Well, here it is, the thirty-third part of the fifth and final installment in my 'Heart' series. Alola is now behind Ash and Dawn, it was a great time with many memories made and a few new Pokemon to their teams but they have to move on with their journey and so it's time for the next region; Galar. This is going to be different to the other regions they've visited as a couple but that could be a good thing and besides a quite arrival in a region is a good thing. After all, it's not like anything will happen when they arrive in Galar to change that, right? That is all the administrative stuff I have for this Part but there is a guest review to respond to so I will do so now. Do please keep your reviews coming as I love hearing from y'all.

To Pearl shipper (guest), thank you for your review and then clearing it up. Unfortunately, I can't write an Ash x Liko story for two reasons. The first is that I don't ship them at all and I don't write what I don't ship, sorry, but I can't put the same amount of passion into something I don't have the passion for so I wouldn't do a ship like that justice. The second is that I don't have the time really. Right now I have 5 active stories, all of which are over 200k words or almost there at the moment and given the fandoms they're in I am predicting that the 4 others will still be going on whenever I finish Champions and begin to decide what next will come in the Hearts Universe so I don't have time to add anything more than. My one hiatus story which will come back in early June will likely be done by then but it's already near the end anyway I just caught up to the anime that is its base so I need to wait for the next season. There's just too much going on. I am glad that you are looking forward to the stand alone Paldea story that is planned but I will warn you it is years away at best. There are still 90 or so Parts in Champions and I want to focus on my three spinoff stories (May during Dreams, Sabrina's history, Alain during Champions) before returning to Ash and Dawn. By then I'm sure others will have done stories of Ash and Dawn in Paldea and I'll just be adding my own take to it. This is a vast universe I created when this story took off so there's going to be content for years to come it just may take a while but I'll keep your ideas in mind and see if any work for my story when I get to it. Do keep reading and enjoying my work.

That is it for this pre-Part note which means that it is once again time to sit back which and enjoy the latest installment in Heart of Champions. Part CCXXII: Galarian Greetings.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.

Part CCXXII: Galarian Greetings

"Welcome to Wyndon International Airport and the Galar Region." The captain's voice said over the intercom as the plane slowed down on the runway a few moments after landing. "Please remain seated until we reach the gate and enjoy your stay here."

"That was uneventful." Ash noted as the plane began to taxi towards the gate. "And now we're here in our 8th region."

"Yup and that leaves only one more to visit, that we know about, but that's for a later date as there's no time this year." Dawn agreed. "And this is the only region that we have to be in twice this year."

"It's how it is." Ash admitted. "Between the PWC and the Majestic Festival we have a lot of travel this year. Not that I'm complaining, it's great seeing the world and all that it has to offer as you qualify for the Majestic Festival."

"It's a lot but if we plan it well we could make Hoenn last as that would be useful for the Majestic Festival." Dawn said thinking on it though with everything she had to do this year planning the end of it was still a little too far off. "However, convenience comes first so we may go to Hoenn twice, just depends on how things play out and which Contests work out best."

"We'll do whatever works for you." Ash said. "You're the one with the requirements. So long as I get a good battle and the chance to meet interesting people and Pokémon wherever I go I'm happy. I need to stay in shape after all."

"I'm sure that you will get them." Dawn said with a smile. "We saw what happened in Alola, there's no way that you won't get challenges in the other regions that we have to visit."

Ash nodded at that and wondered who he would face. Ideally it would be like Alola, which they'd left that morning without much fanfare but for the usual goodbyes to Iris and the Alolans they'd befriended there, and Ash would get a challenge from the region's Champion when he visited a region. In Galar that meant that he'd get to face the best in the world, Leon, so Ash really wanted that but even if it wasn't Leon then so long as a strong trainer, ideally a member of the region's Elite Four, faced Ash he'd get the training that he needed. Cynthia had sorta done that in Unova a few years back so it was likely.

There was another reason why Ash wanted to have an intense and tough battle though, Z-Moves. After selecting his Z-Crystals and learning about the future plans that Kukui had for Alola, Ash had had three one on one practice battles with Iris, Kiawe, and Sophocles to test out his Z-Ring and the Z-Crystals just to make sure he could now use Z-Moves.

