Hearthstone, Thronemarch Province, Kingdom of Eidros
August 17, 2034

Hannah groggily awoke to the sound of ringing. She used her arms to push herself up, eyes only half open as she fumbled for her phone on her nightstand. She grabbed it, unplugging her charger and squinting at the number ringing. A 000 number?

She was about to put it down, thinking it might be a scammer calling, but something in her told her to answer it. Hannah swiped the answer button and held the phone up to her ear.

"Hello?" she coughed at how dry her throat was.

"Hello, is this Hannah Koppel of 12 Lotus Street?" a very chipper female voice came over the line. Way too chipper. Hannah looked at the clock on her phone.

Who the hell is this happy at six in the morning? She thought grouchily before answering, "Uh yes, this is her. Can I help you?"

I swear to Helnair if this an offer for a pyramid scheme I'm screeching into this phone as loud as I can, Hannah thought sourly as she heard typing on a keyboard in the background.

"Ah great! This is Lucinda Kress with the Eidros Pokemon League. I'm calling to inform you that you are one of the lucky twelve contestants to win the Starter Raffle!"

"Oh okay, that's good," Hannah was wistfully looking at her pillow, before standing up out of bed, "I'm sorry, say that again?"

"Oh I apologize for the early call, but we are already shipping out you starter to Hearthstone as we speak," Lucinda didn't skip a beat, "Professor Cypress' direct subordinate, Professor Garlsgrad will be at the Hearthstone City Hall at 10 AM sharp to present you with your new starter Pokemon!"

"Wait, like today?! I won?!" Hannah's brain was not awake enough to take in all this information, "But wait, I have work at eight!"

"Oh, you'll have to cancel that," Lucinda's voice was so happy, "If you aren't there by 10:30 we will be forced to go with another candidate, so please make sure to arrive on time. Please make sure you have your ID with you as well!"

"Uh okay, okay, umm I can do that," was she dreaming, she had to be dreaming.

"Congratulations on your win Hannah. I hope you and your Pokemon have a wonderful journey ahead of you!"

The phone hung up and Hannah stared at her wall, posters of Reinhard Falkwreath and Eidros' Elite Four on the wall next to several band posters. She had dreamed of being a Trainer when she was a kid. Though what kid didn't? She checked her call log and then searched for the number. It was registered to the League Laboratories. In Thronehold.

This was real.

"Holy fucking shit I won," Hannah's face turned into the cheesiest grin she could muster, "I won! Oh my Gods, I'm getting a Pokemon today! Oh Gods, I need to get ready!"

There was so much to do. The raffle always had camera crews. Winning this was a big deal, as almost all the people who won usually went on to be decent Trainers on Tour. Something like eighty percent of them made it to the Conference on average. Her makeup had to be on point, she needed to make sure her teeth were immaculate, her nails needed a fresh coat of polish. She went to open her door when she felt very breezy, a cool chill along her bottom. She looked down and nodded.

"Probably should put on some pants."

"Hannah-Banana, if you keep tapping your foot like that, I think you might wear a hole through the cab."

"Sorry," Hannah sputtered out, "I can't help it. I've never been on TV before. The whole country is going to see this Z! How are you so calm?!"

"Cause I'm not the one getting a Pokemon today dummy!"

Hannah let off a very nervous laugh as she gripped the backseat of the cab tight, trying to control her trembling foot. This morning had been a rollercoaster of emotion and Hannah was half convinced someone had rigged the ride to explode at the end. She had ended up texting her friends and calling Zeara while doing her makeup. Their reactions had helped her steady herself enough to do her eyeliner.

Yo, no way! You lucky Ducklett! You just got a leg up on most first timers about to go on Tour! That had been Jacob, as supportive as ever.

Did they tell you which one you got? I hope it's Piplup, those little dudes are too adorable!

If any of us deserved to win, it was you Han. What time you gotta be there? I'll make sure I'm there.

Sylvie's message had been expected, but Colton's had her feeling gooey inside. She really needed to grow a pair and just see if there was something there.

Maybe after today, Hannah thought idly as she watched the town go by through the cab window. She had wanted to just take her bike, but Zeara had shown up with a very pretty blue dress with sheer arms and told Hannah in a voice that brokered no opposition, that she was not going on national television wearing ripped jeans and a faded black These Hollow Words shirt. She had insisted on paying for the cab as well. Hannah felt guilty, but she knew Zeara would never accept her money back.

