At the next day's evening.

Gloria disposed of a dark pink TR and ordered her Cinderace. "Ready! Set! Zen!" The Cinderace focused and rammed at Fubear, who hardened her skull and clashed with an iron head. Psychic energy rippled to no effect, Gloria nodded at the progress. "Alright. In case we get more surprises, this move ought to be the edge giver." Acer and Fubear perked at the idea of a curve ball and were called back. Gloria went out of her room and down the elevator to find Hop seeing someone off. "Alright, I think we've been waiting long enough."

Hop saw the girl perky as ever. "Did you get yourself all prepared for the night? It's gonna be the biggest one in our lives!" Gloria took a deep breath and exhaled. "My pokemon are all pumped up, but I've been nervous since this morning." Hop felt it was mutual. "I've been having Butterfrees in my stomach all day and Marnie's been awfully quiet lately." Gloria imagined why. "Last night was fishy as Hulbury's coast line and it looked like Lee and the Chairman were arguing about something for hours. That's getting me worked up as well."

Suddenly, a brown haired woman in a staff uniform approached. She had a pair of orange shades and a meek demeanor. "Challenger Gloria, the Finals will be starting shortly. I'm here to escort you to the Stadium."

Hop and Gloria quickly turned to the woman, the rival drew a ball. "This again?! Didn't you all done enough yesterday?! If you need another helping of Hop and his trusty band of pals, we'll be happy to give you one!"

The staff member waved her hands upwards, towards her face. "Hey, hey! Hear me out! We were not part of the staff that tried to keep you from getting in touch with the Champion. What ever was going on up at the tower clearly wasn't working and you all had somewhere to be. Ms. Oleana can be extreme in her desires to assist the chairman with his goals and well." She spun a finger towards her head. "A lot was done to keep that from getting interrupted. Even certain bluffs that we don't take lightly." She promised. "Those members aren't going to be anywhere near you and I don't want someone taking yesterday the wrong way and make that an excuse to hinder your trip. Once you're at the Stadium, we'll leave you be."

Gloria took a deep breath and exhaled. "Thank you. Hop, she's telling the truth." The boy nodded and readied to take off. "I'll make sure the way's clear, keep up at your own pace!" He jogged out of the hotel as the Staff Member is impressed by the exercise and kept Gloria on a guide to the Stadium. Waiting by the door, was Marnie, who was looking anxious about the transpiring events. "You got 'ere right on time!" She and Hop keep to the side of the door as the Staff Member waved Gloria off. The Princess coughed and perked. "This is it, Gloria! At this spot, you're gonna show everyone battles that knock yesterdays out of the water!" Hop nodded. "It's gonna set the world on fire!"

Gloria made it to the door and stepped in with her escort, where her fans, bystanders and Yell goons alike, were cheering for her. The girl went to the receptionist that was about as nervous. He coughed formally. "Ahem! Challenger Gloria! We've been waiting for you. Since you've won your way through the Semifinals, you must face off against the Gym Leaders in the Finals. They won't be holding back as they battle for the right to challenge you. Who ever makes it through this final bracket, will win the right to challenge the Champion."

Gloria felt oddly nostalgic. "Everyone that we've struggled against before is wanting a crack at us, now that we taken the chance to get stronger." The receptionist nodded. "Yeah, so you're ready to go the Locker Room and prepare?" Gloria nodded and was escorted. She found the changing room to prepare herself in and found seven of the merry cast of Gym Leaders she's bested. Alister was sitting in the corner, staring at something unknown, Raihan was checking something on his phone and Piers was looking up at a bracket in disappointment. He noticed Gloria's arrival and waved. "Oi, you've arrived quick." Nessa over heard and approached. "Long time, no see, Challenger! You know what's to be expected from us this time?"

Gloria nodded. "I'm reckoning that all those matches before, while important, were meant for us rookies to overcome as a milestone. A big test to see if we're getting it down right." Nessa nodded. "Now that you're reached the tip of the stream, we're not to be holding back."

Gloria had a second count and asked. "Speaking of which, where has Ms. Opal gone to?" Nessa wondered as well. "She's said she'll have more fun watching this match than she would partaking in them. It's not unheard of, if you remembered who didn't show up at the Ceremony when this whole thing started."

She and Gloria looked to Piers, who gave his double take. "I didn't feel like showin' up! It's not like I ever use those big stadiums, anyways." Gloria nodded to that. "It just feels weird that we're in an odd number of Gym Leaders is all." A staff member looked to his watch and called out. "Attention everyone, the Opening Ceremony is going to be starting soon. Please begin heading to the pitch."

Gloria and her potential opponents took their leave to the pitch. On entry, they spread out as a way to let the audience know where each of them stood. The cameras and attention begun to draw towards Leon, who had an important announcement to make. "It probably goes without saying, but hello, Galar! I'm your Champion, Leon! The chairman is tied up with some business, so I hope no one minds me stepping in on his behalf" The camera zoomed to Gloria and the Gym Leaders. "In order to lead you all to greater heights as Pokemon Trainers of the Galar Region! The time has come for you to battle it out until only the greatest challenger remains!" The Champion pointed to declare. "So, on behalf of the chairman, allow me to say- Let the Final Matches begin!"

As the Gym Leaders readied to prepare, a posh voice called from the entrance of the pitch, directing at Gloria. "Wait, you!"

The girl turned to find a particular boy, in a uniform of blue and pink, panting like he barely made it on time. She recognize the purple eyes, curly, platinum blonde hair and a envious squint of the eyes. The announcer gasped as Gloria signaled that the Gym Leaders keep going. "Who's that?"

Gloria asked in confusion as she made for her side of the pitch. "Bede?! What are you doing here?" The boy reached to his side and pouted in a snobbish tone. "You've forgotten about me, too?" He called out to the audience in distraught. "A moment, if I may. Does anyone here even remember me?"

Gloria answered with a sharp scowl. "I remember it like it was yesterday! The Challenger who had to resign and got left with nowhere else to go." The answer was loud and clear, Bede was flustered in embarrassment and admitted. "I know this is not allowed, but I have to say something, do something!"

