Morning came rather quickly in Aspertia City. Hugh was awake and helping Olivia in the kitchen while Holly was showering. Arashi was talking to Anna.

"So did you get to challenge Falkner yet?" Arashi asked curiously.

"Nope. I did some training in the tower first. Needed to beef up my team before the first match you know?" Anna beamed.

"Yeah, that is vital to winning. I hope it worked out well for you," Arashi laughed.

Anna smiled. "So, what's your big plan for the leader there? Any info on the guy?" Anna queried.

Arashi nodded. "Normal-types. Fairly easy but unpredictable. It's gonna be interesting," Arashi stated.

"I bet. Just keep your head clear and you'll be fine bro bro."

"Thanks sis."

"No problem. Anyway, I should get to bed. I'm going to take on Falkner tomorrow so I need sleep. Hopefully the training we did will be good enough," Anna said with a sleepy smile.

"I am sure you will be alright, now get some rest," Arashi responded.

"Will do. Night bro bro," she yawned, stretching a bit.

"Night sis."

The siblings gave each other a wave before winking out. Arashi put his X-Transceiver away and made his way to the kitchen where wonderful scents lingered all around.

"Good morning Arashi," Olivia said with a smile.

"Morning," Arashi replied, lingering in the doorway.

"How's your sister?" Hugh asked as he flipped a pancake.

"She's heading to bed now. She takes on Falkner tomorrow, so she needs all the sleep she can get," Arashi stated.

"Ah, Falkner. He's quite the leader from what I've heard. So. Are you three ready to take on Cheren?" Olivia queried.

Arashi nodded. "Yes, I think we're ready."

"Cheren's going to be a challenge. I heard he has a pretty strong team. It'll take some strategy to defeat him," Hugh said as he finished setting the table.

"Are we talking about Cheren?" Holly asked as she walked into the kitchen. She had a towel on her head and was dressed in a spaghetti-strap black top, blue jeans and white sneakers.

"Yep. You ready?"

"As ready as I can be, Hugh," she replied with a bright smile.

Holly sat down at the table and looked at the spread. Hashbrowns, pancakes, french toast and waffles as well as a platter full of eggs, country-fried steak and gravy graced the table with their presence and the kitchen with their tempting smells. Everything looked sensational.

"Are you drooling?" Arashi asked, waving a hand in front of Holly's face.

Snapping out of her stupor, she shook her head violently and wiped her mouth. "Sorry! It happens whenever there's really good food in the room."

Olivia stifled a laugh. "It's okay, Hugh does that whenever I make his favorite."

At that moment, Melody entered the room. Her hair was done up in a ponytail and she wore a plain black t-shirt with white shorts, black socks and white and black sneakers. A pink bow was seen in her hair as well.

"Morning sleepy-head," Olivia chimed.

"Morning everyone," Melody replied sleepily.

Melody sat down and relaxed. She began to chat with the trio about the upcoming match and asked to go and watch. Olivia had already planned on going along anyway since it was Hugh's first match. The matches were going to be televised. This meant that talent scouts could get a good look at who was out there and who would be the one to watch in the Unova League if they made it that far. Needless to say, everyone was a bit nervous. After everyone finished up their meal, they all headed to the gym.

====================

The Trainer's School was rather packed considering Cheren had been receiving quite a few challenges as of late. All of his students got to observe the gym battles and learn about what they would be doing once they ventured out into the world to earn their own badges. The trio of trainers stepped inside, followed by Olivia and Melody. As Arashi glanced about, his ears twitched upon hearing a familiar set of voices as well as one that was new to him.

"It's been nice seeing you again Bianca. I'm glad to hear that everything is going well," said a tall young man with glasses and jet black hair.

"Same to you Cheren! It's been so long. It seems like just yesterday we went on our very own journey does it not?" Bianca laughed.

"I remember when you two first arrived at my gym accompanied by Hilda. I remember you and her were quite the challenge, Cheren," came the voice of Elesa.

As the three exited the back of the school where the gym was located, Elesa's eyes caught sight of Arashi. A smile spread across her features as their eyes met. "Hey there Arashi. How've you been?"

"I've been well. My friends and I are here for the challenge," Arashi replied with a faint smile.