The results were that he could use them and without any problems. That had been a lot of fun and Ash had won all three battles, which had added a lot of good training for Florges as Sophocles's Togedemaru was part steel type so she got to face and beat a Pokémon that she was weak against on paper, so Ash was already getting the hang of Z-Moves. Of course he had used Charizard for his Firium Z and that had been a little over the top as they had to pause the battles to put out the fires Ash and Charizard had caused but that seemed to be par for the course with Charizard and he was just happy to show off.

Overall it had been a good training session and a great way to cap off their 3 weeks or so in Alola. It wasn't enough time to see the whole region or do some of the things that they wanted to do in Alola like participate in an Ultra Beast operation but they didn't really have the time to spare and they'd still done a lot in their brief time in the region. They needed to move on to make up for the extra time that they'd spent in Kalos and were in fact still slightly behind schedule.

Despite that they could afford to spend a little more time in Galar that they could in some of the other regions but more than 5 weeks would be pushing it. Therefore they had to focus on Dawn's Contest first.

That didn't mean that they didn't have time to explore and learn about Galar though. There was a lot for them to discover about the region and they intended to do so. Plus this was where Dynamaxing occurred and Ash was very eager to learn more about that and how to do it as he fully intended to add it to his arsenal and try it out while he was here so that he could use it come the PWC. That was the reason why the PWC was being held here in the first place so that was Ash's main focus, around Dawn's Contest of course.

Thankfully, they should manage that as Dawn's first, and hopefully only, attempt at a Galar Contest was coming up in just under a week in a stadium set up for it outside of Wyndon which would give them time to explore part of the region regardless of the outcome of the Contest. They didn't actually know that much about how Contests were run in Galar but that would soon be explained to them by Dawn's friend Emily when they met with her and Adam. That would give them the understanding that Dawn needed and from there they could plan how to address the Contest accordingly.

All was looking good and as the plane came to a stop and the seatbelt signs turned off Ash got up and into the aisle of the plane, they were sitting near the back were there were fewer occupied seats so more room to relax, to get his and Dawn's bags. It was time for them to enjoy their latest region and, including Kalos where they started, the third they'd visited in their latest journey.

"So are they meeting us at the airport?" Ash asked as he passed Dawn her bag before getting his own one. "Or will we meet them at the Poke Center?"

"The latter." Dawn said as she took her bag and got up. "Emily messaged me this morning to say that the egg she'd received when she was in Ballonlea finally hatched last night and so she's held up with her new Milcery and caring for her."

"Milcery?" Ash asked as he moved up the aisle to give Dawn space to get out. "I think I've heard of that Pokémon before but I can't remember where."

"You've faced its evolution, Alcremie, back in Kalos when you were preparing for the Lumiose Conference." Dawn said as she exited into the aisle to stand behind Ash. "Max and Bonnie's friend and companion Owen has one, in fact I think it's his family who gave Emily the egg as he's from Galar if I recall but we can ask her about it later. It's a female only fairy type that was one of the handful of pure normal types that became pure fairly types after the unexpected change that occurred. It's got some strange evolution requirements that determine its color from what I've heard but Emily's excited about her."

"I bet, she's a rare specialist in that type so getting an egg that hatches into one is really lucky." Ash said. "Alright that's fine and it gives us time to explore Wyndon a bit before we get there. I know nothing about the city but I definitely want to see more of it."

"Same it's totally new to us so I've been wondering what Galar will be like for a while." Dawn agreed as they began to disembark from the plane. "And now we're here. Plus there are no native girls meeting us so we don't have to worry about Pikachu zapping us."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said with a hint of embarrassment at the habit as it wasn't his fault it happened, either Team Rocket or some overly excited girls caused it. "Pi, Pikachu."

"Pip, Piplup." Piplup pointed out slight annoyance in his voice as he'd personally suffered it a few times though he'd avoided it in Alola thankfully as he'd learned by then. "Pip, pip, Piplup."

"I'm usually not affected by that." Ash admitted. "But yeah it won't happen here I feel as there's no one here to greet us."

Dawn just hoped so as they got off the plane and into the terminal. Once there she took Ash's hand in hers and they interlocked fingers as they made their way through it and to the exit and thus to Wyndon.

