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

Chapter 45: Painted Wings

The next morning, Glimwood Tangle felt less mysterious and more familiar, but I still touched each glowing mushroom with care. The light bloomed for only a short time before dimming again, and the path toward the Bug Stadium twisted through roots, shadows, and patches of colored glow.

Alice walked beside me with Ponyta close to her hand. Polteageist floated near her shoulder like it was inspecting the forest for a proper tea room, while the Indeedee pair stayed near the back, quietly making sure nobody drifted off the safer path.

Pikachu rested on my shoulder, eyes bright in the mushroom light. "The forest remembers us, but it still wants us to walk politely."

"Then we keep walking politely," I said.

The Bug Stadium appeared between the trees like a lantern built from wood, glass, and painted wing patterns. Its roof curved like folded wings, and murals of Bug-type Pokémon decorated the walls in colors that made the shadows feel alive. Shelia's artist side was everywhere before we even stepped inside.

Someone was already waiting near the entrance.

Marnie leaned against the railing with Morpeko at her feet, Team Yell fans gathered farther behind her in a surprisingly respectful cluster. She looked up when she saw us, and her expression sharpened into that familiar mix of challenge and amusement.

"Oh, Challenger Ash and Challenger Alice," Marnie said. "You two finally found your way through the mushrooms."

Alice smiled. "Hey, Marnie. Are you here to challenge this Gym too?"

Marnie tipped her head. "That means you two have four badges already?"

"Grass, Water, Fire, and our fourth paths," I said. "We are heading for the Fairy Gym next."

Marnie's smirk widened. "Then I will need to keep an eye on both of you."

Morpeko rushed forward and circled our feet, cheeks bright with excitement. It stopped near Pikachu, looked up at me and Alice, and bounced once.

Morpeko pressed its paws together and leaned toward us, "Rivals are still allowed to be nice."

Marnie stared down at it. "Wait, Morpeko, do not tell me you actually like Ash and Alice."

Pikachu flicked his tail with a teasing look, "Friendly teeth are still teeth."

I laughed softly. "Sounds like both of them understand rivalry better than some people."

Marnie sighed as if the whole situation had betrayed her image. "We already had a serious battle against him. He is an opposing Gym Challenger. But I suppose there is nothing to be done about it."

She pulled out a League Card and held it toward us. "Here. Take one, all right?"

Alice accepted it carefully. "Thank you."

"What is with that expression?" Marnie muttered, though her cheeks colored slightly. "It means I will consider you both my rivals from now on. There are not too many Gym Challengers left, you know. So let us meet in the Finals. Deal?"

"Deal," I said. "But today is your Gym battle."

Marnie looked toward the stadium doors. "My team is mostly Dark type, so Fairy is not my best choice right now. Bug is risky too, but I like my chances better here."

Gloria leaned toward Alice and whispered, "That sounds exactly like Marnie. Cautious and confident at once."

Marnie heard enough to glare without real anger. "I am standing right here."

Team Yell began cheering from behind the ropes, but Marnie lifted one hand, and they lowered their volume almost immediately. That control impressed me. Her fans could be loud, but they listened when her journey needed space.