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

Chapter 63

After the sightseeing is done, we return to the dojo. With Max Soup enhanced by Max Honey, we feed our Urshifu, ensuring it's in peak condition. Then, we make our way to the battlefield outside, where Mustard and Honey await our arrival.

"Woo-hoo! Are you ready for another battle with little old me and your first battle with Ms. Honey?" Mustard asks with enthusiasm.

I respond confidently, "We are ready." Alice nods in agreement as Honey chuckles and adds, "That's what I want to hear. If that's the case, let's mosey on over to the battleground!"

As we take our positions on opposite sides of the battlefield, Mustard takes a moment to reflect, saying, "You know, I've been thinking more and more these days...about how fortunate we were to have you join the dojo...even if it was by the queen's orders at first! I can't thank you enough, Ash, Alice!"

Honey chimes in with her own excitement, "Indeed, it's been a while since we've been so excited! I can feel my blood burning and my heart just dancing with anticipation!"

"I just can't resist a battle against a worthy opponent—no matter how old I get! Now then... Let's get things going! This is the most fun time in the world!" Mustard says with infectious enthusiasm.

As he speaks, Mustard undergoes a quick change into his Champion uniform, while Honey watches with a smile. The anticipation is palpable as they both send out their first Pokémon: Mustard with his Mienshao, and Honey with her Blissey. In response, I choose to send out Slowbro, and Alice selects Gallade as our battlers.

"Battling gifted opponents gets my heart beating, no matter how many times I do it! Let's hurry and get this started! Time to see who can win some Exp. Points off the other!" Mustard declares.

"Indeed, let's have some fun...and I'll try not to hurt you," Honey adds with a wicked smile, setting the stage for an exciting battle.

Mustard takes the initiative, commanding his Mienshao to use Fake-Out, causing Slowbro to flinch momentarily. Simultaneously, Honey directs her Blissey to unleash Blizzard, but Alice's Gallade manages to deftly dodge the icy attack.

Alice quickly counters, shouting, "Use Psycho Cut on the Mienshao," and Gallade responds by slashing the Mienshao with the psychic-powered attack. Though Mienshao is resilient, it takes significant damage. Mustard counters with Close Combat, though it doesn't prove as effective against Gallade's defenses.

Slowbro recovers from its flinch, and I instruct it to use Shell-Side Arm. A toxic blast is fired towards Blissey, pushing it back. Honey retaliates with Fire Blast, but I respond by commanding Slowbro to use Water Pulse to counter the fiery attack. The two attacks collide in a dazzling display of power.

Alice seizes the opportunity, ordering Gallade to use Slash on the now weakened Mienshao. However, Mustard has a trick up his sleeve, directing Mienshao to use U-Turn, which catches Gallade off guard, and it's replaced by Luxray. Alice is taken aback by the sudden change.

I intervene, saying, "Heal Pulse, Slowbro." Slowbro sends a soothing wave of healing energy towards Gallade, helping it recover from the damage it sustained during the Close Combat.

"Thanks, Ash. Now, Gallade, Sky Uppercut!" Alice commands her Pokémon, and with a powerful punch, Gallade finally defeats the Blissey. Honey responds by sending out her second Pokémon, Togekiss, as the battle continues to unfold.

As the battle rages on, Alice commands her Gallade to use Dazzling Gleam, while Honey directs her Togekiss to use Play Rough. The combination of Fairy-type moves proves too much for Gallade, and it is knocked out. Alice responds by sending out her second Pokémon, Drednaw.