the Galar Chronicle - the Challenge Begins [chapter 2]
Story by DanimusPrime on SoFurry
Danimus and Cinder have made it to Monostoke to sign up for the Gym Challenge and meet new rivals and foes.
LAST TIME: Danimus and Cinder have arrived to the Wild Area where they befriended new trainers and aided them in a Raid battle. The duo also befriended new Pokemon to help them out in the future. Now the duo are making their way to Monostoke where their next step in the story is to begin...
After taking part in a couple more raid dens, Danimus and Cinder made their way to the staircase to Monostoke, stopping briefly to speak with 2 male individuals hanging by the staircase. One was Macro Cosmo employee while the other was a hiker.
MC employee: Hello. How may we be of service?
Danimus: Um, why are you guys just standing here?
MC employee: I sell random items to trainers.
Hiker: And I provide special awards to people based on their progress with their Curry Dex.
Danimus: “Curry Dex”? You mean “Pokédex”?
Hiker: No, but I understand your confusion. The Curry Dex is a list of curry made based on their quality. Here, let me see your Rotom Phone for a bit.
Danimus loaned his phone to the hiker, who then installed a new app on it before returning it.
Hiker: There we go! Oh, and I see you already made at least 1 kind of curry! As a starting reward, here’s some food items to use the next time you make some curries.
Danimus: Thanks!
MC employee: As for me, I sell random special Poké balls, wishing pieces used to reactivate Raid dens, and a random assortment of TRs. Keep in mind that we sell for Watts instead of money.
Danimus: Watts?
MC employee: It’s a type of currency unique to Galar. They are normally acquired from Raid dens with glowing dens with light beams yielding the most, although it’s possible for wild Pokémon to have some as well.
At that moment, Danimus remembered the strange items he got from Caterpie and Bounsweet and pulled them out.
Danimus: Are these Watts?
MC employee: Indeed, they are. However, aside from the special Poké balls, you currently do not have enough to buy much. However, as this is your first time buying anything, I will give you a very item.
Danimus: Really?
MC employee: Yes, sir. *hands Danimus a disc*
Danimus: Is this a TR or a TM?
Hiker: Neither. It’s a Morph Machine.
Cinder: “Morph Machine”?
Hiker: Oh wow! A talking Scorbunny! I take it she has the Pokémorph factor?
Danimus: Yes, she does. And her name is Cinder, by the way.
Hiker: Pleasure to meet you, Cinder! Anyway, as you likely know by now, Pokémon with the factor have their sentience boosted to the point of learning how to speak. But for the Pokémon without the factor, it can take quite a bit to reach that stage.
MC employee: That’s where the Morph Machines, or MMs for short, comes in. These special discs can be used similar to a TM, but instead of teaching battle moves, they can teach a Pokémon how to speak.
Danimus: That’s cool!
MC employee: Indeed. Will that be all?
Danimus: Actually, what kind of Poké ball is available right now?
MC employee: For now, I’m selling Dive balls, the perfect tools for catching water type Pokémon, for 50W.
Danimus: I guess I buy 2 of them for now.
MC employee: Alright, that’ll be 100W.
Danimus: *hands over 100W*
MC employee: Here you go! *hands over 2 Dive balls* Oh, and one more thing. There are Watts traders like me all across the Wild Area. So be sure to pay them a visit whenever you can but remember that the lineup will change on a regular basis.
Danimus: We understand.
Hiker: Well, take care as you sign up
With that, Danimus & Cinder climbed the stairway to Monostoke and entered the large city. Upon their entry, the duo can’t help but be at awe at the city’s steampunk inspired visuals, the large wheel shaped escalator just ahead of them, and a large building on the other side. As the duo travel further into the city, they heard a voice.
???: Hey! Over here!
They turn towards the source of the voice to find Sonia at a nearby Pokémon center waving at them.
Danimus: *walking towards her* Hey, Sonia
Cinder: *walking alongside him* Hello!
Sonia: Real Ace of you to make it through the Wild Area! Seems like your trek ran your Pokémon ragged, though.
Danimus: You’re right. Cinder and the others have worked hard.
