Darumaka struggling to manage its Hustle ability.
Encounters and clashes in Castelia City
In one of the numerous buildings within the administrative district of Castelia City, the headquarters of the Pokémon League Association, known as the PLA, stood tall.
This building was where meetings between the various Pokémon League members were held, where critical decisions were made about everything related to Gym Battles and the annual League tournaments.
Additionally, the Council was responsible for appointing and ratifying new Gym Leaders, suspending or reinstating them, and organizing Unova's defenses against catastrophes.
Typically, what transpired within the walls of this building did not attract much public attention. But that day, the situation was drastically different.
Dozens upon dozens of journalists crowded the entrance, making it nearly impossible for Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, Champion Iris, and the representatives of the Pokémon League Association to gain access.
Several Officer Jennys had formed a cordon to allow safe entry for the officials while keeping the reporters and their relentless questions at bay. At the right moment, all questions would be answered.
The group eventually reached a large room featuring an oval-shaped table surrounded by numerous chairs. Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and Champion Iris took their places. Two of the Elite Four members sat to Iris's right, while the other two sat on her left. The Gym Leaders occupied the remaining seats. Finally, an Officer Jenny and a Nurse Joy also took their seats. In front of each participant were a tablet and a chilled bottle of water.
Once everyone was seated, a staff member entered the room a man in his thirties with bright orange hair, matching eyes, and a clean-shaven beard. Dressed in a sharp suit and tie, he carried a stack of documents in his hands.
«These are today's agendas.» He explained, setting the hefty pile onto the table, which trembled slightly under the weight.
«However, the most critical matter and the reason why those journalists are camped outside is something else entirely.» The man exited the room briefly, returning moments later with a green folder in his hand.
«As you all know, Burgh, who is not present today, was automatically suspended from his role as a Gym Leader the moment he was arrested. The law has run its course, declaring him a victim of circumstance and affirming his innocence. The judge has ruled that it is now your responsibility to determine his future.» After delivering this explanation, the man stepped out, quietly closing the door behind him.
«Listen… whatever this is, let's just wrap it up quickly. I need to get back to work.» grumbled a robust man in his fifties.
The man had dark brown hair and thick sideburns of the same color. He wore flared brown trousers with a turquoise belt, a matching vest partially covering a red shirt, and a wide white hat with a yellow band. His attention was fixated on an old-fashioned flip phone as he declined one work call after another.
«Don't be like that, Clay. You know full well that these decisions require everyone's presence. Once we've decided Burgh's fate, you're free to leave. But I doubt you'd want to face that mob of journalists waiting outside.» reprimanded Lenora, her tone firm yet understanding. Clay groaned, setting his phone down with visible annoyance.
With that minor interruption out of the way, an older man in his sixties took the floor. His white hair and neatly trimmed beard gave him a dignified appearance. His feline-like golden eyes held a sharp glint of wisdom.
He wore a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, gray trousers secured by violet suspenders that matched his gloves and shoes. Around his neck hung a dark violet gemstone.
«As I'm sure you are all aware, the Pokémon League Council has convened today to decide the future of Gym Leader Burgh, following the events of the legal case that led to the arrest of Hiroshi Amon. According to the law, any Gym Leader under investigation is automatically suspended. Should the justice system prove their innocence, it falls upon us to decide whether they are reinstated or if procedures to find a replacement should begin. To start with…»
«We don't need a lecture on why we're here, old man. Get to the point.» interrupted a young woman with striking white hair. She was half-reclined in her chair, her large boots resting casually on the table. She wore a long, horizontally striped shirt in shades of green and purple.
«Roxie! Is that any way to address a senior colleague?» Lenora scolded sharply. «And take your feet off the table! This is a formal meeting!»
«Oh, great, now the "mom" is stepping in to defend the "grandpa," huh?» Roxie shot back, rolling her eyes. «If you're so determined to fight me, wait until after this oh-so-important meeting of yours. As far as I'm concerned, if he's innocent, let him have his job back.»
With that, she picked up her Rotom Phone and began scrolling through social media, pointedly ignoring the ongoing discussion.
«Burgh and Lenora are the only Gym Leaders who have directly clashed with Team Plasma. Let's not forget that. His contributions could be crucial if we hope to defeat them. Losing his expertise over a case that proved his innocence would be a mistake.» interjected another Gym Leader.
This man had an ageless quality about him, his long blue hair partially tied into a braid. He wore a sky-blue band covering his eyes and an outfit of a matching hue, lending him an almost ethereal appearance.
«Don't worry about that, Cilan. I understand how much our image matters to you and how determined you are to stop Team Plasma. But we're treading a fine line here. If we reinstate him too quickly, Team Plasma might retaliate.» cautioned Drayden.
«On the other hand, if we don't reinstate him, they might pull the same trick on one of us. Public trust in the League would erode, and that would be disastrous. Team Plasma would gain free rein. With that said, if no one else has further comments, we can proceed to the vote. As always, let me remind you that each Gym Leader and League member, except for the Elite Four, casts one vote. Elite Four members' votes count as two, and the Champion holds veto power.» Drayden concluded.
Hearing no objections, he tapped his tablet briefly. Soon after, the tablets in front of all attendees lit up, displaying the voting interface.
The screen presented a succinct question:
"In light of the judicial confirmation of his innocence, do you believe Burgh should be reinstated to his position and duties as the Gym Leader of Castelia City?"
Below the question were three options: "Yes," "No," and "Abstain."
It didn't take long for the votes to be cast and the results displayed. The decision was unanimous Burgh was reinstated to his position. Not a single dissenting vote or abstention was recorded.
«Well, now that we've settled this little issue, I'd say it's time to deal with more serious matters. Or are you scared?» Roxie addressed Lenora with a challenging expression.
«A Gym Leader never backs down from a battle.» Lenora replied, ready to teach her younger colleague a lesson.
The other members of the council had no choice but to accept the situation. Everyone present moved toward the elevators
to reach one of the upper floors of the building, where a battle arena equipped with seating was located.
Normally, this arena was used to evaluate new Gym Leaders Roxie herself had been the most recent one tested there. However, this time the arena would host a very different showdown, one where only pride truly mattered.
As if it were any ordinary battle against any ordinary challenger, Lenora activated the electronic referee.
«The training battle between Gym Leader Lenora and Gym Leader Roxie is about to begin. This will be a one-on-one battle. The winner will be the one to defeat the opponent's Pokémon.» the electronic referee announced. «Send out your Pokémon!»
«Garbodor! It's your turn!» Roxie released a massive Pokémon resembling a pile of garbage. It had a ripped trash bag over its head, hanging down to its feet like a makeshift cape. The Pokémon's body was covered in pink and blue patches. Its long arms had mismatched shapes: the right arm ended in three plastic fingers, while the left arm was essentially a tube covered in refuse. Its ears were small, irregular spheres connected to its head by plastic tubes, and its small mouth contained six teeth three on the top, three on the bottom all linked together.
«I'll be fighting with you, Ursaring!» Lenora sent out a Pokémon that strongly resembled a large, bipedal bear. Its brown fur covered its entire body, except for its black nose, the insides of its ears, the pads on its feet, and a yellow ring on its stomach. The fur on its shoulders was coarser than the rest of its body. Each paw had three sharp claws, and its small, fluffy tail completed its appearance.
«Roxie gets the first move!» Declared the electronic referee.
«No time to waste! Let's show them our strength! Garbodor, use Poison Gas!» The Trash Heap Pokémon generated a nauseating cloud of violet gas and launched it toward its opponent.
«Ursaring, dodge it!» The Hibernator Pokémon sidestepped the trajectory of the gas, inhaling only a small amount. «Now it's our turn! Attack with High Horsepower!»
Ursaring's body was enveloped in an orange aura as it charged at high speed toward its opponent, ready to strike with devastating force.
«Typical of your battle style, attacking directly!» Roxie commented. «That only makes things easier for us. Garbodor, finish it with Gunk Shot!»
The Trash Heap Pokémon generated a beam of silvery energy from its upper limbs, which quickly transformed into a trash bag. The projectile was hurled at Ursaring just before the Hibernator Pokémon could land its attack. A faint purple glow appeared on Ursaring's snout.
«Just as I expected, Garbodor's Gunk Shot never fails to poison its target.» Roxie remarked smugly.
«If I were you, I wouldn't be so pleased.» Lenora responded. The Normal-type expert had barely finished speaking when Garbodor was violently slammed against one of the barriers surrounding the battle arena by Ursaring's overwhelming attack.
«That's Ursaring's ability, Guts. If it's poisoned, paralyzed, or burned, its attacks become much stronger.» Lenora explained. «It's one of the flaws in your strategy.» she added.
«Are you sure about that? Everything's going according to my plan.» Roxie retorted. «Garbodor took a hard hit, but it's still fully capable of fighting and using our special move! Garbodor, use Venoshock!»
From one of Garbodor's plastic fingers, a violet liquid began to gush, quickly building up intense pressure.
«Ursaring, use Rest!» Lenora ordered. The Hibernator Pokémon closed its eyes, and the purple glow on its snout vanished almost instantly.
«How is that possible? Venoshock should have defeated it...» Roxie seemed disheartened.
«Now use Sleep Talk!» Ursaring's claws grew significantly longer and were enveloped in a purple aura.
«I may have omitted the little detail that my Ursaring can still take advantage of its ability even while asleep.» Lenora said.
In mere moments, Garbodor's body was slashed by Ursaring's sharp claws, tearing through its defenses until it unleashed a powerful shockwave that sent the massive bear flying to the opposite side of the arena. Despite being somewhat battered, Ursaring was still able to fight.
«That was our last trump card Garbodor's Aftermath ability.» Roxie commented, masking her disappointment as the electronic referee declared Lenora the winner.
Shortly after, both Trainers recalled their Pokémon to their respective Poké Balls. Lenora was pleased with the outcome, silently hoping the crushing defeat had at least made the younger Leader reflect. Roxie, however, thought otherwise. "I need to improve. I can't be this predictable!" she resolved internally.
From the council's decision to Burgh's official reinstatement as a Gym Leader, not much time passed it was practically a formality for him.
Following Burgh's reinstatement as the Castelia City Gym Leader, it was time for Anita's third Gym battle. The group had done everything they could to be in the city on the day of the grand reopening.
«Do you think you're ready for this battle?» Ash asked Anita abruptly.
«I don't know. But I can't back out now. We've worked so hard with Herdier and the others, but it'll feel strange not being able to battle with Dewott.» Anita replied.
«He needs to rest a little longer, remember what Nurse Joy said? And besides, even without him, you still have a solid team.» Serena reassured her.
«After all, even I don't rely solely on Delphox during Showcases, as much as I'm incredibly bonded to her.» she added with a smile.
Anita simply nodded. Maybe her friend was right. As usual, she was worrying too much. Either way, the girl knew the moment of the battle had arrived, and there was no turning back.
Gym Street seemed endless, lined with towering steel skyscrapers and glass panels that cast menacing shadows on the ground.
The Gym building itself was the shortest along the street. Like the others, it was constructed from glass and metal, with an automatic glass door granting entry.
Ash glanced again at the building. There was no one in front of the door. «That's strange.» He remarked.
«The Gym's been closed for a while. It's not unusual for there to be no challengers.» Serena suggested.
Ash's doubts didn't last long. Ivan emerged from the automatic doors with a frustrated expression.
«So, I'm not 'special enough' to be his first challenger after his return. I wonder who this Trainer is that he's talking about. I doubt they're at my level.» Ivan muttered, kicking a can that was in his path. He nearly collided with Ash and the others, which only made him angrier.
«Don't even bother asking him for a battle.» Ivan sneered at Anita. «He rejected me; I don't see why he'd want to battle you.»
«First of all, hello.» Ash said, pointing out Ivan's rudeness.
«And secondly, if Burgh is back as the Castelia City Gym Leader, it's partly thanks to her.» Ash explained.
«I couldn't care less about what she's done. I highly doubt Burgh would want to challenge her. And now, I'm going to prove
it to you. There's a Pokémon Center not far from here. We'll use their battle field.» Ivan proposed a battle to Anita, who
found herself almost forced to accept.
