Galar. Spikemuth. Afternoon.
Arriving at Spikemuth to challenge Marnie to an Ultra Class Battle, Ash, Twilight and Rainbow Dash learned of how Spikemuth suffered these past 4 years. It started with the Storm Behemoth and the tremor that Daybreaker caused only worsened it.
Marnie believed that challenging Ash would fix everything, knowing his reputation back in Equestria. Before their battle could begin, Marnie was leading Ash and his friends to her brother.
When heading deeper into Spikemuth, Ash, Rainbow Dash and Twilight would hear the sound of music playing. Intense rock music to be exact, followed by the cheers of Spikemuth's citizens, who all seemed to be Team Yell. This whole town was practically Team Yell territory as said by the grunt that greeted Ash and his friends.
"Oh! What's that sound?!" Twilight covered her ears from this aggressive sound. The sound of screaming, drums and guitars went off with full aggression, making her body shudder. Rainbow Dash didn't cover her ears, but instead, she was taking in this sound, wondering if she liked it.
"Hmm...Doesn't sound that bad." Rainbow Dash commented.
Here at Spikemuth, there appeared to be a stage. And on it, there was a man along with some Pokemon playing the instruments. Noticeably, it was a Rillaboom on the drums, two Toxcitricity who were pulling off those guitar sounds and an Obstagoon for backing vocals. And standing there in the middle was none other than Marnie's brother, his presence commanding as he belted out lyrics with passion and intensity.
"That right there is my brother." Confirmed by Marnie herself.
"Nice. How about we-" Right as Ash was ready to advance, Marnie held her arm out to stop him.
"You probably shouldn't bother him when he's playing." Marnie halted Ash's movements. Thankfully, it sounded like he was nearly finished with his song.
As the music continued to fill the air, Rainbow Dash found herself swept up in the energy of the performance, her own spirit lifted by the infectious rhythm and electrifying melodies. With Twilight and Espeon trembling at this sound, the song came to an end.
As the final notes echoed through the air, Marnie's brother lowered his microphone, his chest heaving with exertion as he caught his breath. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their enthusiasm palpable as they showed their appreciation for the electrifying performance.
"Piers!" Marnie cried out to her brother once the song came to a resounding end.
"Hm?" Piers glanced over, noticing his little sister. But not only that, he spotted the individuals near him. As Piers scanned the crowd, his eyes immediately fell upon Ash, recognizing him without hesitation. There was a flicker of surprise and curiosity in Piers' expression as if he hadn't expected to see Ash here in Spikemuth. "You actually brought him here?"
"Hey there." Ash greeted. The Team Yell grunts in the crowd would gasp as some of them weren't even aware that Ash was going to show up today. Any other plans they had to stop him from challenging Marnie were already destroyed. "Piers, right? My name's Ash and-"
"It's not just Piers. I'm the Gym Leader here! A real pro when it comes to Dark-Types. Mournful Piers is what they call me!" Piers introduced himself. "And you're Ash, right?"
"Uh yeah. Here to battle Marnie. But not before we do a few things here."
"Did she tell you about to what happened to our town? A real mess, isn't it?"
"It is." said Twilight. "It's a shame it went under the radar for so long. 4 whole years and we're soon reaching the 5th year of us meeting with your world."
"Makes no difference anyway." Piers would turn around. "This isn't anything new for our town. No one really cared all that much for it anyway. Heck, I don't even use Dynamax here so why would they?"
"This town doesn't have any Power Spots?" Ash said. Come to think of it, with how small this town was, Dynamax would seem like a massive issue, especially since there is no stadium around, much like the other towns and cities in Galar.
"Nope. Trainers don't find it all that exciting because of that, but, like I care. I like to do it without Dynamax." Piers shrugged.
"That's not the main issue though. When Spikemuth gets known and praised by many, everything else about it will stand out. Even if no one's even aware of all the destruction." Marine spoke.