Sonia: You should pop into the Pokémon Center. That’s a must for anyone with Pokémon friend. Besides, there’s something in there I bet you’ll get a kick out of…if you’re a real trainer and all.
Before Danimus could say anything, Sonia begun walking toward the center, prompting Danimus and Cinder to follow. Inside, Danimus noticed that the center is slightly different from the one at Wedgehurst, as it was not only larger, but has 2 separate desks next to the main desk. At that moment, Sonia points towards a strange looking computer.
Sonia: Oh, looks like the Rotomi’s free.
Danimus & Cinder: Rotomi?
Sonia: Rotomi are a kind of Rotom Information service. It’s a handy machine for trainers, as you can access you PC box, send Pokémon on various jobs, and it can even be used to customize your League Card!
Cinder: What’s a League Card?
Sonia: It’s a card that has various info on trainers. Most trainers just make them to trade with each other to learn more about themselves or to commemorate a special moment, but if a trainer is famous enough, like Leon for example, then those cards will have more value.
Danimus: It’s sorta like making photo albums.
Sonia: Pretty much. Say, why don’t you try playing around with your League Card a bit, you guys?
Danimus: Huh?
Sonia: Here’s a sample for you! *gives Danimus a copy of Leon’s League Card*
Danimus: Oh, wow! Leon’s League Card! Thanks!
Sonia: It’s no problem! But Motostoke sure is big, right?
Danimus: Yeah. I didn’t think it would be so big.
Sonia: Not to worry! Sonia is here to show you around a bit! Come find me after you heal up your Pokémon and make your League Card! *turns towards the entrance* The opening Ceremony, huh…
Cinder: Hmm?
Sonia: I get a bit worked up when I think how exciting and moving it was to actually stand on a stadium’s pitch for the first time!
With that, Sonia left the Pokémon Center, leaving Danimus and Cinder behind. While Cinder and the others are being healed and checked over, Danimus restocked on supplies needed for the journey. Afterwards, Danimus began making his league card. After the card was completed, he had a copy added to his album while his Rotom phone holds the completed card in its databank. The card is simple in design, but as a starting trainer, Danimus figured it was good enough. He sat in the middle with Cinder sat on his lap, Conner on his left shoulder, Vixen and Bolt in front of them, Sparky standing next to Bolt, and Wooper next to Vixen. Once they finished what they needed to do, they made their way out the center where they find Sonia waiting for them.
Sonia: So, brilliant young trainer who’s braved the Wild Area!
Danimus and Cinder: *starts giggling a bit*
Sonia: Do you remember what your goal in Monostoke is?
Danimus: Of course! We’re here for the Gym Challenge!
Sonia: Yup! The Gym Challenge opening ceremony which, by the way… *points towards a building poised on a higher location* …is being held at the Monostoke Stadium, OK?
Danimus: OK.
Sonia: *points towards a Ferris wheel looking contraption on the wall in front of the stadium* Use that lift over there to get to the stadium, ‘K?
Danimus: Got it.
Sonia: Well, laters! I’m going to swing by the shops while I’m here, but don’t forget to register at the stadium, ‘K?
Danimus: OK.
Cinder: Goodbye!
With that, Sonia travels towards one of the shops, leaving Danimus and Cinder by themselves again. On their way, they visited various shops and acquired a music player and some TR’s. As they approached the lift, they heard a familiar voice calling out to them.
???: Hey you guys!
Cinder: Hm? *turns arround* Isn’t that Charizard?
Danimus: Huh? *turns around* It is Charizard!
Charizard: Hey there! Been a while, huh?
Danimus: Yup! And if you’re here then Leon’s not too far away either.
Leon: Alright! *appears near them* Thanks, Charizard! I’d surely never make it to the stadium without you to show me the way, partner. *chuckles a bit* Even with a huge old thing like this bang in the middle of the city, I still get lost.
Charizard: Naturally.
Danimus: Hey, Leon.
Cinder: Hiya!
Leon: Danimus! Cinder! All right?
Danimus: We’re doing well.
Cinder: Yup!
Leon: Mmhmm! One look tells me that you’ve become a trainer worthy of that endorsement I gave you!
