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

Chapter 31

As we approach the Bug Stadium in the Glimwood Tangle the following day, we're taken aback to see Marnie waiting there. Marnie greets us, "Oh, Challenger Ash and Challenger Alice!"

"Hey, Marnie. Are you here to challenge this gym too?" Alice inquires. "That means you've got four badges like us!"

"Hmm? You've already secured four Gym Badges? Looks like I'll need to keep an eye on you both," Marnie responds with a playful smirk, acknowledging our progress with a hint of friendly competition.

Morpeko greets us enthusiastically, prompting Marnie to comment, "See, even Morpeko seems cautious around you." Observing its response to us, she adds in a teasing tone, "Wait, Morpeko, don't tell me you actually like Ash and Alice?"

We share a lighthearted chuckle as Marnie lets out a frustrated sigh, "Ugh! We've already had a serious battle against him. He's an opposing Gym Challenger! But I suppose there's nothing to be done about it. Here, just take one of my League Cards, alright?"

Graciously accepting her League Cards, we smile, and Marnie mutters with a hint of determination, "What's with that expression, huh? It means I'll consider you both my rivals from now on, alright? There aren't too many Gym Challengers left, you know. So, let's aim to meet in the Finals. Deal?"

"Absolutely, we're aiming for the Fairy Gym in Ballonlea," I affirm, to which Marnie responds, "My team consists mostly of Dark Types, so that wouldn't be my best choice."

Marnie proceeds towards the staff to arrange her entry, while we take the opportunity to engage in our usual pre-battle rituals before making our way to the audience seats.

As Marnie steps onto the mission field, a group of six individuals wearing gym uniforms stands before her, each holding papers. Among them, Dan steps forward.

"The Gym Mission for the Glimwood Gym is as follows: You must select these papers from my hand and then engage in battles against trainers matching the corresponding colors depicted in the artwork," Dan explains.

Marnie nods in acknowledgment. "Sounds interesting."

"Best of luck, Gym Challenger," Dan concludes before departing, leaving Marnie to embark on the unique challenge set before her at the Glimwood Gym.

Marnie selects the picture depicting a beach scene, requiring Pokémon with colors matching orange, yellow, and blue. As she engages in battles with the trainers, she realizes that each trainer utilizes Pokémon aligned with the colors they hold. Fortunately, her Toxicroak proves more than capable of handling the challenge.

"Impressive!" I express, thoroughly impressed by the unique mission design. Observing Marnie's swift progress, I note, "Marnie's quite speedy, she's already gathered all three colors."

With the required colors in hand, Marnie confidently presents them to Dan, who nods in approval. "Gym Mission cleared. Please proceed to the stadium ahead."

As she arrives at the battlefield, Shelia greets, "Welcome, fellow admirer of beauty and strength. I'm Shelia, the Bug-type Gym Leader and an artist who finds inspiration in the elegant world of Bug Pokémon. Shall we engage in a battle that paints the canvas of harmony and grace with the colors of our passion?"

"You bet," Marnie responds confidently, ready to take on the challenge.

Shelia selects her Net Ball, revealing, "For the colors you haven't painted, I choose Centiskorch as my first Pokémon."

"Alright then, for that challenge, Liepard, I choose you," Marnie declares with determination.

As Liepard enters the battlefield, Marnie directs the first move, commanding, "Start with Fake Out!"