Ash's Paldea Story

Chapter 40 Secret Menu Item

Lillie, Luke, and I are now at Porto Marinada, the three of us are going to travel by road as we go through West Province 2 and West Province 3 to reach Medali City.

"So what do you think of the Normal Type Gym?" Nate asks me.

"For some reason, I was cursed when I was challenging the Normal Type Gyms... every gym takes me two times to get the badge." I sigh. "I challenged 4 Normal Type Gyms, one in Johto, one in Hoenn, and two in Unova."

"I remember that Max's father is the Gym Leader that specializes in Normal Type." Luke says, "But you tried two times?"

"The first time doesn't even count because Norman wants to challenge those with 4 or more badges... it is not just him, Clemont is the same as well."

"Those sure are some weird requirements, I'm glad there is no such thing in Paldea Region." Lillie says.

"As for the Normal Type Gym curse... I'm going to break it." I say with confidence and Pikachu also agrees with me.

"I'm sure you can, though I wonder what kind of Pokemon the Gym Leader is going to use... I just hope not a Ditto with the Transform..." Lillie says. "But if he goes for a Slaking, it might also be a problem as well."

"Slaking might have high stats, but its ability is also a problem, you all know from my battle with Max yesterday." I say. "And there is also Sawsbuck... which somehow we can actually find all kinds of seasons despite not being in that season. Maybe we'll fight a Gumshoos as well."

"You did fight a Totem Gumshoos to get the Normalium Z after all." Lillie says, "Breakneck Blitz is also a good move to use."

Once we arrive at Medali City, we immediately go to the gym. And once we just step in, we notice Nemona also rushing inside the gym.

"Heeey, Ash! Lillie! Luke!" Nemona greets us. "I saw you going into the Gym and came running! Listen, I'm really sorry I couldn't battle you last time we ran into each other. The fair works are tiring after all."

"So you're here just to battle me again?" I ask.

"Wait - don't get me wrong! I didn't chase you down just to battle you! Then again... I guess I wouldn't MIND a battle or anything if you want to... What do you say?" Nemona asks.

"Let's just get things over with." I say.

"Yesss! Battle tiiime! You and me, Ash!" Nemona cheers, but then she realizes something, "Wait, hold on... I wanna be sure to pick the right Pokemon for where you're at in your journey. Sorry, gimme a sec to fine-tune my team! Then we can battle!"

Then she rushes out and says, "In fact, while you're waiting, go ahead and take on the Gym!"

Once she's gone, I mutter, "Really? That's it?"

Lillie says, "Maybe we should do the gym first..."

When we go to the counter, the staff says, "Welcome to the Medali Gym! Let me register you as a challenger. Your name is Ash Ketchum, yes?"

"Of course." I let the Rotom Phone register my ID and the applications, and then the staff says, "Great! Now, in order to face Gym Leader Larry, you'll first need to pass the Gym Test. Here at the Medali Gym, that means ordering a special secret menu item! Specifically, a menu item at the Treasure Eatery, a much-loved restaurant here in Medali. Order correctly, and you pass!"

"That will be very easy." I say. "So how do I know the special secret menu item?"

"Right now, there are three other challengers around town attempting this Gym Test. Each Challenger has been given a different clue that'll help them discover the secret dish. You'll be given a clue as well! Please find and battle the other challengers. The loser must tell the winner their clue! Your goal is to gather clues and use them to determine the secret dish, then order it from the waiter at the Treasure Eatery. Only the challenger who's able to order correctly will pass the test!"