All they really knew was that it was one of the largest cities in the world, the third largest in fact, and the largest in Galar with a design and style unique to the region but that was it. It was going to be a whole new thing to enjoy, or at least it would be until the moment they stepped out of the terminal and into the arrival areas of Wyndon International Airport and were blinded by an explosion of camera flashes before they could process what was going on.

"Ash Ketchum, over here! What brings you to Galar?"

"Why is the Kalos Champion in our region months before he was expected to arrive?"

"Is this where you're going to train for the Pokémon World Championship?"

"Do you intend to catch any Galarian Pokémon to use in the PWC?"

"Is this to get a Dynamax Band for the PWC?"

"You have 4 Pokémon that Gigantamax, is this for them or your other Pokémon?"

"How long do you plan on staying here?"

"Wait! He's with his fiancée, she's a Top Coordinator known as the Prodigy of Sinnoh and currently entered into the Majestic Festival Qualification Circuit. That must be why they're here."

"So are you here for a Contest then?"

"Which one?"

"Is this to help boost Contests in Galar or just to secure your next ribbon for the Majestic Festival?"

"Who's idea was it to come here?"

"Are you eloping?"

"Enough!"

The final voice was one of command and loud enough to cut through the barrage of questions that Ash and Dawn were getting while the cameras continued to flash and Pikachu was charging up a Thunderbolt to stop the flashes. This was all overwhelming to them, even the attention at the Manalo Stadium was nothing compared to this but thankfully there was a command to end it.

"I know that it is big news that the Kalos Champion is here less than 3 months after the announcement of the PWC but we're expecting all the regional Champions to show up this year and many other notable trainers from the various Elite Fours and gyms around the world so there's no need to hound him." The voice continued and Ash and Dawn noted that it was female and sounded like she was older than they were but still a young adult. "Leave him and his fiancée be. They're in Galar for a reason and they should be allowed to pursue that without harassment. I'm sure that Ash will have a battle with one of our Gym Leaders, save your questions for after that."

The speaker's words quelled the crowd of reporters and they lowered their cameras and notebooks as they parted and looked to the woman who was approaching Ash and Dawn. This was the first time that Ash and Dawn got to see who had come to save them and both of them could admit that they had no idea who she was.

The woman in question looked to be about a decade older than Ash so in her late 20s if they had to guess with green eyes and orange colored hair more that was more muted than Misty's and styled into a large pony tail to the left side of her head with a long, similarly styled strand running down the left side of her face and a small cowlick from the right side. On her hair were perched a pair of half moon sunglasses while 4 hearts, three in the pony tail and one in the strand, were clipped into it for no discernible reason other than a fashion preference.

It was clear that whoever she was she was either the regional Pokémon Professor or given her age more likely an assistant to the Professor as she wore a white lab coat over a turquoise vest shirt that didn't reach her waist leaving a strip of skin showing above her light blue pants that were high on her hips and a low slung matching belt. She completed the look with black ankle boots with a turquoise top to them matching her shirt and a black wristband of sorts on her right wrist.

"Sorry for that." The woman said as she reached Ash and Dawn and held out her right hand to Dawn who noted that the woman had long, perfectly manicured nails painted turquoise and which matched her top. "I'm Sonia by the way, granddaughter and research assistant to Professor Magnolia, the Galar Professor. Good thing I was online an hour ago and saw the announcement that you two were heading to Galar so I could come here and help out as I was sure that you'd have a media welcoming committee."

"Oh right, er, thanks." Dawn said a bit confused as she let go of Ash's hand and shook Sonia's still a bit confused by all that was going on. "We weren't expecting this kind of welcome or you for that matter. That and we, er, don't know you at all."

"I don't expect you to know me but I know of you two." Sonia said as they shook. "You're both pretty famous and while I am a researcher I do keep abreast of global events."

"I see." Dawn said as she let go of the woman's hand. "That does make sense."

"Plus I spend most of my time down in Wedgehurst in the far south of Galar, that's where I'm from and were my grandmother is based, so this is just a coincidence that we get to meet though I'm glad we can." Sonia said revealing that like Unova, Galar had a female Pokémon Professor as she held her hand out to Ash who shook as well. "But she sent me up to Wyndon last week to do some research in the local area. Good thing she did as I can help with this."