Zeara had done her best to doll her up as quickly as possible. Smoky winged eyeliner, a vibrant red lipstick, a bit of blush to bring some color to her face. Nails painted a blue that matched her dress and Zeara had managed to straighten her hair as well. Hannah wished the dress had a gigher neckline but all in all, she was happy with how she looked today.

Hearthstone was busy right now. The town was old and its architecture showed. Lots of older gothic style buildings with stone Druddigon statues adorning them, mixed with in a few newer buildings. Traffic was light, as most of the office workers had already gone in for their nine to five jobs, but all the blue collar workers who were stuck on the night shift were out and about getting a few errands done before heading off to go to sleep. Hearthstone was an industrial hub, with lots of glass, titanium, and chemical plants in and around the town. Town was a bit of a misnomer. Hearthstone was home to almost fifty thousand people and was pretty much a small city.

They were stopped at a red light near Verkos Square. The great marble statue of the great Reaver Captain stood with his ax raised high to the sky, his faithful Perrserker by him. The statue would have been an inspiring sight if it wasn't covered in a flock of Starly as well as their droppings. Even in the city center, Pokemon were everywhere. Rattata scurried to and from alleyways, Zigzagoons that had long ago stowed away from Galar dug into trash cans and nipped food from cafe tables when nobody was watching. Stray Galarian Meowths and Purrloins roamed and Rookidee, Corvisquire, and Starly flitted to and from different perches.

Her phone buzzed and she saw that Colton and the others had already gotten ahead with some seats. He had also picked up and gotten Adrian and Tove ready as well. Hannah smiled, remembering how excited both her siblings had been for her.

"Hob's getting a friend! Hannah won! Hannah won!"

"Does that mean you're going to be a Trainer now?"

Fortunately her mother had scurried out of the house sometime during the night so Hannah didn't have to deal with her potentially ruining the morning. Hopefully she wouldn't come back, but Hannah knew better than to count on that.

"Almost there," Hannah mumbled as the cab started again, "Thanks again for the dress and the make-up help Z. Really don't know what I'd do without you."

"You don't need to thank me," Zeara smiled at her friend, "Just try not to be nervous. I can see if they will let me go up with you. Though people might think we are dating if we do that."

"I'd be lucky to have you if I swung that way," Hannah laughed, "Thanks Z, but I'm good. I can do this. It's just smiling and saying thanks and then posing with whatever little guy or girl they give me. Five minutes tops"

"They really didn't tell you which species they are giving you?" Zeara asked as City Hall came into view and the cab driver started pulling up to the front of the building. Hannah just shook her head no.

"Alright ladies, City Hall. Meter says you give me 45 krone, yeah?" the cab driver said in a heavy accent. Judging by his dark features, probably an immigrant from Orre. Zeara dug into her purse and handed the man exact change with some faint whitish-blue krone bills as the two girls stepped out. Hannah took a breath as the cab drove off. They were here.

"Alright, no point in waiting. Let's go inside," Hannah tried to sound confident, but her knees felt weak. She was thankful when Zeara squeezed her hand.

They walked up through the entrance and got the routine security check from the bored policeman at the desk, though Hannah noticed his eyes were lingering on her as she stepped through the metal detector after setting aside the small gray purse that she rarely used. She worried that she might be a little too overdressed for this event now.

"Alright Miss Koppel, you are expected. You're friend here will have to join the others in the waiting room though. League said they only want to see you," the cop, a man probably in his late thirties said, though Hannah noticed he only bothered to make eye contact with her near the end of his sentence, "Professor Garlsgrad and his team are up on the second floor. Conference Room B."

"Uhh thanks," Hannah made a point to bring her purse over her chest, "Sorry Z. Guess I'm on my own for now. Tell everyone we made it for me please?" She let out an oof when Zeara pulled her into a hug.

"You're gonna kill it out there! And don't forget, we gotta go to the Parkson Arena after lunch to see what your little Pokemon can do! I gotta get some battling experience before September. Can't go on Tour being green as grass!"

She pulled out of the hug and gave Hannah a look over, "Yep, still look hot. You really should take the time to straighten your hair more. Alright, now scoot!"

Okay, it's no big deal. You're just about to get a Pokemon most people's parents shell out tens of thousands to buy and you're getting it for free. And all nine and half million people in the country can watch me show that off, Hannah kept tapping her foot and bit her lip. She was right outside the door to Conference Room B. She could hear people talking inside. She had caught her name a few times.

She had been standing outside of this door for about three minutes and couldn't muster up the courage to open it. Facing down her mother, no problem. Taking on bullies at school, absolutely fearless. She had gone down with a black eye but had taken Sif Trudelvosk's two front teeth out in exchange back during her freshman year. Opening this door though? Insurmountable.

