Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 44: Quake Pressure

Driftveil Gym did not look like a place that would be impressed by a pretty speech. It looked like a place where stone, metal, and sweat decided whether someone deserved to move forward.

I kept the bag of Revival Herbs close as we stepped inside. After Milos Island, those herbs felt heavier than medicine. They carried Lewis's hope, Alice's shrine prayer, and the proof that Team Rocket had not managed to steal everything.

The Gym guide waved us over with a bright smile that almost did not match the mine-like walls behind him.

"Welcome to the Driftveil Gym!" he said cheerfully. "Gym Leader Clay uses Ground-type Pokémon. Between you and me, Ground types don't like Water, Grass, or Ice attacks. Also, the ground you walk on lights up, so where you have been is a hint."

I looked down as the path glowed beneath my shoes. "A Gym puzzle built like a mine."

Cilan's eyes sparkled. "A subterranean course with flavor hidden beneath every step. How very Clay."

Iris leaned over the railing and grinned. "Looks like we are going underground."

Alice glanced at me, then at the bag. "First, we deliver what we promised."

The elevator carried us downward with a heavy rumble. The lights of Driftveil City vanished above us, replaced by dark stone, conveyor belts, metal platforms, and paths that lit up only after we trusted our steps.

The path ahead did not give us everything at once. Each panel lit beneath our feet only after we crossed it, so the mine made us remember our own steps. I could not help thinking that Clay had built more than a puzzle. He had built a warning.

Behind me, Boldore's Poké Ball rested against my belt, still quiet as Roggenrola for now. I did not know yet how important that weight would become before we left.

Pikachu stood on my shoulder, alert but restless.

Pikachu's meaning came with a spark of frustration. "I want to battle too, even if the ground refuses me."

"I know," I whispered. "But this Gym is dangerous for Electric moves. I need you watching with me."

Pikachu's ears dipped, but he pressed his cheek against mine.

The first worker waited near a lit platform, his helmet lamp shining across the rock wall.

"My Pokémon dig because they believe they will find something," Worker Noel said proudly. "They battle because they believe they will win."

He sent out Baltoy. I chose Krokorok, letting him feel the underground field before Clay's battle. Baltoy spun low with Confusion, but Krokorok dug into the dirt and struck from below with Crunch, ending the battle cleanly.

Noel laughed as he recalled Baltoy. "That belief of yours digs pretty deep too."

The conveyor belts carried us onward. Worker Tavaris stepped into view with a grin.

"The one you meet when you get on this conveyor is none other than me!" Tavaris declared.

His Drilbur, Baltoy, and Sandile came one after another. I sent out Samurott, and the mine filled with the flash of Razor Shell and bursts of water. Samurott stayed calm even when Sandile tried to hide under loose gravel.

Samurott's meaning came steady through the echoing mine. "A warrior listens to the ground before cutting it."

Tavaris shook his head after Samurott won. "Looks like the conveyor brought in a strong Trainer like you."

The next worker, Niel, stopped us near a darker tunnel.

"Just because you work hard doesn't mean you get what you want," Niel said. "But if you don't work hard, there are things you cannot do. Let me show you what my hard work built."