A man similar dressed to the last employees halted them. Asking for their trainer passes and caught pokémon. He nodded approvingly and stamped their passes. Wishing them good luck as he stepped aside to let them go up.

Unbelievable. Thara thought. Her home's staircase was already too much for her and now she was in front of this giant version of a staircase and a very steep one at that too.

Hop on the other hand seemed to have lost all his exhaustion with the rush of adrenaline his excitement gave him. He did not mind the stairs one bit and started running up. Just how much stamina does he have?! Nonetheless she decided to try and run them all up.

And once he reached the top, he was not even tired at all. No, he swung his arms up and took in the new city air. "This is the first time I enter through here," he said, "Man it sure looks different from here." Thara only barely made it there. Wanting to collapse there right on the spot. "Stop turning everything into a race" She complained under her breaths. Hop only laughed at her. "You are just lazy, mate. Too lazy for someone that planned on traveling." The girl straightened up as good as she could, but her legs were incredibly sore. "Wait you were here before?" Hop nodded. "I was in all cities at one point. Visiting Lee."

"Come on, we need to go to the local gym in order to get registered." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along. "Ow, ow, my legs won't make it until there!" The girl whined. Hop only shook his head. "Stop being so dramatic."

They mostly walked straight ahead. The town was busy with crowds of people gathered everywhere. Shopping, buying groceries. There were people with their coverknight taxi service shouting around trying to find someone that needed them.

The gym they needed to go to was higher above the ground. Hop came to a stop on a special contraption, Thara trailing behind him, barely standing. Behind them, the small gate closed, and he was typing something on a screen. Grinning at her still holding her arm. "Hang on. This could be a bit rough." Before Thara could do as he suggested the contraption moved and spun them upwards. Similar to a Ferris wheel only faster. Thara was not too pleased by it and it made her feel a little bit dizzy, but at least they did not need to go up any more stairs.

The gym was right in front. Giant and amazing. They had seen it on TV many times but in person, it was even bigger than what they imagined. How many people would be in there watching them? The place in front was very busy. People were selling merchandise for the upcoming event others were buying tickets to get a seat for the opening ceremony and many were watching different street performances. It was amazing. The atmosphere was so captivating. It made Thara stare in awe. Her first time in Motostoke and it was already starting well. Except for one thing.

Going to the entrance they received blank uniforms and were instructed to go in and place them on the counter and decide a number to choose from. As long as it was an available one, they would receive them.

There were still many trainers inside. Chatting and laughing and all that. it was the before atmosphere. Where everything was still fine and nothing of the pressure real yet. By tomorrow they will all see each other as rivals and foes that needed to be defeated. Soon the competition would start.

They were literally the last ones to sign in. On their way to the counter, a boy with white hair and a weirdly long purplish-pink jacket was finished with his business and walked past them. Though he bumped against Hop making him drop his uniform. Was it on purpose? They let it slide, for now, there were more important things to do.

They placed their uniforms on the counter and presented the endorsement letters and their stamped passes. The employee made a comment on how they were the ones endorsed by Leon, since they were so late, he thought it was just a rumor. Luckily not many people paid too much attention so it was not too awkward for them.

"Please enter your preferred number."

Hop thought about his number beforehand and quickly wrote 189 down. Thara did not and therefore under pressure wrote done 111. The employee neutrally noted them down. Hop laughed, how uncreative she was and earned a punch in his guts. It was worth it.

.

After a ten-minute walk, they reached the nearby hotel, specifically reserved for challengers, and met Sonia there. Admiring a statue of a warrior. With both his sword and shield. She offered them a little background on that but Thara passed the offer. Not wanting anything other than her room and go to bed. Sonia pouted but there was not much else to do when they heard a huge commotion from the counter.

People up there before the counter were fighting each other. Instead of staying behind the teenagers went up to check on the matter. There were punks, hindering challengers to check-in.

Thara could not take this. She needed her hotel room and she needed it now. "Hey! Ugly punks! Shove it we need to go to our rooms!"

Said punks turned to look at her displeased. "Wat'cha say?!" They started surrounding them. On watchers were nervous fearing the situation to escalate any minute. They were bigger than her and some heavy looking. Black outfits and faces painted in ridiculous pink color. They had a banner with them with a girl's picture printed on it. Thara recognized her. She saw her earlier in the gym.