"About that." Ash said as they shook. "Why are they here? We only told the people we know here that we were coming to Galar so it's a bit of a surprise."

"Them? Well it turns out someone from Galar was visiting Alola and had caught your match with Gladion there and then saw that you were on the same plane to Galar so blogged about Ash coming here and how good the battle was." Sonia said as she let go of Ash's hand. "Ash's reputation precedes him so the media came out to greet him. Add in the PWC and Ash's rank going into it and, well, they were excited that one of the other Champions was arriving earlier than expected."

"Sorry for this, I didn't intend on causing a scene." Ash admitted. "It's not been like this when we got to Alola so we didn't expect something like this here."

"You're a regional Champion now, the first to achieve it by sweeping an Elite Four and then beating the incumbent Champion during his challenge in years, that feat alone makes you famous Ash." Sonia said. "Going from Lumiose Conference winner to Kalos Champion in one fell swoop is damned impressive so you're going to get attention because of it. Then when you add in the hype for the PWC for which you're ranked 6th in the world and guaranteed a top 8 ranking for it and the notoriety you earned a few years back with that revelation of fairy types, well how can you not cause a stir with your arrival."

"Oh but I'm not here for that yet." Ash said. "We're here for Dawn. She's the priority while we're in Galar."

"Yeah I need to win a Contest for the Majestic Festival so I'm entering one in a little under a week." Dawn said. "Then we're going to see the Galar region a bit be it to go to another Contest if I lose or just to get a feel for the region before we move onto the next region that I need to visit. I am on a pretty tight schedule after all."

"Great, well you heard that." Sonia said raising her voice a little and looking over her shoulder at the reporters who were noting what was going on. "They're here for Contests and to see a bit of our region. That should be enough for now so you can go."

"I do hope to catch some Pokémon in Galar and learn about Dynamaxing while I'm here." Ash said. "And hopefully face Leon in battle."

"As much as I'd like to face you Ash, I feel like that would be premature."

The new voice cut through the area with even more authority than Sonia's and set the reporters, who had begun to back up and leave, abuzz again as they began to write frantically and a few snapped pictures no longer interested in leaving. That only added to Ash's attention as he turned to the voice and saw a man approaching them, he gait confident and the aura of power palpable from him.

The man was tall, taller than Sonia, but looked to be about her age with tanned skin, golden eyes, and long purple hair that fell down to his mid back. His hair spiked around the black and gold cap he wore perched back on his head so that you could see the underside of the bill.

He wore a black t-shirt that fit tightly to his frame and was bordered in gold with white stripes on it and had a red shield with a blue sword over it emblazoned on the center of his chest. For some strange reason he had a pair of white shorts with a flag on the right pocked and the number 1 on the left leg over white leggings with black stripes on the outside and gold diamonds in the stripes and white high top sneakers with black soles and tongues and gold laces.

However, what really caught the eye were the accessories he wore. The white wristband on his left wrist was standard but that was the only normal thing he wore as he had a black glove with no thumb and a black index finger with gold for the other fingers on his right hand with a white and black wristband that glowed blue in the center of the black. The style of the glove and wristband combo was different but it looked a lot like the ones that Ash had seen Paul and Owen wear in Kalos. To top it off he wore a dark read cloak with a fluffy gold trim over his shoulders that fluttered slightly as he walked.

Whoever he was, he was clearly very important and respected man in Galar as he walked past the reporters and up to Ash, Dawn, and Sonia without looking at them. Even though Ash didn't know what the man looked like, he was all but certain that he knew who he was. That was confirmed a moment later by Sonia.

"Leon, I'm surprised that you came here as well, usually you're busy with various engagements." Sonia said a range of emotions her voice that Ash missed but Dawn picked up and keyed into as it was clear there was a complicated history between them. "What's the Monarch of Galar doing here?"

"The same as you Sonia." Leon said with a smile. "I heard that the Champion of Kalos was flying in today and so I freed up time in my schedule for a fellow Champion. I figured that I'd come and say hello to Ash and invite him to a private lunch Champion to Champion. He is the newest of us, even newer that the Alola Champion as that Gladion kid became it upon winning the first Manalo Conference, and Ash earned it the hardest way possible. How could I not meet one of my potential rivals."

"The only person you've ever recognized as a rival is Raiden." Sonia pointed out though neither Ash nor Dawn knew who Raiden was. "Never the other Champions."

