Chapter 8
As they reach the lift, an echoing roar fills the air—a distinct Charizard's voice signaling Leon's imminent arrival. "I'd surely never make it to the stadium without you to show me the way, partner. Even with a huge old thing like this bang in the middle of the city, I still get lost." Leon chuckles, turning to acknowledge us. "How's everyone doing?"
"Great to see you, Leon," Gloria responds warmly.
"You too," Leon nods, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "One look tells me that you've become a Trainer worthy of the Gym Challenge. You can take that lift up to the city's upper level, if you're headed for the stadium next."
"We are going to do that actually." Helen says.
As we ascend to the top level via the lift, we're met by the familiar faces of Hop and Victor, already awaiting our arrival.
"Hop, Victor," we greet them warmly, acknowledging their presence.
"I see you made it as well. Motostoke Stadium...This is where the opening ceremony will be held. Everyone will be watching the opening ceremony for the Gym Challenge. My mum...your mum...the whole world..." Hop beams with enthusiasm.
"Yeah, I am kinda nervous actually." Victor admits. I offer reassurance, saying, "Don't fret, just give it your all."
"As for me, I am only trembling because I am so excited! Come on, guys. It's time the world learned our names!" Hop cheers, exuding infectious confidence.
"Absolutely," Alice chimes in as we make our way into the stadium, anticipation buzzing in the air like electricity, ready to seize the moment and make our mark on this grand stage.
In front of the stadium, Alice's voice rings out in awe, "This looks nothing like a gym..."
"Yeah, it's absolutely stunning," I remark, momentarily lost in the grandeur of the spectacle. However, in my distraction, I accidentally bump into someone with a peculiar Pokeball-shaped head. "I apologize sincerely for that."
"It's all good," the man replies cheerfully, turning around to face me. "Ta-da! You took the time to talk to a Poké Ball, so you deserve a little reward!" He hands over a Pokeball with a smile. "In case you were wondering, I'm not just any old Poké Ball! But then who am I, you ask? Well, the answer is simple. They call me the Ball Guy! I'll be rolling around stadiums here and there, so if you see me, don't be shy! Come up and say hi!"
"Ball Guy, really?" Helen raises an eyebrow in disbelief after he goes to greet other trainers.
"He's the mascot for the Galar Gym Challenge. Mr. Goodshow and Chairman Rose are quite fond of the design," Gloria explains, shedding light on the quirky character.
Hop chimes in, drawing attention to the bustling scene. "Take a look at this! The place is packed with Gym Challengers! Each one of them is another rival. Let's sign up."
"Agreed, let's do it," Victor says, leading the way alongside Alice, Hop, and I toward the counter where a staff member awaits, ready to assist with the registration process. The energy is palpable as anticipation swirls among the bustling crowd of eager challengers.
"If you're here to register for the Gym Challenge, I'll need to see your endorsement, please," the staff member requests.
"I'll go first," Victor volunteers, handing over the endorsement. The staff member's eyes widen in surprise. "Fancy that...This is the first time we've had a challenger endorsed by the Champion!"
"Well, now you've had two, because I am as well!" Hop interjects, presenting his own endorsement letter to the staff member.
"What?! Two of you at once?! I wonder what's come over Leon this year...The two of you must be something special." the staff member marvels at the unexpected occurrence.
"I am Hop! I'm Leon's little brother, in fact. And the next Champion," Hop declares proudly.
Gloria facepalms at Hop's confident proclamation, while the rest of us can only offer apologetic smiles, realizing the situation might have taken an amusing turn due to Hop's exuberance.
"W-well, yes, I am trying to...If you'll just give me a moment..." the staff member stammers before hastily typing on the computer. Moments later, a look of relief crosses their face. "There! You two have been successfully registered as Gym Challengers. You can choose your preferred number for your uniform if you be so kind? It will be displayed on the back of the uniform you must wear for any official match."
"Sure, 890 is my lucky number," Victor promptly responds.
"And I choose 189," Hop declares with enthusiasm.
"Very well. And here, please wear this Challenge band at all times to identify yourself as a Gym Challenger. The Opening Ceremony for the Gym Challenge is this night, all the trainers taking part have been booked a room at the nearby Budew Drop Inn."
"That's the League Chairman for you!" Hop exclaims. "He even booked us all hotel rooms. I am off to check out the fancy digs!"
Alice and I step forward, and the staff's reaction to seeing me is one of sheer astonishment. "Oh my goodness, Ash Ketchum! It's truly an honor to meet you in person. Are you participating in the League Challenge?"
"Yes, I am. Here's my endorsement from my Mother," I reply, handing over the endorsement letter.
The staff member nods, visibly excited, and proceeds to process our registrations. When asked for my preferred number, I select 151. Meanwhile, Alice also presents the endorsement from my Mom, and the staff is taken aback, surprised to witness not just one, but two individuals endorsed by Champions from different regions. Alice confidently chooses 038 as her number, citing her fondness for Ninetales, whose Pokedex number is 038.
Once our registrations are complete, we receive our room keys and Challenge Bands. Ready for a bit of rest before the grand Opening Ceremony, we make our way to the hotel, eager to recharge and prepare for the exciting events that lie ahead in the Gym Challenge.
Outside, a group of staff members approaches us, one addressing me, "You must be Ash Ketchum and his friends, correct?"
