Chapter Four - "The Adventure Begins"


After seven years of waiting, the adventure of a lifetime was finally going to begin today for Aria and Hop. Neither one of them could sleep last night and instead spent their evening and most of the morning packing their things for the long journey ahead.

After their battle at Route 2, Hop and Aria quickly rushed to the Trainer Boutique in Wedgehurst to buy proper traveling bags and camping gear. Leon departed with his managing crew soon after, but told the two teens that he would see them soon in Motostoke City. Professor Magnolia also alerted the two teens that she would see them off at the train station today with a special gift along with Flora.

Corrina was still heavily opposed to Aria's decision and even Flora couldn't bring her to come see her daughter off which was a true shame and Aria tried to not let it bother her.

Her mother's bitter mood was not going to stop the swelling eagerness she had.

Corrina was still asleep when Aria finished packing her clothes, food supplies and medicines she purchased from the PokéMart yesterday. Scorbunny carefully observed the entire packing process with wonder and glee and when she was done, Aria took her partner into her arms and quietly tiptoed down the hall to the front door.

Her immediate urge was to leave without saying anything. Why she should have to say anything at all since it was Corrina who was acting like a child, not her. But that wasn't in her nature and so-as quickly as possible, Aria wrote a small note for her mother left it on the dining table before departing for Wedgehurst.

The sun was at an all time high, but the wind chills were still reminding everyone that the winter season was still somewhat present. Thank goodness for her black wool jacket which made her feel as warm as a Wooloo. Hop was already at the station with Flora when she arrived.

"You made it!" said the young male. Aria snickered. "You thought I wouldn't come?"

"Well," Hop said, looking a little embarrassed. "I actually thought you'd change your mind because … you know, with everything going on with you and your mum." Aria sighed.

"My mum is my mum. I'll always love her, but … she can't control my life forever. Maybe we'll overcome this obstacle in due time and then again, maybe we won't. But the bottom line is that she made her choice a long time ago that training Pokémon wasn't for her. I made my decision seven years ago and I'm done compromising it for the gratification of others. This time, ... I'm moving in my own direction." She said firmly.

"Well look at you," said Flora with an intrigued look. "You sound just like your father when you talk like that."

"So I've been told." Aria grinned and then waved happily at Professor Magnolia making her way over to where they stood.

"Good thing these old bones got me here in time to give you two these," She said, handing over to small white wristbands with what looked to be a glowing purple substance inside.

"Are these what I think they are?!" said Hop excitedly. Professor Magnolia nodded.

"Yes, Hop. These are your Dynamax bands. I made them last night after finding two wishing stars in my backyard the other day. I figured if you both are ever going to beat Leon, you might as well learn how to Dynamax your Pokémon too."

"Totally sick, Professor!" Hop grinned widely like a Meowth. "My Pokémon will be Dynamaxing and on anyone who challenges us! You can bet on that!" Aria and Flora rolled their eyes while the elderly woman chuckled.

"Slow down, Hop. There are a few requirements you need to meet in order to Dynamax your Pokémon, like gaining battle energy. And Dynamaxing also comes with limitations such as you can only use it for three terms and you can only choose one Pokémon to inhabit this power during a battle. So my suggestion to you both is to be very strategic in how you use this power." The train then blew its horn as a final warning to anyone not yet boarded.

Flora smiled sadly and grabbed the two teens in a short hug.

"Be safe, you two. I know you won't always be traveling together but when you do, look out for one another. Alright?"

"Of course, Mum." said Hop.

"Take care of your Pokémon-and above all, have fun, young Trainers." Professor Magnolia winked. Then, with one last look-Hop and Aria ran into the station, purchased their tickets to Motostoke and boarded the train. Flora and Professor Magnolia stood there and watched as the train blows its horn again just before the huge vessel slowly began to pull away from the station.


Hundreds of trainers were seated all over the train along with a couple of adults riding towards their destinations, but Aria and Hop had a feeling that every teen in this train was going to Motostoke for the opening ceremony. Leon would be there too to welcome all the new challengers which excited Hop and quietly made Aria's heart flutter. The conductor alerted all passengers that the ride would be no longer than an hour to reach the city which was normal time in Galar. Aria let Scorbunny peer out the windows and watch nature moving quickly before his eyes, while she reclined slightly in their booth.

Hop was busy scrolling through the internet to watch Leon's newest interview at Motostoke yesterday. He always watched his brother's performances and interviews like the true fan he was, but Aria couldn't blame him. His brother was a huge inspiration in his decision to become a trainer all his life. And now that Leon has remained Champion of Galar for twelve straight years, Hop revered him as a hero.

