Gallant Adventures

by zcritic88

At the Region of Galar, a young girl's adventure begins in earnest. To go as far into an event as she could. What kind of adventure is in store for Gloria and her misfit band?

6. A Heated Rivarly and a Chilling Horror

After the Taxi dropped Gloria and her buddies off, they headed to the Gym of Motostoke to see if the line is cleared. Several trainers are walking off with disappointment and an acceptance of defeat. Klara woahed. "I've heard that Kabu doesn't hold back for anyone." Avery pitied the defeated. "They haven't realized their stored power and chose to let their dreams be eaten here." Gloria had an idea for her team composition. "But that isn't gonna to be me! I think Shelly's going to be a huge help here while Sweet Pie just needs to learn that move! Then Acer will be that surprise I need. I'll be heading in while you watch, then you can go back to the Dojo while I take care of the rest."

The two waved to Gloria in good will and went to see where they can be in the audience. Gloria went to the receptionist and found Hop stepping out with badge resembling an upper edge, having a flame marking to symbolize the type. Gloria gasped. "Hop, I'd thought you'd nabbed the gym earlier?" The rival smirked. "Well let's say you weren't the only one to have a big ol' line. But now that crowd's lighten up, we finally got our chance!" He showed off the badge. "I've already gone and earned my Fire Badge! That man of fire, Kabu, is just what you'd expect. Nearly got burnt in my battle with him."

Gloria imagined. "It was a touch and go there, but you still won in the end." She showed a small collection of balls. "I'd been somewhere for most of the day and gotten some partners that ought to do the trick. I'd even got Sweet Pie to evolve!"

She let out the Appletun, wowing Hop. "Wow, that kind of luck paid off in the end!" Gloria nodded. "I just need to handle a little more and she'll be fully ready for the challenge." The rival smirked. "You better get your shift on, Gloria! I bet you could beat the man of fire, too!" He head off to the audience passage and let the girl call her partner back and meet with the receptionist.

The same one Gloria met the other day, that noticed the wears of a dojo trainee. "Woah, where have you been?" Gloria answered. "It's a long story, but I went to an island a bit far from here. So, this is my chance to change back once I beaten this!" The adult realized the place Gloria mentioned, opened his mouth, paused and coughed. "Right, you know what we have to ask." Gloria nodded, went to the changing room and got into her gym uniform and went back, the adult advised. "You might find the Fire Gym's mission a bit different from the others."

Gloria went to the left door, the same one she, Hop and many others crossed the other day and found herself in a chamber with a small race tract. In the center is an obstacle course with tall grass, three trainers each and an outer circle of a fire red tile. Gloria looked at the three gym assistants and spotted Dan, in front of a bill board. She approached and perked. "What kind of mission do we got to do today?" Dan appreciated the question and answered. "The Gym Mission for the Fire Gym is this! Catching pokemon to earn the most points! Earn five points to complete the Gym Mission! In case you're wondering, you'll earn one point for defeating a pokemon in the tall grass or two points for catching a pokemon. But you won't be alone in this competition. Other trainers will be joining you in your battles!" Gloria ohed. "This might make it easier for Fubear, in case she gets burned!" Dan advised. "Think about what your opponents might do, and try the best action to rack up points!"

He stepped away from the bill board and blew his whistle. Gloria decided to jog upward, where a dark skin female assistant with black hair was waiting. The girl noticed a tiny blue flame and rushed in to find a Litwick. She and the assistant sent out a Kubfu and a Sizzlipede. The assistant woahed. "Hey, I heard of this one!" Gloria blushed as Fubear looked to the stranger nervously. "I think you'll see where I've been in a second." She ordered. "Fubear, focus on the Litwick and give it an aerial ace!" The Kubfu nodded, back flipped to the billboard and dashed at the Litwick for a moderate amount of damage, the ghost spewed a will-o-wisp and Gloria ordered. "Roll!" The Kubfu did so as the assistant ordered. "Sizzli, give that Litwick a bite!" The Sizzlipede hissed and wiggled through the grass in an s like pattern before biting the candle. Gloria saw it as her chance to toss a great ball, capturing the ghost with ease. She put the ball in her pocket and heard from the Commentator. "Challenger Gloria has earned 2 points!"

Gloria waved to the assistant in thanks and went to the bottom right, seeing a small wiggle of red in the grass. A Sizzlipede, Fubear pressed her fist together and braced for a fight as an assistant, a tan girl with sunset blonde hair, came to aid. She sent out a salandit and looked at the eager Kubfu. "Sorry about this, Salandit, fake her out!" The Salandit giggled and faked the Kubfu out, Fubear wasn't effected and looked to the lizard annoyingly as Gloria gave that glare. "Aerial ace once and we got it!"

Fubear back flipped and swiped the bug upward, ready for a net ball to take him home. The assistant bopped herself on the head as the commentator announced that Gloria earned two more points. One more foe remaining and Gloria was in a catching spree. "Alright, now we got our last one!" She readied to call the Kubfu back, Fubear saw six red tails and squeaked. (Come on, I can take this one!)

Gloria was charmed by the squeak. "Alright, alright. Sweet Pie can wait a little bit! I got an idea with her ability anyways." The two went to the final pokemon, a Vulpix. Cautious about the brown haired, young man as he sent out a Rolycoaly. The Kubfu took a deep breath, charged the Vulpix and chopped her with a brick break as the Rolycoaly let loose a fast rapid spin at the fox. Gloria used a great ball to easily capture the final pokemon and put it in her pocket. With that, Dan blew the whistle. "And that would be six points! Congratulations on another mission cleared!"

Gloria and Fubear cheered in pride and fist bump one another before lining up to face the staff. The first assistant admitted. "That Kubfu is strong for how she looks! Nice job!" Dan agreed to that. "Clearing Kabu's Gym Mission like that. You're postively on fire. As such, you can keep the pokemon you've captured, hope they help you well!"

Gloria ohed and recalled some jobs requiring cooking as Dan continued. "Next you'll be facing Kabu, the leader of the Fire Gym! On you go, Challenger." Gloria and Fubear took off, at the hall, the girl readied to call her partner back. "That was pretty amazing, but now it's time for you to go into the ball!" The Kubfu huhed. (Why? What did I do?)

Gloria answered. "You were fantastic, but normally I have Brainy lead to use a screen, since that's not a good idea here. I'm thinking Acer ought to be my open star. Then see how well Sweet Pie can handle some heat, this is her first time in a gym fight where she isn't meant to waste a turn." She giggled. "Then I ought to catch that Dynamaxed pokemon by surprise! We'll keep our training on the road and hone that potential, kay?" That the Kubfu understood and sweated a bit before getting called back.

Gloria rearranged her team and heard some cheering ahead, she was at the stadium entrance and noticed someone right by her. Kabu himself, putting a hand on his chest and preparing for the event. Gloria perked and at sync, started a job with the adult that is going a bit faster than her. It's quite impressive. The two reached the center and turned to face one another. Kabu had his hands behind his back, addressing Gloria quite formally. "Welcome! I believe we've met last night, is that correct Gloria?"

The girl nodded. "Quite!" Kabu nodded back. "The fact you're here, means you've best Milo's grass-type pokemon and Nessa's water-types too. That's quite the accomplishment! Every trainer and pokemon trains hard in pursuit of victory. But that means your opponent is also working hard to win." Gloria agreed with that. "I got caught up in a misadventure and fought two people that learned that lesson, good!" Kabu's intrigued. "In the end, the match is decided by which side is able to unleash their true potential."

The two turned to their side, Gloria had a look at a stadium that resembles cracking, volcanic grounds. She turned with Acer's ball and saw Kabu having a serious battle face, he tossed an ultra ball like a professional and let out a Ninetales. Gloria tensed in a pose fitting of dojo student and shoved her fist forward to let out the Raboot. Kabu crouched as the girl ordered. "Until we figure out what this fox has, start off with a double kick!" The Raboot nodded, leaped to the Ninetales as Kabu ordered. "Now, fire spin and quick attack!" The Ninetales sprinted around the Raboot and trapped him in a vortex as he kicked her a few feet. Pow! She rushed a quick attack as Gloria ordered. "Again!" Acer double kicked once more and took another quick attack, they traded blow for blow until the Ninetales was kicked out of the fire and landed to her side in a k.o.

Acer phewed and sweated as Kabu called his partner back. "Impressive spark. You've exercised that Scorbunny well." Gloria's charmed and readied to call Acer back. "Thank you! We take this pretty seriously you know!" Acer turned to see the ball and was called back as Kabu sent his next ball. "Let's go, Arcanine!" Pop! Out of the ball came a giant, fluffy, fiery dog. Gloria felt it was a good chance to send out Sweet Pie. "Now here's a late bloomer of mine! It took me until past noon to finally find the way to evolve her from an Applin!" Plop!

Out of the ball came the Appletun that looked up at the foe and sized him up. Kabu was in thought and ordered. "Let's see what this one has, open with flame wheel!" The Arcanine spun into a fiery wheel and rushed at the Appletun, sending Sweet Pie and inch as she aimed to where the Arcanine is going to go. "Looks pretty big, start with a good ol' leech-" Sweet Pie swelled her cheeks and tapped her right foot as a signal, Gloria ohed. "Or use that move!" Sweet Pie opened her mouth and shot out a yellow liquid that sizzled at the Arcanine's fur and caused a yelp. Kabu had him repeat the flame wheel as Sweet Pie licked a piece of her nectar and aimed, clashing a flame wheel with an apple acid. Sweet Pie took another and pulled something from her pouch, a sitrus berry that ripened.