"I told her not to." Piers looked back at Ash and his group. "I would've but...things are way too dangerous nowadays, even for us. Battling Ash isn't gonna fix all our problems, Marnie. Not what that Dragon Watchmacallit on the loose."
"You mean the Dragon Matter?" Ash spoke. He could see what Piers was saying. This wonderful world was always teeming with danger here and there but after the emergence of Dragon Matter, now the danger had been turned up to eleven.
"I told you I can take care of myself! I'm stronger now!" Marnie exclaimed.
"Yeah, yeah. Not like I can stop you anyway." Piers sighed. "But if you ask me, it's kinda pointless. I would've done the same thing as you if I had the guts."
"That's why you don't and I do," Marine replied, her tone carrying a bit of resentment. As Marnie turned and walked away, a potent tension hung in the air, leaving behind an awkward silence in her wake. The exchange between Marnie and Piers had laid bare the underlying conflicts and disagreements between them, casting a shadow over their relationship.
"Is...everything okay?" Twilight flew over.
"I wish it was. You're Princess Twilight, aren't you? I wouldn't expect you to know how we're all doing right now." Piers replied.
"Is everything alright with you and your sister?" Rainbow Dash asked. Rainbow Dash's question cut through the tension, prompting Piers to pause and consider his response carefully. He glanced in the direction Marnie had gone, a conflicted expression crossing his face.
"Me and Marnie... we've never had too many differences," Piers began slowly, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and frustration. "Believe me, if I could head out there and do what she's doing I would. But even I can see that it's way too dangerous, but I just can't stop here."
In reality, he just wanted Marnie to be safe. Were it any other situation, Piers wouldn't have an issue. But thanks to the Storm Behemoth, the Dragon Matter and Daybreaker, her instinct as an older brother stood on the top. "Everything about it....That job should've been mine. Not hers. Too bad I can't seem to make the grade."
"Ash. Maybe you should-" Before Twilight could ask Ash, he was gone. Along with Pikachu. Both of them were nowhere to be seen, but Twilight already had a good idea as to where Ash could be.
Ash was going after Marnie, who was walking off with a bitter feeling after the brief conversation with Marnie. "Marnie, wait!" Marnie stopped in her tracks, turning to face Ash with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty in her eyes. Currently, Marnie was with another Pokemon, who she would pick up with her arms.
"Morpeko!" It was Morpeko, who added some brightness to the scenario. But not enough to sweeten the sourness Marnie was feeling right now.
"Leave me alone, Ash. You should probably get ready for our battle soon. Get a head start to Wyndon." Marnie said.
"Your brother..." But while it took Twilight and Rainbow Dash listening to Piers's swords to see where he was coming from, Ash already knew how things were from just a brief interaction.
"It's like he doesn't have confidence in me. He wanted to bring Spikemuth back to life too, but all of a sudden, he's changed." Ash listened intently as Marnie opened up about her frustrations with her brother. He could hear the pain and disappointment in her voice and in reality, Ash knew that neither of it was their fault. There were things to blame here and it wasn't any of them.
"But you know..." Marnie paused for a moment. "Maybe he's right. Most of my wins aren't even legit. Team Yell just messes with my challengers a lot. I either never get to battle them or they're not at their best. I don't even know if I'm taking someone on at their best."
Marnie could also see where Piers coming from, all because of Team Yell. She was climbing up in the ranks but some of them were due to technicalities. Even Marnie had doubts about her own strength.
"Nah. He just wants to keep you safe. I know what he means." said Ash, who understood both points of view. "It takes someone pretty strong to keep their sister safe. But you're also pretty strong to do this since no one else will."
"You think so?"
"I know so." Ash pointed at himself with a bright smile. "Team Yell wouldn't be backing you up if you didn't do it. Back home, I wasn't really trying to bring Pallet Town to the light, but it feels good to give it some fame."
Ash could somewhat relate. Pallet Town and by extension, Kanto are considered the boonies. Maybe not on the level of Spikemuth, but Ash could understand Marnie completely and even Team Yell, even though they tried to stop him.
