Morning broke over Wedgehurst in a wash of pale gold and soft mist. The cobblestone streets sparkled faintly with dew, and the distant whistle of a departing train carried through the air.
Niyah adjusted her bag straps, her mood bright with the kind of mischief that usually preceded chaos. Mimikyu waddled behind her, humming a little tune under her disguise, while Litwick floated lazily by her shoulder, his faint blue flame flickering brighter with every passing moment.
"Alright, team," Niyah said cheerfully, looking down the gently winding dirt path that led out of Wedgehurst. "Next stop Turrfield! Our first gym."
'And our next batch of victims,' Mimikyu giggled telepathically, her shadow twitching with excitement.
Litwick chuckled, a faint puff of ember escaping his flame. 'I hope they're more fun than the ones back in Wedgehurst. That last trainer nearly fainted when I lit his hair gel on fire.'
Roty floated ahead, buzzing in quiet disapproval. "Btzz, btzz, trainer misconduct warning! Mischief is not an official training regimen!"
Niyah gave him a knowing grin. "Maybe not officially."
—
Route 2 opened before them like something out of a storybook. Gentle hills rolled into the horizon, lined with tall grass swaying like a green ocean. Wild Pokémon darted through the blades: Skwovet nibbling on berries, Nickit sneaking between patches of clover, and a few Wooloo grazing lazily near wooden fences.
Niyah inhaled the sweet, crisp air. "It's so different from Slumbering Weald," she murmured. "Less spooky… more alive."
Litwick hovered a little lower, his flame reflecting in her eyes. 'Alive can be boring.'
"Maybe," she said with a sly grin, "but alive also means more people to prank."
Mimikyu let out a happy squeak. 'Finally, you're speaking my language!'
—
Their first target appeared near a quiet pond, an older fisherman sitting with his line cast, humming to himself. His bucket was half-full of Magikarp, and beside him sat a thermos of tea steaming gently in the morning air.
"Perfect," Niyah whispered, crouching behind a patch of tall grass. "Alright team, plan time."
Litwick's eyes glowed. 'Oh, I have an idea.'
Within moments, he drifted low to the ground, extinguishing his blue flame until he looked like nothing more than a flicker of shadow. Mimikyu vanished into the fisherman's own shadow, only her faint giggle betraying her position.
Niyah held her breath as Litwick reignited his flame behind the old man's back, but this time, the flame shimmered a deep ghostly green. The reflection danced across the pond, swirling like will-o'-wisps.
The fisherman froze, blinking. "Eh… what in Arceus' name?"
Then Mimikyu struck. She let out a perfectly timed Astonish, her eerie cry echoing right behind his ear. The poor man yelped, flailing, his fishing rod launching high into the air as a startled Magikarp went flying in the opposite direction.
Litwick giggled so hard his flame sputtered.
"Y-Yamper save me! It's spirits again!" the fisherman cried, tripping over his tackle box as he bolted toward the road.
Niyah stepped out from the grass, laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach. "Okay, okay, maybe that was a little mean but his face!"
'Worth it,' Mimikyu snickered, reappearing beside her.
Roty sighed dramatically. "Btzz, btzz, psychological torment of civilians: not recommended training protocol."
Niyah winked. "It's called practical experience."
—
By midday, the sun had warmed the hills, painting everything in a golden haze. The team came across a young woman sitting beneath a tree with her Pokémon, a Skwovet and a Minccino, enjoying a tea picnic.
"She looks way too calm," Niyah whispered. "Let's fix that."
Litwick floated behind her with a mischievous hum. 'Permission to heat the teapot?'
"Granted."
The tiny candle Pokémon drifted closer, his blue flame shifting to a gentle orange as it hovered beneath the teapot. Slowly steam, too much steam, began to pour out. Within seconds, the lid rattled.
The trainer gasped. "Wait, what's happening to my, AH!"
The teapot exploded in a geyser of scalding steam, launching tea and leaves everywhere. Minccino squeaked and dove into the grass, while Skwovet rolled away, clutching its cheeks full of berries.
Niyah nearly fell over laughing. Mimikyu was rolling in the grass beside her, the tip of her disguise twitching uncontrollably.
