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

Chapter 49

"You did it, Ash!" When we return to the locker room, Alice and Serena envelop me in a warm hug, applauding my efforts. Grateful, I respond, "Thanks, guys. I couldn't have done it without your unwavering support."

"All right? The big moment's finally here, eh? I came just to cheer you on, you know!" Hop chimes in with a grin. "Still, it's not easy picking sides... After all, it's the showdown between my big brother and my rival... Who should I really root for?"

Gloria reassures, "Of course, we're going to cheer for you. You've come this far."

Dawn adds, "You're absolutely right. You've got to beat Leon! If anyone can conquer the unbeatable Champion, it's you!"

With a smile, I acknowledge, "Well, it seems like the pressure's on..."

As I step onto the battlefield, I make the crucial decision to stick with the team I used when facing Raihan, with a few strategic alterations. The anticipation of the battle ahead fills the air, and I also contemplate the use of Mega Evolution and Z-Moves to showcase my strength.

However, before I can make any further decisions, Leon stands before me, and his words resonate with the electric atmosphere of the moment. "The tense, still air on the pitch... And the exact opposite from the audience, cheering and yelling... They're both fantastic, wouldn't you say?" he begins. "But remember, the audience is also a bit cruel... They want nothing more than to see one of us lose, after all! It can fill you with fear knowing that, but I absolutely love pushing past the fear. I love giving it everything I've got as a Trainer and seeing my team give everything they've got to seize another victory! It's the greatest feeling in the world, and I can't get enough of it!"

Feeling a surge of excitement, I respond, "Me too, I can't get enough of it too."

Leon continues with unwavering confidence, "I can feel my partners itching with anticipation inside their Poké Balls... We're going to have a real champion time! I'm the Galar region's Champion, Leon! Me and Charizard, and all the rest of our team, will use all our knowledge and experience to crush you completely!"

With a determined grin, I reply, "Well then, Leon, let's give the audience a battle they'll never forget!"

As the tension on the battlefield reaches its peak, the unexpected happens. The monitor flickers to life, and Chairman Rose's face appears on the screen, drawing our immediate attention.

"Hello there, Leon and Ash! We have a serious problem..." His words hang heavy in the air, and we all turn to the screen in shock. "The Darkest Day has been brought out! Without any warning! I know it is for the sake of Galar's future, but now we're in a bit of a pickle. The energy released by the Darkest Day is too much for us to contain. I'm sorry that it's come to this. But it's you who forced my hand, Leon. You refused to listen!"

As the stadium's battlefield erupts with towering pillars of ominous red light, we find ourselves in a state of shock and uncertainty. The abrupt interruption forces us to retreat, with everyone rushing to our side. Gloria, her voice laced with concern, asks, "That video stream... That was from Hammerlocke Stadium, right? What in the world did the chairman do...?"

Elena adds, "Papa has warned us... but we couldn't predict when the Darkest Day will wake up... this is awful..."

Leon, taking charge as the Champion, makes a resolute decision. "I've got to go see what's going on... I'm the Champion! I have to go! I should've realized what the chairman tried to warn us before it came to this... I'll take responsibility now for fixing this mess! This is the real Champion time!" With unwavering determination, Leon rushes off, leaving us with a sense of urgency and a growing sense of responsibility in the face of the unfolding crisis.