"Really, huh? Here I thought you were royalty or something? King of the Sea after all."
"Well, yea. I don't blame you for that." Ash chuckled. He knew for a fact that everything surrounding him could be interpreted differently by many across the world. He has made a name for himself over his years of travelling. So, everything's gonna be alright. No need to worry. I already promised to help you out."
"Pikachu!"
"Thanks, Ash. I wish I could smile right but...Not really the best at smiling. Not with how things are." Due to how tins have developed over the years, Marnie wasn't exactly known for smiling a lot. But it looked like Ash was giving her a reason to do so.
"Maybe our battle will change that." Ash continued. "Do you wanna talk to Piers first or...?"
"Maybe later. I want to prove myself at last. I've got a good feeling about this one. You're gonna be the first trainer I'll have a serious battle with."
Ash's steadfast belief in Marnie's abilities sparked a glimmer of hope within her, reigniting her determination to prove herself in battle. Despite the challenges and uncertainties she faced, Marnie felt a newfound sense of confidence growing within her, spurred on by Ash's unwavering support.
With a grateful nod, Marnie acknowledged Ash's encouragement, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. Alas, she couldn't make it fully form. Not yet at least. Pikachu and Morpeko looked at each other, crying out and knowing what was coming next. Especially Pikachu. He had a good feeling about this battle.
"Pika!"
"Morpe!"
It was off to Wyndon, where they could finally have their Ultra Class Battle.
Wyndon. Wyndon Stadium.
They had arrived at Wyndom, entering Wyndon Stadium where their Ultra Class Battle was about to begin. As Ash and Marnie stepped into the grandeur of Wyndon Stadium, a hushed anticipation filled the air. The stadium buzzed with excitement, the crowd eagerly awaiting the start of the Ultra Class Battle between two formidable trainers.
Arriving here was the entirety of Team Yell along with Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. Team Yell definitely outnumbered Twilight and Rainbow by a gigantic margin, cheering for Marnie. The cries they let out were thunderous for their hometown girl.
"Heh! He already battled us earlier so I bet his Pokemon are totally tired!" One of the grunts cackled. "Marnie's gonna win for sure."
"You wish!" Rainbow Dash roared at one of the grunts. "Ash's Pokemon can battle for hours! Plus, he took you all out in one hit!" As Rainbow Dash's defiant words cut through the noise of the stadium, her gaze locked with the members of Team Yell in an intense stare-down.
Team Yell, caught off guard by Rainbow Dash's fierce resolve, found themselves momentarily silenced by the sheer force of her conviction, only to argue back. Rainbow Dash and the grunts grizzled their teeth against each other while Twilight and Espeon simply sighed.
"Ash. I've got a lot of folks back home rooting for me. That means I've gotta be the winner." Marnie said. "I'm grateful for what you doing, but that doesn't mean I won't go easy on you."
"Yeah. But I wanna win too." Ash replied with a grin. "I'm glad you're gonna be giving it your all for the first time. Let's make this battle awesome, okay?" As Ash and Marnie exchanged determined glances, their words echoed with a shared determination to give it their all in the upcoming battle. Despite the pressure and expectations resting on their shoulders, they were ready to face each other with unwavering resolve and sportsmanship.
Arriving here to view the battle himself was none other than Piers. The Gym Leader showed up, here to support his sister despite the tension. After all, he couldn't do what she was doing, even if it was dangerous.
"This a Pokemon World Championships Ultra Class Battle!" The Rotom Drone spoke to the entire stadium. "Introducing the two Challengers for this competition. Currently ranked 29, a rising star from the Galar Region from Spikemuth, Marnie!"
The introduction was then followed up by the cheers of Team Yell. "Yeah! Go, Marnie! Go!" They waved flags with her faces and names on them, showing their full support, much like a fan club.
"And ranked 35th coming from Pallet Town in the Kanto Region, who bested Bea the Gym Leader and Gym Leader Melony and is currently on a winning streak, Ash Ketchum!"