Charizard: I agree! In fact, I believe they might be ready to use that special gift you got them.
Leon: I believe you’re right, Charziard! Here, try this on, Cinder!
Leon wraps a red-orange and white scarf around Cinder’s neck. It has blue tips and a symbol of a ball incased in a golden flame.
Cinder: What kind of scarf is this?
Danimus: It doesn’t look like the Fire-Starter scarf.
Cinder: What’s that?
Leon: The 3 starter scarfs are scarfs given to trainers early in their journeys. They, like many held items, can boost a Pokémon’s strength in battle.
Cinder: Is that legal?
Danimus: For the most part, held items are legal to use in the Gym Challenge as long as they don’t interfere with the other trainers or cause real harm. So, they’re okay to use.
Cinder: Okay. I understand now.
Leon: Anyhow, the starter scarfs are official versions of the older held items Miracle Seed, Charcoal, and Mystic Water, respectively boosting Grass-type, Fire-type, and Water-type moves.
Charizard: That being said, you’re right. It doesn't look like a Fire-Starter scarf because it’s actually a Pyro scarf.
Danimus: Pyro scarf?
Charizard: It’s a unique variation of the Fire-Starter scarf made only in Galar. It works the same way as the original, but is designed after Cinderace, the final evolved form of Scornbunny.
Danimus: Cinder’s final evolved form, huh? Sounds cool.
Cinder: Well, I like it! Thank you!
Leon: There are various shops that sells item like this, but until you sign up for the Gym Challenge, they’re very expensive.
Danimus: Understood.
Leon: Speaking of which, you can take that lift up to the city’s upper level, if you’re headed for the stadium next.
Danimus: Got it! Catch you later, Leon!
Cinder: Bye!
With that, Danimus and Cinder boarded the lift to ascend to the upper level, where the Monostoke Stadium is waiting for them. As they approached the stadium, they see Hop waiting for them, with Grookey and Wooloo standing next to them. Danimus was quick to notice Grookey wearing a brown and green scarf with a drum design on it.
Hop: You made it, too, Danimus?
Danimus: Of course! And I see that Leon gave Grookey a scarf, too.
Grookey: Yep yep yep! You got one, too, Cinder?
Cinder: Mmhmm! What about you, Wooloo?
Wooloo: Sadly, no. But Hop promised to take us shopping tomorrow so that I can pick out something!
Danimus: Guess that makes us shopping partners, huh?
Hop: Haha! I guess so! …Monostoke Stadium… This is where the opening ceremony will be held. Everyone’ll be watching the opening ceremony for the Gym Challenge… My mum… Your mum… The whole world!
Danimus: Hmm… I wonder if my aunt and cousin will be watching?
Somewhere at another region
Aunt: Diana!
Diana: Yes, mom?
Aunt: That was your Aunt Mary on the phone. She said that your cousin, Danimus, is going to take on the Galar Gym Challenge.
Diana: That’s pretty cool, but I don’t think he’ll stand a chance against Leon.
Aunt: Never judge a book by its cover, sweetie. The least we can do is cheer him on. The ceremony is tomorrow morning, so let’s watch it together.
Diana: Okay, mom!
Back at Galar
Hop: If I’m being honest, it’s getting me a bit nervous, really…
Danimus: Hop? Nervous? Haha! Never thought I’d hear those words in the same sentence!
Hop: Naw, this isn’t nerves… I’m only trembling because I’m so excited!
Danimus: Same here!
Hop: Come on, you guys! It’s time the world learned our names!
With that, the group entered the Monostoke Stadium. Inside, they can see banners and posters for the Gym Challenge hung across the walls. They also noticed multiple trainers wearing numbered uniforms scattered across the lobby.
Cinder: Would you take a look at this…
Danimus: The place is packed with Gym Challengers!
Hop: Every one of these folks is another rival!
Danimus: Mmhmm!
Hop: Let’s get signed up!
Danimus: Right!
The group continues to make their way to the sign-in desk. At the desk, they see a white hair boy wearing a pink and purple jacket finishing his registration before heading for the exit, but as he does so, he rudely bumps into Hop and, without even a single apology, leaves.
