"This is so exciting!" Leon gushed as we gathered out onto the porch like a bunch of weirdos with no hobbies! Because this was dumb. And a potential fire hazard? Carn had no control!

With this forest around us we were literally going to start a forest fire.

"I don't like this." I mumbled

Leon bounced a little, like some excited 5 year old, "We can battle over there!" He points to the battle arena I saw on the way in. I was wondering why that was there, and now it was all making sense.

"You seem more excited about this than we are, Lee." Hop chuckled.

I guarantee Leon was way more excited about this then I was.

"I'm just eager to see how much you two have improved going through one route. It will really show an idea of how you'll be once you truly begin your journey. Come on now!" Leon grabbed my arm.

Sighing in defeat I let him drag me, (physically drag me since I refused to even attempt to lift my own two feet), out to that accursed battle ground. Squaring up against his baby brother I shrugged off my backpack, where Umi still clung to. I settled it towards the side. Umi laid across the leather watching curiously.

"Here." I hand him a pen and a new piece of his paper. "Work on your writing."

Umi takes it with his shaky fingers, setting the paper down and holding the pen unevenly to press it to the paper.

"That still isn't training, Byla." Hop calls to me.

"Training of the mind!" I declare, "Or are you saying the ability to write is a wasted skill that no one should bother with?" I challenged.

Hop opens and closes his mouth, "...No comment." he eventually decides.

"Come on you two, enough with the flirting." Magnolia chuckled, patting her walking cane. "Let's see a good battle."

Hop gave a chuckle, scratching the back of his head. "I wouldn't really call that flirting-"

"It was definitely flirting!" I spring to my feet, nodding wildly. Hop threw his hands back in shock, mouth hanging open.

"It was not!"

"Was too!" I refuse to accept otherwise.

"Enough!" Leon chuckled, patting his stomach. Standing to the other side, Leon and Magnolia had become the peanut gallery, watching us closely. "Listen up," Leon says, hands on his hips. "I became as strong as I am today by learning from every battle I see and am a part of! So show me something good in this battle!"

I was half tempted to flip him off. And then I recalled Carn doing that when I first met it.

And I realized…

I'm my pokemon. The anger of Carn and the the unwillingness of Umi.

That sad thought lingered as I pitifully tossed out Carn's pokeball to unleash the beast.

The Scornbunny was on instant alert, eager for a battle. Hop in return tossed out his Wooloo, who paled when it realized who it's opponent was.

Carn must have traumatized it with our last battle, because it was shaking like a leaf. It's little ears lowered, looking back at its owner to make sure Hop was serious in this battle.

"We got this Wooloo!' Hop grinned, confidence radiating off him. He was dazzling, my own heart swooning as his smirked pulled at his lips.

However, his Wooloo in return didn't seem as excited.

It shrunk towards the ground in a fearful ball of fluff.

It didn't run though, not wanting to disappoint Hop. Brave, if not a foolish little fella.

"Alright, lets do this." I crack my knuckles. I was prepared for the worst honestly. If my first battle of Hop was an indication, this was going to end horribly.

"Have you gotten stronger?" Hop asked, more to Carn than to me. "Me and my team will put that to the test!"

I shake my head, wondering why Hop would taunt death like that.

"Carn." I plead quietly with my over eager pokemon, watching her bounce back and forth between her feet. "Lets uh- let's practice some restraint please."

Her head gives a sharp creek when she looks back at me. Her smile is one of carnage.

"...Please." I sob weakly

"We won't lose to your Scornbunny this time." Hop smirked. Getting this match started, he extended his hand. "Wooloo, tackle!"

I extend my own hand. "...Don't kill it." was my only command that managed to get out of my mouth before Carn lunged.

Tackling the Wooloo to the dirt they rolled around wildly. It was a mess of fur and fluff, a decent chunk of Wooloo's wool sent flying to the side at Leon's feet.

He pinches his fingers to the edge of it, lifting it with an expression of horror. He looks at me with worry and concern, "Uh…?"

"Carn! Carn no teeth! Carn!" I scold, "I said no biting!"

Tossed off with a little kick from Wooloo's back legs, Carn landed with the sound of a squeak toy. Undeterred she rose, chasing after the Wooloo. In turn the Wooloo hightailed it the other way, the two running in circles around the arena.

"W-Wooloo!" Hop squeaked.