He gestured towards her in frustration. "Ever since you showed up, everything I've done has gone wrong." Gloria scoffed and took a battle stance. "I'd say it once and I'll keep saying it over and over again. You've made your dreams blow up, on your own!"

Bede groaned. "I was asked by Oleana, to gather those Wishing Stars for the chairman, but then the chairman disowned me! And then the strange old lady came out of nowhere and drags me into a boot camp on fairy type pokemon!"

Gloria laughed to that. "How did that go?" Bede tapped his foot in a stomping tantrum. "Do you even give the slightest gunk for what I've been through? Covered in pink, dealing with quizzes and battles with fairy type pokemon every day." Gloria rolled her eyes and reached for her pocket. "I'll give you this much, that quizzes can get insane if you approach them straight forward. But at least the pink is suiting ya well."

Bede stepped back in a blush. "Wha, wha, whu?!" Gloria showed her teeth at behavior that is considered adorable, much to Bede's protest. "I'm pouring my heart out to you and you're teasing me over this?" Gloria giggled. "Well, since you had the nerve to come here uninvited, that means you want to wrestle me out of this spot or somethin'?" She sighed and gestured to the crowd, letting certain members know she's handling it. "Fine, I'll let you have your fit!"

Bede puffed his cheeks and went to his side. "I just have a score to settle with you. I'm staking my whole career as a battler on this match. If I lose, I'll retire from being a trainer." Gloria gasp at one of the most horrid ideas she's ever heard from him yet. "Bede, are you serious?!"

Bede smiled confidently, like a challenger would. "My will hasn't been broken yet!" Took a deep breath and brought out a great ball in a manner of pride. He pitched out a Mawile with a perky squeak as Gloria pitched out Brainy. The Mawile had an intimidating growl as Bede promised. "We've faced too much to quit now! We've got no choice but to win!"

Gloria's impressed by the tone and pointed. "Let's see how well that goes! Brainy, set up reflect!" The Orbeetle conjured a barrier as Bede ordered fast. "Break through that glimmering trick with psychic fangs!" The Mawile grunted, sprinted at the Orbeetle and chomped through the barrier, the damage might be insignificant, but the plan startled the girl. "Woah!"

She looked to the astonished Orbeetle. "That's a first!" Brainy buzzed in agreement as Gloria shrugged. "It was worth a shot." She called him back and pitched in someone who could handle this opponent. "Acer, let's get rid of this!" Pop!

Out of the ball came the Cinderace that flipped to battle and recognize the opponent, he groaned. (Not this guy, again!) Gloria ordered. "He's taking this seriously enough that he had his Mawile bite through Brainy's reflect!"

The Cinderace jumped as Bede snapped his fingers in style, the Mawile rushed with mischief on mind. Acer flipped over her and caught a pebble while Gloria took a side step. "Now, get rid of her!" The Cinderace turned the pebble into a fire ball as the Mawile rolled left and turned to give a backwards hop. Kick! Boom!

The Cinderace kicked the pyroball at the Mawile and sent her falling to her back. The rabbit turned and wiped sweat as Bede switched for a dive ball. He pitched out an aquatic blue rabbit that bounced and flipped to give an arm crossed pose. Gloria ohed. "An Azumarril! I don't see those in the main land! Where did you find her?"

Bede was pleased that the girl asked. "I was given an egg as one of my earliest assignments. Supposedly, I am to raise who ever was in there until she would evolve from an Azurril. We've took it a little further than what Opal envisioned."

The Azumarril twirled, gave Bede a wink and gave a menacing glare. Gloria ohed. "And she's a water-fairy type to boot! Acer, u-turn and I'll get Brainy back on the pitch!" The Cinderace had a nervous sweat and gave a light u-turn kick back to his trainer while Bede asked. "Azumarril, play out that funny little tune that makes me feel better. I think she'll figure it out."

Gloria huhed and sent Brainy back out. "What do you mean by a-" The Azumarril tapped her belly like it's a drum and gave a firm beat before bringing out a sitrus berry to eat.

Gloria realize what that move was and eeked. "Ah poop! Brainy, we're in a whole lot of trouble! Set that reflect up again and follow with psychic!" The Orbeetle conjured the barrier as Bede closed his eyes. "Predicted! Now, play roughly!"

The Azumarril nodded, rushed at the Orbeetle and bonked him so hard that he was in a daze, she grabbed him by the legs and spun fast with him before hurling him across the stadium. K.O. The girl gritted her teeth. "That reflect, didn't do anything!" She called her Orbeetle back and sent out Franken. "Come on, we need to bring this Azumarril down as soon as possible!"

Pop!

Out of the ball came the Arctozolt that heard the order and looked upon the Azumarril menacingly. Gloria thought. "Get at her with a thunder fang, we just need to stop her next attack and it will be over!"

The Arctozolt understood, crackled his fangs and rushed at her for a fast chomp. Bede ordered fast. "Counter that with liquidation, now!" The Azumarril felt the shock, turned her right arm into a water blade and slashed at the creatures shoulder, knocking him off to his side in a one hit knock out. Gloria's mouth dropped in frustration. "You got to be kidding me! How is this rabbit that strong?"

Bede answered with a question. "You happen to know of huge power, do you?" Gloria called her Arctozolt back and recalled. "Let's see, not a lot of pokemon have this ability, but it makes the physical attack double the power." She blinked. "Oh! That explain why reflect isn't doing enough."

She switched out to her Urshifu. "Come on, Fubear. Franken's hurt this rabbit enough!" The Azumarril stepped back and readied for her next attack as the Urshifu landed and braced for a fight. Gloria saw her chance. "Sucker punch!"

The Urshifu dashed to the Azumarrils side and sucker punched her across the cheek, knocking her to the floor and stepping back. The Azumarril tried getting up and collapsed from the blunt. Bede blinked and called his partner back, he gave he ball a nod before pitching out a vain, Galarian Rapidash. Gloria cursed. "Bloody-" She called the annoyed Fubear back and switched back to Acer. "We got through that one! Now let's force our way through! Pyro ball!"