«So… we'll have a full battle… six Pokémon each. I assume you've managed to catch at least five Pokémon during all this time, right?» Anita shook her head.
«Well… actually…» she began, but Ivan cut her off, visibly irritated.
«What have you even been doing all this time, then? Not that I care, to be clear, but if you want to be a worthy challenger, you need to catch as many Pokémon as possible, bring only the strongest ones, and get rid of the weak ones.»
Ash was starting to feel quite annoyed. He had dealt with people like this before. And every time, he had proven them wrong.
«And don't think you can act any differently from how I do.» Ivan turned to Ash in an accusatory tone. «Everywhere you've been, you've always caught new Pokémon. You've never denied it. Even here in Unova, you've done the same. Otherwise, why catch so many Pokémon?»
Ash took a deep breath. «Because catching many Pokémon isn't wrong. What's wrong is not taking care of them, not respecting them, or abandoning them at the first sign of trouble, like people like you do. Sure, I've had to release Pokémon before, but I've always done it for their well-being and for no other reason.»
Ivan scoffed. «I don't care about your story. My training method works, and I have no intention of changing it. In any case… we're wasting too much time.»
He turned back to Anita. «So, are we battling, or what?» He proposed again.
«Fine.» Anita replied.
«Is it okay if we film the battle?» Carlos asked.
«Do whatever you want. Just don't record me.» Ivan replied, his tone irritated.
Almost as if mirroring Anita's gloomy mood, the sky began to fill with a thick layer of clouds.
«The battle between Anita and Ivan is about to begin. It will be a three-on-three battle. The winner will be the one who defeats all of their opponent's Pokémon. Substitutions are allowed without limit. You may now send out your Pokémon.» Carlos announced, giving the signal to start.
«Vivillon! It's your turn!» Anita sent out her Vivillon, the Scale Pokémon.
«Alright then… I'll battle you with Pignite!» Ivan sent out his Pignite, a bipedal Pokémon resembling a pig. Its body was orange and rather plump, with brown bands around its shoulders, waist, and wrists. Yellow bands circled its wrists, while its chest displayed spiral-shaped yellow markings.
Its nose was red and resembled that of a pig, while its ears were pointed. Two sharp teeth protruded from its lower jaw. Each hand had two claws, while its feet had only one. Its tail was curled with a tuft of fur at the tip.
Anita scanned the Pokémon using the Pokédex function on her Smart Rotom.
«Pignite, the Fire Pig Pokémon. Fire and Fighting type. Male specimen. The more it eats, the stronger the flames burning in its stomach become, increasing its power. Known moves: Flame Charge, Arm Thrust, Rock Tomb, Bulk Up.»
After gathering the information, Anita put the device back in her bag.
«I'll give you a chance to switch your Pokémon and pretend the battle starts from there. You know full well how disadvantaged a Bug and Flying-type Pokémon is against a Pokémon like Pignite. Your first Pokémon was Oshawott, if I recall… why not send it out?» Ivan asked smugly.
«That's none of your business.» Anita retorted. Who knows how Ivan would have reacted if he knew the real reason she had decided not to let Dewott battle.
«Heads or tails?» Carlos asked, opening the coin flip app on his Smart Rotom.
«Heads.» Anita replied.
«Then I'll take tails.» Ivan said, annoyed.
«It's tails. So the first move goes to Ivan.» Carlos declared, starting the recording.
«Pignite, use Flame Charge!» the blonde ordered.
Pignite's body became shrouded in flames as it began to sprint toward its opponent at an ever-increasing speed.
«Defend yourself!» Anita commanded. She was aware of how dangerous the attack was, but she wasn't sure how to handle the situation.
Without receiving a specific order, Vivillon generated thin scales from its wings, which quickly struck the Fire Pig Pokémon, creating a powerful explosion that stopped its charge in an instant.
«Let's take advantage of this! Use Air Slash!» Anita ordered.
Thin blades of air shot out from Vivillon's wings, reaching the target in seconds with a faint whistling sound.
«Don't think I underestimated Pignite's weakness to Flying-type moves. Pignite, use Rock Tomb!»
The Fire Pig Pokémon quickly regained its upright stance and wasted no time summoning a large number of boulders, which it began hurling at its opponent.
«Quick, send them back with Psychic!» Anita instructed.
Before the boulders could hit the butterfly Pokémon, they were surrounded by a pink aura and suspended mid-air. In the blink of an eye, the same boulders were launched back at Pignite.
"This battle might actually be decent," Ivan thought before ordering a counterattack: «Break them with Arm Thrust!»
Pignite's hands grew larger and were enveloped in a red aura as it smashed through every single boulder. Some of the fragments hit and injured Vivillon, leaving it with visible wounds.
«Vivillon, return!» Anita recalled her Pokémon to its Poké Ball. «Archen, it's your turn!»
Anita sent out her second Pokémon, the prehistoric bird resurrected from the fossil Walter had given her.
«You're really fixated on Flying-types!» Ivan muttered, glancing at his Smart Rotom to gather information about the opponent's Pokémon. "Still, it's best not to underestimate it," he thought.
«Pignite, use Flame Charge!»
As before, Pignite's body was surrounded by flames as it charged toward its opponent.
«Let's try Ash's way. Use Quick Attack to dodge!»
In a split second, the First Bird Pokémon moved out of the way, completely avoiding the attack.
«It doesn't matter that Flame Charge missed. Now Pignite is much faster. And we'll prove it! Use Arm Thrust!»
The Fire Pig Pokémon quickly closed the distance between itself and its opponent, its hands growing larger and glowing red as it prepared to strike with a series of powerful slaps.
«Archen, use Wing Attack!»
Archen's right wing was surrounded by a bright white aura as it flew low to the ground, heading straight for its opponent.
The impact was violent. Pignite was sent flying several meters back, landing face-first. It tried to get up but failed.
«Pignite is unable to battle. The winner is Archen.» Carlos declared.
Ivan immediately recalled his Pokémon to its Poké Ball. «How is it that every time we battle her, it ends like this? Normally, you don't do this badly. Anyway… Frillish, you're up next!»
Ivan sent out the Floating Pokémon.
«The first move goes to the challenger unless she decides to switch her Pokémon.» Carlos reminded.
«I'll stick with Archen.» Anita decided.
«Alright, Archen, use Ancient Power!»
The First Bird Pokémon's body glowed with a purple aura as large boulders, also surrounded by the same aura, rose from the ground. In no time, the prehistoric Pokémon hurled the boulders toward its opponent.
«Frillish, protect yourself!» Ivan commanded.
Frillish generated a thin, greenish barrier that completely surrounded its body, allowing it to remain unharmed. Every single boulder shattered against the seemingly fragile barrier.
«Now, use Surf!» The Floating Pokémon raised a gigantic wave, positioning itself above it. Its speed was astonishing. It seemed impossible to avoid.
«Archen, try to dodge!» Anita ordered. Unfortunately for her, it was too late. Archen was hit squarely by the gigantic wave.
«Archen! Are you okay?» Anita looked worried about her Pokémon.
«Ken…» The Pokémon let out a faint, unconvincing cry.
«If you're up for it, let's try again. Use Wing Attack!» The Paleo-Bird Pokémon's right wing glowed with a white light as it sped toward its opponent, ready to strike.
«As soon as it gets close enough, hit it with Shadow Ball!» Ivan ordered.
Unfortunately for his opponent, Archen was too fast and managed to evade the attack. But, unfortunately for Anita, Archen's attack was not as powerful as the one that had defeated Pignite. Why didn't I think of that? I was so foolish! If Archen gets hit by powerful attacks, its own attacks become weaker.
Ivan took advantage of his opponent's distraction to deliver the final, decisive blow: a powerful Shadow Ball.
«Archen is unable to battle. The winner is Frillish.» Carlos declared.
«Return, Archen. You did a great job. I'm sorry I forgot your weakness.»
«Sewaddle! It's your turn!» Anita sent out the Sewing Pokémon.
«How about something a bit more interesting? You don't seem ready to fight with a Pokémon like that.» Ivan remarked with his usual smug tone.
Neither the Trainer nor her Pokémon took those words kindly, determined to prove their strength to their opponent.
«Ivan gets the first move.» Carlos announced.
«One move is all I need.» Ivan said. «Use Shadow Ball.»
The Floating Pokémon generated a dark purple energy sphere, crackling with lightning-like streaks of energy.
«Sewaddle, dodge and use String Shot!» Anita commanded.
The Pokémon swiftly moved out of the attack's path. The energy sphere crashed into the ground, creating a massive explosion and raising a cloud of dust. Moments later, from the dust cloud, a thin thread of sticky silk shot out, quickly reaching the opponent and wrapping it up completely.
I'll admit, I didn't see that coming, Ivan thought.
«Frillish! Try to free yourself!» Ivan ordered.
The Floating Pokémon struggled desperately to break free, but to no avail.
«Now, use Razor Leaf!» Anita commanded after a quick glance at the sky.
The Sewing Pokémon generated a multitude of crescent-shaped leaves with sharp, thin edges. The sharp leaves reached the opponent quickly, striking it and causing damage.
I don't understand her at all… Why tie up my Pokémon only to free it with her own attack? Did she think she could defeat me with that measly Razor Leaf? Ivan thought.
«Come on, attack with Ice Beam! We don't have time to waste.» Ivan ordered.
From the Floating Pokémon's mouth, a thin beam of icy energy began forming, aimed directly at its opponent.
Meanwhile, the cloud cover in the sky had completely cleared.
«Sewaddle, dodge and use Razor Leaf again!» Anita commanded.
Sewaddle moved out of the attack's path in the blink of an eye, showing an impressive speed it had never demonstrated before. Moments later, it launched a flurry of crescent-shaped leaves with razor-sharp edges at the opponent. The sharp leaves struck the Floating Pokémon directly, triggering a powerful explosion.
«Frillish is unable to battle. The winner is Sewaddle.» Carlos declared.
Ivan was forced to recall his Pokémon into its Poké Ball.
«This won't do.» Ivan muttered.
«Sewaddle, are you ready to continue?» Anita asked.
«Waa! Waa!» The Pokémon responded enthusiastically.
«Alright, then we can keep going.» Anita declared.
«Now I'll show you a more serious Bug-type Pokémon.» Ivan sent out his third Pokémon.
From Ivan's Poké Ball emerged a Pokémon shaped like a wheel. Its center was dark gray, with a partially open yellow eye. Its back was mostly violet-gray with red ring patterns. It had spiky triangular protrusions and four antennae.
Anita scanned the Pokémon with her Smart Rotom's Pokédex function:
«Whirlipede. The Curlipede Pokémon. Bug and Poison type. Male specimen. It attacks by spinning rapidly. It can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. Known moves: Agility, Rollout, Poison Tail.»
«Since Ivan switched Pokémon, Anita gets the first move.» Carlos announced.
«Alright, Sewaddle! Use String Shot!» Anita commanded.
A thin, sticky white thread began to emerge from the Pokémon's mouth, heading straight for its opponent.
«How predictable.» Ivan commented, annoyed. «Dodge with Agility.» He ordered. The Curlipede Pokémon's body glowed with a pinkish light as it rapidly lifted off the ground.
«Attack again with String Shot!» Anita ordered. As before, the Pokémon launched a sticky white thread from its mouth, aiming once more at its opponent.
«Dodge and use Rollout!» Ivan commanded. With speed it had never displayed before, Ivan's Pokémon dodged the attack, then began rolling across the battlefield, its speed increasing rapidly.
«Sewaddle, try to dodge and defend with Razor Leaf!» Anita ordered.
The Pokémon generated crescent-shaped leaves with razor-sharp edges, launching them at the opponent's armored body. However, they caused no damage.
The same couldn't be said for poor Sewaddle, repeatedly struck by the heavy opponent, with no chance for her Trainer to intervene.
«Sewaddle is unable to battle. The winner is Whirlipede.» Carlos declared.
