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

Chapter 42

As we step outside the Gym Stadium, we spot Professor Magnolia and Sonia waiting at the entrance. "Hey there, Ash and Alice! You gave Raihan a good thrashing, and that means you've completed the Gym Challenge! Congratulations, from the bottom of my heart!" Sonia beams.

"Thank you, Sonia," Alice responds with a grateful smile.

"I really wish we could go celebrate, but I think there's some things we should talk over." Sonia says, turning her attention back to Professor Magnolia. "That light that covered Hammerlocke... It was just like the Darkest Day, where it's said that giant Pokémon went on a rampage and almost destroyed the entire Galar region."

"It certainly seems to be that way, my dear."Professor Magnolia acknowledges with a nod. "As you know, we Dynamax our Pokémon today using the energy from Wishing Stars that have fallen to us. But we still don't know how to fully control the energy behind Dynamaxing or how the two heroes managed to do so. In fact, we're not even really sure who—or what—the two heroes actually were."

"The legendary sword and shield..." we mumble, contemplating the connection to Galar's ancient lore.

As the moment unfolds, Professor Magnolia unexpectedly removes her lab coat, presenting it to Sonia. "Sonia, my dearest... My lab coat is yours now." she declares solemnly.

A collective gasp of astonishment escapes our lips as we witness Professor Magnolia's unexpected decision to pass on her mantle. Sonia is taken aback, exclaiming, "Are you sure, Gran? I still haven't finished the work you've assigned me."

"Think of it as something to help you finish that work." Professor Magnolia reassures her. With that, Sonia removes her own brown coat and slips into the white lab coat, leaving us all in awe. "Professor Sonia!" we exclaim in unison.

"Y-yeah!" Sonia stammers, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, visibly overwhelmed by the honor bestowed upon her.

"The two heroes that protected the Galar region from the Darkest Day... And the legend of the sword and shield you just mentioned... It's up to you to figure out the truth behind it all," Professor Magnolia entrusts Sonia with a solemn tone.

"I know, Gran! I'll do what I can! You two or Hop could be the one to take down Leon, and I don't want to miss that! Not to worry—you can count on me to take care of everything! You just focus on getting to Wyndon. Go on! Head to the station, or you'll miss your train!" Sonia assures us with determination in her voice.

With heartfelt farewells, we bid Sonia goodbye and hasten toward the Train Station, eager to catch a train bound for Wyndon, hopeful to witness the thrilling events that lie ahead.

As we reach the station, the familiar voices of Hop and Victor call out to us. Victor proudly exclaims, "We're coming, too! We had Raihan beat in no time!"

Hop interjects, "Once I got my head on straight and stopped doubting every decision I made, that is... Heh!"

"Congratulations, guys," I respond warmly. "Now, we're all officially headed for the League."

"I reckon I'm still the favorite to win, but I'm up against my true rivals... So I'll wring out every last thing I learned during my battle with you, Raihan, to beat you all! So get a move on! The train's waiting!" Hop urges us with competitive zeal.

"Confident enough, huh?" Victor teases playfully, prompting us to board the train as we all share a camaraderie-filled journey to our next destination.

As we settle into the train, we're taken aback by the unexpected presence of Dawn, Serena, and Lisia among us. "What brings you all here?" I inquire, genuinely surprised.