Litwick floated back, his flame flickering proudly. 'A perfect brew, don't you think?'
Roty buzzed. "Btzz, btzz, trainer likely to develop lifelong distrust of kitchen appliances."
"That's fine," Niyah giggled. "We're spreading character development."
—
Later that afternoon, as they approached the farmlands near Turrfield, the road widened into grassy fields lined with fences. Dozens of Wooloo grazed peacefully under the watch of two herders.
Niyah leaned against a fence post, eyes glimmering. "Oh, I'm getting an idea."
Mimikyu's head tilted. 'Wooloo stampede?'
"Wooloo stampede."
Litwick cracked a fiery grin. 'I like where this is going.'
They waited until the herders were distracted chatting by their truck. Then, Mimikyu crept along the fence line, her cloth fluttering faintly in the breeze. She released a soft Thunder Wave, the faint electric spark jumping from one Wooloo's woolly coat to another.
The startled sheep Pokémon all bleated at once then began rolling. Everywhere.
Wooloo spun down the hill like fluffy white tumbleweeds, bumping into one another in confusion. The herders shouted and chased after them, slipping and tripping as the Wooloo rolled into the nearby stream.
Niyah clutched her sides, tears forming in her eyes from laughter. "Oh my Arceus, look at them! It's like popcorn!"
Litwick cackled so hard his flame flared bright blue, accidentally setting a patch of dry grass smoldering.
"Ah! Lumos!" Niyah hissed, stomping it out with her boot.
He floated sheepishly. 'Oops.'
Roty gave a weary buzz. "Btzz, btzz, agricultural sabotage noted. Uploading to trainer behavioral log."
"Delete that later," Niyah said, still snickering.
—
Evening settled softly over Route 2, the sky washed in orange and rose. A small camping site had been set up near a river bend, a pair of rookie trainers roasting marshmallows while their Rookidee perched nearby.
Niyah and her Pokémon crouched behind a bush. "Alright," she whispered. "Time for a few more pranks before we reach Turrfield."
Litwick's flame flickered mischievously. 'Permission to enhance the campfire?'
"Enhance away."
The candle Pokémon drifted over, his flame glowing brighter as he infused the campfire with ghostly energy. Slowly, the fire changed color, from orange to an eerie, unnatural violet.
One of the trainers leaned forward. "Hey… why's the fire purple?"
Then Mimikyu slipped from the shadows and let out a distorted Astonish. The ghostly cry echoed through the clearing, rattling pots and pans.
The Rookidee screeched and took off, while the campers screamed and bolted for their tent.
Niyah doubled over laughing. "Okay, okay, maybe that one was too much…"
Suddenly, the entire campfire burst upward in a massive blue flame column. Litwick blinked, startled. 'Oops again.'
"Run!" Niyah yelped as the trio took off down the road, laughter trailing behind them.
Roty zipped alongside her. "Btzz, btzz, you are officially banned from all camping areas."
"Worth it!" she cackled.
—
The last stretch of Route 2 curved into the wide, lush valleys of Turrfield. Windmills spun lazily against the green hills, and the air smelled of grass and soil. It was here that Niyah spotted a tall young man kneeling near a garden of Gossifleur, gently tending to them with a watering can.
His bright orange hair glowed in the late sunlight, and his calm expression radiated kindness.
Niyah squinted. "That's… Milo, right? The Grass Gym Leader?"
Roty beeped affirmatively. "Btzz, btzz, correct. He oversees this region's agricultural restoration and the first official Gym in Galar."
Niyah grinned slowly. "Perfect. One more prank before we get there."
Mimikyu and Litwick exchanged delighted looks.
The trio crept along a stone fence, crouching low. Niyah whispered, "Okay. Let's spook him just a little. No fireballs this time, those are a bunch of grass types."
Litwick sighed dramatically. You take all the fun out of arson.'
"You'll get to play more at the gym battle. Just make it look… mystical."
Mimikyu shimmered and melted into Milo's shadow, while Litwick drifted behind the man's watering can. As he lifted it again, the clear water inside shimmered, then erupted in a cascade of tiny blue flames that spiraled like ghostly petals.