Gulp!

She perked and took another flame wheel before using apple acid one more time. Gloria's eyes glittered. "Okay, now use leech seed and we have him!" The Appletun grunted, took one more flame wheel and spat out seeds that sapped the Arcanine's health. Kabu ordered a change in strategy. "Halt that Appletun's recovery with a bite!" The Arcanine woofed, rushed at Appletun to bite into her hide and she slipped away. She landed to her side as Gloria ordered. "Now show off that marvelous recover!" The Appletun glowed green and perked back for battle as the leech seed sapped the Arcanine and made him fall over.

Gloria heard a distinct sound of people cheering the name. "Sweet Pie! Sweet Pie!" As Kabu's eyes sparked in fire. "Light that fire and get your mind moving, Kabu! There still must be a path to victory!" He called Arcanine back and sent out his final pokemon, a large, fiery centipede. Centiscorch. The Appletun felt quite bulky about herself as Gloria thought. "Alright, this might not go too well for Sweet Pie, but if I can get a leech seed planted, then Shelly really will get this win!" Kabu aimed his ball at the Centiscorch, having a plan in mind. "Burn bright, Centiskorch. Let Gigantamax change your size and your form!"

The Centiscorch sizzled a hiss in a promising vow. (You'll be a wiggling crust when I'm done!) The Centiscorch was called into the ball and Kabu powered it up. He closed his eyes, held the ball with both hands and tossed it back, causing it to pop and enlarge to show a burning underbelly of heat rings, a burning x pattern on the head and tail. Fierce red eyes looked down at the Appletun that realize things aren't going to look so great. "Come on, just tough this one out and leave a leech seed! That ought to be annoying enough."

That perk got the Appletun to make a stand as Kabu ordered. "Every bug holds the strength to overcome a mountain! You understand that, don't you?" He pointed as half of the audience cheered. "Centiscorch! Kabu, Kabu! Centiscorch!" "Toss this Appletun away with a max flutterby!" The Centiscorch nodded and let loose burning butterflies from his belly, blasting the Appletun to where she was sent far and on her side. She was dazed and knocked out. Gloria cringed. (That didn't work.) She called Sweet Pie back. "You still did good!"

She brought out her nest ball, smiled wide and hurled it. "Shelly flew from the Isle of Armor, back to and all the way back here again! Give it up lovelys!" Pop! Out of the ball came a half witted Slowbro that wasn't aware. Gloria aimed her ball. "Now let's get it big!" She called the Slowbro in and powered up her ball, causing it to enlarge before tossing it back. POP! The Slowbro grew to the size of a mountain and was standing up at the sudden change.

Kabu looked up with a matching fiery passion to his partner. "Burn it bright, Centiscorch!" The audience chanted. "Centi-ferno! Centi-ferno!" The trainer pointed. "Burn it bright with a Centiferno!" The Centiscorch's belly rings became like that of suns as Gloria ordered. "Come on, cool it down with a max geyser!" The Slowbro's Shellder gave a bite and caused the host to blink at something and aim fast, charging up a globule of water and blasting through a fire ball shot out by the Centiscorch that slithered to that of a heater grill. Making a splash of water that blocked out the sky and returned as rain, the centiferno rushed at the Slowbro in a cloud of steam and let loose a fire spin that had her trapped good. Gloria had the fight more than under control. "Now that the fire's out of the way, blast him with a latent mind storm!" The Centiscorch let loose a buzzing flutterby that dulled the Slowbro's train of thought as she focused her mind and thrust forward in a head butt, sending out a pulse of psychic power that engulfed the foe and let loose a pulse of psychic power. The Centiscorch powered down, battered and tired as the Slowbro was looking down in awareness. Kabu pointed. "Our flame hasn't been put out yet! Go for a bug bite!" Gloria clapped. "I don't think so! Shelly, again!" The Slowbro nodded in a quick draw of the mind and thrust her head forward once more, letting loose a more intense mind storm that rippled across the stadium and left a Centiscorch laying on the ground. K.O.

A particular lady was heard, going ballistic over the victory as the Slowbro powered down and gave a brave twirl, waving her shellder buddy as a way to give credit where it's due. The Shellder closed her eyes in an attempt to smile with a mouth full of an arm, all the while Kabu was falling on his knees in defeat, went on his hands in shame and called his partner back. "Great pokemon and a great trainer! It's no surprise that you won!"

Gloria approached to help him up. "Yeah, it's no wonder there was so many trainers that looked beat out there! What a battle for the afternoon!" Kabu looked up to see what Gloria is doing and mustered the nerve to get up on his own, he put on a towel for his neck and confessed. "I'm often regarded as the first real roadblock of the Gym Challenge, and yet you defeated me soundly! Clearly, your talent surpassed my many years of experience. I still have much to learn." He went for his pocket and closed his eyes in grace. "I know that you and your pokemon will become a fantastic team."

He smiled and opened his eyes. "I'm glad I could have battled you today." He brought out the fire badge. "Let me give you this Fire Badge as proof that you've defeated me!" Gloria took the badge and shook hands with the man as Shelly forgot what was going on and sat back down in a stupor. Gloria figured out the badge was meant to be for the center, connecting the grass and water badge together. She had her Slowbro follow her out of the stadium, to the changing room and back to the lobby, where Hop is surprised at the two who've accompanied the girl on her adventure to the Isle of Armor.

Avery sensed her presence and turned in grace. "You've calmed your mind through that blast and came out victorious." He sighed and closed his eyes. "Again." Klara agreed and squeed before going out of control. "Shelly just got up there and-" She leaped, startled Gloria and embraced the Slowbro. "Knocked that bug out of there when he didn't expect it!"

Hop stuttered. "I figured if any one could do it, you and Acer would be the ones, but still! That match had me right at the edge of my seat." Gloria saw Shelly was blushing and admitted. "I finally got most of my team squared away, I just need a really special one to be my sixth and I'll take the whole Region, three times over!" Hop found that a big boast. "Why didn't you tell me that you went to Master Mustards Dojo?! That was the place Lee started out and everything!"

Gloria blushed. "Well, it's a bit embarrassing as to why I got caught up in there in the first place. But at least it got me that apple and more." She looked to Shelly as Klara calmed down to admit. "That cleared a lot of things up." Gloria felt someone coming and saw Dan with a red t.m in hand. "Challenger Gloria! I see you've done a fine job collecting the Gym Badges from the Grass, Water and Fire Gyms. Please take this T.M to commemorate what you accomplished here today!" Gloria obtained the T.M labled Will-o-wisp as well as a uniform themed around the Fire Gym. Hop recalled. "With all the badges we've earned ourselves, I reckon we should be all right even against the fierce pokemon you'll find deeper in the wild area. Let's go out for ourselves and get to the city north of here!" He sprinted to the door and Gloria readied to call Shelly back before having a mischievous plan. "Hey, you don't suppose Slowbros can jog a bit? If they don't worry too much about it?"

Klara doesn't imagine why not as Avery advised against it. "Unless you're planning to pull a trick room, that moment of focus would teleport out of there." He had a bit of an idea as Klara guessed. "If Shelly has someone to focus on, then maybe that someone will lead her to making a lap. Give a lazy slob a reason and they'll put in the work."

Gloria felt that was a good idea and sent out Fubear, who is seeing the energy and asked. (Did you all win?) The Slowbro had a sharp moment and smiled. (Me, Shellder, Sweet Pie and Acer got it all taken care of!) She spaced out as Fubear squeed and cheered to Gloria. (Then let's go find that new challenge!) She dashed and Gloria eeked before jogging behind. The Slowbro realize her trainer is taking off and started her legs, even though she has no idea why the race is happening. Klara and Avery saw that was sudden, saw Kabu was calling a break for something and decided to follow at an even pace.

Gloria, Hop and the band reached to the entrance of the wild area. To the rivals surprise, Gloria and her misfits tied to the finish line. "You're hurrying it, Gloria! How long until you're going to start out speeding Bolthunds?" Before the girl answered, Hop noticed Kabu catching up. "Huh? You're the Gym Leader, but you still came all the way to see us off?" Kabu stopped and nodded. "Gloria was the last one for the afternoon." He put a fist to his chest. "There are many trainers who never manage to gather three gym badges, and they just give up on the Gym Challenge altogether. So I make it a point to see off any trainers who are able to defeat me."

Suddenly, Nessa and Milo sprinted to arrival. The water specialist phewed. "We made it. Thank goodness for flying taxi's!" She breathed in. "Hop, Gloria, congratulations! It's pretty amazing that you two defeated Kabu!" Milo admitted. "Not a lot of Gym Challengers are able to get a gym badge from him! We like to get together to see them off, as a way of showing our support." Kabu coughed. "So, allow me to send you off with a proper, sporty chant!"

Gloria huhed as Kabu perked energetically. "Hustle, hustle, hustle, Hop! You can do it, you can do it, Gloria!" Shelly gave that chant as Fubear chanted with her. Kabu calmed down and warned the band. "The Gym Leaders you will face are all tough opponents. But I believe that you will prevail! Believe in your pokemon and keep pushing on!" Gloria and Hop blushed, the boy gave his thanks. "Thanks, you all! We're going to keep winning! We got to if we want a face off in the Champion cup, after all!" He looked to his rival. "Come on Gloria! Let's head to Hammerlocke!" He, Gloria and the pokemon jogged out of the city while Nessa noticed Klara and Avery appearing.

