TEAM: Twigs (Thwackey) & Crumbs (Skwovet), Spike (Chewtle) & Tilda (Oddish), Hook (Galarian Slowpoke) & Cress (Grubbin)

Flare's POV

Everything was going well. We were getting in some more training at the Wild Area. The whole team was doing great in their battles and we all felt good about it.

There was a wild Onix wandering around that Twigs had her eye on. It was strong-looking and we distanced ourselves from it because of how territorial it looked, but I soon obliged her request to fight it. Who was I to deny my Grookey?

"Twigs, Branch Poke!"

On my command, she ran ahead to confront the giant rock beast, stick at the ready. The Onix quickly noticed her approaching and didn't hesitate to ready its own move. With surprising speed it slammed its tail onto the ground and sent a bunch of rocks flying in Twigs' direction.

"Wait, dodge it!"

To my horror Twigs was caught off guard as well and ended up being piled on by the merciless barrage of stones. The heap of debris that was left didn't move.

I froze at the possibility of what just happened. "Twigs…?"

It still didn't move. I kept shakily calling out her name as if by some miracle she survived under there. The realization finally drove the denial away and I lost it.

"Twigs! Twigs!"

I ran towards the pile, hoping I could at least dig her out, maybe try to bring her to a Pokémon Center, something!

The Onix roared behind me. I couldn't let it stop me. I needed to find Twigs.

Yet, I heard it slam its tail again and heard it send rocks flying to where I was. I couldn't help but look to see what was coming my way and-

The shock lurched me awake. I wasn't in the Wild Area. I was in my bed in the Budew Drop Inn, in the room where all of my Pokémon were. All six of them, safe and sound.

Whew… it was just… a nightmare…

And right nearby was my Thwackey who looked up at me, alive and well. "You're up early. Didn't like what dream land was giving you, aye?"

I found myself able to breathe easy at the sound of her voice. "You could… say that, Twigs. But I'm fine now."

I hopped off the bed and looked at the clock to see that it really was early. Everyone else other than Twigs was asleep and the sun was barely here. I checked my phone to see that the Gym Challenge opening ceremony wouldn't begin for a long while. All the more time for me to fix up my bedhead and maybe call up room service for some breakfast.

And that's what I did. I quickly fixed myself up and used the phone to ring up some food I thought everyone would like. Had to ask Twigs for some recommendations because I wasn't the best at judging a Pokémon's diet.

"You always this hardworking early in the morning, lass?" Twigs asked me once I hung up the hotel phone.

I smiled at her. "Just figured I'd make sure everything is ready for today. The Gym Challenge is gonna start soon, after all!" I had to admit the thought of journeying around and getting Gym Badges got me a bit excited.

Twigs smiled back. "Good stuff. Speaking of, I found this by the door outside."

She handed me a small package addressed to my name. Clare Flannery Eon. And just as I guessed, inside was the gym challenger uniform and shorts made for me. I saw the number 71 emblazoned on the back of the top and everything. I didn't hesitate to get myself changed.

"I'm surprised they managed to get it my size," I said, admiring myself in the mirror. "I feel ready to take on the world now!"

Twigs sounded amused. "You think it'll ever come to that?"

"Well…" I meekly chuckled at the thought. "Let's hope not."

Author's POV

A few hours passed as Flare's team got ready. It didn't take much longer for the others to wake up and the breakfast they got left everyone in high spirits. Bar one Slowpoke, as per usual. Once it was time, Flare proceeded to Motostoke Stadium.

The lobby was packed as usual, but this time there wasn't a line. It seemed more like a waiting room to stay in until it was time to begin. When Flare entered the building, Hop was already there, and his rushed arrival was evident with his hastily prepared bush of a head. He asked Flare for help with it once she pointed it out. Marnie arrived just a little bit later, this time missing a fan club and appearing fashionably late for the sake of her appearance. The topic of looks was something Marnie poked fun at when she walked in right as Flare was picking fur and feathers out of Hop's hair. Of course, after that, when it came to discussing why they were all there in their new white Gym Challenger uniforms, the excitement picked up from there.

"I've never been more stoked for anything, you know! Spent a lot of time last night practicing my ball swing to be just like Lee's!"