She checked her phone. 9:27

"Fuck it, stop being a scared little girl," she growled to herself before pushing open the door. A lot harder than she had meant too. It slammed into the wall with a loud bang, making the entire room stop and stare at her. Hannah felt her face heating up.

"Uhh sorry," she stepped in and gave a very awkward smile, "I-I'm Hannah Koppel. They said the League was waiting here for me?"

Smooth move Hannah, she scolded herself as she scanned the room. Very boring interior, standard corporate fair. Fake oak table, lots of wheeled office chairs, a few big potted plants in the corner for atmosphere or whatever some overpaid design consulate had said would bring the rooms energy together. The people were a lot more interesting.

There were eight of them here. Three of them were men dressed in black business suits, probably from League corporate, all standing over by one of the plants holding coffees. A woman with brown and poofy hair wearing some sort of khaki uniform was cradling a Pokeball in her hands at the table. Another man and woman, wearing the crimson and black of the Eidros League stood to the sides. Probably security, Hannah thought as she saw the tasers and Pokeballs on their belts.

The last two were a woman, probably a little older than Hannah holding a tablet with a wireless earpiece in and an older man with a trimmed beard and glasses wearing a lab coat, blonde hair turning silver in many places. The woman, a perky brunette, wiped the shocked look on her face and plastered on the fakest smile Hannah had ever seen instead.

"Ahhh yes, Miss Koppel!" the woman's voice exuded the fake cheeriness Hannah had heard in every corporate training video she'd had to watch at both of her jobs, "Cutting it a little close, but no matter. I see you already went to make-up. Come over here, don't be shy!"

Hannah took a second to register before nodding and walking over, grateful that she had talked Zeara out of heels. She didn't need any more embarrassment today. The woman reached out her hand and Hannah noticed the wedding ring on it before taking it in a firm handshake.

"Leona Beyer, League Public Relations," the woman introduced herself, "This is Professor Garlsgard," she gestured to the older man who looked at Hannah like she was bug, "and the woman over there holding your soon to be starter Pokemon is Glenda Walken. Now, I just want to go over how this is going to work before we introduce you."

"Uh sure. I just smile, say thanks and hold up my Pokemon right?" Hannah let off a smile that quickly fell when Leona shook her head.

"Oh no dear," Hannah did not like that tone at all, "Channel 9 news is going to want to ask you a few questions. Don't worry it's all pre-screened. Mostly asking you what your plans for the Tour are, which Gym you plan on challenging first, if you've always wanted to be a Trainer. Standard fair."

"Oh. Can we not do that?" Hannah asked hopefully, "I'm not even going on Tour. I entered this raffle not expecting to win. I don't even have a League Registration. So they aren't going to get much out of this."

"You entered this raffle with zero intentions of going on Tour?" Professor Garlsgard spoke up and Hannah was taken aback by how rough and deep his voice was. She winced at the hostility in it as well.

"Well yeah. I wasn't expecting to win. I don't own any Pokemon aside from this stray Purrloin that sort of lives with us," Hannah explained and then realized from the looks on everyone's faces that she was making it worse, "I work two jobs and am the only breadwinner for my family. I can't afford to go on Tour."

"Ah so we are giving away a Pokemon that has been carefully bred and nurtured to be a fierce combatant and steadfast ally for a Trainer to a girl that has no intention of going into the sport," Garlsgrad spat before turning to the men in suits, "I thought you people were supposed to vet the selectees. It's a waste to give this Pokemon to her. Can we bring in another candidate?"

"Wait, you can't do that!" Hannah stepped forward before looking at Leona, "He can't do that right? I won fair and square."

"Sigismund," Leona's voice was hesitant, "The optics on that would be very unfavorable to us. Especially with the contract negotiations going as they are."

"I don't care. Cypress can deal with it. I want a proper Trainer to have this Pokemon. Not some stay at home townie."

"Fortunately, that's not your decision to make," Leona stared down the Professor before turning to Hannah, "Well it's not the ideal story, but as long as you play up that its going to be well loved and taken care of to the cameras, I don't see the issue. Would you like to meet you Pokemon now?"

Hannah realized she had been glaring back at Garlsgard before blinking her eyes and looking at the League woman, "Yeah, I'd like to see them please."

"Fantastic!" Leona clapped her hands together, "While you are doing that, I'll have our legal rep Richard get the Pokemon release forms ready for you. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes. While we are waiting though, let's meet your new Pokemon! Glenda?"

