1.Ash's Story (Part 3: Hoenn)

Chapter 15

When we arrived at Mauville City, we couldn't believe what we were looking at. The last time we came here, it was just like a normal city. But now it has become a giant department mall.

"So this is Mauville City? It sure has changed a lot the last time we came here..." I say.

"Oh, I guess you don't know about it. The renovation of Mauville City started 2 years ago." Mark says.

As we enter the city, we are in awe at the sight of all kinds of stores. Alice asks, "But where are the residential places in the city? All we see are stores."

"There are apartments in the Mauville Hills area, which is located on the second floor, and there is also a recreation area on the top floor." Minami says.

"Hey, look! It's Wally!" May says as we notice Wally and his uncle in front of us.

"Wow! So this is Mauville City!" Wally says.

"Hahaha! You sure seem to be enjoying it, Wally." His uncle says. "So what would you like to do? Do you want to grab a bite to eat at the Mauville Food Court? Or maybe we should get you a Bike of your own at Rydel's Cycles. Would you like that? I bet the exercise would be good for your health."

"No, thank you! I want to challenge the Gym right away!" Wally says, much to the uncle's surprise.

"Let me see... I'm pretty sure the Gym is... Yup! Straight ahead this way! Just through the inner courtyard!" Then he rushes off, with his uncle chasing after him.

"So I guess that boy over there is also a Gym challenger?" Mark asks.

"We've met and it is thanks to Ash that he got his first Pokemon." May says.

"If Wally is challenging the gym right now, that means we can explore this whole place first." I say. "But after that training, I think we should find the Pokemon Center."

We get to the Central Courtyard, and that's where the Pokemon Center and the Poke Mart are located. After we finish healing up our Pokemon, we decide to explore the northeast district first.

There is the TV Mauville, which produces every program that airs on the BuzzNav app in our Rotom Phone. Inside, we can tour the studio, browse the gift shop, and even sit behind the news desk and read the latest bulletin before it airs. There is also a Battle Institute, where we can battle other trainers for fun, and an Inverse Battle Stop, a battle that reverses the type of matchups.

Mark says, "Brother, do you want to buy some bikes?"

"We do have some bicycles, so why do we want to buy some?"

Mark says, "You don't know, Rydel's Cycles offers two kinds of bikes. The Mach Bike and the Arco Bike."

We are still confused about that, but when we enter the shop, we find Rydel. "Well, well, what have we here? A most energetic customer! Me? You may call me Rydel. I'm the owner of this cycle shop. Your running shoes... They're awfully filthy. Did you come from far away?"

"We actually travel a lot since I'm doing gym challenges and contests at the same time." I say.

"I see. If you had one of my Bikes, you could go anywhere easily while feeling the gentle caress of the wind! I'll tell you what! I'll give you a Bike! Oh, wait a second! I forgot to tell you that there are two kinds of Bikes! They are the Mach Bike and the Acro Bike! Mach Bikes are for cyclists who want to feel the wild, blowing wind as they ride! Acro Bikes are for those who prefer a technical ride! I'm a real sweetheart, so you can have whichever one you like! Which one will you choose?"

"I'll choose the Arco Bike." I say.

"And I choose Mach Bike." Alice says.

Then the others choose their own bikes, except for Max since May is not going to let him ride one until he gets older. Then we bid farewell to Rydel as we head to the Southeast District.