Ash's Story (Part 6: Unova)

Chapter 72: Wave Badge

Humilau Gym opened before me like a resort built over a battlefield.

The smell of clean water filled the entrance, and sunlight reflected off the surface until the walls shimmered. Lily pads floated across the pools in careful paths, but the peaceful look did not make my shoulders relax.

Opelucid was still frozen. The DNA Splicers were still gone. Hugh was still waiting outside with the kind of anger that could either protect someone or break him if he had to carry it alone.

Alice walked beside me, close enough that I could feel her attention even when she did not speak. She was watching the water, the bridges, the doors, and me.

Pikachu's meaning came quietly against my shoulder. "This is still part of the chase. Win this step."

I touched his head gently. "Right."

The Gym guide was waiting near the first pool, smiling like he wanted to make the place feel easier than it was. "This Gym may feel like a resort, but the Gym Leader's no picnic! In Humilau's Pokémon Gym, you proceed by hopping on the lily pads and sliding across the water's surface."

Cilan leaned forward with bright interest. "A Gym that uses movement, timing, and water flow as part of the tasting course. What an elegant design."

The Gym guide grinned and lifted one finger. "Here's another piece of advice! Water-type Pokémon really don't like Electric- or Grass-type moves! But I'm sure the Gym Leader has planned for that."

Golly gave the pools a measured look. "So the obvious countermeasures are expected, and the floor itself may control battle rhythm."

Iris crossed her arms. "That means Ash cannot just throw Electric attacks everywhere and call it done."

I looked at the lily pads drifting across the water. "Then we learn the Gym before Marlon learns us."

Eve glanced toward the entrance, where the others waited behind us. "Hugh will hate every minute we spend in here."

Alice's voice stayed steady. "Then we make every minute count."

Hugh did not enter with us at first. He stayed near the Gym doors, staring toward the city docks as if he expected the Plasma Frigate to rise from the horizon. Hilda remained close enough to stop him if waiting turned into charging.

Hilbert gave me a careful nod before I stepped onto the first platform. "Win cleanly. The faster this is finished, the faster we can move without someone saying you are not qualified."

Reisa folded her arms beside him. "And do not let the final badge make you impatient. Water Gyms punish people who rush directly into the deepest part."

The first lily pad rocked beneath my feet when I stepped onto it. For a heartbeat, the water carried me away from everyone, and the motion felt like trusting the Gym to decide where I could go.

Then the pad slid across the surface and bumped another pad away with a soft push, opening a path deeper inside.

Marlon's Gym was not a straight line. It was a current.

Ace Trainer Doyle waited on the first platform with his arms folded and a confident smile. "How do you like riding on leaves? If you manage to beat me, I'll teach you something good. You'll see!"

Pikachu jumped down before I even reached for a Poké Ball. He landed lightly, cheeks sparking against the water-bright floor.

Doyle sent out Floatzel first, then Mantine after Floatzel fell. Both moved fast, using water spray and gliding turns to make the platform feel smaller than it was.