The following day, we reach the Hotel Lobby, and a staff member approaches, saying, "Challenger Ash? The finals will be starting shortly. I'm here to escort you to the stadium."

Suddenly, Hop exclaims, "What's all this? Didn't you learn your lesson yesterday?! If you need another helping of Hop and his trusty Inteleon, I'll be happy to give you one!"

"No! Wait, please!" The staff gasps in horror. "I'm not like those other League staff! I'm one of the good ones, if I may say so myself... I heard about what happened yesterday. Ms. Oleana can be a little extreme in her desire to assist the Chairman with his goals, I'm afraid. It seems she was secretly cultivating her own group of League staff for... well... situations like that disaster last night. But you've no need to worry about today's staff! All of us are here for the right reasons."

I reply, "I trust you. So, it's time, huh?"

We then follow the League staff to make our way to the Wyndon Stadium. Dawn chimes in, "So, this is what replaced the Elite Four battles in Galar, right? The so-called 'Finals'?"

"It's a 16-trainer tournament with the Galar League winner and 15 of the Gym Leaders," Flora explains.

Hop adds with enthusiasm, "You're going to show everyone the greatest battle ever, mate, and set the world on fire! So go get yourself checked in!" I nod, fully prepared to enter the tournament.

The staff member continues, "Since you won your way through the Galar League, or what we call the 'Semifinals,' you must face off against the Gym Leaders in the finals. And they won't be holding back. Whoever makes it through this final bracket will earn the right to challenge the Champion... So, are you ready to head to the locker room now?"

I nod, realizing it's time to bid farewell to my friends and make my way to the locker room. Upon entering, I see a group of gym leaders, and my eyes fall on my first matchup: Opal.

As we make our way to the battlefield, Leon takes the stage for the opening. "It probably goes without saying, but... hello, Galar! I'm your Champion, Leon! The chairman is tied up with some business, so I hope no one minds me stepping in on his behalf... in order to lead you all to greater heights as Pokémon Trainers of the Galar region! The time has come for you to battle it out until only the greatest challenger remains! So, on behalf of the chairman, allow me to say... let the Finals matches begin!" His words echo through the stadium, signaling the start of the intense battles ahead.

My battle is the first one, but to my surprise, I hear a voice cry out, "Wait, you!"

To my shock, the one who stands in front of me is not Opal, but Bede, clad in the Fairy Type Gym Uniform. The audience starts murmuring amongst themselves. "Who's that?"

"Bede? What are you doing here?" I gasp in surprise.

"A moment, if I may. Does anyone here even remember me? I am Bede, the challenger who was forced to withdraw from the Gym Challenge!" Bede yells at the crowd.

"Bede! He's the challenger endorsed by Chairman Rose himself!" an audience member exclaims, adding to the confusion and intrigue surrounding the unexpected turn of events.

Bede says, "I have a score to settle with Challenger Ash here. I'm aware that this is against the rules, but I must ask nonetheless... I might have Opal's permission to take her place. But let me battle him! I'll stake my career as a challenger on this battle. If I lose, I'll retire from being a Trainer."

Gasps ripple through the crowd as we can't believe what we're hearing. Instead of facing Opal, I now find myself up against Bede. The commentator says, "What an unexpected turn of events! Former Challenger Bede has come for one last battle! We are currently debating what to do with Challenger Bede. To all our viewers, both here in the stadium and at home in front of the telly, we ask that you please be patient!"

"I know this is ridiculous of me. But I had to say something...do something! Ever since you showed up, everything I've done has gone wrong!" Bede accuses me.

"Me? And why is it my fault?" I ask, genuinely surprised.

"It was Oleana who asked me to gather Wishing Stars for the chairman, but then the chairman himself disowned me... And then that strange old lady comes out of nowhere and drags me into a boot camp on Fairy-type Pokémon! Do you have any idea what I've been through?! Covered in pink, dealing with quizzes and battles with Fairy-type Pokémon every day! And here I am, pouring my heart out to you... when I've never lost my cool before!" Bede vents his frustrations, revealing the inner turmoil he's been going through.

