Chapter 9 Wishing Stars

Now everyone is outside of Professor Magnolia's house because of the battle. Gloria sends out Chewtle and Hop sends out Wooloo. Ash sends out Grookey and Alice sends out Sobble. Professor Magnolia also comes outside, since she is also interested in the battle.

"Listen you three." Leon says. "The reason I'm unbeatable is that I learn from every battle I see or take part in. That is how I've gotten to where I am today. So show me something good in this battle."

Then the battle starts as Sobble uses Water Gun, but Wooloo uses Cotton Guard to block it, and then Grookey uses Branch Poke on Chewtle, Chewtle is hurt, but it does land a bite on the monkey. In the end, the two Pokemon faint. So Gloria sends out Scorbunny while Hop uses Grookey. Ash uses Rookidee and Alice uses Yamper this time. And the two Pokemon are much tougher than the others can handle as they faint.

"Oof! Gutted that I lost..." Hop says.

"But I'd expect nothing less from Ash and Alice together." Gloria sighs.

"Thank you, Ash. We won." Alice gives Ash a high five, and Ash also does the same.

"But I even got my Poke Ball to throw perfect, too." Hop sighs. "The sting of defeat and the joy of victory. I guess going through both is the key to all of us getting stronger, right?"

Leon claps his hands and says, "Well, after seeing a match like that one...I suppose I've little choice but to give you both an endorsement as Champion." Then he gives two letters for each Gloria and Hop. And Delia decides to endorse Alice with Ash.

"Yes, thanks, Lee! I am going to win my way through the Gym Challenge to reach you!"

Delia says, "You may both be young still, and plenty rough around the edges, but it was a proper battle."

Ash says, "Indeed, Pikachu and I were both feeling the excitement in every last cell in our bodies."

Alice sighs, "That sounds so like Ash, but I also enjoy it as well."

Mark, Trenor, Dawn, Serena, and Lillie say, "Agreed."

"Hop, you've always tended to get caught up in things like how you throw your Pokeball out...Things that have nothing to do with real strength. Honestly, I'd been worried about you still obsessing over that sort of nonsense, but it seems like you have grown a little bit, little brother. And I'd like to see some more thrilling Pokemon battles out of you, too. Ash, Alice, Gloria." Leon says.

"All right, Ash, Alice Gloria. You and I are going to train up against one another to aim for that Champion's title. That's the way of it when you've got a great rival! Just like you've got me, and I've got you." Hop says.

"Yeah." Gloria says.

Much to their surprise, they see seven shooting stars from the sky and Lillie asks, "Huh? What's that?"

Then the group rushes towards the ground and sees seven glowing items. Alice says, "Ash, guys, would you look at this? They are Wishing Stars!"

Ash says, "And there are nine of them, so we should take each one."

The other people nod as each of them gets a piece. Hop says, "With one of these, my Pokemon can Dynamax! They're gonna be massive! YES!"

Leon says, "Trust you to pull something like this. They say Wishing Stars fall down for those who have a true wish in their heart, you know."

"And I'll be the greatest trainer ever!" Hop says three times, much to the nine's surprise. "There, I've said it three times, so surely my wish will come true now, right?"

"Don't be silly, Hop." Magnolia laughs. "Those Wishing Stars are composed of a curious sort of rock containing unknown power... They are one of the most precious resources we have here in the Galar Region. But they won't do a thing for you in that state. Give them to me now, and I'll have you sorted."

Lillie says, "Professor, you've done heaps of research on the Dynamax phenomenon, haven't you? So it is possible that we will have the power to Dynamax our Pokemon, right?"

Alice says to Ash, "First we got to see the Pokemon in the Slumbering Weald, and now this... it really feels like we're getting caught up in the adventure of a lifetime."

"I agree." Ash smiles.

Delia says, "I do understand your excitement, but don't get carried away. You want to save your energy for tomorrow's journey."

"And seems I came back home right in time for all the excitement." They see Sonia walking towards them. "Hey, you lot, why not have some dinner. You must be hungry, right? I've been totally obsessed with making the latest trendy curries."

