1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

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.