After exiting the gym, we stumble upon Sonia, who seems to be eagerly waiting for us. She expresses, "That battle was brilliant! That Gym Leader was tough, but you had no trouble."

"Thank you," Alice responds with a smile. "What brings you here, Sonia?"

"Circhester has some really great restaurants. I got some things I want to talk to you about, so let's head to a restaurant to celebrate your win! The name of the restaurant is Bob's Your Uncle!" Sonia suggests enthusiastically.

As we enter Bob's Your Uncle, we spot Hop already present at the restaurant. Hop inquires, "Got that Gym Badge, Alice? Nice one!"

"Yeah, it's not easy." Alice responds as we settle into our seats at the restaurant. Sonia shares, "I've been trying to find out more about the Darkest Day and the sword and shield Pokémon, but still no luck..."

Suddenly, Sonia's attention is drawn to a tapestry adorning the wall. With an audible gasp, she exclaims, "Wait! Hold on!" Sonia's eyes widen in surprise as she scrutinizes the tapestry closely, before gasping once more, "No way! What's this?!" Her sudden shock intrigues everyone at the table.

Gloria humorously comments, "Oh, an absolutely fantastic poster, I see?"

"Exactly! Bob, with his brilliant smile, must be part of the legend! Wait, what are you on about?! Don't confuse me!" Sonia exclaims, momentarily baffled by the joke.

"That's not the poster we're referring to!" Elena interjects, trying to clarify the misunderstanding.

Observing the tapestry, Sonia notes, "The heroes look sad... And where are the sword and shield?" Sonia questions, puzzled. "What was the meaning of this picture?" The mysterious depiction of the tapestry piques her curiosity, she seeks to decipher its significance.

"Is this the end of a legend?" I ponder aloud, intrigued by the tapestry's enigmatic portrayal.

"Hmm... Perhaps when their duty was completed, they went into some kind of sleep?" Sonia muses, contemplating the potential conclusion of the depicted story.

"Based on those statues we saw back in Stow-on-Side, the sword and the shield were actually two Pokémon, right?" Hop recalls, seeking clarification.

"That's right! That's my take on it, at least," Sonia affirms, confirming the interpretation of the tapestry's narrative as a representation of the legendary Pokémon, reinforcing the connection to the statues previously encountered in Stow-on-Side.

You remember the Pokémon we met that day? Do you think... it could've been one of them? Either the sword or the shield Pokémon?" Alice inquires, intrigued by the connection between the legendary Pokémon and their encounter.

"You... met them?" Sonia reacts with surprise, taken aback by the revelation.

"Exactly! We came across two Pokémon in the fog back in the Slumbering Weald. I wonder if they could be the ones," I explain, adding to the discussion.

"Oh, that's right! You lot have been in the Slumbering Weald," Sonia recalls. "I only started on this journey because my gran told me to, but this is turning out to be too much fun! You've got to tell me more. How about we discuss this over a meal? Go on, what do you want to eat? Let's get our orders in!"

Realizing that we haven't yet ordered our meals, we decide to do so, indulging in some food while continuing our intriguing conversation.

Once our meal concludes, Sonia suggests, "Fascinating... All right, the next thing to do now that we're done eating is to have a look around Circhester! Let's inspect the Hero's Bath!"

"We just took a bath there, didn't we?" Flora recalls.

Despite this, we decide to head to the Hero's Bath, where Sonia elaborates, "The Hero's Bath... They say this is where the two heroes came to sooth their wounds after the battle to bring down that evil presence, long ago. Nowadays only Pokémon really use the Hero's Bath, though... Hmm... Who exactly were the heroes that bathed here? I think I'll have to look into that."

She turns back to us, her expression contemplative. "You two met a mysterious Pokémon back in the Slumbering Weald... Perhaps...you two can become new heroes."

Hop chimes in with a touch of skepticism, "Like some hero waving around a sword and shield? Pull the other one. Though...I guess I'd fancy a shield if I had to take my pick."