The woman in the khaki clothes motioned for Hannah to come closer. Unlike Garlsgrad, who still had pure hostility radiating off of him or Leona's professional fakeness, Glenda had kind brown eyes. Upon closer inspection, Hannah saw she had a patch on her shoulder that read League Caretaker.

"Alright, just to warn you, he's a little shy at first but he's been well trained to not hurt humans. Come on out little fella," Glenda's voice was sweet and caring as she gently hit the button on the Pokeball.

There was a flash of white and Hannah couldn't help the grin that came to her as she knelt down, careful to make sure her dress wasn't showing anything. A Cyndaquill had materialized on the floor of the conference room, snout moving rapidly as it sniffed the air, beady little eyes looking almost closed. It looked around, before seeing Hannah and letting off a small squeal and curling into a ball.

"Aww it's okay, little guy. This is your new Trainer, Hannah. Say hi Hannah!" Glenda bent down and softly spoke to the little Fire Type, who after a moment, uncurled and warily eyed Hannah.

"Hey there buddy," Hannah said softly back, "I'm going to be your new Trainer. It's nice to meet you." Hannah slowly outstretched her hand to the Cyndaquill, who after looking to Glenda to see if it was safe, shuffled forward and gave Hannah's fingers a cautious sniff. Hannah giggled, as the little fire mouse Pokemon's breath was warm and tickled a bit.

"What's his name?" Hannah asked as she gently and slowly rubbed her fingers on Cyndaquill's nose and the little Pokemon let off a content grunt.

"He doesn't have one yet. He's been on a rotation of caretakers and instructors since birth so he doesn't get too attached to anyone yet. It's how we prep them to be starters," Glenda said as Cyndaquill waddled up and continued to sniff every part of Hannah he could reach, "He's the gentlest one out of his litter, but don't be fooled. He doesn't back down from a fight."

"Just like me," Hannah said as she switched to giving the Cyndaquil a chin scratch, "Is he okay with being picked up?"

"Let me get the thermal covering. He should be okay, but just in case he gets scared this will protect you from his heat blast," Glenda got up and dug out a small but thick silver square out of her bag, before unfolding it into something that resembled an oversized bib. Hannah got up and let the covering be placed on her along with some heatproof gloves, before looking down at the fire type, who was looking up at her curiously.

"Alright little guy, let's give this a try," she cautiously scooped up the little Pokemon, who let out a chirp of surprise. Hannah saw red spots forming around his back and the heat did rise a bit, but then she cradled him against her chest and started to gently sway him back and forth like she used to do to Tove when she had still been a baby.

"You seem to be a natural at this," Glenda commented as Cyndaquill let off a happy squeak and the heat building up in him vanished, "I'm glad he's going to someone who is happy to have him and will love him back. Too many winners get real picky with their starters."

"Well, that's not a problem here!" Hannah let off her own giggle as she tickled the belly of Cyndaquill, the little Pokemon's legs squirming around, "I would have been happy with any of the three. But I was hoping for Cyndaquill. This little guy is perfect! Oh yes you are!"

Hannah heard a sound of a phone camera going off and turned her head to see Leona putting her phone away, a pleased look on her face as one of the suits from the corner came over with a packet of papers.

"That was absolutely perfect," Leona grinned, looking like a Meowth that had just caught a Starly, "I don't think you sitting out the Tour will matter. Audiences love when you can see the Trainer and Pokemon bond instantly like that! Now I know you want to keep playing, but we have some forms for you to sign, then the TV interview in 15 minutes. Glenda, recall Cyndaquill please."

"I'll see you in a few minutes, okay little buddy," Hannah said softly as Glenda recalled the fire type to his Pokeball. Hannah then had Glenda help her take off the thermal covering before sitting down and signing her name in numerous places across what looked to be at least a fifteen page long contract. She was only half listening to Leona as she prattled on about making sure to follow all the laws, proper feeding and medical care, blah, blah, blah.

I have a Pokemon! She squealed in her mind as thoughts began swirling around. She got paid today. Maybe it was time to really look at her finances again. Her silly dream was starting to look a little bit more serious now.

Hannah was a lot less nervous than she expected to be. Don't be mistaken, she was still fighting to tape her feet or bite her lip, which she had done earlier and had to reapply her lipstick. But things were different now. She had just met her new Pokemon and a bunch of reporters didn't seem so scary now.

"Yeah, let's go Hannah!"

"Hannah-Bannah, you look amazing!"

