In Motostoke City, located between Galar's two largest mines, the city has rapidly developed into a massive industrial hub thanks to its rich mineral resources, earning it the nickname "City of Steam."
Summer followed the Yell Team to this city, planning to cheer for Marnie as she challenges the Motostoke Gym and to give her a pleasant surprise.
The Coalossal Hotel was chosen by the Yell Team specifically to avoid the main challenger-serving Turtwig Hotel, ensuring that Marnie wouldn't discover their presence beforehand.
Summer, Aya, and Tim were assigned to one room, while Nayo stayed with the female members.
"But I didn't expect Old Man Gideon to suddenly not join us," Aya said, crossing his arms with a puzzled look. "He shouldn't miss such a valuable opportunity."
"Yeah, Summer, do you know anything?" Tim asked. Gideon's last meeting had been with Summer.
"He probably went to deal with a family issue."
The two thought for a moment and realized that Old Man Gideon did have a son, though he hadn't returned to Spikemuth for a long time.
"Care to share more details?" Tim asked quietly, only for Aya to smack him on the head, warning, "Curiosity killed the Meowth. Best not to pry into Old Man Gideon's business."
"Should we just wait here for Marnie to start her challenge?" Summer deflected the topic.
"Do you want to go out for a bit? It should be fine; knowing Marnie, she's likely training in the Gym now."
Tim nodded in agreement, "Exactly. Motostoke Gym is the first real hurdle for Gym challengers. Many give up here, so Marnie will definitely feel the pressure."
"Then I'll head out for a bit to check out the berry shops in Motostoke." Summer grabbed his backpack and stood up.
"Oh, good luck! Tim and I need to prepare our cheering gear."
"Safe travels," Tim waved as Summer left the room.
Summer nodded and opened the door, releasing his Thwackey from its Poké Ball.
"Let's go, Thwackey. Let's check out the sights of Motostoke and see the berry shops."
"Thwackey~"
"Hmm, the berry shops seem to be doing well here too," Summer noted with satisfaction as he exited one of the shops. He still had plenty of time and decided to explore a bit more.
Walking on the old stone pavement, Summer observed the bustling cityscape filled with people and Pokémon. Amidst the crowd, he noticed a girl dressed like Marnie—no, it was Marnie herself.
The girl stood outside a fashion store, gazing intently at the clothes displayed in the window.
Oh no, what's Marnie doing here? Aya's prediction was way off.
In reality, Marnie was indeed feeling the pressure, but she knew overworking herself would backfire. Thus, she had come to Motostoke's shopping district to relax and alleviate some of her stress.
Sensing something amiss, Summer turned around to leave with Thwackey, his unusual behavior catching Marnie's attention.
"Hmm, is that... Summer?" Marnie thought, recalling her actions and wondering if Summer had seen them. Why do I feel so annoyed? Ugh, I can't just let him leave like that.
"Summer, why are you running away?" The familiar voice behind him made Summer stop in his tracks. Oh no, she noticed.
"Uh, you saw, didn't you?"
"Uh, yeah," Summer mumbled.
"Spend some time with me, please. You won't refuse, right, Summer?"
Marnie's dark aura as a Dark-type trainer was palpable. The Morpeko in her arms grinned mischievously, almost as if enjoying his predicament.
Unable to refuse, Summer had no choice but to follow her to a bench on the upper level of Motostoke City.
They sat side by side, watching the flow of water in the near river. Marnie's attitude softened, and her blue eyes showed a hint of apology. She bent down and said, "Sorry, it wasn't nice to drag you here so forcefully."
Then, twirling her hair with her fingers, she asked softly, "Were you curious why I was standing outside the fashion store?"
"Yeah," Summer confirmed, steering the conversation away from the Yell Team.
"I'm actually quite interested in city fashion," Marnie admitted, hugging Morpeko tightly. "But this interest makes me feel like I'm betraying everyone's expectations. Shouldn't I be focusing solely on battles?"
"Spikemuth is getting more desolate; there haven't been fashion shops for ages. Liking something that only exists in bustling cities, am I a traitor?"
"Every time I think I'm letting everyone down, I get so flustered. That's why I've never actually gone inside a fashion store, only stopping at the door."
Though Marnie usually wore a neutral expression, it was clear her emotions ran deep. Perhaps suppressing her feelings was what made her so stoic.
I need to correct her thinking. Liking beautiful clothes isn't wrong. Marnie is probably overwhelmed by expectations.
"Marnie, you're completely mistaken. Overtraining isn't good for you or your Pokémon. You know this deep down, which is why you came to the shopping district to relax before your challenge," Summer said, patting Thwackey's head.
"My Thwackey spends more time playing its drums than training, but I'm confident in its strength."
"Hey, don't let its current appearance fool you. It used to be very shy and only opened up through playing music."
Thwackey nodded in agreement. However, Summer omitted the most important reason—it was his care that allowed Thwackey to leave its past behind and embrace a new future.
Did you use to be shy too? Marnie thought of her own crying self from the past. Thanks to Morpeko, she became more optimistic. To make it shine in battles, Marnie started studying battling and grew to love it deeply.
"Hmm, I acknowledge Thwackey's strength, but are these two interests really comparable?"
"As long as it doesn't hurt you, others, or your Pokémon, there's no bad interest. Why not keep something that makes you happy?" Summer paused and continued, "Marnie, your style is not only representative of Spikemuth but also very cute. You might have a knack for fashion."
"Cute... I thought you'd say cool... But thanks for the compliment," Marnie blushed lightly.
Summer pressed on, correcting her misunderstanding, "Spikemuth is desolate? No, it will revive. If other cities can have fashion shops, so can Spikemuth! We're not inferior to them!"
"People are learning about Spikemuth thanks to your efforts, Marnie."
"They appreciate you. How could there be betrayal?"
Seeing Summer's earnest eyes, Marnie realized there was no lie in his words.
"Hmm, you're really amazing, Summer, saying such inspiring things so easily," Marnie smiled faintly.
"Marnie... you smiled?" Her genuine smile was so infectious that Summer froze for a moment.
"Huh, really? But... the feeling is gone now."
She was first delighted but then failed to smile again. Returning to her usual expression, she looked at Summer and said softly, "Thank you, Summer. I feel much better now. I'm sure I can handle the upcoming challenge easily!"
"I'll keep this interest, so... um, would you like to visit the fashion store with me?"
"You said it yourself. Maybe I have a talent for fashion," Marnie mimicked Summer's tone. "There can't be a fashion show without a judge, right? You won't refuse Marnie's invitation, will you?"
Unable to refuse, Summer had the same thought again. Well, since Marnie has regained her state of mind, I'll go along with her today.
(End of Chapter)