Hop: *annoyed* Seriously? What a piece of work…
Danimus: No kidding. But if he was at the front desk, then that would mean he’s a Gym Challenger, too. Gonna have to watch out for him…
MC Employee: If you’re here to register for the Gym Challenge, I’ll need to see your endorsement, please.
The two trainers make their way to the front desk, where they begin handing their endorsement to the employee.
MC Employee: Fancy that… This is the first time we’ve had a challenger endorsed by the Champion!
Hop: Well, now you’ve had two, because I am as well!
MC Employee: What?! Two of you at once?! I wonder what’s come over Leon this year… The two of you must be something special.
Danimus: My name is Danimus and this is my partner, Cinder!
Cinder: Hello!
Hop: And I’m Hop! I’m Leon’s little brother, in fact. And the next Champion. And these are my partners, Wooloo and Grookey. Get us all signed up, would you?
MC Employee: W-well, yes, I am trying to… If you’ll just give me a moment…
While this was going on, a girl with black hair wearing a black and pink get-up noticed them. She was playing with a small yellow, brown, and black Pokémon when she heard the two trainers being endorsed by the Champion.
???: So they are endorsed by the Champion, huh? This will be interesting.
The girl went back to playing with her Pokémon while the employee at the desk continues to register the trainers.
MC Employee: There! You two have been successfully registered as Gym Challengers!
Danimus: Oh right!
Hop: Yes!
MC Employee: You can now choose your preferred number for your uniform, if you’d be so kind? It will be displayed on the back of the uniform you must wear for any official match.
Cinder: Number?
MC Employee: All Gym Challengers are to have numbers on their uniforms to help stand out. This number is shared with their Pokémon as well.
Grookey: We have to wear one too?
MC Employee: Indeed. With many Pokémon having the Pokémorph factor, there have been fears of the Pokémorphs appearing too indecent. So, various laws were put in place to prevent that. While Pokémorphs are generally free to wear what they please, whenever they appears in any of Galar’s stadiums, they have to wear an official uniform. That being said, however, Pokémon that haven’t yet shown any physical trait of the factor don’t have to wear one.
Wooloo: Well, as long as they’re optional.
MC Employee: So, what number will you use? You can choose up to 3 numbers.
Danimus: Is 725 taken?
MC Employee: Let’s see… *checks database* You are free to use that number.
Danimus: 725 it is, then!
MC Employee: Alrighty. And you?
Hop: Mine is 189!
MC Employee: Very well. And here. *pull out 2 bands* Please wear this Challenge Band at all times to identify yourselves as Gym Challengers. *gives the duo their Challenge Bands* The opening ceremony for the Gym Challenge is to be held here tomorrow. All the Trainers taking part have been booked a room at the nearby Budew Drop inn.
Hop: That’s the League Chairman for you! Even booked us all hotel rooms! Come on, Wooloo and Grookey! We’re off to check out the fancy digs!
Wooloo and Grookey: YEAH!
With that, the trio rushed out of the lobby to reach the inn.
Danimus: And there he goes again. I guess we’d better get to the inn too.
Danimus and Cinder exit the stadium lobby where they encounter another Macro Cosmos Employee waiting for them to guide them to the inn. After a bit of walking, they arrived at a tall building with a green sign and a logo resembling the Pokémon Budew.
MC Employee: Challenger Danimus! We have arrived at the Budew Drop Inn. Try to get some rest and build you strength for what’s to come.
Danimus: Okay, and thanks.
MC Employee: Happy to help.
The employee went on his way while Danimus and Cinder enters the inn, reuniting with Hop in the process. Inside, they see a large number of people, some of which, appears to be Gym Challengers, but they also see Sonia standing in front of a golden statue of a knight wielding a sword and shield.
Sonia: *turns to greet them* Hiya! Looks like you both got yourselves registered.
Danimus: Oh hey, Sonia!
Cinder: Hello!
Hop: What’re you doing at our hotel?
Sonia: I’m researching the mysterious Pokémon that are said to be in the Slumbering Weald. I reckon if I look into some of Galar’s legends, I might figure something out. Care to join me? You’re here already anyway.
