Chapter 28: Strive For the Galar Cup
A few days later, Goh, Ash, and Lillie were out on another assignment for Professor Cerise. Professor Magnolia had contacted Professor Cerise, claiming she had more information about Gigantamaxing he might enjoy. So Professor Cerise sent the trio off to go and see what she had to share.
After landing in Wyndon, the trio headed towards the train station to catch a train to Wedgehurst. But when they got there, they were rather disappointed to discover…
"What do you mean the trains aren't running?"
"Sorry, major signal failure along the whole network. Could be a while before things are up and running again."
The trio sighed, and left the train station disappointed.
"Great, now how are we going to get there?"
"There's got to be a bus we can take to get there."
Walking to the bus station, they found that there would be a bus to Wedgehurst: 6 hours from then!
"Oh come on! Has fate conspired against us today?"
"What're we going to do now? The Professor surely can't wait that long."
"Maybe we can try walking it?"
"No offense Lillie, but that's the dumbest idea I've ever heard."
"Well, it's an idea? What do you suggest, Goh?"
"Hey there, you guys need a lift?"
Just around the corner was a man in an aviator's outfit standing next to a large, dark flying type they had never seen before carrying a large enclosed basket in it's claws.
"Name's Jim, and this is Corviknight. Need a lift? We can fly you anywhere in a jff."
"Corviknight? I've never heard of that Pokemon before."
"Let's see what the Rotomphone has to say about it."
"Corviknight, the Raven Pokemon. This Pokemon reigns supreme in the skies of The Galar Region. The black luster of its steel body could drive terror into the heart of any foe."
"Woah, cool!"
"Sure is. And with my Flying Taxi service, traveling the Galar Region is a breeze!"
"We're trying to get to Professor Magnolia's lab in Wedgehurst. Can you give us a ride?"
"Sure, hop in!"
So the trio climbed into the carriage and Corviknight took off. The three of them had to admit, Galar looked beautiful from the sky.
"Wow, this view is amazing!"
"Look, there's Wyndon Stadium!"
"And Rose Tower!"
A half hour later, Corviknight touched down right outside the Professor's house.
"Here you go, as promised!"
"Thanks, Jim!"
"No problem, Ash! And remember, if you're ever in Galar and need a lift, don't hesitate to call the Flying Taxi Service!"
After receiving payment for his services, Jim took back off into the skies, leaving his passengers to conduct their business. Lillie walked up and knocked on the door.
"Coming!"
Sonia opened the door, smiling when she saw who it was.
"Hey guys, you here from gram?"
"Yeah, but it's nice seeing you too!"
"Ah, you're sweet! Come on in, I'll take you to her study. She's been busy organizing her filing cabinet, and told me not to yell."
Sonia led them into the large house, and took them to her grandmother's study. There they found the Professor at her bookshelf, rearranging the books to fit her needs.
"Gram, Ash, Goh and Lillie are here to see you."
"Ah, yes, Professor Cerise told me he was sending you. Thank you, Sonia. Do be a dear and fetch us some refreshments, would you please?"
"Sure thing!"
Sonia disappeared into the nearby kitchen, leaving the four researchers alone to discuss.
"So, Professor Cerise said you had some more info on Gigantamaxing?"
"Yes! Please sit down, you'll find this very interesting."
So the three of them took a seat across from her desk. Magnolia fiddled around with the papers in her desk drawer for a while before she found it.
"Ah, here it is!"
Pulling it out, she handed the papers over to the trio.
"You see, I wanted to find out more about why only certain members of a species are able to Gigantamax while others can't. I had a hunch that it had something to do with genetics, so I headed to the daycare located in the Wild Area."
Ash shuffled the top paper to the back, bringing up a paper depicting some charts and graphs.
"With their permission, I did a genetic survey of their Pokemon whose species had Gigantamax capabilities, and I found something interesting. Of those Pokemon I've studied, only ¼ of them possess a certain gene. I believe that this gene could possibly be the key to Gigantamaxing."
"Woah, really?!"
"Yes. Although I haven't been able to test my theory, the gene I've observed doesn't seem to serve any other purpose, and it would explain the seemingly randomness of being able to use Gigantamax. Now, I'm trying to get a grant from-"
"This is so unfair!"
"-The league to perform-"
"Hop, I've already made my choice. You're just not ready!"
"-A larger scale survey of-"
"Come on, Lee! You gave Gloria your endorsement, why not me?"
