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

Chapter 28

As we exit the Laterally Stadium, a Yamper approaches us, wagging its tail enthusiastically. Sonia quickly catches up, her face lighting up. "Looks like my Yamper really likes you, huh? Anyway, we've run into each other at a good time," Sonia exclaims. "You know the mural here in Stow-on-Side? It's said to tell the story of the hero of Galar as well. Though what's there today is actually a replica of the ancient art that used to be here..."

"Really?" Alice interjects, clearly intrigued.

"You tend to have surprisingly sharp insight, so I was wondering what you might think when you see the ruins," Sonia adds.

"Let's head over there and take a look," I suggest, and we all make our way towards the site.

As we stride toward the mural, positioned between Laterally and Stow-on-Side, a sudden tremor ripples through the ground, causing us to grasp the fence for stability. Sonia's alarmed voice cuts through the commotion, "Wha...? What in the world was that? Sounds like it came from the direction of the ruins, too..."

"Let's go see!" I exclaim, and we hasten up the stairs. To our astonishment, Bede stands before us, commanding his Copperajah to ram into the wall. "Destroy it! Destroy it all! We're going to find those Wishing Stars! We've got to bring the chairman more Wishing Stars if we want to please him! Copperajah! If you are truly the chairman's Pokémon, then you should feel grateful for this chance to help him find Wishing Stars!"

Elena, noticing the scene, steps forward fiercely, demanding, "What are you doing with my Papa's Copperajah?" Her voice rings out as we approach, ready to intervene.

"Oh my. You again... So you think that you can start collecting Wishing Stars now and get in the chairman's favor?" Bede inquires, his tone accusatory.

"We didn't—" We're taken aback by Bede's assumption, as we hadn't engaged in any such actions.

"That's the way of things, is it? I see. So you do have some cunning in you. But I won't have it! I won't allow anyone to stand in my way!" Bede declares firmly.

Alice and I opt for a double battle against Bede, deploying Sirfetch'd and Galarian Corsola into the fray. Bede responds by sending out Gothorita and Duosion. "Hmph. I've already seen more than enough to judge you and your team's abilities."

Corsola initiates the assault with Shadow Ball aimed at Duosion, but the Psychic Pokémon swiftly evades and redirects the attack toward Sirfetch'd. Sirfetch'd retaliates fiercely with Meteor Assault, inflicting substantial damage upon Gothorita.

As the battle intensifies, our Pokémon face off with determination. With coordinated efforts, Corsola and Sirfetch'd combine their powers. Using Brutal Swing and Sucker Punch, they unleash a final onslaught, culminating in the defeat of Gothorita and Duosion.

"I have to win this for the chairman! Do you really think I'd let you keep me from everything I want?" As Bede sends out Ponyta and Hattrem for the next round, Hattrem takes the initiative, unleashing a powerful Dazzling Gleam that swiftly overwhelms both Pokémon on our side. In response, we switch to Gengar and Machamp to continue the battle.

Gengar strikes first, aiming a Sludge Bomb at Ponyta, poisoning it and causing gradual damage over time. Meanwhile, Machamp charges forward, executing a formidable Heavy Slam against Hattrem, dealing significant damage.

As the battle progresses, Gengar and Machamp synchronize their attacks. Gengar employs Dark Pulse, delivering a decisive blow to Ponyta, while Machamp follows up with Hex, combining their efforts to bring an end to Hattrem's resistance. The combination of moves results in the defeat of both opposing Pokémon, securing our victory in the heated battle.