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

Chapter 47: Pink Questions

Night settled over the Watchtower Ruins side road before we reached the Ballonlea stretch again. The ruined tower stood against the dark fields like a broken tooth, and the wind moved through the grass with a low sound that made every shadow feel wider than it was.

We had planned to camp only long enough to rest before entering Glimwood again, but wild Pokémon kept moving near the road. Some were simply curious. A few Gym Challengers passed too close to our fire, more focused on shortcuts than manners.

Galarian Linoone reacted before I did. It charged across the path whenever anyone pushed too near, black-and-white body cutting through the dark like a warning stripe. At first, I thought it was only restless, but then it stopped in front of Alice and me, shoulders low.

"Easy," I said. "We are not trying to start a fight."

Linoone did not look back. A wild Pokémon lunged from the grass, and Linoone planted its feet instead of rushing forward. The change struck me harder than the threat. Linoone had always been about speed and reckless lines, but now it blocked the road like nothing dangerous would pass.

Pikachu crouched beside me, tail raised, "It is not running at danger now. It is making danger stop."

The challengers apologized once they realized they had crowded our camp, but another wild shape moved near Alice's side of the path. Linoone stepped across her front, refusing to give the road an opening. Its fur bristled, and the low growl in its throat sounded less like anger than warning.

A bright glow swallowed Linoone under the ruined tower's night sky. Alice gasped, but neither of us stepped in. The shape rose taller, heavier, and more defiant until Obstagoon stood before us with crossed arms and a voice that shook the road.

Pokédex Entry Updated — Ash and Alice's Shared Galar Record

Obstagoon, the Blocking Pokémon. Dark and Normal type. Its voice is staggering in volume, and it takes on a threatening posture to stop opponents in their tracks.

The wild Pokémon attacked again. Obstagoon crossed its arms and held firm. The blow struck its stance and rebounded badly, leaving the attacker's posture open as it stumbled away.

Move Dex Entry Updated — Ash and Alice's Shared Galar Record

Obstruct — Dark. The user blocks attacks with a defensive stance, and if struck by a contact move, sharply lowers the attacker's Defense.

Obstagoon looked over its shoulder, eyes fierce but steady, "The road ends here for anyone who threatens mine."

I smiled despite the chill. "Then welcome to the team again, Obstagoon."

Gloria watched from near the fire with Raboot beside her. "That is different from just getting bigger. It looks like Linoone finally decided where to stand."

Elena nodded, one hand resting on Feebas's tank. "A blocking stance instead of a charging line. That is a real change."

Obstagoon heard them and pretended not to care, but it stayed between the camp and the road even after the wild Pokémon left. Its posture still looked threatening, yet the meaning had shifted. It was not trying to scare us. It was telling the night that we were under its watch.

Alice touched Obstagoon's arm once the danger passed. "You did not just become stronger. You changed how you used your strength."

Obstagoon huffed like praise was unnecessary, but it did not move away. It stayed at the camp's edge until the night quieted, not chasing every sound anymore. That was the first proof that the evolution had truly settled.