"You know, William here's been mighty envious to see you lot with evolved Pokémon. I gotta step up my game too."

And yet, all the while, despite the excitable company of her newly formed friend group, Flare couldn't help but think of her nightmare. Like everyone else of course, she had experienced scary dreams occasionally, but her recent fright had her silently entertaining the possibility of it becoming reality. She recalled Pokémon deaths during Gym Challenges to be uncommon, but not impossible.

It wasn't much longer before everyone was interrupted by the announcement that the ceremony was going to begin. A league staff member led all the trainers to this locker room right by the stadium. A monitor was placed in the room; its condition, as pristine and luxurious as the rest of the place. Its purpose, to show a live feed of the stadium so everyone would know when to step out.

Right at the stadium, the Rotom drones focused on a rather portly suited charismatic man and his stern spokesperson lady. The people in the bleachers roared in anticipation as he walked into position on the field.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I'm Rose, chairman of the Pokémon League! I'm sure you're all gathered here today for a very special reason!"

The excitement from the stadium was felt even in the locker rooms where the trainers waited with bated breath. They watched the ordeal on the monitor intently as the chairman continued explaining the gist of the gym challenge to the crowd. Trainers were to travel around the region to beat the eight gym leaders for a chance to fight the Champion.

Rose's voice continued rallying the crowd's cheers. "And let us meet this year's Gym leaders!"

A fancy smoke machine effect by one side of the stadium revealed the group of Gym Leaders walking onto the field. The very sight of those iconic silhouettes brought about more cheers as Chairman Rose introduced them one by one.

"The fighting farmer! Here's the Grass-type expert, Milo!" His smile and wave to the crowd was friendly and straightforward, a surprising contrast to how built his figure was.

"The raging wave! It's the master of Water types, Nessa!" Her posture and walk had an essence of poise to it, emphasized with how she looked to the crowd and blew a kiss.

"The ever-burning man of fire! Here comes the Fire-type veteran, Kabu!" The older trainer was jogging rather than walking, his stare trained with experience, clearly not letting his age get the best of him. He looked straight ahead, clearly determined.

"The Galar karate prodigy! Nobody's better with Fighting types than Bea!" She seemed noticeably younger than the other adult Gym Leaders, but her unwavering look of resolve implied she lived up to her prodigy status.

"The master of a fantastic theater! It's the charming Fairy-type user, Opal!" The age experience was strongest with her, notably implying the 'charm' part to mean something else entirely. There was an air of authority as she walked, her stare heavy with judgement.

"The hard-rock crusher! Please welcome the Rock-type master, Gordie!" He looked to the crowd and smirked, the stare from his shades evidently confident. His wave was that of a celebrity's, having a similar effect on the crowd too.

"And last but not least, the tamer of dragons… It's Raihan, the top Gym Leader!" His fierce disposition from battle was absent. He merely smiled and waved to the crowd, glad to be there, before taking a thumbs up selfie with his Rotom Phone.

They all proceeded to stand in a line as if to allow the crowd to take in the sight of all of them at once. The crowd continued to cheer as Rose proceeded with his announcement. "Unfortunately, one of our eight Gym Leaders refused to attend today's ceremony. But regardless, these are our year's Gym Leaders we in the Galar region are proud to call our own!"

From inside the locker room, trainers were taking note of the hurdles they'd have to conquer. Marnie muttered something to herself at the mention of only seven Gym Leaders at the ceremony.

"And now, let us welcome the gym challengers!"

That was their cue to head out into the stadium. A league staff member led them out the opposite end from where the Gym Leaders stepped out. Of course, they were instructed not to get too close to the Gym Leaders or the Chairman.

For some trainers like Hop, the attention and cheering felt amazing to be at the epicenter of. For some trainers like Marnie, all the eyes and noise felt a bit overwhelming, but still nice. As for Flare, she was just taking in the sights of all the people here, both the ones cheering and the ones being cheered on. It was a grandiose sight to see everyone gathered here together.