Half an hour had gone by before the train slowed to a stop and blew its horn again, but when Hop looked outside, his face became full of confusion.

"This isn't Motostoke." He said with a questioning look that matched the expressions painted on all the other passengers. The conductor's voice then suddenly appeared on the speaker intercom.

"Good afternoon, passengers. We regret to inform you all that this train is making an emergency stop due to Wooloo flooding the tracks. Until the situation is resolved, this train will not be in service. However, we are not far away from the entrance to Motostoke City for anyone who is traveling there and help is on the way to alleviate this issue. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you all for your cooperation." said the conductor before hanging up the intercom phone.

Many of the passengers were now very disgruntled with the delay, but got off the train decided to wait outside and enjoy the views while others began their walk to the city. The trainers on board grabbed their gears and began walking into the wild area that separated this station from the city. Hop quickly grabbed his things and beckoned for Aria to follow him outside.

"Come on, sweetie." She said to her fiery partner as he hopped into her arms. Suddenly, Aria bumped into a girl leaving the train with a Rookidee on her shoulder. It was a small bird with blue, yellow and black feathers and striking red eyes that seemed to eye Scorbunny suspiciously. It's partner was a blonde haired girl with grey eyes and wearing a burgundy top, white jacket and a denim mini skirt with black thigh high boots. She scowled at Aria.

"What are you looking at?" She hissed. Aria raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything and brushed past the girl dismissively. She found Hop outside waiting at the gate entrance into the wild area where many trainers were already flocking into slowly.

"Isn't this great, Aria?" He said. "Because of the train delay we can actually spend some time here and rough it out and even build our teams! There's lots of strong Pokémon around these parts! I bet we'll find hundreds on top of thousands!" He said enthused. Aria giggled at his energetic attitude.

"It looks far from here to Motostoke, Hop." Aria said glancing her surroundings.

"A little, but I think we can make it and if not-we can camp out for the night! The opening ceremony isn't until tomorrow anyway." He shrugged.

"But Hop, all participating trainers have to register and get their assigned hotel rooms by tonight otherwise we won't get qualified." said Aria. Hop's face changed from invigoration into absolute fear!

"Crap! You're right! We've gotta get a move on!" He said, grabbing Aria's hand and ran into the open range of wilderness. Everyone roamed in the same direction for a while before going in separate directions to catch Pokémon, enjoy nature, take selfies and relax a bit before getting to Motostoke. Aria looked around and smiled at all the wild Pokémon roaming free and jolly through the fields.

"Hold on a second, Hop." She said, spotting a Pokémon nearby that seemingly caught her attention.

"What's up?" He asked, but then grinned soon after seeing her attention on a cute little Purrloin in the distance that was watching them. It's eyes were fixated on Aria's who gazed at the sneaky yet beautiful creature with a determined expression.

Scorbunny jumped out of her arms and squeaked at his partner confidently and when she nodded, Scorbunny turned all of his attention on the awaiting Purrloin. Hop stood a few steps back to give them space and watched with glee and wonder.

"Time for a new friend." Aria whispered to herself. "Scorbunny, jump and use Ember!" Aria commanded. The fiery rabbit compiled with a squeak and then somersaulted mid-air before spewing hundreds of embers heading towards the wild Purrloin. The sneaky Pokémon smirked and swiftly evaded the attack before charging forward with a fast paced Quick Attack that knocked the wind out of Scorbunny momentarily.

"You okay?" She asked her partner who nodded in response. The Purrloin eyed Scorbunny carefully and then jumped out of the tall grass landing a powerful Scratch across the Pokémon's body and sent him flying backwards.

"Don't give up. She might be fast, but we can out maneuver her." Aria said and then got an idea.

"Scorbunny! Quick Attack!" The Pokémon partner fueled with adrenaline coursing through its body charged once more at the Purrloin who jumped out of the way before the attack could make contact. Then, Purrloin countered with a Scratch and then Aria made her move.

"Jump!" She commanded. Scorbunny leaped into the air just in time to avoid more damage. "Now spin and use Ember!" Scorbunny smirked and twirled its body mid air and released a tornado of embers that trapped Purrloin in a fiery cage.

"Alright!" Hop cheered. "Keep it up, guys!"

The Purrloin growled lightly and then raced forward using another Quick Attack just as Scorbunny landed.

"Jump over it!" Scorbunny waited precisely for the right moment and leaped elegantly over the angry Purrloin and landed behind her gracefully.