She raised an eyebrow. "Hey... haven't I've seen you two around before?" Avery adjusted his glasses. "You might have heard about a certain pair that dropped out of becoming Gym Leaders." Klara added in cutely. "And decided to take off to dojo training as a way to catch up. We've only showed our faces here because of that kid. So, do you mind if we see her make it to Hammerlocke before we scram?" Milo realize who the two are. "You're inspiring to be a Poison Type Gym Leader and Avery had a family gym before he was kicked out!" Avery nodded. "The very one!" Kabu hummed. "I see, work like that would be good for the spirit." He bobbed his head as Nessa's a tad jealous. "I've heard the Isle is a scenery to behold. The next time you come here, maybe you can share a peep?" Klara blushed. "Well... maybe, we could invite some guests. It's just the Dojo's full right now." Avery didn't mind and realized. "That girl wouldn't!" Nessa and the others didn't know what is on the psychic's mind and simply saw them off.

Out in the Wild Area.

Fubear made each step at a fast pace as Shelly was so focused on following Gloria that she missed a step, tripped and spun back to her feet on landing. Like that of an epic jump. On making it to the dirt, Hop called out. "Hello again, Wild Area, my old friend! I've come back to you, stronger than before!"

Gloria giggled and guessed. "Hammerlocke's beyond the road under the bridge, right?" Hop gave a thumbs up. "You got that right!" They saw beyond the road, a bridge going over some water. "And yeah, you could certainly rush straight there without taking a detour."

Gloria snickered. "But since I've gathered more badges, I can catch some stronger pokemon if I go looking around! I hope you're going to be with more than just those three you've been using." Hop blushed. "I know what I'm doing! I'll be catching some amazing pokemon to fill in the next page in the tale of my legend."

Suddenly, a sneering voice approached. "Don't waste your efforts. It's not like either of you would ever make it through the gym challenge anyway." The Kubfu turned, was the first to see Bede and hid by Gloria's leg as Shelly blinked blankly.

Gloria kept Fubear guarded and glared. "You again!" Bede's trying to ignore the odd staring Slowbro. "The Champion really must be off his rocker rocker to endorse the likes of you." He saw Gloria wasn't giving an inch and turned to the rival. "I mean, it seems Hop can't even throw a pokeball properly." Hop scoffed. "Rubbish. More like you don't know enough to recognize greatness when you see it." Gloria agreed partially. "Just about everyone has a distinct throw, it took me until recently to learn mine."

Bede wondered. "And I was thinking you were going to wander lost in your search for that apple. Where have you even got it and where have you found these two pokemon?" Hop tried to keep to the subject. "I'm not going to listen to you insulting them or my big brother!" He tensed arrogantly as Bede brushed his hair. "How tiresome. Fine. I'll battle you over there." He looked to the ruined watch tower. "Maybe that will finally help you understand just how weak you are!" Hop was on it. "You're on then! I know you challenged Gloria to a battle over at the second mines and lost to her there. And I'm his greatest rival."

Gloria joined with the boast. "In other words, there's no way you'd be able to beat him!" Bede was growing bored. "All this prattle about her and the Champion and whatnot." He squinted his eyes in judgement. "Do you not have anything on your own to show?" He walked off to the tower as Hop sprinted after him. "All show this wally my real skills in battle!" He turned to wave. "So see you later, Gloria! Let's meet up at Hammerlocke once I'm through with him."

Bede realize Hop is sprinting and hurried to keep up with him. Leaving the girl and her companions to contemplate. They heard foot steps coming and saw Klara and Avery arrived. The psychic specialist was having a bit of a glare at Bede as Klara was thinking out loud. "That was the trainer who's giving you trouble?"

Gloria nodded. "Yep. He had a nerve to say that after how we busted everything to make it through Kabu. I'll bet he hasn't even seen what Shelly and Sweet Pie were able to do." Klara sighed as Avery turned with a grudge over with. "He'll learn that lesson soon enough. But the only way to imprison those words, is for the both of you to best him."

Klara wondered. "Since you need to give those boys time to fight it out, maybe we can go see what's under that bridge?" Gloria felt that was a sound idea. "Maybe I can find that sixth pokemon and continue to give Fubear that exercise. Some candies from those raid dens would help if I find another low leveled straggler."

She called Slowbro back and brought out Brainy, who sensed Gloria earned that badge and is giving a smile. "Come on, Brainy! It's time we get to exercising!" She hutted and started her jog, Fubear kept by as the adults realize Gloria's going to be doing that for the whole trip. Under the bridge field, is an odd sensation of rain. Ahead is a bunch of pokemon Gloria hasn't seen much of before, a toxel throwing a tantrum, a couple of bronzors that would be part of the collection. A Cramorant that was trying to stuff an Arrokuda down and had to spit it out when Shelly came swinging with her shell side arm. The girl had that rare specimen captured and focused on a Stufful, before realizing there's a lot of those that Brainy could battle with. Battle with them took a few minutes before five of them came charging Gloria in a desire for revenge. Brainy conjured a reflective barrier, deflected the brutal swings and held each one at a time with a confusion blast. Each stufful got thrown to the grass and Brainy kept getting more and more focused.

On knocking the third one out, he glowed and burst out of his dome shell before ascending in a psychic hold and sprouting tiny legs. Gloria, Fubear and especially Avery were watching in awe as the glow stopped, in place is a red lady bug with most of his body being encased in wings. He had a set of arms to stretch and a lower body that was floating mid air. The eyes were still blue, with a darker shade that was almost hypnotic. Brainy looked to remaining two Stuffuls and glowed. "Orb?" (Are you sure you want to keep going?)

The cubs knew a fight they weren't going to win and took off before Gloria looked at the dex. "Orbeetle: The Seven Spot Pokemon: Bug-Psychic: It emits psychic energy to observe and study what's around it—and what's around it can include things over six miles away. It's famous for its high level of intelligence, and the large size of its brain is proof that it also possesses immense psychic power."

Gloria ohed and looked to the Orbeetle again. "So those wings are protecting that big ol' brain of yours? Excellent!" She had an idea. "Let's head back to the Move Reminder for just one bit! I think it's time we put that new power to good use!" She called. "Come on Fubear, we're back tracking!" The Kubfu hurried as the Orbeetle made a turn and floated fast, so fast that Avery nearly missed by a blink. Come less than three minutes and a Corviknight taxi came by to drop Gloria and her friends off. She took a deep breath and apologized. "Sorry about that, it's just now that Brainy has some more power to go with his defense, I'd thought I see if he had something stronger than old confusion and struggle bug. So now, I get to give bug buzz a try." Avery huhed. "That was annoying anyways. It wouldn't be needed anymore with the speed to set off a light screen."

Gloria shook her head. "Not really and if I had to dynamax him again, then he can put in a real hurting." She kept a lead with Fubear and took down some Binacle before getting bored and trying out some max raid dens. Having two companions to help her take care of what ever is to come, along with a breeder with a Pikachu. One was a dreadful fight against a Dieno, another was against a Nincada and a final one was against a pink skin imp with green legs and long black hair. The aftermath of the Morgrem battle left more than enough candies for Gloria to horde.

Klara was wheezing and wanted to complain as Gloria noticed, by the north exit, a turn to the right that lead to a daycare center and a digging site of two brothers. Gloria had an idea in mind and approached. "Oi, what are a couple of hikers doing out here?" The two brothers noticed the girl gave a wide smile. The one on the right introduced. "We're the digging bro's! I got no skill in finding anything but when it comes to stamina, I'm the best!" The one on the left gave a thumbs up. "And I've got no lack of skill, but when it comes to stamina, he's the best."

Gloria has heard of the convenience of evolution stones and went to the left. "What's it got to be to dig around here?" The right brother laughed. "Just give 500 watts of power to either of us and we can get digging!" Gloria felt it was fair and had her phone give a charge, the brother went to work. Tink! Tink! Tink! "Bingo!" He came up with a strange slab of rock that had what looked like a fossilized creature of flippers, a slab of rock with what looked to be a fossilized bird and a clump of light clay. "Phew, I'm all tired out. But I haven't dug these in a while!"

He gave Gloria the finds and the girl asked. "So, I know the clay's something I could give to Brainy and make his screens last longer, but what am I going to do with these?" Klara remembered. "I've read about these in a magazine the other day. If you can find an egg head around here that knows of fossils, they can help you turn that into a pokemon!" Gloria recalled one scientist that specializes in bikes and rotoms. "And one's gotta be up around Hammerlocke!"

She thought and put the fossils in her bag. "Maybe, that can be the final pokemon I'm going to need. Better late than never!" She smiled wide and waved. "Thanks, keep to the telly and you'll find something amazing at the stadiums!" She giggled and made her way to the north end, while the companions were keeping behind in frustration. The Digging Duo stopped to think. "Didn't we have a scientist give us a ton of watts to dig those up?" The other brother thought about it and tapped the side of his head. "And we hadn't had someone get that happy over the fossils sense."

He recalled a woman with a smudge of dirt on her face and flinched. "Oh no! What did we just do?" The other brother had a realization. "Eek!" And looked to where Gloria took off, hoping she knows what she's getting into.

Ahead in the Dusty Bowl.

Gloria finished a Max Raid battle against a Galarian Meowth and got a technical record for Iron Head. She felt it was enough of an exercise and made for the top of the hill. Where a city of bricks awaited them, a gate way, looking like a dragons maw, marked the entrance. In front was a League Staff member, waiting. Gloria approached, like an honored celebrity and waved. "'Ello! Is this the way to Hammerlocke?"

