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

Chapter 56

In the Master Dojo, I can't help but feel awe-struck, my eyes wide as I take in the ancient writings on the paintings and scrolls that adorn the walls. Standing beside me, Alice seems equally amazed.

"So, this is the Master Dojo," I whisper, my voice filled with wonder. "This is so cool."

Alice nods in agreement, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Just as we are marveling at our surroundings, Honey's voice rings out, capturing the attention of everyone in the dojo. She announces, "Everybody, I have an announcement to make! We've got a new student joining us today!" The curious gazes of the people in matching outfits turn toward us.

Honey motions for us to step forward, and she continues, "Please welcome Ash and Alice! I am sure you'll all have lots to teach them."

A chorus of greetings fills the dojo as the students, excluding Klara and Avery, bow in our direction. Honey chimes in, "Hi-yah! Welcome to the dojo! All our students are so good and hardworking. Everyone really gives it their all around here."

Just then, a boy wearing a pink shirt and green shorts approaches us with a curious expression. He speaks up, "Now here's someone who's not listed in my database of students..."

Alice, looking a bit puzzled, asks, "Um...who are you?"

Honey intervenes with a warm smile, "Hello, sweetie pie! It's not usual for you to bother greeting newcomers." She turns to us and introduces him, "This is Hyde, my darling only son."

Hyde doesn't seem deterred by the exchange and hands each of us a small charm. Alice examines hers closely, asking, "What is this?"

He explains, "This is an Exp. Charm. A charm that increases the Exp. Points that Pokémon can get. But don't open it, OK? It's got tech I developed inside, and I don't want you to go and ruin it."

After Hyde retreats into his room, Honey shares her admiration, "He's so good with his hands, always making something new. Such a clever boy."

I nod in agreement, a smile forming on my face as I remember friends like Clemont and Sophocles who share a similar knack for invention. "I can tell," I reply, the connection to them making me feel more at ease in this new environment.

"And that handsome gent in the back is my darling hubby and the very master of the Master Dojo," Honey proudly introduces as our gaze shifts towards a man standing in front of us. He turns around, flashing a warm smile.

"Why, hello there! My name is Mustard! I'm rather good at Pokémon battles, you know!" The master says cheerfully. "I am pleased as cheese that you could join us!"

My excitement gets the best of me as I realize who he is. "Wait, are you perhaps the famous Master Mustard that even my parents are trained under? It's nice to meet you!"

He chuckles heartily, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Heh, heh. Such a nice boy and girl. Good, good!" Mustard's laughter fills the air. Honey chimes in, "Don't let him fool you into thinking he's just a silly old man. He's a real beast when he gets serious."

With a smile, Honey turns to Mustard, saying, "Well, darling, I'll leave the rest up to you." Mustard's expression brightens as he responds, "Yaaay! This is my favorite part! I wanna see just how good you are! So why not have a battle with little old me?"

Alice and I exchange surprised glances. The man before us is said to be one of the strongest trainers, even surpassing Leon. We gulp nervously but agree to the challenge, our excitement and trepidation mixing into a whirlwind of emotions.

As we stand at the battlefield, Mustard's enthusiasm is palpable. He declares, "All right! Let's get this show started! This is the best way to get to know new students! I want you two to come at me together."