Chapter 25

Arriving at Stow-on-Side, they can see the place having a lot of houses and also stores. Hop is at the battlefield as they greet him.

"Hey, Hop. What are you doing here?" Gloria asks.

"Guys." Hop says. "I'm still not too sure what I should do about all that stuff I told you before...About me being weak and dragging down Lee's good name and all, yeah?"

He shows his courage and says, "But the only thing I can do is get stronger, right? So I'm gonna try out all of different things against you and see what works!"

Marnie says, "How about we have a battle, maybe I can help you with it."

"Thank you. Marnie, then let's do this! I bet an all-out battle with my true rival will help me get my head on straight."

Then the battle starts as Hop sends out Cramorant, a Pokemon they have never seen before. "All I'm after is victory, and I'm counting on you to help me grab it."

As Marnie sends out Liepard as her first Pokemon, it uses Sucker Punch first to deal some damage. But Cramorant uses Surf, causing the Pokemon to get wet, and then they see an Arrokuda in the mouth.

"Arrokuda? Is he eating it right now?" Alice asks as the others aren't sure.

But when Liepard uses Night Slash, Cramorant falls down fainted, but the Arrokuda is blasted on the Liepard, causing it to faint as well. The second Pokemon is Silicobra, and Marnie uses Scrafty next. Scrafty uses High Jump Kick on the Pokemon, but it misses as the Pokemon digs underground. But Scrafty uses the pants to block the attack, and then it lands a Dark Pulse on it. In the end, it manages to defeat Silicobra with the Focus Blast. Toxel is the next one and it defeats Scrafty with a Nuzzle.

Toxicroak is next as it uses Brick Break, but Toxel uses Tearful Look, causing Toxicroak not to know what to do, and then it lands a Flail, dealing a lot of damage. But in the end, Toxicroak defeats the Pokemon with a Sucker Punch.

"I don't know what I can do to try to win now...but all I can do is try! There's nothing else for it!" Hop sends out Thwackey as his final Pokemon. And the Pokemon uses Round to defeat it.

Marnie's last Pokemon is Morpeko, with the Aura Wheel, it manages to deal a lot of damage. But in the end, the Razor Leaf and Thunderbolt causes a giant explosion and both Pokemon are fainted.

"A draw..." Marnie mutters.

Hop says, "My strategy goes right to pot when I've got all these bad thoughts running through my head..."

Ash asks, "So are you two okay?"

Marnie asks, "I am not sure about him, though I kinda expected it..."

"I tried switching my team members in and out to max out their potential in every matchup, but...we just couldn't get it together somehow...Maybe that's why I'm still so weak..."

"Are you still saying that?" Gloria asks in shock.

"But Lee is the greatest trainer. And I don't want people to be laughing at him all because his little brother is rubbish!"

Ash is starting to get angry and he asks, "Can you stop saying yourself like that?"

This is the first time that Gloria, Marnie and Hop see Ash so mad, Ash says, "What are you doing? You were dreamed of being the new champion and now you are saying that you are rubbish? Where was the Hop that once has the enthusiasm?"

"I-"

"Just because you lost to Bede and what he said, you shouldn't let that affect you." Ash says. "If you think that it is not enough, then try harder and harder, you can't give up until it is over."

Hop flinches a little at Ash's outburst, but then he nods and smiles a little. "You're right. I'm off, mate! Off to find the kind of Pokemon that I can really draw the strength out of!"

Once Hop leaves the group, Serena says, "Wow, Ash...you really are...something..."

Ash sighs, "Sorry to let you see it, I was just furious about his behavior..."

"That child..." They turn around and see Opal and Delia standing there. Ash says, "Woah, Mother, Grandaunt, where did you come from?"

Delia says, "We were just watching the battle. Sorry to freak you out."

Opal says, "Gym Challengers should battle for the sake of their own Pokemon. Why worry about saving the Champion's name? We all know he's unbeatable."

"That is true." Lillie says. "Just like me, I won't worry about Gladion when I know how strong he is as well."

Opal says, "By the way, here are something that will help you out." She gives them two kinds of League Cards, much to their surprise. One is about the Ghost Type Gym Leader Allister, and the other one is for the Fighting Type Gym Leader Bea.

"Allister and Bea? Where did you get them?" Gloria asks.

Delia says, "Well, I suppose that you heard from Nora that these two are also your siblings, right? Ash?"

Ash nods and then Delia continues, "Allister was a boy I found back in the Sinnoh Region. He was being bullied at school, so he always wear his mask so that nobody will hurt him. And after I heard about it, I decide to adopt him and bring him to the Galar Region. As for Bea, I found her in Hoenn, and she is so focused on the training on her own with her Pokemon. But the problem is, she doesn't know how to smile, it is also the reason I adopted her."

