How to Act as a Pokémon Champion

Chapter 7: A Spikemuth Spark

(Marnie’s POV)

My heart felt like it was going to pound right out of my chest. I'd been practicing my speech in the mirror for hours, rehashing every reason why Ash, of all people, should be my mentor. But none of that prepared me for the pure jolt of surprise I felt when he whirled around yelling, "HOW DID YA GET INSIDE MY ROOM?"

A blush heated my cheeks. Stupid, stupid, stupid! Of all the ways to start this… I took a shaky breath. "Um, w-well, the door was unlocked…" That sounded pathetic even to me. I should've known a Champion would be better at basic hotel security than that!

A flicker of sheepishness passed over his face. "Oh, right. Guess I forgot…"

Well, at least I hadn't completely blown it yet. "My name's Marnie," I blurted out, desperate to get this back on track. "And, well… I was hoping…"

I took another deep breath, forcing myself to meet his gaze. Could I really do this? "Could you be my mentor?"

His brows shot up in surprise. "Me? A mentor?" It was hard to tell if he was flattered or just confused. To be honest, I was a bit confused myself. But after seeing his battle today, something in me just knew he was the key to finally breaking out of my rut. Besides, he was… well, kinda cute in a goofy way.

"Please!" I rushed on, my cheeks burning hotter. Why did I have to blush every time I looked at him? Focus, Marnie! My voice grew stronger. "I want to beat all the gyms in Galar, become Champion myself one day... That way, I can get Spikemuth on the map, give back to my town!"

My brother Piers always told me the key to looking strong was to fake it 'til you make it. So, I lifted my chin, trying to mirror a bit of Ash's own battle-hardened confidence.

"You're… well, you're amazing," I finished, my voice dropping softer without meaning to. "And not just 'cause you beat Leon. You and your Pokémon have this connection. You fight like you're having fun."

Ash blinked slowly, processing my outburst. Then, a slow grin spread across his face. That same grin that had driven the entire stadium wild today. It sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"Y'know," he said, "Spikemuth, huh? I've never been. And training someone new…well, that could be kinda fun too." He paused, scratching his head with a thoughtful look. "Alright, Marnie. It's a deal."

I couldn't believe my ears. I'd done it! Determination flared through me, the exhaustion of the long journey suddenly forgotten. He might not know it yet, but Ash Ketchum was about to see what a trainer from Spikemuth was truly made of. He wasn't just my ticket to getting better; I'd help him climb even higher too. This mentorship thing was going to be a win-win.

"You won't regret this!" I promised, barely able to contain my excitement. A fresh start, an incredible mentor, and the first step towards making my town proud… things were finally looking up! And maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something more.