"She's referring to us, Hop," I clarify, acknowledging Sonia's implication that it pertains to Alice and me. Her words hint at the possibility of us stepping into a heroic role, evoking the legacy of the legendary sword and shield bearers.

"What kind of battle do you think the heroes had back then?" Sonia asks, intrigued by the legendary battle's nature.

"Why don't we show her, Ash! Think we can pull off a real heroic battle?" Hop suggests enthusiastically.

"Absolutely!" I agree, ready for the challenge.

"Sonia treated us to a great meal. After that curry, I feel like I've got the energy to wrestle a Bewear!" Hop jests, expressing his newfound vigor.

"I don't entirely understand your reasoning, but I might as well see what you can do. I'll heal up your Pokémon for you, Ash, so give it your best!" Sonia offers her support.

"Time for a little exhibition match, starring the future Champion!" Hop declares with enthusiasm as we prepare for our battle. The air is charged with excitement as we engage in an impromptu exhibition match at Sonia's suggestion.

Excitement fills the air as the battle commences. Hop leads with his Dubwool, a familiar sight that brings a sense of camaraderie. I opt to send out my Sirfetch'd to meet the challenge.

"I'm counting on you, partner!" Hop exclaims, expressing his trust in Dubwool as the battle begins.

"Dubwool, Cotton Guard!" Hop commands, urging Dubwool to bolster its defenses against the impending attack.

"Sirfetch'd, Swords Dance!" I counter, prompting Sirfetch'd to increase its attack potency in preparation.

Dubwool charges forward with Double-Edge, but Sirfetch'd responds swiftly, executing a forceful Close Combat. The potent assault proves too overwhelming for Dubwool, securing a decisive victory for Sirfetch'd in the match.

Hop swaps in his formidable Corviknight, calling out, "Corviknight, let's soar high! Pluck attack!"

Corviknight gracefully ascends into the sky and swiftly descends, aiming to strike Sirfetch'd with its powerful Pluck attack. Reacting quickly, I command Sirfetch'd to bolster its defenses with Iron Defense, bracing itself for the incoming assault.

Corviknight alters its approach, opting for a Steel Wing maneuver, swiftly striking Sirfetch'd with the Steel-type move. Responding in kind, Sirfetch'd retaliates with a Close Combat, but despite its efforts, Sirfetch'd succumbs to Corviknight's fierce Drill Peck, ultimately resulting in its defeat.

With Sirfetch'd defeated, I swiftly opt for a change and send in Boltund to take charge. Ordering Boltund to unleash a powerful Wild Charge, the move inflicts significant damage on Corviknight, visibly wearing it down.

Corviknight retaliates with a series of strikes using Fury Attack, yet Boltund adeptly evades every onslaught with remarkable agility.

"Finish it with Thunder Fang!" I command decisively. Boltund heeds the command, launching the electrifying attack, effectively overcoming Corviknight.

Hop's third Pokémon is a Pincurchin, a Pokémon we haven't encountered before. Commanding Boltund to utilize Spark, the move unexpectedly fails to affect Pincurchin. "No way... Lightning Rod?" Alice questions, recognizing Pincurchin's ability.

"Right! Now, use Bubble Beam!" Hop commands Pincurchin. Anticipating the oncoming attack, I attempt to evade while instructing Boltund to counter with Crunch. Despite the successful hit, Pincurchin employs Curse, enhancing its Attack and Defense while lowering its Speed, before delivering another Bubble Beam attack. The strategic setup culminates in a powerful blow from Pincurchin.

"Then I'll bring out Runerigus," I announce as I send in the Ghost-type Pokémon. Opting for a different strategy, Runerigus initiates Curse, but uniquely, it sacrifices a portion of its HP to set up the curse. As the battle unfolds, with several turns passing and the curse taking effect, I patiently wait for the opportune moment.

Finally, seizing the chance, I command Runerigus to unleash Earthquake, a powerful move that inflicts damage to all opponents on the field. The ground-shaking attack proves too much for Pincurchin, ultimately securing its defeat in the battle.