"Hear that Cheren? You have new challengers!" Bianca exclaimed.

"Indeed I do," Cheren replied, his eyes scanning the three before him. They all seemed like competent trainers as far as he could see.

Elesa walked over to Arashi and stood next to him, leaning in to whisper. "So, I've been listening to the rest of your tracks...and I may have sent word to a certain band that's really famous here in Unova that I know of a really good singer who just happened to have moved here recently."

Arashi blinked. "Really? It wouldn't happen to be Koffing And The Toxics would it?" Arashi inquired.

"The very same," Elesa began. "I found it appropriate since you are one heck of a vocalist. They're looking for fresh talent to add to their band since they are trying to get more tours. There's going to be a Battle of the Bands at some point this year and they're wanting to enter," Elesa informed.

Arashi thought for a moment and then nodded. "Sounds like fun. Holly here," he gestured to his friend, "mentioned something about Roxie, the band leader, wanting another member. I already decided to go for it based off what she said, but this just makes it even easier. Thanks for the tip," Arashi replied.

Elesa smiled. "No problem Arashi. I just couldn't help but put in a good word for you. Roxie seemed excited since all they've found so far were mediocre acts and try-hard individuals. They want something REAL. Anyway, good luck in your match. I'll be watching to see what you'll do," Elesa smirked.

Arashi scratched the back of his head nervously. He glanced over at Holly and Hugh who were talking with Cheren and Bianca. Hugh already knew Cheren, he had just never seen him in action since he was fairly new. Holly was talking with Bianca about recent events.

"Thanks. I'll definitely need it," Arashi replied to Elesa.

Elesa nodded. "You'll do fine. No need to worry," Elesa laughed.

"If you three are ready, we can start the matches. You can decide who goes first and we'll take it from there," Cheren announced, turning to enter the gym. "I look forward to battling you three," he called back. Elesa walked up beside Cheren and turned to look at Arashi, giving him a playful wink before entering the gym section with Cheren.

"She-likes-you!" Holly fake coughed. "Sorry, had something in my throat," Holly stated as she glanced over at Arashi innocently.

"I'm sure she does that to all her fans," Arashi replied.

"Okay, can't argue with you on that one. But she's not on stage now is she?" Holly countered.

Hugh simply shook his head and got between the two. "So, who's going first? Or do we have to play rock, paper scissors?"

Arashi chuckled softly before volunteering.

"Someone's eager," Holly teased.

Arashi rolled his eyes and began to walk towards the back of the school, Holly and Hugh following behind.

================================

Arashi stood in the trainer's box, his mind going back to the first time he witnessed an official gym battle. The clash of Elesa's team against Mitchel's was exciting to watch. Now it was he who was in the box against a more experienced individual than he was. Cheren analyzed Arashi's posture, taking in his expressions as he awaited the start of the match. He could tell that Arashi, though a beginner, was levelheaded, simply by the way he seemed so focused.

"This gym battle is between the Aspertia City Gym Leader; Cheren and the challenger; Arashi! This will be a three on three match-up. Only the challenger may switch out! Arashi will have the first move. Trainer's! Send out your first Pokemon!"

Cheren reached down to his belt and snapped off his first partner's ball.

"Patrat, you're up!" Cheren called out, releasing his friend from his chamber.

"Purrloin, let's go!" Arashi reached down to his belt and snatched Purrloin's ball, tossing it onto the field.

The lavender and cream colored feline immerged onto the battlefield and crouched into a battle stance. Her tail swayed to and fro as she analyzed her prey. Patrat's hypnotic eyes twitched a bit as Purrloin leered at him.

"Begin!"

"Purrloin, use Scratch!"

"Detect, Patrat!" Cheren countered.

Purrloin crouched low and then pounced with claws outstretched. Patrat's eyes gleamed with concentration as he easily parried the assault with a sweeping palm motion, causing Purrloin to land on all fours, missing her attack.

"Bite!" Cheren called out.

"Sand Attack!"

Patrat rushed in with his eyes closed as Purrloin kicked up sand in his face. A split second later, he was tripped by Purrloin's tail, causing him to stumble.