The punks were ready to release their Pokémon for a battle. So instinctively Thara took hers out. "Trying to sneak some training in huh?" commented Hop with enthusiasm. "I am in!" Three against one it would be. But Hop joined her.

Just when they were about to start one of the staff members shot up from her seat. "Oh no! You won't" She yelled. Making everybody wince. "No Pokémon battles indoors!"

Thara did not want to listen. These people have some nerves. But Hop put his Pokeballs away and sighed. For the better. They cannot risk getting kicked out. So, she did too.

But the punks were not going to stop anytime soon. They were not challengers so they would not keep to any rules. That was for sure.

"Enough!"

Behind them appeared the same girl on the banners. Looking annoyed at her punks. "What are you lot doin' here?!"

"Marnie! We're just supportin' you!"

Marnie shook her head. "there's no need. All you doin' is disturbing other challengers."

She addressed the others in the room. "Sorry bout that."

"But Marnie?!"

"Come one you lot! Back home with you!"

They were not happy but listened, nonetheless. The other challenger gladly moved to check-in. However, they were not pleased with Marnie too much. She did not seem to care. She paid attention to Thara and Hop.
"Sorry. They're just so caught up with wantin' to support me and all that they tend to get a bit shirty with people"

Thara was not satisfied with her apology but there was no reason to keep nagging on this topic. Hop on the other hand was smiling brightly at her. Folding his arms behind his head. "So, you're a challenger too?" he said. Looking into the directions the so-called Team Yell ran into. "They're troublesome, but it is really cool how you already havin' a fan club."

He smiled kindly at Marnie. Typical Hop. He never got mad over something. At least Thara has never witnessed him getting mad. Marnie had a surprised expression on her face. She must have expected them to be rude and tell her off. Tell her to keep her fans in check, but here she was faced with someone kind of admiring her for having fans this early on. It felt nice. She smiled back at Hop. A small and soft smile.

The mood between them got weird to Thara. She felt kind of left out on something that was just about the other two. Since both had barely any other person around to hang up with or interact much, she was not used to such a scenario. Feeling something weird inside her looked at them both with narrowed eyes. "Guess, I'll be leavin' then." With that, Marnie went to the reception and got a key for her room. Disappearing into the elevator soon after.

Thara moved to the counter and finally got her keys.

.

"So, tomorrow is the day," Hop said, absent-mindedly thinking about the next day. Thara nodded.

And it could not have come sooner:

Attending the opening ceremony was an obligation. One would be disqualified if not. And it was early morning on top of that too, but the purpose was to give an announcement and start right after. Each year it had been like that. The ceremony itself started at 9 am but they needed to be in there by 7. Registering all the challengers takes a while and some other preparations had to be done too.

The gym was packed. Too full. People were picking up their uniforms and lining up to get to the locker rooms.

.

Once dressed they needed to wait until the staff members gave them the sign to enter. Thara was waiting there in a room filled with girls she did not know. Neither wanted to know. She threw an irritated look every once in a while, at Marnie. But that was all. However, Thara heard the other girls talk about her. That she was endorsed by champion Leon. Ugh. Someone must have recognized Hop as his brother, she heard some people say that yesterday. Or maybe there were people listening when the macros cosmos employee yesterday shouted out in surprise at the look of their endorsement. So much about staying unnoticed!

Were they amazed? Probably not. They sounded more or less jealous. Boy, what did she get herself into? One of them even talked about Hop. That Thara would obviously make friends with him since he is champion Leon's brother.

Honestly, she could not care less. Other than most people in their region she never thought much about their ever so amazing champion even less so after meeting him. Maybe it was partially true that she had tried to benefit in a friendship with Hop to get at least an endorsement, but that had mostly been forgotten in the past few months. She'd never tell him, but she did enjoy their time together.

.

The screen in front was switched on and they saw Chairman Rose standing on the pitch.

Like each year he would start the announcement. How the gym challenge would be held every 2 years and what rules the challengers have to go by. It was all stuff she heard too many times, but once he was starting to introduce the Gym Leaders everyone started to get hyped.