"In Galar the only one who can rival me is Raiden but the PWC is global." Leon said. "A shame that Geeta refused to partake but Paldea is sorting a lot out at the moment so I don't blame them. Still there are going to be many strong trainers who I've never faced from around the world, all could end my streak so I see the other Champions as potential rivals. I'll know more right before the PWC though."

"It will be interesting to see how you compare to them at least." Sonia said. "But if this is the case then I shouldn't be surprised that you are here as well."

"So you are Leon, I thought so Ash said holding his hand out to the man. "I've heard a lot about you, it's a pleasure to meet you at last."

"Likewise Ash." Leon said taking Ash's hand and shaking it, an act many of the reporters made sure to capture on camera as it was a meeting between Champions. "You're reputation is impressive. I caught your battle with Diantha, the whole world did given how rare it is for a Conference winner to end up challenging the region's Champion during his challenge, and I must say it was one of the best battles that I've seen in years."

"Thank you." Ash said letting go of Leon's hand. "I hope that we can battle as well."

"In time I am sure that we will." Leon said before turning to Dawn and held out his hand to her. "And you're Ash's fiancée Dawn, right? I must admit I know little about Contests but I do support Chairman Rose's efforts to make them part of Galar. The Contest Committee has worked closely with him given his position in Galar and while we're still behind Kalos, I'd say we're even with Unova for the expansion popularity. Still, I have made sure that I know who the big names are in it and so I know of your achievements. I wish you luck in Galar, we've been enjoying the arrivals of the Top Coordinators so I'm looking forward to a good show from you."

"Oh ok, th, thank you." Dawn said a little surprised at the man's knowledge as she shook his hand. "I do intend to put on a good one while I'm here. I am an ambassador for Contests as well as a Top Coordinator and I love helping others find the joy in them the way I do. The expansion was a great idea and I had the privilege to help grow their popularity in Kalos last year during the first year of their circuit. I will do what I can to promote them here as well."

"Galar loves a good spectacle and while we're still working on how to incorporate Dynamaxing into them so that the big stadiums can be used, which we are hoping to debut at this year's Grand Festival, just having top tier talent here helps." Sonia pointed out. "Right now there are a few good coordinators on the circuit that have made names for themselves in other regions before coming to Galar but with Top Coordinators coming in for them they've been boosted immensely. The Majestic Festival has really benefited the growth of Contests in the expansion regions."

"I saw that first hand in Alola." Dawn said. "And even in Kalos, getting back into it there showed me how much they've embraced Contests. Showcases have helped a lot though so Kalos was already ahead of the curve so to speak."

"I don't doubt that." Sonia said.

"Well from what I've heard there are a few Top Coordinators either currently in Galar or on their way here." Leon said. "Plus, recently a trio of Top Coordinators who left a few days ago swept three Contests out in the west of the region that were held in the Glimwood Tangle, Ballonlea, and the desert around Stow-on-Side. Drew, Brianna, and Kenny I believe. They were a little rough it seemed but the competition good and Brianna almost lost to a Kantonian on the circuit who's a big draw in that part of Galar especially in Ballonlea as she's a fairy specialist and the gym there is the second recognized fairy type gym in the world. There was some rivalry there I believe, so it was a good batch of Contests."

"We know of their reputation." Dawn said diplomatically but glad that they were gone and not surprised that their reputation was still the same as before. "And I hope to face a Top Coordinator or two this year in Contests. I've already faced my friend May and lost and that was a great battle so the more I face the stronger I can become."

"Galar is hoping for that as well." Sonia said. "And we can't wait to watch your first Contest here. Between your own reputation and the fact that Ash is with you, I expect it will be a big draw."

"I won't disappoint." Dawn said with a smile. "And that's the focus for us while here."

"But I do want a battle." Ash said looking at the Galar Champion. "Can you do that Leon?"

"I can and I'm sure many will want that but I think it's best to wait." Leon said surprising Ash. "Don't worry, you'll get a great battle here and we can discuss who is best to face in Galar and more over lunch if you accept my invite. However, I think it's best that the Champions don't battle each other this year, well the ones in the established regions that is."

"I was going to say." Sonia said. "Ash just faced the Alola Champion after all."

