Chapter Three - "The Greatest Honor"


Three days had passed since Aria and her mother spoke. It was amazing how little you could see of someone you live with when you're angry. Aria knew that her mother's over-protective behavior was mainly out of love, but it was manipulated by her resentment of her estranged husband. He had always been someone to allow things to happen. Letting nature take its course. Corrina was more of a control freak and because of that, if there was ever a chance for her to make an executive decision in something related to their daughter-she would.

But Aria was older now and was tired of being told what she could and couldn't do. From her mother and even Leon. She understood Hop's frustration easily because they were identical to her own that she hid better than Hop.

Since the fight between the two brothers, Leon left Postwick for a while to attend some meetings in Motostoke with the President of the Pokémon League, Mr. Rose and do some publicity events there as well before he came back to the small village. Hop was grounded for running away and his sentence? No Rotom phone, TV and for the next two days, he was only allowed to be outside from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Harsh.

Aria wasn't grounded. She hardly ever got punished for things-mostly because her mother and father weren't good disciplinarians. Plus, the majority of the time, there was no need to discipline their daughter. She had always been a good girl and followed the rules accordingly.


It was a bright Wednesday afternoon when Aria decided to head to Wedgehurst with Scorbunny to just get away from the tense nature of her home. Her mother had refused to acknowledge her daughter's presence and in doing so, it fueled Aria's resolve to make this adventure happen without Corrina or Leon's approval. But how? The only way to enter the Gym Challenge in Galar is through an endorsement letter and with Leon out, who of popular status could write one for her?

Scorbunny chirped happily through the town, taking in the delight of meeting new people and new Pokémon as they walked. He then suddenly squeaked extra loud and began running towards something in the far distance and as Aria followed she paused to watch her Pokémon run and jump into the arms of the Champion Leon.

"I didn't expect to see you here, Aria," said Leon.

"I could say the same about you. I thought you'd be back in Wyndon by now."

"Not yet. Meetings and a bunch of other boring stuff that has to get done." He said nonchalantly. Aria nodded and then spotted her favorite coffee shop was still open. She could've sworn that Mrs. Piper was going to close it down four years ago, but thank goodness she hadn't.

"Can we talk for a minute?" Aria asked. Leon nodded and followed her to the small coffee shop where they sat across from each other with a little red umbrella shading them from the harsh sunlight. Scorbunny bounced from Leon's grasp and back into Aria's comfortable embrace on her lap. Leon smiled.

"Looks like you and your partner are getting very comfortable with each other."

She petted the little rabbit's head and then scratched him behind the ears which made him purr in delight. "Can't seem to leave him alone-even for a minute. In fact, I really can't imagine what life was like without him."

"That's a good sign. Means that your bond with Scorbunny over time will continue to get stronger and stronger."

"Speaking of bonds-are you and Hop, okay?" She asked. The Champion nodded slowly.

"Apparently something you said to him in the forest helped him get a reality check. He understands my decision and has decided to wait a little longer before tackling the Gym Challenge."

Aria sighed, hoping that this wouldn't come off as rude as it felt. "Leon, I'm glad you and Hop are on good terms again, but you're wrong about this." The Champion quirked an eyebrow in confusion.

"About what?"

"Endorsing us for the Gym Challenge. Your reasoning is-to put it bluntly-selfish."

Now the Champion was taken aback and eyed this girl carefully. "And what makes you think that? I'm only looking out for the two of you. Now, I understand you're not old enough-"

"There's the problem right there." She interrupted. "You think we're children. That we don't understand anything about life and 'adult things'. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but we are seventeen years old now, not ten. We understand a lot of adult things now." She said calmly. Leon remained stoic.

"Like what?" He deadpanned.

Aria shot him a sarcastic look. "Like how stupid adults can be trying to 'protect us children from experiencing the real world'. Leon, we're ready. We understand what the Gym Challenge entails- all the trials to come, the wins, the losses and the experiences you gain from it all. We're more than ready to be apart of the world of a Gym Challenger now."

Leon shook his head. "Aria, just by you saying that shows me that you don't understand." He replied, shaking his head. "You will never know what it's like to be in that moment when it's just you and the strength that you and your Pokémon share is all that you have to keep you going. You can't understand that."

"You're right, Leon." She said nodding her head. "I can't understand what that feels like, but can you blame me?" She asked. Leon looked at her with confusion in his eyes.

"How can I expect to know what that feels like when everyone around me is preventing me from experiencing that? Isn't that part of the beauty of the journey in the Gym Challenge? To make those memories, have those experiences, make mistakes and learn from them all?"