I should've expected that. Purrloin are known for being tricky. This one's quite fast too. She must've had a lot of experience before this. She's going to be tough. Cheren analyzed as he plotted his next move.

Patrat shook himself off after being doused with sand and dust.

"Patrat, Hypnosis!"

"Purrloin, turn towards me!" Arashi commanded.

Purrloin obeyed and faced Arashi. The hypnotic waves coming from Patrat's eyes were of no effect.

"Sand Attack!"

Purrloin kicked sand right into Patrat's eyes, causing him to shut them and hold his face.

"Fury Swipes!" Arashi commanded, capitalizing on the opportunity.

Purrloin lunged forward and made a solid connection with her claws, scratching multiple times at the vulnerable Scout Pokémon. Patrat tumbled to the ground unconscious.

"Patrat is unable to battle! Purrloin wins!"

Cheren returned Patrat and placed the ball back onto his belt.

"Nicely done Arashi. That was very well played. I wonder how you'll handle my next Pokémon," Cheren pondered as he reached for another ball.
================================

"Arashi's doing well for his first gym battle," Holly commented.

"Indeed he is. When I first met him, I asked if he was taking the challenge at my gym. At the time, he had no Pokémon. One of the reasons I asked was because of what I saw in his eyes," Elesa stated as she watched the match.

"Oh? And what did you see, hmmm?" Holly inquired, hinting that there was more to her question than met the eye.

"Determination and potential. I noticed how closely he watched my battle with a trainer. Of course he wasn't aware I'd noticed him by the door. But I could see his expressions out of the corner of my eye."

"I'll bet he was watching something else closely," Hugh said quietly.

"Pardon?" Questioned Elesa.

"Nothing," Hugh replied casually.

"Hmmm...at any rate, I am eager to see what else Arashi's team can do and how he handles the next Pokémon Cheren has. And if I know him, it's going to be a doozy," Elesa informed before turning back to the match.
================================

"Herdier, your turn!"

The canine surged onto the field with a,purpose. He stood proudly before his trainer, ready to tackle any challenge that was before him. He stared down Purrloin who playfully grinned back.

A Herdier? Just like the one at the Ranch. This will be my first time fighting one. It looks tough.

"Take Down, Herdier!"

"Purrloin, let's try Assist!" Arashi commanded.

Purrloin complied and began channeling the energy of her comrades. Her body lit up and then it began to duplicate rapidly. Herdier ran straight into the midst of the copies and skidded to a halt. He needed to concentrate on finding the real one. He closed his eyes and sniffed the air. Purrloin were notorious for not making even the slightest noise when moving. It got even better when they evolved. Finding her scent, Herdier turned and charged.

Purrloin's eyes went wide as she was slammed hard with a vicious body check, sending her tumbling backwards and skidding to a stop, out cold. Herdier winced slightly due to the aftermath of the attack.

"Purrloin is unable to battle. Herdier wins!" The ref declared.

Arashi sighed and returned Purrloin.

"I guess we didn't expect that, did we? It's fine though. Get some rest," Arashi stated as he placed Purrloin's ball onto his belt and reached for Petilil's.

"Okay. Petilil, battle's on!"

The Bulb Pokémon burst forth from her chambers in a brilliant flash. She blinked as she looked around and then turned to face Herdier.

"A Petilil? This ought to be interesting. Though I wonder how her defenses will hold out," Cheren wondered.

"Oh she'll hold just fine, you'll see," Arashi smirked.

"Let's find out then. Herdier, pin it with Bite!"

"Growth!" Petilil remained where she was and called upon her inner strength.

When she looked up, Herdier had already closed in. She moved to avoid his jaws but got caught in them on part of her body.

"Pet!" She cried, cringing and squirming in Herdier's grasp.

Arashi winced a bit at this. Not wanting Petilil to suffer much more, he acted quickly.

"Use Absorb!"

Petilil harkened to her trainer's call and released her attack, sapping a small amount of energy from Herdier. This, however, didn't do too much. Herdier still wouldn't let go and Petilil couldn't move.

"Come on Petilil, you can do it!" Arashi called out.