"And without further ado, I want to introduce Galar's brightest, most skilled trainers. And our greatest pride. So please challenger pay attention because these people will be the obstacles you need to overcome to face off our Champion!"

With his hand, he gestured to one entrance to the pitch. There was silence. The challengers around her holding their breath in anticipation. Even Thara herself was too excited. These were people she mostly saw on TV and now they will be in front of her. On the same pitch.

Her mind stormed with thoughts and doubts as they all walked in. Milo the grass-type leader, Nessa with her water pokémon, Kabu the fire gym leader. They were the first obstacle to overcome. Though for a change this year they will have a ghost-type gym instead of a fighting type. The young boy wore a mask but judging from his height he looked even younger than her. Must be a talented boy. Another change was that Melony returned with her ice-typing. Opal the fairy gym leader and last was Raihan the dragon-tamer.

As I watched them all on screen, I still could not believe myself. Before I knew I was not only taking the entrance exam for the Gym Challenge, but I had passed and reached Motostoke. Still, I cannot stop the doubt. I was not good and honestly, I have no idea what Leon even was thinking when he endorsed me. I am not motivated neither passionate like Hop.

I could not get enough sleep last night. Not when thinking about the fact that I would be on TV. That thousands of people would be watching me, not only in the arena but the rest of Galar. I mean we will only be introduced but still. I wonder how Hop managed through the night.

I just did not feel like I deserve to be here.

.

Thara had made her way down the hall and came to a halt only a few steps before the pitch. She could already hear the loud cheering of the audience. Chairman Rose could with simple words quiet them down and have all the attention. He was building up a huge hype around the newcomer and phrasing his expectations. Thara felt the rising pressure on her when Rose was starting to tell what they had gone through to be endorsed and even mentioning how they got two special ones endorsed by the champ himself. She started sweating. Of course, they all would make a huge deal out of them, Leon delivered the huge expectations they all had for him, naturally, they would think the same of them. In the end, it was not a smart idea to go that route. She should have accepted her humiliation back at home and just given up.

The blackhead observed her behavior, silently without anything to say to her. Marnie didn't seem to be nervous at all, keeping her cool and walking past Thara. Ever so calmly. "Hey, yer already freakin' out?" Her eyes were dark. Thara could not tell if she was either mocking her or challenging her but for sure: she was provoking the girl. She was seeing Thara as a weak person. And walked into the arena as if it was nothing. Thara did not like her at all. That attitude, that provoking demeanor. She would not let herself be trash-talked like that. With a deep breath, she straightened herself and walked into the arena, with as much confidence as she could. The moment she was in, pressure nearly crushed her deep into the ground. Never ever had she been in front of so many eyes.

.

Hop's POV

He was ready to go. He had been ready for a long while, he could not wait anymore. Come on! He thought. Call us in! Hop was easily impatient but what was the problem was that he never realizes what he does when it comes to that. He would start humming or generally do weird sounds. Sometimes they were quiet but oftentimes they would be loud. Too loud for people around him and they would get annoyed. Sometimes he would start moving on the spot, like doing small jumps or walking up and down. He never realizes when he starts or for how long he did it, he would only be aware of it when people told him to be quiet. As a kid he would feel embarrassed and sit down, facing the floor. With his shoulders arched up. Nowadays he would just laugh it off and apologize for annoying them. Just like now. He went to sit down and not let any nervousness be seen on his face. He needed to stay cheery.

"Somebody is pretty excited, no?"

A boy stood in front of him. He had curly dark-brown hair almost shoulder-length. His eyes were a yellowish-brown color and contrasted nicely against his dark brown hair. Light peachy skin and a friendly smile plastered across his face. "Well, I've waited long enough for this," Hop replied. He laughed nervously not really sure what to say. The boy still smiled. "Yeah, I'm super excited too." He stretched out his hand, "I am Masaru, nice to meet you."

Hop took the offer and shook his hand. "I am Hop, nice to meet you mate." And then Masaru sat down next to him and they talked. They talked a lot and passed time like that. Masaru was kind and shared a lot of interests with Hop. For the first time, he had made a proper friend aside from Thara. Though she was a girl and did not share too many interests with him.

