Chapter 5 Beginner Battle
That night, Alice is cuddling Sobble, who is already asleep, while Gloria is playing games with Scorbunny. Alice says, "So Gloria, what are you going to do when you are traveling?"
Gloria says, "It is obvious. I am going to take part in the Galar League. But what about you? Are you going to take part in the league as well?"
Alice says, "I can also try it as well. You know... back when I was with Ash, we promised to become Pokemon Masters together. I am not going to change my goal, but I want to be friends with Pokemon and learn them all to become the Pokemon Master that we want to be."
Gloria says, "Sounds like you and Ash have a wonderful time back then...I am really envious. I hope I can be childhood friends with Ash as well, he would be a better friend compared to Hop."
"That's because he always teases you, right?" Alice asks with a sigh, and Gloria can only nod without her noticing.
In the room, Ash has been telling Hop, Mark, and Trenor about the adventures that he has gone through, Hop says, "Wow, you have been through 7 regions and I only have none. I really hope that I could be like you..."
"Yeah." Ash laughs. "But sometimes traveling is not only just winning badges, we have to enjoy being with our Pokemon."
"You're right about that. That's why we want to come along with you on this journey even though we are not going to take part in the Gym challenge." Mark says.
Trenor says, "Pokemon in Galar is mysterious. Considering that there are almost 900 species we can find here."
Ash says, "Almost 900? That sure is a lot of them..."
Hop nods and then he comes up with something, he asks, "And I know it is awkward to ask, but I want to know if you have any girls that you like?"
Ash starts to blush, then he says, "I don't know...but including Alice, I have a total of 4 girls in my mind that I couldn't forget. And the problem is that I don't how to choose them."
"Woah, four girls?" The boys are surprised at the number of people that has a crush on Ash. Mark says, "You sure are lucky, brother."
"Mark is right. Actually, I can tell that not only Alice, but Gloria also like you as well."
"What? But I just met her today." Ash says.
"Yeah, but she has been talking a lot about you, she treats you as her role model, she watches all your leagues, all your achievements, she learns them to become like you." Hop says.
"Eh..." Ash says. "Then what about you?"
Hop says, "Don't worry, to me, Gloria is a bossy sister to me since Leon is not always home, besides, teasing her a lot is fun as well."
"I see." Ash says. "Then it will be a big problem since I don't know how am I going to choose one of them..."
The next morning, the four trainers walk outside and see Leon. Leon says, "So, you spent the whole night with that new partner of yours, right? Hop? Alice? Gloria?"
"Yeah." Gloria says, "We are getting on all right, understanding one another, and even built up a bit of love."
Alice says, "And we have been best friends with our Starter Pokemon as well."
Leon smiles, then he turns to Ash, "So Ash, as the prince, do you have any words to say to the new trainers?"
Ash smiles and says, "Of course I do." He turns to Alice, Gloria, and Hop. "Believe in yourself and your Pokemon. If you trust in one another and carry on battling side by side long enough, then someday...you might even become worthy rivals for me and Leon, the Champions. Though Leon is the Unbeatable Champion, right?"
Leon says in a proud tone, "One ever since age 10."
Hop says, "Don't just look at Ash, Lee. I am the one who'll be coming to challenge you. If you think that Ash might be able to challenge you, then I guess he's my first rival."
Gloria says, "And me too."
Ash asks. "How about you? Alice? Since we are aiming to be Pokemon Masters together."
Alice says, "Yeah, but I want to be the kind of Pokemon Master that makes friends with Pokemon. I may take part in the League, but I want to learn some more."
"I see." Ash says. "It isn't a bad thing to do that."
"But I'm not planning to lose to Ash and miss out my only chance to beat the unbeatable Champion." Hop says.
Gloria says, "Hop, just having a Pokemon with you doesn't make you a real trainer, you know. Proper trainers raise their Pokemon to be first-rate in battle, too!"
"Oh, and you think you're worthy of calling yourself such a proper Trainer already? Gloria?" Hop retorts back as the argument is about to explode.
Ash says, "Cut it out, you two." Then the two look at him. "Let's see how you handle yourself in a battle. That is also a way to solve the argument."
Hop calms down and says, "You're right. Gloria, then let's have a battle."
"Don't think you have two Pokemon and I can't beat you." Gloria says.
Leon says, "Believe in your partner Pokemon! And care for them, too, with all your heart. Do those two things, and I'm certain you'll learn to choose moves that suit your Pokemon. And more importantly...to have a champion time battling with them!"
As the two of them go to the battlefield, Ash says, "Looks like everyone's on board, Pokemon and Trainers alike? Then let's do this!"
"I've watched every match that Lee's ever had! I've read every book and magazine he left behind at home, too! I know exactly what to do to win." Hop says.
Gloria smirks, "And the thing that I learned from Ash's battles is that to never give up until the end, and to think outside the box. So don't think I'll let you win this easily."
Alice says, "She really did watch a lot of your battles, Ash." Alice then notices Ash in deep thought, she asks, "Are you alright? Ash?"
"Oh, I am fine, Alice, I was just thinking some personal things." Ash says, trying to assuring her.