Hop sends out Snorlax as his fourth Pokémon, presenting a disadvantage for my Runerigus, being a Ghost-type. In an attempt to mitigate Snorlax's defenses, I command Runerigus to employ Guard Split, aiming to redistribute its defenses. Unfortunately, before the strategy can take effect, Snorlax swiftly strikes with Crunch, overpowering Runerigus and swiftly defeating it. The residual effects of Curse weakened Runerigus significantly, contributing to its downfall against Snorlax's formidable attack.

"Hawlucha! I choose you!" I call out, summoning the spirited Hawlucha to the battlefield. Opting for a High Jump Kick, Hawlucha executes the move successfully, capitalizing on Snorlax's sluggishness and landing a precise hit.

Snorlax retaliates with a powerful Body Slam, squashing Hawlucha beneath its considerable bulk. Despite the impact, Hawlucha maintains its resolve.

"Hawlucha! Karate Chop!" I command. Displaying remarkable agility, Hawlucha swiftly executes a precise Karate Chop, striking Snorlax with finesse and determination. The combined effort ultimately leads to Snorlax's defeat, securing the victory for Hawlucha.

"Think you've got me cornered? Not even close! It'll be the greatest when I steal this win back!" Hop declares boldly as he unveils his final Pokémon, Inteleon.

Just as Hawlucha is about to execute Flying Press, Hop yells, "Have a taste of our true power! This wave is gonna crash right over you!" Inteleon swiftly counters with Snipe Shot, hitting Hawlucha in the face and causing it to crash forcefully into the ground. A subsequent Liquidation attack sends Hawlucha spiraling into the Hot Spring, leaving it unable to battle. Reacting quickly, I recall Hawlucha and send out Pikachu, my final Pokémon, to face Inteleon.

Using Thunderbolt, Pikachu retaliates with a powerful electric attack, overwhelming Inteleon and ultimately securing victory for us in the intense battle.

"I still can't even beat you, my true rival... But I think I'm starting to see the light!" Hop admits with a sigh, acknowledging the skill and growth displayed in our battle.

"Thanks! You two gave a right proper battle... At the rate you both are going, even the unbeatable Leon may be in trouble! So what's next, you two? I plan to look into things in the Slumbering Weald," Sonia remarks, impressed by our performance and contemplating her next investigation.

Hop declares, "I'm going to keep challenging that Gym! Then, once I get that Gym Badge, I'll be heading for Route 9 to take on Acidome next."

Alice expresses her enthusiasm, saying, "I want to try out the Flying Gym at Glaglider. I mean, he did give us the use of the Flying Taxi."

"I'll head to Spikemuth. The gym leader there is the only one who didn't show up in the opening ceremony," I assert, setting my sights on the next challenge awaiting in Spikemuth.

After Hop departs, Sonia observes, "Seems like he finally shook off that gloom. Leon'd worry if Hop wasn't feeling all right. As his rival, you wouldn't like it either, right? See ya," before leaving herself.

With Sonia's departure, we collectively decide to journey back to the Wild Area. Glaglider, situated to the east of Giant's Mirror, awaits our exploration, drawing us to venture into new areas and face fresh challenges.

Here is a new chapter, and now two more original gyms and we'll be finishing them. I hope you like this chapter.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon:

Venusaur, Charizard x2, Blastoise, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Meowth, Machamp, Rapidash (Galarian), Gengar, Kingler, Weezing (Galarian), Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Garbodor, Zoroark, Stunfisk (Galarian), Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Decidueye, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Melmetal, Rillaboom, Cinderace, Inteleon, Greedent, Corviknight, Orbeetle, Thievul, Eldegoss, Dubwool, Drednaw, Boltund, Coalossal (Shiny), Flapple, Appletun, Sandaconda, Barraskewda, Toxtricity x2 (Amped, Low-Key), Centiskorch, Polteageist (Antique), Hatterene, Grimmsnarl, Obstagoon, Perrserker, Cursola, Sirfetch'd, Runerigus, Alcremie x9 (Each Flavor), Indeedee x2, Morpeko, Copperajah, Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, Arctovish, Dreepy, Kleavor