"Curries, you know, Curry is also popular in the Galar as well." Delia says to Ash.

Sonia notices Delia and says, "Oh my gosh, your highness, it is an honor to see you here at my home."

"Don't be too surprised, dear Sonia. I was here to ask something with your Grandma." Delia says.

Sonia thanks her as they go into the house for some curry.

The next morning, the group arrives at the kitchen where Delia and Sonia are helping cook curry. Hop stretches his arm and says, "It's morning at last! And time for our adventure to truly start."

"Indeed." Gloria says. "I can't wait to battle the gyms."

Magnolia says, "Good morning to you, young Challengers."

Sonia then puts the plate on the table as she asks, "So Ash, Alice, is it true that you really met some Pokemon you didn't recognize? Is there anything more you can tell me about it?"

"Er, well, there was a weird heavy fog, and then this even weirder Pokemon appeared... But we are so focused on the fainted Gloria and Hop, so we didn't see it clearly." Ash says

"A right fount of information you are." Delia says as she also puts the plate on the table. Gloria says, "Wait, the queen is cooking breakfast for us?"

Delia giggles, "Just because I am the queen doesn't mean that I can't cook for you."

Ash gives out a small smile and says, "Indeed, Mom's cooking is the best, won't you agree Mark, Trenor?"

"You bet, I really like Mom's cooking." Trenor says.

"So do I." Mark adds.

Alice says. "I also remembered how much I liked to eat Ms. Ketchum's cooking back when we were kids."

The four girls are very intrigued at how Ash is so close to Alice, but they didn't say anything as they have breakfast, once they are finished, Magnolia takes out 9 bands and says, "These are for you."

Then they take the band and slip it on their wrist. Ash says, "So we can now use Dynamax?"

"Yes, I made them by fitting the Wishing Stars you found last night into those bands." Magnolia says.

"Thanks, Professor, this looks beautiful." Serena says as they wear the bands on their wrists.

"It's just like the one Lee has on him, too." Hop says. "Now we can Dynamax our Pokemon as he does."

"My word, you don't waste any time, do you?" Magnolia sighs at Hop. "I think you'll find it's not so simple as all that. There are a number of conditions you must meet if you hope to have your Pokemon Dynamax and take on that gigantic form. Now don't be afraid to go all sorts of places and meet all sorts of Pokemon. That will help you fill out your Pokedex, too."

Delia says, "And now that you have your endorsements, you can go to the Motostoke. There will be an opening there."

Ash says, "And I will be going there fast. Thank you for everything, Mother."

Then the two of them share a hug, much to the warmth of the other 5 girls and two brothers, then they bid farewell as they leave the house.

Once they are back at Wedgehurst, Lillie says, "So the Gym Challenge will begin in Motostoke, huh? So, Ash, you are ready to win it, right?"

"Of course. This is the best opportunity to get into my next level." Ash says.

"Even if you might be the Champion of seven regions, I am pretty confident that I will beat you first." Gloria says. "And Hop as well."

"Don't think that you can beat me like last time." Hop says. Before they can get on the train, they hear a voice, "Not quite so fast, you two!"

They turn to see Hop's mother and Gloria's mother walking towards them. Gloria says, "What're you doing here, Mom?"

"I knew this day was coming since the moment you chose Grookey as a partner, darling." Hop's mom says to Hop.

"Professor Magnolia was kind enough to let us know that you two are setting out with your friends." Gloria's mom says. "So here - a little last gift to see you well set on your way. All the kit you'll need for camping!"

Both Hop and Gloria receive the Camping Kits, and Gloria's mother adds, "No matter what happens out there if you and your partner are together, I know you'll be fine."

"Thanks, Mom. And just think how lucky you are - mother to the first-ever pair of Champion brothers! because I'm certain to be the Champion next. You'll see!" Hop adds.

"Of course, you will be, darling. Anyway, do have fun and take care of yourselves." Hop's mother says. "You'll be welcome back home anytime!"

Hop turns to the others and says, "There are loads of trainers ahead of us, my excitement's running ahead of me even faster than that train can go."