The staff looked a bit bored and hot from standing guard all day and yawned. "A Gym Challenger? Yawn Excuse me for that. Allow me to check if you have the Gym Badges." Gloria brought out the ring with the metal pieces, the man counted. "The Grass Badge! The Water Badge! And the Fire Badge! It's confirmed now, that you've defeated three Gym Leaders! Including the leader of Motostoke!" He stepped aside, pretty impressed. "I wish you the best of luck in your future battles!" As Gloria was about to enter with some honor, Bede arrived with Hop missing. The boy had a bit of a green in his eyes and asked. "Oh, it's you? I doubt Hop will be coming."

Gloria blinked. "And why is-" She realized. "Wait, he lost to you?" Bede smirked. "It's only natural. After such a humiliating defeat, there's no way he'd look the Champion in the eye. I'm sure he'll withdraw from the challenge."

Gloria's in shock over the words as Bede showed his medal to the staff member that is rather upset over the trainers language. "Here, just look at the Gym badges I've already won." The man took a deep breath and kept professional. "Thank you, Challenger Bede. I can confirm that you have the required badges." He kept to his post as Bede looked Gloria in the eyes and saw the bewilderment. "Anyway, I have a meeting with the chairman, so I must excuse myself." He went up the stairs into the city and left Gloria to hear growling.

She looked down at Fubear, who was about to attack the rival. "Eek!" She pressed a leg against her. "No, no. If I let you do that, I'll be no better than he is." She turned to her dojo rivals, who were at a loss for words. Avery cringed. "If you're other rival is able to get a calm mind, he'll be here eventually." Klara shook her head. "And anything we could say to him, would be nothing but venom. If he's willing to work hard, then he'll suck it up and keep going."

Gloria groaned, slumped in defeat, looked them in the eyes and calmed herself. "This is about me, I'll be going over into that city and figure out where I ought to get going. Maybe even use that card ya gave me to freshen up." "That ought to keep my mind busy."

They entered a city looking akin to a castle, with a giant tower in the center, having structures resembling wings and what looked to be a crown at the top. Lamp posts with logos of the Gym Challenge and houses from the olden era. Gloria noticed Bede, talking with Rose and Oleana at a draw bridge to the great tower. She mustered the nerve and approached. Bede reported to a Rose that was in his casual attire. "Mr. Chairman! I've been both collecting Wishing Stars and Gym Badges as fast as I can! " Oleana crossed her arms. "Good work Bede. I'm glad you haven't forgotten that it was the chairman who endorsed you." The boy took the approval. "If I gather enough Wishing Stars, that'll help solve the problem that's been bothering you, right, Mr. Chairman?"

Rose insisted otherwise. "Oh, it's not just about me. It's for the future of the whole Galar region. And we'll need more than wishing stars. We also need a powerful Pokemon Trainer, too- someone like a Champion." Gloria had a question mark over her head as Bede reported more. "With all due respect, sir, I was able to show Hop, one of the Champion-endorsed trainers, just how outclassed he was. I'm sure I'll be able to defeat the Champion. No, I will defeat the Champion!"

Rose felt the boasting was a bit condescending but appreciated the vigor. "That's the spirit! It takes healthy competition to really keep the Gym Challenge energized!" Oleana requested from the boy. "Challenger Bede, there is something I wish to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?"

The two walked off to the tower and Rose noticed Gloria with the confused Kubfu and the strangers. "I hope you were listening, Gloria. As you know, Wishing Stars are those mysterious stones that are even attached to your Dynamax Bands. There's more to Wishing Stars than just making your pokemon into giants, though! They hold far more energy than that!"

Gloria felt a ding. "That explains some of the watts I find at the dens too!" Rose nodded. "Precisely. If you're more curious, you should head to the stadium right away! You might have a bigger lesson on how the Galar region gets those watts!" He turned to the Stadium as Gloria asked the two. "Once I'm done 'ere, I'll be doing a little bit of shopping. Could you help me a bit, I need someone to be as mean as possible if I look weird!"

Klara and Avery dread the awkward look of the Chairman, the lady of the two winked. "We'll meet you at the clothes store before we take off to the Dojo." She walked off as Avery imagined. "Just so you'll be presentable and elegant."

Gloria left them be and went to the Castle, finding a massive hall way with a light on the other end and an elevator at the right. By that Elevator is Rose and Oleana. Gloria approached to wave. "So, what's this elevator doing 'ere?"

Rose explained proudly and brought something out. "You see, Hammerlocke's Stadium also doubles as an energy plant! Have a look at this tablet. It has all the information you'll need on this." Gloria read it as Fubear climbed to her back to see. Besides the image of Rose, there's a red orb at the top of the tower, where the energy ought to go to, it goes down the tower, to a facility beneath the earth, then another device before taking it's path towards civilization. Gloria's getting it. "I see what goes on. All that Dynamax energy goes to the tower, then it heads bellow and processed into power that heads off!"

Rose gave Oleana a quick smile, like he told her he was right about someone. "Pretty easy! Our lives and society requires various types of energy sources, such as electricity, natural gas and water. My associate groups aim to improve everyone's lives by harnessing the power stored in Wishing Stars."

Gloria nodded. "So, when someone goes to one of the dens, they pick up on the power from those stars and it ends up in a Rotom Phone. Or on a pokemon that wanders in." Rose gave Gloria a thumbs up while Oleana had a text of something and whispered to his ear. The Chairman is a bit disappointed that the meeting has to end. "Well, it's time to get back to work! I should get a move on before Oleana decides to give me another earful. Gloria, I'd suggest you head over to the vault next. Just head over to the route west of the Stadium and you should find it without any issues!"

They took off and Gloria turned around to follow the instructions, coincidentally, that was where Klara and Avery are at. The psychic type specialist is at a clothes store as the poison specialist is at the air salon. "Well, that kind of explains a few things. Those dens have a reason to hold those Watts, if the Dojo's in need of that, then that can be something for everyone to work on."

Klara appreciated that info. "And not just to get stuff for stronger pokemon. Are you ready to give yourself that make over?" Gloria nodded and thought. "Maybe if I get some clothes first, I won't ruin the hair due." "I'll be over there in a giffy, I think I know what I'm looking for!" She made her way in and Avery kept watch, the girl saw a sports cap with the logo of Centiscorch, took it and made for a matching track suit jacket, trackie bottoms. She went to change, applied gloves from the Motostoke Gym and a tee she was given from the Dojo.

She stepped out and showed to the most elegant trainer she knows. Avery saw something casual, masculine but having the dojo tee to show a potential ace under all that. He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "It could be worse. It shows a hidden power that is waiting to be discovered." Gloria felt that's more than enough. "That's the idea." She paid for the clothes and came out. Klara was more than mesmerized. "That... is so you! Once they mistake you for a random kid, they're going to be melting when you bring out that energy!"

Gloria blushed. "Now let's see what this ought to give me!" She made for the hair salon, showed the card and was given options. A very masculine undercut, an elegant updo to make herself look like a princess, one that's a recent addition thanks to a challenger making herself known and giving Gloria a thought of Marnie and a final one that fits a working lady, a messy bun. She picked the final and let the stylist trim and adjust. The girl wondered, on seeing one of the hair styles. "How far ahead is Marnie? I'll bet she's not having to put up with all this drama like me and Hop are. If he's starting to look down... then maybe." She realized. "Maybe I can help them out a bit and show we can be more than rivals."

It wasn't long till the trim and adjustments were done. She had one look at the mirror, put her sport cap on and has hearts flying to her new look. She stepped out and Avery's mouth dropped, he smiled and clapped. "And now it's perfect! Only a worthy opponent will see the grace you bring in a battle!" Klara nodded. "So gorgeous!" Gloria twirled a ball and let Acer out, letting him have a third look. "What do you think, Acer? Think we're ready to be famous up here?" The Raboot whistled, nodded and looked to Fubear before punching his hand. The Kubfu smiled wide and mimicked that pose.

Gloria took a long deep breath and looked to her dojo rivals. "Thanks for coming along to cheer me on and listen to what's been bugging me. I'd didn't think we'd get along, but now I'm glad to have learned a thing or two with you." Klara blushed as Avery gave a tip of his hat. "That little experience keeps us all synchronized. Just don't request anymore favors unless it's important."

Gloria understood. "I could come back to the Dojo, but only when I get that good time. There's another rival of mine that you might end up liking, she's the reason one of those hair styles is a thing!" Klara ohed, yet agreed with Avery's point. "Well, we're never going to hear the last of you." She waved. "But we'll be watching from the T.V about your matches. Don't go losing to anyone before I get a chance to melt you!" She half dropped her eye lids. "Got it!"

Gloria got it and parted with the two. At the bridge way, leading out, she found Leon. "Gloria! Seems you're doing well with collecting the Gym Ba-" He stopped to see the Kubfu and Raboot, his eyes glistened like the stars and he asked. "No way, you got invited to Master Mustards dojo?!" Gloria smiled nervously. "Well, I got wrapped up in a misunderstanding, but yeah! I did this trial and everything while having Sweet Pie evolving and getting Shelly ready for one of the best matches today!" Leon guessed. "You mean that Slowbro?"