Anita recalled her Pokémon into its Poké Ball. «Thank you, you did an excellent job.»
Anita then sent out her Vivillon.
«Ivan gets the first move.» Carlos announced.
Ivan didn't need to be told twice. He didn't even have to speak. The Curlipede Pokémon hadn't stopped rolling across the battlefield and had gained a terrifying speed.
A speed so great that it allowed it to take off and strike the opponent mid-air, grounding it in an instant.
«Vivillon is unable to battle. The winner is Whirlipede. Therefore, the overall winner is Ivan.» Carlos declared.
«Did you expect a different outcome?» Ivan remarked.
«In any case, I don't have more time to waste. If Burgh doesn't want to battle me today, I'll challenge another Gym and return when he changes his mind.» Ivan turned on his heel and walked away without even saying goodbye.
As soon as Ivan was out of sight, the four entered the Pokémon Center, entrusting Anita's Pokémon to Nurse Joy's expert care.
Once the Pokémon were healed, the group headed back to the Gym so Anita could try her luck again.
They arrived at Gym Street, a seemingly endless road lined with steel skyscrapers and glass panels casting menacing shadows on the ground.
The building housing the Gym was the shortest of all those along the street. Like the others, it was constructed of glass and metal. An automatic glass door allowed access to the building.
Just as before, there was no one in front of the Gym.
«Are you sure you want to try? Didn't you hear what Ivan said? That Burgh wanted to face a particularly special opponent?» Anita asked.
«Don't forget that if he was reinstated as a Gym Leader, it's partly thanks to you. I don't think he's forgotten that.» Ash reminded her.
«Ash is right. Giving it a shot won't hurt.» Serena replied.
The four reached the Gym's doors and stepped inside. Before reaching the actual battlefield, they had to walk down a long hallway, its walls adorned with dozens and dozens of paintings, all created by the Gym Leader himself.
Contrary to what one might expect, the paintings didn't solely depict Bug-type Pokémon. There were also landscapes, Pokémon battles, and even abstract works that, as usual, left Ash rather puzzled.
After walking through the long hallway, the group arrived at the battlefield.
The only similarity this battlefield had with others was the presence of an electronic referee system.
Beyond that, it was entirely different from any other Gym they had visited so far. For starters, the battlefield wasn't rectangular but octagonal and wasn't surrounded by stands but by plants.
The only stand present was along the long side opposite the entrance.
«Hey! Is anyone here?» Carlos called out, looking around.
«Oh! Sorry! I didn't think you'd arrive so soon.» Burgh exclaimed as he jumped down from one of the trees partially surrounding the battlefield. «Forgive me… I was just finishing pruning a tree.» He explained.
«I assume you've come here to battle.» Burgh guessed.
«Well… yes, but…» Anita began hesitantly. «I'm not sure if I'm the person you're looking for.»
The Bug specialist smiled. «Well, who else could I challenge if not the Trainer who helped me return here? Don't you think you're special enough?» Burgh asked, leaving Anita rather embarrassed.
«You know Ash was the one who did everything. I was terrified. I still sometimes have nightmares about that lawyer.» Anita replied.
«You know, a Gym Leader can award their badge to a Trainer if they deem them worthy. But I think the best way to celebrate my return as a Gym Leader is with a good battle. And if it were up to me, I'd challenge you right now. But unfortunately, we have a problem to deal with.» Burgh said with an authoritative tone.
«Is it Team Plasma?» Serena asked.
«Exactly.» Burgh confirmed while pulling out his Rotom Phone, decorated with a green-and-gold cover.
«According to the report, it's not just a sighting of Grunts but also some important members of the organization. They seem to have headed toward the city's sewers.» He explained.
«That's not exactly a pleasant place to visit. So only the boys and I will go there. If you don't mind, you can investigate what Team Plasma is up to on the surface.» Burgh suggested. The girls didn't have the heart to say no.
«The sewer entrance is a bit far from here. I'll drive there in my car. You girls, on the other hand, are luckier. The building where Team Plasma Grunts were spotted is just over five hundred meters from here.» the man explained.
«You'll recognize it because it isn't attached to other skyscrapers.» He added shortly after, beginning to head toward the exit.
Burgh grabbed his car keys and gestured for Ash and Carlos to follow him. Meanwhile, Serena and Anita started walking toward the building Burgh had indicated.
«Burgh was really kind not to make us go into the sewers with him. I don't even want to think about what we're avoiding.» Serena commented as soon as the boys had moved far enough away.
«Our task is important too, don't forget.» Anita reminded her. «There might be some very strong Trainers.» she added.
«And we'll face them.» Serena encouraged her.
Not far from the two friends, another pair of girls was running through one of the alleys intersecting the main streets.
One of the girls had maroon hair and violet eyes. She was wearing a pink top and a black skirt, paired with sporty shoes.
Beside her was another girl, who, judging by her facial features, appeared slightly older. She was blonde with green eyes, dressed in a blue shirt, jeans, and more elegant shoes than her companion.
Without any of the four knowing it, their paths were about to cross.
«Hey! Who are you?» the blonde asked. «Do you want to battle?» She began rummaging through her bag.
«Darn it! Where did I put my Poké Balls? I'm so scatterbrained!» she muttered in frustration. Meanwhile, Anita had already sent out her Vivillon.
The maroon-haired girl stayed a few steps behind, clearly not in a good mood. However, the scene almost made her smile.
After compulsively searching through her bag, the blonde finally found what she was looking for.
«Deerling! Come on out!» she called, sending out the Season Pokémon, which Anita had previously encountered during her Gym battle against Lenora for the Basic Badge.
At that point, before either Trainer could issue an attack command, Yara stepped closer to the blonde and pulled her back by the shoulder.
The blonde spun around abruptly.
"What's wrong with you?" she asked. Since her back was turned, neither Serena nor Anita could see the blonde's gestures.
"The brunette is a friend of mine. The blonde I don't know, but she doesn't seem bad," Yara replied.
"Whatever you say," the blonde responded.
Afterward, the blonde turned back toward Serena and Anita.
«Sorry about that. I was hasty. I just wanted to protect Yara after everything that's happened to her. My name is Angelica. I've been assigned to assist Yara on her Pokémon journey. I won't go into too much detail, but just know that after Hiroshi Amon, a famous businessman, was arrested...» Serena gave a small nod to her.
«Don't worry. We're somewhat familiar with that situation.» Serena said.
Angelica quickly changed the topic. «I got so caught up in my role that I didn't let you introduce yourselves.» She apologized
with a small bow.
Both Serena and Anita scratched their heads, looking puzzled.
«It's no problem.» Serena replied. «My name is Serena.»
«And I'm Anita.» the brunette introduced herself shortly after.
Yara redirected Angelica's attention to herself.
"Do they know where Ash and Carlos are?" she asked.
«Yara wants to know where Ash and Carlos are. I assume they're your friends. And, by the way, the Ash she's talking about is he the World Champion Ash?» Angelica relayed.
«Yes, it's him.» Serena confirmed.
«Anyway, Ash and Carlos are with Burgh. It seems several Team Plasma Grunts have been spotted around the city.» Serena explained, clarifying the boys' absence.
Meanwhile, Ash, Carlos, and Burgh had reached the entrance to the city sewers. It was located at one of the many docks in the southern part of the city.
The Castelia City port was one of the most important in the region, with gigantic cargo ships carrying tens of thousands of containers and countless passenger ships constantly arriving and departing.
Naturally, luxurious cruise ships were also present, making stops in Unova's capital to refuel and board passengers before departing for the most exotic destinations.
«If we're lucky, on our way back, we might catch a glimpse of the Royal Unova, the most beautiful cruise ship in the world.» Burgh commented. «But our destination isn't quite as pleasant.» He added with an ironic tone.
Burgh quickly turned left into one of the narrow streets intersecting the numerous warehouses of the port, eventually reaching the easternmost section of the massive port. He parked just in front of a small building.
At that point, he stopped the car, stepped out, and gestured for his passengers to do the same.
A few moments later, he pointed to the small building in front of them. «That's the sewer entrance. It should be locked, but I think the keys are kept in the office nearby.» He explained.
«I don't think that will be necessary.» Ash replied.
The Kanto native noticed that the metal door showed significant damage and looked as if it had been forced open. The three of them approached the door for a closer look.
«You're right. It was probably the Team Plasma Grunts. I wonder what their intentions are. I suppose there's nothing else to do but go in and find out.» Burgh commented. He opened the door effortlessly and led the trio inside. The sunlight streaming through the door illuminated the first five or six steps leading down to the sewer floor.
As soon as they entered, the three Trainers and Pikachu were hit by a nauseating odor.
«The sewer has no lighting system. An electrical fault here could cause a disastrous explosion, considering all the gases that accumulate.» Burgh explained. «But fortunately, that's a problem we can solve. And the same goes for this awful smell.» He added. «Galvantula! Ribombee! Come out!»
From Burgh's Poké Balls emerged two Pokémon. One resembled a tarantula, with a predominantly yellow body and blue fur on its abdomen. Its six eyes, four of which were very small, were blue, as were its four small legs. It had purple markings on its back and around its mouth.
The other Pokémon was small with enormous white, flat wings decorated with three brown rings. The wings were so large they seemed disproportionate. Its pale yellow body was topped with a large round head. Its heart-shaped face and tail were white.
It had large eyes with pixel-like spots, a tiny mouth, and four transparent tufts on its head resembling antennae. A brown scarf-like fur separated its head and body. Its wings were broad and flat, while its four slender legs ended in small, round feet.
«Galvantula, use Flash! Ribombee, use Aromatherapy!» ordered the Gym Leader.
In moments, the Electric Spider Pokémon's body began to glow yellow, with the light gradually becoming more intense until it illuminated a large area around them. Meanwhile, the Bee Fly Pokémon flapped its wings, releasing a sweet, pleasant fragrance that quickly replaced the stench lingering in the sewers.
Carlos scanned both of Burgh's Pokémon using the Pokédex feature of his Smart Rotom, starting with Ribombee.
«Ribombee. Bee Fly Pokémon. Bug and Fairy type. Female specimen. Hates rain because it soaks its pollen. If bad weather approaches, it hides in tree hollows and stays still. Known moves: Dazzling Gleam, Pollen Puff, Aromatherapy, Sticky Web.»
Next, he scanned Galvantula. «Galvantula. Electric Spider Pokémon. Bug and Electric type. Male specimen. Sets traps with electrified threads, then leisurely consumes prey immobilized by the electric shock. Known moves: Thunderbolt, Bug Buzz, Flash, Poison Sting.»
While scanning the Pokémon, the group had walked several dozen meters, guided by the Gym Leader's Pokémon. They had to tread carefully on a narrow sidewalk barely a meter wide. Across from them, separated by a foul-smelling brown trickle of water, was another equally narrow sidewalk.
«I wonder what their plan is. Why would the Grunts be in the sewers?» Ash asked.
«Now that I think about it, they might have a reason. I won't keep you guessing. Team Plasma could have gotten hold of the city sewer plans.» Burgh explained. «As you can imagine, the sewers stretch beneath much of the city, with many entry and exit points like the one we used.» The Bug-type specialist paused briefly. «And that's not all. It seems part of the sewer system is connected to an ancient network of underground tunnels that spans much of the Unova region.» He said, pointing to one of the walls.
«Much of Castelia City was built less than 150 years ago. One of my great-great-grandfathers worked on the construction of these sewers. During the excavation, he and his colleagues broke through a wall of the tunnel system. After exploring it, they were amazed by its complexity and length, as they could only explore a small part. When they reported the discovery to their superiors, they were ordered to seal off all access and not speak of it to anyone. He kept that promise for many years at least until he retired. After that, he began writing down his memoirs, including this intriguing discovery. I don't know if his colleagues did the same.» Burgh recounted.
Their exploration of the sewers continued, with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Zubat fluttering through the ducts, startled by the presence of strangers.
After walking at least two kilometers, the three found no trace of Team Plasma Grunts.
«Maybe the report was false, or they had time to leave.» Burgh commented. «In any case, let's keep going.» He added.