"I see..." Ash says. "Not only Nora, even Allister has been bullied as well..."

"So will you watch the match with us?" Dawn asks.

"Sure. It has been a while since Delia brings them to me and I train them." Opal says. "I might as well watch it."

Once they get inside the gym, they see the staff and Gloria is the first one to battle. "Eep! A Gym Challenger...Are you here to challenge the Gym?"

"Yes." Gloria says.

"OK...In that case...please change into this uniform. Yes, the changing room is, uh, right over there." The staff sounds a little like ghost and it scares them a little.

Once Gloria is dressed, she wears a purple and black outfit with the tights and purple shoes. "This seems normal to me." She says.

"Number 890...do you best..." The staff says once she is done dressing.

Once she goes to the mission field, she sees a giant pinball machine with spooky arms on it. Gloria says, "Now that is what I called terrifying..."

Dan says, "Allow me to explain the Gym mission for Stow-on-Side's Gym! To complete the mission, you'll need to ride in one of these cups and make your way to the goal while trying to avoid obstacles. Let me tell you a bit more about how to operate this fun attraction."

As Gloria sits inside the cup, he says, "Rotate the cup and it will change the direction, and if you hit the wall, just rotate it as quick as you can to get yourself out of that sticky situation. Now have a good time watching the world spin as you try to reach the goal."

As Dan leaves, Gloria says, "This is going to be fun..."

As she starts playing the game, Dawn says, "I am sure that I don't like this type of challenge..."

"That is so much like Allister's style." Delia says with a little giggle. "He really likes to play games."

"And these claw like hands are pushing the cup, so it is a good thing that it helps not hinders." Marnie says.

Once Gloria arrives at the end, she is feeling a little dizzy as she is lying on the cup's edge. Then Dan comes and says, "Goal! Gym mission cleared!"

Lillie says, "Is she okay? She seems to be a little dizzy..."

"The constant spinning may be the cause." Ash says.

Once Gloria is feeling better and walks towards the battlefield, Alister is already there and he says, "'M Allister. H-here...I go..."

"Not much of a talker?" Gloria is confused as he already walks back and takes out his Pokeball. "Okay."

Alister sends out Yamask as his first Pokemon. "Yamask, huh? Then I choose you, Dracovish."

As the fossil Pokemon appears, Allister says, "Use Brutal Swing..."

Yamask slashes with the Brutal Swing, but Dracovish uses Fishious Rend, hurting a little at Yamask, but Ash can feel that Allister is smirking through the audience row.

"Use Hydro Pump, finish it off!" Gloria yells, but much to her shock, the move not only doesn't affect on Yamask, but the move also heals it.

"What's going on?" Serena asks.

"That, my child, is the ability of Yamask." Opal says. "Wandering Spirit can switch the abilities of two Pokemon once the user is hit by a contact move."

"So that the ability of Dracovish is Water Absorb...I see...Yamask has the Water Absorb." Ash says.

Gloria says, "This is bad...use Dragon Pulse!"

"Dodge...Hex..." The fossil Pokemon is hit as it winces in pain. Gloria says, "This is no good..."

"Curse." Allister says as the Pokemon damages itself for the constant damage. "My chance for now, use Ancient Power!"

The move lands the hit on Yamask, as it faints in the end, but the curse also affect the Dracovish as it also faints as well.

"Return...Duskull..." The second Pokemon is out as this time it is a skull Pokemon. Gloria sends out Liepard this time, hoping for the type advantage. Duskull uses Confuse Ray, making Liepard confused. Gloria asks Liepard to use Night Slash, but it hits itself hard as Gloria is groaning.

Duskull uses Mean Look, preventing Gloria to switch Pokemon, and then it uses Will-O-Wisp to make it burn. But in the end, Liepard is back to senses after hitting itself for three times, and then it defeats Duskull with the combo of Hone Claws and Night Slash.

"Cursola..." As Allister sends out the third Pokemon, Dawns says, "It looks like Corsola, does that mean Corsola has a Galarian Form as well?"

"Yeah." Marnie says. "It is pure Ghost Type."

But as Liepard uses Snarl at the Pokemon, it uses Strength Sap to recover it. "Pin Missile..." The move keeps hurting Liepard and it is finally down.

"Return." Gloria recalls her Liepard, she sends out Litwick next. Litwick uses Will-O-Wisp at the Pokemon, and then it tries to finish it off with the Shadow Ball, but Allister says a word that shocks her. "Destiny Bond..."

"Oh no, Litwick! Stop the attack!" Gloria yells, but it is too late, as Cursola is hit and both Pokemon fall down.

Gloria sighs, "Now we have one Pokemon left."