Gloria asked. "So what was it like there? Was that how you really met Charizard? Did you evolve your Kubfu by now?!" Leon was a bit nostalgic, but crossed his arms at the one question that should be addressed. "Funny thing... I didn't pass all the trials. I couldn't find my way to where I needed to go for the final one. I was in a runt for a while and since then, Charmander was doing more to keep me on the right track." Gloria pouted. "Ah man! That's a bummer!"

Leon agreed to that. "But I'm betting that what ever Kubfu evolves into, is super strong!" He wanted to get on topic. "So, what's been going on with Hop? Did something happened to him? He was acting odd when I ran into him. He took one look at me and immediately was like. "I'm so sorry, Lee!""

Gloria cringed as Leon was worried. "It might be the first time I've heard him apologize for anything, and I have no idea what it's for! Maybe he's feeling down because he's had some hard losses in battle?" Gloria pointed at him. "That's exactly it, he lost to someone that was really mean about it." Leon sighed. "When you lose, you feel down in the dumps. But then there's nowhere left to go but back up! You've got to think on why it was you lost, though."

Gloria thought of the more obvious one, using the same three pokemon that have delivered mixed results and fighting the same kind of trainer over and over again. "I think if he can figure that out, he'll be making into a great trainer! He needs to keep moving into this city and over to the next town!" Leon agreed and checked his watch. "And I'm counting on you to give him a little nudge." He's surprised. "Blast, and look at the time! I nearly forgot my meeting with the chairman. That Oleana really lets me hear it when I'm late! Now if only I could remember which way to go!"

Gloria asked the Kubfu. "Fubear, he doesn't have Charizard out right now, so let him know where he's suppose to go!" The Kubfu nodded and turned to help Leon get to where he needs to go, leaving the girl to think. "Hop, if you ever lose that spark with your friends, then I'm going to bring you to some lessons!"

A few minutes in and Fubear returned with vigor. The two sprinted all the way to the west of the city, across the draw bridge and the pokemon center, to find a building with Raihan guarding it. He noticed and waved. "Oh! If it isn't the trainer endorsed by the Champion! Grats on having that Sweet Pie win there!"

He tapped his head. "Let's see, what was your name again?" He used his phone to get a name of the trainer he watched on a video. "Ah, right, Gloria!"

The girl thought to ask. "Since Sweet Pie's able to learn some real moves that might go great with that acid, I'm reckoning that's going to be the next big leg of her training?" Raihan nodded. "You're on the right track here! It comes naturally, so I wouldn't sweat it for a while." He admitted. "This has got to be why Leon himself, recognized your potential." He folded his arms upward, rested his head on his hands and sighed. "All the same, though, anyone wanting to challenge the mighty Raihan has to prove they're up to it by earning seven gym badges first."

Gloria guessed. "And it isn't just a big lap around this time? I'm suppose to visit this vault first before I get going." Raihan relaxed his arms. "Ah, so you're here to see our treasures, are you? Getting a better history of pokemon by studying history certainly isn't a bad idea. I like your spirit kid." He turned to open the door. "Follow me, why don't you?" Gloria called Fubear back and promised. "Once I'm done here, we'll be back to our jog!"

Gloria was given free reign to go up the stairs, to the roof of the building and making a turn to the inside of a tower, where Sonia was conveniently there. The adult turned to find the girl in a stunning attire. "Oh, Gloria! You're here!" The girl put her hat off and winked. "Bet you didn't recognize me there, didn't ya? You're here for more clues?"

Sonia nodded and looked to four tapestries. "These brilliant things. It's great that they are still treasured tapestries that can tell us of Galar's history." First was the one on the left, showing two youths watching a wishing star. The next one of a disaster occurring and bewildering the youths. The third one of the youths looking on at a sword and shield to stop the disaster. And finally the fourth one, of the youths being crowned. Gloria found it quite pretty as Sonia pointed out. "These tapestries tell the story of the creation of a kingdom in Galar." She asked. "Say, young Gym Challenger, what sticks out to you most about them?"

Gloria pointed at the sword and shield, then remembered the statue. "The two heroes who took upon a sword and shield!" Sonia nodded. "Bang on! The statue at the hotel in Motostoke only had one hero, no matter how you slice it. But here, we clearly see two youths." She thought. "Was there really only one hero, or were there two? And what even caused the Darkest Day?" She looked to Gloria in appreciation. "Thanks for letting me bounce some ideas off you. I think I've got some theories now. I'm going to research the tapestries a tad more, but you have your Gym Challenge while there's daylight, right? I'm cheering for you, so take a couple of these. I hope to see more of your wins!"

Gloria was given two revives that could come in handy. She turned around, went down the stairs and found Raihan, who spoke of what he knows. "The tapestries in the vault depict the heroes of the Galar region's past. I suppose if we've got any modern hero, it'd have to be our Champion Leon." Gloria teeheed as Raihan asked. "Listen up Gloria. Your goal is to defeat that super star Leon. So go conquer route 6 and train yourself up along the way to Stow-on-Side!"

Gloria was on it and went out, bringing Fubear and Acer out before starting a jog across the bridge and to a desert mountain, blocking the road was a brown cobra with green eyes and a duo of Yell Grunts. A teenage boy with gold under his chin and a girl with her under cut hair died to look like silver. Cheering for the snake. The gold chin admitted. "What a cute Silicobra!" The snake was trying to sleep as the silver hair swooned. "Just look at those adorable eyes!"

Gloria blushed in agreement. "It is a cutie pie! But it's not what I'm really looking for." The gold chin had a bit of an offense. "Oi, there's no catchin' around 'ere. It's our duty as Team Yell to make sure Silicobra gets a nice, peaceful, sleep!" Suddenly an old lady walked by to ask. "Hello there, young fellows. If I promise not to wake up Silicobra, will you let me through?" The Gold Chin stepped aside. "Of course! It'd be our pleasure." The old lady was allowed through and the Gold Chin went back into position while Gloria guessed. "But if I do that, you won't let me through because I'm a gym challenger? Right?" The Silver Hair nodded. "You knocked that one right!"

Suddenly a mellow Hop arrived and noticed the commotion. "Oh, hey Gloria. You're heading to Stow-on-Side, right?" He asked the Yell grunts. "Oi, Team Yell. Don't suppose you're going to let us through?" The Gold Chin stomped. "Nah, you kids are way too loud. Can't be lettin' you through." The Silver Chair drew a ball. "An' we're not particularly fond of kids wearin' the Challenge Band!" She whispered. "But with your stompin' Silicobra's gonna wake up." The Gold Chin stopped what he was doing as Hop raised an eyebrow. "Right, how was this going to work?"

Gloria looked to Fubear and advised. "If we knock them out fast, we'll get to our next gym without waking Silicobra up." She tensed her fists and gave a battle pose. "So you better not blink!" The Gold Chin cringed and sent out a Stunky, Gloria took a deep breath. "Brick break!" The Kubfu rushed to the Stunky and spun a kick, the foe spewed a poison gas as Gloria ordered. "Roll and strike!" The Kubfu rolled out of the gas's path and knocked the Stunky down, the grunt cringed and sent out a Linoone. "You wouldn't hurt someone with these eyes, would you?" The foe gave baby doll eyes that unnerved the Kubfu, Gloria phewed. "We gotta! Focus energy and strike!" The Kubfu pumped herself up as the Linoone went for the second plan of using fury swipes, getting a good three times before getting chopped for a critical strike and ending the fight.

The Gold Chin caught his partner and was in disbelief. "So fast!" The Silver Hair waved her Marnie poster. "That's going to give Silicobra nightmares." Hop groaned. "I'll leave this to you Gloria, keep up the pace."

Gloria's a bit surprised as the Silver Hair let out a Liepard, Fubear breathed in to regain her attack as the grunt ordered. "Fake her out and kick some sand!" The Liepard rushed for a fake out, only to be given a karate chop that knocked her around, the dark type kicked sand and Gloria ordered. "Aerial ace chop!" The Kubfu back flipped to the girl's head and used it as a platform to disappear and knee the Liepard, ending the fight swiftly. Fubear relaxed as the Silver Hair called her partner and admitted. "So strong and cute! Why d'you 'ave to be such a bother?!"

The two grunts were in defeat from the might of the Kubfu. "So fast, Silicobra might not wake up after that!" "There's no point in stickin' around. Let's get out of here. We'll make these bothersome kids holler another day!" They ran off and left the four to themselves.

Hop looked to the impressive creature and to the girl. "Gloria, you and that Kubfu were brilliant together!" He took a deep breath. "See, Bede really wiped the floor with me the last time we battled. And don't get me wrong- I can take a loss! Battling means you've gotta lose sometimes." He swallowed hard. "But he said I was dragging Lee's good name through the mud, being so rubbish like I was. And I just can't get those words out of my head! If I'm weak, then people'll think Lee's weak too. But I don't want that! I can't let Lee get dragged down! He's the Unbeatable Champion! I'm gonna have to take some time figuring this out." He faced the route. "See you around, Gloria."

He made a sprint before the girl could think of what to say, she looked to Fubear and confessed. "At least we know he's sticking through this." At that, the Silicobra woke up, he looked to the two strangely before slithering away into the unknown. Suddenly, an elderly voice asked. "You're one of the Gym Challengers endorsed by Leon, aren't you?" The three turned around to find Opal standing there, Fubear hid by Gloria's leg as Acer waved casually. Gloria gave that same wave. "Hey Opal, fancy seeing you out here." The elder nodded. "If you want to know more, have a look at my League Card." Gloria was given the card and put it with the others. "I'll keep an eye on you, child. I want to see what you can do when you go all out." She slowly walked off into the route. Gloria gave the card a read before flexing. "Alright, you two and Sweet Pie will need some practice. I'll send Brainy to support if it's needed."