"-The Wild Area to-"
"Because Gloria can take care of herself!"
"Oh, and I can't?"
"I had to save you from a Rookidee not too long ago! A Rookidee!"
"Oh, and how many times have I had to help you find your way home?"
"That's beside the point!"
Magnolia sighed. She could tell she wasn't going to get much further at this rate.
"Would you three excuse me for a moment?"
Getting up, she left the study and made her way to the door, from which the noise came from. Ash, Goh and Lillie heard more shouting and scuffling before she returned, dragging Hop and Leon into the room by their ears.
"How many times have I told you two not to barge in here when I have guests?"
"Sorry, Professor Magnolia."
"Hop? Leon?"
Leon grinned when he saw Ash.
"Ash, long time no see! I saw your battle against Korrina on the World Coronation Sereis's website. Congrats on making the Great Class!"
"Thanks! But you'd better watch out, cause I'm coming for a rematch!"
"Bring it on!"
"Enough! Now, would one of you care to explain why you decided to bother me?"
"Big bro refuses to sponsor me for the Galar Cup!"
Sonia growled, and smacked Leon upside the head.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"Leon, why on Earth would you do that? You know how much this means to him, and you're the only one he knows who could put in a good word for him."
"Thank you, Sonia! Nice to know SOMEONE has my back."
"It's not about that! I'm just afraid that he'll get himself hurt!"
"I'm 10 years old and I have two Pokemon!"
"That doesn't mean you're fully prepared to take on the world!"
Ash silently had to agree with that point. He still well remembered the disaster that was his first day as a Pokemon trainer.
"You gave an endorsement to Gloria, why not your own brother!"
"Hop, I just don't think you're ready! You're my little brother, and if anything happened to you I would never forgive myself. I'm sorry, but my answer is no."
And before anyone could say anything else, Leon quickly dashed out the door. Hop slumped down in his chair, upset. Sonia walked over and handed him a drink.
"There, there, Hop. Leon's just being stubborn."
"Thanks, Sonia. It's just…he's my brother, and he doesn't think I can take care of myself? It hurts. Without that endorsement letter, I'll never get into the Galar League!"
"Excuse me, but what's this about an endorsement letter? Why does he need it to compete in the Galar League?"
"You see Ash, Galar's league isn't like most regions. Our Gym Leaders are a lot tougher, and they don't allow just anyone to challenge them. In order to compete, you need a letter of endorsement from a respected individual, such as one of the Gym Leaders or The Champion."
"What about The Professor? Surely she could put in a good word for you."
Professor Magnolia sadly shook her head.
"Unfortunately Lillie, I can't. While I would be happy to write him one, the league and I don't exactly see eye to eye on certain things, and they would never accept anyone I endorse."
"It's hopeless! I guess I'll have to try again next year. God, Gloria will never let me hear the end of this."
Ash remained silent for a moment. He could see that Hop really wanted this, and he could feel his enthusiasm for Pokemon.
"What if a champion from another region gave him a letter of recommendation? Would that be acceptable?"
"I suppose so, but I don't know any other champions! I'm doomed!"
"Oh, I don't know. Stranger things have happened…"
Ash gave Lillie a wink, making her giggle. She knew what he had in mind, and she loved it. Goh, however, was utterly clueless.
"What're you two planning?"
"Oh, nothing. Don't you worry."
A few days later, Ash, Lillie, and Goh were eating breakfast at a local diner. Professor Cerise had given them a few extra days off as a reward for their hard work, and they decided to explore Galar a little bit more. They were almost halfway through their meal when Ash's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Oh my gosh, you guys won't believe what just happened!"
It was Hop, who was shouting so loudly that Ash had to hold the phone away from his ear before it ruptured.
"Woah Hop, slow down! What's with all the excitement?"
"I got accepted into the Galar League! The Champion of the Alola League sent a letter of recommendation, and they accepted it! That'll show Leon!"
"Congrats, Hop! Good luck!"
"Thanks!"
Hop hung up, letting Ash return to his food.
"Well, good for him."
"Yeah, now he can prove to his brother that he has what it takes!"
"Sure, but how did the Alola League Champion know about his predicament? As far as I know, they've never met. Come to think of it, I don't even know who they are…"
Ash and Lillie shared a knowing look before returning to their breakfast.
"The world just works in mysterious ways, I guess."