As expected, the opening ceremony didn't involve much from the challengers themselves. Marie and the others simply appeared on the field for a short while before stepping back down.
After changing out of their uniforms in the locker room, they left the stadium. Motostoke's Gym was the Fire-type Gym, third in the Gym Challenge order, so the current challengers weren't qualified to enter it yet.
"I finally made my debut on an official Pokémon battlefield! I don't even know what to say. I'm excited and nervous! I'm shaking all over! Let's battle!"
Hop barely made it outside the stadium before blurting it all out.
"Ah, so you're the Trainers endorsed by the Champion. A pleasure to meet you. I'm Rose. Welcome."
Chairman Rose and Leon had come out together after the ceremony, and the Chairman took the initiative to greet the three of them.
Marie cast a quick glance at Leon, a little puzzled. Rose's wording seemed to include her too.
It made sense for Yuri and Hop to be recognized since they held Champion endorsements. Gym Leader recommendations, like Marie's, weren't all that rare among challengers, and she didn't expect it to draw attention from someone like the Chairman.
Either Leon had said something on her behalf, or Rose was just making polite conversation. Marie leaned toward the latter.
"Hello, Chairman."
Marie was the first to respond, quick and composed. The other two only realized they should greet him after hearing her speak.
Chairman Rose, watching the kids' nervous reactions, gave Marie a little more credit in his mind. He smiled and waved his hand.
"No need to be formal. Just relax. To have all of you wielding Dynamax Bands at such a young age... I get the feeling this year's Gym Challenge will be quite the spectacle."
He didn't stay long. After exchanging a few words, the Chairman left to tend to his many responsibilities.
"Looks like he's in a good mood today."
Leon commented idly as he watched Rose's back disappear into the crowd. Then he turned to Yuri and Hop, folding his arms with a more serious look.
"Listen up, you two. You're still rookies. If you want to win, it's not enough to just train your Pokémon. You have to strengthen yourselves too."
"Got it!"
When it came from their idol, it wasn't scolding it was golden wisdom. Yuri and Hop both nodded enthusiastically, taking every word to heart.
With that, Leon left as well, and the pressure in the air finally eased.
"Let's head to the battlefield near the Pokémon Center by Route 3. It'll be more convenient."
Marie pointed toward the road to Turffield and made the suggestion to Hop, who looked about ready to burst.
"Then let's go, quick!"
Hop dashed off without waiting, like the outcome of the match depended on who got there first even though his opponent was still walking.
…
The battlefield near the Pokémon Center wasn't very large. It wasn't suited for stronger Pokémon, but it was perfect for less powerful ones especially those that hadn't evolved yet.
Marie stood at the center of the field, gently patting Sil's little head before turning to Hop.
"We'll have Yuri act as the referee. One-on-one. That alright with you?"
"No problem!"
"Yep!"
As Hop moved into position, Marie crouched down and placed Ralts gently on the ground, smiling at her.
"Sil, it's your first real battle. Give it your best."
"Ralts!"
Sil knew this was a match Marie had arranged just for her, and she answered with determination burning in her eyes.
"Don't panic during the battle. If you think one of my commands doesn't feel right, follow your instincts. Just don't ever freeze up. Keep moving, no matter what."
"Ralts!"
Marie had told her all this before, more than once but now that the moment had arrived, she couldn't help but say it again. Hearing the little one's earnest response, she finally straightened up and stepped outside the field.
"You ready? Then my Pokémon will be... this one!"
Hop grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt and threw it with exaggerated flair. With a flash of light, a small, round bird Pokémon with mostly blue feathers appeared on the field.
"Caw!"
Rookidee's chirp was unexpectedly cute. Marie watched it flap its wings, hovering midair as she thought to herself.
"Ralts…"
Sil's voice trembled. Marie suspected the Rookidee's ability might be Unnerve, which could unsettle opponents before the battle even began. That was certainly not ideal for a first-timer like Sil.
"Then... let the battle begin!"
As soon as Yuri gave the signal, both Trainers responded immediately.
"Sil! Use Hypnosis!"
"Rookidee! Peck!"
Rookidee was faster than Ralts. Sil's Teleport wasn't refined enough yet to guarantee dodging an attack mid-battle. Hypnosis also wasn't known for its speed. Still, if Sil could endure the hit and land the move, the fight would swing in her favor.
The real concern was whether Sil could hold her focus under pressure, especially after being shaken by Unnerve.
"Caw!"
Rookidee reacted swiftly, folding its wings for a dive straight at Sil.
"Ralts!"
At the moment Marie shouted her command, Sil instinctively thought to flee. Her cautious nature, shaped by a life in the wild, nearly took over. She almost used Teleport on reflex.
But she wanted to trust Marie.
In that split second of hesitation, Sil gathered psychic energy and aimed at the oncoming Rookidee-
but she was too slow.
Whoosh!
"Ralts!! That hurt!"
The sharp beak struck her body, and Sil cried out. The Hypnosis she had been preparing was disrupted by the pain, and the move failed.
"Nice going, Rookidee! Keep it up!"
"Caw caw!"
That successful first strike fired Hop up. Meanwhile, Sil curled up slightly, her emotions sinking into guilt.
"Ralts... I'm sorry…"
"It's okay, Sil. Stay calm. Next time, be ready. If you land Hypnosis, we've got this."
Marie watched their interaction closely, and when she saw that Hop didn't order a follow-up attack immediately, she appreciated his sportsmanship. Not everyone would've shown that kind of restraint, even in a casual match.
Sil wasn't the type to wallow. She shook off the guilt and focused again. The pain throbbed through her body, but her desire to win burned hotter. She gritted her teeth and stood firm.
She'd already felt what getting hit was like. She wouldn't let it happen again without a fight.
Watching her recover so quickly, Marie felt a stab of worry but now wasn't the time.
"Thanks, Hop. Let's continue."
"Hehe! Looks like your Ralts is pretty tough! Rookidee, use Peck again!"
"Sil! Hypnosis, one more time!"
"Caw-!"
"Ralts!!"
____________________
NEXT CHAPTER : Sil's First Battle, vs. Rookidee (Part 2)
(The battle between Sil and Rookidee continues but instead of following Marie's command, Sil trusts her instincts, disrupting the enemy's dive with a clever psychic feint. It works. Rookidee crashes, giving Sil the opening to land a successful Hypnosis and Draining Kiss, then finishes the match with Confusion! After the victory, Marie reflects on her mistake and apologizes, only for Sil to show unwavering trust in return. With a heartfelt promise, Sil officially becomes Marie's Pokémon.
Next Chapter: With new bonds forged, what lies ahead on the road to Turffield?)
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