The adventure through the route was quite the climb, between the ladders that made it safer and easier, the various ground types and a puzzle of a maze to explore. Some of the opposing trainers had daunting duo of Clefairy and Clefable, something Fubear wouldn't be able to overcome. Gloria had Shelly take care of them as swiftly as possible, one of the two used metronome and self destructed, the other charged up for a solar beam and was quickly knocked out from a quick draw side arm blast. In an off path, Gloria had an encounter with a scientist and a doctor, who sent out a Togetic and Pawniard. The Togetic was quickly brought low by Shelly as Fubear knocked the Pawniard out in one brick break. After that match, the girl climbed up, sneaked past a back packer and found herself on what would be a dead end if it wasn't for a back packer with a camping tent and a view of stone monuments with in a mountain wall, resembling digletts. Gloria turned her head to see a stadium in a mountain side town, a dangerous slope from where she is and a more stable passage somewhere. Maybe if she turned back around she'd find that way. She noticed, in the middle of nowhere, a bored scientist lady with a canister like machine on wheels and a pully.

The scientist had short black hair, smudge of dirt on her cheek, nose, parts of her white coat and fingers. Gloria remembered the earlier advise and approached, despite the back packer by the camp, realizing where she's going. "Oi, what kind of machine is that?"

The scientist huhed carelessly and almost jumped. "Ahk!" She calmed herself. "Didn't think someone would be coming over to me, Cara Liss. I'm researching fossils, huh." She noticed by the contents of Gloria's bag. "You've got some fossils there, huh. Will you show them to Cara Liss?" Gloria giggled and brought out the bird fossil and the dino fossil. "I got told you people would be great and bringing back some curve balls. So which one are we going to start with?"

Cara Liss flinched. "Oh, no, no, no!" She took the two. "These fossils are both part of the same pokemon! They're needed for this machine to bring back a perfect specimen! Do you want Cara Liss to restore the fossilized bird and fossilized dino together?" Gloria found that odd, from the brief stories she was told about. "Well, if it's to make the machine work. Sure!" Cara Liss cheered. "Alright! Restoration time. Let's unravel the mystery of these fossils!" She opened her machine hatch, put the two fossils in to where the bird head is attached to the dino body and slammed the hatch shut. She went to a few buttons. "And here we..." Press! "Go!" Blip! Blip! Blip!

The machine glowed in strange light and spat out a pokeball. Cara Liss picked it up and opened it, bringing out a bizarre creature that made Gloria's heart leap. For one, it's gigantic, even in comparison to Shelly. It has a lower body of a marine blue reptile, with a back of snow. It's legs are flippers and really shouldn't be out in a hot environment, the upper end was a yellow birds head with blue cheeks, dripping mucus and shivering while tiny yellow talons were sticking out.

The creature looked around frantically in his cold as Cara Liss cheered. "Objective complete. It seems the restoration was a great success." She's mistaken it's shock for a normal expression. "Yes, I can see it in its eyes. This is a Pokémon that walked the face of Galar in ancient times!" Gloria was about to blurt. "What in the Weald is this?!"

When Cara tossed her the ball. "Take care of this pokemon, huh." Gloria caught it in an instinct as the creature was in a sweat from the mountain heat and tried to make a run for anywhere. The girl eeked and chased it to the camp, leaving Cara to pat her machine in pride. A Machoke appeared from the whim of a Camper and held the creature in place. "Kid, what did you just do?!" Gloria looked to the creature, to a Machoke that was pretty uneasy and to the tan woman with a short, black, knotted pony tail that is kept to the side. "I'm not even sure! I was wanting to try a fossil pokemon and then that lady said they're part of one pokemon and now we got this Frankenstein that doesn't know what he's doing!"

She brought out a Dex as the creature was giving up. "Maybe this ought to help." Blip! "Arctozolt: The Fossil Pokemon: Electric-Ice: The shaking of its freezing upper half is what generates its electricity. It has a hard time walking around. This Pokémon lived on prehistoric seashores and was able to preserve food with the ice on its body. It went extinct because it moved so slowly."

The Backpacker cringed as Gloria realize that was a vague explanation. "I'm seeing it differently! Not a lot of people know about that woman or the fossils she brings back. So just play along and find a way to get somewhere safer." She asked. "Do you want to set up some camp and cook some curry? My pokemon are all rough looking but they're pretty swell to get along with." Gloria considered that offer and let out her misfits. Sweet Pie yelped at the sight of the uncertain Arctozolt as Acer half dropped his eye lids. (What the heck?!) The Arctozolt whined. (I don't even know anymore!) The Machoke let him go and kept a hand to his shoulder. (Least you're breathing normally!) The Arctozolt yelped. (Whu?!) Gloria jingled a toy and brought the creatures attention. "Come on, I want you to meet with the others, Franken. Come on!"

Jingle!

Fubear is seeing Arctozolt's pretty lost, approached and offered a hand. The creature waddled while Sweet Pie kept a distance and Shelly was sitting dimly.

Acer breathed in and out while the Dex showed Gloria it's stats, a hasty nature and the ability static. The girl gave the Arctozolt as many candies as she has and used it as a treat. "Okay, it's gonna to be okay. I made this mistake and I'm going to fix this. Just stick around and you'll be seeing stars and cooler places!" The camper set up a curry pot in the meanwhile. "Yeah, if you think of something, he could be a dependable partner. Just don't go bringing another one like him with you, I've heard they get really jealous."

Gloria checked the moves, thunder shock, powder snow, ancient power and charge being the note worthy. "If I can find a good t.m for now and help him learn better moves, I think we'll be fine for the gym. So what's your name?" The camper answered. "Just Cammy!" She sent out a Musdale, a Tyrogue, Hitmonchan, Hitmonlee and Hitmontop.

The two set up an assortment of sweet and spicy berries before putting them in the curry pot, Gloria chopped up a fancy apple to the brew and fanned the flames while Cammy readied to stir. The band smelled something good and the Arctozolt is all the more curious. Gloria promised. "I just need to find a fast t.m for you and we'll be retracing our steps. I'm still thinking you'll be fine with the rest of us here." Acer got over his shock and nodded. (We like surprising people!) Brainy finished analyzing the Arctozolt and pressed a hand under his chin. (You'll lead to some interesting possibilities.)

Gloria was pleased that her pokemon were starting to get along and joined in the stirring. Soon, a spicy and sweat plates worth of apple curry was made. It is quite adored and even Sweat Pie was easing up from the presence of Franken, even finding him pecking the food to be adorable. With everything cleaned up and the pokemon called back, Cam waved her off. "Good luck on your adventure! I'll be seeing you from the telly!" Gloria nodded, took a fast taxi back to Hammerlocke and explored the west and middle pokemon center. Nothing of note was found and she tried searching the east, where someone selling T.M's for the elemental fangs. They were pretty pricey, but with some star dust and nuggets, she was able to afford the one labled thunder fang with plenty of left over money to spare.

With that done, she let Franken out and decided to walk steady with him, using a few devices to give an instruction video on how to use thunder fang. "For now, forget about thunder shock and we'll try to get you to learn a move in place of the ice move." She had a bit of an idea. "I might also got something for charge, but we'll wait for later." The Arctozolt nodded, listened to the video and thrust his head forward before biting a sparkle. He saw he learned the move and chirpped a shiver. (Did I learn good?)

Gloria petted him on the back. "That was a nice demonstration there!" She licked her lips. "I think our second lap over there ought to be managed with you and Sweet Pie, you haven't gotten along just yet." The Arctozolt yipped as Gloria called him back and jogged back to the mountain route. Getting through a quick fight with that backpacker and a Sawk before heading another route and finding a beauty with a Skorupi. Acer swiftly took care of that and knocked out another Pawniward with a double kick, feeling the heat most invigorating. The two made it to the path towards the city and used the lower lader to find a berry tree of sitrus and a backpacker with a Throh that Shelly had little effort besting and a Helioptile that Fubear bested in one brick break chop. In a climb up, Gloria sent out Acer and Fubear once more and jogged. Facing their last foe, an artist with a Koffing that was knocked out with a couple zen head butts and a Sudowoodo that took an apple acid and was head butted for a knock out. Gloria decided to let Shelly, Sweet Pie, Brainy and even Franken join in the slow pace jog. Having a closer view of the diglett statues and go up a stone stair way to a town by the mountain side, having worn apartment buildings and a market place.

Franken took a deep breath as Gloria lead to the pokemon center. "Come on then, you've all worked hard here." The misfits followed in and the Nurse noticed new comers. "Hello, welcome to the-" She noticed the Arctozolt and gave Gloria a crossed look. "Did you visit that mad woman in the route?! Did you make this Arctozolt walk out in this heat?"

Gloria cringed and pleaded. "I didn't had any idea until she started saying I put those fossils together. I only gave Franken a small jog at Hammerlocke and towards the end of the that route. He and Sweet Pie aren't really runners." She asked. "Some exercise is good for anyone, even if the pokemon's a big tubby snorlax!" That is something the Nurse agreed with and decided to bring the girl and pokemon to the medical room, just to have a hands on check up.

