"Summer, could I trouble you to bring some fresh berries? I have some guests I need to entertain properly," the voice on the phone sounded quite cheerful.
Summer didn't refuse Grandpa's request, though he had a feeling there might be another purpose behind it.
After spending some time packing the berries, Summer, along with masked Ogerpon, headed to Spikemuth. Hearing Grandpa Gideon's happy tone, Summer wondered if it was his son or granddaughter visiting him.
In Spikemuth, Gideon's restaurant was closed for the day. Summer knocked gently on the door. After about thirty seconds, the door slowly opened from the inside.
"Thank you, Summer. Come in and have a seat, you too, Ogerpon," Gideon looked vigorous and rosy-cheeked.
"Then I won't be polite."
"Boni~" Ogerpon wobbled behind Summer, hoping for some pudding.
"Ha ha ha! Your grandson flunked again? Why not have him come back and take over the gym early?"
A chubby old man laughed heartily, patting the shoulder of a tall, strong old man who frowned, clearly troubled by this matter.
"How about calling him back to assist you with teaching? After honing his skills as a teacher, he should understand the hardships of being an instructor," suggested an elderly man with a cane.
"He's not cut out for this. None of these kids seem to have inherited any of their elders' strengths," Gideon added to the conversation.
"Even though he didn't inherit Warren's calm demeanor, he's still very strong in battles, isn't he? Ha ha ha!" laughed the old man in yellow electrician's overalls, wearing a casual shirt with lightning patterns.
"Tch, Old Man Wattson, are you implying something?" Gideon responded.
"Gideon, at our age, we should be cultivating our temperament," sighed the elderly man with the cane.
Gideon immediately retorted, "I call it staying true to myself."
The lively argument among the four elders left Summer stunned. The other elders besides Gideon were all current gym leaders, top trainers in their regions.
The laughing old man in bright yellow was Wattson, the Electric-type Gym Leader from Hoenn. Beneath his cheerful exterior lay a wealth of knowledge, and he had led the modernization of Mauville City.
The serious old man was Drayden, a Dragon-type Gym Leader from Unova. His pure white shirt and grey pants gave him a dignified air, and his dragon-jaw-like beard and strong muscles upheld the majesty of a Dragon-type trainer.
Drayden was known for his equality towards people and his exceptional upbringing, qualities that earned him the position of the Gym Leader of Opelucid City and principal of Opelucid Academy, dedicated to training powerful trainers.
The last elder was Pryce, an Ice-type Pokémon specialist and the Gym Leader of Mahogany Town in Johto. Dressed in a dark blue coat with a white scarf draped over his shoulders, his eyes were as cold and steely as ice itself, fitting for an Ice-type trainer.
In an alternate timeline, Pryce would be at the pinnacle of trainers.
"Ha ha ha! So this is the kid who helped you out of your slump, Summer?" Wattson laughed heartily.
"Ha, I've always been full of spirit!" Gideon coughed and then looked at Summer. "Don't mind this strange old man."
"What strange old man? Aren't we bosom friends? Ha ha ha!" Wattson didn't mind at all.
"Alright, Summer, as you can see, these old guys are my friends from my travels. Unlike retired me, they are all current gym leaders."
Gideon then introduced their specialties, regions, and cities.
Summer nodded silently, already aware of this information.
The three elders scrutinized Summer before focusing on Ogerpon. Their experienced eyes quickly recognized it as a Pokémon with immense potential.
If they were kind grandfathers, it would be fine, but under the intense gazes of these intimidating elders, Ogerpon immediately shrank behind Summer.
"Boni oh~"
"Hey, ease up, you guys. You're scaring it," Gideon scolded.
"Ha ha, we got carried away," Wattson scratched his head awkwardly.
"Apologies, our behavior was indeed rude," Drayden said, showing a hint of regret.
"Hmm, it seems I've reverted to my younger self for a moment. Still need more practice," Pryce closed his eyes and sighed.
The three elders showed apologetic expressions. Gideon headed to the kitchen, "I'll get some pudding. You all chat first."
"Boni oh!"
Pudding! Ogerpon's fear vanished instantly. It hopped onto a chair, waiting eagerly for the treat.
"Summer," Wattson said, like a friendly old neighbor, "Do you know what weather Electric-type trainers like best?"
"Rainy days?"
"Ha ha ha, correct! Thunderstorms and lightning guarantee full accuracy!" Wattson nodded, satisfied.
"Summer, which two types do you think counter Ice the most?" Pryce asked, opening one eye.
"Fire and Steel, I suppose?"
"Yes, that's right. Not just Ice, I also master Ground and Water moves to counter them. Battles are full of strategy, you know," Pryce said, opening his other eye.
Before Drayden could speak, Gideon emerged from the kitchen, "Really? I thought you'd ask something more advanced!"
He placed two plates of pudding on the table. Ogerpon happily took off its mask and started eating with a joyful spoon.
"Hey, its true face is surprisingly cute," Wattson said, stroking his beard.
"Why don't you just battle Summer directly instead of all this dilly-dallying?" Gideon was dissatisfied with their performance.
The three elders were silent for a moment before Drayden stood up and said, "Alright, let me do it. Of course, I'll use my newest Pokémon."
"Summer, what do you say?" Gideon asked.
"I'm fine with it," Summer nodded. The experienced gym leaders before him had much to teach, and battles were a perfect fit for his plan to grow stronger.
"Ha ha, what a fine young man!" Wattson laughed as always.
Pryce also agreed, "Yes, facing Drayden's challenge head-on, few trainers can do that."
"You might as well use Haxorus right away. This isn't a gym challenge, and losing would be embarrassing," Gideon said nonchalantly.
"But there's one problem."
"What problem?" Gideon asked urgently.
"Wait until Ogerpon finishes its pudding. It's the only Pokémon I have with me," Summer said, pushing his pudding plate to Ogerpon affectionately.
Ogerpon happily accepted the plate, unaware of the impending battle with the imposing elder.
In front of the former Spikemuth Gym, Drayden sent out his Pokémon—a fierce Salamence. Though it seemed a bit unfair, it was the weakest Pokémon Drayden had with him.
Summer's expression remained calm. He said lightly, "Ogerpon, change masks. This time, we'll use the Cornerstone Mask."
(End of the Chapter)