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

Chapter 67: Marnie's Roar

Wyndon City rose around us like every road in Galar had been pointing here from the beginning. Glass towers caught the morning light, monorails slid between buildings, and the Corviknight statue near the station looked ready to take flight over the crowds.

The city did not feel like one stage. It felt like two stages stacked on top of each other. Wyndon Stadium pulled challengers toward the Champion Cup, while the Grand Festival Hall shone across the avenue with banners for Coordinators and performers.

Crowds flowed in every direction. Some people wore jerseys with challenger numbers. Others carried ribbon cases, costume bags, or camera gear for the Grand Festival. Even the street vendors seemed split between battle snacks and performance souvenirs.

League banners showed Leon, Raihan, and the remaining challengers on rotating screens. Across the plaza, Grand Festival posters flashed images of ribbon trails, spotlights, and stage effects. The city was not asking me to choose which dream mattered. It was asking whether I could respect both without letting either become a shallow excuse.

I paused at the station steps, letting the noise settle. Galar's journey had given us mines, forests, storm roads, kitchens, jobs, and Gyms, but Wyndon gathered everything into one bright, impossible city.

Hop threw both arms wide. "Wyndon City! This is where I'll carve my name into legend!"

Victor gave him a sideways look. "You sound like you already won."

"Not yet," Hop said, grinning. "But I'm going to. I'll claim the title of Galar Champion!"

Gloria laughed from beside us. "You two better not run off without knowing where you're staying."

Hop was already backing toward the stadium. "League first, hotel later! Hurry up, Ash! Alice! The train got us here, but the real road starts now!"

Victor gave Gloria a quick wave before following him. "See you at the stadium!"

I watched them disappear into the crowd. Their excitement tugged at me, but Serena touched my arm before I could follow.

"The Grand Festival check-in opens soon too," she reminded me.

Dawn, Lisia, and Megan stood beside her, each carrying the focus of someone about to step onto a different kind of battlefield. Alice looked between the stadium and the hall, then smiled.

"Two promises," she said, watching both banners ripple.

"Both real," I answered, feeling the choice settle.

I took a breath and let the familiar split settle through me. It was not a joke, and it was not a trick to escape responsibility. After everything Scarlett's path had taught me, I knew a promise divided badly could hurt people. This time, I divided it openly.

One of me turned toward the Grand Festival Hall with Serena, Dawn, Lisia, Megan, Absol, Zoroark, and Sylveon. The other stayed with Alice, Pikachu, Morpeko, Eldegoss, Meowth, and the League crowd flowing toward Wyndon Stadium.

Pikachu pressed his cheek to mine before the paths split, eyes bright, "Two stages, same heart."

"Same heart," I promised, before the paths separated.

The Grand Festival Hall was all polished light, flowers, and camera flashes. Coordinators from across Galar and beyond filled the lobby, and every ribbon case seemed to catch its own spotlight. Serena's Sylveon walked proudly beside her, while Dawn adjusted the ribbon on her wrist.

Megan checked the performance order board. "Appeal Round first. Top sixteen advance to the battle rounds."

Lisia bounced once on her toes. "Then let's make the judges remember us before anyone battles."