The Cinderace kicked a fire ball at the horse, forcing her into a spin. She took a strange berry to eat and fortified herself before Bede ordered. "Now that we've even the battle. Psycho cut!" The Rapidash nodded, glowed her horn and slashed a force at the Cinderace, hitting for a critical blow. Gloria groaned. "You got to be, u-turn one more time and I think Fubear and Shelly will have the rest!" The Cinderace gave a u-turn kick that landed a knock out and returned to the back field.

Gloria and Bede sent out Fubear and a flamboyant Sylveon that gave a wink. The rival asked. "Finally put the pressure on you? Where was that bravado a moment ago?"

Gloria puffed her cheeks. "It's still here! But hey, you're actually backing up your talk! Fubear, iron head!" The Urshifu rushed at the Sylveon giving a pixilated glow and rushed him at the chest, making him flip in a flinch. "One more!" The Urshifu nodded and knocked the Sylveon out. Bede took a deep breath and switched to a Gardevoir with a twirl. Gloria felt that was suspicious and grunted for a fast sucker punch. The Gardevoir took the blow in a twirl as Bede ordered. ""Tsk! Was that the claim, that you're going to win?" He raised his right hand in the air as the Gardevoir glowed with arriving moon. "Moonblast!" The Gardevoir fired the fast blast at the Urshifu and sent the foe falling to her back.

Gloria snorted into a laugh. "It is now! Good work, Fubear!" She tossed her last pokemon. "Shelly, let's really put this is a quick draw!" Pop!

Shelly landed on her rear and slowly stood up. The Gardevoir glowed in psychic power as Gloria pointed. "Just keep using Shell Side Arm until she and his final pokemon are done for!"

The Slowbro hopped to her feet quickly and sprinted at the Gardevoir for a knock out bash. Bede hmph'ed and switched to his final pokemon, a familiar witch like fairy with a blue hat and long hair that started blue. Going down to a dress of hair, is a distinct color of pink. The Hatterene gave the Slowbro a haughty smirk and adjusted a hand like pony tail accordingly as Bede announced in grace. "You know, that compliment was rather charming. So we'll show you a truly great pink! It's time for my dear Hatterene to Gigantamax!"

He aimed a ball at his partner as Gloria aimed a ball for hers. "Hope you don't mind a little purple in there! Shelly, let's Dyanamax!" The Slowbro waved her shell and was called into the ball in sync to the Hatterene. Bede held the enlarge ball with one hand and tossed the ball back in confidence as Gloria was impressed and tossed hers. A growing, giant Slowbro went up against a Hatterene with a trio of tentacle like hairs wiggling from the back of her head, and a visible white body much shorter than the dress would like to show.

The Slowbro had a distinct shine of her quick claw and fired a geyser of a max ooze, shoving the Hatterene back as Bede ordered. "I learned this move from that old gran! I plan on making it my own!" He pointed to the sky. "Bring forth a G Max Smite!" The Hatterene aimed her back tentacle to the sky and drew upon bolts that left the Slowbro in a daze, she tried focusing and tripped clumsily, exposing herself to a max mind storm blast. She shook and fired another ooze blast before taking a mind storm that did the unthinkable.

Making her burst into an explosion and shrinking back down. The Hatterene raise her tentacles in a bellow and shrank back down while the crowd was going wild for her trainer, Gloria called Shelly back and whispered. "Good work." She sent Sweet Pie out. "Let's get ourselves a victory, Sweet Pie!"

Plop!

Out came the Appletun that looked up to the tired out Hatterene. She licked her nectar and swelled her cheeks as Gloria ordered. "How you like this apple!"

SPRAY!

With a fast shot of an apple acid, the Hatterene was sent falling to her face. The match was over, Bede called his partner back, closed his eyes with dignity and bowed his head in defeat. "I still couldn't win. But at least I got to show how great fairy types are." The commentator woahed. "It looks like Challenger Bede was no match for Challenger Gloria and her trusted team!" A member of the audience cheered. "Hey Bede, that was an amazing match!"

The voice snapped Bede out of his loss as a girl called. "Please don't retire! Just start over your career!" Bede blushed. "B-but... that isn't-" Gloria approached him and offered a hand shake. "You're hearing them? Huff"

Bede stubbornly crossed his arms. "I'd imagined that you were going to pull something off. I was going to use this as my excuse to finally get away from that old lady!" He hmpfed. "You just keep messing up my plans!"

Gloria smiled wide. "So what if I did? Are you hearing your fans? All that hard work has brought out a really special gleam that they're loving. This match was actually pretty fun, compared to the last time we battled." Bede blushed once more, relaxed his arms, slowly making a decision he didn't think of. "There you go with that again. I suppose, with these people cheering that idea, I'll have no choice but to continue training as the new Gym Leader." He gave a rather mellow smile that Gloria never imagined seeing. "If you were able to be impressed with my talents. Then I'll be able to overtake Ms. Opal in no time!"

He took the hand shake and the crowd clapped for both him and the victor. Gloria went close to his ear and whispered gently. "You still might want to get out of here before a Staff member really gets mad." That was something the rival agreed with. The two let go and went about their separate ways.

Outside of a locker room.

Bede was out of his uniform and in the purple jacket he's more familiar with. Not sure if he should curse Gloria's very existence or finally give a silent praise where it was due. A girls voice came by from the hall way. "If she wasn't havin' such a good time, I would have knocked your gob right 'bout now."

Bede turned to find a very familiar, punky girl he's met before. Marnie was crossed in tranquil anger, Bede waved a hand. "I suppose that would have advanced her up the bracket anyways. I'll admit, she knows how to improvise."

That much, Marnie agreed with. "It's why I'm bettin' she's gonna knock Leon a new one." She had a chance to ask. "While we're at it. You use to work for that Chairman and helped gather those Wishin' Stars for him? Don't you suppose... they're meant for somethin'?"

Bede nodded affirmatively. "It's to ensure the future of Galar, for the millennium to come, of course. What's it to you?" Marnie heard the word, millennium and compared that to what she's heard. "Right. Don't you think that's a big set of years from a problem happenin'? Care to let me in the know on what those Stars are suppose to do?"

Bede shrugged. "As if I would tell you, even if I was allowed to know more." Marnie found her que. "Yeah, yeah. You don't suppose, if that plan isn't as bright as you all thought it was goin' to be. You'd try and do somethin' about it?"

