Pokemon : Rewind

The Mikan Gym wasn't located in the town itself but was situated northeast of it, near the island's edge. 

An open road connected the town to the gym, providing easy access for travellers.

The Gym Leader of Mikan Gym was famously known as the "Beauty of the Southern Cross" and the "Western Star." 

While her photos suggested she was in her twenties, she was actually only seventeen years old.

The Badges awarded by the Orange League gyms were also unique. For instance, the Mikan Gym Badge was crafted from the shells of the Mikan Sakura Clam, with a small gem embedded at its centre. 

It was an exquisite and delicate design that stood out among the Badges of other regions.

Ash and his group walked along the road toward the Mikan Gym. On their way, they encountered several Trainers, either heading to the gym for a challenge or returning to town.

"This place is pretty popular," Tracey remarked. The number of Trainers they passed along the way was no less than twenty. For a place like the Orange League, this level of activity indicated high popularity.

When they finally arrived at the gym, they noticed even more people gathered outside—nearly thirty in total.

Upon closer inspection, they realized the reason for the crowd. Outside the gym were two standard-sized battle arenas where Trainers engaged in sparring matches. 

Many Trainers came not just to challenge the gym but also to practise with other Trainers.

Crossing the path between the two battlefields, Ash and his friends reached the gym's entrance. 

The building wasn't particularly large, but its internal structure was comparable to the League gyms in the Kanto Region.

Inside, the gym featured a waiting hall with staff available to assist visitors. Ash glanced at the rest area and noticed only four Trainers seated there, awaiting their turns to challenge the Gym Leader.

"Hello, are you here for a challenge or to visit the Mikan Gym?" a staff member at the registration desk asked with a polite smile.

"I'm here to challenge, and they're here to visit," Ash replied, handing over his Pokédex for registration.

"Understood. Please wait a moment." The staff member took Ash's Pokédex and inserted it into a device to register him. 

When Ash's information appeared on the computer screen, the staff member's eyes widened in disbelief.

After rubbing his eyes to ensure he wasn't mistaken, the staff quickly composed himself. Maintaining professionalism, he expedited the registration process and handed Ash's Pokédex back with newfound respect.

"Mr. Ash, there are four challengers ahead of you. You will be notified by broadcast when it's your turn," the staff member informed him with a respectful tone.

The reason for this respect was simple—Ash was a remarkable Trainer.

As the winner of the 51st Indigo Plateau Conference, Ash's Trainer level had been upgraded from Poké Ball Level to Great Ball Level. While many Trainers achieved this level, few possessed Ash's renown and skill.

Furthermore, Ash's dominance at the Indigo Plateau and his innovations, such as creating the secret techniques Aerial Ace and the Unnamed Triple Thrust, had made him a global sensation. 

His achievements were celebrated not just in Kanto but also in neighbouring regions like the Orange Islands.

Ash thanked the staff member and joined Misty and Tracey in the waiting area to rest.

"As expected of you, Ash," Tracey remarked, impressed. The staff's reaction served as another reminder of the high regard Trainers commanded in this world. 

As an observer, Tracey understood how challenging it was to gain such recognition in a field that wasn't mainstream.

—--

After nearly half an hour, the Trainers ahead of Ash took their turns in the battle hall, with mixed results—some won, while others lost. 

Finally, after the last challenger finished, the announcement Ash had been waiting for echoed through the hall.

"Attention: Challenger Ash, please proceed to the battle hall. I repeat, Challenger Ash, please proceed to the battle hall."

"It's time!" Ash said as he stood up. Misty and Tracey followed, walking with him toward the battle hall.

The Trainers in the hall turned to look, surprised at the announcement. Recognizing Ash, their surprise quickly turned into excitement.

"Ash?! Is it the Indigo Conference Champion Ash?"

"He's here at the Orange League? Is he challenging the Southern Cross?"

A buzz of conversation filled the hall as the revelation spread. Many Trainers rushed to the battle hall's spectator stands, eager to witness a match involving the Indigo Plateau Conference's most dominant Champion.

Even the Trainers outside, who had been engaged in sparring matches, paused to confirm the news. 

Once it was verified, they abandoned their battles to head for the gym, not wanting to miss the rare opportunity to watch Ash in action.

—---

Inside the battle hall, Ash and his companions were greeted by the sight of a water-based battlefield. 

A massive pool, 100 meters long and 50 meters wide, dominated the arena. The battlefield had no platforms for footing, emphasizing the aquatic nature of the challenge.

On one side of the battlefield stood a row of tables lined with iron cans, adding a curious twist to the setup. This reflected the Orange League's unique approach to gym challenges.

Unlike the Kanto and other regional leagues, the Orange League focused less on traditional battles and more on contests tailored to the Gym Leader's specialties. 

Challenges could involve power, accuracy, or speed. Of course, battles weren't entirely ruled out either.

"Champion of the Indigo Plateau Conference, Ash..." a voice mused from the other side of the arena.

The voice belonged to a young woman dressed in a black halter top and an orange skirt. Her sharp eyes scanned Ash as he entered the room, her expression a mix of curiosity and admiration.

This was Cissy, the Western Star of the Southern Cross and Gym Leader of Mikan Gym.

Her gaze shifted to Pikachu on Ash's shoulder. After witnessing Pikachu's role in the Indigo Plateau finals, no one dared to dismiss it as a mere mascot. Instead, Pikachu was widely regarded as one of Ash's most formidable partners.

"Let's see what you've got, Champion," Cissy said, her tone confident yet intrigued, as she prepared for the challenge ahead.

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