Leon's eyes widened slightly before he closed them with a sigh. She was right. Absolutely right.

"I understand you just want to protect us. I understand wanting us to wait until we are ready to handle all the craziness that comes with being a trainer, but that's part of what being a trainer is! Having those crazy moments and still finding that strength to persevere. I mean honestly-what the hell is the point of giving us Pokémon if we can't properly show off their skills in the Gym Challenge?" She asked and then her tone turned more serious.

"I've watched your speeches and how so many times you've rambled on and on about wanting everyone to have a chance at partaking in the Gym Challenge for a long time. So tell me Champion of Galar, why would you of all people want to hold us back from experiencing that?" She finished. At first, Aria was nervous. Perhaps she had been too harsh with her words, but then out of nowhere, a booming echo of laughter erupted from the Champion and with a firm nod, he looked at Aria in the eye.

"You got me, Aria. You got me real good." He said with a goofy grin. "I've been foolish. The journey to becoming a Gym Challenger is a bumpy road, but I can't deny that experience from either one of you. No one should and for that I apologize. So to make amends for my own actions, I'll write an endorsement letter for both you and Hop. You have my word." He said sincerely. Relief and excitement flooded through Aria's body and gave her a surge of euphoria that made her arms and legs tingle with goosebumps. Leon could sense the relief and happiness emanating around her and grinned.

"Thank you, Leon. Truly. I know Hop will be super ecstatic about this." She smiled. The Champion nodded. "You both deserve it. You've waited long enough and it's about time we all stop treating you like kids." He said and gazed at Aria with a soft smile. "All grown up."


When the two returned to Postwick a while later, they told Hop of Leon's change of heart and he was over the moon about it! The Champion then told the two teens to head over to Pokémon Research Lab the next day to receive a Pokédex from Professor Magnolia first before Leon worked on the endorsement letters. Hop was too overwhelmed by this information and almost raced out of the house towards Wedgehurst, but Leon calmed him down and told him to wait until tomorrow because Professor Magnolia was out of town for today. Reluctantly, Hop waited until the next morning and was the first one to wake up and alert both Leon and Aria about going to the research lab.

Aria told her mother about her plans to meet Professor Magnolia and Leon's endorsement of them that morning, but Corrina was in no mood to listen to it. She remained adamant in making sure her daughter and everyone else knew how much she was against the Gym Challenge. And even though Leon and Hop weren't sure about Aria going forward with this without her mother's approval, the two brothers kept quiet about the situation. Mostly because they knew Aria would tell them both off if they said anything otherwise.

By 10 AM, Leon, Hop and Aria were off to Pokémon Research Lab, excitement painted on their cheeks as they entered the research lab.

Books were arranged everywhere inside. There wasn't a spot that didn't have a book filed in or a box of unopened books yet to be consumed by the reader. Even Leon enjoyed the sight.

"I've got to give it to Professor Magnolia. Everything here looks fascinating … from the books, to the research stations to the model experiments." He said more to himself. A small bark interrupted his thoughts and all three looked down to see a small chubby and happy little dog colored yellow, green and tan come up to Leon and barked happily.

"What is it today, Leon?" said a woman standing above them on the second tier of the building. She was strikingly beautiful! Luscious orange hair that curled to the side with sparkling green eyes and wore an open brown blazer with a green tank top, washed out jeans and green high tops. She had sunglasses planted on top of her hair that Aria realized was just an accessory and long neon green nails that matched her shirt.

"Looking for some other never-before-seen Pokémon? Or for once-did you finally come to see your oldest friend and favorite person in the whole world?" She said smirking and leaned a little over the railing to get a better look at the handsome Champion.

An uneasy feeling settled into Aria's stomach that she didn't like.

The woman then walked carefully down the steps and came up behind her little Pokémon, scratching him behind the ears.

Leon smiled. "Good to see you, Yamper … and Sonia."

"Wow, that's how you introduce me?" Sonia scoffed and rolled her eyes. Leon chuckled and then turned to the two teens to properly introduce his old friend.

"Hop. Aria. This is my oldest friend and former rival: Sonia. Now, what can I say about Sonia? Hmm ... ," He thought for a moment. "I like the way she cooks. Always made the best curries when we were on the road together and always managed to help me get to my destinations because I'm terrible with directions." He said with a chagrin smile. "Oh! And she's Professor Magnolia's newest assistant." Sonia smirked and placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze followed by a wink.

Another lurch of uneasiness happened in Aria's stomach.

