1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 27: Cliff Climb

Cyllage City rises between cliffs, bike paths, and sea wind, and the moment we step into its streets, I can feel the Gym waiting above us.

Serena looks around at the tall stone walls and the roads curving around the slope. "We are finally in Cyllage City."

"I have been waiting to challenge Grant since the Battle Chateau," I say, looking toward the high Gym path.

David studies the city map near the entrance. "Before the Gym, we should at least learn the city layout. Running straight into a Rock-type Gym without knowing the area is very Ash, but it is not always wise."

Serena laughs softly at that. "He is not wrong."

I rub the back of my head, but I cannot really argue. "Fine. We explore first, but the Gym is still today."

Cyllage feels different from Ambrette. Ambrette carried fossils and sea stories, but Cyllage feels built for movement. Bicycles roll past us on smooth paths, and signs point toward cliffs, races, and training routes. The shops near the main street are busy, but I keep us moving whenever a stand looks too much like a long stop. Spritzee and Swirlix can wait for their own day. Today belongs to Grant's wall.

Clemont pauses near the bike shop with interest. "This city is famous for cycling. The shop gives out bikes after a question instead of needing a voucher."

Bonnie's eyes shine immediately. "Can we get bikes?"

"We can ask," Serena says. "Even if we do not need them right now, having one could help later."

The shop visit is quick. The owner asks which color we prefer, and after some argument between Bonnie's excitement and Clemont's caution, we receive folding travel bikes that can be stored for later use. I like mine, but the mountain above the city keeps pulling my eyes away from the handlebars.

Outside the shop, cheers rise from the road ahead. A group of cyclists crosses a finish line, wheels flashing under the sun. At the front, Grant steps down from his bike with the same calm confidence he had at the Battle Chateau.

Grant notices us and smiles. "Well, if it is not Ash. Nice to see you again."

"Hi, Grant," I say. "Were you racing just now?"

"I was, and I took first place," Grant says, resting one hand on his bike. "Cyllage's roads are excellent for testing balance, endurance, and focus."

David looks impressed. "There was a bike race? That is good timing for us to see."

Grant chuckles. "I feel bad that you missed most of it. Here, allow me to give you this HM in consolation."

He holds out a disc marked with the symbol for Strength.

"If one of your Pokémon uses Strength, it can push large rocks around," Grant explains. "However, using the move outside battle requires the Badge from the Gym I run in this city."

I take the HM carefully and pass it to Elline for safekeeping with our travel items. "Then I know exactly what comes next."

Grant's eyes brighten. "A challenge already?"

"You said I need your Badge to use Strength properly," I answer. "And I came here to climb your wall."

Grant gestures toward the high Gym path. "Then come with me. Cyllage Gym is waiting."

The Cyllage Gym is not only a building. It is a cliff turned into a challenge.

The entrance opens into a huge climbing chamber, with a wall rising high enough that my neck aches when I look up. Blue handholds mark possible paths. Ledges, corners, and narrow grips cross the wall like a puzzle made from stone. Far above, I can see the battlefield waiting near the top.