Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 25

We are surprised to find the Cold Storage now changing into a place known as the Pokemon World Tournament. When we explore this place, Hugh and Clay are waiting for us.

"Here we are! Whaddya think? Great buildin', huh? Here's where the Pokémon World Tournament takes place! Ain't she purty? Follow me, tads!"

We enter the building and we also find Cheren here. "This time, I'm gonna have ya participate in the Driftveil Tournament. Anything goes in this here tournament! Eight people will be participatin', and if ya win three times, yer the champion!"

Cheren sighs before asking, "Why did you call me here, too? I'm busy looking into something!"

"Ya know somethin', Cheren. The one who's gotta show everyone what Pokémon battlin' means-is you. And yer pal ain't here, either! I'm countin' on the power of youth, 'cause everyone likes up-and-comin' stars! OK! Whenever yer ready, get on over to reception!"

"Man oh man... You never change, Clay. But the tournament itself does look pretty fun! OK! I'll go register!" Cheren leaves, and Hugh also leaves as well after saying, "C'mon! Let's have some fun. We'll battle, plain and simple!"

I turn to Alice and ask, "Do you want to participate in this one instead of me?"

Alice says, "Sure, I can do it."

When Alice enters the Driftveil Tournament, she picks Zoroark, Musharna, and Conkeldurr for the tournament. As we are in the audience, we find Lillie there as well.

"Nice to see you again, Lillie. What are you doing here?" I ask.

"I'm invited to watch thanks to my uncle Colress." Lillie says. "He's one of the participants in the Driftveil Tournament."

I say, "Uncle Colress is also here... that's interesting."

The first round is Alice battling Hugh, Hugh says, "Clay sure likes things loud and flashy, doesn't he? Well, whatever... It's time to go all out!"

"You're right." Alice says.

Hugh's Pokemon are Servine, Simisear, and Tranquill. However, all three of them are defeated by Alice with ease.

"Man! I lost... You've become way too tough! But, I'm gonna get stronger, too!" Hugh says, "Still... Your Pokémon sure look like they're having a lot of fun when they battle."

In the top 4, Alice is battling Cheren this time. Cheren says, "I'm as thrilled as I can be to battle here against you, considering you and the first challenger I battled as a Gym Leader, Ash, share your Pokemon. I'm sure you've learned something about Pokémon during your journey. Now, I'm going to see if your bond with your Pokémon has grown stronger!"

He uses Stoutland, Cinccino, and Watchog to battle, and since all of them are Normal Types, Alice wins it easily with Conkeldurr. "Fantastic! You and your Pokémon have grown much stronger! I made it where I am because Pokémon were by my side. Perhaps we need to think about why Pokémon help us not in terms of Pokémon and Trainers but as a relationship between living beings."

The final one is Colress, Lillie's uncle, against Alice. He says, "As a researcher, it is the truth and the ideal way things should be that I seek. The latent power of Pokémon... What is the best way to bring it out? If possible, I want it to be the trust between Trainers and their Pokémon, just as it has always been. I look forward to you teaching me that this is indeed true!"

He uses Magneton, Elgyem, and Klink, and Alice smiles as she picks the right Pokemon to battle against Steel and Psychic Types. In the end it is her victory.

"Well done! I learned much from this battle!" Colress says.

"The winner is Alice!" We all cheer for Alice, who smiles as she wins the tournament.