Bede squinted his eyes at the inquisitive gir. "Don't sound ridiculous, one of these days I'm going to show that girl why I, am the one who should be in this cup. If I can get out of this mess, I'd take it the first chance I get." Marnie smirked. "Perfect! Meet me at the lobby if somethin' starts getting weird." She invited him to watch the rest of the Cup with her. "Maybe that will help you get a bigger break from Ms. Opal. Even a small one ought to be a relief." That, Bede agreed with as he took the invitation, to at least see his rival come out on top.

At the start of the next round.

"Now that the exhibition match is over! The Finals of the Champion Cup will now begin! The two trainers to face each other in the first battle of the first round are-" Gloria entered proudly. "A trainer endorsed by the Champion himself, Challenger Gloria!"

Approaching her. "Her opponent is... the raging wave! The master of water types, Nessa!" The gym leader gave an elegant wave as she reached her side, impressed by the confident aura that Gloria's emitted. The two crossed eyes and the gym leader crossed her arms. "I didn't get the chance to say this, but I can tell you've grown far stronger since you faced me in Hulbury Stadium. I've got to hand it to our undefeatede Champion. He's got a proper eye for talent, too."

Gloira asked. "But because everyone is wanting a go at him tonight, I got to fight through that line for the right." Nessa closed her eyes, relaxed her arms and nodded. "Exactly! You're not the Champion and you never will as long as we're in the way." She vowed. "I'm going to defeat both you, and the Champion tonight!" She opened her eyes and clenched a fist. "I'm not going to underestimate you again. I'll use my true team, to wash you out to sea and beyond the horizon!" Gloria giggled. "Not if we get a good anchor and soak up that water!" The two went to their respected sides and a distinct, intense music played.

Nessa pitched in a Golisopod as Gloria sent out her Orbeetle. The girl watched the Golisopod cross his tiny arms and make himself look imposing. "He looks like a tough one. Brainy, like last time! I don't think she's going to pull a-" Nessa ordered fast. "Impressed already?"

The Golisopod rushed at the Orbeetle and knocked him to the ground in one blow. The Orbeetle was completely dazed from that and shook himself awake. He conjured a reflective barrier and Gloria called him back. "That's enough! Come back!"

The Orbeetle counted that blessing as he was switched for Franken, who took a liquidation and quickly countered with a freeze dry blast that made the bug type run back into his trainers ball. Nessa sent out snappy Barraskewda with a particular orb necklace, the water specialist ordered. "Drill through that electric type!" The Barraskewda grunted, spun and rammed through the Arctozolt, the reflect absorbed the worst of the damage and Gloria barked. "Snap back with thunder fang! We just need to get to that Drednaw!"

The Arctozolt crackled, chomped at the fish and thrashed her until she went limp. She tossed the foe aside and roared. Nessa squinted her eyes and switched to a Pelipper that brought about a drizzling rain. "Pelipper, set up a tail wind!" The pelican cawed as Gloria asked. "Now follow with a freeze dry, the Arctozolt nodded as Nessa wagged a finger. "For all the good that will do against the tailwind!"

The Pelipper took the full blast of the freeze dry and held on with a focus sash before blowing back in wind and knocking the Arctozolt out with a water pulse. Gloria phewed. "Tricky, but I got a plan for this one!" She switched to Fubear, who gave a mighty flex and posed for battle. The Pelipper flew back and prepared an air slash, Fubear disappeared in the blink of an eye, appeared by the bird and knocked him out with a sucker punch.

Nessa sent out an elegant Seaking that went through with a water fall rush, only to do barely anything, thanks to the reflect and be struck in a wicked blow and finished with a fast sucker punch. Nessa realize she was getting into a fast corner as she watched the rain die down. "Have you ever looked to the sea and saw a light glow bellow?"

Gloria scratched the side of her head. "Sometimes at the Isle of Armor. A lot of Staryu's and Starmies live over there. But there's another that lives in the main land, Lanturn." Nessa nodded. "That glow's gorgeous in this time of night." Fling! Out came a flipping Lanturn that has a stunning display of simple light, even with the stadium's gaze blaring. The gym leader gave the command. "Now, while we still have a breeze, stop this Urshifu with a thunder wave!" Fubear had a cautious step as the Lanturn crackled, leaped and flipped a wave of electricity that struck into the nerves. The reflective barrier died down and Fubear struggled to move, she rushed at the Lanturn and engage in a move Gloria hasn't seen before, close combat. Swiftly beating the fish and kicking her back to the trainer.

Nessa nodded at the impression and brought out a Golisopod that unleashed a first impression. Fubear parried the blow and dealt a wicked blow that knocked the insect out. Bringing her to her final pokemon. "Looks like I'm down to one last Pokémon. I've been saving the best for last!" She switched for her final pokemon, a Drednaw with a more refined growl. Gloria aimed her ball at the Urshifu. "That's enough for now! Let's give Shelly time to do her thing!"

Fubear gave Gloria a thumbs up and was switched for the Galarian Slowbro. Nessa aimed her ball at her ace. "Flood the stadium and make it our ocean! Drednaw, time to Gigantamax!"

As the Drednaw was called into her ball, Shelly half turned her head and asked something. (Shouldn't we be making a reflect or something?) Gloria had a bit of an understanding and waved her hand. "I would but Brainy got hit pretty badly by a Golisopod. So he needs a bit of a break from getting smacked first!" Shelly nodded. (Ah. Makes sense.)

Fling! Pop!

The two turned to see that Nessa unleashed an upward standing Drednaw with his head deep in the front of the shell. She roared out and unleashed a blast of max darkness. Shelly cringed and blew an icy wind before taking the blast and losing focus. She felt a gleam of her quick claw and delivered another blow of wind before getting knocked out in a hurl and wailing. Gloria called her back. "Don't worry, this is all part of the plan!"

Fling! Plop!

Sweet Pie was next to enter the arena and looked up to the Gigantamaxed Drednaw. Nessa raised an eyebrow as Gloria called the Appletun for a Gigantamax. "This was what I had in mind if Sweet Pie evolved back then!" The ball enlarged with the Appletun with in and Gloria turned to hurl her partner into the back. Bringing about the giant apple with the wyrm wiggling his head out. The Drednaw glowed an icy aura, even though she was chilled from the wind.