"Is that so..." Alice says, but she isn't fully convinced.
After sending out Wooloo, Hop says, "A Pokemon battle it is, then! I've got two partners with me!"
"Believe that I can just beat your two with just one." Gloria says with a smirk.
As Scorbunny hits Wooloo with the Tackle, it deals a lot of damage, Hop says, "No way, a critical move? What beginner's luck is that?"
"You'll see, Ember!" Gloria says as Wooloo is defeated.
"It's not over yet! I've added another trusty ally to the team." He sends out Grookey, and then he yells, "Branch Poke!"
As the branch pokes the Pokemon, its speed lowers. Gloria says, "Then I'll deal with Type advantage. Ember again!"
And then with the Grookey is fainted after a series of fire attacks.
"You beat my two Pokemon with your one? You and that Scorbunny are too much." Hop groans.
"Why thank you, and I told you that Ash may be rival to Leon." Gloria says.
"Well, you do know that we are here, right?" Ash says. "But congratulations on your win."
Gloria blushes a little and says, "Thank you."
"Well, that was a shock! Guess I know now know why Lee thought he should give you two Pokemon as well." Hop says.
"You and your Pokemon all fought hard." Leon says. "Made me almost want to let out Charizard and join in all the fun."
Ash says, "Me too." Then he says, "How about I get you all sorted." Ash says as he raises his hand, and then Grookey and Scorbunny are healed.
"Wow, what was that?" Hop asks.
"Aura." Ash says. "I uses some to heal them."
Leon says, "Ash, you've got real promise! In fact, I've got a favor to ask you...be a real rival to Alice, Hop, and Gloria, would you? Push them, and make all of you stronger."
Ash smiles, "I can do that."
Hop says, "I already want to get stronger and stronger! You see me battle now, Lee, Ash, so come on-you've gotta let me take on the Pokemon Gyms!"
"You? Join the Gym Challenge?" Leon laughs. "You think you're ready for the single greatest competition in the Galar Region? Not putting the cart before the Rapidash there, Little Brother? Is that's really what you want to do, you have a whole lot you need to learn about Pokemon."
He turns to Gloria, "Especially you, Alice and Hop. Before you think about getting Gym Badges, best to think about getting a Pokedex. A trainer's Pokedex helps them learn lots of things about all the Pokemon out there, including their strengths."
"But there is more than just a collection of data, you know. It's a record of a Trainer's love and passion for Pokemon training." Ash says.
"Right, right, we get it...Pokedexes, then! We're on it!" Hop says.
"Looks like it's off to the Pokemon Research Lab for us." Gloria says.
"That's the kind of enthusiasm a Trainer needs! I'll let the Professor know to expect you four." Leon says.
"I am going to be the next Champion, so completing a simple Pokedex will be nothing! Just another page in the tale of my legend." Hop says.
Gloria says, "Well, I have to go tell my mom that I'm going out, though."
Hop says, "I'll go with you." Then the two of them leave. Ash says, "Alice, why don't we have our battle to wait for them?"
"You're on." Alice smiles.
Back with Hop and Gloria, Hop asks, "So Gloria, I want to know, the way you acted when Ash is talking about Alice, you must be really jealous, right?"
Gloria glares him and says, "Why do you think so?"
"Because it is obvious, that's why." Hop says, "Though you may have a competition with Alice, but I hope that you won't break up as friends because of it."
Gloria sighs and says, "You're right." Just then, they hear a sound and Hop says, "Gloria, did you hear that just now?"
"Yeah." Gloria says as they rush towards the house, and they see the fence gate break open.
"The gate is open, and the Wooloo it was there..." Hop says.
"It was tackling the fence pretty hard earlier. You don't think it actually broke through there..." Gloria says.
"But it's off-limits. Nobody's supposed to go in there! I remember the professor's granddaughter went in once, and she came back in a real state...and that was nothing compared to the earful she got from the professor afterward."
Gloria says, "But if I learned something from Ash, is that even though it is dangerous, we still have to save the Wooloo."
"Right, even if we're not supposed to, this is the kind of scene where you simply have to do what's needed. I hope we are ready for everything." Hop says as he rushes into the woods with Gloria following behind.
I'll stop the chapter right here, and the next chapter will be the start of the journey. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash's Pokemon: Bulbasaur, Charizard, Squirtle, Butterfree (2:1 Pink), Pidgeot, Pikachu, Primeape, Muk, Gengar, Kingler, Tauros (30), Lapras (2), Snorlax, Bayleef, Quilava, Totodile, Noctowl (S), Heracross, Donphan, Larvitar, Tyranitar, Sceptile, Swellow, Torkoal, Corphish, Glalie, Torterra, Infernape, Staraptor, Buizel, Gible, Gliscor, Snivy, Pignite, Oshawott, Unfezant, Boldore, Palpitoad, Leavanny, Krookodile, Scraggy, Greninja, Talonflame, Hawlucha, Goodra, Noivern, Rowlet, Incineroar, Lycanroc (Dusk), Naganadel, Melmetal
Mark's Pokemon:
Trenor's Pokemon:
Gloria's Pokemon: Scorbunny
Alice's Pokemon: Sobble