"Go, Ash!" Rainbow Dash and Twilight would shout for Ash. But their cheers were suddenly broken up by Team Yell booing and taunting Ash.
"I can see it! A complete failure!" One of the grunts taunted, downplaying Ash as the taunts kept on coming.
"I can hear it! His losing cries of despair!" Another grunt bellowed.
"Today's battle will be One on One. Will both Challengers please send out their Pokemon." The Rotom Drone asked.
"Gengar! I choose you!" For Ash, he went his Gengar, who entered the scene.
"Gengar!" The shadowy figure materialized on the battlefield, its spectral presence sending a shiver down the spines of those who beheld it.
"Go! Grimmsnarl!"
"Grimmsnarl!" Opposite Gengar stood Marnie's Grimmsnarl, a towering and imposing Pokémon with an aura of dark power emanating from its hulking form.
"You can do it, Gengar!" Ash exclaimed, propping his Pokemon.
"Gar!"
"It's going to be me who'll be the Champion! So I'm coming at you at full force, Ash!" Marnie declared.
"Battle Start!" The Rotom Drone would kick the battle off at last.
"Use Spirit Break! Making the first move was Marnie.
"Grimm!" Grimmsnarl would generate a pink light from its body before rushing in, ready to get up close and personal with the Shadow Pokemon.
"Use Dazzling Gleam!" Ash already had a response.
"Gen!" Gengar would also generate his own light, ascending into the air and surrounding himself in a magical aura with multiple colours. The aura would expand in the shape of a circle, heading straight for Grimmsnarl. It collided with Grimmsnarl, causing a strong crackle of energy which ruptured the stadium floor.
However, despite being the power of Dazzling Gleam, Grimmsnarl managed to push through. Through the rainbows, Grimmsnarl emerged, pulling its fist back for a powerful blow. Only for Gengar to fly upwards some more, avoiding the hit with a constant smile on his face.
"Awww!" Team Yell would groan and shout at that Swing and a Miss. The disappointment from Team Yell was palpable, their hopes of an early victory dashed by Gengar's nimble evasion.
"Great! Use Ice Punch!" Ash thrust his fist into the air, capitalizing on this moment.
"Gengar!" Materializing in his fist was a chilling aura of ice. Spinning in the air a few times, Gengar brought his fist down on Grimmsnarl's body, landing a direct hit and sending the Dark-Fairy-Type down. Grimmsnarl found itself crashing to the ground with a resounding thud as shards of ice would fly upwards.
"Okay! Now use Shadow Ball!"
"Gar!" Gengar would follow up with Shadow Ball, generating a blob shadows in his hands, which he could carry with him while rapidly approaching Grimmsnarl.
"Grimmsnarl, it's time!" Marnie shouted. At that moment, Grimmsnarl raised his upper body up before suddenly bowing down.
"Gar?!" Gengar gasped. It looked like Grimmsnarl was surrendering based on the pose he was doing. On all fours and his head down? That did look like a surrender
"False Surrender!" But in reality, it was a False Surrender.
"Snarl!" Catching Gengar off guard, Grimmsnarl would summon some of his hair would rapidly fly forward. With lightning-fast reflexes, Gengar attempted to evade the incoming attack, but the relentless assault of Grimmsnarl's hair proved too swift to avoid entirely. Several strands struck true, delivering a powerful blow to the Ghost-Poison-Type Pokémon and disrupting its concentration in the process.
"G-Gen...!" Gengar groaned, rolling in the air a bit and recovering as he would then slide on the ground.
"Now that was a crushing blow." Marnie said, knowing that the blow Grimmsnarl got off would matter a lot. This was followed up by Team Yell's cheers now that Marnie got a hit in.
"That's Marnie and Grimmsnarl's speciality. But...That's not the full extent of their strength." Piers knew that they had more up their sleeve. Literally.