Another staff member adds, "The Budew Drop Inn is down this way. If you would be so kind as to follow us..."
"Thank you, that would be greatly appreciated," I express my gratitude as we follow the staff members.
Upon reaching the inn, the staff gestures towards the entrance. "Now you can try to get some rest and build your strength for what's to come."
"Thank you so much for all your help," Alice expresses her gratitude as the staff members bid us farewell and take their leave.
We enter the Budew Drop Inn, filled with gratitude for the hospitality shown to us. Sonia greets us cheerfully as we reunite at the hotel. "Hiya! Looks like you both got yourselves registered."
Gloria responds, intrigued, "Oh hey, Sonia, what brings you to the hotel?"
"I'm researching the two mysterious Pokemon that are said to be in the Slumbering Weald. I reckon if I look into some of Galar's legends, I might figure something out. Care to join me?" Sonia proposes.
"Count me in," Flora says enthusiastically as we stand before a remarkable statue. Curious, Alice inquires, "What's this statue all about?"
"It's a statue of the hero who once saved the Galar Region. I could run through the legend right quick if you fancy?" Sonia offers, noticing our interest.
Excited by the prospect of learning more about Galar's history, we eagerly nod in agreement, ready to delve into the fascinating tale of the legendary hero who left an indelible mark on the region.
"Long ago...a great black storm covered the Galar Region. People called it "the Darkest Day." The land was assaulted by gigantic Pokemon...but they were defeated by a single young hero bearing a sword and shield. This statue here is meant to depict the young hero of that legend. We still don't understand what kind of sword and shield the hero actually had. And what this "black storm" is supposed to be is just another mystery...Whatever it was, it blotted out the skies all across Galar. I suppose that tracks with it being called the Darkest Day, but still..."
"I suppose that hero must've been about as strong as Leon, right? It seems like you're going to have your hands full with plenty to research, though, Sonia. Black storms and swords and shields and all..." I speculate aloud.
Sonia nods, a determined glint in her eyes. "We'll muddle through somehow-don't you worry! By the way, you guys are staying here at the hotel tonight, though, aren't you? Shouldn't you check-in?"
"Absolutely," Helen agrees. "And if we come across any information about that hero or anything related, we'll definitely keep you informed."
With a promise to share any relevant discoveries, we bid Sonia farewell temporarily and proceed to check into the hotel. However, we encounter a group of individuals adorned with face paint, holding loudspeakers and towels featuring a girl's picture, obstructing the path for trainers attempting to check-in.
"We came all the way out to this big city so that we could properly cheer on Gym Challengers! Team Yell is here to help after all. You're in for a battle if you wanna stop us." the person at the forefront of the group bellows through the loudspeaker.
"Please don't tell me there's another troublesome team in this region..." Alice mutters under her breath.
Attempting to reason with them, I step forward and politely request, "Excuse me, could you please move aside? We need to check in at the hotel."
"Didn't we tell you, mate? You get in our way, and you're in for a battle! Team Yell's all about helpin'...Helpin' one very special Trainer win the Gym Challenge, that is! We wanna make sure she gets cheered on nice and proper...And now you're gonna help us make some noises." the individual declares with fervor, emphasizing their dedication to their cause.
As the confrontation unfolds, Team Yell's grunts swiftly send out Zigzagoons and Nickits to battle us. However, with our combined strength and skill, we manage to overcome their Pokémon with relative ease.
"Guess it was defeat that I heard comin'" remarks one of the male grunts, accepting the outcome.
The female grunt, feeling disheartened, expresses, "I think I am about to cry..."
"What are you lot doin' here?" As tension lingers after our encounter with Team Yell, a black-haired girl strides into the scene, surprising the grunts. "Marine?" one of the grunts mutters in surprise. "Nothin'...We were just..."
The girl, identified as Marnie, calmly addresses them, "I know you all are terribly curious 'bout the other Gym Challengers, but you gotta show a bit of restraint."
Turning her attention to us, Marnie acknowledges, "Ash Ketchum, right? Sorry 'bout them! They're just a bunch of my fans. Call themselves Team Yell and follow me around, cheerin' for me. I think they've let it all go to their heads a bit..."
Our group remains speechless, slightly taken aback by the revelation.
"Come on, you lot! Back home with you now!" Marnie commands firmly, prompting the Team Yell grunts to disperse as she ushers them away.
Alice queries Marnie, seeking clarification, "Marnie, right? What's the deal with Team Yell?"
Marnie sighs softly, explaining, "They're just so caught up with wantin' to support me and all that they tend to get a bit shirty with other Gym Challengers. Sorry if they caused you any trouble."
Curious, Gloria chimes in, "So, you're a Gym Challenger too?"
"Yep, that's right. And it seems like you all are as well," Marnie confirms with a nod.
Victor compliments Marnie, saying, "Team Yell, huh? Impressive that you've already got a dedicated fanbase!"
Marnie responds with a small smile, acknowledging the sentiment.
After the exchange, we proceed to check into our rooms, grateful for the chance to rest and rejuvenate before the highly anticipated Gym Challenge Opening Ceremony the following day. The excitement and anticipation for the upcoming events fill us with eager anticipation as we prepare ourselves for the thrilling experiences that lie ahead.
Here is a new chapter, and we're introduced to one of the rivals, Marnie. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the opening ceremony.
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