I slap my forehead. To be fair everyone asked for this. Clearly this can't be my fault.

"Byla, control you pokemon!" Magnolia slammed her cane down.

I crouch and extend my hands out, looking at this crazy woman in disbelief. What did she expect me to do right now?

"Let them figure it out on their own." Leon chided, looking confident. "They can do this."

What sweet but misplaced faith.

Eventually, like all things, the battle came to an end when Carn managed to get a spinning kick to Wooloo's cranium, knocking the poor Pokemon out in seconds.

"And Wooloo is defeated!" Leon lifted his hand towards me like the judges would in official matches.

Hop flinched, clicking his teeth in frustration.

Calling back Wooloo he stared at his pokeball for a moment, eyeing Carn. Slowly exhaling he called out a new pokemon. A Rookidee!

"Oh hey, that's new!" I point to it with a smile.

Hop laughed, "It's the Pokemon I caught on the way here!"

"Oh, Byla 2.0!" I perk up, waving to the future Byla.

"You haven't won yet!" Hop snorted.

" Yet ." I folded my arms.

Hop bristled, giving me a warning point, "Getting snippy over there."

"Come at me, bro~!... But not really." I shrink back, snorting when Leon laughed towards the side.

Managing to at least get Carn to listen to me for once, I call out "Use Ember."

And by the spirits Carn actually did it!

The Rookiedee was sent back, flapping into the sky to avoid getting too much damage.

For a moment it looks relieved; as if it believed itself to be safe in the air.

Only for that confidence to shatter when Carn leapt higher than I thought any Scornbunny could, to karate chop the Rookiedee straight back into the dirt.

"Oh!" I wince. I was just a shocked as everyone else here.

"Rookiedee!" Hop shrieked. To his dismay, his pokemon twitched. The sheer force of the kick leaving it unable to move.

"R-Rookiedee is defeated!" Leon murmured in awe. Magnolia rubbed her chin in confused interest.

"Was that a fighting move just now? How would a Scornbunny know that?" she inquired.

I mean, were pokemon really only able to fight one kind of way? Smacking or punching something seems like something every pokemon should be able to do, not just fighting types. But eh, whatever. I'm not an expert.

"Well… it'll be a close one, but this is my kind of match!" Hop feigned certainty, his grin looking a tad tight. Pulling out his last pokeball he sent out Grookey.

"Go! Hip!" he cheered.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. This… this was going to end horrendously.

I could see it in the way Carn placed her paws on her hips, turning her head upward as if to look down on Hip.

With a sniff of of her nose, she gave a small spit of her ember attack. Watching it land on Grookey's head the poor grass type shrieked when it's head suddenly burst aflame. It was almost comedic. Almost.

In it's panic Grookey ran from side to side, it's health decreasing faster before Hop could even comprehend fully what happened.

Then it fell over.

And the match was done.

Hop was dumbstruck. Leon was dumbstruck. Magnolia was dumbstruck. I, ME, I WAS DUMBSTRUCK.

"W-Well look at you Byla…" Hop shakes his head, "Looks like you really learned your type match ups."

HAh! Right. Sure…

"Grass does burn." I nod, "It's why forest fires are so dangerous, ya know? Just like how water can put out fire… And Grass for some reason absorbs water or however that goes."

Hop slapped his forehead, sighing.

"Gutted that I lost." he mourned, gritting his teeth. Just to switch and quickly smile, "But I'd expect nothing less from my rival!"

Gutted?

I felt gutted myself just hearing him say that. I mean, I guess it was okay that I won. I didn't really feel happy about it, especially knowing Hop was upset on his side.

"U-Uh…" I swallow, grabbing Carn by her ears to stop her victory circles. "Stop it." I command, not wanting Hop to feel even worse.

Carn folded her fluff arms, hanging in the air with a pout.

Walking to the center of the battle square Hop took my hand and shook it, his smile growing genuine.

"You really are getting tough." he complimented me. I didn't like it. I won but I wasn't happy about it at all. Hop should be the one winning. He is the one who is trying so hard. Has the training regimen and the passion...

"I-It wasn't really me." I lift Carn up a tad. "But uh- you really got your pokemon throw down! And Rookiedee is such a great add to your party!"