Franken felt quite warm inside and the Nurse is quite impressed. "Well I'll be." She put her stethoscope and thermometer away before giving Gloria a thumbs up. "I'll start by telling you what you need to work on for this pokemon, it's part ice type so being in frigid temperatures is generally good for his body. Least the one that's suppose to be an ice pokemon." The girl guessed. "But the temperatures isn't the best for the electric half? So if he's allowed to heat up that blood-" The nurse nodded. "Then the shivers ought to lessen." She breathed out. "I owe you an apology for yelling at you like that. I've seen trainers that have gone to that woman and had no idea on how to take care of them." She listed a few. "Between putting this marine fossil with an upside down head in any water and racing none stop with this one who has a head where a tail should be. The only one who's remotely healthy has that same kind of lower body and the upper half your Arctozolt has." Gloria ahad. "But there's a problem with that one too? I guess those trainers try to box these pokemon and pretend they never had them?"

The Nurse let her know that's likely the case. "And since our Champion is unbeatable, that never amounted to anything. If someone like you was able to make a come back, then perhaps..." Gloria gasped. "I think I got an idea so this doesn't happen again! I just need to know about this gym." She remembered. "It's run by that Allister kid, so there's a lot of ghost types." She looked to Fubear in disappointment. "So, you, Brainy and Shelly aren't going to have much of a good time."

The Kubfu huhed as Brainy raised a hand. (That would be correct, the super natural nature of these specters are detrimental to the mental powers me and the Slowbro possess, even if I provide my support. While your skills, formidable as they are, would simply phase through them.) The Kubfu crossed her arms. (I'm not even going to get the honor of clearing the way?) Gloria thought about it. "I can't neglect your training, so I'll keep an eye out for any trainers in there that you can spar with. But once we reach Allister, I'll have to try something else."

She called each of her buddies back. "We might be in for a surprise before we even get there too!" Pew! She turned to the Nurse and nodded. "Thanks for giving me that yell. That's what I need to really understand these strange pokemon by the end of the day." The Nurse didn't find that a problem. "Good luck on that challenge and I hope to see you all happy and healthy!"

Click! Gloria was back out and explored some of the town, climbing up the ladders of the buildings and getting a view of some crops, a water fall making a river, before finding Hop by a stair way to a dark purple gym. It had a curve path around, the left going to a set of stairs up the mountain. Gloria scrounged for a t.m and went down before waving. "Hey Hop, got the Badge before me again?"

Hop looked to the side. "I'll...I'll get to that. I'm still not too sure about what I should do about that stuff I told you before. About me being weak and dragging down Lee's good name and all, yeah?" Gloria took a deep breath. "Look, I've been beating you in just about every fight we've had. But that's just because I've been getting stronger and learning along the way. Sometimes, if you see something isn't working anymore, you take a stop to see why." Hop heard that. "That's the only real way to get stronger, yeah? That's why I'm going try all kinds of different things against you and see what works!" Gloria didn't mind. "Well, that could make it easier to sort out." She walked away to prepare for battle as Hop looked to a great ball, looked back to Gloria and tried a more serious throw. Sending out a Cramorant that is giving a blank stare. Gloria sent out Brainy, who was seeing a familiar buddy isn't around. Hop called to the bird. "All I'm after is victory, and I'm counting on you to help me grab it!" Gloria ordered. "Brainy, use reflect first!" The Orbeetle conjured a barrier to deflect a pluck and glowed in psychic energy, he aimed his hands and blasted the bird far before taking another pluck and trading more blasts. Knocking the foe out and having Hop send out Silicobra that was keeping himself away. Gloria and Brainy felt something was wrong, the girl switch the Orbeetle out for an Arctozolt that is excited for his first match. Hop realize Gloria has gotten a pretty big pokemon and is having a bit of a grit. The girl ordered. "Franken, give that snake some powdered snow!" The Arctozolt blasted frigid snow and Hop asked. "Who wouldn't aim something like that if they have the chance, right?" He ordered. "Dig under!"

The Silicobra burrowed under and struck the Arctozolt, sending him waddling back as Hop pointed. "How's that for a super effective hit! I'm always looking for an opening!"

The Arctozolt shook as Gloria pointed. "That's how you make another! Finish that cobra off and we'll have the next." The Arctozolt sprayed a line of snow and knocked the snake out, forcing Hop to send out a Toxel who growled in a bad mood. Gloria cringed. "He didn't! Franken, go for an ancient power!" The Arctozolt channeled glowing rocks and pelted the Toxel, he felt an aura around him and roared as the Toxel gave a tearful look. Gloria ordered. "Nice one, now use the snow until he's out!" The Arctozolt breathed out the snow and froze the toxel solid, sending Hop in a shock as his third pokemon was knocked out. He brought to his final pokemon, a Thwackey that pulled his sticks and is looking pretty lost.

Franken cawed as Hop chanted. "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!" Gloria blew out, called Franken back and sent Acer in. "Come on Hop, this isn't you!"

Acer wondered what that is about as Hop called to her. "But if I don't get stronger, Lee's going to get a bad rep because of me!" Gloria knew that was a good point. "Start with double kick and follow with a flame charge!" Acer flipped his two kicks as Hop ordered. "Knock off that charcoal piece!" Smack! The monkey knocked off the charcoal, the Raboot was shaken a bit and charged. The Thwackey conjured leaves in a spin and was tackled off his feet, he was left laying in a daze and tried getting up before falling over.

K.O.

Acer crossed his arms and began to glow, growing taller and having his ears stand up and growing fur covered whiskers on his cheeks. Pew!

The evolution ended and Acer lost his jacket pattern for a chest of white fur and orange pants that have black, sock like legs. He had dark blue fur linings at his chest, looking like a strap and his head had red fur that look like a hat. Decorated with a three pointed yellow crown. The rabbit looked to his rival and helped him up. (This is biting. Are you okay?) The monkey grumbled. (I am, but my band's missing.)

Hop cringed. "Hrm! I don't get it, I tried switching out my teams in and out to max out their potential in every match up but we still couldn't get it together somehow. Is this why I'm still so weak?" Gloria cringed. "Hop, Hop!" She held him by the hands. "Listen, you got to know your pokemon well before you just throw them in a stadium. Otherwise you won't be syncing with them when the going gets tough. What happened to Wooloo? What happened to Rooki?" Hop blushed in embarrassment. "I still got them in my box, they're just taking a break is all." He tried to hold something in. "Lee's the greatest trainer and I don't want someone laughing at him all because his little brother is rubbish!" He perked. "So I got to try harder! And harder and harder until no one is laughing!" He picked up his starter. "I'm going to be off to the Wild Area, off to catch the kind of Pokemon that I can really draw the strength from!" He sprinted off and left Gloria and Acer to look at each other.

The girl's eyes were filling with tears. Suddenly, that elderly voice spoke. "That child." Gloria and Acer turned to find Opal standing there. "Eek! How long were you watching?"

Opal hmphed. "Long enough. 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." Gloria sighed. "Right now he is." Opal giggled. "I'd give a few years to see someone do that. Anyway, here's something for letting me watch your battle." It was a league card of Allister. "Now, on you go child. You're heading to the gym, no?"

Gloria figured she could use some potions and jogged with her partner, she used the dex to see what Acer had become. "Blip! Blip! Cinderace: The Striker Pokemon: Fire type: It's skilled at both offense and defense, and it gets pumped up when cheered on. But if it starts showboating, it could put itself in a tough spot. It juggles a pebble with its feet, turning it into a burning soccer ball. Its shots strike opponents hard and leave them scorched."

Gloria checked a move Acer learned in place of flame charge, Pyro ball. "Neato! So, Acer, no showboating until we're certain we won! Or if you're going to fall over anyways. Got it!"

The Cinderace snickered and saluted. (Nothing to lose from doing that!) Pew! The girl called her starter back and went in to find a lobby with the colors of the ghost. Ahead is a receptionist in a similar uniform and white hair. She hurried fast and startled the man. "Eep! A Gym Challenger! Are you here to challenge the gym?"

Gloria nodded. "And I know what I got to do!" She went to the changing room, got into uniform and gave a tada. She was let through and went into the Mission Zone, it looked like a downward slope of a ride, with a tea cup ride for her to go in. Dan approached to wave. "Allow me to explain the Gym Mission for Stow-on-Side's Gym." He looked down the slope. "To complete the mission, you'll need to ride in one of these tea cups and make your way to the goal, while trying to avoid obstacles! Let me tell you a bit on how to operate this fun attraction."

Gloria looked down to see glowing green arrows pointing down. Rotate the center left or right to make the cup spin in either direction. If you hit a wall, rotate it as fast as you can get out of that sticky situation. Now, have a good time watching the world spin as you try to reach the goal!"

Gloria snickered. "An amusement park ride! Tee! Hee! This ought to be fun at least!" Dan stepped away and whistled, letting Gloria hop in and give it a spin, playing around as she descended through the first coarse and to a gate that made the cup tilt upright and stop. Gloria jumped off and saw a gym assistant waiting. He warned her as he drew a ball. "Spin those teacups too much and you'll go flying!" He sent out a Pumpkaboo as Gloria sent out Franken, the Arctozolt shot an icy wind and was brought for trick or treating before finishing the foe off. Then came a Phantump that prompted Gloria for a switch. "Come on Fubear, this ought to be simple!" Pop! The Kubfu looked to the wooden ghost and braced for a fight, she rushed for an aerial ace, took a horn leech and used aerial ace again for a k.o. Bringing the trainer to a large Pumpkaboo that took another aerial ace and countered with four bullet seeds. Pow! The pumpkin was knocked out and Fubear breathed out in confidence. (I won't fail this!) Gloria wanted to call the Kubfu back and felt it wouldn't be a fair training course if she was left out. She settled for using a potion. "As soon as we find a pokemon that's going to be pretty hard for you, I'm switching, okay?"