Allister nods and he says, "Polteageist." As the teapot Pokemon appears, Lillie says, "It looks like the teapot that I was using back at my house..."

"Yeah, so it is now a Ghost Type Pokemon..." Ash says.

Gloria sends out Appletun as her final Pokemon. Allister says, "Polteageist...Dynamax...pour a cup of tea of darkness."

Then he recalls the Pokemon and it becomes bigger, then a bigger version of Polteageist appears. Gloria says, "We'll do the same."

As Appletun's Gigantamax Form appears, Ash says, "Hey, it is the same as Flapple's..."

"Well, they are the same." Rotom replies.

"Max Phantasm!" The move shoots out a lot of ghosts and it hits Appletun. Gloria says, "Don't let it scare you, Max Wyrmwind!" Then it shows the dragons as it hits Polteageist as well.

After a series of attack, Allister's Polteageist is back to normal. Gloria sees it as a chance and says, "Use G-Max Sweetness! Finish it off!"

As the attack hits, Polteageist is down and fainted. Allister sees it and says, "I nearly lost my mask from the shock...That was...wow. I can see your skill for what it is."

He recalls his Pokemon and walks towards her. "Crumbs...That was ace...Here...A Ghost Badge..."

Gloria gets the badge and thanks him, and then he says, "Good luck...with everything..."

"Thanks." Gloria says as she returns to everyone.

Marnie has no problem sweeping through his team considering that she uses Dark Types. So it is now Ash's turn. Once he arrives at the field, he sees Allister standing in front of them.

Allister says, "Brother...we finally met..."

"The same here, Allister, I want you to show me all you've got in this duel, just because I am your brother doesn't mean you have to hold back."

Allister nods as he sends out Pumpkaboo. Ash sends out Centiskorch. Centiskorch uses Flamethrower, but the pumpkin Pokemon dodges and then it uses Trick-or-Treat, changing it into Ghost Type. Then it fires Dark Pulse to give much damage.

"Centiskorch, hold on and use Fire Lash!"

"Dodge and use Leech Seed." Allister says as the Pokemon fire seeds, only to be destroyed by fire and the move hits Pumpkaboo, causing it to faint. Allister says, "Mimikyu..."

As the Pokemon appears, Ash says, "So Mimikyu is also here in Galar as well..." Then Mimikyu uses Play Rough with the Shadow Claw to defeat Centiskorch, so Ash sends out Pikachu next. But when Mimikyu sees Pikachu, it starts to attack without Allister's commands.

"Oh boy..." Opal sighs. "Not again."

"What happened? Aunt?" Delia asks.

"Allister's Mimikyu is not fond of Pikachu, and it may be a disaster for him..." Opal says as everyone gasps.

Allister is panicking as he says, "Mimikyu, you have to calm down! Please!"

But Mimikyu doesn't listen as he keeps attacking Pikachu, who is dodging the moves. In the end, Pikachu decides to finish Mimikyu with an Iron Tail.

Ash says, "Allister, does your Mimikyu hate Pikachu?"

Allister nods, he says, "Mimikyu...he never listens to me when the opponent is a Pikachu..."

Ash sighs, "I see. Mimikyu is really determined, huh?"

Allister nods as he takes out the third Pokeball. "Litwick..."

As the Pokemon appears, Litwick uses Will-O-Wisp to make Pikachu burn, and with the tiredness from Mimikyu, Pikachu is defeated by Inferno. Ash sends out Yamask next, and then it uses Earthquke to deal some damage. Litwick uses Shadow Ball, and it hits the Yamask. In the end, Yamask uses Hex, but the Destiny Bond also takes it out.

Allister says, "This excitement..."

Ash smiles and says, "You feel the excitement, right? Allister? You don't need to stay in the past, you are now a Gym Leader and everyone loves you here."

Allister is confused as Ash says, "Mother told me, how you were been bullied in the past, therefore you seldom took off your masks. But I know that everyone here wants to see the real you, the real Allister."

"Brother..." Allister gasps, and then he suddenly raises his hand, and then he takes off the mask, causing everyone to gasp. Allister looks young, but his black eyes are glistering with smile.

"You are right. I should be the real self." Allister says. "Now I'll need you to come at me, brother." This causes cheer to everyone. Ash smiles and says, "That's like it."

Delia is surprised, "What do you know, Ash did it again..."

Opal nods and says, "I can tell why this child is special."

"My very last Pokemon...how lonely...how frightening..." Allister says with a serious tone, "But now my identity is revealed, let's go. Gengar!"

As the Pokemon appears, Ash says, "Now we are talking. You too, Gengar!"

As the two Pokemon are on the field, the crowd are cheering for them. Allister and Ash say together, "Gengar, Gigantamax! Swallow everyone in darkness!"

