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

Chapter 52

We have a great time celebrating after my Galar League victory. Everyone in my class goes wild when they hear about my win against Leon. Of course, my two girlfriends, Alice and Serena, are also cheering for me, and I really appreciate their support.

Now, Flora and Helen are heading back to the Kalos Region, while Gloria and Victor decide to work on Poke Jobs, with Hop helping out. The three of us find ourselves on Route 2 because Professor Magnolia wants to meet us.

"Congratulations, Champion, Here, I've got a little something for you as celebration." Magnolia says as she hands us a Master Ball, which I believe is the eighth one I've received. "Thanks," I respond.

"After everything you have achieved, it's really the least I could do. The Wishing Stars that make Dynamaxing possible are parts of Eternatus. When Eternatus was awakened, Dynamax energy flooded the entire region, causing Dynamax Pokémon to pop up all over and causing trouble throughout Galar. But you came to our rescue. The Dynamax phenomenon has long been an important part of Galarian culture. I hope everyone will use the power of Dynamaxing correctly in the days to come. So, young Ash, Alice, and Serena, please do what you believe is best."

"We will," we nod before leaving the house. We decide to head to the Slumbering Weald to return the Rusted Sword and Rusted Shield. Alice remarks, "Nobody ever comes in here, since this is the forest where Zacian and Zamazenta rested. It's the best place to do some thinking since it's so quiet and peaceful."

"Yeah," I agree, "And it's thanks to Zacian and Zamazenta that we were able to stop the Darkest Day. And Eternatus... it helped us prevent something terrible from happening in the battle against Leon..."

"And if it isn't the three of you again. I was wondering what all the noise was about," Sonia remarks as she shows up in front of us. I respond, "Hey, Sonia."

"Ash! Congratulations on beating Leon!" Sonia exclaims.

"Thanks. I couldn't have done it without Pikachu," I say, while Pikachu enjoys the affection I'm giving him.

"Taking it all in stride like it's your due, eh? You cheeky thing!" Sonia says with a smile.

Serena inquires, "What are you doing here, Sonia? Don't you have your Professor duties now that you've become one yourself?"

Sonia explains, "And I've got the two of you to thank for that, Ash and Alice. I was just along for the ride on your adventure, but I ended up taking a real interest in the history of the Galar region. And I came to care for Pokémon even more than I ever had before!"

She hands me a book and says, "Ah, here! It's a book I wrote! I even signed it—that makes it a collector's item."

"Wow... a book..." Alice says in amazement.

"I've got my gran's blessing and put out my first book under my own name... I think you can expect great things from the lovely Professor Sonia in the future, wouldn't you say?" Sonia adds with enthusiasm.

"I think so," I reply.

Sonia then asks, "So? What are you young'ns doing here?" Before we can answer, she continues, "Ohhh... That's it, isn't it? You were putting the Rusted Sword and the Rusted Shield back in their place? Can't just keep holding onto them forever, right?"

"Well, that's why we were called here," I explain. "And we also wanted to see if we can find Zacian and Zamazenta again."

As we carefully place the items on the ground, I say, "Zacian! Zamazenta! Thank you for helping us out. It took us a while, but we've brought back your precious relics to you."

Just as we are about to leave, Alice inquires, "What're you gonna do, Sonia?"

Sonia replies, "I think I'll stay a bit longer. I want to do a little more research here in the forest." She then takes out the Power Spot Detector and adds, "Hm? My Power Spot Detector is going off..."