And to conclude the ceremony before the trainers were sent to do their thing was the issuing of Flying Taxi pilots. Many Corviknight flew down onto the field, carrying their makeshift cabs and pilots with them. Every trainer was issued a personal Flying Taxi driver they could call to fly them somewhere whenever they needed it. Of course, granted the trainer had been there before. During the opening ceremony, both the driver and the trainers were given time to meet each other.

Flare got to meet the pilot assigned to challenger 71, a man wearing the same coat and flight goggles all the other pilots did.

She noted something strange about this pilot. He simply flew down here on his Corviknight alone. "Where's your cab? Doesn't everyone else have one?"

The pilot looked away for a second, notably flustered. "Er… nothin' to worry 'bout, kiddo. Was just unlucky enough to have sent it to the wash before the ceremony, awright awright. Next you call me I'll have it, swear on me life." His accent was noticeably exaggerated.

"Right…" Flare decided to cut him some slack, pondering the possibility of him having a bad day.

"You oughta meet my bird." At least the pilot looked proud of his stoic steed. "Her name is Cinders. Don't worry none, she don't bite."

Flare smiled as the Corviknight let her pet her head. She was surprised to see a Corviknight she just met be this much at ease with her.

Not long after the bird pilot meet and greet, they all flew off as the gym challengers were ushered back to the locker rooms to change back. The chairman closing off the ceremony was then followed by almost all the gym challengers heading out into the Motostoke streets as if it was a race. Of course, this also included Hop.

"Hey… wait up! Some of us aren't as used to running, you know!"

"Yeah… she's right!"

Thankfully Flare and Marnie didn't have to run through the streets much longer before Hop decided to stop for them. Still, he wore his trademark smile in the face of their exhaustion.

"Look at us three! We're a real proper Pokémon posse, that's what we are!" He looked excited about the fact. "A real trio of rivals!"

While the other two trainers still needed to catch their breaths, they seemed to catch on to Hop's enthusiasm. It at least felt reassuring knowing they began this region-wide trek already having made some friends.

On the contrary, while he did feel the same sentiment, Hop didn't spend much time dwelling on it. "Rivals like us gotta keep each other at the ready! Come on, you two, race you to Turffield!"

"Wait-" And yet before Flare and Marnie could object, Hop was already racing off without them.

The two simply sighed with exasperation.

Marnie looked to see her Morpeko on her head, patting her hair as if to comfort her. "Is that Hop fellow always like that?"

Flare sheepishly smiled at her. "Yep."

Then, the sudden sound of blaring rock music caught Flare off guard. It didn't take much longer to realize it was coming from Marnie's phone.

Marnie quickly answered it, not taking long for her expression to drop. "... oh. I'll get to it, then." She hung up and turned to Flare with a sigh. "Sorry 'bout this. I got places to be because my fanbase is causin' a ruckus somewhere."

"Ah… well, maybe I can tag along to help?"

Marnie smiled, at least appreciating Flare's offer. "No need. It'd be unfair for you if my matters were to slow down your progress. I'll try to catch up."

The two bid their quick farewells before Marnie left to call a Flying Taxi.

"So… guess that just leaves me." Flare awkwardly idled by herself.

To which in response her Thwackey popped out of her Pokéball. "Don't go saying that, lass. You've got the rest of us here. We're going to Turffield, was it?"

Flare's POV

"So this is the infamous Route 3. Heard all about a mysterious next route from all the Route 2-nians." Spike admired his surroundings. "... Not that different from Route 2, to be honest. I'm disappointed."

Tilda just stuck to his side, clearly more interested in talking to him. "What was it like, celebrity turtle?"

He sighed. "Oh, brother…"

I smiled at the amusing sight of all my Pokémon just enjoying the scenery. It felt like much of an upgrade, especially considering the last I went through a normal route, I only had half a team. Now I had a whole team to stroll here with. I suppose I could take my time walking through here.

Crumbs was perched on my shoulder, looking really proud of himself resting here wearing his cute little scarf. "Look at me! Now I'm the shoulder critter!"

Twigs glared at him with mock snark. "Laugh it up while you can. Let's see how you'll be giggling once you evolve."

Cress just sat relaxed on my other shoulder. "Hope I won't get too big. This ride is as good as you guys told me. Hope you don't mind me napping, Flare. Sure beats walking."

