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

Chapter 65: Storm Badge

The next morning, Hammerlocke Stadium looked taller than it had the first time I saw it. Maybe it was only the clouds gathering behind the towers, or maybe it was knowing Raihan waited inside with the last badge of the Gym Challenge. Either way, the air felt charged.

Alice walked beside me with Eevee in her arms, quiet but focused. Gloria came with us to the entrance, while Pikachu rode on my shoulder and watched the Dragon banners snapping in the wind. The red-light trouble from Route 9 still hung over Galar, but today had one clear goal.

A staff member bowed when we reached the reception desk. "The long Gym Challenge is nearing its end. Are you ready to face Hammerlocke Gym and its Leader, the Dragon user Raihan?"

"You bet I am," I said.

Alice nodded, holding Eevee closer. "Me too."

"In that case, please use the changing room to change into your uniforms."

The Dragon uniforms were sharp and strong, with lines that reminded me of claws and storm clouds. When Alice stepped out in hers, Eevee puffed up proudly, and Pikachu adjusted his paws on my shoulder like he was inspecting mine.

Pikachu tapped the badge case at my side, eyes bright beneath his ears, "Every road behind you is standing here too."

I smiled and touched his head. "Then we'll make sure they stand tall."

The staff member studied our uniforms and smiled. "The uniforms you wear are a symbol of all your victories. I feel your determination. Now head to where all the Gym Trainers await."

I glanced toward the stadium tunnel. "The field?"

"No," the staff member said. "The vault."

That answer pulled a surprised look from Gloria. "Only Raihan would make the final Gym Mission start somewhere dramatic."

We followed the marked path into Hammerlocke's vault. Stone walls rose around us, covered with carvings of heroes, legends, and Dragon shapes twisting through old stories. The crowd's cheers still reached us from the stadium beyond, but here they became a low rumble, like thunder heard through mountains.

The vault always made me think about how Galar remembered strength. It did not only carve winners into stone. It carved storms, shields, wolves, and people standing against something bigger than themselves. After the red light yesterday, those old images felt less like history and more like a warning asking whether we were ready.

Alice slowed beside one carving of a dragon twisting around a tower. "Raihan chose this place well. The mission starts before the battlefield."

"Because the battle is about more than Dragon moves," I said.

"Weather, pressure, cooperation," Alice answered.

I grinned. "And not letting Raihan's confidence pull us out of our rhythm."

Raihan stood waiting with three Gym Trainers behind him. He held his phone loosely, grinning like he was already deciding which angle would make the best victory shot.

"Let's see," Raihan said. "How many Gym Challengers are left? Not even ten, huh? All right then. Ash and Alice, time to explain the great Raihan's Gym Mission."

"Both of us together?" I asked. "Not one after the other?"

Raihan's grin widened. "That's right. The rules are simple. Defeat three Gym Trainers I personally trained, all in Double Battles. Since you share Pokémon, that should suit you just fine."

Alice looked at me, and her smile sharpened. "Looks like this is a tag battle for us."

"That works for me," I said.