Petilil was in a state of relief and discomfort at the same time. She desperately wanted to get awag from the canine, but her Absorb wasn't doing much. Hearing her friend call to her made her realize that he believed in her. With that established, the glow from her Absorb intensified and then she used Mega Drain. Herdier let out a howl of pain, causing him to drop Petilil, disrupting the draining.

Petilil shook herself off and readied herself once more.

================================

"That, was Mega Drain!" Holly exclaimed.

"Talk about a lucky break," Hugh noted. "Petilil was almost done in by that last attack."

"I think it was more of a trust thing, rather than luck, Hugh," Elesa replied with a faint smile. "Petilil felt how Arashi believed she could pull through, and that's what pushed her to learn Mega Drain," Elesa deduced.
================================

That was a close one. I thought Herdier had that won, but Petilil surprised me. Looks like I underestimated her. At any rate, she's left Herdier in a tough spot, Cheren rationalized, mulling over how he would tackle the situation at hand.

"You okay, Petilil?" Arashi queried.

"Pet! Petilil!" She replied confidently.

Arashi smiled and faced Cheren. "Alright, Leech Seed, go!"

Petilil launched a glowing seed from her bulb towards Herdier. Vines lashed out at Herdier only to miss as the canine avoided them. He was breathing heavy but was otherwise fine.

"Herdier, use Tackle!"

Wait for it, Arashi thought as Herdier began to close the distance.

Wait for it...

Herdier got closer and lunged.

"Leech Seed again!"

Petilil aimed and fired a second Leech Seed, this time she hit her target, entangling Herdier in energy-sapping vines. The vines began to drain Herdier of his energy.

"Mega Drain!"

In a flash of verdant light, Herdier was out cold. The ref raised his hand.
"Herdier is unable to battle! Petilil wins!"

Petilil sighed in relief and turned to face her trainer with what he assumed was a joyful expression.

"Impressive work Arashi. Your Petilil was able to overcome Herdier thanks to you. But while I commend you on it, you still have one more challenge. Zangoose, time to fight!"
================================

"Cheren must be having fun," Elesa observed with a smile.

"What do you mean?" Holly questioned.

"Well, for one thing? I haven't seen him grinning like that since our gym battle a few years ago. He gave me one hell of a fight. I think the only one tougher than his fight was Hilda. Good grief that girl had a rough team," Elesa informed, turning her attention back to the battle.

"I'm guessing Cheren doesn't bring Zangoose out for kicks huh?" Hugh asked as he observed.

"Nope. He's serious here. Arashi will need to step it up with this one," Elesa stated.

"He's been doing well so far though," Melody pointed out.

"Can't argue with you on that one," Elesa smirked.
================================

Zangoose. Those are notoriously tough to beat. But I'm confident we can win, Arashi mused.

"Petilil, use Leech Seed!"

"Avoid it and use Crush Claw!"

Petilil fired a glowing seed from her bulb, however Zangoose wasn't going to stick around for the repercussions. He avoided it with ease and rushed Petilil. The little bulb soon found herself avoiding claw after claw.

"Zangoose, X-Scissor!"

Zangoose's claws began to glow light blue. He soon swung both sets of claws in X formation towards Petilil, slashing hard across her front and sending her skidding along the ground.

"Petilil is unable to battle! Zangoose wins!" The ref declared.

Arashi smiled faintly and bent down to scoop up his friend.

"Hey, you did great out there. Thank you for your hard work," Arashi said softly.

"Pet...lil..." She sulked.

"Hey, don't sweat it. You did great, and we're not out of this yet. Now just sit tight and rest a while. Your new friend will take it from here," Arashi smiled.

"Pet!" Petilil chirped happily, nuzzling into him before being returned.

"Looks like we're both down to our last one. Just so you know, I have no intention of losing," Arashi declared.

"I wouldn't want it any other way. It's been a while since I've had a match like this. Your Pokémon are tough," Cheren complimented.

"Well look sharp, because it's about to get tougher," Arashi replied, grabbing Yanma's ball and firing it onto the field.

"Yanma, battle's on!"

The dragonfly buzzed onto the field, wings fluttering rapidly as he hovered about.
================================

"He caught a Yanma?" Elesa asked in slight surprise.