"Oh!" he gushed, "You noticed! I definitely worked hard to perfect it." he grinned. His expression softened, lifting Rookiedee's pokeball. "Though, I guess now they are named Byla 2.0." he winks

My cheeks burn, stepping back to give a sheepish laugh, "That was the deal." I lower Carn back down to the ground when I notice her looking between Hop and I and getting a weird smirking look on her face. "Go sit with Umi." I tell her. She stuck out her tongue and bounced back to my bag.

"Honestly." I sigh.

Leon chuckled as he approached, " That was pretty amazing you two." he praised, "The joy of victory and the sting of defeat are key elements to growing as a trainer."

So the "unbeatable" champion says, clearly only knowing the joy side of it. But whatever.

"So how did we do, Lee?" Hop looked at his older brother nervously, standing tall but his expression timid.

"After seeing a match like that-" his lips curled into a smile, "I suppose I have little choice but to give you both an endorsement as the Champion."

Incorrect, he had a choice. He had a very easy choice.

Pulling out two readied letters from his bag, clear that he had considered giving this to Hop long ago, I took it with a sigh.

What were the chances I could lose this thing is come sort of freak accident?

Carn could eat it. Burn it.

Umi dropped it in the river.

I left it at home.

Hop on the other hand of this spectrum was ecstatic. "Yes! You won't regret this Lee! Just you wait and see! I'll win my way to the very top and challenge you!"

Leon gave a coy smile, nudging Hop. "Oh? Already that confident huh? Even after you lost?"

"I won't lose anymore!"

"I have no doubt." Lee ruffled his hair. "You're both still young, a little rough around the edges. But you two were amazing. Right, Professor Magnolia?"

The Professor gave a small smile and nod, "Indeed. I sense a lot of greatness to come from you two. Even with your odd Pokemon."

She was totally looking at Carn.

And it was well deserved.

"Then I guess all that is left if for you two to officially start your journey." Leon tapped his chin.

"Yay…" I give some jazz hands, feeling downright exhausted. This was ridiculously draining.

"You and me, Byla! We're going to get all the way to the top." Hop patted my back. "We'll train hard and take on the world!"

I lift my head, slowly blinking "Together?"

"Together!"

"Forever?" I asked

"Hah! Of course forever!" he grinned

My smile pulled all the way to my ears. "Forever!" I cheered.

Together with Hop! That wouldn't be bad at all!

I could do this!

Things were going my way!

...And then something hit me on the head and the world was spinning.

Falling over, rather dramatically mind you, Hop was running to my aid, "Byla down! Byla's been shot!"

Stepping closer Leon looked down and shook his head, "Byla didn't get shot, Hop. Something just fell on their head."

"Close enough!" he slid beside me, "Byla, speak to me!"

"Ugh..." Feeling dizzy for a moment, I roll onto my side to rub my temple, "What in the world." Laying beside me were two strange glowing rocks. "...I think I've been poisoned by radiation. Get me to a hospital." I announced.

"No no! Those are Wishing stars!" Hop gasped, quickly grabbing them both. "So cool! I've never seen them up close before!"

"Wishing… what?" I grouch

"Wishing stars! It's what lets pokemon Dynamax" he waves them in front of my face. Oh no no no, that is the last thing I want. Can you imagine? A Giant Carn?

"Get those radiation stars away from me." I scowl.

"Oh come on. They aren't bad. Since there are two, you can get one." he hands me one.

"Oh I don't really-"

"Then I'll just get both?" He smirked.

I give an offended scoff, "Hey now, I'm the one they landed on. Give me one." My decision making switched as fast as a 5 year olds, snatching one from his hands.

"Trust you two to pull off something like this." Leon mused, amazed that we had such luck. "You know, they say wishing stars fall down for those who have a true wish in their heart."

"What happens when it lands on someone's head?" I grumble, rubbing my cranium.

Leon gave a weak shrug, "Maybe it means it's extra lucky now. Now you two just have to make a true wish!"

"A true wish?" I asked. I felt like there were many things I wanted. Too many to even try to put into a single wish.

Hop on the other hand, already has his wish in his mind, "I will be the greatest trainer ever! I WILL be the greatest trainer ever. I WILL BE THE GREATEST TRAINER EVER! There, I said it three times. Now it has to come true."

Aww~

"Of course you will!" I say with glee, 100% convinced for that wish to be nothing but fact now.

"Doesn't saying the wish out loud mean the wish might not come true?" From the bridge, Sonia appeared. She gave a little chuckle, shaking her head.

