Fri. Nov 15th, 2024

Today we finally got ourselves registered for the Gym Challenge, and I saw some guy with gray hair and a pink-purple coat. Hop muttered, “Seriously? What a piece of work…” I did NOT know who he was. Though I wonder?…Then the guy at the counter said, “If you’re here to participate in the Gym Challenge, I’ll need to see your Endorsement, please.”

So I gave him my Endorsement, and the he said, “Fancy that, This is the first time we’ve ever had a challenger endorsed by the Champion!” Then classically, Hop ruins the moment. “Well now you’ve got two, ’cause I am too!” Then follows with, “I’m Hop, your next Champion! Get me all signed up, will you?” Then the guy said, “Now choose the preferred number on your uniform, if you would be so kind?” I chose 0, So I was the best of the best!😁 Then he said, “Go rest at the Budew Drop Inn.” Hop then said, “I’M OFF TO CHECK THE FANCY DIGS!” Classic Hop.🤣



I followed Hop to the Budew Drop Inn. There was Sonia, standing in front of a statue! I said, “Hi, Sonia!” While Hop said, “Oh, hey Sonia. What’re you doing at our hotel?” Sonia turned to us and said, “Hey, Great timing!” She then turned to the statue behind her and then said wistfully, “Nice, huh? I wanted to see what you thought. This is supposed to be about the hero who stopped the Darkest Day. I could run through the legend quick, if you fancy?” I said, “Give me all the details!”

So then Sonia started her story. “Long ago,” She started, “A black storm covered the Galar region. People called it the ‘Darkest Day.’ Pokémon started Gigantamaxing all over the place, but they were stopped by a single young hero bearing a sword and shield. But what exactly was the Darkest Day?” Hop then, open-mouthed, said, “That hero must’ve been as strong as Lee then!” Sonia mumbled, “Guess I’m the lucky lady who’ll be looking into that. Gran sure gives me a lot to do…” I chimed, “You’ll be all right, Sonia!” Sonia replied, “Heh, thanks! I’ll muddle through somehow, don’t you worry!”



But these people were blocking the way to the entrance, and those #$@%* called themselves Team Yell! I battled them, and won every time. Those #$@%* were stopped by a girl named Marnie, and her Morpeko. She said, “Sorry ’bout that! Call themselves Team Yell and follow me around, cheerin’ me on. Sorry if they gave you any trouble.” Hop then said, “Team Yell, is it? Great than you already have a set of fans to call your own!” Marnie looked surprised for a moment, then smiled.

The next day, we went to the opening ceremony, put on our uniforms, and went ahead. We saw Rose open the ceremony, then we saw all the Gym Leaders, Milo, Nessa, Kabu, Bea, Opal, Gordie, and Raihan! Rose said, “Unfortunately, we are missing one…” I wanted to know who the missing Gym Leader was, but I had no time to worry. As I stepped onto the pitch, my heart raced. I looked around at the crowd staring. At me. I felt a sensational feeling I had never felt before.

Soon after the ceremony, Hop said, “THAT WAS AWESOME!!!” I agreed, but our next stop was in Turffield, and we had no time to lose…

My next blog will be Feb. 6th! I hope you enjoy reading my blog! Goodbye and stay safe!


By Abby Subedi

Editor-In-Chief