"Isn't that really exaggerating?" Dawn asks.

"I can tell why he is this excited." Trenor chuckles.

Once they have their seats, Alice says, "You know, Motostoke is surrounded by a vast Wild Area. It is a real sight. There are all sorts of wild Pokemon just wandering about-everywhere you look! Plus, you can camp out, do a spot of fishing... I don't think I could ever get tired of it!"

"Me too." Ash says as he looks at the guide. "Just think about how many Pokemon we can find there...I'm getting fired up."

But just then, the train stops at the Wild Area as the passengers are confused. Ash decides to ask the captain.

"Excuse me, isn't this the Wild Area? What're we stopped here for?" Ash asks.

"Ah, Prince Ash. You see, I am sorry to tell you that the train is halted, due to a flock of Wooloo on the tracks."

"What's there to be sorry about? This is brilliant. The Wild Area is massive! There are loads of Pokemon to battle here! It is the best possible place to put together the greatest team." Ash says with a smile.

Then they go outside the station, they see a giant plain with a lot of Pokemon roaming around.

"Look at that..." Dawn says with amazement. "That's Motostoke, way off that way!"

"And between there and here are countless new Pokemon waiting to be met!" Mark says.

Sonia then comes and greets them, Gloria asks, "Sonia?"

"My gran gave me a proper earful, in her own way...'Those seven young trainers are setting out on a journey, but what are you doing with your life?'"

The nine wince at the tone, but Sonia says, "Ah...Never you mind that! Nothing to worry yourselves over! Besides, I'd been quite curious about the Pokemon you two met in the forest. I'd been thinking I should look into it, so the timing works out fine. If I discover something really huge, then maybe even Gran'll admit I've got some talent!"

"Yikes...Being an adult has got its own challenges, eh?" Hop says.

"I said you needn't worry about it! I'm glad to be on the road. Really! It's been ages. It'll be great fun to fish and camp and rough it outside again."

"Well, I am off to go stick my head in as many of those red glowing dens as I can find. I am going to battle the snot out of a bunch of Dynamax Pokemon and fill in another page in the tale of my legend!" Hop then leaves.

Alice sighs, "What cheek! Dynamax Pokemon are really on another level, you know!" She turns to Ash, "Maybe we had better Dynamax our Pokemon if we really need to take on opponents that strong."

"I agree." Ash says. "But how are we going to find the Dynamax Pokemon?"

Sonia says, "You'll find spots here and there in the Wild Area that emits a red beam of light. If you think you are up to it, check them out There'll be Dynamax Pokemon lurking inside. And I almost forgot, your mother asks me to give you this."

She takes out the box and gives it to Ash. "What is this?"

"This is the Pokemon Box Link. You can use it to exchange Pokemon in your party if you want to without going to the Pokemon Center." Sonia says.

"That is awesome, so I can train them all if I had this box. Thank you so much." Ash says while not forgetting to behave like a prince.

"That is great, so I can also train up with my 30 Wooloos as well." Alice says.

Serena says, "You sure are some sort of Wooloo magnet, right? Alice?"

"Yeah...just like you are Rhyhorn magnet as well." Alice says as they laugh. Then Sonia bids farewell to them as the group goes towards the Wild Area.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, everyone gets their own wishing stars. I hope you like this chapter and we will be doing some Wild Area explores in the next chapter.

Ash's New Pokemon: Grookey, Skwovet, Rookidee, Blipbug, Nickit, Wooloo, Chewtle, Yamper, Arrokuda, Zigzagoon (G)

Mark's Pokemon: Blaziken, Arrokuda

Trenor's Pokemon: Swampert

Alice's Pokemon: Butterfree (Pink), Sobble, Wooloo x30

Gloria's Pokemon: Purrloin, Scorbunny, Chewtle

Dawn's Pokemon: Buneary, Piplup, Quilava, Pachirisu, Mamoswine, Togekiss

Serena's Pokemon: Pancham, Braixen, Sylveon

Lillie's Pokemon: Magearna, Yamper, Vulpix (A)