Petalburg City really didn't have much to do.
Xia Chi spent an entire morning and most of the afternoon confirming that.
Still, perhaps because they rarely got the chance to stroll around and shop with him, Floragato and the others seemed very happy.
At around three in the afternoon, Xia Chi received a message from Norman.
[I'm ready. Come battle!]
Even his wording carried the concise authority unique to the strong.
Having looked forward to this battle all along, Xia Chi hadn't gone far. As soon as Norman's message arrived, he hurried back.
When he returned to the Petalburg Gym, the [Closed] sign had been removed, and the locked doors had finally swung open.
A considerable number of Petalburg residents were streaming into the newly opened Gym.
Inside the lobby, Minai was still handling reception.
"Mr. Xia Chi!"
The little fan's clear, ringing voice instantly drew plenty of attention.
After all, Xia Chi had been in the spotlight these past six months, and most people who visited the Petalburg Gym followed Pokémon news to some degree.
It was only natural that their ears pricked up at the famous name "Xia Chi."
Then...
"It really is Xia Chi!"
"Is he here to challenge Leader Norman?"
"Wow, we picked the perfect day to come!"
Watching the Petalburg residents gather around him, Xia Chi desperately wished he had Victini's ability to turn invisible.
At the crucial moment, Minai stepped in.
"Everyone!"
The little girl, barely taller than Ogerpon, had a voice to rival an Exploud's.
Oh, no, that wasn't it. There really was a speaker-like device beside her mouth.
What a professional!
"Mr. Xia Chi is indeed here for a Gym Challenge today, and the match will be open to everyone! Please enter in an orderly fashion, and don't disturb our challenger!"
With