"Hello! Is anyone here?"
At the entrance to the orange Petalburg Gym building stood a metal pedestal with eight differently shaped recesses. After a quick look, Yong placed his four Badges into the matching recesses. Sure enough, the gym doors opened immediately.
He walked straight inside. The lobby was empty, and beneath its dim lights, he could make out only two closed doors. The door on the left was labeled "Speed," while the one on the right read "Power."
"Is this... a choice between speed and power?"
Yong looked at the two doors and nodded silently. It was straightforward enough.
After a moment's thought, Yong looked at Marshtomp beside him and smiled.
"What do you think? You make the choice, Marshtomp!"
"Maru?"
Marshtomp looked up at Yong and tilted his head in confusion.
"Speed or power. As a Pokémon, you understand the nature of energy better than I do, so follow your heart!"
"Maru..."
Marshtomp nodded. He was no longer that mischievous Mudkip. Having grown through countless battles, no matter how his personality changed, one thing buried deep in his heart had always remained the same: his desire for power!
"Maru!"
Watching Marshtomp walk toward the door marked "Power," Yong gave a knowing smile.
Sure enough, you're determined to become stronger.
He pushed open the door on the right, and dazzling lights immediately came on!
"Oh? A challenger at last? And such a young boy, too! Impressive!"
A pleasant female voice came from across the room.
Once his eyes adjusted to the light, Yong took a closer look. A huge battlefield occupied the spacious room. Directly opposite him stood a young woman with long green hair and a standard-issue red long coat, smiling at them.
"Hello! I'm Yong! I'm here to challenge the gym!"
"My name is Saori! I'm an