Chapter 9
As the night draws near, we encounter Hop in the lobby, who exclaims, "Morning! So this is it... Now my legend really begins! Watch out, Ash, Alice, Victor! I'll beat you to Motostoke Stadium!" With that, Hop dashes off, filled with determination.
Observing Hop's departure, Helen asks, "Is he always like that?"
Gloria responds with a sigh, "Yeah..."
Spotting Marnie feeding a Pokémon nearby, Victor greets her, "Hey, Marnie."
"Good to see you again," Marnie replies warmly.
Intrigued, Alice inquires, "Wow, what kind of Pokémon is that?"
"That's a Morpeko," Marnie explains. "It's always hungry, so I have to keep feeding it."
"Urara!" Morpeko chirps, bonding with Pikachu as they share their Electric Type connection.
As the conversation continues, Marnie expresses, So the Gym Challenge is finally startin'. I'd wish you luck, but I'm afraid I'm goin' to be the one to win."
"Sure," Victor responds. "Let's hope we get the chance to battle together someday."
Marnie blushes slightly before quickly composing herself. "Let's go, Morpeko," she says, and then leaves the hotel.
Puzzled by Marnie's behavior, Alice asks, "What's up with her?"
"I don't know, but we should head there as well," I suggest. With that, we leave the hotel, eager to embark on their Gym Challenge journey and ready to embrace the challenges that await us at Motostoke Stadium.
As we arrive at the Gym Stadium, the staff at the counter addresses me, "Well, Ash Ketchum. You see, we must ask that Gym Challengers wear their uniforms for all official events. The opening ceremony marks the beginning of the Gym Challenge...so you know what that means."
Victor interjects, understanding the situation. "We have those clothes in the hotel room closets, right?"
"Exactly," Alice confirms. "Apologies, but we'll need to change, so we'll catch up with you later."
With a farewell from Gloria, Flora, and Helen as they head to the audience seats, the three of us make our way to the changing area. We don our Gym Challenger uniforms—white shirts paired with white shorts, adorned with our respective numbers on the back of the shirt and the sides of the shorts.
"Alice, you look fantastic," Ash compliments. "That 038 suits you perfectly."
Blushing slightly, Alice replies, "Thank you, Ash. And your Number 151 looks great on you too."
I turn to Victor, acknowledging, "Your number 890 suits you perfectly as well."
"You're too kind, Ash," Victor responds with a smile. "And Alice is right, your number suits you too."
"Thanks, everyone. Let's head out," I suggest as we exit the registration room, ready to partake in the Gym Challenge Opening Ceremony.
As the crowd roars with excitement, Chairman Rose takes the center stage in the stadium, commanding attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen! I am Rose, chairman of the Pokemon League! I know that everyone gathered here and everyone watching from home have all been waiting for this big moment! It is my pleasure to announce that finally, the Galar region Gym Challenge will now begin!"
The crowd erupts in cheers, showing their enthusiasm for the awaited event. "Yes, the Gym Challenge! Competitors must triumph over 8 of the 18 esteemed Gym Leaders across the region... earning 8 gym badges to showcase their prowess as Trainers! Only the most exceptional challengers will earn the right to face the greatest Champion in our history! Now, I'd like to invite the Gym Leaders to make their appearance!"
As 18 figures stride confidently towards the center of the stadium, a palpable excitement sweeps through the crowd, igniting a fervent wave of cheers and applause. Each of these individuals represents a Gym Leader, a beacon of strength and expertise in the world of Pokémon battles.
The atmosphere crackles with anticipation as the audience celebrates the arrival of these esteemed figures. The Gym Leaders, distinguished by their unique styles and personalities, stand tall, ready to showcase their formidable skills and challenge the aspiring Trainers embarking on the Gym Challenge journey.
Among the crowd, enthusiasm and anticipation intertwine, painting a vibrant scene filled with admiration and excitement for the battles and experiences that lay ahead in the Galar region's Gym Challenge.
As Chairman Rose announces the Gym Leaders one by one, the stadium erupts into a frenzy of cheers and excitement.
"First, we have the Fighting Farmer! Here's the Grass Type expert, Milo!" Milo acknowledges the crowd with a friendly wave, eliciting cheers from the audience.
"Next, the aspiring bookworm, specializing in Normal Types, Namie!" Namie adjusts her glasses, her demeanor confident and composed as she gazes out at the enthusiastic crowd.
"The raging Wave! It's the master of Water Types, Nessa!" Nessa charms the audience with a flying kiss, igniting a surge of applause and excitement.