Danimus: Sure!
Hop: *looks at the statue* What’s this, then?
Sonia: It’s a statue of the hero who once saved the Galar region. I could run through the legend right quick, if you fancy?
Danimus: I don’t mind the full rundown.
Sonia: Long ago…a great black storm covered the Galar region. People called it “the Darkest Day.” The land was assaulted by gigantic Pokémon…but they were defeated by a single young hero bearing a sword and shield. This statue here is meant to depict the young hero of that legend.
Danimus: Reminds me of the Legend of Zoroark games I play.
Sonia: We still don’t understand what kind of sword and shield the hero actually had. And what this “black storm” is supposed to be is just another mystery… Whatever it was, it blotted out the skies all across Galar. I suppose that tracks with it being called the Darkest Day, but still…
Hop: Huh… I suppose that hero must’ve been about as strong as Lee, then!
Danimus: *sweatdrops* That’s all you got from this story? Anyway, looks like you’re going to have your hands full with plenty of research though, Sonia.
Cinder: Yeah…black storms and swords and shields and all…
Danimus: But I’m sure you’ll be alright, Sonia!
Sonia: Heh, thanks! I’ll muddle through somehow, so don’t you worry! You two are staying here at the hotel tonight, though, aren’t you? Shouldn’t you check in?
Hop: Probably so!
Danimus: And we’ll look out for you, too, Sonia. If we hear anything about any hero or whatnot, we’ll tell you!
Sonia: Aw, thank you guys!
Danimus then noticed something by the check-in desk and when to investigate.
Danimus: What’s going on?
Gym Challenger: They won’t let us check in!
Ahead was a group of 4 black and pink punk rock themed trainers blocking the desk.
???: We came all the way out to this big city so that we could properly cheer on Gym Challengers! Team Yell is here to help, after all! You’re in for a battle if you wanna stop us!
Danimus: *steps in* I’m up for that!
With that, all eyes turn towards Danimus, who has a determined look in his eyes. The first grunt, a male holding a horn of some sort, walks up.
Team Yell grunt 1: Didn’t we tell you, mate? You get in our way, and you’re in for a battle!
Danimus: So you guys are just bullies, huh? *pulls out a Poké ball* All the more reason to battle!
Team Yell grunt 1: Team Yell’s all about helpin’… Helpin’ one very special trainer win the Gym Challenge, that is! We wanna make sure she gets cheered on nice and proper… And now you’re gonna help us make some noise! *pulls out a Nest ball* Go, Zigzagoon!
The grunt sends out a small white and black Pokémon with its tongue sticking out.
Danimus: Bolt, I choose you! *tosses Bolt’s Poké ball, releasing him for battle*
Bolt: Alright! I’ve been itching for another battle!
Team Yell grunt 1: Use Tackle!
Danimus: You use Tackle, too!
The two Pokémon collided, both dealing minor damage to each other.
Team Yell grunt 1: Switch to Bite!
The Zigzagoon’s teeth begun glowing as it charges towards Bolt.
Danimus: Quick, dodge it and use Nuzzle!
Bolt: Got it!
Bolt quickly avoided the Bite attack and managed to land Nuzzle, dealing damage to the Zigzagoon while also paralyzing it.
Team Yell grunt 1: No way!
Danimus: Oh, yeah! Finish it with Spark!
Bolt: No problem!
Bolt then gathered enough electricity to land the Spark move, knocking the Zigzagoon out.
Team Yell grunt 1: Went lookin’ for a fight, and I lost… I’m so pathetic… *returns Zigzagoon to its Nest ball*
Danimus: Maybe next time, you don’t go starting trouble.
Team Yell grunt 1: Oi, gimme a break here! Team Yell! Get revenge for me, wouldja?
The first grunt moves aside while the second, a female member holding a flag, takes his place.
Team Yell grunt 2: Course I’ve got you covered, mate! What could be better than a battle in a lovely hotel lobby?
Danimus: *recalls Bolt to his Poké ball before pulling out another* Battling trainers who don’t cause trouble would be nice.
