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

Chapter 26

As we finally arrive at Stow-on-Side, the vibrant marketplace bustles with activity, its stalls adorned with an array of rare and intriguing items. Amidst the eclectic collection, my gaze fixates on a peculiar teapot displayed prominently at a quaint shop.

"What is this?" I inquire, captivated by the teapot's unique appearance. The shop owner, with a knowing smile, responds, "That's a Chipped Pot. It holds a storied past. Yours for 3000 dollars."

Intrigued, I decide to make the purchase, much to the surprise of my companion, Flora. She raises an eyebrow and remarks, "Why spend so much on a broken teapot?"

I pause, pondering her question, before offering a vague explanation. "I can't quite explain it, but there's an inexplicable pull towards it," I say, shrugging nonchalantly.

As we make our way to the stadium, the anticipation of the upcoming battle fills the air. However, our excitement is interrupted as we come face to face with Hop, standing resolutely in our path.

"Ash, Alice... I'm still not too sure what I should do about all that stuff I told you before... About me being weak and dragging down Lee's good name and all, yeah?" Hop admits, his uncertainty palpable in his voice.

Displaying newfound resolve, he continues, "But the only thing I can do is get stronger, right? So I'm gonna try out all kinds of different things against you and see what works!"

Without hesitation, I agree, "Sure, Hop. I'm up for a battle."

With a newfound determination shining in his eyes, Hop exclaims, "Then let's do this! I bet an all-out battle with my true rival will help me get my head on straight!"

The battle commences with Hop sending out his Cramorant, the very Pokémon he had lost to Team Yell back on Route 6. Determination gleams in his eyes as he declares, "All I'm after is victory, and I'm counting on you to help me grab it."

I respond by unleashing Zoroark as my opening Pokémon, swiftly initiating the engagement with a Sucker Punch to deal an initial blow. However, Cramorant swiftly retaliates with a powerful Surf attack, dousing the battling Pokémon and revealing an unexpected sight—an Arrokuda nestled in Cramorant's gaping beak.

"Arrokuda? Is it... eating it right now?" Alice voices the confusion shared by the rest of the onlookers, stunned by the bizarre turn of events unfolding in the midst of battle.

Despite the puzzling scenario, Zoroark presses on, launching a precise Night Slash that leaves Cramorant fainting on the battlefield. However, the Arrokuda, previously hidden within Cramorant's beak, is propelled out from the impact, colliding with Zoroark and inflicting some damage in the process.

As Hop swiftly switches in his Silicobra, I opt for a change in my lineup, calling upon Flapple to take on the sandy serpent. Determined and ready for action, Flapple lunges forward with a Wing Attack aimed at Silicobra. However, the ground-type Pokémon swiftly evades by burrowing underground, narrowly dodging the aerial assault.

Anticipating Silicobra's next move, Flapple braces itself, executing an Iron Defense to fortify its defenses against the impending underground strike. Moments later, Silicobra surfaces, attempting a sneaky attack from below, only to be met by Flapple's sturdy defense.

Capitalizing on the moment, Flapple seizes the opportunity, launching a potent Grav Apple attack. The gravity-infused projectile strikes Silicobra with incredible force, overpowering its defenses and ultimately rendering the serpent Pokémon unable to continue the battle.

As Hop introduces his third Pokémon, the diminutive yet energetic Toxel, I swiftly swap my battling companion, bringing forth Yamask to face this new challenge. With a determined gleam in its eyes, Yamask launches into action, initiating the confrontation with a powerful Brutal Swing directed at Toxel.