"Go hard with Ember!" The Pokémon then released another round of sizzling embers that burned the wild Purrloin in the back and then blasted her face forward into the dirt. She struggled to stand and slumped to the ground weakly which alerted Aria to make the move and catch her.

"K, Purrloin-join my team! Go Pokéball!" She announced, throwing the red and white ball that stopped right above Purrloin and absorbed her body inside and closed with a snap. The Pokéball then wiggled around once … twice … thrice and then-click! Purrloin was captured.

Aria ran over to collect her new Pokémon and then released her from containment allowing the two to officially meet as trainer and Pokémon. Purrloin looked curiously at Aria who was smiling from ear to ear.

"Hi sweetie, my name's Aria." She said softly. "I'm going to be your trainer now-but more than that I want to be your friend. It'll take some time for you to get used to me and Scorbunny, but I promise, we're all going to have so much fun on this journey together." Purrloin purred in agreement and though was still a little wary because she didn't know Aria that well, she was willing to learn more about her trainer. The Rotom phone in Aria travel bag beeps continuously with two new messages: one from the Pokédex feature about Purrloin's abilities, strengths, moves and weaknesses while the other was from her mother. Aria chose not to look at the latter right now.

Hop rushed over and praised Aria and Scorbunny for their teamwork and her new Pokémon.

"Now we're even Aria! You have two Pokémon and I have two. But I'm definitely going to start building my team together after the opening ceremony tomorrow! Bet on that!" said Hop running towards the open field that paved the way towards the walls hiding the coal-fueled city.

Once they reached the gates, Aria and Hop followed all the other trainers who ran and walked up the long flight of stairs that lead into a whole new world inside-where people, Pokémon, stores, buildings were everything covered in mechanical designs that really cemented the city's name.

"Here we are," Hop breathed. "Motostoke City."

"It's incredibly … big." Aria mumbled in awe. "Much bigger than Postwick."

"You've never been here before?" Hop asked incredulously. "How can you call yourself a Galarian citizen and never have visited Motostoke City?" He teased. Aria smirked. "Look who's talking-I know you've never ventured out anywhere further than the Dust Bowl." She teased. Hop put his hands behind his head and shrugged.

"Whatever, the point is-we're here now and after tomorrow, we get to explore an entire region full of Pokémon and mysteries!" He smiled and then the unmistakable sound of belly rumbling interrupted his thoughts.

"Oh man, I forgot we didn't eat much after we left." Hop groaned, clutching his stomach dramatically. Aria peered around the area and spotted a little diner nearby where some other trainers were already heading for.

"Let's go get some lunch over there," she pointed. "I'm going to take Scorbunny and Purrloin to the Pokémon Center for any injuries first … and maybe do some shopping too."

Hop rolled his eyes. "Ugh. Girls. Well, while you do that-I'm going to check out some of the sights with Grookey for a bit. Text me when you're at the diner!" said Hop, running in the opposite direction towards who knows where.

Aria shook her head with a smile and headed over to the Pokémon Center and checked in Purrloin and Scorbunny. While the two were getting inspected and treated, Aria sat in the waiting room watching the news that showed-once again, Leon and his Charizard in the spotlight. Her phone buzzed again with another message from her mother. The curiosity finally settled and allowed Aria to peek at the messages, but they were not pleasant.

Mom: Leaving the house with just a note is just disgraceful young lady!

Mom: You should be ashamed!

Mom: Didn't even have the nerve to say goodbye to your own mother …

Aria narrowed her eyes and immediately sent two text back-to-back texts.

Aria: Disgraceful? You refused to talk to me for five days! You didn't even look at me once or even try to talk about this!

Aria: I left because you left me no choice! You want to keep controlling everything I do and I'm old enough to make my own decisions.

Then, feeling sympathetic she texted a more heartfelt message.

Aria: I didn't mean what I said to you that night after we went into Slumbering Weald. I was just angry.

Mom: I know that dear

Mom: But that doesn't change the fact that you ran away.

Aria sighed and put her phone away. Nurse Joy came out carrying Purrloin and Scorbunny both of which had happy energetic smiles.

"Here you go. They're both in complete perfect health. Although I would consider feeding your Scorbunny a few more snacks than usual too. Since his body mostly composed of fire, he burns the energy from his food out very quickly. You can purchase some more snacks from the PokéMart in the next room." smiled Nurse Joy.