Team Yell grunt 2: Why you-! Nickit, I choose you! *tosses Nickit’s Nest ball, releasing it for battle*
Danimus: Let’s go, Sparky! *tosses Sparky’s Quick ball, releasing him for battle*
Team Yell grunt 2: This’ll be easy! Use Attract!
The Nickit winks at Sparky, sending hearts at him.
Danimus: Quick! Use Quick Attack to dodge it and get close!
With a burst of speed, Sparky managed to avoid the Attract move and made a move to get in closer.
Team Yell grunt 2: You use Quick Attack, too!
Nickit charged at the cap-wearing Pikachu, unaware of what Danimus had in store.
Danimus: Now, Sparky! Jump and switch to Thunder Wave!
At the last second, Sparky jumped into the air and launched a series of weak, electric waves at the dark-type, slowing it down and paralyzing it.
Team Yell grunt 2: Aw, come on!
Danimus: Now use Thundershock!
Sparky released a small, electric shock at Nickit that nearly knocked it out.
Danimus: Wrap it up with Quick Attack!
Team Yell grunt 2: Hurry and use Quick Attack, too!
As Sparky released a burst of speed, Nickit tried to as well, but had found its movement speed reduced by the paralysis. As a result, Nickit was not fast enough to counter Sparky’s Quick Attack and was knocked out.
Team Yell grunt 2: I must’ve got a bit carried away, bein’ in this swanky hotel and all. Sorry for gettin’ in yer way. *returns Nickit to its Nest ball* Ah man! The swanky, sophisticated air in here had me off my game! I couldn’t keep my cool!
Danimus: Whatever you say. *returns Sparky to his Quick ball*
As the grunt steps aside to allow the next member to step in, Hop showed up, having heard the commotion.
Hop: I wasn’t expecting checking in would be such a big fuss, Danimus! What’s going on? Sneaking in some Pokémon battles without me?
Danimus: Not exactly. These guys are pretty loud.
Hop: Well, don’t think you can get ahead of me that easily! I need to get some training in, so I’m joining! *turns to Team Yell* I’m Hop, one of this year’s Gym Challengers and the one who’s gonna be the next Champion! Now let’s have us a nice two-on-two!
The remaining two grunts steps up, ready to take on Danimus and Hop.
Team Yell grunt 3: I can already hear my victory comin’! The only sound you’ll make is a whimper of defeat! Go, Zigzagoon!
Team Yell grunt 4: Get ready, Nickit!
Both grunt tosses Nest ball onto the battlefield, releasing Zigzagoon and Nickit.
Danimus: Cinder…
Hop: Wooloo…
Danimus and Hop: …We choose you!
Cinder: You got it!
Wooloo: With pleasure!
Both Cinder and Wooloo jumped onto the battlefield, ready to take on the opposing Pokémon ahead of them.
Team Yell grunt 4: Use Quick Attack on that Wooloo!
The Nickit began charging towards Wooloo at high speeds.
Danimus: Intercept it with Quick Attack!
Cinder: Right!
Rushing at high speeds, Cinder countered the Nickit, creating a stalement between them.
Team Yell grunt 4: We’ve got you now!
Team Yell grunt 3: Use Tackle on that Scorbunny!
The Zigzagoon was soon charging at Cinder, hoping to deal some damage.
Hop: Never take your eyes off the future Champion! Counter with Tackle, Wooloo!
Wooloo: Sure thing!
Wooloo began charging at the Zigzagoon, but as she approached, she found her energy being sent to her legs instead.
Wooloo: Weird. I thought I was using Tackle, but this is different. Wait a second, then that means-!
Without a second thought, Wooloo spun around and kicked the Zigzagoon twice, sending it across the battlefield into its trainer, knocking it out.
Wooloo: I thought that was the case.
Hop: Alright! You learned Double Kick, Wooloo!
Danimus: Congratulations, Wooloo! Now it’s our turn, Cinder!
Cinder: You got it!
Soon enough, Cinder launched her own Double Kick on the Nickit, sending it flying to its own trainer before being knocked out.
Team Yell Grunt 3: My voice is unsure when I’m sad…*returns Zigzagoon to its Nest ball* I wanna yell, but I’m unsure…
Team Yell Grunt 4: I came to see the Gym Challenge openin’ ceremony, but this is awful! *returns Nickit to its Nest ball*
Danimus: Good job, Cinder!