Milo froze, blinking. "...What in the world?"
Then Mimikyu tugged lightly on his shadow, making it flicker unnaturally across the dirt like it had a life of its own.
The Gossifleur squeaked and scattered, their flowers closing in panic. Milo turned sharply, scanning the field, but all he caught was the faint shimmer of a disappearing flame and the sound of distant laughter.
He frowned, scratching the back of his neck. "Strange… felt like a Pokémon's mischief. But ghost types shouldn't be around here… what kind of trainer would…?"
His gaze lingered on the road leading toward Turrfield. For a moment, he thought he saw a silhouette, a small figure with a floating light and a shadow that seemed too large for her body.
Then they were gone.
Milo knelt back down, gently calming his frightened Gossifleur. "Well," he said softly, smiling to himself, "if that's the kind of energy coming my way, looks like something new is coming to town."
—
By the time Niyah and her team reached the city limits, twilight had settled in. Turrfield stretched before them, a patchwork of vibrant green pastures, windmills, and stone cottages. The massive Gym Stadium loomed in the distance, glowing faintly under the lamplight.
Litwick hovered higher, looking around in awe. 'It's… so big and green.'
Mimikyu twitched excitedly. 'Think of all the people we can prank here!'
Roty let out a tired buzz. "Btzz, btzz, please no. For once, can we just check in without emotional damage to civilians?"
Niyah smiled, eyes sparkling with anticipation. "No promises."
The cool evening wind brushed through her hair as she stepped forward, her team close behind. The laughter of the day still lingered in the air, blending with the hum of windmills and the whisper of grass.
Tomorrow, the real challenge would begin.
But tonight, they'd made it here to rest.
—
The warm glow of the Turrfield Pokémon Center greeted Niyah as she stepped through the doors. The faint hum of machines and the soft chirps of resting Pokémon filled the air. Nurse Joy, a cheerful woman with bright pink hair and kind eyes, looked up from her desk with her ever-present smile.
"Hello there! You must be the new challenger registered under the name 'Niyah,' correct?" she said, her tone as gentle as a lullaby.
Niyah grinned. "Yup! That's me. I'm here to register for my Gym battle against Milo."
Nurse Joy nodded and tapped at the terminal on her counter. The screen glowed, projecting Niyah's Trainer ID, Pokémon data, and the shiny new endorsement that had been quietly circulating through Galar's trainer system.
"Well, everything looks to be in order," Joy said pleasantly. "Your battle is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM sharp. Please make sure you arrive on time, Gym Leader Milo values punctuality."
Niyah nodded firmly. "I'll be there. No worries."
The nurse hesitated a moment, then added softly, "It's quite impressive for someone your age to earn an endorsement so soon. But don't feel bad if you don't win right away, okay? Milo's been doing this for years, he's known for his calm but strong battle style."
Niyah's smile didn't falter, her violet eyes sparkled with quiet confidence. "Losing isn't even on my radar."
Nurse Joy blinked, then chuckled lightly. "Well, I admire your spirit. Rest up and be sure your team's in top shape."
"Always," Niyah said, turning with a wave. Mimikyu peeked out from her shadow with a muffled giggle, while Litwick hovered close, his flame flickering happily.
As the automatic doors slid shut behind them, Nurse Joy sighed softly, glancing at her terminal.
On the glowing screen, Niyah's profile was now marked with:
Trainer Endorsement Verified — Dynamax Band Detected (Unregistered).
Recent Activity: Unrecorded Energy Signatures — Wedgehurst → Route 2.
Joy tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Such an unusual little trainer… I hope she's ready for what's coming."
—
Outside, the sun began to dip low across the grassy plains. Niyah stood in a cozy on the Pokémon Center's top floor, the same jingle that always played brushed past her ears.
Litwick floated lazily nearby, flame dancing bright, while Mimikyu sat cross-legged in the grass, doodling a crooked heart on the wall with a shadow.
As Niyah stretched, her Rotom Dex buzzed to life, flashing a new message in glowing blue text.
