Ramos watched Ash and his friends leave.
After they were gone, Ramos sat atop his trusted Gogoat, stroking his beard with a smile.
"These kids… especially that boy named Ash. He carries himself with such calmness and maturity. Gogoat, from what I heard earlier, they're heading to challenge our Coumarine Gym. It's been so long since I've had proper challengers. Most who come these days are just rookies fresh off their journey—hardly worth my time."
He chuckled to himself as Gogoat let out a soft bleat.
"Baah…"
"Oh? You feel the same way, Gogoat? That they're promising ones? Well then, let's accept their challenge when the time comes."
"Baa-baa!"
Ramos—the Gym Leader of Coumarine City—patted his Gogoat.
"Then let's head to the Pledging Tree, shall we?"
With a hearty laugh, Ramos rode off, Gogoat carrying him toward the sacred tree.
The so-called Pledging Treewas where the Coumarine Gym was located. But beyond just being the Gym's battleground, it held deep significance for the city.
Long ago, legend said, this land was nothing but barren wasteland. A lone traveler, with only his loyal Gogoat at his side, trudged across endless desert and desolation. Despite hunger, thirst, and hardship, neither abandoned the other. Their unyielding bond moved the divine powers watching over them.
In response, the gods transformed this wasteland into the lush, thriving Coumarine City of today. And the very first tree to sprout from that blessed soil was the Pledging Tree—standing as an eternal testament to the vow of never abandoning one another.
Even now, that colossal tree towered above the city, a living monument.
Tomorrow marked Coumarine's most important day of the year: the Day of Gratitude (Coumarine City Festival). On this day, every citizen prepared gifts for their Pokémon, placing them beneath the Pledging Tree as a gesture of thanks and appreciation for their partners.
"…And that's how it works," Serena finished explaining enthusiastically to the group. "Ash, Clemont, shall we take part in tomorrow's Coumarine City Festival too?"
"Of course! What a wonderful tradition," Clemont agreed, pushing up his glasses. "We should definitely show our gratitude to our Pokémon. But first—Ash, you've got to give it your all in today's Gym Battle!"
"Yeah!" Bonnie raised both arms in support, Dedenne cheering alongside her.
Ash grinned, determination burning in his eyes. "No problem. Let's go—to the Pledging Tree!"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu echoed.
The group soon arrived before the enormous tree. It was so massive that from the ground, it looked less like a tree and more like a towering mountain. And at its peak, nestled among the branches, was the battlefield of the Coumarine Gym.
They climbed up together, though—unsurprisingly—Clemont trailed behind, panting and struggling with the ascent.
At the top, someone was already waiting for them.
The very same elderly gardener from before—Ramos himself.
"So, you finally made it."
"Wait a second—Grandpa gardener from earlier?!" Bonnie blinked in surprise. "You mean he's the Gym Leader of Coumarine? I heard from Korrina's grandfather that this Gym Leader had a really strange temper. I didn't think we'd actually get to battle him so easily!"
Ding! [Congratulations, Host! You have successfully signed in at the Coumarine Gym. Rewards distributing now…]
Ash gave a slight nod as the system rewards flowed in. Storage space expansion, Poké Coins, some miscellaneous items. No new cards this time.
Ramos chuckled at Bonnie's remark, leaning on his staff. "Strange temper? Hoho, not at all! I'm just an old man, lass. I don't have the same endless energy as other Gym Leaders. That's why I only accept challengers who I find… worth my time."
With that, he straightened—though his frame was still bent with age—and stepped onto the battlefield.
Ash mirrored him, Pikachu at his side.
The referee stood ready. "This is an official Gym Battle between Gym Leader Ramos and challenger Ash from Pallet Town! Each side may use three Pokémon. The battle ends when all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle. Only the challenger may substitute Pokémon. Battle… begin!"
"Now then, lad," Ramos called. "Let's see what you're made of. Go, Jumpluff!"
With a toss of his Poké Ball, a Level 30 Jumpluff floated gracefully onto the field.
Ash's eyes lit up. "Perfect timing. Fletchinder, I choose you!"
His Fletchinder—also at Level 30—burst onto the battlefield with fiery wings.
"Fletchinder, Flame Charge!"
The fiery bird dove forward, wings blazing.
"Jumpluff, dodge it, then use Sunny Day!" Ramos commanded.
The Jumpluff nimbly floated aside, narrowly avoiding the first fiery charge. A glowing sun appeared overhead, bathing the battlefield in bright light.
With its Chlorophyll ability, Jumpluff's speed sharply increased.
Ash smirked. "Even so—your speed won't save you forever. Fletchinder, Flame Charge again!"
"Dodge and use Cotton Guard!"
Puffs of fluffy cotton surrounded Jumpluff, its defenses bolstered.
"Keep pressing—use Flame Charge again!"
For the second time, Jumpluff evaded. But Fletchinder's speed rose even higher with each charge. By the third attempt, Fletchinder was nearly twice as fast as before.
This time, the flames connected!
"Fletchinder, follow up—Aerial Ace!"
Sensing Jumpluff was still hanging on, Ash went for a chained strike.
"Fletchiiinder!"
With perfect precision, Fletchinder's wings glowed, slashing straight through Jumpluff. Both attacks hit in rapid succession, sending Jumpluff spiraling downward from the top of the massive tree battlefield.
"Jumpluff is unable to battle! Fletchinder wins!"
Ding! [Congratulations, Host! Fletchinder has defeated Jumpluff! Tenfold EXP Multiplier Card activated! You have gained 31,500 experience points!]
Fletchinder leveled up!
Level 31 → Level 32!
Ash clenched his fist with a grin. "Alright! Great job, Fletchinder!"
The battle had only just begun.
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