The group continued walking without finding anything until Ash's Smart Rotom suddenly started ringing. The sound broke the silence, leaving its owner slightly embarrassed.
«Sorry.» Ash apologized with a small bow. «It's Serena.»
«Oh, I see. I'll be there right away.» Ash said before ending the call. «Sorry, but I have to go. It's urgent.» He explained.
«Don't forget it's dark down here. You'll need a Pokémon that knows Flash.» Burgh reminded him. The Gym Leader then pulled out another Poké Ball from his attire. «Volbeat! Use Flash and guide Ash to the end of the tunnel.»
From Burgh's Poké Ball emerged a Pokémon resembling a firefly. Its body was primarily black and blue, with a red
scarf-like marking around its neck. Its torso was adorned with yellow stripes, and its head had yellow-and-black striped antennae. Its small tail was shaped like a glowing sphere.
Ash began running in the opposite direction from Burgh and Carlos.
He ran so fast that Pikachu had to grip his shoulder tightly to avoid falling. Poor Volbeat, forced to chase after him, soon became completely exhausted.
After covering two kilometers in less than nine minutes, the World Champion exited the tunnel. «Thanks, Volbeat. You can go back to Burgh now.» Ash thanked the Pokémon.
«Dragonite! I need your help! We need to help a friend of ours!» Ash took the Poké Ball of his Dragon-type Pokémon from his bag.
As soon as it came out of the Poké Ball, the Pokémon hugged him tightly. «I know you care about me… but now let's go. It's important!» Ash climbed onto his Dragonite, which quickly took flight. Ash quickly reached Via della Palestra. From that height, people and Pokémon looked tiny. «We've arrived.»
At those words, Dragonite lowered in altitude, landing gently. Before Ash could return it to its Poké Ball, the Pokémon ran toward Serena and Anita, about fifty meters ahead of them.
However, when Ash reached his friends, it was already too late. Both had been embraced by the Pokémon in a strong hug.
«Affectionate as always, but enough now… I can't breathe!» Serena complained. Only then did Dragonite release her.
«We arrived as soon as possible. As soon as I heard about what happened to Yara… if I find a Team Plasma follower, I…» Serena approached Ash to calm him down: «I know how much it means to you, but revenge won't help.»
Ash stopped abruptly. «You're right. But you know how I feel.»
Meanwhile, in the sewers, Carlos and Burgh were continuing their inspection. So far, they hadn't found any evidence of Team Plasma followers.
«Everything seems calm here. Maybe the report was unfounded.» The Gym Leader commented, without stopping. «Maybe we can even head back. Actually, let's do this. I'll keep inspecting here. If you want, you can go back to the others. Don't worry, I'll reimburse you for the taxi fare.» Burgh invited.
«Don't worry. I'll stay with you. For once, I'd like to be the one at the center of the action.» Carlos replied, continuing to follow him.
«At the center of the action? We're not in a movie. You know how dangerous Team Plasma is. We can't take it lightly.» Burgh reprimanded.
«What I mean is…» Carlos tried to explain. «Every time something exciting happens, it's always Ash who does it. Like when he infiltrated Team Plasma, or when he saved that girl who rewarded us at the Tournament or at the trial where you were declared innocent, or…» He tried to explain further.
«Are you a little jealous of Ash?» The Bug-type specialist asked. Carlos stopped, frozen like a statue of salt.
«No. It's just that… I want to know what it's like to be a hero. He's traveled so much, to Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Kalos, Alola, Galar, and now, out of the blue, he's here in Unova. And I'm bragging about going to Paldea to visit my grandparents!»
The boy replied after a few moments of silence.
«I see… you want to impress that girl… I think her name is Anita. Is that right?» Carlos raised his hands, as if blocking the Gym Leader's words.
«No! What are you saying? It's not for her. It's…» Carlos froze.
«The way you talk, it sounds like she's the reason.» Burgh poked him further.
Carlos raised his barrier again. «Well, you see… without a doubt, she is a really beautiful girl, no doubt about that, but no. No, I'm not doing it for her. And besides, no. I don't think she's even my type. From what I know, she's someone who always needs someone by her side to support her during the times when she feels down. And I'm not capable of doing that. Unlike Serena and Ash. Especially Ash. Damn! He always has a kind word for everyone! I wonder how he does it. And it seems like he's managed to teach this skill to his Pokémon too. If I'm now the Trainer of Houndour, it's thanks to Pikachu, who convinced it to follow him and defended it when we saw it use Thunderbolt… Or his Incineroar, which taught Anita's Lillipup how to use Bite or…»
Burgh took the boy's response as an opportunity to provoke him further: «The way you talk, it seems like there's someone you like.» Carlos sighed, as if he had been caught.
«Yes. Actually, there is someone I like.» Burgh turned suddenly. «And who is it? Now I'm curious.» Once again, Carlos raised his hands, embarrassed.
«Who do you think could hear us here? Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. Word of the Gym Leader.»
Carlos sighed. «Okay. It's Asami Amon. She's so beautiful, kind, gentle… and she has such a noble goal…» He replied.
«Yes, I know she wants to help all the Pokémon freed from Team Plasma. And I agree with you. It's truly a noble goal. What about yours?» Burgh asked, now engaged in the conversation.
«To be honest? I don't know. But I'm not worried. It's pretty normal. Serena also told me how it took her a while to decide to become a Performer. Although recently, I've been thinking a lot about what to do. Especially after battling Spighetto.»
«How did it go?»
«We won. It wasn't easy at all, but defeating your teacher, the one you've worked for a long time… it's really satisfying.» The young Trainer shared. «And he told me how, according to him, I'm not bad with Dark-type Pokémon. And that he wouldn't be surprised if Dark-types became my specialty. I wonder what he meant.»
Burgh suddenly turned.
«I think he meant that you have a future as a Dark-type Gym Leader. You told me you worked as an assistant in a gym and as a deputy Gym Leader. Is that right?» Burgh asked, slowing his pace a little.
«Exactly. Although I've never won a battle, except when I pretended to be a Gym Leader challenging Anita. But in that case, Eevee had already evolved into Umbreon. And a fully evolved Pokémon against base-stage Pokémon like Oshawott and Lillipup… anyway…»
Before Carlos could finish his sentence, both he and Burgh noticed a shape of a quadruped, rather indistinct. It looked like a Pokémon with a rather lean appearance.
«I thought I saw an Absol. Let's follow it!» Burgh pointed in the direction the Pokémon had run. «I think something serious is about to happen.» He added shortly after.
The two quickened their pace again, followed by the Gym Leader's Pokémon, until they reached one of the countless branches of the city's sewer system.
«Hey! It's gone!» The two looked around, quite confused. The Pokémon had disappeared into thin air. The Gym Leader and the young Trainer approached the end of the branch.
The back wall, like all the others, was made of red bricks, but what stood out was the presence of numerous explosives, connected to yellow wires.
All the wires were connected to a small plastic box with a small red LED screen.
«Are there supposed to be works here in the sewers?» Carlos asked, examining the wall.
Before Burgh could answer, a voice made both him and the young Trainer turn quickly. «And what are you doing here?» In
front of the two appeared two men with orange hair, dressed like ancient knights. They were wearing gray, black, and white. They had large hoods covering almost all of their hair. On the hood, there was a cross made of black laces.
They wore gray robes with wide short sleeves, covered by a white overgarment held by a black belt. The shirt beneath the gray robe and the pants were also black. They wore gray gloves and boots.
«It's you who should tell me what you're doing here!» Burgh pointed his finger at the two Team Plasma Followers.
«So, you managed to get out from behind bars?» one of the Followers asked, accusingly. «But I'm not sure how much you have to celebrate.» added the second.
The two Followers took noise-canceling headphones from their uniforms. «We're generous, allowing you to watch this spectacle without losing your eardrums.»
Burgh and Carlos put the headphones on and then the Gym Leader recalled his Pokémon to their respective Poké Balls. «I'll deal with you two later.» He scolded them in a threatening tone.
One of the Followers took a small grayish plastic remote control from his uniform.
«Now, it's better to step back, unless you want to be buried in debris!»
The four of them stepped back several meters before one of the Followers activated the remote, causing the sewer wall to explode in a deafening blast of dust, dirty water, and debris.
«Now, finally, we can access the Ancient Path and cross all of Unova undisturbed!» one of the Followers rubbed his hands, pleased.
«Not so fast!» Burgh shouted as he reached for one of his Poké Balls. «Leavanny, teach them a lesson!»
From the Gym Leader's Poké Ball emerged a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon. Its rather slender body was yellow, mostly covered by green leaves.
Its head was round, topped with a leaf with a cut along the upper part.
It had two red eyes and two antennae with semicircular tips.
Its chest and legs were protected by dark green leaf armor.
Even its arms were leaf-shaped, though a lighter green. It was clear they were sharp and had a semicircular incision resembling a bite mark. The abdomen was covered by a leaf-shaped tail, making it look like the Pokémon was wearing a dress.
Despite the seriousness of the moment, the Pokémon's expression was quite cheerful.
Carlos scanned the Pokémon using the Pokédex feature of his Smart Rotom: «Leavanny. Nanny Pokémon. Bug and Grass type. Male specimen. When it meets a young Pokémon, it makes a leaf outfit that it sews with sticky thread produced from its mouth. Known moves: X-Scissor, String Shot, Leaf Tornado, Shadow Claw.»
Carlos put his device back in his bag.
«Want to help me or are you just going to stand there staring?» Burgh teased Carlos.
«Oh! Sure! Come out, Umbreon!» The Trainer sent out his first Pokémon.
The two Followers were forced to send out their Pokémon: a Scraggy and a Liepard. «If you want a fight, then you'll have one.» the two Followers replied after a quick exchange of glances.
Carlos and Burgh exchanged a quick glance.
«Scraggy! Use Fire Punch on Leavanny!» ordered the first Follower, while the second ordered his Liepard to attack Umbreon with Shadow Claw.
The two Followers' Pokémon quickly charged at their opponents, Liepard with its claws imbued with violet energy and Scraggy with its fiery fist.
«Umbreon! Use Quick Attack on Scraggy!» Carlos ordered. «And you, Leavanny, use Energy Ball on Liepard!» Burgh commanded.
With a feline leap, the Moonlight Pokémon jumped onto the lizard before it could reach the Nanny Pokémon, while the greenish energy sphere struck the Cold-blooded Pokémon, sending it crashing into one of the sewer walls, followed by Scraggy.
Despite the violent impact, both Pokémon were still perfectly able to fight.
«Scraggy, use Headbutt on Leavanny!» ordered one of the Followers, immediately followed by the second, who told his Liepard to use Night Slash. The Pokémon's tail glowed with violet light, sharpening like a sword.
«Umbreon! Attack with Comet!» Carlos ordered.
Quickly, the Moonlight Pokémon fired star-shaped beams of golden energy.
«Scraggy, Dodge!» one of the Followers managed to say, while Liepard was overwhelmed and defeated.
«Leavanny! Defend yourself with Leaf Tornado!» Burgh ordered.
The leaf-arm of the mantis glowed a light green, transforming into a sharp blade. Scraggy was hurled into one of the walls, unable to continue fighting.
Burgh and Carlos gave each other a high-five, signaling their understanding.
«Now, Leavanny, let's wrap this up! Use String Shot to trap them!» From the mantis' mouth, a thin, sticky thread quickly wrapped around the two Followers, immobilizing them.
«Now let's see what this Ancient Path is hiding.» Burgh commented. «Imagine, we'll be the first to enter after who knows how many years!» Carlos responded.
Meanwhile, in the city, not too far from the Gym, Ash and the girls had not yet formulated a plan to resolve the delicate situation they were in, and the longer they waited, the worse the situation could get.
Ash leaned out from the side of the building toward the street, noticing a good number of Team Plasma Followers approaching the building with a satisfied air.
«They probably know something. You two stay here for now. We'll see what to do next. Serena's right. We shouldn't take unnecessary risks.» Ash said to the girls. As always, Angelica acted as the interpreter.
Ash darted toward the Followers before receiving the response and compliments for his courage from Yara.