.

Before he knew it, they had to be ready to enter. Hop had to control himself to not just race into the arena and make a fool out of him. He wanted to be confident about it all. He wanted to stride in strong and proud to show everyone how confident he is. To show his brother that he can do it but the voice in the back of his head would not disappear. A voice full of nervousness and doubt. A voice that told him to turn around and run before it was too late. Before he would make a fool out of him. A voice that told him he would not succeed and give up.

He had that voice in him for the longest time now. No matter what he did it would not go away. No matter how much confidence he put on, no matter how many times he told himself that it will be fine, it will not get any better. He started sweating and his steps became slower the closer the entrance came. Masaru realized it. He had a worrisome look in his eyes. He was confused about what happened all of a sudden. He looked in front and then back at Hop. His hand moved up to Hop's shoulder pulling the teen out of his thoughts. "Don't worry" he said, "I am nervous too. We'll manage. Come on buddy."

Hop smiled, it was relieving to know that someone would understand him but still, he cannot be too obvious. "What're ya talking mate" he replied, gently pushing Masaru's hand down, "I ain't nervous, just super excited." And he rushed forward. Masaru shook his head, "If you say so."

.

Entering the pitch was just like Hop had imagined it. Crushing pressure made his movements harder and harder. A wide grin stuck on his face, so wide that it started hurting. Yet the adrenaline rushed fast and overwhelmed anything else he could have felt. It was strong enough to keep him moving forward to Chairman Rose. And it got even stronger when he heard his name announcement.

Though from the corner of his eye he spotted an orange head in the crowd and unwillingly turned to look at it. Sonia had managed to find a place in the very first row and cheered him on so loud that he could clearly hear her voice. She was calling out to him how cute he looked in his uniform and he could not do anything to prevent the heat rushing through his face. Turning him red and distracting him enough that he tripped. Over his own feet. He tripped! In front of a huge crowd. Yet his face never met the ground. Luckily but confusing at the same time. Masaru grabbed him by his arm. "No tripping here, it will be embarrassing."

Thank god for Masaru to be here. Hop could not thank the other teen enough, but his face was now a much deeper shade of red. One more look to Sonia and her smirking face made it all obvious. She did that on purpose.

They lined up in front of Chairman Rose and the seven gym leaders. One was missing due to 'personal' reasons but by now that was no surprise. Gym Leader Piers rarely appeared on TV.

Thara looked around her. Now that they were all on the pitch, she could take a look at the boys. The ones she got into a fight with a few months back, were not here. They never made it here. Did they drop out? But Thara could not think too much of that since her eyes fell upon the boy next to Hop. His eyes almost immediately fell on her. For a second, they were motionless and expressionless taking in the sight of the other person and when it clicked in, they both had a look of disgust on their face. "What the..."

"Now please, line up!" Roses' voice was loud and distracting. While still recovering from the shock they still lined up as they were asked and not even too far away from each other. Hop noticed their behavior with confusion. Must ask them later.

There were many new faces here to see, Marnie stood next to him and when their eyes met the purple-haired boy smiled at her and waved her a hello. She replied with a nod. Not too far from them was the white-haired guy that rudely ran into Hop. He dismissed it thinking it was not on purpose but with that look on his face. This guy clearly seemed to have an issue with Hop.

.

The gym leaders were relaxed and examined their challengers. One by one they got an idea of what they might face and probably are trying to guess who the two could be that were endorsed by Leon. Though Thara wondered, being the champion's brother, Hop must have at least once before met them in person, they should know of him being one. But that meant they will be only the more excited to see what the other one can do. Thara really started regretting her decision to be here.

They all lined up in front of the gym leaders. There had to be at least around a hundred of them. So many people made it through the wild area, huh? Thara was amazed considering the trouble she and Hop had already starting off. Though that was just the beginning. They will have to go there again when they need to reach Hammerlock. She looked around. Hop waved at her once their eyes met and gave her a thumbs up. Thara smiled at him nodding approvingly but immediately glared at Masaru.

We were all there lined up and letting all of Galar know we are here. We were surrounded by people having the same goal as we did, the same destination. We were all here to become champion and while all the people here had their own reasons the aim was the same.