"You're going to kill it Han!"

"Hannah! Hannah! Lookie here!"

Hannah felt her cheeks flush a bit as people in the crowd at her friends, who were currently doing their best to cheer her on. Zeara had both her Pokemon out, with Blumpy waving one of his little string arms at her. Priscilla was nestled into Zeara's neck and looked annoyed at the crowd. Jacob was waving his arms around like an idiot with Sylvie pumping her fist up and down, while Colton looked at her and gave her a thumbs up. Adrian and Tove were with Colton, Adrian looking excited while holding Tove back, who was yelling at the top of her little lungs. Colton bent down and picked Tove up and put her on top of his shoulders. He looked back at Hannah and gave her a cocky grin.

Gods she just needed to ask him out already.

"Must be nice to have so much support," Leona whispered to Hannah, who nodded, rubbing Cyndaquill's Pokeball in her hands.

"Couldn't ask for a better group of goofballs," she smiled, nodding at Colton as she saw the camera crew fidgeting with their headsets, the reporter talking to some sort of sound assistant that was set up by the Channel 9 news van.

"Alright, we're going to be live in fifteen," the camera operator yelled as Katherine Longsard took position next to Hannah. She was a fairly famous anchor in Eidros, though not the biggest name. She had her fans, though Hannah wondered how much of that had to do with her often tight tops and skirts she wore rather than her journalism. She had a frown on her face at the moment and was mumbling something about dirty air.

Alright Hannah, you need to focus. It's showtime, she thought as she took a breath as the camera operator counted down to three before giving a thumbs up. Katherine flipped a switch, putting on a very friendly and honest looking smile, pushing some of her blonde bangs out of the way as she did.

"Good morning Eidros, this is Katherine Longsard with Channel 9 News! I'm here today in Hearthstone, just outside of City Hall with one of the winner's of this year's Eidrosian Pokemon League's Starter Raffle. Millions enter every year, but only twelve get to win!" Katherine put one of her hands on her hips, "And here beside me is one of those lucky few. Why don't you introduce yourself?"

"Uh hi," Hannah winced as she saw Leona, who had maneuvered her way over to the camera crews, shake her head and made a move on motion with her hands, "Sorry, my name is Hannah. Hannah Koppel."

"Hannah, winning this raffle is a big deal. How are you feeling right now?" Katherine practically shoved the microphone into her mouth as Hannah took a step back.

Being a little pushy aren't we? Hannah thought sourly but continued on, "I'm feeling good. I got to meet my Pokemon earlier and he is the most adorable little thing. I'm happier than I've been in a while."

Oh god that made me sound like a sad little emo teen, Hannah wanted to drag her face across her hand but Katherine didn't seem to care, "I bet. Can we ask to see your new starter?"

"Yep, give me one second," Hannah smiled as she hit the release button on the Pokeball, "Come on out little guy!"

The ball opened up and materializing in front of the crowd was Cyndaquill, who looked like he was waking up from a nap. The little fire type looked around and seeing the size of the crowd that was staring at him and making aah sounds, let off a nervous squeak and rolled into a ball. Hannah frowned and gently picked him up, petting his head as she did.

"Sorry, he's a little nervous like me," Hannah gave the camera what she hoped was a reassuring smile as Katherine seemed to lose her composure for a second, a smile of genuine warmth appearing and then going as quick as it came.

"Aww, what a little sweetie! I see you were given a Cyndaquill. Astrid of the Elite Four's Typhlosian is a force to be reckoned with. Are you happy with your win? Or would you have preferred a Turtwig or a Piplup?"

"No, I wanted a Cyndaquill. And this little guy was made for me," Hannah said, before realizing that she must have thrown a little more aggression into that then she meant, if the annoyed look on Katherine's face was any indication. The reporter quickly recovered her composure and pressed on.

"I see you've got some fire in you," Katherine let some fake sugary sweetness into her voice, "Cyndaquill seems to be a good fit. I assume you are going to unleash some of that heat on the Tour next month?"

Hannah opened her mouth, then closed it again. Thirty minutes ago, the answer would have been a resounding no. There was no way she would have considered leaving to go battle full time. But looking down at Cyndaquill, who had come out of his ball and gave her a happy little grunt, the dream seemed real again. Attainable.

I want this, Hannah thought, I want to be a Trainer.

"Miss Koppel, I asked if you are going on Tour?" Katherine looked annoyed as she shoved the microphone towards Hannah, who brought up Cyndaquill to her face and gave the camera a look.

"You'll just have to watch and see, Katherine."