The native of Kanto reached the Team Plasma Followers at a fast pace, who, for a moment, didn't notice his presence.
They were discussing the potential uses they would make of the newly reopened Ancient Path.
«Hey! Don't you feel… watched?» one of the Followers suddenly interrupted the conversation.
«What are you talking about? It's just us here. It's just your...» the second Follower turned sharply. «...Impression...» He finished the sentence in a descending tone, almost frightened.
«So, the World Champion has decided to get in our way again. Don't you ever get tired?» one of the Followers asked, rather annoyed.
«You're the ones getting in my way, if anything.» Ash replied, as Pikachu's cheeks began to charge with electricity.
«Try to calm down, you two. I don't know what you're looking for, but if it's a Pokémon, the answer is simple. We freed it.» One of the Followers addressed Ash and Pikachu.
Initially, the native of Kanto was taken aback. The Follower had immediately figured out Ash's intentions. It took the World Champion a moment to recover.
«I wouldn't be so sure about that. I saw one of you walking away with that girl's Poké Ball, playing with it like he was proud
of himself. In fact, he looked downright happy to have taken the Pokémon of a disabled girl. Can you even imagine how much that Pokémon means to her?» Ash asked accusingly.
«And why should we care?» the Grunt replied without flinching. «What matters most is freeing all Pokémon from the oppression of Trainers.»
The Grunt added, trying to sound as irritating as possible, «If you really want any chance of getting that Pokémon back for your friend, you'll have to face our boss directly. And I doubt he'll be thrilled to deal with a prisoner who slipped right through his fingers.»
Ash clenched his fist in frustration, but there wasn't much else he could do.
The Grunts had already entered the building, and they would likely report everything to their superiors. Ash had no choice but to return to the girls.
«I couldn't get anything out of them.» He said despondently to his friends, Pikachu close at his heels.
«We have no other option. We'll have to face their boss.»
As always, Angelica explained the situation to Yara, who appeared visibly frightened. «She's asking if you're not doing too much for her.» Angelica translated.
«For a friend, I'd do anything.» Ash replied simply, motioning for the girls to follow him and urging them to be careful.
The group quickly reached the entrance to the building where the Team Plasma Grunts had entered. As expected, the main door was locked.
«They've probably been warned and ordered to lock it.» Ash remarked, unsuccessfully trying to push the door open. «We need to find a way in.» He added rhetorically.
«Dragonite! Come out!» Ash called, releasing his powerful Pokémon from its Poké Ball.
«Can you take this door down?» Ash asked. The towering Pokémon rammed the door with immense force, breaking it off its hinges and sending it flying into the building, creating a loud crash.
Ash, along with Pikachu and Dragonite, stayed a few steps ahead of the girls to protect them.
The group walked cautiously, but they didn't encounter anyone. It was as if Team Plasma was expecting their arrival and planning a surprise attack.
The room they entered resembled a waiting area, with dull yellow walls, framed pictures, and couches and armchairs to sit on. Further ahead, there was an elevator that seemed to lead to the upper floors.
Ash and his Pokémon were only a few feet away from the elevator doors when they suddenly opened.
Ghetsis stepped out, flanked by two men slightly shorter than him. Both were elderly, with gray hair and eyes.
The first man sported a thick gray beard, while the second had only a mustache of the same color.
Another difference between the two was the color of the cloaks they wore over their dark robes. Both cloaks bore the emblem of Team Plasma. One was yellow-toned, and the other brown. Behind the three men, several Team Plasma Grunts stood in formation like soldiers.
Meanwhile, along the Ancient Path, Burgh and Carlos, having alerted the authorities about Team Plasma's actions, had resumed exploring the long-abandoned area and continued their interrupted conversation.
«So, do you think I could become a full-fledged Gym Leader?» Carlos asked.
«Yes. Well, you seem like a Trainer who truly loves Pokémon. Otherwise, you wouldn't be a Trainer in the first place. And love for Pokémon is one of the most important requirements for becoming a Gym Leader. Of course, it's not the only one.» the Bug-type expert reminded him. «To become a Gym Leader, you need to choose a Pokémon Type to specialize in. That's what stops many Trainers from pursuing the role. As for me, as you probably know, I specialize in Bug-types. You, on the other hand, could choose Dark-types, as Cilan suggested.»
Carlos raised his hands in surrender. «To be honest, having two Dark-types on my team is just a coincidence. My Eevee evolved into Umbreon during our battle with Ghetsis. He was boasting about being able to face any Pokémon alone. Though he couldn't handle Umbreon, he resorted to using a Hydreigon.» Carlos recalled his first meeting with Ash and Serena. «As for how I caught Houndour, that's all thanks to Pikachu, as I told you.» He continued, «And I haven't only caught Dark-types. I also have a Tirtouga, revived from a fossil stopper Walter Angel gave me.»
«I see. But, you know, it's not essential for all your Pokémon to be the same Type. Even Cilan has a Lillipup, and if you look at the Gym Leaders from Sinnoh… you'd want to pull your hair out.» Burgh replied with a touch of irony.
«And then, as you might recall from working at the Opelucid Gym, it's not just a Gym it's also a restaurant. In my case, before I bought that infamous warehouse, it was my personal museum. Do you have any hobbies besides battling?» Burgh asked curiously.
«Well, I enjoy cooking quite a bit. But I don't know if I'd call it a hobby or something like that.» Carlos replied, somewhat surprised.
«As for me, I've always been drawn to art. Back in school, I'd draw all the time, even on desks. Do you know how many times the janitor made me clean them?» The Gym Leader reminisced with a chuckle.
«Sorry if this is too personal, but… why did you choose to specialize in Bug-types instead of another Type? Was it because the Gym was already specialized, or could you have chosen a different Type?» Carlos asked, intrigued.
«There aren't strict rules about Type specialization. When you're assigned to an existing Gym, you can either keep its Type or change it. That wasn't the case for me, though, as the previous Gym Leader in Castelia City also specialized in Bug-types. And I've always loved Bug-types, ever since I was a kid. My first Pokémon was a Sewaddle, who is now my trusted Leavanny. Ever since I was little, I saw many people overlook Bug-types, calling them weak or useless. But I didn't. I always recognized their charm and strength. By spending so much time with them, studying them, and drawing them, I've formed an incredible bond. I can tell from their mood if there's danger or if everything's fine.» Burgh explained.
Carlos nodded in admiration. «I don't have that kind of bond with Dark-types.»
Shortly after, Carlos changed the subject: «Pardon my curiosity, but if I wanted to become a Gym Leader, what would I need to do?»
«It's nothing too complicated. Occasionally, the Pokémon League opens a competition to replace a Gym Leader or establish a new Gym. When the call is announced, all Trainers residing in the region can apply for the position by submitting their applications online, along with some documents. After that, you'll take a written exam, and only the candidates with the highest scores move on to the next phase.»
A second theoretical exam. After that, there's finally a practical test. You'll have to use two of your Pokémon and a third Pokémon assigned to you by the League. Then you'll have to battle one of the Gym Leaders chosen at random. Winning isn't crucial, but it helps. The battle will be judged by the other Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, the Champion, or the Championess, and two members representing the Pokémon Association.»
Burgh explained, with Carlos listening intently.
Meanwhile, in the Team Plasma building, the situation had reached a standstill, with Ash and his Pokémon standing in front of the girls, shielding them from their enemies.
«You never change, Ash. You're always ready to risk your own safety to help others. That's a quality not everyone can boast. And it's certainly not one we can afford in an enemy like you. In any case, I'm a magnanimous man. I won't eliminate you in front of your…»
Ash sighed, annoyed. «I don't want to hear another word. Tell me what you've done to Emolga, or I won't be responsible for my actions.»
The leader of Team Plasma remained impassive. «I don't know what you're babbling about.» the man replied. «We've probably already set her free. Just like we'll do with your Pokémon, you'll see.» He threatened Ash. «Dragonite. Hyper Beam!» Ash ordered.
From the Dragon Pokémon's mouth, a golden sphere of energy began forming, ready to fire at the large man. As Dragonite lowered her head slightly, the man realized who Ash was trying to protect.
«So, you brought your little blonde with you.»
The man shifted his gaze toward Serena. «Or do you think I've forgotten the humiliation you dealt me? Maybe you think I've forgotten you? Do you believe I'm so foolish as not to recognize you? Don't think a pair of contact lenses can shield you from my wrath!» He addressed Serena, catching her off guard and making her step back.
«Don't call me little blonde!» protested the Kalos native.
The villain took a Poké Ball from his coat.
«This is Emolga's Poké Ball. I'll challenge the blonde to a battle. If she defeats me, I'll return it to your friend. Sooner or later, you'll all be forced to release your Pokémon anyway.»
He took a second Poké Ball and a black plastic remote control from his coat. Shortly after, the man pressed a button on the remote. An alarm began blaring, and the floor started to vibrate.
Ash and his Pokémon stepped back, followed by the girls. Moments later, the floor opened, like elevator doors, revealing a metal platform that rose on hydraulic pistons. When it settled, stairs appeared at its shorter ends.
«At least this way, we can battle without interruptions.» the man commented. «And you, little blonde, what are you waiting for?» He called Serena's attention again, but she refused to be intimidated.
Before Serena could step onto the platform, Ash approached her. «Remember, show him what you're made of!» He whispered in her ear. Serena smiled. «I will.» she replied.
«Are we moving or not?» the man grumbled. Serena quickly climbed onto the platform. During the wait, all the Grunts in the building had gathered to watch the battle and cheer for their leader.
«Finally, you've graced us with your presence.» the man sneered as he sent out his Hydreigon. «Are you sending out your Pokémon, or…»
Without hesitation, Serena pulled a Poké Ball from her bag and activated its release mechanism. The beam of whitish light soon took the shape of her trusty Sylveon.
«Just as I expected.» the villain commented.
As she entered the battlefield, Sylveon shivered. The metal floor was icy and slippery.
«Don't waste time. Show her why no one messes with us! Hydreigon, use Dragon Pulse!» the villain ordered.
From Hydreigon's three heads, powerful energy beams shot forth, forming the shape of a dragon's head and neck. The massive energy blast hit Sylveon directly, but it had no effect.
«How is this possible?!» the villain fumed in frustration. «How dare you resist me?»
«Sylveon, use Swift!» Serena commanded.
The Intertwining Pokémon generated numerous pink, star-shaped energy beams and hurled them at Hydreigon, who couldn't evade the attack. Despite the ferocity of the attack and the resulting explosion, the Brutal Pokémon was still able to fight.
«Did you really think that would be enough to beat me?» the villain sneered.
«We're wasting time. Let's finish this! Hydreigon, use Draco Meteor!» From Hydreigon's three heads emerged three spheres of energy, colored a mix of orange and red. The Pokémon hurled them upward, and they exploded into dozens of smaller meteors that rained down, leaving holes in the metal platform.
Serena wasn't particularly surprised by her opponent's strategy. Traveling with Ash through Kalos, she had often seen him use the battlefield to his advantage. "He probably doesn't want Sylveon getting close," she thought.
«Hydreigon, use Frustration!» the man ordered. The Brutal Pokémon's body was surrounded by a reddish aura as it charged at its opponent.
«Quick, Sylveon! Protect!» Serena commanded. The Intertwining Pokémon created a green energy shield, blocking the impact from the imposing Pokémon.
«Now, use Quick Attack!» Serena ordered. Sylveon dashed forward, striking Hydreigon squarely in the stomach and slamming it against the floor near one of the holes caused by Draco Meteor. The Brutal Pokémon roared in pain from the sharp edges of the metal.
«Finish it with Swift!» Serena ordered.
Once again, Sylveon generated numerous pink, star-shaped energy beams and struck the Brutal Pokémon, causing another explosion.
The man approached Serena menacingly, completely ignoring his fainted Pokémon, now bearing deep wounds on its back.
«And he dares lecture us on how to treat Pokémon?» Ash remarked, stroking Pikachu's head.