Aria thanked her and put both Pokémon on the ground, allowing them to run towards the PokéMart and choose their snacks. Scorbunny ran so fast inside that he didn't see a Minccino walking by and knocked it over. Aria and Purrloin ran up to the two Pokémon and examined them.

"Are you two, okay?" She asked.

"Get away from her!" someone screeched, running over to the fallen Minccino and cuddling her into the trainer's arms. Aria then remembered seeing this girl earlier. The blonde girl from the train!

"Oh my darling! Did that vicious Pokémon hurt you?" The blonde girl cooed. Aria frowned.

"Vicious? Scorbunny just bumped into her. It was an accident." Aria defended. The girl whipped her head around and glared at her.

"Well, next time-why don't you think about investing in a better Pokéball or maybe a leash for that beast of yours?" She hissed.

Aria narrowed her eyes. "Why don't you buy one for yourself and let me know how it goes?"

"How dare you!" The blonde girl gasped. She scrutinized Aria and her small team of Pokémon for a seconf before turning on her heal and leaving the small store.

"What a piece of work." She muttered and then focused on getting those treats for her Pokémon. Afterwards, Aria went to the Galar Chic Boutique to shop for some new clothes. As much as she displayed tomboyish behavior, Aria was still very girly and enjoyed shopping just like any other girl. Purrloin seemed to enjoy it too, but Scorbunny just opted for returning into his Pokéball.

Boys.

Later on, she met up with Hop for lunch at around 1 PM at the Carkol Dine-Inn, much to Hop's relief. Immediately, he ordered a hot roast beef sandwich with a can of lemonade while Aria ordered a small bowl of fresh tomato soup and a turkey sandwich. The Pokémon were given some crunchy snacks and berries to munch on as well.

"I see someone had fun shopping." said Hop, eyeing the bags Aria had yet to sort through.

"Hey, unlike you: I can't keep wearing the same clothes everyday without washing them. I need to be fresh all the time, Hoppurt." She teased. The boy rolled his eyes and finished his huge sandwich. After lunch, the two continued on ahead towards the Motostoke Stadium where everyone was flocking to. A huge metal platform elevated all the potential Gym Challengers up to a higher level of the city where the stadium was located and down the streets were more views, a hotel and flags representing all the remaining stadiums throughout the Galar Region.

Hop and Aria went inside and groaned at seeing the line full of new trainers waiting to register themselves as official Gym Challengers in this year's annual Gym Challenge. The line moved by steadily and from the corner of her eye, Aria could see that same girl moving in tune with the second line adjacent to hers. Aria looked away before they made eye contact again.

Just as the line was finally coming up to the two teens, a boy dressed in an all-pink colored wool coat with platinum blonde hair and uninterested eyes, briskly walked past Hop making the latter stumble just a little.

"Jerk," Hop mumbled and then stepped forward with Aria.

"Welcome to Motostoke Stadium," the staff member introduced. "Do either of you have letters of endorsement?"

"We sure do!" said Hop who then slammed hi letter onto the counter while Aria handed her over to the receptionist.

"My oh my! Two endorsements from the Champion himself? He's never endorsed anyone before. Why now?"

Hop grinned. "Maybe because we're just that good."

"Oh stop it, Hop." Aria chuckled. The receptionist only took a few minutes to create their profiles. Then, he asked them for their I.D. pictures and both Hop and Aria used their Rotom phones to send a picture of their choosing to the computer. Then, the two were tasked with creating a special number for their Challenger uniforms which took only about ten seconds. After two more minutes went by, the profiles were completed and printed out for them.

"Alright. Congratulations to you both. You are now officially Gym Challengers." said the receptionist. "Here are your League Cards. Carry them with you always as they will act as your passes to enter each Gym and kept track of your badges that you win."

Aria smiled at hers and placed it in her bag.

"Also, you both have rooms selected for you at the Budew Drop-Inn down the street. A staff member will escort you both there. Take care and have a wonderful time here in Motostoke City." He said with a smile.

"Oh man! Can you believe it, Aria?!" said Hop, bouncing around with an abundance of energy. "We did it! We're officially Gym Challengers!"

"Then congrats are definitely in order for you two," said a familiar voice. They turned in time to see Leon walking over with Sonia trailing behind. Aria's heart sank a little but she remained courteous to her. The line of Challengers all gasped in excitement seeing the Champion standing here and then the eyes of envy and jealousy became apparent seeing Hop and Aria being the only ones to get greeted by him.

"Congratulations, little brother. I'm happy for you and excited for your journey that's soon to begin." said Leon with sincerity that made Hop tear up a little. Aria snickered. "Crybaby."

