His next gym challenge was around the corner. His eighth one. Much as he wanted Gwyar Wledig, it was another battle. Sure, it was against a type that he also specialized in, but he kind of felt like...well, he didn't know. They would be using the same type...well, Ace didn't have to, necessarily, he was also a ghost type specialist. But he would feel obligated to rise to the challenge, to prove that he was the better steel type user. Maybe part of why he decided on DESIREE BLOOMS's gym was the change of pace. Especially after the Petalburg battle. His parents had a coniption when he left the clinic in Oldale town. The blond had a new scar to boot. That toxic Pokemon will get its due in time. And only the gods can stop him from taking that thing down!

But this set of training was for an obstacle course, together with his Togedemaru. Aaron wasn't the most physically fit people in the world. Sure, he wasn't fat, far from it, but it wasn't like he did push ups or jog for miles either. Both him and his lightning hedgehog had been training for it for about four days now. Shirt soaked with sweat, the teenager was downing a bottle of water as Togedemaru was doing much the same. Crackling was starting to be heard. But not a cloud in the sky...it was so strange to hear it. Some nearby Electric type? It was getting closer. Both Aaron and Toge got up, ready for a fight, but also ready to just wave and continue to mind their own business...




Josh Devlin