The next morning, it was time for the opening ceremony.
Marie and Yuri entered Motostoke Stadium together to collect their official Gym Challenge uniforms.
Long-sleeved tops paired with shorts, all in a base of clean white adorned with red and blue accents. Each uniform was printed with the number they had chosen one on the back and one on the shorts.
After changing into her uniform in the locker room, Marie examined the fit. This outfit would accompany her for the entire year. Hopefully the quality would hold up.
The stadium provided a preparation room for the challengers, now repurposed as a temporary waiting lounge. A large screen on the wall streamed the ceremony unfolding outside in real time.
The number of participants in the Gym Challenge varied each year, but ever since a certain period in the past, it had become common for veteran Trainers who received invitation letters to pass those along to promising newcomers.
No one really expected the rookies to win the Champion Cup, but the Gym Challenge was a rare and valuable training ground. The seasoned Gym Leaders with their unique personalities and battle experience could teach newcomers far more than any textbook ever could.
So the challengers these days generally fell into two categories: greenhorns looking to grow, and experienced Trainers with their eyes on the championship.
Realistically, though, only a handful ever made it through all the Gyms. While Gym Leaders often went easy on fresh Trainers, they showed no such mercy to seasoned ones.
At least the Grass-type Gym Leader Milo was known for his gentle nature. Thanks to him, there usually weren't too many people who failed to clear even the first Gym.
That said, people like Yuri and Hop who had only just become official Trainers a few days ago and were already preparing to take on Gym Leaders were extremely rare cases. Then again, it was no surprise. A letter of endorsement from the Champion himself was bound to be special.
After glancing briefly around the room at the other challengers, Marie sat down in an inconspicuous corner, leaned back in her seat, and looked up at the screen where Chairman Rose was giving his opening speech.
If her memory served her correctly, several months from now, he would awaken Eternatus, triggering another Darkest Day and ultimately solving Galar's looming energy crisis.
"Ha…"
Marie let out a quiet breath. According to the historical records of the Galar region, it had been Eternatus who had caused the Darkest Day three thousand years ago. That event led to the creation of Dynamax energy and Wishing Stars. The fusion of Galar's natural energy and Eternatus's power had created a nearly inexhaustible energy source.
It had lasted Galar three thousand years already and could power it for another three thousand more.
Even in its dormant state, Eternatus continued to unconsciously absorb Galar's energy and spread Dynamax radiation across the region. That alone left Marie feeling a little overwhelmed.
Could such a creature really be defeated by humans and regular Pokémon?
Just one Pokémon. And it had powered an entire region for six millennia.
Groudon and Kyogre the titans of land and sea still existed only in legend to her. Rayquaza was said to soar high above the skies, rarely seen. Necrozma had little to no documented presence in Alola, its existence like a flickering phantom.
But Eternatus? Its crystallized energy was quite literally resting on her wrist.
She touched her Dynamax Band, the very one she'd be wearing for the rest of the year. The weight of it was real and solid almost too real. A strange helplessness settled in her chest.
Especially when she looked at Yuri, who was still a bit naïve and clumsy. Marie couldn't bring herself to push all that responsibility onto someone like her.
As she drifted deeper into her thoughts, a warm hand gently took hers.
"What's wrong?"
The soft voice snapped Marie out of her reverie. She turned to find Yuri looking at her with concern.
"Are you nervous? Do you want to lie down and rest for a bit?"
"Hah…"
Marie looked around the room. Her momentary loss of composure had drawn some attention, including from a curly-haired boy with striking blond locks Bede.
"I'm fine. Just a bit tense. I don't like being in the spotlight."
She waved her hand dismissively and gave Yuri a small smile to reassure her.
"Really…"
Yuri seemed unsure, but held back her questions. She did, however, refuse to let go of Marie's hand.
Their attention returned to the large screen, where Chairman Rose's speech was nearing its end.
Wearing a pristine suit, his signature mustache, and a bit of a belly, the chairman raised one arm with theatrical flair and summoned the Gym Leaders onto the field.
"Eh-?!"
Marie's expression twisted into one of shock as she stared at the image on the screen.
"Wh-what's wrong?!"
Yuri, startled by Marie's reaction, clutched her hand tighter and asked in a panic.
"My brother. My brother actually showed up?!"
"Huh…?"
Thinking it was something serious, Yuri froze for a second, unable to process what Marie had said.
"He's the one in that ridiculous outfit, looking the most half-asleep."
"Oh! Right, I've seen him before. But I didn't know he was actually a Gym Leader. I don't remember seeing him at any past opening ceremonies."
"Yeah. My brother skips the opening ceremony all the time. That's why I'm shocked he's here this year."
"Hehe~ I bet he came just to cheer you on, Marie-chan!"
"...No, I don't think that's it."
Marie glanced at her brother standing at the edge of the lineup on screen. She had a theory but decided not to say it out loud. There were plenty of challengers around, after all. Best not to embarrass her brother too much.
"Well, looks like it's our turn next."
Marie stood up. Once the Gym Leaders were introduced, the spotlight would shift to this year's challengers.
Lined up in the corridor that led into the stadium, Marie glanced out at the central field where the Gym Leaders stood, then looked over at Yuri beside her.
"Whoa… what do I do? I'm starting to get nervous!"
Yuri tugged nervously at her bangs, her voice trembling.
"Relax. We're just walking in to show our faces. You don't even have to say anything. There's nothing to be nervous about."
"I'm so pumped right now! Marie, Yuri, once the ceremony ends, let's have a battle!"
Hop was completely swept up in the electric atmosphere. When it came to adapting to the stadium's energy, he definitely had the edge over Yuri.
Marie looked down at her hand, which Yuri still hadn't let go of. She didn't say anything about it just nodded toward Hop.
"Sure. One-on-one, though. You'll need to battle Yuri too, after all."
"It's a promise!"
Hop clenched his fists in excitement.
As the announcer outside finished introducing Raihan, Marie gently pulled her hand free and gave Yuri's back a light pat.
"Let's go. It's our turn now."
"Mhm!"
____________________
NEXT CHAPTER : Sil's First Battle Begins!
(Marie arranges Ralts' (Sil's) very first battle against Hop's energetic Rookidee! With nerves, excitement, and instincts clashing on the battlefield, Sil struggles to stay calm under pressure. Her first Hypnosis fails, but the pain only fuels her determination. As emotions rise and both Trainers push forward, can Sil find her footing and land a turning move?
Next Chapter: Will Sil turn the tide or falter again? The battle heats up!)
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