Lightly tugging her sleeve, Marnie had a Dynamax Band on her, waiting for the right time to use it. That was her ace in the hole, but the battle was still young. But of course, Piers noticed that Ash had a Dynamax Band on as well. He put it on for this very battle, making it obvious that he was planning to unleash the power of Gigantamax Gengar for the very first time.
"Now, Grimmsnarl! Here we go!" Lo and behold, Marnie was going straight for it, holding up her Dusk Ball and returning Grimmsnarl. Ash gasped as he knew what was coming next. Dynamax.
"My bro might not use it...But I will if it's to win! Gigantamax!" But it wasn't a regular Dynamax. Instead, it was a Gigantamax that Marnie had in store.
Marnie raised her Dusk Ball high, channelling her determination into the imminent transformation. As the ball burst open while expanding in size, energy surged forth, enveloping the stadium in a blinding light. In an instant, Grimmsnarl underwent a spectacular metamorphosis, growing to colossal proportions as it embraced the awesome might of Gigantamax.
"GRIMMSNARL!" Gigantamax Grimmsnarl was here. With a mighty roar, it sent a strong pressure across the arena. Holding up her Pokedex to read up on this was Twilight and Rainbow Dash.
"Grimmsnarl. The Bulk Up Pokemon. Gigantamax Form. By transforming its leg hair, this Pokémon delivers power-packed drill kicks that can bore huge holes in Galar’s terrain. Gigantamax energy has caused more hair to sprout all over its body. With the added strength, it can jump over the world’s tallest building."
Ash stood firm in the face of this formidable opponent, his determination unwavering as he prepared to meet the challenge head-on. With a steely gaze, he locked eyes with Gigantamax Grimmsnarl, his resolve burning brighter than ever.
"Marnie!" Suddenly shouting at her from afar was Piers, who brought his microphone here to make his voice clearer. Marnie gasped once she saw her brother present, who she didn't think would show up at all.
"Bro?"
"You've got this!" Piers shouted, his voice even overpowering the sound of Dynamax Energy in the stadium. With her brother's encouragement echoing in her ears, she felt a renewed sense of confidence surging through her veins.
"Use G-Max Snooze!"
"GRIIIIIM!" Gigantamax Grimmsnarl releases a beam of dark energy from either side of his head at the opponent as it would immediately flood the floor.
"Use Dazzling Gleam!"
"Gengar!" Instead of using it as an attack, Gengar used the energy of Dazzling Gleam as a shield. The beams would fly in, crashing into the shield that Gengar formed. The beams aggressively beat down on the multi-coloured shield, trying to break through, but Gengar kept his defences strong.
"Hang in there, Gengar!"
"Gen...!" Gengar groaned as his feet were being pushed back at this moment. The energy kept on coming, trying to envelop the Shadow Pokemon. However, Gengar would not lower that shield even for a moment. The end result was a brilliant flash of Light and Dark that would combust.
From the dust, Gengar would be seen standing there, but his shield had been broken. The Ghost-Poison-Type staggered a bit as he put his all into stopping that attack. "Gengar! Are you alright?!"
"Gengar...!" Gengar was overwhelmed by the initial attack as the effects of G-Max Snooze were beginning to kick out. But he wasn't out of the battle yet. Grabbing his own face and stretching it, Gengar snapped himself back into his senses. "Gen!"
"Nice! He toughed it out!" Rainbow Dash cheered. The crowd was in disbelief as Gengar managed to ignore the effects of G-Max Snooze, keeping himself awake.
"I don't believe it, Morpeko...Has that ever happened before?" Marnie looked over at Morpeko, stunned by what she has just witnessed.
"Morpe. Morpeko."
"Has anyone toughed out G-Max Snooze?" Marnie narrowed her eyes before managing to crack a tiny smile. Slowly but surely, she was getting there. "These guys are kinda fun. No wonder he's so popular. I was right to chase after him."
"Go, Gengar! Use Sludge Bomb!"