[System Notification: Quest Activated]
Objective: Defeat Your First Gym Battle
Reward: Box Full of Max Friendship PokéPuffs + Rotom Dex Upgrade — Infinite PC Storage
Penalty: None
Time Limit: 14 Hours
Accept / Decline
Niyah's eyes went wide, then a grin spread across her face. "Oh ho! Now that's a reward!"
Litwick tilted his head. 'PokéPuffs?'
"Yep!" Niyah said, spinning the Dex toward her. "These ones are special, they boost friendship super fast, perfect for when we find that Togepi we've been talking about."
Mimikyu's cloth twitched excitedly. 'A new teammate…!'
Roty floated higher, his usual mechanical hum replaced with an almost giddy buzz. "Btzz, finally! A Dex upgrade! Infinite PC storage means I can log every caught Pokémon without limits!"
Niyah laughed softly. "Guess we're all getting stronger in our own ways."
The sunset through the window painted her face in gold and rose hues. "Alright, guys. This is it. Our first real Gym Challenge. We've trained hard, we've learned from every battle, and tomorrow-" she clenched her fist, "-we're proving that we belong here."
Litwick flickered brighter. 'I say we make it look easy.'
Mimikyu nodded in agreement, her fake Pikachu face twitching up in determination. 'Milo won't know what hit him.'
Niyah pressed "Accept."
The system chimed brightly.
[System Notification: Quest Accepted - Good Luck Trainer]
Niyah dropped to her knees, rummaging through her bag until she pulled out nine tiny shimmering items, Rare Candies, glowing faintly with concentrated energy.
"Alright, you two. Let's get your levels up a bit before the big day."
Litwick's eyes sparkled. 'Oh, we're leveling up now?'
"Yup," she said, tossing four candies his way and another five to Mimikyu.
They both absorbed the energy instantly, glowing brightly as it surged through them.
Litwick's flame flared hotter for a moment, then steadied, pulsing rhythmically like a heartbeat. "Lit… wick!" he cried proudly.
Mimikyu's disguise shivered, her aura expanding as her shadow stretched wider, her power clearly heightened. She gave a sharp little nod, her voice echoing faintly in Niyah's mind. 'Stronger already.'
"Perfect," Niyah said, clapping her hands together. "Level twenty-five. That should give us a real edge tomorrow."
The town quieted as twilight settled. Nocturnal Pokémon chirped softly, and the distant hum of windmills filled the background. Niyah sat cross-legged on her bed, Roty hovering above as her makeshift holographic board displayed notes and diagrams.
"Okay," she began. "Milo's a Grass-type specialist. That means he'll rely heavily on moves like Razor Leaf, Leech Seed, and maybe even some status effects. Our main edge? Type advantage and strategy."
She pointed to Mimikyu's image. "Your Astonish–Shadow Sneak combo could throw him off-balance. Ghost-types aren't weak to Grass, so you can take some hits. But we'll need to keep your Disguise intact as long as possible."
Mimikyu nodded seriously. 'I'll be sneaky.'
"Litwick," she said, turning to her little candle Pokémon, "you've got the advantage here. But we can't underestimate endurance. You'll need to time your Acid Armor boosts carefully to survive longer bouts. Once your fire power peaks, Will-O-Wisp and Firespin will be our finishers."
Litwick gave a little salute with his tiny wax arm. 'Flame and focus. Got it.'
Roty hummed approvingly. "Btzz, btzz, well-optimized tactics. However, probability of victory remains at 68.7%. Recommend improvisational flexibility."
Niyah smirked. "When have I ever been predictable?"
They all laughed — Mimikyu's giggle high and eerie, Litwick's more like a crackling flame.
As night deepened, Niyah leaned back on the bed, watching the stars twinkle outside the window. "Tomorrow's the first step," she whispered. "After that… the sky's the limit."
Mimikyu curled up against her pillow, eyes glowing softly from under her disguise. Litwick dimmed his flame to a gentle glow, serving as their little nightlight.
"C'mon," Niyah murmured, standing and stretching. "Let's head to bed. We need to be rested and ready to win."
The calm hum of the town greeted them once more, a promise of the battle and adventure waiting at sunrise.
Tomorrow, Niyah would face her first Gym Leader.
And she intended to make sure he never forgot it.