1.Ash's Story (Part 2: Johto)

Chapter 31: Root Badge

The Pokéathlon Dome rose over the open land like a whole stadium had decided to become a town. Its silver roof curved wide under the Johto sky, catching the sunlight until Pikachu lifted one paw over his eyes. Broad paths spread toward several entrances, crowded with Trainers, Pokémon, vendors, families, and people wearing sports uniforms in every color.

Before we joined the crowd, Lillie and I recalled Bayleef, Quagsire, Yanma, Shiny Noctowl, Oddish, and Totodile. The two Eevee stayed close beside Lillie in the traffic. Togepi rested in her arms, while Pikachu remained on my shoulder.

Reisa recalled Croconaw, then hugged Marill a little closer. "Wow, this place is huge."

"It really is," I said, looking from one end of the silver roof to the other. "This place is actually cool."

East was already studying the signs above the gates. Noctowl circled once over the nearest path, then glided back to him. "Main spectators go forward. Competitors probably use the left entrance. Food and shops are on the right."

Ethan bounced on his heels. "If this is a sports place for Pokémon, Exbo is going to love it."

Pikachu shifted closer against my shoulder as another group hurried past us. His paws tightened against my shirt. "This place is enormous and crowded. Everyone needs to stay close."

"I know, buddy," I murmured, resting one hand near him. "We'll stay together."

Lillie smiled after hearing him. "It is crowded, but everyone seems excited instead of frightened."

"Muhaha!" a man in a sharp sports coat shouted as he marched toward us with bright, excited eyes.

He stopped in front of me so suddenly that Pikachu leaned back and sparked at the cheeks. The man pointed at me, then at Pikachu. "I feel it! The twinkle in your eyes! The twinkle of friendship! You're quite something, bud!"

"Uh, thanks," I said, blinking at him.

He leaned closer, studying Pikachu with even more excitement. "Your Pikachu is quite a Pokémon! It is ready to participate in the Pokéathlon! Most of all, your solidarity with and trust in Pokémon make me believe in infinite potential!"

Pikachu tilted his head and whispered near my ear, "Was that praise, or did he challenge me without saying what the challenge is?"

Ethan leaned toward Kris. "He talks like a Contest judge and a Gym announcer got mixed together."

The man threw one arm toward the entrance. "All right! Follow me!"

Lillie stepped closer while we followed him. "Ash, do you know him?"

"No," I admitted. "But he seems friendly."

"He seems loud," East said as Noctowl checked the next turn and returned to his side.

The man led us toward the front doors, where banners showed Pokémon leaping over hurdles, rolling balls, throwing snow, smashing blocks, and racing across bright tracks. He spread both arms wide before the entrance. "What do you think? This is the Pokéathlon Dome!"

Lillie looked from one banner to another. "So what is this Pokéathlon?"

"The Pokéathlon is a sports festival for Trainers and Pokémon!" the man declared. "Inside the Dome are various challenges awaiting Trainers and Pokémon to test their friendship, timing, strength, stamina, and skill. Why don't you try it?"

"That sounds fun," Kris said, looking over the banners. "I guess we can become Pokéathletes as well."

The man's face brightened even more. "You're amazing, bud! This is a pleasant surprise! To see Pokéathletes with strong potential is such a pleasure! I'm glad I held the Pokéathlon here in Johto."