Cinder: Thanks!
Team Yell grunt 3: Guess it was defeat that I heard comin’… I think I’m about to cry…
Team Yell grunt 4: Actually, I think I heard somethin’ else.
???: What are you lot doin’ here?
The group then turns toward the voice of the newcomer, with the Team Yell members looking surprised and scared. It was a girl wearing a black & pink get up and accompanied buy.
Team Yell grunts: M-Marnie?!
Team Yell grunt 1: N-n-nothing’… We was just…
Marnie: I know you all are terribly curious ‘bout the other Gym Challengers, but you gotta show a bit of restraint. *sighs turns towards Hop and Danimus* Sorry ‘bout them! They’re just a bunch of my fans. Call themselves Team Yell and follow me around, cheerin’ for me. I think they’ve let it all go to their heads a bit. On that note… *turns back to Team Yell* Come on, you lot! Back home with you now!
Team Yell grunts: Y-yes, Marnie.
With that, Team Yell left the hotel, allowing the other challengers to check in and leaving the 3 trainers and their Pokémon to chat among themselves.
Marnie: They’re just so caught up with wantin’ to support me and all that they tend to get a bit shirty with other Gym Challengers. Sorry if they caused you any trouble.
Danimus: So you’re a Gym Challenger, too?
Cinder: I think I saw you at the stadium.
Marnie: Oh wow! Your Pokémon has the factor!
Danimus: Yeah, her and 2 more. What about you, Marnie?
Marnie: No, but my partner here is just fine without it, aren’t you Morpeko?
Morpeko: *cheery* Morko!
Danimus: Morpeko? *puts out Rotom Phone*
Rotom Phone: Morpeko, the Two-Side Pokémon, Full-Belly mode, an Electric and Dark type. As it eats the seeds stored up in its pocket-like pouches, this Pokémon is not just satisfying its constant hunger. It’s also generating electricity.
Cinder: Full-Belly mode?
Marnie: When its hunger is satisfied, it will be in Full-Belly mode. If not, it activates its more aggressive Hangry mode.
Danimus: Huh. The more you know.
Hop: Team Yell, was it? Pretty impressive that you already have a set of fans to call your own!
Marnie: *Looks surprised for a bit before giggling* Well, anyways, we better get checked in.
Danimus: Right.
With that, the trio went towards the front desk to get checked in, the clerk giving them their room keys and thanking them for dealing with Team Yell. After that, the group went towards their individual rooms to relax for the night. Danimus decided to use the MM disk he had received earlier to teach Sparky and the other how to talk before turning in. When morning came, Danimus and Cinder made their way down to the lobby where they see Hop and his Pokémon waiting for them.
Danimus: Morning, you guys!
Cinder: Good Morning!
Wooloo: Good Morning to you guys as well!
Grookey: Good Morning, everyone!
Hop: Morning! *bearly containing his excitement* So this is it… Now my legend really begins! *excitedly* Watch out, Danimus! I’ll beat you to Monostoke Stadium! *runs off with Grookey and Wooloo*
Danimus: Hey! That’s cheating!
Danimus and Cinder raced out of the motel, running into a Macro Cosmos employee in the process.
MC Employee: Gym Challenger, the opening ceremony is starting soon! Please allow me to escort you to the Gym Stadium.
Danimus: Oh, okay.
With that, Danimus and Cinder were safely escorted to the stadium.
MC Employee: We’ve made it to the stadium entrance! Please hurry to the opening ceremony!
Danimus: Okay, thanks!
Entering the stadium lobby as he approached the front desk, Danimus noticed a lot of Gym Challengers are already in uniform, with the exception of Hop and his Pokémon, as well as the rude trainer from yesterday.
MC Employee: Are you Challenger Danimus?
Danimus: Yes sir.
MC Employee: We must ask that Gym Challengers wear their uniforms for all official events. The opening ceremony marks the beginning of the Gym Challenge… so you know what that means!
Danimus: That we need to change as well.