Moments later, he felt someone tugging on his jacket, trying to get his attention. It was Yara. Like Ash, she had watched the battle, hoping it would end quickly in Serena's favor. But unlike the World Champion, she hadn't let her guard down after the Kalos native's victory.
She pointed to the platform. Ghetsis was now just a few steps away from Serena, who seemed paralyzed with fear.
Ash quickly realized he had to act as fast as possible. He needed to come up with a plan to save her, and time was not on his side.
Fortunately, his sharp observational skills allowed him to devise a plan quickly.
He had noticed that his friend was wearing leather ankle boots with rubber soles, while the villain's heavy boots had metal studs.
«Of course! This could work!» Ash exclaimed, a mix of excitement and worry in his tone. «Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the stage! Sylveon, I think it's best if you protect yourself!»
Ash wasted no time putting his plan into action. The Electric Mouse Pokémon quickly generated powerful electric charges from the pouches on its cheeks, directing them at the metallic structure. In moments, the framework was charged with tens of thousands of volts.
For Serena, the worst consequence was the partial melting of her shoe soles. For the villain, the situation was far worse: he collapsed to the ground, writhing in uncontrollable muscle spasms. At the same time, an object rolled out from his cloak and onto the floor, where Anita swiftly retrieved it.
The luckiest of all was Sylveon, who had shielded itself and remained unharmed.
With difficulty, the native of Kalos managed to climb down from the stage, her shoes sticking to the floor with each step. Overcoming the resistance of the semi-melted rubber, she ran toward Ash, arms outstretched, and hugged him tightly.
The boy from Kanto was startled by such an unexpected display of affection. He didn't think he had done anything
extraordinary. He would never have let the villain harm any of his friends.
Serena gazed at her hero with dreamy eyes as the world around her seemed to fade away. First, the stage disappeared, then the Sages, the Team Plasma Grunts, and finally, her friends...
She and Ash were alone in the room. Neither Sylveon nor Pikachu was there anymore.
She moved closer to Ash, who seemed increasingly caught off guard, when suddenly, a male voice snapped her back to reality. «Is this really the time for that?»
It was one of the Team Plasma Grunts, the only one who hadn't rushed to aid their leader. Without hesitation, he pulled out a Poké Ball from his cloak.
Serena, now aware of the threat, let go of the dazed Ash.
Before the Grunt could release his Pokémon, Pikachu leaped off Ash's shoulder, moving closer to Sylveon, who also prepared to defend the pair.
«Don't worry!» Ash reassured the two Pokémon. «Focus on protecting Serena and getting them out of here!» Pikachu and Sylveon, though puzzled, obeyed.
Angelica didn't resist as she pulled Yara along. Yara, however, seemed reluctant to move, even after hearing an explanation.
Yara appeared deeply worried about Ash and tried to express this to Angelica.
Serena intervened to calm her. «Explain to her that there's no reason not to trust Ash. If he tells us to leave, it's because he doesn't want us to get hurt. He'll be fine.» In truth, those words were more for her own reassurance than anyone else's.
Angelica translated for Yara, who was finally convinced to leave the building, followed by a concerned Anita and Serena. With the Pokémon escorting them, the girls managed to exit the building and get several dozen meters away without encountering any threats.
«Now that the girls are safe, we can fight for real.» Ash grabbed a Poké Ball from his pouch. «Torterra, come out!»
Before the Team Plasma Grunts, who had just helped their leader stand up, stood a large, quadrupedal Pokémon with a massive, flat shell bordered in white.
Near its head, the shell extended into a diamond-like shape. Atop its back were a massive tree and three small mountains.
The main colors of this Pokémon were dull green and brown. Its back was crisscrossed with numerous diagonal lines. Two enormous gray spikes jutted from its head. Its jagged mouth and dark brown beak gave it a fierce appearance. Its four legs were incredibly sturdy, each ending in three toes resembling rough stones.
The Continent Pokémon glared menacingly at the Team Plasma members, freezing their blood with its piercing red eyes framed by black bands.
«Torterra! Use Frenzy Plant!» Ash commanded.
The colossal turtle unleashed a storm of razor-sharp leaves, effortlessly lifting all the Grunts and their Pokémon into the air and hurling them violently against the walls.
Meanwhile, the girls had fled and were now near the Gym entrance. Finally in a safe place, they caught their breath.
«Yara thanks you for fighting against the Team Plasma leader. She thinks Sylveon is amazing.» Angelica explained.
«Eon!» Sylveon blushed at the compliment, wrapping one ribbon around Serena's arm and another around Yara's, making the latter smile. After a few moments, Sylveon gently released them with her usual delicacy and grace.
«She also wants to train a Sylveon, like yours.» Angelica added, as always translating for Yara.
«I'm glad to hear that. Sylveon is amazing. But earning her trust wasn't easy. When she was an Eevee, she was very shy and scared of both people and many Pokémon.» Serena recounted.
Shortly after, Serena retrieved her Smart Rotom from her bag.
After giving Torterra a moment to catch its breath, Ash, now near the building's exit, ordered a second attack without waiting for the enemies to recover from the Frenzy Plant. «Use Stone Edge!» the Champion commanded.
The Continent Pokémon reared onto its hind legs before slamming into the ground, creating a massive series of rocks that quickly blocked the building's entrance, trapping everyone inside.
Ash returned his Pokémon to its Poké Ball and sprinted away, eager to reunite with his friends. About three hundred meters away, a loud explosion echoed, and the ground shook with a powerful shockwave.
«Ash! Is he okay? Did something happen to him?» Serena wondered aloud, worry evident in her voice. But she reassured herself with a comforting thought: "Of course, he's fine! It's Ash! He always pulls through!" Serena tried to stay positive.
Fortunately, her optimism proved right. Ash was running toward her, looking completely unharmed.
Finally reassured by his presence, Serena turned her attention back to her Smart Rotom, which hovered in front of her, completing its search.
«In Austropoli Park, you can find Eevee, but they are very rare.» Serena explained, with Angelica acting as an interpreter for Yara. The maroon-haired girl didn't seem intimidated by this news.
«Luckily for you, I can give you a little help. A small gift from a friend of mine.» the Kalos native said with a smile. Ash also smiled, knowing exactly who Serena meant.
«Can someone explain what you two are smiling about?» Angelica asked curiously.
«A friend of ours from Hoenn, May. She's a very famous Coordinator, nicknamed "the Princess of Hoenn." She's also a Pokéblock genius.» Serena explained.
«We've studied the favorite flavors of Sylveon, her Glaceon, and even Chloe's Eevee, a mutual friend of ours. Surprisingly, their tastes are quite similar.» Serena added again.
«Should we head to Austropoli Park now, or wait for Burgh and Carlos?» Ash asked.
«If I remember correctly, it takes a few hours for the effects to kick in.» Ash replied.
«Right, better to go now. Anyway, Anita can't challenge Burgh until he returns.» Serena agreed.
The Kalos native quickly checked a maps app to find the best route to the park. She was surprised by the sheer number of lines that had stops near one of the park's many entrances.
«Austropoli Park is the largest urban park in the world.» Angelica explained.
«It's very popular. Many people visit to stroll, exercise, battle, or even catch Pokémon.» Angelica concluded.
«Got it.» Serena responded. «But we should inform Burgh and Carlos, or they might worry.» she added, starting to type a message to the two.
Once done, the group headed to the nearby bus stop. Anita checked her Smart Rotom for the next bus line that would stop near the park, but before she could finish, a bus from the PE line pulled up to the stop.
«Great, let's take this one.» Angelica proposed, already holding Yara's hand as if inviting her to board.
After validating their passes, Ash and the girls sat down.
After several stops, the bus finally halted in front of one of the park's gates. Similar to Montevite Park, Austropoli Park was separated from the outside world by a thick stone wall, interrupted only by metal gates that allowed entry and exit.
Crossing a small concrete plaza, from which several dirt paths branched out, the group headed deeper into the park. They passed numerous people jogging or simply enjoying a walk.
After a long walk, the group reached a massive grassy clearing, soft and vibrant, dotted with small colorful flowers poking out of the ground.
Not far off, there were small wooden huts painted white and red.
«These are Pokéblock dispensers.» Serena pointed to one of the huts. «Inside are tiny fans that spread the aroma of the Pokéblocks.»
«I think it's time to grab a bite...» Ash interrupted, rubbing his stomach, followed by Pikachu. None of the girls felt like protesting.
«Alright, I get it.» Serena replied, slightly disappointed.
A couple of hours later, Ash and the girls finally reunited with Burgh and Carlos in front of the Gym entrance. Before meeting up, Burgh and Carlos had also taken time for lunch.
«When we passed by, we saw the road to the Gym was blocked off, so we had to take a detour. I heard the Team Plasma building collapsed... do you know anything about it?» Burgh asked.
As with the girls, Ash was rather evasive, saying he didn't know much after explaining how he'd led the girls away.
«In any case, the rescue teams are handling it. We'd only get in the way.» Burgh explained.
«Aside from that, unfortunately, the report turned out to be true. Team Plasma was indeed interested in the city's sewers, trying to exploit the Ancient Path to cross Unova unnoticed.» He added.
«Yes, we heard about Team Plasma Followers and the Ancient Path.» Serena replied. «It was right after we tried to save her Emolga from Team Plasma's clutches.» Serena explained, gesturing to Yara.
Burgh nodded in understanding.
«Alright.» the Gym Leader responded. «What do you think, Anita? Ready for a battle?» the Bug-type specialist proposed. The Unova native couldn't refuse.
«Just one thing...» Anita raised her hand slightly.
«Go ahead.» Burgh encouraged her.
«Can we film our battle?» Anita asked.
«No problem. Your friends can watch, too.» Burgh replied.
«Of course. I wouldn't stop them.» Anita agreed.
The group followed Burgh into the Gym. As soon as they stepped inside, Yara released Emolga from her Poké Ball.
«At least this way, you'll get to watch the battle.» Angelica said to the Pokémon, without needing to interpret Yara's intent.
Emolga perched on her Trainer's shoulder, mimicking Ash's Pikachu. The Pokémon then rubbed her cheek against Yara's, making her smile.
Shortly after, everyone but Anita sat in the single available stand to watch the battle.
«This is your third Gym battle, right?» Burgh asked.
Anita nodded.
«Then it will be a three-on-three battle, as per Pokémon League rules.» the Gym Leader explained, setting up the electronic referee.
«The Gym battle between Leader Burgh and Challenger Anita is about to begin! It will be a three-on-three match. Victory is decided when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle. The Challenger may substitute her Pokémon at any time. Trainers, send out your Pokémon!» the system announced.
Both the Challenger and the Gym Leader grabbed their Poké Balls, while Carlos started recording with his Smart Rotom.
"Still, Burgh knows about Archen and Tirtouga. Or is this part of his strategy?" Carlos thought. "A bluff like that is something I'd expect from Ash, not her," another thought countered.
Meanwhile, both Burgh and Anita sent out their Pokémon.
Anita chose her Vivillon, while Burgh sent out a Dewpider, a spider-like Pokémon with only three legs. Its spherical head was encased in a water bubble for protection.
Its eyes were blue, with lighter sclerae. Above them were two blue protrusions matching the shade of the sclerae.
Around the water bubble, it had three green limbs connected to its abdomen.
The abdomen was green on the upper part and black on the lower. Its legs were elongated and the same green as the limbs surrounding its head.
Anita scanned the strange Pokémon with her Smart Rotom's Pokédex function: «Dewpider. Water Bubble Pokémon. Bug and Water type. Male specimen. It inflates a water bubble around its head using its abdomen. Competes with other Dewpider for the biggest bubble. Known moves: Bubble Beam, Ice Beam, Leech Life.» Anita put her Smart Rotom back in her bag.
«The first move goes to the challenger!» Declared the electronic referee.
«Vivillon! Use Razor Wind!» Anita commanded.
The butterfly's wings generated thin whitish blades of air that quickly shot toward the ground.
Without its Trainer giving a single order, Dewpider had covered the battlefield with a thin layer of ice, allowing it to slide like a skater and dodge the butterfly's attack.