As the two trainers recall their Pokeball and it becomes bigger, and then the Gengar shows itself from the shadows with the big mouth.

"Amazing...Gigantamax Gengar Battle!" Lillie says.

"And it really looks terrifying..." Alice says.

"Use G-Max Terror!" Both trainers yell as they attack with ghosts that appears in the air, causing some of the crowd to get terrified. But they also get damage.

"Max Darkness." Allister says as the Pokemon split out darkness to Ash's. "Block it with Max Mindstorm!"

Both attacks are colliding each other and then they are reflected. Ash says, "Max Darkness!" "Max Mindstorm as well!" Allister yells.

As the attacks are reflected again, Dawn says, "This battle is really amazing."

"Yeah." Serena says.

In the end, Ash uses G-Max Terror again, and this time Allister is a little slow and Gengar is defeated. And the crowd goes really wild.

"I lost, but I had a lot of fun." Allister says. He walks towards Ash and says, "Brother, you really are amazing like what the others say."

"You are also amazing as well. To be able to corner me like that." Ash says.

"Here is your Ghost Badge." Allister says as he gives him the badge. After thanking him, he puts on the mask again. "Good luck...with everything..."

Ash is surprised and Allister says, "Scared you, huh?"

Ash gives a little chuckle as they leave the battlefield.

Once they are back at the reception desk, Allister is surprised to see Delia and Opal. "Mother? Grandaunt?"

"Hello, Allister, I have seen your battle. It is really fantastic that you show yourself to the crowd."

Allister takes off his mask and smiles, "Thanks to Brother. I guessed the battle is really heat up as I can't help it.'

After introducing the others to Allister, Delia says, "Allister, whether you have wore a mask or not, you will always be the best, just like Ash."

"I know." Allister nods. "So Brother's next opponent is Sister Bea?"

"Yeah." Ash says.

"I would like to watch the match as well." Allister says, much to their surprise.

"Sure." Ash says. "You can come watch us." Then the group leave the Stow-on-Side.

Now the Ghost Gym is also complete, the next chapter will be the Fighting Type Gym with Bea. I hope you like it and I decide to make Allister reveal his face in the battle, since it will be so cool.

Ash's Pokemon with him: The ones you know, Corvisquire, Thievul, Thwackey, Barraskewda, Gyarados, Ninetales, Hitmonlee, Carkoal, Perrserker, Espeon, Leafeon, Alcremie (Vanilla Cream, Strawberry Sweet), Alcremie (Rainbow Swirl, Star Sweet), Spritzee, Flapple, Farfetch'd, Basculin, Vileplume, Ninjask, Hattrem, Sawk, Centiskorch, Combee, Gallade, Steelix, Heatmor, Yamask, Dracozolt

Alice's Pokemon with her: Drizzile, Greedent, Dubwool, Wooloo x29, Boltund, Eldegoss, Centiskorch, Dugtrio, Pikachu, Glaceon, Alcremie (Ruby Cream, Love Sweet), Alcremie (Ruby Swirl, Love Sweet), Toxtricity (Low Key Form), Basculin, Salazzle, Morgrem, Vespiquen, Axew, Arctovish

Gloria's Pokemon with her: Raboot, Orbeetle, Drednaw, Liepard, Unfezant, Trubbish, Klink, Conkeldurr, Excadrill, Swoobat, Joltik, Ferroseed, Jolteon, Alcremie (Salted Cream, Flower Sweet), Appletun, Cinccino, Musharna, Stunfisk, Throh, Litwick, Durant, Maractus, Dracovish

Dawn's Pokemon with her: The ones you know, Noctowl, Stunky, Hitmontop, Cherrim, Roserade, Flareon, Alcremie (Matcha Cream, Berry Sweet), Wobbuffet, Drifblim, Chinchou, Bellossom, Xatu, Gastrodon, Shuckle, Croagunk, Sudowoodo, Quagsire, Hippopotas

Serena's Pokemon with her: The ones you know, Linoone, Ludicolo, Shiftry, Diggersby, Gourgeist, Manectric, Vaporeon, Alcremie (Lemon Cream, Ribbon Sweet), Alcremie (Caramel Swirl, Ribbon Sweet) Swirlix, Meowstic, Shedinja, Claydol, Binacle, Barboach, Gardevoir, Milotic, Trapinch

Lillie's Pokemon with her: The ones you know, Butterfree, Vikavolt, Hitmonchan, Machamp, Mudsdale, Ribombee, Seaking, Umbreon, Alcremie (Mint Cream, Clover Sweet), Bewear, Wishiwashi, Tsareena, Arcanine, Golisopod, Koffing, Cloyster, Arctozolt