I just pat her little head in approval. I felt really lucky to have an endearing bunch of Pokémon like this. The way Hook just was deliberately trailing a bit behind us was kinda adorable, too. Even if he didn't appreciate the compliment that much.

At least Hook was willing to cooperate when I asked for his help in catching a Pokémon for this route. Almost everyone else was busy resting in their Pokeballs from training here, and Hook's Yawn was handy for catching. The Zigzagoon I caught was promptly teleported away by the Pokémon Box Link. The way the Pokéball suddenly disappeared from my hand surprised me at first.

Once it settled in, I realized where exactly the Pokéball was sent. "I'm gonna have to call Mom about that when I can… Now I just need to figure out where to go now…"

Hook was nearby, sighing. "Typical. Lost, are we?"

"H-Hey! I'm doing my best here!" I replied. I wasn't any Leon, but I still wasn't that used to getting through the great outside. Even if the great outside was just patches of grass along a path. I guess Spike was right when he said it looked a bit samey to the previous route.

And speaking of him, he came walking back from a path ahead, Tilda still in tow of course.

"Hey, Flare. I found these little wild rock creatures who told me where to go. Said there was a cave up ahead we should go through. Can't miss it."

Not supposed to miss it, huh? I followed Spike to see that just a short ways away was a cave mouth jutting out right where the path was leading. "Oh."

Spike nodded. "Yep."

I looked to see that the cave was linked to something in the distance, way off the fenced path. A… factory? Power plant?

A landmark like that surely must've been documented. I took out my Rotom Phone to see if there were any Galar tourist guides I could read.

"Here we go…" I started reading. "'One of the region's power plants run by Macro Cosmos and is fueled by Wishing Stars'." Like the ones that allow Dynamaxing? I briefly glanced at the Dynamax Band on my wrist.

"Hmm. Fascinating." I was surprised to see that Spike has somehow climbed up my arm and onto my shoulder, eyeing my phone as well. And with him also came Tilda.

"Are you quite finished gawking yet? I thought I was supposed to be the slow one here. Weren't we supposed to reach a gym or something of the like?" And I only got even more surprised to see Hook walking a bit ahead of us.

Spike jumped off and landed with surprising precision, Tilda following as he aggressively approached Hook. "Hey, hey, hey. I'm not too pleased with your attitude."

"Yeah!" Tilda backed him up.

Hook didn't seem to like it. "And you two runts think you have any place to object to my matters? My psychic prowess can easily crush you both."

"Well, looks like someone wants to have a go!"

I had to step between them before it could escalate further. "Hold it! Come on guys, don't start anything!"

Spike just gave me a confused look. "Are you still willing to put up with this guy? The most useful thing he can do is yawn at our enemies. Literally."

"Hmph. Like your dinky Water Gun can fare as well. I'm quite certain my own Water Pulse is better than anything you can do. Not even my best move."

They just started literally butting heads. They still insisted on arguing.

"Go, Spike, go! Go, Spike, go!"

Of course she was cheering for him. I wanted to sigh. "Tilda, you're not helping!"

At least Spike heard me and decided to back off. He gave me a sympathetic look. "I guess it can't be helped. I'd rather retreat to my Pokéball now, if you don't mind."

"Me too! Me too!"

Hopefully it'd end at that. I took out Spike and Tilda's Pokéballs and returned them.

I looked to Hook, exasperated. "Please… don't do that again."

He still wasn't amused. "No promises." Would it kill him to smile? At least once?

The cave was actually called the Galar Mine, and the one on Route 3 was actually Mine 1. It was good info to catch up on before I entered. I've never been in a cave before.

"So you're suggesting I lead this trek." Hook looked perplexed.

"I haven't trained you as much as the others, you can help with catching, and if you don't like it, then you can blame yourself for upsetting Spike and Tilda into Pokéball resting." Honestly I wasn't pleased with him either.

He just sighed. "Very well."

What'll it take to get an apology out of this guy? I was at least hoping I wouldn't regret having him out while trying to navigate a dark cave.