While I never meant to be here I for sure won't go down easy. Just like their burning eyes said it, so did mine. Everyone had only one thing on their mind.

.

I will become champion!

.

And it ended with the Chairman wishing them good luck.

.

Thara rushed back into the locker room and quickly changed. She threw everything she had in her back, messy and unorganized, and closed it. One more look at her locker and on the ground and she was sure not to have missed anything. She surely made a weird expression on the other girls and made them wonder what got her so riled up, but the redhead could not care less. There were important things to do.

She tipped a message on her phone and sent it off. Not waiting for any reply, she rushed outside into the hall. It was full of employees and challengers. They were relaxing and chatting. Having the calm before the storm. Thara let her eyes wander around and saw Hop and Masaru coming in. immediately she shot them a glare.

Masaru gave that right back. Hop felt left out with all the confusion he had. "Do you guys know each other?"

"Well yes," said Masaru not breaking eye contact. "And I am surprised to see you here." Thara walked up to him both standing close to each other and glaring even more. "Same goes for you, weren't you supposed to study or something?"

Study? Hop wondered. He remembered that was one thing mentioned when he asked her about her family. "Wait! Is he your brother!?"

"Unfortunately, yes. And I need to talk to him alone."

Thara gestured towards the exit and started walking ahead. There was no point for Masaru to refuse as he wanted to talk too. He smiled at Hop apologizing for the tumult and left. Leaving Hop behind wondering just what was up with them. They did not even look alike.

"Why are you here?!" Thara didn't even give him a moment before basically shouting at him. "Same goes to you." Retorted Masaru, "Just for your info I am very interested in pokémon training and all this stuff, so I wanted to try it out."

He pointed at Thara. "But what are you doing here? I thought you hated this?!"

Thara took a moment before answering. Her brother knew her well enough and understood it much better. That Thara was never going to be a pokémon trainer at all. True though that he had different interests and did consider going on a journey eventually but that was only to help his experience as a future breeder. He never planned on starting so early.

"Well I have my own reasons, don't need to tell you!" She refused to admit the truth. Admit that she never wanted to but talked herself into it. She cannot let her brother know that she accidentally exclaimed to become champion. He would never let her forget that and laugh his ass off.

"And besides living with dad I doubt…" Thara suddenly stopped her sentence. A huge wave of realization hitting her. She moved her hands to her cheeks a horrified expression visible. "We were on TV!" She shouted.

Masaru rose a brow in confusion. Wondering if his sister had lost her mind. "So what?"

She looked at him now anger filling her. "You idiot! We were on TV" she repeated emphasizing her last words, "we were seen by everyone. In all cities, at home. Dad must have seen us too!"

Now Masaru understood her and likewise, he was now the horrified one. "You didn't tell him?!"

"You didn't either right!?" He averted his eyes.

"You idiot! I don't live with him, but you do!" Suddenly her phone rang. Startling both of them.

They screwed up big time. She understood that when her phone screen showed: Dad, calling. Thara knew she had done a huge mistake but how would she come out of it. The redhead panicked right then and there. Her father was calling just as they were speaking of him. She showed her screen to Masaru and just like her, he fell into a huge panic attack. They were done for.

"You pick up!" Thara insisted trying to force her phone into her brother's hand. He pushed it back at her. "why me?" He retorted, "You answer, it's your phone!"

Thara furiously shook her head. "You mad?! I am not gonna talk to him!" She tried to push her phone to him, "be a good brother, and do it!"

"NO!"

They were starting to slap off the other's hand and pushing each other back and forth. Starting to fight and get people's attention but they could not care less. "I have an idea" Thara proposed, "We'll answer later to him until we have a proper excuse."

She took her phone back. "We'll just say that we were too busy."

"That's a bad idea," said Masaru dryly.

"You don't have a better one!"

"And what exactly are you two supposed to be busy with?"

The twins froze. There was no way. Their heads turned shakingly to the approaching man. Walking down the staircase before Motostoke stadium now finally putting away his own phone. His middle length red hair blowing strongly in the winds and with his striking yellow eyes, he glared dangerously at them. "But you know, I'd expect more intelligence from my own children.