"Hop and Aria are here to get a Pokédex so they can start their Gym Challenges. Help them out with that, will you?" said Leon.

Sonia scoffed and crossed her arms at Leon. "What do you think I am, Leon? Your personal monkey? I haven't seen you in ages and the first thing you do when you see me is give me work?" She rolled her eyes and turned to the teens. "If either of you have Rotom phones, hand them over. I can install the Pokédex feature in them so that they're always on standby."

"Awesome!" Hop exclaimed and gave her his phone. Reluctantly, Aria handed over her own while Hop ran to the other side of the room to gaze at the thousands of books. Aria remained still and watched Sonia and Leon's interaction.

"The least you could do is give me a call." said Sonia grumpily. Leon smiled softly and came up beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder and rubbed it gently. Aria swallowed thickly.

"You know how busy I am, Sonia. I try to call as much as I can, but being Champion is a-"

"I know all of that already, Leon." She hissed. After finishing with Hop's phone, Aria went to hand it to him while Sonia began on hers-all while keeping an ear on the conversation.

"But still-the least you can do is take me to dinner while you're here." Aria felt her body tense at the word 'dinner' and mentally scolded herself for getting all fidgety about Sonia and Leon. He was five years older for goodness sake! And in no way shape or form interested in a seventeen year old. Right?

"We can talk about that another time, Sonia." He said and then pressed his face into her hair briefly before moving away to pet Yamper.

"Alright! All finished!" said Sonia, happily handing the phone back to Aria. "Just so you both know, those Pokédexes are a gift from me and my gran. Leon already told her that you two were coming by today to get them and according to my watch, she should be here right about-"

"Is this fast enough, Sonia?" said an elderly woman with a cane and draped in a lab coat entering the lab. Immediately, Hop and Aria walk up to greet her.

"Gran!" said Sonia. "That was really fast!"

"Oh Sonia, my age is just a number. I'm still as swift as a Rapidash." Professor Magnolia chuckled and then eyes the two teens closely.

"Hmm …," she mumbled, scrutinizing both her guests before she smiled warmly. "Yes. I remember these faces. Young Hop and Aria. I do hope you remember me." She smiled.

"How could we forget, Professor Magnolia?" said Aria. "You were our teacher back in Pokémon Training School." The elderly woman smiled brightly.

"And the last time I heard, you were in Kalos, my dear. Though I am pleased to see you've returned home, Aria." She said and then turned to the young male. "And I see that Hop over here is practically bursting with excitement to begin this journey, yes?"

"Absolutely!" Hop fist-bumped the air.

"Professor Magnolia, how's the research on Dynamaxing coming along?" Leon asked. "Have you figured out all the tricks and secrets to it?"

"Oh heavens no, Leon." She replied. "There are still so many questions to be answered, but all in due time. Although, I was hoping that my granddaughter-," she paused eyeing Sonia deeply who just scoffed and turned away.

"Not this again, Gran." She muttered while the elderly shook her head.

"I trust that Sonia has given you both the Pokédex update in your Rotom phones, yes?" When both teens nodded, she smiled approvingly.

"Excellent. Now I only ask you to make sure you fill up those Pokédexes with so much data and use them to your benefit. They will help you understand other Pokémon's strengths, weaknesses and abilities as you roam through the Galar Region. Do make sure to keep me abreast of your findings."

"But before we let you run off," Leon interrupted followed by a groan from Hop. "My humble suggestion would be to have you both battle each other one more time so that I'm making sure that I'm giving ym sponsorship to two trainers whom I know can make it to the League." He said with a smirk. "So what's say you two? You up for it?"

Hop looked to Aria and gave her a firm nod and she returned. "You bet." They said in unison. With their minds set, Leon lead everyone to a patch of land on Route 2 where Aria and Hop could battle accordingly while giving a view big enough for Professor Magnolia, Sonia and himself. Hop was grinning ear to ear while Aria remained composed, as usual.

"Listen up, you two. The reason I'm unbeatable is because I learn from every battle I see or take part in. That's how I've gotten to where I am today. So show me something good in this battle and prove to me that you can learn and adapt with your partner like a real team!" Leon said with vigor.

Hop grinned at his opponent. "Well, Aria-it's time for my legend to begin! So give me everything you and Scorbunny have got!"

"Alright! Battle begin!" declared Leon. Both Hop and Aria took out their Pokéballs, tapped the middle button and let them enlarge in their hands. Hop was the first to reveal his Pokémon.

"Let's go! Wooloo!" He announced as the Pokémon emerged from the ball and burred at its opponent. Aria then revealed her choice.

