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

Chapter 18: Bridge Road

The rain from the Water practical had thinned by morning, leaving the Wild Area damp and shining under low clouds. We left camp from the Wedgehurst side, aiming back toward Route 5 and Hulbury, where the road narrowed toward bridges, nursery fences, and the next stretch of Galar's Gym Challenge.

Galarian Zigzagoon loved the open ground more than any of us loved wet socks. It dashed ahead, doubled back, ran circles around Meowth, and then shot straight through the grass as if the whole Rolling Fields had insulted it personally.

"Zigzagoon, slow down before you hit something!" Alice called.

Zigzagoon glanced back with a wicked grin and ran faster.

Meowth folded his arms beneath the shelter of my jacket. "That stripe-covered troublemaker is going to learn when a tree refuses to move."

The warning almost came true. Zigzagoon swerved around a stone, leapt over a puddle, and slammed its paws into the earth with a sharper rhythm than before. It was not wandering anymore. The chaos had become a line.

Zigzagoon lowered its head, tongue out and eyes bright with wild challenge, "Everything in front of me is a road if I hit it hard enough."

Light burst around it mid-rush. The shape stretched longer, sleeker, and more dangerous, still carrying the same restless energy but with a straighter force. Galarian Linoone skidded to a stop in front of us, then whipped around as if daring the field to try again.

Pokédex Entry Updated — Ash and Alice's Shared Galar Record

Linoone, the Rushing Pokémon. Dark and Normal type. It uses its long tongue to taunt opponents. Once the opposition is enraged, this Pokémon hurls itself at the opponent, tackling them forcefully.

I crouched as Linoone paced in front of me, every step ready to explode. "You evolved because you finally chose one direction."

Linoone snapped its tongue out at the grass, eyes fierce but proud, "The road should know I am coming."

Pikachu leaned down from my shoulder, tail twitching. "Then maybe warn the road before you crash into it."

Linoone did not look sorry.

Linoone's new body needed immediate guidance. It raced past us again, then swung around so quickly that wet grass sprayed across Gloria's boots. Gloria yelped, Scorbunny jumped back, and Linoone looked far too proud of the chaos it had caused.

Alice raised one hand. "If you want to run ahead, you need to return when called."

Linoone flicked its tongue, unimpressed at first. Then Pikachu hopped down in front of it, sparks snapping lightly from his cheeks. He did not attack. He only stood there, small and steady, forcing Linoone to choose between charging blindly and noticing the partner in front of it.

Pikachu planted both paws in the mud, gaze bright and unwavering, "Speed is not leadership if everyone else has to chase the dust."

Linoone huffed, then circled back to my side. It was still restless, but the direction had changed. That was enough for one morning.

The path toward Route 5 grew busier as we left the open fields. Gym Challengers were moving west, delivery workers were covering crates, and two reporters had set up beside the road with cameras protected under clear rain covers.

One of them waved as soon as she spotted our badges. "Ash Ketchum and Alice, right? First Grass Badge winners from Turffield?"

The cameraman beside her brightened. "We're interviewing challengers on the way to Hulbury. Would you two be willing to introduce yourselves through a battle?"