Fubear nodded and went to the strange tea cup, Gloria went in and looked down to see she had to head left, right to a ghastly green hand on a spring that sent her and the cup back up high, she spun to the next one and the next one before taking the fall down to the next stop. Where another trainer awaited with a Haunter as a lead. Gloria had Fubear on the ready. "Alright, let's punch out some ghosts!"

The Haunter started with a blast of night shade and the Kubfu rushed an aerial ace, trading blow for blow until the ghost is knocked out. Gloria called Fubear back and sent out Franken, to deal with a Drifblim. The Arctozolt practice his bolt beaks on a stock piling balloon and sent it flopping to the ground for an easy k.o. Gloria petted the Arctozolt, called him back and went to the next tea cup. Which dropped her into something more worthy of a max and having springs coming at multiple directions, making her dizzy from the sharp turns as she reached the finale where she was shoved all across and met with a ghostly lady with a ghostly Corsola.

The Appletun was given the order for a leech seed as she felt something get disabled, she fired an apple acid a few times and traded hex blasts for a fast victory. Gloria took a small break to heal her partners and thought it wouldn't hurt to have Sweet Pie lead. She jogged up the stairs, to the exit, listened to the smoke pips and watched the door open.

She made her way through that and entered the spooky themed stadium, where a crowd is cheering. She found Allister walking to his side, meekly and timid. The turned to look each other eye to eye, or as much as the boys mask would allow. The gym leader introduced himself. "'M Allister." Gloria squeed. "That Mission course was pretty fun, did you theme that yourself?" Allister blushed. "W...Well, I did had a hand in making the cup look like ol' Sinistea. W...we got a challenge to do though."

Gloria blushed. "Then here we go!" The two made for their side in preparation for battle. Allister took out a dusk ball with both hands and lowered it while showing a purple shine in his eyes. He tossed out a Yamask that has a stone slab attached to his tail as Gloria sent out Sweet Pie. The Yamask shivered in dread as Gloria ordered fast. "Sweet Pie, start with apple acid!"

The Appletun swelled her cheeks as the Yamask floated right fast in an attempt to dodge, Sweet Pie directed to a charging specter and spat the liquid, sending it rolling back to the ground in a k.o. Allister gasped. "Goodness!"

He called Yamask back and brought another. "M...Mimikyu, it's on you!" Fling! Poof! Out came a peculiar creature disguised as a Pikachu. Gloria brought out the dex, seeing nothing but horror tales. "Let's take care of this little cutie before we get to the really spooky ones!" The Mimikyu blushed as Allister hid his red. "That... that's awfully kind of you. But we still got to hone our claws 'ere!" The Mimikyu did just that as Gloria ordered Sweet Pie to spray an apple acid, the disguise took the blow though the form sizzled with the liquid. The Mimikyu squeaked and extended his shadow to bopped Sweet Pie on the head. (Make her stop that!) Sweet Pie sprayed another blob and apologize. (She's that kind of a trainer.) Flip! Mimikyu used another shadow sneak that knocked Sweet Pie to her sitrus berry. Nom! Nom! Splat! Another acid spit finished the Mimikyu off and Allister made a switch. "I...I appreciate the com...compliment, but now I'm bringing the scarier one!"

Gloria took it as a warning and switched Sweet Pie to Franken, Allister sent out a fragmented remains of a Corsola that rose it's spirit. "Go...Cursola!" The undead nature made a shiver down Gloria's spine. "Brr! Come on, give that Cursola a thunder fang!"

The Arctozolt nodded, sprinted at the Cursola and chomped the spectral body before Allister ordered. "Make due with your ancestors power!" The Cursola conjured fossilized rocks and pelted Franken away. The Arctozolt rushed for another bite and sent the Cursola sinking to her remains. Forcing Allister into a switch as Gloria made the switch. "My very last Pokémon... How lonely... How frightening."

Gloria sent Acer out as Allister brought out a Gengar that flipped, landed in a slow hover and extended his shadow. He opened his eyes and gave a glow at the Cinderace as Allister beckon. "Gengar...Gigantamax...swallow everything in darkness!" He drew the Gengar into the ball as Gloria called Acer back. "That makes two of us, Acer let's give this Gigantamax a go and get at this guys level!"

Allister's ball enlarged and he embraced it as Gloria enlarged hers. She gave a wide smile and tossed the ball at sync to Allister. POP!

Acer popped out and grew, his ears turned so long that they dropped again and heated so much that a fire ball was made to be a platform. The ball had a face like that of a Cinderace. Acer made a flip and give a cheer, he and Gloria didn't notice that the Gengar's ball popped and spilled out shadows that swallowed the arena itself.

RISE!

Out of the ground, came the Gengar with half his body in the ground and his mouth enlarging to show multiple rings leading to a uvula. The tongue rolled out and spooked the duo good. Gloria mustered her courage and pointed. "Now give that fire ball a try!" The Cinderace back flipped and kicked the fire ball right into the Gengar's maw, causing it to cough harshly while Allister's eyes glowed brighter. "G-Max Terror... It's like Shadow Tag... You won't get away... I won't let you!"

The Gengar coughed and spat out a collection of furniture that smacked to the Cinderace and caused a Gengar's mouth to open from bellow. Spilling out ghosts that blocked hope of escape. Acer charged up his fire ball and Gloria ordered. "It's just trying to scare us, one more time!" Acer flipped and used his ears to smack the ball at the Gengar's forehead, causing an explosion that got the crowd wild. The Gengar wiggled a wail and shrank back down into the shadows, letting the ghost sink in a less horrifying form.

Acer shrank back down, returned to his normal form, flipping a stylish landing with a fist to the ground. The crowd chanted in applause as Acer stood up, look to Gloria and gave a thumbs up, all the while Allister called his partner back and tilt his head up. "Ah crumbs! That was... wow!" Gloria approached the boy in glee. "That sure got spooky!" Allister was lucky his mask hid a blush. "T...thanks. That was ace." He brought out a badge meant for the bottom left of the ring, one with purple spectral markings. "Here...a Ghost Badge." Gloria took it and shook hands with the boy that wished her. "G...good luck! With um...everything."

Gloria was allowed back in the lobby with her Acer, looked at her acquired badge and was given a uniform for the gym and the T.M for hex. She brought out her team and showed the forming medal. "Look at this loves, we're half way there!" The slower ones yippied while Slowbro gave a delayed cheer, Orbeetle crossed his arms and buzzed at Acer with a smile. (And this is another one that didn't require me!)

Acer nodded. (Yeah, that kid had four and only three of us were needed!) Fubear huhed and asked. (So I got time to claim victory over the next one, right?) Orbeetle uhed. (...Uh...well)

Gloria looked down to the Kubfu and petted her. "We gotta think of something because the next gym is all about Fairy types. One wrong move and they'll wipe the floor with you." The Kubfu raised a fist. (Then I'll not make that wrong move!) "You're not going to beat Opal with that stance!"

The band turned at the feminine voice and found a teenager girl with short grey hair, grey eyes, a head band with a bunny ear like ribbon, a black short skirt, a white shirt. Orange heal sneakers and distinct muscles. She had her mouth around a cookie as she advised. "*Gulp* Focus on what you're going to need in case that Slowbro isn't enough."

Gloria cringed. "We're trying! I already had to make one of my partners sit out on way too many Gym Matches and I'm not having that happen again. Who are you?"

The girl licked the crumbs off her lips. "Just Bea. If you don't keep exercising your pokemon, then they will slack off on their potential. What kind of move could Kubfu learn, that will let her have an advantage over a fairy type?" Gloria checked her T.R case. "Gosh, I'm worried about using any of these so soon, they don't come easily." She realize there's one T.R she gotten from battling steel types, one labeled Iron Head. "How about... this one!"

Bea hmm'd as the girl readied it up and showed a video of a Steelix ramming a shiny metal head at a foe. The Kubfu giggled, playfully gave Gloria a head butt and focused, the trainer instructed Acer to be a head butting buddy and thrust his head forward. The Kubfu shined her head and rammed fast against the noggin. Acer took it quite well and Fubear is hopping wildly. Gloria had a bit of hope in her eyes. "Marvelous!" She turned to Bea and give her a dojo's bow of thanks. "I'm suppose to give this Kubfu a journey before we head back to this Isle to complete her training."

Bea gasped. "The Island of Master Mustard?" She smirked in envy. "I know of that place. Keep up the discipline and you might make a change to this league." Gloria giggled and thought. "I'm thinking that maybe, a trip to that Isle will help a friend of mine get that spirit back. He had to box two of his friends to try and find a way to keep up and it isn't even working."

Bea cringed. "Then he needs to retrace his training, it's going to be hard work but it does well for the body and mind. Once you find that spark, you will be running a lap through the whole Galar region in less than an hour!"

The team were hoping that term was metaphorical as Gloria was thinking. "With my jogging, I think I'll be able to do that!" She called her misfits back and thanked the girl. "I'll see you around if I want to have a quick match."

Bea smirked and checked her phone. "Like wise!" The girl took her leave, chatted with the Ball guy to get a heavy ball and on stepping out, heard a bark.

It was a Yamper, followed by Sonia. "Looks like Yamper really likes you, huh?" Gloria petted the dog and giggled. "Looks to be so!" Sonia giggled. "Anyway, we've run into each other at a good time."