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

Chapter 40

Upon returning to Circhester Bay, Gloria outlines the positions she's seeking to fulfill alongside Dark-type Pokémon:

1. DENSOKU: We need some Pokémon to try on our shoes. To make sure the shoes can handle rough use, Dark-type Pokémon would be ideal. (3 Pokemon)

2. Galar Taxi: We would like to hire Dark-type Pokémon. People reveal their true natures when gripped by fear, after all... (3 Pokemon)

3. Good Fit: We've made some really wild, hardcore shoes. We'd like to get Dark-type Pokémon to wear them, since they'll fit the image perfectly! (5 Pokemon)

4. MC Brokerage: I'd like to do my rounds with Dark-type Pokémon to give my offers a bit more...gravitas. (7 Pokemon)

5. HIJKI OKA: We want to develop durable cloth that can stand up to even the harshest treatment. We request Dark-type Pokémon to help out with this! (9 Pokemon)

6. Macro Cosmos Construction: There's a dangerous area we need to keep folks out of. I need fierce-looking Pokémon. No need for them to do anything. I just need them around. (10 Pokemon)

7. Spikemuth Chamber of Commence: We've had some problems with people falling asleep on the job. We'd like to have intimidating Pokémon around to keep an eye on things. (10 Pokemon)

8. Macro Cosmos Bank: Transporting money can be dangerous. We'd like to hire Pokémon that have a dark aura about them, to scare away any bad guys. (30 Pokemon)

"Considering that most Dark-type Pokémon are known for their roughness and menacing demeanor," Flora remarks, "it's no surprise Eve is fond of them."

As we reach Outer Spikemuth, a jolt of surprise struck us—the town gate was firmly shut, barring entry for several individuals. Disheartened voices echoed around us:

"I can't enter Spikemuth, so I've just been hanging around here this whole time..." "No one can challenge the Dark-type Leader like this..." "What's with the gate being shut? How am I supposed to get the Gym Badge now?!"

Amidst the disarray, Marnie's voice rings out, calling to us, "Hey, guys!"

Marnie stands amidst the crowd, and I approach her, eager to understand the situation. "Marnie, what's going on here?"

"I was born 'ere so I know another way in. If you wanna get into the town, how 'bout I show you the way? But...you're my rival. So you'll have to beat me in a battle first, got it?" Marnie proposes.

I nod in agreement, readying myself for the battle ahead. As we prepare, Team Yell grunts emerge from the town, rallying to cheer for Marnie.

"You've had a pretty good win streak in the Gym Challenge, just like me! I respect you as my rival and all that, but I got too much at stake to go around losin' now!" Marnie declares, releasing her Liepard as her first Pokémon. I opt for Grapploct, my choice for this challenge.

"I've powered up a whole lot! I'm gonna beat you lot into the ground, got it?" Marnie announces confidently.

In the intense face-off, Marnie's Liepard executes a swift Fake Out, aiming to catch me off guard and cause a flinch. Reacting quickly, Liepard then attempts to set up with Nasty Plot to enhance its offensive power. Not willing to let Marnie's strategy unfold, I opt for Taunt, disrupting Liepard's plans and causing it frustration.

Despite the disruption, Liepard persists with its assault, repeatedly striking with Sucker Punches, attempting to land hits before my moves. Amidst the flurry of attacks, I seize the opportunity and command Grapploct to retaliate with Rock Smash.

Grapploct's Rock Smash connects, dealing a decisive blow that overcomes Liepard's defenses, leading to its defeat in the midst of the heated battle.

As Marnie sends out her formidable Toxicroak, Grapploct's Superpower takes a toll, significantly reducing its Attack and Defense stats. Despite its weakened state, Grapploct valiantly battles, but Toxicroak's Poison Jab proves too overwhelming, leading to Grapploct's defeat.