"Take to the field, Scorbunny!" The fiery rabbit Pokémon emerged with a battle cry and landed on its feet, bouncing from one foot to the other at a fast pace.

"First move is all yours, Aria." said Hop.

"Fine by us! Scorbunny, let's start with Tackle!" She declared. Her partner squeaked in response and ran towards the fluffy Pokémon with all its might and collided head on, sending Wooloo to roll backwards.

"Counter that, with Tackle!" Hop commanded. Using the same motions, Wooloo landed a direct hit on Scorbunny that sent it skidding across the field back to Aria's side. Then, a white aura surrounded the Pokémon's body, indicating a new move. Immediately, Aria took her Rotom phone out and let her Pokédex examine Scorbunny, revealing the new move to be Quick Attack.

"Alright, sweetie-hit 'em hard with Quick Attack!" Aria ordered and watched as Scorbunny's body became fully surrounded in a white aura and then charged at Wooloo at such a fast pace and slammed itself into the fluffy Pokémon. Small smoke emitted from the impact and unfortunately-Wooloo fainted from the attack. Hop's eyes widened, but taking his loss, he returned Wooloo to its Pokéball.

"Great effort, Wooloo." He murmured to it. Leon smiled.

"Alright Aria, I see you're not messing around this time-so neither will I!" He said and then brought out his second Pokéball. "Let's go! Grookey!" The small green marsupial emerged from its containment and sent a confident squeak towards Scorbunny.

"Grookey is grass-type and battling a fire-type. This isn't going to end well for Hop." Sonia remarked. Professor Magnolia shook her head. "Type matches do play a role in battles Sonia, but I've seen countless trainers fight against the odds and come out victorious. Maybe Hop will too."

"We're going first! Grookey, use Branch Poke!" The green marsupial smirked and then twirled its trusty branch flawlessly before whacking Scorbunny harshly in the gut and sending it flying backwards towards a tree. Aria reacted quickly.

"Snap out it, sweetie! Use your feet to brace yourself against the tree!" She commanded. Scorbunny reacted in time to turn its body around and let its feet brace against the tree and push it forward back onto the field with no added damage from impact. Leon raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Well, would you look at that." He said to himself.

"Now, use Ember!" Scorbunny squeaked in compliance and then jumped up and did a small backflip mid-air before releasing an onslaught of embers towards Grookey.

"Dodge that, quick!" Hop commanded. Grookey moved out of the just in time and saved itself from a major burn. Aria smirked at Hop's concentration.

"Don't let that stop you, sweetie! Use Quick Attack!" Her partner raced forward with that same white aura again, but Hop was prepared for it.

"Counter that with Scratch!"

Grookey charged forward with white extended claws and clashed with Scorbunny, resulting in more smoke, but not enough to cause disruption. The two Pokémon jumped back from the collision panting a little, but full of adrenaline.

"Use Scratch again!" Hop ordered with Grookey complying with his command.

"Dodge it!" Aria said. Scorbunny jumped up mid-air again and smirked down at the confused Grookey.

"Ember!" Aria declared and Scorbunny followed his partner's order and released another ember attack that made contact with its opponents and caused the ground to erupt in smoke again.

"Grookey! Are you okay?!" Hop called out, but when the smoke cleared-the Pokémon was knocked out, which signified the battle's end.

"That's it! Aria wins!" The girl cheered and ran up to her partner, hugging him close and praising him for his courage and power. Hop sighed sadly, but put on a smile and ran over to his exhausted partner, holding him in his arms. Grookey looked down in defeat, but Hop shook his head.

"Don't feel bad, Grookey. You did incredible! Going against an opponent whose power is super effective against yours was a challenge, but you did your best. So thank you for lending me your strength, Grookey." The green marsupial smiled at his reassurance and nuzzled itself against Hop. Leon smiled proudly at his little brother.

"Hop. Aria." He said. "What you two just displayed was passion, perseverance and teamwork. All the traits needed to become a well-established trainer. Obviously, you both still have a lot to learn, but seeing your battle makes me confident that someday you'll both be strong enough to take me on and I can't wait until that day comes. So-" He paused, reached into his back pocket and revealing two envelopes with their names printed on them with the seal of the Pokémon League. "Here's your endorsement from the Champion of Galar. Make me proud, you two."

Hop started running around in circles like a madman, proclaiming that he wouldn't let his brother down and how much Leon didn't realize this truly meant to him. Aria … Aria was relieved that her dreams were finally becoming a reality.


Hope you all enjoyed!

The next chapter-we shall begin the journey!

Peace & Love

xGhostReaderx