«Bubble Beam!» Burgh's command came swiftly.
The tiny spider lifted one of its legs and began generating a long series of water bubbles, shooting them toward its opponent.
«Swift!» Golden, star-shaped energy rays collided with the bubbles, bursting them into countless tiny droplets of water.
Watching the battle, one might wonder if this was a Pokémon Contest rather than a Gym battle.
«For only your third Gym battle, I must admit you're quite skilled in the art of battling.» Burgh complimented. Anita didn't reply, fully focused on the match.
«Use Psychic!» Anita ordered. Vivillon's body became enveloped in a faint pink aura, which soon extended to its opponent, wrapping the struggling Dewpider in a powerful psychic force.
To make matters worse for the spider, it was now being hurled with tremendous force against the Gym's walls.
«Come on, Dewpider, try to attack with Ice Beam!» Burgh commanded.
From one of the spider's legs, a thin bluish ray of energy emerged but was quickly deflected to the ground by the butterfly's psychic powers.
«Now, use Swift!» Anita ordered. The golden energy rays struck the spider, causing a powerful explosion, but despite the attack's intensity, the little spider was still able to fight.
«The real battle starts now!» Burgh encouraged his Pokémon. «Use Ice Beam to launch yourself into the air!» He ordered.
The spider propelled itself upward using the icy energy beams.
Thanks to the propulsion of its attack, Dewpider soared, reaching the same height as its airborne opponent, awaiting its Trainer's next command.
«Use Leech Life!» Burgh ordered. The spider, boosted by its icy propulsion, reached its opponent's shoulders with incredible speed.
It was ready to attach one of its legs to its opponent's body and drain its vital energy.
«Vivillon! Behind you!» Anita warned just in time.
The butterfly flapped its wings forcefully, creating a powerful gust of wind that knocked the spider violently to the ground.
«Dewpider is unable to battle. Vivillon wins!» Declared the electronic referee. «If the challenger wishes, she may substitute her Pokémon.» the robotic, monotone voice added shortly after.
«What do you think, Vivillon?» Anita asked.
The butterfly approached its Trainer and was quickly recalled into its Poké Ball. The same fate awaited Burgh's defeated Dewpider.
«You know, Anita, I think your Vivillon just learned Hurricane. It's one of the most powerful Flying-type moves.» Burgh complimented. Anita merely smiled in response.
Meanwhile, the young Trainer and the Gym Leader had sent out their second Pokémon.
Anita chose her Herdier, while Burgh sent out a Karrablast, a predominantly blue Pokémon. Its abdomen and belly, marked by horizontal stripes, were yellow. Its limbs were tiny and black.
Even its face was yellow, with a small blue patch. Its eyes had orange irises, while the rest was completely yellow. It had two sharp incisors and a small blue horn pointing upward.
Anita scanned the Pokémon with her Smart Rotom's Pokédex function: «Karrablast. Clamping Pokémon. Bug type. Male specimen. When sensing danger, it repels foes by spraying acidic liquid from its mouth. It targets Shelmet. Known moves: Drill Run, Megahorn, Poison Sting, Acid.» Anita returned her Smart Rotom to her bag.
«Since the challenger has switched Pokémon, the first move goes to the Gym Leader.» Declared the electronic referee.
Burgh wasted no time. «Karrablast, use Drill Run!» He ordered.
Karrablast began spinning rapidly, like a drill, rushing toward Herdier. «Escape with Dig!» Anita ordered. Herdier quickly dug a hole in the battlefield, avoiding the incoming attack.
«Clever move.» Burgh remarked. «But we have a strategy for this.» He smiled.
«Dive into the hole and use Drill Run again!» Burgh commanded.
Karrablast leapt into the hole Herdier had dug, spinning rapidly like a drill bit.
«Quick, Herdier, come out!» Anita shouted, hoping her Pokémon could hear her from underground.
Luckily for Anita, Herdier burst out of the ground on Burgh's side of the field, followed shortly by Karrablast. «Now, attack with Play Rough!» she ordered.
Herdier's body became surrounded by a faint pink aura as it charged at the small Bug Pokémon in front of it.
Karrablast was hit and hurled violently against one of the Gym walls, creating a large hole. Despite the impact, Karrablast managed to free itself from the hole, ready to fight again.
«Use Megahorn!» Burgh ordered.
Karrablast's horn glowed a pale yellow as the small Pokémon charged toward its opponent.
Fortunately for Anita, Karrablast wasn't particularly fast, giving her time to devise an effective counter.
«Let's try this, Herdier. When it gets close, grab it with Fire Fang!» Anita ordered. Herdier opened its mouth wide, which became enveloped in roaring flames.
As Karrablast got close enough, Herdier attacked violently, clamping down on Karrablast's horn and halting its charge.
Karrablast was stuck, suspended inches above the ground, trapped between Herdier's flaming jaws.
Despite his Pokémon's evident difficulties, Burgh seemed rather calm.
«Karrablast! Use Acid!» ordered Burgh.
Karrablast began secreting a purplish, highly corrosive substance from its mouth, directly into its opponent's jaws, forcing her to spit it out.
Unfortunately for Karrablast, it didn't escape the ordeal unscathed. Not only did its body bear the marks of its opponent's teeth, but it also felt an intense, unusual heat. It had been burned.
«Karrablast, let's try again! Use Poison Sting!» commanded Burgh.
Karrablast's horn glowed with a violet light as it began secreting a potent poison.
«Herdier, I know we can do this! Use Play Rough!» Anita instructed.
Herdier's body was enveloped in a soft pink aura as it charged at the small Bug-type Pokémon. Karrablast was struck and violently flung upward before crashing to the ground.
«Karrablast is unable to battle. Herdier wins.» Declared the electronic referee. «If the challenger wishes, she may switch her Pokémon.» the robotic voice added in its monotone manner.
«Herdier, do you want to keep going?» Anita asked.
Unlike her trainer, Herdier signaled its intent to continue. Anita decided not to oppose her Pokémon's choice.
«Leavanny, I'm counting on you!» Burgh sent out his strongest Pokémon.
Anita quickly scanned the Nurturing Pokémon with the Pokédex function on her Rotom Phone, just before the electronic referee announced that, since Anita had not swapped out Herdier, she would have the first move.
«Herdier, let's try Play Rough!» Anita ordered.
Once again, Herdier charged at its opponent, hitting the mantis square in the chest. Leavanny, however, didn't budge an inch.
«Leaf Blade!» Burgh called out.
Leavanny's leaf-like arms lit up with a bright green glow, transforming into sharp blades. Herdier was sent hurtling into one of the Gym's walls, creating a massive hole, similar to those caused by Burgh's previous Pokémon.
«Herdier is unable to battle. Leavanny wins.» Declared the electronic referee.
«Return, Herdier. You did great.» Anita said, recalling Herdier to its Poké Ball. «Vivillon! I'm counting on you!» Anita sent her Vivillon back into the battle. During the break, it had somewhat recovered.
«The Gym Leader has the first move!» announced the electronic referee.
«Leavanny! String Shot!» Burgh didn't hesitate. From the mantis's mouth came a thin stream of sticky white silk.
«Vivillon, fly wherever you like and dodge!» Anita commanded, trying to apply one of Ash's battle techniques.
The butterfly obeyed, gracefully fluttering across the Gym, even weaving through the branches of trees, constantly evading the sticky thread from its opponent. Meanwhile, the silk stuck to everything: the tree branches, the beams supporting the roof.
Soon, the battlefield was coated in the mantis's silk, though it hadn't managed to touch Vivillon even once.
«Exactly as I expected!» Burgh commented, leaving his challenger stunned. «Now, cut the String Shot with Leaf Blade!»
Leavanny's leaf-like arms glowed green as it sliced through the silk as if it were butter, leaving hundreds of irregularly shaped pieces suspended in the air.
This time, it was Anita who smiled. She could finally apply the strategy Ash had taught her. «Use Psychic to control the silk!» she ordered.
Vivillon's body glowed with a pink aura as it focused its psychic powers, lifting all the pieces of silk into the air and hurling them at the mantis, pinning it to the ground, trapped by its own sticky web.
«Now use…» Before Anita could finish her command, the butterfly began to fall, completely exhausted.
Before it could hit the ground, Anita recalled it to its Poké Ball. «You were amazing. You deserve a good rest.» Anita tried to conceal her worry.
«Archen! I'm counting on you!» Anita sent out her third and final Pokémon.
«So she wasn't bluffing.» Carlos thought.
«Since the challenger switched Pokémon, the Gym Leader gets the first move!» Declared the electronic referee.
«Leavanny, free yourself immediately!» Burgh commanded. A bright green light began to filter through the silk bindings as Leavanny's leaf-arms rapidly sliced through the now partially dried threads with ease.
«Attack with String Shot, like before!» Burgh ordered. From the mantis's mouth came another stream of sticky white silk.
«Dodge, fly everywhere!» Anita instructed, intending to repeat a strategy similar to the one she had used earlier with Vivillon, leaving Burgh rather surprised.
«Why is she doing that? Archen doesn't know Psychic. What's her plan?» Carlos wondered aloud.
«Let her be. I think I understand what she's planning. It's risky, but it might work.» Ash commented with a hint of pride.
«Now use Rock Throw! Keep flying!» Anita ordered. The ancient bird began generating an array of rocks mid-flight, leaving behind a trail of boulders that quickly became entangled in its opponent's silk.
«Now fly around Leavanny!» Anita instructed.
Due to the weight of the stones, it became increasingly difficult for Leavanny to control its silk. To make matters worse, in trying to strike its opponent, the mantis had to constantly spin around, wrapping its own silk and the embedded rocks around its body.
One small hit was all it would take for Leavanny to lose balance and…
«Archen, use Quick Attack!» Anita commanded.
In a split second, the ancient bird's body glowed white as it struck Burgh's Leavanny square in the chest, slamming it violently into the ground.
The mantis's hard landing was worsened by the boulders wrapped in its own sticky silk.
It seemed like Anita and Archen had secured victory, but before Archen could claim the win, Leavanny's body glowed with a faint green aura. It stood back up and tore through the silk and rocks wrapped around it.
«That's Leavanny's ability, Swarm.» Burgh explained.
«When Leavanny is at its limit, its Swarm ability activates. Its Bug-type moves become much stronger.» Burgh explained, intimidating Anita and her Pokémon.
«X-Scissor!» The mantis's leaf arms glowed with a yellowish light. The mantis quickly crossed its arms, forming an X with razor-sharp edges.
«Use Rock Throw!» Anita commanded.
Archen generated several sharp rocks and hurled them at the mantis. However, before they could reach their target, the mantis's scythes completely shattered them.
«Leavanny can't keep this up forever. It'll run out of energy sooner or later.» Angelica commented as she observed the battle.
«Not against Archen. If Leavanny gets too tired, it won't be able to fight at its best.» Serena explained.
Angelica nodded. «Let's hope for the best.» she replied after a moment.
«Archen, this isn't working. We need to try something different.» Anita noticed how Leavanny gracefully and powerfully deflected every single rock the bird threw.
"If I ask it to use Quick Attack, Leavanny will deflect it, and Archen will lose. We need a new approach… Come on, what would Ash do?" Anita thought. "Using Rock Throw is pointless. We have to try something else. But what? Think, Anita!" She focused intensely.
«Of course! That's it! I think this could work. Archen, use Ancient Power!» The ancient flying Pokémon's body glowed with a violet aura as large boulders broke free from the ground, enveloped in the same glow. In no time, Archen hurled the massive rocks toward its opponent.
«Leavanny, keep breaking the rocks with X-Scissor!» Burgh ordered, maintaining control of the battle alongside his Leavanny.
«Ancient Power again!» Anita commanded, a strategy finally forming in her mind. Like before, Archen's body glowed with the violet aura as even larger rocks lifted from the ground and shot toward the opponent.
Once again, Leavanny destroyed the rocks, though with noticeably greater effort.
«Archen! Now's your chance! Use Wing Attack!» Anita ordered.