"Gar!" Gengar was ready to attack the massive Pokemon standing before him. He would fly in at top speed, which prompted Grimmsnarl to try and stomp on him, only for the Shadow Pokemon to phase right through. The stomp caused a tremor as Gengar travelled in and out of Grimmsnarl, appearing right next to his head and over his shoulder. Grimmsnarl swung his arms, only for those to be phased through as well. Try as he might, Gengar's phasing ability was too tricky.
"Okay then! Use Max Quake!"
"SNAAAARL!" With a tremendous roar, Grimmsnarl flexed his arms and released a powerful shockwave from his body that sent pieces of the ground flying at the Shadow Pokemon.
"Gen!" Gengar would start flying around the incoming rocks which were accompanied by a dust pressure. Try as he might, one of the rocks connected, hitting him directly. With a growl, Gengar would throw two Shadow Balls forward at some of the incoming rocks and directly at Grimmsnarl.
Only for Grimmsnarl to effortlessly catch them. The Bulk Up Pokemon crushed the Shadow Balls in his hands like they were nothing, having even greater strength than before.
"Okay. Now it's our turn." Ash would hold out his Poke Ball as his Dynamax Band would shine. It was finally time for him to unleash this power. Despite the setback, Ash remained determined, his eyes locked on the battlefield as he strategized his next move. Gengar was brought back to his Poke Ball before it was then thrown into the air. "Let's go huge on this! Gigantamax!"
In an instant, the energy from Ash's Dynamax Band surged forth, enveloping Gengar in a brilliant light. The ground trembled as Gengar grew to colossal proportions, his arms emerging from the ground itself. He kept growing and growing before arriving in his new form, his appearance towering over the battlefield as he underwent the powerful transformation into Gigantamax Gengar.
"GENGAR!"
"Now we're talking."At last, Marnie was putting on another smile. This time, it was more visible. It was just as Ash said. Marnie was starting to see how battles with Ash could put a smile on someone's face.
"Gengar! Use Max Ooze!"
"GAR!" With a resounding roar, Gigantamax Gengar unleashed its powerful Max Ooze attack. A torrent of thick, sludgy liquid surged forth from its gaping maw, surging toward Gigantamax Grimmsnarl with incredible force.
"Use Max Starfall!"
"SNARL!" To counter this, Grimmsnarl would use Max Starfall. From above, massive stars would rain down, meeting with the ooze. The two attacks collided in mid-air, creating a spectacular clash of power and energy that sent shockwaves rippling through the stadium.
The combined forces of Max Ooze and Max Starfall created an explosion of dazzling light and swirling energy, engulfing the battlefield in chaos. The ground trembled beneath the sheer force of the collision as spectators watched in awe, marvelling at the intensity of the battle unfolding before them. The barrier around the stadium would even tremble at this collision.
But alas, with three moves used, Grimmsnarl was shrinking, reverting to his original form. His time with Dynamax was over while Gengar was just getting started.
"Way to go, Gengar! Max Hailstorm!"
"GEN!" Responding to his trainer's call, Gigantamax Gengar summoned forth a fierce blizzard of icy hailstones, which swirled around the battlefield with formidable force. The freezing tempest raged on, enveloping the arena in a whirlwind of chilling energy as it bore down upon its target, Grimmsnarl.
"Use Spirit Break!"
"Grimm!" Grimmsnarl advanced, running straight at the attack. He would leap over one of the hailstones that would combust behind him while dodging the rest. Despite the onslaught of hailstones, Grimmsnarl pressed forward with unyielding determination, his eyes fixed firmly on his target.
Drawing upon its inner strength, Grimmsnarl unleashed its signature move, Spirit Break, channelling its formidable power into a devastating blow aimed directly at Gigantamax Gengar. His attack landed square on Gengar's head, making him stagger.
"Man, it's strong...!" Ash commented on Grimmsnarl's strength.
"I think I'll be the winner today!" Marnie declared. "Grimmsnarl! Use Darkest Lariat!"