To my surprise It turned out that the cave wasn't that dark after all. Both Hook and I found ourselves stunned to see the surprising amount of light in the cave, both from the openings in the ceilings and the bunches of glowy crystals in the walls. The minecarts and miners here and there explained why this cave wasn't as convoluted as I expected it to be. It wasn't just a vacant series of tunnels. The path seemed very straightforward and it didn't seem like I'd have to bother anyone working here by coming through. They just waved at me if they saw me passing by.

It felt reassuring to know that there were other adults here, though I'd rather not get in the way of their business. "It does make sense that a place like this would be normal for Gym Challengers to pass through."

Even if Hook was walking ahead of me, I could tell he was busy admiring the place. He just didn't want to show it. "Hmm. You humans are weird."

I frowned at his scorn. "Come on, Hook. You gotta do something about that mood of yours."

He frowned back. "I wasn't talking about you this time. There's another one of your young kind dawdling about up ahead."

I looked up ahead to see a more open room nearby, no adults tending there. And just like Hook said, there was someone up ahead, a familiar face too. It was that mean silver-haired boy from Motostoke, and he seemed to be looking for something. His Hatenna was scouring the place too. Maybe I can help them…

Hook just continued to give him weird looks. "Look at that bizarre fellow, feeling around the rocks on the ground with his bare hands. How backward."

"I'll have you know I have gloves on!" The boy suddenly looked our way, visibly upset. His frown deepened when he noticed me standing there. "You?! One of the irritating trainers endorsed by the Champion… So it was your Pokémon blabbering its mouth behind my back, was it?" He eyed Hook with similar scorn. "That… thing."

I know I could have let him get away with insulting Hook, but… "Hey, you don't have to ridicule my Pokémon for it. That's my team you're talking about. What did we even do to upset you this much in the first place?" I stepped closer.

He just smirked. "Upset? It is because someone as pathetic as you thinks you can talk to me like that. I was endorsed by the chairman, you know. A man much more important than the champion."

I looked to see Hook staring down the boy's Hatenna. They were both glaring at each other and ready to fight. Was that… banter I heard between them?

I wanted to sigh. He just can't stop starting arguments…

The boy just seemed to take my upset look in stride. He called his Hatenna back to him and took out a Great Ball. "Perhaps I should prove just how pathetic you are with a battle. The chairman has tasked me to find him Wishing Stars, but I can get back to that after swiftly defeating you."

I didn't really want to further the conflict, but it didn't seem like I could get Hook to back down. I took out a Pokéball of my own. "Can I at least get a name, first?"

He still snarked at me, running a hand through his hair. "Bede. Remember my name. Hope you'll learn to fear it, too. Go!" He sent out his first Pokémon, a Solosis. "I'll let you make the first move. Just to give your Pokémon a chance to shine before I put your lights out."

Hook looked ready to fight, the most pumped for something I've ever seen him be. But I already had plans.

I sent out Cress. She looked around for a second before realizing what she was here for. "Sweet. I've been waiting to do stuff again."

Hook glared at me. "You can't be serious! This is finally my shot to show my power to another trainer instead of a dinky Metapod!"

I raised an eyebrow. He wanted to show his power, is that it? "Look, Cress is a Bug type, she's the best pick to fight against a Psychic type. You'd know, wouldn't you?" At least, that's what was said to be a favorable matchup in the documents Hop sent me.

My response at least got his tone to quiet down a bit. "... I suppose."

"Besides, you're paired up with Cress, so I can always send you in if she ever needs backup-"

"Done."

With surprise I looked to see Cress walking back to me with a pleased look. On the contrary, Bede's face was anything but. In the short time I sent her out and looked away, my Grubbin had somehow managed to knock out the Solosis before I could call a move.

Bede was completely speechless, if not even more irritated. He quickly shook his head as if to compose himself, running a hand through his hair once more. "That wasn't even my best Pokémon!" He withdrew his Solosis and brought out another Great Ball, sending out a Gothita. "Now, use-"

Right before our very eyes, Cress suddenly sped towards the poor Gothita and used Bug Bite, grabbing it with her pincers. She flailed the Psychic type around like a dog with its toy before throwing it away. The Gothita was instantly knocked out.

"Done." She looked pleased with herself again.