With unprecedented speed, Archen's left wing glowed blue. The ancient bird, experiencing newfound strength and velocity, struck Leavanny squarely in the chest before it could react.
The mantis was violently slammed against the wall.
«Leavanny is unable to battle. Archen wins. Since none of the Gym Leader's Pokémon can continue, the challenger is victorious.» Declared the electronic referee.
As soon as the system announced the verdict, Burgh quickly returned Leavanny to its Poké Ball. Anita did the same with Archen moments later.
Ash and his friends wasted no time rushing down from the stands to congratulate Anita on her well-earned victory, even before Burgh could shake her hand.
«Now, as the Gym Leader of Castelia City, I award you the Beetle Badge.» Burgh handed the girl a badge made of brass and light green glass.
The badge resembled a leaf, divided into two smaller leaves and a third, heart-shaped leaf.
«Thank you.» Anita replied as she placed the badge in her badge case.
«Thank you. You and your Pokémon fought excellently. You've truly earned this badge.» Burgh expressed his gratitude. «By the way, how about celebrating my return as Gym Leader? Don't worry it's on me. We can dine at Big George, one of the city's most famous restaurants. You're all welcome to join, of course.» He extended the invitation to Yara and Angelica as well.
«Sorry, but we can't. We need to catch a bus to Nimbasa City, and Yara still has to capture an Eevee in Castelia Park.» Angelica replied.
«No problem. I hope to see you all soon, and maybe I'll have the chance to battle Yara one day.» Burgh responded.
As usual, Angelica acted as the translator.
«She says she'll need lots of training to challenge you, but she's looking forward to it.» Angelica conveyed.
«As for you...» Burgh addressed Ash and the others, «I'll let you know the time later.»
The group left the Gym and headed to the bus stop to return to the city park.
Once off the bus, they quickly made their way to the wide, grassy area dotted with small, colorful flowers. Near the edge
were containers filled with Poké Puffs, which Serena promptly took over.
A sweet, slightly spicy aroma spread through the air an experimental scent Serena, May, and Chloe believed would attract Eevee.
Unfortunately for the Kalos native, none of the fox-like Pokémon in the park seemed interested in the treats.
«Are you sure this will work?» Angelica asked, clearly impatient.
«It'll take some time for the Poké Puffs to have an effect. It might be better if we step away.» Serena explained.
«Fine.» Angelica replied, resigned. «You're the expert.»
Moments later, Yara tugged on her assistant's shoulder to get her attention.
«She says Team Plasma took all her Poké Balls. They thought she had more Pokémon besides Emolga.» Angelica translated.
«No problem. I can give her one of mine.» Serena offered. «And I won't ask for it back, unlike some people.» The Kalos native couldn't resist a playful jab.
Serena handed her friend an empty Poké Ball.
After half an hour of tense waiting, a small light-brown head peeked out from some nearby bushes, crowned with two large, pointed ears.
Soon, a fluffy beige collar and a small, furry brown body emerged, along with a large tail tipped in white, resembling a flower.
Drawn by the aroma, the fox Pokémon approached the source of the scent with growing curiosity.
In a flash, the little Pokémon darted toward the treats, completely unbothered by where they came from likely due to its youth and overwhelming curiosity.
It raced to the containers, pawing at one to get to the treats inside.
Noticing the Eevee's eager attempt to grab the Poké Puff, Serena suddenly had an idea.
She took another Pokémella from her bag and handed it to Yara, who immediately understood the Kalos native's plan.
The girl, holding a small pink candy shaped like a parallelepiped, knelt beside one of the little houses, the candy emanating a sweet fragrance from her hand.
Sensing the intense aroma, Eevee approached its source the Pokémella in the hand of the girl with burgundy hair.
Without hesitation, the little fox began licking the candy, making it disappear in no time.
Not content, the fox continued licking the girl's hand, making her smile.
«E-Vee?» The little fox seemed puzzled by the girl's reaction. Why was she smiling? Everything seemed normal to Eevee.
Moments later, the fox felt a gentle stroke on its head, experiencing an incredibly pleasant sensation.
After a few moments, the fox stopped licking the girl's hand, and Yara, in turn, ceased stroking its head.
«You know how to catch Pokémon, and I think if you want to catch this one, now you'll have to battle.» Ash reminded her, with Angelica, as always, translating. Yara merely nodded.
Emolga glided from the girl's shoulder and positioned herself in front of Eevee, awaiting instructions commands that, as always, would come through Angelica.
«Iron Tail!» The Flying Squirrel Pokémon rushed at her opponent, her tail glowing with a whitish light, much like Pikachu's.
Eevee, unprepared for the attack, stepped back a few paces before charging at Emolga in turn, tossing her into the air.
«Electro Ball!» The Flying Squirrel Pokémon generated an energy sphere from her tail, yellow in color and crackling with electricity. It struck the little fox, partially ruffling her fur.
Acting purely on instinct, Yara threw the Poké Ball Serena had given her toward Eevee.
And, luckily for the girl, the timing was perfect.
The Poké Ball absorbed the little fox and rocked three times before sealing shut with small sparks.
Moments later, the girl picked up the Poké Ball.
«Now it's best to take Eevee to a Pokémon Center, and then we should go.» Angelica tried to speed things along, only to be scolded by her charge. «At least let me say goodbye to my friends.»
Angelica sighed. «Fine. But don't complain if we miss the bus.»
Yara quickly said her goodbyes, hugging her friends one by one.
Even Emolga followed suit, hugging Pikachu.
Finally (at least for Angelica), the two girls took their leave of the group, who, in turn, headed back to the Pokémon Center where they had spent the night. Their Pokémon needed rest, and they had to prepare for their dinner invitation.
A few hours later, the four arrived at the restaurant Burgh had mentioned, where the Gym Leader was already waiting, chatting with a man at least six feet tall and heavily built.
The man was wearing a red sweater and denim overalls that accentuated his large belly. Bald and sporting a long, grayish-white beard, he also wore square-shaped glasses.
On the man's shoulder sat a small, humanoid-looking Pokémon, predominantly red, appearing to wear a kind of helmet with a large blade.
Its arms ended in blades as well, with two more circling its waist. Its eyes, partially hidden by the helmet, were yellow.
«I see your guests have arrived.» the man said, addressing Burgh. «Not knowing if they reinstated you as a Gym Leader or not, did you take up matchmaking? You know this restaurant has private rooms for couples.» The man teased Burgh.
«Not quite.» Burgh replied. «I just wanted to celebrate with the first challenger I battled after everything that happened, and with her friends.» He quickly explained.
Fortunately for the Gym Leader, none of the others heard this exchange.
Ash seized the moment to analyze the peculiar Pokémon on the man's shoulder with his Smart Rotom's Pokédex function:
«Pawniard. Sharp Blade Pokémon. Dark and Steel type. Male specimen. Pursues its enemies with the blades on its body, keeping them sharp by honing them on river stones. Known moves: Metal Claw, Iron Head, Fury Cutter, Night Slash.»
Ash hurriedly returned his Smart Rotom to his pouch.
«So these are your guests?» The man gestured toward Ash and his friends.
«Well, yes, of course.» Burgh responded, motioning for the four to come closer.
«Pleased to meet you!» the man introduced himself. «My name's George, and this…» He gestured to the Pokémon on his shoulder.
«…is my trusty assistant, Pawniard.»
«Nice to meet you! I'm Ash!» The World Champion quickly pointed to the Pokémon on his shoulder. «And this is my dear friend Pikachu.»
«Pika-Pikachu!» the electric rodent greeted.
«You're Ash Ketchum, the World Champion! I think I had a reservation under your name some time ago, but unfortunately, I was busy on duty.» George tried to apologize.
Serena, Carlos, and Anita then introduced themselves in turn.
«While they prepare your table, feel free to help yourselves to the snack buffet.» George invited, pointing to a large table laden with every imaginable delicacy.
The table held wide red ceramic platters and large salad bowls made of the same material.
On the outside of each bowl and the rim of each plate was a black-painted inscription: «With love, Big George.»
One platter held countless slices of cured ham, cooked ham, bacon, salami rings, dry sausage slices, and several types of cheese.
Another featured a heaping pile of crescent-shaped golden ravioli.
Other plates displayed savory pies with various fillings, their slices already perfectly separated.
Yet another platter was piled with puff pastry mini pizzas.
One salad bowl contained olives dressed with oil, garlic, and parsley.
Another held seafood salad, and yet another was filled with fried meatballs.
«Help yourselves as much as you like, but save some room for dinner. Oh, and of course, your Pokémon are all invited too!» George added with a grin.
Before the man could even finish speaking, Ash released his Pokémon from their respective Poké Balls, rushing with his team toward the enticing spread.
«One more thing. Whenever you're ready, feel free to order your first courses. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some work to do in the kitchen. That way, I can join you for the main courses and desserts.» George excused himself.
Some time later, once Ash and his team's appetites were finally sated, the group made their way to the table that had been assigned to them.
They had barely managed to sit down when one of the waitresses immediately approached them. «Well, I imagine you've ordered the classic menu. Your dishes will be out shortly.» The young woman reassured them.
As soon as the waitress moved far enough away, Burgh turned to his guests: «I haven't told you something yet. Could you give me your home addresses? You'll see it'll be a nice surprise.» No one felt like protesting, and all four shared their addresses with the Gym Leader.
After about twenty minutes, the same waitress from earlier began serving them, carrying large plates overflowing with tagliatelle in meat sauce.
«If you'd like, feel free to ask for seconds. Then, once you're done, I'll bring out the second first course.» The woman explained.
Once everyone had been served, Ash and Pikachu dove headfirst into their plates, and soon they felt like they were in paradise.
«It's delicious! You absolutely have to try it!» Ash insisted, having already cleaned his plate, down to the last drop of sauce.
The Kanto native had to wait for his friends to finish eating before he could receive the second first course: pasta with an elongated shape, hollow in the center, dressed with cream, mushrooms, sausage, and walnuts.
Just like before, the World Champion and Pikachu devoured the enormous portions of pasta with astonishing speed.
A few minutes later, the second course arrived roast meat and braised beef served by Big George himself. Shortly after serving the main dishes, George grabbed a chair and sat down next to Burgh.
Not long after, the usual waitress and one of her colleagues finished serving the remaining meat, side salads, and another round of drinks.
«As promised, here I am. I see you've enjoyed my cooking.» George commented.
«Everything was delicious, compliments to the chef!» Ash said enthusiastically.
«I'm glad to hear it.» the burly man replied. «By the way…» George turned to Burgh. «It seems your matchmaking agency is working wonders.» He tried to provoke him.
Because of those words, Serena choked on her bite. Now even a complete stranger had to bring it up?
«I'm talking to you, Ash. A Champion of your level must have plenty of admirers. I mean, being the strongest Trainer in the world, isn't it time to focus on something else? And just think of the prestige you'd bring to Burgh's agency, especially with the two beauties he's brought along.» George gestured toward the two girls with his large hand. «I'm past all that now, but you…» George continued his speech.
Not noticing any reaction from Ash but seeing Serena blush, George pressed on:
«See? It looks like the blonde is interested in you… I don't know, but if I were you, I wouldn't let this chance slip by!» George continued his teasing until Burgh intervened.
«Don't you think you're overdoing it? Young people have their own timing. Even for me, it wasn't easy to find someone to be with, but when I did… it was the best moment of my life.» Burgh tried to calm George down. «And I'm sure that sooner or later, it'll happen for them too.»
Well, what can I say… If you're reading this, it means I decided to include a flashback showing how the Pokémon League Council meeting unfolded, and you've gotten a small taste of Roxie's personality. Don't think the thrashing she got has made her more respectful toward the other Gym Leaders and members of the Association.
I admit, yes, I had planned to bring Yara back, but I didn't expect to do it this soon. She's a fairly complex character to write, but I have to say, I enjoy it.
And would you believe I couldn't decide on a title for the chapter, even halfway through it?
Okay, maybe I should have written this in the previous chapter, but the reason for the long delay in publication broken up by the side story is because I wanted to have two chapters ready and start the next one, to avoid leaving too many gaps.