"Snarl!" With a resolute nod from its trainer, Grimmsnarl wasted no time in launching its next assault. Channelling its dark energy, it summoned forth a swirling vortex of shadowy power, forming it into the shape of a fearsome cyclone.
"Alright! Then use G-Max Terror!"
"GAR!" With a mighty roar, Gigantamax Gengar unleashed its full strength, unleashing a torrent of dark energy which was followed by items that surged forth to meet Grimmsnarl's Darkest Lariat head-on. Grimmsnarl kept spinning, knocking the massive items away while approaching Gigantamax Gengar.
"This is the end for Gigantamax Gengar. Go, Grimmsnarl! Get in there, now!"
"In that case..." Seeing that Darkest Lariat made Grimmsnarl seemingly unstoppable, Ash had a plan. With a glimmer in his eyes, another of his crazy approaches to battle would kick in. "Gengar! Swallow Grimmsnarl!"
Caught off guard by the unexpected manoeuvre, Grimmsnarl found itself enveloped by Gigantamax Gengar's ethereal form. Gengar shut his mouth completely. Marnie, Team Yell and everyone in the crowd were in shock.
"Aw, gross, Ash!" Twilight groaned. She expected this from Ash but it was still unsightly. With Gigantamax Gengar's form receding, the reality of the situation became even more apparent. Gengar's mouth remained firmly shut, still holding Grimmsnarl captive within its eerie confines, even in its regular size. But, he couldn't do it for long, eventually spitting him out.
"Gar!"
"Grim. Grimm...!" Grimmsnarl landed on the battlefield with a heavy thud, visibly dazed from the unexpected turn of events.
The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, astonished by the unconventional tactics employed by Ash and his Gengar. Team Yell's fervent support for Marnie continued, but there was an undeniable buzz of excitement rippling through the stadium as spectators marvelled at the intense showdown unfolding before them.
"Stomping Tantrum!"
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl would then stomp his foot on the ground as this next attack would be highly beneficial. Since Darkest Lariat didn't properly connect, Stomping Tantrum's power was elevated. With each stomp, red lightning would crackle out. The force of the attack rippled through the battlefield, causing the ground to tremble beneath Gengar's feet.
"Use Shadow Ball! Go!"
"Gengar!" With all of his might, Gengar held up a ball of shadows that would swirl violently. The energy of Shadow Ball and Stomping Tantrum travelled through the ground, each reaching the opposing Pokemon.
The Shadow Ball surged forward with unstoppable momentum, piercing through the rocks and debris churned up by Stomping Tantrum. Its dark aura crackled with intense power as it raced toward Grimmsnarl, seeking to deliver a decisive blow.
Grimmsnarl braced himself against the oncoming assault, its form enveloped in the swirling vortex of energy. With a determined roar, it prepared to withstand the full force of the Shadow Ball, summoning its remaining strength for one final effort.
The Shadow Ball struck Grimmsnarl head-on, engulfing it in a brilliant explosion of shadowy energy. The impact reverberated throughout the stadium, casting a pall of tension over the spectators as they awaited the outcome of the fierce confrontation.
From the dust and smoke, Grimmsnarl could be seen sitting on the ground. He groaned, looking back at Marnie with determination in his eyes. But alas, that was all that he could do. Grimmsnarl had fainted.
"Grimmsnarl..."
"Grimmsnarl is unable to battle! Gengar wins! Thus, the winner of this battle is Ash!" With Grimmsnarl defeated, the tension in the stadium reached its peak as the crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause.
"Aw, yeah!" Ash jumped for joy in the air along with Pikachu while Gengar had a satisfied smile. Ash and Pikachu would run to Gengar's side, hugging him while he was exhausted. "You did it, Gengar!"
"Yes, yes!" Rainbow Dash raised her hooves into the air while Twilight had a relieved sigh.
"No way!" Team Yell was in disbelief, tearing up and absolutely gutted by this loss, meanwhile, Piers kept a smile on his face. The scene was filled with a mix of emotions, from jubilation and pride to disappointment and determination.
