Ash, Iris, and Cilan finally arrive in Mistralton City. Upon arriving they head to the gym where they find out they need a reservation to challenge the Gym Leader. Ash makes a reservation just as Skyla, the Gym Leader, arrives via plane. When she exits she announces the Gym battles will take place with 15 challengers. Ash and Cilan are horrified to see Skyla's own method of battling called "Air Battles". Using her Air Battles method, Skyla mentally determines whether or not a trainer could defeat her or not. As a Gym Leader himself, Cilan decides to put an end to the Air Battles and challenges Skyla to a regular battle.