"I know, I was kinda surprised too. They usually don't hang around this part of Unova. Arashi has some serious luck," Hugh chuckled.

"That's not all he has luck with," Holly said casually.

"What else is there?" Elesa inquired.

"Oh, nothing," Holly waved the question off.

Elesa shrugged and glanced back at the match. A smirk spread across her features as she watched Arashi. Of course Elesa wasn't dense. She had a hunch about what Hugh and Holly referred to.
================================

"Zangoose, close in with Quick Attack and then use Crush Claw!"

"Yanma, use Double Team then Sonic Boom!"

Zangoose blurred forward at blazing speeds, blue-white aura crackling on his claws as he aimed to strike. Closing in, he lashed out at Yanma only to miss as the dragonfly rapidly duplicated himself. All the duplicate images flapped their wings swiftly, firing off sound-waves that slammed hard into Zangoose who crossed his arms to avoid too much damage. 

"Zangoose, close in again, Quick Attack!" 

Zangoose exploded off the ground towards Yanma, claws outstretched as he closed the distance. His claws raked across Yanma's right flank, sending the dragonfly sprawling downward. Yanma managed to regain his barrings and zip away before Zangoose closed in again, just missing his Crush Claw. Yanma's body began to glow a crimson hue and it appeared as though his wings were buzzing at a faster rate. 

"Yanma, why don't we turn it up a little? Quick Attack repeatedly!" 

Yanma reared back and rocketed forward at breakneck speeds. Zangoose, no fool, began to dodge the strikes of the nearly four foot dragonfly. 

"Zangoose, Detect!" Cheren countered.

A gleam appeared in Zangoose's eye, readying him for another strike as Yanma circled around and flanked him. As he parried Yanma, the dragonfly's speed ranked up once again, causing it to appear as a blur as it zipped around the field. 

"Quick Attack into Sonic Boom!" 

Yanma exploded forward at a very high velocity, his wings vibrating at intense speeds. Waves of sound erupted from his wings as he flew over Zangoose, the waves raining down upon Zangoose like bombs. Zangoose evaded a few but ended up taking the rest in succession. Zangoose struggled to push himself up only to be hit with a another Sonic Boom, launching him backward and knocking him out. 

"Zangoose is unable to battle! Yanma wins, which means the victory goes to Arashi of Nimbasa City!" The ref announced. 

"Alright Arashi!" Holly cheered, pumping her fist in the air to show her excitement. 

Elesa smiled at Arashi's victory. She stood up and applauded while walking down with his friends to greet him. Arashi glanced back at the others, giving them a victory sign after the match was over.

"Well done Arashi. Looks like you'll be quite the challenge once you reach my gym. I may have to step it up a notch when you face me," Elesa stated as she stopped in front of him. 

"I've no doubt that will be the case. This was a tough match, that's for sure," Arashi replied. 

"Indeed it was Arashi. I haven't had to use Zangoose in quite a while. He's usually reserved for the tougher trainers but you, well...you were an exception. You've got quite a team there, which makes you deserving of this," Cheren stated as he pulled out the Basic Badge and handed it over to Arashi. 

Arashi took the badge with gratitude and placed it in the badge case he had been given before his journey started. "Thanks!" Arashi exclaimed. 

"No problem, you deserve it. That battle really made me work. I can see I might be expecting that kind of performance from the other two huh?" Cheren wondered aloud. 

Hugh and Holly chuckled and nodded. "Yep, we're going to do our best!" Holly chirped happily. 

"I hope so. Now, if you'll all excuse me, I need to head to the center to heal up. I'll be back for whoever's next," Cheren stated. And with that, he exited the gym to heal his team. 

As Cheren left, Elesa's X-Transceiver began to go off. She picked it up and glanced at the screen. It was one of her models. A sigh escaped her lips. 

"Looks like I've gotta split. I have a challenge to attend. Well, it was nice seeing you again Arashi. Keep in touch now, I didn't give you my number just so you can say you have it you know," Elesa said with a wink, turning to exit the gym. "I'll see the rest of you around as well," Elesa said with a smile as she walked out. 

Holly and Hugh both turned and looked at Arashi. 

"What...what?"