"All right, let's leave it there for now," Xia You said with a smile. "You look worn out from traveling. You should hurry up and register, then head back to the dorms to wash up."
At his reminder, Ash remembered that this was the last day of registration. Without any further delay, he hurried into the Pokémon Center with Pikachu.
Xia You, Erika, Misty, and Brock stood there catching up. They had only chatted for a short while when Ash came rushing back.
"All done!" Ash gave them a thumbs-up, beaming.
"Let's go." Xia You nodded. "I'll take you to the dorms first, then treat you to a feast, as usual!"
"Yay!" Ash and Misty cheered in unison.
But just as they were about to leave, they ran into another familiar face.
"Ash, Xia You! I never expected to run into you here. It's been ages!"
They looked toward the voice and saw that the newcomer was none other than Gary!
Xia You still remembered running into Gary passing through not long after he first arrived in Johto. After learning then that Gary also intended to compete in the Silver Conference, he had heard nothing more about him. He had never expected to meet him here today.
Still...
Who knew what kind of journey this guy had been through? He looked more composed than before. Not only was his sports car gone, but even the cheerleaders who never left his side had vanished. He was alone, carrying nothing but a small bag.
At the sight of his rival and opponent, who also hailed from Pallet Town, Ash became wildly excited!
"Gary!" Ash pointed at him in delighted surprise. "So that's it! You're entering the Silver Conference too!"
"Honestly..." Gary sighed helplessly. "You really are careless. Did you forget? Didn't we