I just stared at my Grubbin with shock. I didn't even need to call out a move. She looked as if she didn't break a sweat. "Guess all that training really did pay off."

I blinked. "You could say that again."

Hook's POV

I had to admit that perhaps I've underestimated this bug's capabilities. Cress, was it?

I couldn't help but take note that even my trainer had a meek level of shock in regards to this insect's capabilities. A similar level of surprise to the face she made upon hearing my voice for the first time back at the train station. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I couldn't blame her. And I didn't like it in the slightest.

I watched as the arrogant fool finally decided to send out his potentially sightless creature from earlier. Fringe, he called it. A worthy rival, one that I shan't let this puny insect steal from me.

Defying my trainer's commands, I stepped forth and took my spot in battle, shoving the bug aside. "Out of my way!" I cried, promptly using my telekinesis to hurl the insect at the trainer foolish enough to have not let me battle earlier. Knowing the other trainer's use of Psychic types was coaxing me into switching sides, but it was in my best interest to settle the score against this little hat.

Curiously, the insolent little thing didn't wait for a command before preparing an attack. The trainer didn't seem to bother either, as if planned. Fringe didn't hesitate to blast a Psybeam at me.

No matter. If it got to attack without prior orders, I could certainly do the same as well. Especially when my own trainer was busy catching the insect I threw. I waved my paw and cast my own telekinetic energy, holding it in front of me to direct the Psybeam away. The attack successfully reflected into a wall, delivering enough impact to kick up a bit of debris.

I allowed myself a look at the aftermath of broken rocks. "Quite impressive. But not enough."

Fringe simply pouted at me. No comeback, hmm? Instead, the thing quickly lifted tself up into the air and started shrieking. Not in pain, but as if to deliver an attack with Disarming Voice. If only I too could use my telekinesis to lift myself up like that.

"Hook!" It seemed my trainer had regained her composure. "Use Water Pulse!" At least she accepted that I was going to handle it from here.

I had something more in mind. "I'll do you one better!" I promptly looked up at Fringe and let loose a well-aimed Water Pulse from my mouth. The blast hit it square in the mouth, plugging up its infernal noise while pushing it against the ceiling. It seemed limp as it started to fall back to the ground.

Try as the other trainer did, none of the commands he called out had any response. This was because I happened to sneak a Yawn bubble into my water blast, instantly putting my runt of an opponent to sleep upon impact. I decided to finish the job myself.

I waved my paw and focused my telekinesis on the Hatenna, instantly bringing my paw down to slam the insolent Psychic face-first into the ground. The impact kicked up more dust than it did with its weak Psybeam, as to be expected. It just lay there in a sad little crater.

The sound of distress followed, particularly from the other trainer urgently rushing to his "dear Hatenna" and running off. Quite an uncharacteristic change of tone to see him actually care.

Of course my trainer wasn't too happy with me. "You did great, but you didn't have to overdo it like that, Hook. I don't think he deserved that." Neither her nor the bug appreciated my little stunt of throwing one into the other, either.

I had no one to be proud of me but myself. If it weren't for everything I've done up until then, I wouldn't have been able to show my worth the way I did. "Say what you will, but at least I got to show that other trainer what's what." He called me a 'thing'. Have none of these humans ever seen a Slowpoke before?

My trainer simply sighed, unsatisfied as always. Never to take me seriously as always. She dared to smile at me. "You remind me of him, you know."

"Shut it." Was she implying that I was an insolent fool like he was? Of course she would think that.

"Hey." The bug. Cress. It was talking to me. "That thing you did earlier. I just wanted to let you know there's no hard feelings, yeah?"

Was it expecting an apology out of me? Insolent thing. But at the same time, it could've also tried to chew me out like it did the other Psychic types. "Very well, then. No hard feelings, as you say." It was only a formality to be on good terms at this point. Perhaps it'd be in my best interest to not hurl this bug without its permission anymore. Perhaps.

The good news was that the pathetic so-called Psychic trainer was the last hurdle from the cave's exit. The bad news was Flare deciding I'd have to be recalled into my Pokéball after what happened. No matter. A rest would be nice after having to battle.

I'd hope to get my chance another day, perhaps.