Gloria saw that chance and waved to a calmed gym leader. "This is a surprise, from me to you! Take a whiff of this Max Sweetness!"

The Appletun unleashed the green seeds at the Drednaw and caused them to enlarge into the red apples, unleashing a fruity gale that sent the Drednaw falling to her back and bursting in Dynamax power, shrinking back to a simple turtle and passing out. Nessa gritted her teeth and called her partner back. "You had no problem handling our surging might! It's no wonder that you've been winning!"

Sweet Pie shrank back down to her basic form and gave a mellow bellow as Gloria turned to the audience and flexed for some show boating. "Because we got what it takes to make it to the Champ!" Nessa nodded in agreement. "Indeed. You've weathered our waves and stood firm. Now that I think about it, Sonia's been saying that you've became more and more amazing. I'd wished I paid more attention to that." Gloria didn't mind. "A lot happened after I visited that gym and there was a lot of trainers that came and gone."

Nessa smiled to the girl that finished showing off. "And now the trainers who couldn't reach here and the rest of Galar, have their eyes on you." She offered a handshake. "You defeated my team, so now you've got to ride that current all the way to the end." Gloria took the hand shake proudly. "It's only a couple more fights for me now! You won't be disappointed."

After the first round.

Gloria and her renewed team members finished taking some rest in the locker room. They watched the results be made. Alister made a rather impressive victory over Gordie, while Piers over came Kabu with the use of Toxicrity, Obstagoon and a Mandibuzz. The round ended with Raihan making a sounding victory over Milo and his grass type pokemon.

Gloria saw that she's about to face off against Allister, pressed her hands together and looked to her team. "I think we can manage this. Sweet Pie, even if that boy changes nearly everyone in his team, we can handle what he has to bring once we melt the special defenses!"

The Appletun nodded as Gloria looked to Fubear. "Once we know that the problematic ghosts are dealt with. You'll be the rest of the strategy."

The Urshifu grunted a smile as the trainer readied a mass call back. Gloria jogged back to the pitch, where the commentator announced. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're already at the second round of the finals! Of the four remaining challengers, which two will be left for the last match?! If you're just tuning in, ladies and gentlemen, we witnessed quite the surprise during the Finals here at this year's Champion cup, as the former Gym Challenger Bede stormed on stage! But Gloria was having none of it! This year's top challenger made quick work of him before washing away Gym Leader Nessa! And now to take her on-" Allister made his entry, quite meekly. "here comes the Gym Leader Allister- the boy known far and wide as the silent school-aged star!"

The trainers crossed in the center and the ghost specialist waved eagerly. "'M Allister. You look well, Gloria!" The girl blushed in a charm. "Same goes to you." Allister became nervous, talking with the brash girl. "To be honest, you were the strongest Gym Challenger I had. Er...so I reckon... we're gonna give a good battle 'ere."

The two made it to their sides. Allister mimic a pose of a ghost and readied to toss out a dusk ball as Gloria gave a side ways pitch and sent out her lead. On Allister's side is a imposing Dusknoir, on Gloria's is Sweet Pie. The tip of Allister's head twitched. "Looks like even the spirits are looking."

He mustered the nerve for battle as Gloria pointed. "Like we talked about! Apple acid!" The Appletun sprayed the caustic liquid, Allister's eye holes glowed purple. "Dusknoir, could you please disable that!"

The Dusknoir pointed at Sweet Pie and caused a sharp nerve. Gloria wasn't worried. "That's fine, dragon pulse!" The Appletun fired a fast dragon pulse and sent the Dusknoir flying back, Allister pointed at the sitrus berry. "Now use poltergeist!" The Dusknoir grunted and spun a finger slowly, the sitrus berry floated out of the Appletun's pouch and smacked her in the face. The dragon went to much on it for a quick recovery and let loose another blast to knock the Dusknoir to the floor. Passed out and having his belly mouth open.

Allister switched as Gloria called her partner back. "Let's do this, Franken!" Fling! Pop! Squawk! Pop! Eh uh! The next opponent in the pitch was a Mimikyu. Allister ordered fast. "Mimikyu, drain him!"

The Mimikyu nodded and rushed at the Arctozolt to apply a drain punch blow with his wooden tail, Gloria cringed. "Counter with a thunder wave and we'll have this one gone!" The Arctozolt shook and sprinted a pulse of electricity, leaving the Mimikyu paralyzed stiff. He followed a bite of thunder fang that broke the disguise and bit again for a thrash. The Mimikyu used his wooden tail to smack the Arctozolt for a k.o.

Gloria took a deep breath and switched. "And now we ward off these spirits, Fubear!" Pop! Out came the determined Urshifu, Allister looked around, seeing the olden ghosts amongst the audience, shivering in terror. "So the legend's true after all! Don't give up, Mimikyu. Play rough!"

The Mimikyu sprinted to action as Gloria punched the palm of her hand. "Wicked blow!" Fubear glowed a dark aura, rushed at the Mimikyu and punched him to the other end of the stadium from a dark force. Allister knew his partner had the lights knocked out and called him back. He sent out a broken piece of coral that has a Corsolas spirit floating out. "Guess we'll have to curse you!"

The Cursola sighed in defeat and glowed her eyes in a dark red. Gloria raised an eyebrow and ordered. "Again!" The Urshifu grunted and punched the Cursola out of the arena, an aura of dread filled her soul, counting down to 3.

Allister tilt his head at the Cursola and called her back. "You've brought about the curse of the perishing body." Gloria huhed. "Perishing Body?" She gasped. "Perish Song! Oh no!"

Fubear turned her head and asked. (What does that mean?!) Allister sent out a tea pot that's possessed by a purple spirit as Gloria readied to call her partner back. "It means, you'll be fine as long as you end up back 'ere. That trick will wear off harmlessly while Acer deals with this!"

The Urshifu hoped so and was called back. Gloria sent out Acer and ordered. "Now go for a pryo ball!" The Cinderace kicked an inferno that the tea pot simply twirled around. The ghost popped it's head out and laughed obnoxiously. "Now smash your shell and release your dreadful power, Polteageist!" The Polteageist cracked his tea pot, flew up to the air fast and unleashed a blast of spectral power that knocked the Cinderace to his back.