"Yes but Gladion facing you and any other Champion who goes to Alola, I believe Cynthia is planning a trip there in fact, is a good idea as it helps him get stronger and boosts Alola's profile." Leon said. "However the other 6 Champions are set in their spots and ranks unless they lose to a challenge from their Elite Four and that only applies to the Champions of Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova though I could face a challenge from Raiden for my rank at some point. I'll explain more at lunch but it is for the best that we don't face each other."

"Oh yeah if you could explain that then that would be helpful." Ash said. "And so long as Dawn is fine with it I'd love to have lunch with you, I do have many questions about Galar and I want to learn what I can about the region while here. This will be our only time in Galar before the PWC so there is a lot to learn and do while we are here so any help will be useful so that we can maximize our time here."

"Of course it will be a pleasure to tell you all about my region." Leon said. "And there's a lot to tell."

"And it's ok with me." Dawn said understanding that this was what Ash needed to jumpstart his time in Galar and that a conversation between Champions would be above her head. "Go with Leon, Ash, and learn what you can. You can fill me in later so we can add it to our plan here. I should get to the Pokémon Center and settle in and meet up with Emily anyway. I'll need her to let me know how Galarian Contests work and I'd like to see a bit of Wyndon."

"Then allow me to accompany you." Sonia said with a smile at Dawn. "I know as much if not more about my home region than Leon does as that is my path here so I can answer anything that you might want to know and show you around the city. I may not live in Wyndon but I know it well."

"True that is where we parted ways." Leon said, which solidified Dawn's believe that these two use to be companions the way she was with Ash and Brock in Sinnoh but life and dreams took them down different routes though she felt that there was more to it than just a simple divergence in paths. "You are the expert Sonia."

"I'm still learning but thank you." Sonia said with a small smile. "So, shall we go?"

"Lead the way." Dawn said before she turned to Ash and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. "See you in the Pokémon Center later. We can exchange stories there and begin our preparations for the Contest and what Adam wants your help with."

"See you there." Ash replied as Dawn broke away from him and turned so that she and Sonia could leave.

"This way Ash." Leon said gesturing the way he came. "Chairman Rose has sent a car that will take us to a nice restaurant in Wyndon where we can have a private lunch. I've already sorted it out so don't worry about anything."

"Chairman Rose?" Ash asked confused. "And thank you that is good to know."

"He's the Chairman of the Galar League as well as President of the Marco Cosmos conglomerate." Leon explained as they walked. "He was who saw my potential as a trainer and got me into Pokémon battles back when I was still a rookie. You may meet him while here but he's a busy man and as Galar is hosting the PWC he's right at the center of it. I guess he's a bit like Charles Goodshow in a way only he's solely responsible for Galar which means that he's the point man for the PWC."

"I see well I want to learn all I can about Galar while here." Ash said as they walked. "So anything that you can share about the region I'll listen."

"I'll do my best, there's a lot to know as Galar is a diverse region with a rich history and a few unique features." Leon said as they exited the airport and found the car waiting. "After you Ash and on behalf of all of Galar, welcome. I feel like this is just the start of what Galar has in store for you."

Ash just smiled and nodded at that as the car door was opened and he got in followed by Leon. This wasn't exactly how he and Dawn had planned on arriving in Galar but it was certainly better than they could have expected as they'd been greeted by two of the most important people in the region who were now going to share their knowledge about Galar with them. That was big and Ash was excited to learn as much as he could about Galar as the car set off and Ash and Dawn's first Galarian adventure began.

Well there it is, another short chapter but for the next few chapters they will be as Ash and Dawn have arrived in Galar to a lot of fanfare. Not that they can complain as they've now got great connections who can help explain the region to them as they settle in and get ready for their upcoming adventure. Next up is Ash and Leon's chat as Ash learns about Galar while Dawn is shown around by Sonia (which may or may not be in the next Part due to length and flow) so plenty more to be revealed and learn as the Galar arc begins. That's all that I have for y'all however so I'll leave this Part off here. As always if you like my work then please favorite (both this story and me in general to be notified of any new content I post), if possible leave a review as I really like hearing what you think of my work and your suggestions that help complete this story (and respond as best I can) and just in general keep enjoying my work. Until next time.

Stringdog