The beginning of a new road {Path of the Aura Ranger: Book II}

VII Riley's P.O.V

The first thing we did when we got to Coumarine City was to go to the Pokemon Center, as Ash has Goomy checked out. When we found him, more like landed on Ash's head, he was quite dehydrated, we aided him the best we could but it was always better to have professional medical help. While Ash was waiting for Nurse Joy to give his Goomy a clean bill of health, the rest of us were going to our rooms and setting everything up. Once that was done and Ash had his Goomy back, it was time for Max's gym battle!

As we stood before the Coumarine City Gym, my eyes widened with awe and wonder. The gym's unique location atop a towering tree, known as the Pledging Tree, captured my attention immediately. The giant tree stood tall and proud, its branches stretching out in all directions, forming a natural labyrinth of green foliage. I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement, one that was echoed by my companions, though I could see in Max's case it was also mixed with a touch of nervousness. The sheer beauty of the gym, combined with the knowledge that Gym Leader Ramos awaited him within, stirred a sense of anticipation deep within Max's heart.

Taking a moment to absorb the breathtaking surroundings, I marveled at the meticulous arrangement of Ramos's garden and the tranquility it exuded. The colorful flowers and vibrant greenery seemed to whisper tales of the strong and nurturing bond between trainers and their Grass-type pokemon. With a deep breath to steady his racing emotions, Max stepped forward, as we followed behind. This was his gym battle after all.

We silently went to take our seats as Max took his position as the challenger. The referee spoke up, once Ramos stood in place. "This is a gym battle between Max Maple and Coumarine City Gym Leader Ramos! it will be a 3vs3 battle, only the challenger can return pokemon! Are you ready?" Both trainers nodded. "Then, let the battle begin!"

Ramos took the initiative and sent out his first pokemon, a Jumpluff, with her fluffy, cotton-like body floating gracefully in the air. Max quickly responded by choosing his Litleo, fiery and courageous, ready to take on the challenge. Litleo stepped forward, his fiery mane flickering with determination. Max's voice resonates through the arena as he commanded, "Litleo, let's start strong! Use Flamethrower!"

Litleo let out a powerful burst of flames from his mouth, sending scorching embers soaring towards Jumpluff. The attack hit its target with precision, engulfing Jumpluff in a blazing inferno. The grass and flying-type pokemon let out a cry of pain as she struggled to maintain her composure.

"That's a Flamethrower taught by Charizard," Serena giggled.

"Charizard does not know the meaning of holding back," Ash agreed, shaking his head fondly.

Ramos, undeterred, calls out his next move, "Jumpluff, use Acrobatics!" Jumpluff quickly darted towards Litleo, spinning in the air with dazzling speed. She collides with Litleo, dealing a blow that had Litleo stumbling backward, feeling the impact but remaining resilient.

Max'a voice was filled with determination as he shouted his next command, "Litleo, show them your strength! Follow up with Fire Fang!" Litleo's jaws ignited with fiery energy as he lunged towards Jumpluff, clamping down with a blazing bite. The flames intensify, causing Jumpluff to cry out in pain and discomfort.

"Is it me or is Max' starting to resemble Ash more with each battle?" I turned to my faithful partner Lucario.

"While the girls Ash's trained got used to his crazy strategies and use them in contests, Max's is starting to be influenced by Ash's commanding aura and being able to become one with his pokemon during battles," Lucario agreed. "Both show good mentorship, just in different areas."

"Max is too much of a scholar for him to be influenced by Ash's crazy methods," Gary chuckled. "Though, that does not mean that he is a bad trainer. Just that he battles differently."