Gloria woahed at a bad call and switched. "Okay, new plan!" Fling! Out came Sweet Pie. "I think I know that boys trick! You need to have dragon pulse hit once!" The Appletun was on it as the Polteageist twirled around and fired a shadow ball that made the Appletun skid. The dragon turned to where the ghost was going and fired, the ghost fired another shadow ball to knock the Appletun out and make Gloria switch back to Fubear, who felt the gloom was gone. "Okay, let's turn this around!" The Polteageist glowed a floral green and Fubear disappeared to apply a sucker punch, knocking the ghost out and forcing Allister to switch to a Chandelure that gave a slow, menacing swirl.

Gloria aimed her ball at her wushu. "No more illusions, no more tricks! For when the darkness comes, it will all scatter against it's fists!" She called the Urshifu back turned as soon as she felt the ball enlarge and hurled it to the back. Unleashing the growing fighter that made the Chandelure tremble. His yellow eyes glowed in peril with Allister's purple. Gloria stood on one foot and readied her fists, she and her partner readied a fist and punched forward, unleashing a Max Darkness that punched the Chandelure to the back of the arena and let loose an explosion of dark. Leaving the luring pokemon to fall to the ground unceremoniously.

Allister put a hand to his mouth hole. "Goodness!" He called his partner back and let out his Gengar. "Frightening!" He called him into the ball. "Swallow it... shallow it all in ooze!" The Gengar smiled wide as he was brought in, the ball enlarged and Allister tossed it to the back, unleashing a geyser of darkness that brought about the open maw of the Gengar.

He slammed his tongue to the ground and brought about ooze that erupted under Fubear, the life orb's work made that an adrenaline pinch. Gloria kicked the air, spun and punched. "Hiya!"

Fubear glowed her left fist and punched the air, unleashing a dark fist that burst into tendrils and swallowed the Gengar. The vortex burst in dynamaxed power and let loose clouds of power that pushed against the gym leaders face. the Gengar was sent falling to the ground, face first. The match, was over. Fubear shrank back down and raised her arms in victory. Allister was so astonished that he didn't notice his mask falling to his feet. Gloria cheered with her partner and admitted to the foe. "You were right, we gave them another great match."

She noticed the mask was missing, showing a charming, boyish face with those purple eyes. She turned red and felt her heart beating as Allister readied to agree, realize she was looking at something and showed a timid gasp as he reached for his face. He gasped, looked to his feet and picked his mask up. He put it on in hope no one saw that. "Aw. Crumbs!" He took a deep breath and called his Gengar back. "That sure was ace!"

Gloria appreciated it and crossed her heart in a promise. Allister appreciated that vow. "K-keep doing your best, 'ere." He blushed. "I'm mad about strong trainers." Gloria wanted to squee and let her Urshifu know it was time to be called back. The two youngsters left with red hues.

Some time later.

Gloria was over her flustering and cradled with her healed pokemon as they watched Raihan dynamax his Duraludon and knock out an Obstagoon that tore a fierce blow into the opponent. Before long, Piers was walking into the locker room and was surprised by who was arriving. "Sis. You shouldn't be forcin' your way in here." Gloria turned to see Marnie waving. "Sorry, Bro! But you and Gloria were bound to be in the same room." She breathed out in relief. "I'd was hopin' my bro would get some revenge for me, but he lost to Raihan."

She puffed her cheeks at her brother. "You gotten so close, but then he dynamaxed through that obstruct and blasted away. Now we're both down in the dumps." Piers agreed with his sister. "Raihan's just that strong." Gloria nodded. "And he's got a weather for just about every spot. But I think I got an idea to knock him down and make way for the Champion! I'm thinking that I only need Dynamaxing for something pretty early." Marnie smiled at the plan and admitted. "I've been wantin' either me or my bro to win. But with an idea like that, you're a sure in!" She cheered. "I'm countin' on you to win, Gloria. Got that? We're all cheerin' for you."

Gloria blushed once again, was tempted to ask for something. "Say... when I beat Raihan... don't you suppose... maybe-" Marnie blushed back. "I'll think about it, you still got the Champ to go after this. I'll have my pals set something really special for ya."

That would be close enough and Gloria squeed. She got up, waved and took off to the pitch. The commentator announced as the final round begun. "Here it is, the last match of the Finals! Who will earn the right to challenge the Unbeatable Champion Leon?!" Gloria made her way to the center "Will it be the brilliant rising star, Challenger Gloria?" as Raihan set up his Rotom Phone for a particular picture. "Or will it be the only Trainer that Champion Leon calls his rival- the tamer of dragons, Raihan?!" The two met into the crossing, looking each other eye to eye.

The gym leader admitted in pride. "You're really something else, kid. You've made it all the way here! I guess that's why the Champion himself endorsed you, yeah?"

Gloria nodded. "Me and Hop have the potential. But that isn't gonna stop you from trying to take the right from me." She smiled fiercely. "Is it?"

Raihan laughed to that and bared a fang. "Leon's my rival! So that's why I got to first prove I'm better than you if I'm to beat him! I've reworked my whole team, and now we're all geared up for one-on-one battles! You might be thinking, you've beaten me once already. But if you ever thought that with any of us, you would have been regretting it!"

The two made to their sides, Gloria readied a firm pitch as Raihan had the Rotom Phone float out of his hand, roared and sent out a Torkoal that let loose a heated drought. Gloria sent out her Cinderace. "Come on Acer, we're so close!" Her Cinderace tapped the field and flexed. Gloria aimed her ball and called the starter back. "Things are going to get real sandy right around now!" Her ball powered up from the wishing star and enlarged as Raihan raised an eyebrow. "She's looking to smash through enough of my team to blitz through."

Gloria tossed the ball to unleash the Gigantamaxed Cinderace, Raihan smiled at an idea of his own. "Won't be a problem for long." The Cinderace yelled out as Gloria ordered. "Bury that heat under a max quake!" The Cinderace used his right ear to smack to the ground and make a tremor that sent the Torkoal flying, Raihan ordered. "Now use yawn!"