Hop's expression when downdraught, the blood draining from his face all together. "No way…"

"Don't say that Sonia!" I scold her, "It will come true!"

She rolls her eyes, moving to stand beside her grandmother, "If you say so. I sure did come home to something weird."

"It's not weird... It's the truth!" Hop sniffled. "Then- what will you wish for Byla?"

Looking down at the odd rock in my hand, worried that maybe I shouldn't be touching this with my bare hands, I shrug. "Uh… I don't know." I say.

Though mentally I was wishing like mad.

I want to marry Hop.

I want to marry Hop!

I WILL MARRY HOP!

Wish assured.

"You goofy kids." Magnolia chided, "Those rocks aren't just for wishing."

"Oh?" I asked

"Those wishing stars are composed of a curious sort of rock containing an unknown power. A precious resource here in Galar." Magnolia nods, "Unlimited power and energy, all in one tiny rock, ready to explode outward at any moment!"

The rock slipped from my hand and fell to the floor. I quickly backed away from it. "Then why in the world are we just holding them?!"

"Oh they won't hurt you." Magnolia chuckled, "They usually only affect pokemon."

I look back to see Carn curiously approaching the wishing star. I gasp.

"NO!" I dive forward, snatching her away just before Carn could touch it. "No. "

Carn huffed looking upset to be denied, even if they didn't even understand what the rock was.

Hop fell back and laughed, "It's okay Byla…! In that state the wishing stars can't really dynamax."

"They can't?" I demand

"No, they have to be attached to a special sort of glove." Hop says. "Specially enhanced to strengthen the bond between trainer and pokemon, dynamaxing the pokemon in special hot zones!"

"You seem to have done your research." Magnolia eyed him, intrigued.

"I thought the same when we were back at town." Sonia grinned

Hop in return gave a little chuckle, "Oh well, it's always fascinated me. And I want to know everything I can about pokemon if I plan to be the champion of Galar."

Magnolia gave a slow nod, amused, "I see. Well, allow me to take these wishing stars for now. I shall return them to you later when they have been stabilized." taking the rocks she gave a smile and turned.

"How about you all stay for dinner? We got some extra rooms you can use as well to rest up in for tomorrow's journey." Sonia announced.

"What would we have for dinner?" I asked

She gave a dramatic pose, "Curry~"

"Ooh, it's powerful." I pretend to faint, her little smile too cute for this world. "I'm in. I love Curry."

"It's the only thing you eat." Hop shook his head.

"Correction, it's the only thing I know how to make." I stand, shaking my head.

"Only Curry?" Leon asked, "Your Mom only taught you one dish?"

I blink, "My mom only knows one dish."

"Oh…" Leon trailed off.

"Then are you gonna love my version of it!" Sonia slapped a hand on my shoulder. Retrieving my bag I take Umi's homework and scan it over. The squishy lines almost formed a coherent circle.

"Umi!" I praise, "Well done!"

Pleased, Umi wiggled his body a tad, handing his hard work over to Carn. She held it tight in her paws, eyes wide. Looking at Umi the two shared some pokemon sort of conversation which I think meant Umi was giving the picture to her.

Carn held it to her chest with a wide eyed expression, squeezing it close.

I guess she liked it?

"Here Hop, let me heal your pokemon for you. Especially Grookey..." Leon held out his hand.

"Thanks Lee," handing over his pokemon, Hop glanced back at me and mine. "I'm guessing Carn is okay?"

"Just hungry." I answer, hearing her growling stomach against my ear where she sat on my shoulder.

Hop shakes his head, "All three defeated by one pokemon..." he sighs, "You really are going to be one tough trainer, Byla."

"Haha, maybe." I smile. Please don't say that. You'll give Carn ideas...

Taking off my shoes once I was within the house I grunt when Leon and Hop rushed in behind me, shoving the other in a race towards the back room.

"No rough housing!" Sonia barked at them.

"We won't! Okay let's talk your route Hop!" Leon clicked his heels together. Which was oddly cute...

"Dunno if you should be helping me with directions, Lee." Hop snickered, pulling out his map and some markers to go over the best way to get through each route by Leon's suggestions.

"You two dorks have at it." Sonia bustled towards the kitchen, gathering ingredients and getting a large pot.