"Following suit, our superstar, the astronomer of Psychic Types, Luna!" Luna enters with a warm smile that captivates the audience, leaving an enigmatic air about her.
"The ever-burning man of fire! Here comes the Fire-type veteran, Kabu!" Kabu's appearance sends the crowd into a fervor of cheers, his seasoned expertise resonating throughout the stadium.
The atmosphere electrifies with palpable energy as these five Gym Leaders step forward.
"Next up, the Quake of the blade, the Ground-type adventurer, Nora!" The girl, holding her hat down, maintains an air of mystery, leaving the crowd intrigued by her elusive nature.
"And then we have the silent boy of mystery, Alister, friend to Ghost types." Chairman Rose announces, revealing a boy adorned with a mask, walking like a haunting specter, adding an enigmatic aura to his presence.
"The Galar karate prodigy, nobody's better than Fighting types like Bea," he proclaims confidently. Bea showcases her stern expression, reflecting her dedication to her craft.
"The twin Guitarists, the Electrical Band members, Bolt and Boltera," Rose announces with enthusiasm. The duo enters with contagious smiles, radiating enthusiasm for the battles ahead.
"Next, the great artist, Bug types are brilliant in the work from Shelia," Rose introduces, highlighting her artistic spirit as she captures moments within the crowd with her camera.
"And then the master of a fantastic theater, it's the Charming Fairy Type user, Opal!" Chairman Rose declares as an elderly woman enters with measured steps, exuding an air of elegance and wisdom.
"The iron in the beauty, our Steel Type performer, Relena," he announces as a woman, resembling a robotic figure, gracefully twirls forward, captivating the audience with her mechanized presence.
"The Hard Rock crusher, please welcome the Rock type master, Gordie!" Gordie strikes a pose resembling a lucky seven, winking at the cheering crowd, exuding confidence and charm.
"The Ice Cold Professional, please welcome the Ice type master, Melony." Rose declares as the woman waves to the audience, her calm demeanor contrasting with the vibrant energy in the stadium.
"Presenting the inventor of the Flying Taxi, the dreamer of Flying types, Glen!" The man spreads his arms, embracing the cheers and applause from the spectators, reflecting his enthusiasm for aerial battles.
"The Rough Doctor, Poison types pose no challenge to Gabe!" Gabe, dressed in an eccentric purple and green attire, bows respectfully to the crowd, embodying an intriguing persona.
"And last but not least, the tamer of dragons...It's Raihan, the top Gym leader!" Rose's announcement culminates with the introduction of Raihan, prompting an uproar of cheers and applause from the audience, acknowledging his prowess with Dragon-type Pokémon.
Rose's voice carries across the stadium as he concludes, "Unfortunately, we're missing one, but...these are the Gym Leaders that we in the Galar Region are proud to call our own!"
The stadium reverberates with thunderous applause and excitement, the Gym Leaders standing proud as representatives of the region, setting the stage for an unforgettable Gym Challenge. The diverse array of expertise and personalities among these leaders sparks fervent enthusiasm among the audience for the battles and experiences that lie ahead.
Amidst the heightened atmosphere of the Gym Challenge's opening ceremony, Chairman Rose calls out to introduce the participants, singling out a prominent guest: "And here, among this year's challengers, stands a very special guest ready to take on the Gym Challenge! Our seven-region Champion, Ash Ketchum!"
The stadium erupts into a thunderous uproar as the crowd celebrates Ash's presence with unrestrained enthusiasm. I am beckoned to step onto the stage, feeling the weight of the gym leaders' gazes upon me, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation.
Taking the center stage, I prepare to address the electrified audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, fellow challengers, esteemed gym leaders," I begin, my voice amplified by the cheering throngs. "As we embark on this exhilarating journey, I stand before you not only as a champion but as a fellow seeker of the ultimate challenge!"
With each word spoken, the gaze of the gym leaders remains fixed, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and admiration.
"In this Gym Challenge, I urge each and every challenger to give their absolute best," I continue, my words echoing through the stadium. "Strive, push your limits, and embrace the spirit of competition. Remember, it's not just about victory but the journey and the growth it brings."
As I conclude my speech, the energy of the crowd reaches a fever pitch, the uproar echoing throughout the stadium, a testament to the anticipation and fervor surrounding this grand event.
"And in the end," I address the crowd one final time, "I implore every challenger here today to pour their heart and soul into every battle. Thank you all for lending me your ears."
