Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 9

When we get back to Floccesy Town, we find Rosa who has finished battling two school kids. I ask, "So how is it going?"

"The training is doing well." Rosa says. "The battles really help a lot."

Alder says, "Indeed, although I want to have a battle with you, I hear that you want to challenge the gyms, right?"

"Of course." I say. "Though I haven't gotten any..."

Alder says, "As for the newly opened Pokémon Gym in Aspertia City, I heard a new Gym Leader has arrived there. You should go and test how strong you've become!"

Then we bid farewell to Alder and head outside, but we find a man named Mr. Medal. He gives us a Medal Box, which lets us participate in the Medal Rally competition. We can earn a variety of Medals during our adventure by meeting various conditions, like finding hidden items or evolving a Pokémon.

But it turns out that Alder is back at the cliff and he says, "Excuse me! I forgot to tell you something important! I just told you to challenge the Gym Leader. Aspertia's Gym Leader is a very strong Pokémon Trainer! But you have nothing to worry about! If you think hard about what the Pokémon at your side can do, and what you should do as a Trainer, victory will be yours! And then you should take on stronger and stronger Trainers... Actually, take on the Gym Leaders of each city! Working together with your Pokémon is what makes you grow as a Trainer. As you and your Pokémon grow stronger, your world will get broader!"

We nod as we bid him farewell, and I'm excited to learn that Aspertia Gym Leader is strong.

Then we are back at Aspertia City, we have been trying to find the gym, Rosa and Nate take us to the Pokemon Trainer's School. I ask, "So you're saying that this school is also a gym?"

"Of course." Rosa says.

We then find a teacher and he shows us around the area. "This is a school dedicated to the education of aspiring Pokemon Trainers, we teach our students everything they should know, and they will be full-fledged trainers by the time they leave. Being prepared is our number 1 priority, that's what we do."

"That sounds awesome." Cilan says.

"After they graduate from the school, we want to nurture them, and what good way to accomplish that, we'll have our own gym right here." The teacher says.

Nate says, "And that's the gym leader over there. Cheren!"

I flinch after hearing the name, he used to be Hilbert and Hilda's rival and also the one who was there when Team Plasma happened. Cheren says, "Nate, Rosa. It's nice to see you again."

"Hello, Cheren." Nate says. "Nice to see the kids like you."

"Iris and Cilan. It is surprising to see you two here. How are you?"

"We're doing great. We're actually traveling with these four here."

After we introduce ourselves, I ask, "So you're the gym leader, may I have a battle with you?"

"I just became a gym leader, the truth is, I've only been a gym leader for a short time." Cheren says. "I know you came a long way to see me. But the thing is, the battlefield is still being built, which means the gym hasn't been open yet."

"That sure is a problem for sure. But I swear that Burgh told us that the gym is already finished..." Golly says.

The teacher says, "If that's the case, why don't you use the school grounds for the gym? I mean, even though the gym battlefield isn't done, we can still use them. The students will also like to see a gym battle in front of them."