"Grimmsnarl...You did just fine." Marnie was proud of Grimmsnarl for giving it his best. She had no regrets. The crowd would continue to cheer after such a fierce battle that was brief but brilliant. There were even cheers for Grimmsnarl in the crowd, mainly from Team Yell. But even beyond that, the regular crowd admired Grimmsnarl's tenacity in the face of such a towering foe.
"As a result of today's battle. The World Championships Rankings will be updated." With the Rotom Drone speaking, on the massive screen, Ash's rank was beginning to change. No longer was he 35. He shot all the way up to Rank 15.
"Wow, look at that! Number 15!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, nudging Twilight excitedly. "Ash is really moving up in the world!"
Twilight smiled, her eyes shining with pride for her friend. "Just a bit more and he'll be in the Master's 8. He's so close."
As the afternoon sun bathed Wyndon Stadium in its warm glow, Ash stood outside with Marnie, Piers, and Team Yell, the excitement of the battle still lingering in the air. The bustling energy of the stadium had faded, leaving behind a sense of calm and accomplishment.
"Ash...That was everything I could've hoped for." Marnie said. "Thanks, Ash."
"No problem. Grimmsnarl had kinda worried though." Ash laughed. "Talk about power!"
Marnie chuckled. "Yeah, Grimmsnarl can pack quite a punch when he wants to. But you and Gengar handled it well."
"Marnie. Looks like I was wrong. You've grown stronger than what I've become." said Piers, wanting to make things right with his sister. Marnie turned to her brother, nodding silently.
"I know things have been tense between us lately," Piers began, his tone gentle yet sincere. "And I want you to know that I'm sorry for how I've been acting. I just worry about you, sis. Seeing you take all of this one while something wild's happening in the world... it's hard for me to sit back and watch."
Marnie listened, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders as her brother spoke. "I'm sorry too. I didn't take what you were thinking into account too, Piers. I was scared myself. A part of me wasn't sure that I could pull it all off. Even though I lost...it's not as bad as it should be."
"You can turn that loss into power." Piers smiled.
Marnie nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "Yeah... I guess we were both scared in our own ways. But you're right. I can turn this loss into power. And with your support, I know I can face whatever challenges come my way."
"Hey, Marnie!" Rushing over here were Team Yell with tears flying out. Seeing Marnie's uplifted spirits, Team Yell surrounded her, their usual loud and enthusiastic cheers echoing through the air. "You were great!"
"Because of your battle..." One of the grunts sniffled. "People wanna visit the Spikemuth Gym and take it on!"
Marnie's battle with Ash had sparked newfound interest in the Spikemuth Gym, drawing attention to the once-overlooked town and its gym. The grunts of Team Yell couldn't contain their excitement at the prospect of welcoming challengers from far and wide, finally seeing their town gaining the recognition it deserved.
"Really...?" Marnie was in shock. A part of her dream came to reality because of this battle. Battling Ash was truly worth it as she would face him once more. Marnie looked at Ash's smile as he kept his promise. He ended up doing what she hoped he would do. One major part of it anyway.
"Told ya." Ash uttered. With that, Marnie could finally unleash a proper smile. One of pure happiness and gratitude.
"Hey, Ash..." She would place her fingers on her mouth, forming a smile. "Thanks for everything. I'm glad I met you."
"No problem, Marnie," Ash replied with a warm smile of his own. Both would then shake hands once smiling at each other. "I won't forget to pass over some money, ya know. I'm not done."
"I know. Do you think I could come visit sometime? I hear a lot of Gym Leaders here in Galar visit Ponyville. It's not even your home though."
"You're welcome to do so." Twilight waved her hoof, glad to have Marnie over. "You're always welcome to Ponyville."
And so, as the sun sets on another day in the world of Pokémon. Ash and Marnie, whose paths crossed in a battle that ignited dreams and inspired hope. For in the heart of every trainer lies the courage to face challenges head-on and the determination to make a difference.
As the journey continues.
Chapter 404 End.