"We've reached a decision, ladies and gentlemen! The Champion himself has accepted Bede's replacement with Opal! Is the Champion showing his love... by giving every Trainer a chance to grow stronger? Or is it a trial for Challenger Ash?" the commentator announces, sparking intrigue and debate among the spectators.

Bede declares with determination, "My will hasn't been broken yet!" His resolve is clear as he prepares to face me in a battle that holds great significance for both of us.

Bede's first Pokemon is Shiinotic, and I realize that he has switched up all of his Psychic-type Pokemon to Fairy-types. I choose Weezing as my first Pokemon. "We've faced too much to quit now! We've got no choice but to win!" Bede says as he commands Shiinotic to use Giga Drain, but Weezing counters with Strange Steam, confusing Shiinotic.

Shiinotic responds with Strength Sap, absorbing HP from Weezing while lowering its Attack stat. Then it goes for Spore to make Weezing fall asleep. However, Weezing manages to wake up, and I decide to go for the bold move of Explosion, causing a powerful blast that knocks both Pokemon out of battle. It's a risky but effective strategy to even the odds in the match.

Bede sends out his second Pokemon, Mawile, and I choose to switch to my Hisuian Typhlosion. The Infernal Parade move causes Mawile to get burned, enhancing the damage from Hex. However, Bede has Mawile use Crunch, taking advantage of the super-effective damage against Hisuian Typhlosion. Despite the disadvantage, I press on and unleash another powerful Eruption attack, causing Mawile to faint and be removed from the battlefield. It's a hard-fought victory in this intense battle.

Bede sends out his third Pokemon, Gardevoir, and I recall that he has access to both Psychic and Fairy types. Gardevoir sets up a Wish to heal itself after taking an Infernal Parade attack and uses Calm Mind to boost both its Special Attack and Special Defense. Then, it strikes with a powerful Psychic attack, which knocks my Typhlosion out of the battle.

In response, I send out Aegislash, and it uses Iron Head to deal a devastating blow to Gardevoir, ultimately defeating it and removing it from the battlefield. It's a crucial move that keeps the battle intense and balanced.

Bede sends out his fourth Pokemon, a Galarian Rapidash, while I keep Aegislash on the field. I start by having Aegislash use King's Shield to block Rapidash's Psycho Cut, successfully lowering its Attack stat. Then, Aegislash follows up with a combination of Shadow Ball and Iron Head to defeat the Galarian Rapidash. My strategic use of Aegislash's moves pays off, securing another victory in the battle.

"Tsk! What's with that calm expression... Think you're gonna win?" Bede challenges while sending out his final Pokemon, a Hatterene. Hatterene uses Mystical Fire, which is super effective against Aegislash, knocking it out of the battle. In response, I choose to send out my Cursola.

"We'll show you a truly great pink. It's time for my dear Hatterene to Gigantamax!" Bede decides to recall Hatterene and then Gigantamax it, causing it to become enormous in size.

"Let's do it as well, Cursola!" I exclaim, Dynamaxing my Cursola to level the playing field. "I learned this move from that old gran! I plan on making it my own! G-Max Smite!"

The powerful attack manages to hit Cursola and also confuses it, but I realize that G-Max Smite is a Physical move when the Perish Song activates. Since we aren't able to recall Pokemon, and Hatterene is Bede's last Pokemon, they both faint at the same time. However, since I have one Pokemon left that hasn't even been sent out, I emerge as the victor of this intense battle.

"I couldn't win, but at least I was able to show everyone how great Fairy types are," Bede sighs with a mix of disappointment and pride. "Well, I lost..."

"It looks like Challenger Bede was no match for Challenger Ash and his trusted team!" the commentator declares.