MC Employee: That’s right! *hands Danimus and Cinder their uniforms* You may use the changing room over there.
Danimus: Okay.
Danimus and Cinder precedes to head to the changing room. A few moments later, the pair returned to the front desk, wearing a matching set of white and blue uniforms with their Gym Challenge number on the back of their shirts and the legs of their shorts.
MC Employee: Wonderful! You look sharp as a pin. And that 725 there… That really is the number for you!
Cinder: I don’t think these colors suit me.
MC Employee: Don’t worry. After the ceremony, you’ll be able to buy different uniform to wear. That being said, should you or any of the other Pokémon with you evolves, you may have to buy replacement uniforms.
Danimus: Okay.
MC Employee: Anyway, now we’re ready at last for the opening ceremony for this year’s Gym Challenge!
A few minutes later, Danimus and Cinder waited in the locker room alongside the other challengers for the opening ceremony to start. While there, they see Hop, Wooloo, and Grookey nearby wearing matching uniforms, although Wooloo doesn’t look too impressed with hers. They also see Marnie, Pacco, Evelyn, and the rude trainer in their uniform as well. Eventually, the TV screen turns to the pitch, where they see Rose, accompanied by a blonde, long haired woman wearing a lab coat over her black and red outfit, begins his announcement.
Rose: Ladies and gentlemen! I am Rose, chairman of the Pokémon League! I know that everyone gathered here, as well as everyone watching from home, have all been waiting for this big moment! It is my pleasure to announce that finally, the Galar region Gym Challenge will now begin!
The crowd begins cheering loudly at the announcement.
Chairman Rose: Yes, the Gym Challenge where participants must defeat the eight Gym Leaders and gather the eight Gym Badges to prove their skills as a Trainer! Only the most worthy will have the honor of challenging the greatest Champion in history! Now, I would like to invite the Gym Leaders to show themselves!
At that moment, 7 Individuals walked onto the pitch from one side of the stadium. There’s a man wearing a white and green uniform with a scarf and large hat, a blue & black haired woman in a white and blue uniform, a gray haired man wearing a red, white, and black uniform, a bare-foot girl wearing a black, white, and orange uniform, an older woman wearing a hat and puffy neckwear over her pink and blue uniform, a blonde man wearing shades and a necklace over his gray, white, and black uniform, and finally, a man wearing a black, orange, and tan uniform taking selfies. The crowd cheered as the Gym Leaders were introduced.
Chairman Rose: *pointing towards the man in green* The Fighting Farmer, here’s the Grass-type expert, Milo! *pointing towards the woman in blue* The Raging Wave, it’s the master of Water-types, Nessa! *pointing towards the man in red* The Ever-Burning Man of Fire, here comes the Fire-type veteran, Kabu! *pointing towards the barefoot girl* The Galar Karate Prodigy, nobody’s better with Fighting-types than Bea! *pointing towards the older woman* The Master of a Fantastic Theater, it’s the charming Fairy-type user, Opal! *pointing towards the man in shades* The Hard-Rock Crusher, please welcome the Rock-type master, Gordie! *pointing towards the man taking selfies* And last but not least, the Tamer of Dragons, it’s Raihan , the top Gym Leader! *watches the Gym Leader stops at the center of the pitch* Unfortunately, we’re missing one, but these are the Gym Leaders that we in the Galar region are proud to call our own! And here comes the proud batch of Gym Challengers who gets to battle these Gym Leaders to prove their skills as Pokémorph Trainers!
With that, on the other side of the stadium, every Gym Challenger, including Danimus and Cinder, steps through the stadium doors and onto the pitch so that everybody watching could see them.
Chairman Rose: Here are our challengers! Endorsed by our very own Champion, we have his younger brother, Hop! Also endorsed by the Champion, we have the talented Danimus! Next up, we have…
By this point, Danimus and Cinder stopped paying attention to Chairman Rose as they were looking at the crowd of people and Pokémon cheering as well as the Gym Leaders they will soon be facing. They don’t know what the future holds, but they know that their true journey begins.
To be continued...
*NEXT TIME: * Danimus and Cinder travels through Route 3 and the Galar Mines, getting stronger while dealing with a rude rival