The Torkoal gave off a yawn that made the Cinderace feel drowsy. Acer unleashed another quake to knock the Torkoal out and Gloria realized, just by hearing a snore, that her lead was asleep. "Drat!"

Raihan switched his Torkoal and let her know he had a back up plan just for her. Fling! Out came a Goodra that looked up to the foe with mellow vigor, Acer was fast asleep and the Goodra gave a dance that brought about rain. "Here comes the rain! Feel its cold dampness soak into your body!" Gloria cringed as her Cinderace shrank back down. "This isn't good, come on, you need to wake up and give her that surprise we've been holding." The Cinderace continued to sleep and the Goodra splashed a surf wave that knocked him out in one blow. Gloria phewed and called Acer back. "Well, least the Torkoal's gone." Fling! Pop!

Out came Brainy. "We still got control over this. Start with a light screen and keeping using psychic and bug buzz!" The Orbeetle nodded and let loose a barrier as Raihan pointed to the sky. "I wouldn't hide under if I were you, because when there is rain, there's a thunder storm!"

The Goodra crackled lightning out of her antenna and shot it to the sky, making it crash down as an bolt of lightning that pushed against the barrier. The Orbeetle let loose a stinging buzz that gave a ring in the Goodra's ears. He wit stood the surf waves and followed with a combo of a psychic blast and a bug buzz. The Goodra shot thunder that caused the Orbeetle to stiffen in paralysis and was knocked out by a finishing psychic blast. Gloria phewed and made a switch, bringing out Shelly as Raihan let loose a Drampa. The rain died down as the Slowbro stared blankly. "Now comes another rain storm that will blow you away!"

The Drampa set up another rain dance as the Slowbro rushed at him and made a blow with the shell side arm. The Drampa roared in a berzerker rage as Gloria cringed. "Oh boy! Shelly, go for a zen head butt and stop that hurricane!" The Slowbro perked in her focus and rushed at the Drampa head first, bashing him across the head and making him flinch. He shook it off and let loose a storm that blew the Slowbro away, Shelly waddled in confusion and Gloria ordered. "Nice work, now go for a Shell Side Arm basher!"

The Slowbro listened and sprinted at the Drampa, knocking him off balance for a knock out and is left sitting blankly. Gloria phewed and made a switch. An Arctozolt vs a Turtonator. Gloria smirked and asked. "Franken, it's time to power up that special move you got!" The Arctozolt nodded and looked up to the sky in a glow of power that enveloped his body, Raihan asked. "You plan to counter this eh? Turtonator, give them a sunny day!" The turtle grunted and let loose a heat that blocked out the sky, Franken was at the peak of his glow as Gloria pointed. "That won't do anything to deflect the meteor beam!"

Franken jerked his head forward and unleashed a blast of power that made impact with the Turtonator and sent him falling to his stomach in a certain knock out.

Raihan huhed and switched. "Alright then. Flygon, let's bury this fossil back into the ground!" Pop! Out came the Flygon that was before a glowing Arctozolt, the dragon slammed the ground with his tail and unleashed an earthquake that knocked Franken out cold. Gloria smiled at a match going her way and switched. "Dragon, verses dragon! Let's see who roars louder, Sweet Pie!"

Pop!

Out came the Appletun that made an attempt at a roar, the Flygon stepped back and rushed her with sharp claws, sending her rolling and to a ripen sitrus berry. She countered with a point blank dragon pulse that knocked the Flygon to the side and left her as the one roaring. Gloria made a final switch for the match as Raihan was at the peak of his adrenaline. "You do realize I'm the great Raihan, right? I'll be the one to beat Leon. So first I'll beat you!"

He sent out a Duraludon that gave a high pitch roar as Gloria posed for a dojo match and tossed Fubear out. She gestured to the opponent with her right hand. Raihan called his partner into a ball, smiled to the Rotom Phone and tossed the ball back, sending out his Gigantamaxed partner that shook the earth with his sheer might. Gloria and Fubear looked up to the giant boldly. "Alright, I used Dynamaxing already. So we're going to have to beat this the way Piers ought to do it! Give him a wicked blow!"

The Urshifu channeled her dark power and rushed at the foe's chest for a firm blow, forcing the Duraludon to step back as his trainer roared. "Let's do it, max steel spike! Even those fists won't get past the dragons scales!" The Duraludon stepped back and unleashed steel spikes that sent the Urshifu in a flight. Fubear flipped to the metal and dived after the foe's neck. "Now, face the giant in close combat and make the tower fall!"

Fubear collided with the Duraludon and unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks in a rotation of direction. The giant tried to swat her away and felt her getting to an arm, just to beat on the shoulder. Fubear made a leap to the head and delivered a round house kick to make an explosion that sent the foe shrinking. Fubear landed with a back flip and watched the Duraludon fall over to his side.

K.O.

The crowd was going wild and Raihan sighed in disappointment, he took a fast snap of his phone and called his partner back. ""My lovely Pokémon and I have become much stronger than we were before." He smiled at Gloria. "But you just blew right past us! Beyond anything I'd imagined!"

Gloria smiled back. "Thanks, that match was still a rough one. We're just determined to win after how far we've come." Raihan nodded to that. "I'm still pretty young myself, but it just goes to show that there's always someone younger coming up, reaching further than you ever dreamed. And you've got your whole future ahead of you!" He cheered in sportsmanship. "Keep up the momentum! Prove that Leon's not unbeatable!"

Gloria promised him. "I've gotten this far, so it's time I show the kind of legend me and my pokemon are, once and for all!" The commentator announced. "Number 227, Challenger Gloria, has achieved a dazzling triumph! The trainer who was endorsed by the Champion will now face him!"

Some time later.

Gloria finished healing her pokemon and was shaking off her nerves, feeling more than prepared to take on what Leon has to offer. "So, if I start off really aggressive, it might force two of his pokemon out. Giving the others a momentum to whittle all the way down to that Charizard. I just need that moment!"

Suddenly, Hop and his Rillaboom approached to let the girl know it is time. "All right? The big moment's finally here, eh?" Gloria turned and tapped her noggin. "I need to think this out and I'll be able to win 'ere." Hop tensed. "I hope you are, I've came along today, just to cheer you on, you know!" He closed his eyes in contemplation. "It isn't easy here, I'm having to pick between you and my brother."