Unexpectedly, the audience begins to cheer for Bede. "Hey, Bede! That was some match!" "Don't retire! Just restart your career!" The support from the crowd takes Bede by surprise.

Bede's frustration eases slightly, "B-but this isn't what I planned! If I was able to defeat you, then everything would be fine. Even if I lost, I was going to use retiring as an excuse to get away from that old lady! You just keep messing up my plans! With everyone cheering me on like this, I have no choice but to continue my training as the Fairy-type Gym Leader! Though I suppose with my talents, I'll be able to overtake Ms. Opal in no time." Bede's determination to improve and become a stronger Gym Leader shines through despite the unexpected turn of events.

"The stadium is filled with voices cheering on these two young Trainers! Now, Challenger Ash, please head back to the locker room so that you can rest up from that unexpected match," the announcer says, acknowledging the excitement and energy in the arena.

As we watch the battles of the other Gym Leaders, I notice that some of them are using Pokemon they haven't used before. To my surprise, most of the Gym Leaders I faced manage to advance to the top 8, except for Allister. The competition is fierce, and the remaining battles will be just as intense as the ones we've witnessed so far.

My match in the top 8 is unexpectedly against Nessa, the Water Gym Leader. She greets me with a confident smile, "I can tell you've grown far stronger since you faced me in Hulbury Stadium. I've got to hand it to our undefeated Champion. He's got a proper eye for talent, too. But you're not the Champion, and you'll never become the Champion, either."

I raise an eyebrow and ask, "And why is that?"

"Because I, Nessa, am going to defeat both you and Leon! I'm not going to underestimate you again. I'll use Dynamax to wash you out to sea and beyond the horizon!" Nessa exclaims with determination, setting the stage for what promises to be a challenging battle.

Nessa sends out Golisopod from her Dive Ball, and I respond by sending out Appletun to battle. "Sonia might be disappointed, but I'm going to wash your team away! First Impression!" Golisopod quickly strikes Appletun with the super-effective move, taking advantage of its priority.

I command Appletun, "Appletun! Recover and Rollout!" Appletun manages to recover some of its health and then rolls toward Golisopod with Rollout. However, Golisopod activates its Emergency Exit ability after taking damage twice, switching it out for Pelipper. The Drizzle ability Pelipper brings in summons the rain.

"Well, I wasn't expecting that. But Pelipper, set up Tailwind and use Hurricane!" Nessa orders, and under the rain, the accuracy of Hurricane is enhanced. Appletun is defeated by the powerful Flying-type move, leaving me to adjust my strategy for the remainder of the battle.

I decide to switch to Pincurchin, taking advantage of its Electric Terrain thanks to the Electric Surge ability. I have Pincurchin use Discharge, which benefits from the rainy weather and the Electric Terrain, knocking Pelipper out of the battle with a single hit due to its quadruple weakness to Electric-type moves.

Nessa attempts to bring Golisopod back into the battle, using First Impression to deal some damage. However, I have Pincurchin retaliate with Zing Zap, which also proves to be super effective and knocks Golisopod out of the battle.

I grin and say, "How's that? Two straight wins for me." My strategy and type advantage have paid off in securing the victory in this battle against Nessa.

Nessa brings in Quagsire, a Ground-type Pokemon, to counter my Pincurchin. Quagsire uses Toxic to poison Pincurchin and follows up with an Earthquake attack, effectively taking down my Electric-type.

In response, I switch to Sceptile, knowing that it can take Ground-type moves due to its Grass typing. I have Sceptile use Leaf Blade, which is super effective against Quagsire, and manage to defeat it, bringing our battle back in my favor. "Don't count me out just yet," I remark with determination.

Nessa switches in Toxapex, a Poison/Water-type Pokemon, to face my Sceptile. Toxapex starts by using Baneful Bunker to protect itself when Sceptile uses Dual Chop, but it's Sceptile who gets poisoned due to Toxapex's move.

