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

Chapter 29

As we arrive at the Dusty Bowl and stand beneath the stone arch, Yamask suddenly emerges from its Poké Ball. Concerned, I inquire, "What's the matter, Yamask?"

Abruptly, a sandstorm envelops us, trapping Yamask within it. Alice queries, "What's happening here?"

Elena observes, "It appears that something stone-like is encasing the Pokémon..."

After the turbulent sandstorm subsides, a previously unseen mural materializes before us, taking the form of a serpentine figure.

"Where did Yamask go?" I ask, but before we can locate it, our attention is drawn to the mural as it unexpectedly awakens, its eyes opening before fracturing apart. "Wait, Yamask? Is that you?"

Gloria interjects, "That's a Runerigus."

Runerigus: The Grudge Pokemon: Ground and Ghost Type. Evolved from Yamask when its HP is 49 lower than full health and walking in the Dusty Bowl. A powerful curse was woven into an ancient painting. After absorbing the spirit of a Yamask, the painting began to move.

Alice questions, "So, this was all due to a curse?"

Shrugging, I reply, "Who can say for sure? But it's undeniably intriguing to witness."

During our training session, our mischievous Grookey undergoes evolution, transforming into a Thwackey. As it evolves, it appears to have settled down a bit, but it's evident that with the two sticks it wields, it's learned the move Double Hit.

Thwackey: The Beat Pokemon: Grass Type. Evolve from Grookey at LV:16. When it's drumming out rapid beats in battle, it gets so caught up in the rhythm that it won't even notice that it's already knocked out its opponent.

As we approach Dustill Town, Alice inadvertently steps into a sand trap, causing her to start falling. Reacting swiftly, I grasp her arm in an attempt to prevent her fall, but the sand gives way faster than expected, dragging both of us down into the hole.

"Ash! Alice! Are you okay?" Gloria inquires anxiously as the others react with concern at our sudden descent.

Lying face down in the sand, we struggle to get back on our feet. I manage to climb out of the pit first, then extend my hand to assist Alice, who takes a moment to catch her breath after emerging from the sand.

"We're okay," I assure the group. "But that hole goes down pretty deep."

Alice sits up and wears a pained expression. "I'm sorry, Ash. It's because of me that you..."

Before she can finish, I interrupt gently, "It's not your fault, Alice. We're both okay, that's what matters."

"Does anyone have a rope or something we can use to get out of here?" I call out to the group, hoping for a way to escape the pit we've fallen into.

"I have an Escape Rope!" Gloria exclaims, but as she attempts to use it, our hopes diminish when we realize the rope is too short to reach the top of the hole. Dread settles in as our potential means of escape falls short.

Just as Alice expresses her fear, a rumbling sound fills the air, causing her to tremble. "Oh no... do you think we're going to be buried?"

Suddenly, a hole emerges before us, revealing a Sandaconda alongside a girl donning an adventure hat and a brown uniform marked with the number 130. "Hey, are you all alright?" she inquires.

"You're Nora, the Ground Leader!" I exclaim in astonishment, recognizing her from her distinct appearance and reputation.

"Ash Ketchum and Alice Urup," Nora acknowledges with a nod. "Follow me if you want to get out."