The resounding cheers and applause envelop the stadium, a vibrant cacophony of support and excitement reverberating in response to the commencement of the Gym Challenge.
After the exhilarating culmination of the opening ceremony, Hop expresses his excitement, "Standing there on the pitch...in the stadium...in front of everyone! There's really no words for it, but... I can barely contain myself! My heart's racing!"
"Absolutely, it's incredibly thrilling," Victor chimes in, sharing the sentiment.
Gloria acknowledges the charged atmosphere, remarking, "Seeing all of you in the stadium, I'm certain everyone's on the edge of their seats, brimming with anticipation."
Flora directs her praise towards me, noting, "Especially you, Ash. You delivered a compelling speech."
"Thank you," I respond humbly, appreciating the acknowledgment of his words.
Amidst our delight, Chairman Rose, along with Leon and Elena, arrives to greet the group. Leon addresses them enthusiastically, "You've made it at last, Hop. And you, too, Victor, Ash, and Alice!"
I express my surprise, asking Elena, "Elena, what brings you here?"
Elena beams, responding, "I'm here to witness the opening ceremony. After all, Mum and Dad are here."
Chairman Rose extends a warm welcome, acknowledging, "So you're the two Trainers our Champion endorsed himself! Welcome, and it's a delight to meet you! I'm Rose, of course."
As Chairman Rose notices the Dynamax Bands worn by the group, he expresses his enthusiasm, "Oh, and what's this?! I see you both already possess Dynamax Bands! How wonderful! It seems you two have been led here by the guiding light of the Wishing Stars. By the way, it was my wonderful company that invented those Dynamax Bands, you know! I daresay this year's Gym Challenge is looking to be an absolute blast! Very good—very good indeed! That means the whole Galar region is in for some excitement!"
Alice interjects, expressing a touch of skepticism, "Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?"
Chairman Rose, undeterred, emphasizes, "The Gym Challenge is an excellent opportunity to show off your Dynamax Pokémon! Now, I'm terribly sorry, but there is some urgent business I need to attend to, so I must be on my way. The best of luck to both of you!" With that, Rose departs, leaving us to our own devices.
"The chairman certainly seems to be in high spirits! Now, listen closely, Hop and Victor." Leon advises. "You've both only just started on your path as Trainers. If you want to win, you need to do more than just train your Pokémon. You need to train yourselves, too."
Hop eagerly chimes in, "Let's do it! You know the Gym Challenge has a set order that you've gotta visit the Gyms in, right? The first is in Turffield! And to get there, we need to head to Route 3!"
I turn to Elena, inquiring about her plans, "What about you, Elena? Will you be going with your parents?"
Elena responds casually, "Nah. I've got their permission to travel with you."
The unexpected invitation catches everyone off guard, but we all welcome Elena's company, delighted to have my future sister-in-law join our team on this exciting journey.
Outside the stadium, we encounter Glen, the Flying Type Gym Leader, prompting Gloria to confirm his identity.
"Yes, I am the Gym Leader from Glaglider. Here are my League Cards," Glen confirms, presenting his cards, each bearing the number 215.
Elena inquires about his presence, prompting Glen to reveal a special gift for the newcomers. He hands me a card with a phone number, explaining, "The Flying Taxis allow you to soar across the region."
"Fantastic! This will make traveling much easier. We can easily return to the Wild Area," I acknowledge gratefully.
Glen shares the Gym Leaders' excitement about battling the newcomers. "You four are the talk among us Gym Leaders. We're eager to challenge you," he expresses.
Hop, fueled by determination, asserts, "I'm up for the challenge! I'll battle all of you to reach Lee." We bid Glen farewell, contemplating the challenge of choosing 8 out of 18 Gym Leaders for our Gym Challenge journey.
"Deciding which Gyms to challenge won't be simple if all the Gym Leaders want to battle us," I comment, acknowledging the predicament.
Resolving to regroup and heal our Pokémon, we decide to head west toward the Pokémon Center.
Here is a new chapter, and now the final member for the team has arrived and now it is complete. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be Route 3.
Ash and Alice's Pokemon:
Venusaur, Charizard x2, Blastoise, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Meowth, Machamp, Gengar, Kingler, Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Mantine, Sceptile, Zigzagoon (Galarian), Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Garbodor, Zoroark, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Decidueye, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Melmetal, Scorbunny, Skwovet, Rookidee, Blipbug, Nickit, Wooloo, Chewtle, Yamper, Arrokuda, Kleavor