My pokemon on the other hand rushed to the back yard, following Hop's more or less wobbly but now healed pokemon. At least they could get along outside of the battle arena. Carn even seemed to even like Grookey, showing off the picture Umi had drawn for her. Grookey looked a little frazzled but eventually smiled and clapped at the art.

Cause that is what it was. Art~ My baby Umi was an artist!

As for me, I took this chance to just come to terms with some thoughts at the kitchen table. Tomorrow was my journey. It was really happening now. I've already had two battles after all. Couldn't really deny it anymore.

I leaned back to relax.

This was nice. Just being able to stay in one place and not worry about where I'll end up tomorrow.

Though… by this time tomorrow I'll be getting on the train to go into the unknown. Be sleeping in caves, and in the forest somewhere.

Great.

Hearing a buzzing noise I tilt my head in the direction, spotting Leon's phone on the table. Glancing around I realized he hadn't seemed to hear it.

Curious to who was texting him I see the name "Raihan"

Oh! One of the Gym leaders: Leon's rival~

"Hey Leon! You got a text-!" I cut off when my eyes happen to trail over the words.

" Hey, Babe! We still on for dinner tomorrow?"

I slap my hand over my mouth and sink back into my chair.

What what what what what what whattttt?

What did I just read?

Babe?

BABE ?

Friends didn't call each other that, right? Maybe it was just a tease?

Inching my chair away from the cursed device I run my mind through the options.

Raihan is just a dude with odd nicknames for people. Was messing with Leon and teasing him since he is single.

….What if Leon isn't actually single and is dating Raihan?

What was the truth? What was the lie?

In the midst of my thoughts Leon and Hop rushed back into the room, laughing and circling the table at the smell of dinner simmering on the stove. Coming back from the hallway with a recipe book Sonia inhales.

"Alright, it's coming along well. Just need to add some vegetables."

"Smells great Sonia." Hop praised, sitting next to me. I sat like a statue beside him, gawking at Leon from the corner of my eye as he lifted his phone.

He smiles.

Not just any smile either.

No, this was the smile of a love struck fool. I should know. I made that dumb face a lot.

With a soft exhale he types back a response. Noticing my staring he tilts my head. "Yes?"

Quick! Act casual! Say something!

"I like your phone case." I say, WAY louder than I needed to.

"Oh? Thanks." Leon wiggled it in his fingers, showing off the cool Charizard on the case cover. "Raihan got it for me as a gift."

"It looks awesome!" Hop grinned. "What a cool gift."

"Yeah." Leon brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, admiring the phone case. "Raihan has some good tastes." he smiles so warmly I thought my face was going to melt.

They were dating.

THEY WERE DATING.

Be cool. Be cool. Don't freak out. Don't squeal.

Be completely natural.

"Raihan is handsome!" I blurt out, because I'm dumb!

"Raihan is so handsome!" Sonia cut into the conversation with a squeal. "The blue of his eyes is like the ocean~"

"You think he's handsome?" Hop frowned at me, sounding annoyed.

"How could Byla not think he is handsome? He's one of Galar's most popular bachelors~ Along with Leon." Sonia twirled her cooking spoon. "Right Leon?"

Leon seemed tense for a moment, glancing away awkwardly. His smile was flustered and he spoke quietly. "Raihan is definitely handsome."

HYEEEEEEEEEEE

Information, that I probably wasn't supposed to know, has graced my life.

I don't know what to do with this realization of course.

What could I do? It wasn't my business, but man was it a gold mine.

My quiet years of secret fanfic writing were suddenly blooming before my eyes. Raihan and Leon. Leon and Raihan.

Lehan? Raion?

It doesn't even matter! It's awesome!

"What are you smiling about?" Hop asked me, curious.

"Nothing." I cover my mouth, glancing away.

Hop frowns, "Are you still thinking about Raihan?"

"No."

Hah, yeah I was.

"I'm just… eager for tomorrow." I lie. "One more night and then we are on our pokemon journey. Yay…"

Hop's smile perks up, "Hah we definitely are! You and me, we got this." he patted my back.

I gave a little nod in reply. "Yup."

The tapping of Leon's fingers against the phone had me glancing at him. His smile never faltered, eyes practically shining.

Oooh, this adventure as terrible as I expected it, just got a little more interesting.

AND WE ARE DONE!~
Up next is the Wild Area~ And a new encounter that is quite odd~