Then, Toxapex follows up with Venoshock, dealing significant damage to my Sceptile. Despite being poisoned and weakened, Sceptile manages to gather its strength and use Leaf Storm, but Toxapex uses Recover to regain some health before finishing the battle with Spike Cannon, which proves too much for my Sceptile.

I decide to send in Pikachu, who jumps onto the field with determination. I have Pikachu use Thunderbolt, but Toxapex counters with Baneful Bunker to block the attack. Undeterred, I instruct Pikachu to use Iron Tail, and Pikachu slams Toxapex with the powerful move, knocking it out and securing the victory in our battle. "Great job, Pikachu!" I cheer.

Nessa grins confidently as she announces, "Looks like I'm down to one last Pokémon. I've been saving the best for last!" With that, she sends out Drednaw, a formidable Water/Rock-type Pokemon.

In response, I decide to switch to Eldegoss to take on this new challenge. Eldegoss takes the field with determination, ready to face Nessa's powerful Drednaw. However, Drednaw wastes no time and unleashes a Jaw Lock, preventing Eldegoss from escaping. The fierce move takes its toll, and Eldegoss is defeated by a subsequent Rock Tomb.

With Eldegoss out of the battle, I have no choice but to recall Pikachu. Pikachu returns to the field, determined to finish the fight and secure our victory.

"Flood the stadium and make it our ocean! Drednaw, time to Gigantamax!" Nessa announces with a determined expression, repeating the strategy that had worked for her before. I, too, decide to Gigantamax Pikachu, ready to face the colossal Drednaw.

Nessa grins confidently as she commands, "This is a little gift from us... I hope you can take it! G-Max Stonesurge!" Drednaw, now in its Gigantamax form, prepares to unleash a powerful G-Max Stonesurge attack that could turn the stadium into an ocean, giving it a clear advantage.

But I have faith in Pikachu's strength and resilience. I command Pikachu to respond with G-Max Volt Crash, empowering the move with Gigantamax energy. The two mighty attacks clash in a spectacular display of power, with Pikachu's determination shining through.

Thanks to the weakening Drednaw had suffered earlier in the battle and the incredible strength of Pikachu's Gigantamax move, our attack prevails. Drednaw is overwhelmed and defeated, its Gigantamax form fading away.

I smile as I see Pikachu's triumph and recall it back to its regular form. "Great job, Pikachu! We did it!" I exclaim, grateful for Pikachu's unwavering spirit and our hard-fought victory against Nessa's powerful Gigantamax Drednaw.

Nessa looks impressed and acknowledges, "You had no problem handling our surging might. It's no wonder that you won." She continues, "You and your Pokémon are just too much... Even with my Dynamaxed partner, you weathered our waves and stood firm. Now that I think about it, Sonia was saying something about how amazing you were. I wish I'd paid more attention to what she was talking about. I bet everyone in Galar's got their eyes on you now. You defeated my team, so now you've got to ride that current all the way to the end!"

I nod, showing appreciation for Nessa's words. "Thank you, Nessa. It was a tough battle, and you're a formidable opponent. We'll do our best to keep up the momentum and ride that current to the end." With our victory over Nessa, we move one step closer to our ultimate goal of reaching Leon.

Here is a new chapter, and you can see that the first two battles are done. And the next chapter will be the remaining two and I hope you like it.

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, Darmanitan (Galarian), 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, Cramorant, Barraskewda, Toxtricity x2 (Amped, Low-Key), Centiskorch, Grapploct, Polteageist (Antique), Hatterene, Grimmsnarl, Obstagoon, Perrserker, Cursola, Sirfetch'd, Mr. Rime, Runerigus, Alcremie x9 (Each Flavor), Falinks, Pincurchin, Frosmoth, Stonjourner, Eiscue, Indeedee x2, Morpeko, Copperajah, Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, Arctovish, Duraludon, Drakloak, Kleavor