The Champion then walked over to Aria and gazed into her eyes.

"Congratulations to you too, Aria. I know you've been waiting for this moment for a long time and as Champion-"

"Of the Galar Region-blah blah blah." She mimicked. Leon raised an amused eyebrow and then boldly grasped her hand in his larger one. Aria tried to remain composed but the tingles she felt running through her fingers was insane!

"Alright, then how about this? As your sponsor and more importantly-as your friend, I know you are going to do great things in the future and I can't wait to see you grow stronger everyday." He said, squeezing her hand gently. She returned the gesture with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Leon." She whispered. The two shared eye contact for a good moment before Leon caught notice that their hands were still pressed together. He pulled away swiftly.

"Hey kiddos!" said Sonia. "Leon and I came just in time to congratulate your registration and thought we'd walk you make to your hotel."

"Sounds like a plan," said Hop running ahead.

"So what are you doing in Motostoke, Sonia?" Aria asked. She tried to make it sound like a genuine question, but it partially came off a little cold. Sonia didn't seem to notice.

"Running errands for Gran. After you guys left, I got an earful from her." She sighed. "'Those children are off travelling the region to become trainers and what are you doing with your life, Sonia?'"

"Ouch," said Leon. "That's pretty harsh."

"It's whatever, it's not like it's the first she's ever told me that. Anyways, she gave me the job of collecting information on the story of the legendary hero of Galar. Leon told Gran that you guys said you encountered something in Slumbering Weald."

"Yeah, a big red and blue Pokémon on all fours. But we passed out right after seeing it." Aria explained.

"Well, I went into Slumbering Weald and got nothing, so I did some research which brought me here to Motostoke where there's a statue I think in your hotel building that gives a brief history about the hero of Galar. I want to examine it really quick and jot some things down in my notes before I start interviewing the people around here." said Sonia. The four stopped right in front of the hotel that had a logo with the image of a Budew on it and Challengers already talking to the receptionist about room arrangements.

"You two should get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day. The first day of the competition and to your journeys." Leon advised.

"Definitely, big bro. I'm gearing up to start this she-bang already with Grookey and Wooloo and start building my team as soon as possible!" Hop replied.

"Good to hear that, Hop." Leon's eyes quietly averted to Aria's who just smiled and waved as the two teens left the Champion and Sonia to themselves. Aria caught Sonia grabbing hold of Leon's strong arm as they walked away together and felt her stomach tumble.

Stop it!, She scolded herself as they entered the building. After receiving their room information, Hop and Aria took the elevator upstairs to 15th floor where Hop was staying and then to the 17th floor for Aria. Her room was cozy and simple: one master bed, a big flatscreen TV, decent closet size and a gorgeous balcony view of the city and the wild areas from where they had come from.

She let Scorbunny and Purrloin roam around the room while she changed out of her clothes and into a pair of shorts and a tank top. A knock suddenly came upon her door and when she opened it, her body and mind went into full shock seeing the handsome Champion of Galar standing before her with his eyes slightly widened. The Champion was stunned. Seeing Aria-this little girl he had known as a baby-now had the body of a woman! Defined curves that extended from her thighs past her petite waist and up and around the swell of her breasts. He had to say something before this became more awkward than it already was.

"Sorry to bother you." He said hoarsely. Aria wanted to smirk so badly, knowing that she was definitely having an effect on him.

"You could never bother me, Leon." She smiled. "What's up?"

"I um …," He stuttered, fumbling for something in his pocket and then placed the small contained object in her hand. "It's charred wood from a Lakusa tree. I used Charizard's fire power to make some for your Scorbunny. If you make him any snacks or if he gets injured in battle, the charred wood will increase his firepower and increase his health. Lots of fire-type Pokémon use this. I thought you should have some too." He explained. Aria smiled again and felt the urge to hug him, but restrained herself. She was certain that he would only pull away.

"Thank you again, Leon. This is very thoughtful." She said softly. The Champion nodded with a small smile. "Well … I'll let you get some sleep. See you tomorrow." He said and then walked away down to the elevators. Once Aria closed the door, she sank down to the floor and sighed peacefully, knowing that for the rest of the night her mind she would think of him.

Champion Leon of Galar.


Hope you all enjoyed!

I just want to take this moment to say thank you to everyone who has reviewed, favored and followed this story. Honestly, it warms my heart that people are enjoying this story and are excited for what is to come. To those who have questions regarding the backstory of Aria and her family, all will be revealed in due time - trust me ;)

Thank you all for support!

Peace Love

xGhostReaderx