Rillaboom gasped to an idea and grunted. (How about we cheer for both?) Gloria had an idea of what was said. "That would be too complicated, for even our cheer experts to pull off!" The Rillaboom scratched himself as Hop had a laugh. "Well, that might make us the first! After all, we did start this together, way back in Postwick." He cheered. "So you better beat Lee, you here? If anyone's got a chance at beating the Unbeatable Champion, it'll be you mate."

The Rillaboom cheered with him and escorted Hop out of the locker room. Gloria took another deep breath, flexed and jogged her way pack to the Pitch, where Leon awaited her.

The Champion had a fierce smile that the girl hasn't seen from him before, yet should have expected. The two reached the cross and the Champion had a strange rush of adrenaline. "The tense, still air on the pitch and the exact opposite from the audience, cheering and yelling. They're both fantastic, wouldn't you say?"

Gloria blew out to the air and put a hand on her chest. "Yeah! The moment this starts, we're gonna be two completely different people! That's what this crowd of fans are waiting on, especially for this particular match."

Leon agreed with that. "And remember, the audience is also a bit cruel. They want nothing more than to see one of us lose after all." Gloria nodded. "And cheer for the winner, even after the loser gives it everything they got." She had a smile that turned into an adrenaline craze, one that compliments the fierce attitude Leon emitted. "It can fill you with fear, knowing that, but I absolutely love pushing past the fear." Gloria added to that thought. "Giving everything we got as trainers and our teams showing everything they can be, to earn that glory!"

Leon nodded back. "It's the greatest feeling in the world, and I can't get enough of it either! I can feel my partners itching with anticipation inside their poke balls. We're going to have a real champion time! I'm the Galar Region's Champion, Leon! Me and Charizard, and all the rest of our team, will use all of our knowledge and experience to crush you completely!" Gloria recalled the one pokemon Leon knows little of and answered the challenge. "We'll see about that! So let's do this!"

The two went to their ends of the pitch, Gloria readied a ball and turned while Leon smacked himself awake. Suddenly, a member of the audience pointed at an odd acting screen. "Wait-hold on!" A random Yell grunt noticed. "Hey! Look at the monitor!" "What is that on the big screen?"

Pew! The monitor flickered on, showing Rose with in the confines of a strange power plant that is reaching an overload. The chairman waved at the two challengers. "Hello there, Leon and Gloria! I'm letting you know-" Leon turned to the screen as Gloria looked up in confusion. "I think I might be bringing about the Darkest Day. For the sake of Galar's future, of course! I'm in a bit of a pickle though."

The screen showed generators overloading with red energy and a sphere that's about to burst. "The energy being released by the Darkest Day has proven to be way too much for us to contain."

The energy reached a peek and the earth shook, bringing Gloria off balance as a beam of energy, like that of the Den, burst out of the center of the stadium. The audience had a view from the higher ground, Wydon stadium isn't the only one with the burst of power. Tremors began to shake outside and left a panic of fear. The screen showed a multitude of stadiums, letting loose that power. "I'm sorry it's come to this. But it's you who've forced me to hurry on with this, Leon. You refused to listen!"

Rumble! Squawk!

The crowd heard the sound of a giant bird from outside. Leon and Gloria made a rush to the exit in an attempt calm down and figure out what's going on. Hop called in a panic. "Lee, Gloria. Some Corviknight's going big and crazy out by the taxi cab and it isn't the only pokemon that's growing big! That stream, it's coming from that Power Plant bellow Hammerlocke Stadium, right? What in the world did the Chairman do?"

Leon shook his head. "I don't know! But everything he was saying yesterday. Did he really pull some crazy stunt, to solve this problem without us knowing?" Gloria asked. "What problem?! All we've been gathering is that Rose has told people one thing and then told a few another."

Leon raised his hands to try and keep the girl level headed. "About that, most of us were told that this energy, that is responsible for everything that is in Galar, is in a crisis that would happen in a thousand years or something. That was a lie so we wouldn't know the real date." Gloria gasped. "Which is in a few decades at most? So, the Chairman's messing around with something without us needing to panic."

Rumble!

Leon had a ball ready as Hop cringed. "Well, that's not stopping now!" The brother insisted. "I've got to go see what's really going on. As Champion, I'll handle this. Hop, Gloria, try getting somewhere safe with the people while this is going on!"

He took off before the children could say anything, they heard the sound of the giant bird getting into a fight and brought Hop into a spike of worry. "Lee's not going to make it there in time! He's just going to get lost when it matters!"

Gloria agreed with that. "We got to do something! Hop, what have we gathered about this Darkest Day? What do we know?" Hop tapped his foot. "Let's see. Two heroes fought against that with a Sword and a Shield that were apart of these two wolves." Gloria nodded. "Some of us think those wolves are those heroes, but yeah. Where was the last place, those wolves have been seen? Is there a reason why they were keeping people out?"

Hop gasped. "The Slumbering Weald! I'll bet if we head there, we'll find something we can use to stand a fighting chance! Then we'll head on to Hammerlocke and get to the bottom of this!" He and Gloria gave each other a high five and took off, finding the after math of a fiery battle, with a Corviknight laying prone. Hop didn't have the patience, saw a lost Pikachu and Eevee turned into panicking titans and brought out his own Corviknight, he got on the birds back and offered Gloria. "Get on!"

While the two were taking off.

Marnie dragged Bede to the back door, by hand, not wanting to sit around while two of her friends were in danger. She found a point to stop as Bede asked in confusion. "What does the Chairmen think he's doing?!" Marnie answered furiously. "Somethin' crazy, that's what. How's about you tell me, what he's been telling you? Gloria and Hop could use the help."

Bede tried to keep calm. "If this was a problem that was going to come up in a thousand years, he wouldn't have had us gather Wishing Stars just to rush them over this. How's about I show you where this is all coming from, I need to find my answers too." Marnie nodded and opened the door to find a giant rolling Dottler signalling an S.O.S. She brought out a dusk ball and yelled. "Hang on, we're gonna be in for a bumpy brawl!"