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

Chapter 34: Old Promises

Hammerlocke's gate rose ahead of us like a wall from an old story, all stone teeth, red banners, and towers that made the Wild Area behind us feel even wider. After the fog of the Ghost Job and Dragon Manor's quiet night, the city looked solid enough to hold history inside its bricks.

Pikachu leaned forward from my shoulder, ears lifting as the gate staff stepped into view, "This place is not only guarding a road. It is guarding what people remember."

"I feel it too," I said softly.

The staff member checked our Gym Challenger bands before smiling with practiced politeness. "Gym Challengers, please allow me to confirm your Badges before you enter Hammerlocke."

I opened my case first. "Grass, Water, and Fire."

Alice opened hers beside me. "Grass, Water, and Electric."

The staff member nodded after checking both carefully. "Confirmed. Challenger Ash has defeated the leaders of Turffield, Hulbury, and Motostoke. Challenger Alice has defeated Turffield, Hulbury, and Generact. You have both cleared the three-Badge requirement. Best of luck in your future battles."

Alice's fingers rested on her Electric Badge for one extra second before she closed the case. I understood that small pause. It was not only proof that she could enter. It was proof that her road had not been left behind mine.

A familiar voice cut through the moment. "So you made it here after all."

Bede stood near the gate with his own badge case already in hand. His expression was the same sharp, polished look he always wore, except there was something more satisfied beneath it.

Gloria stepped forward at once. "Bede. Where is Hop?"

Bede's smile thinned. "I doubt he will be coming soon. After such a humiliating defeat, I imagine it would be difficult for him to look his brother in the eye."

The air tightened. So that was the result Hop had chased after leaving us.

Alice's face clouded. "You battled him?"

"I defeated him," Bede corrected. "Perhaps now he understands the difference between confidence and worth."

"That is enough," I said.

Bede looked at me, as if waiting for anger to make me careless. I did feel angry, but not the way he wanted. Hop losing hurt because Hop cared. That was not weakness. It was the part of him that made his road worth protecting.

"Hop has lost before," I said. "So have I. A loss can break someone only if they decide it is the end."

Bede scoffed, but Gloria's shoulders loosened slightly. She still looked worried, but the worry had something to hold onto now.

The staff checked Bede's Badges and let him pass. "Challenger Bede, you also meet the requirement."

Bede turned away. "I have a meeting with the chairman. Try not to fall too far behind."

He walked through the gate before anyone answered.

Alice sighed. "I really do not like how high and mighty he sounds."

"Neither do I," I said. "But right now, Hop needs time, and we need to keep moving."

Hammerlocke City opened around us like a fortress that had become a home. Stone walls curved into streets, shops tucked themselves under arches, and the huge stadium tower rose from the center like a red-and-gold engine wearing a castle's crown.

We had not gone far before we spotted Bede again near Chairman Rose and Oleana. Bede stood very straight, holding himself like a student trying to be praised and a rival trying not to show how badly he wanted it.