Route 1

"You're gonna be the Pokémon Champion? Wow, you must be pretty strong!" Polo grinned and looked at Maria with sparkling eyes.

"W-well…in truth I'm just starting out…I only have two Pokémon" Maria looks taken aback, having expected resistance and not support.

"That's two more than me!" Polo laughed casually. Maria seemed to find herself relaxing in his presence for some reason.

"Really…you looked like a Trainer to me with that get up." Maria mused.

"I'm about to be hopefully. Gotta pick up my started from Prof Topaz and all that jazz." Polo hummed along nonchalantly.

"Prof…Professor Topaz yes? He's a pioneer in biome research, not just in Eridante but all over the world. I admire him greatly and wish to meet him. Perhaps, I can accompany you and we can chat a bit more?"

"Sure thing! Never heard anyone talk the way you do though!" Polo grinned and started walking. Maria looked perplexed and hurried after him, Pawniard trailing at her heels.

"Well I must admit, I was class valedictorian every year of my schooling life, and was tutored extensively. I would have never wanted to be a Trainer if my parents hadn't coaxed that desire out of me, so I'm learning to speak…normally I guess?" Maria continues.

"Hey you're saying a lot of complicated stuff right now, and I'm 15. What's your favourite colour?"

"I'm 16 and it's not that complicated? And it's a bit weird but probably like beige."

"It's a little complicated. Maria, I'm a goes with the wind kinda guy, and I think you should just follow your dreams no matter what they are. It's great your parents pushed for it."

"Hmm…maybe there is more to that than on initial thought".

"Maybe – my favourite colour is Royal Purple!"

The two continued on whilst Pawniard just looked confused the whole way.

Bransmir Town

The duo and their retinue arrived in a new town, with a massive windmill in the centre of town, and a small river running through various parts of the town, connecting wooden bridges covering the gaps in travel.

"Professor's lab, here we go!" Polo ran off and Maria startled, also running to keep up with him.

As they entered the laboratory not far from the outskirts of town, they were in awe of all the experiments that seemed to be going on here. There were hundreds of researchers running about feverishly, and a tall man with broad shoulders strides into the room with a genial smile. Everyone in the room looks noticeably more focussed when he enters and they all start to clamber over to him "Professor Topaz! Your research into the various energy sources in Galar was mind bending! I didn't know you started live streaming as opposed to documentaries?"

"Our technology is changing folks. Yes, whilst I believe preserving these biomes, I also believe in innovation and technology supporting the conservation of natural spaces. This includes new technologies to reach wider audiences."

"We need to talk to him Polo." Maria looked visibly impressed at the Professor whilst saying it.

"Huh? Yeah sure." Polo said nonplussed.

I…still don't understand you Polo, thought Maria, but then Polo grabbed her hand and brought her to the front of the queue.

"Professor Topaz! This is Maria, she's gonna be this year's Pokémon Champion in Eridante. Oh, and I want a Pokémon please."

Maria turned beet red. "You…you idiotttttt" she wailed but Polo just laughed.

"This year's champ eh? Maybe I'll keep an eye out for you if you can help with our research." The professor spoke in a business-like manner, but with kindness.

"Huh? Oh yes sir, that would be a great learning experience for me. Thanks Polo!" she turned back to Polo and he just grinned whilst vibing.

"And you want a Pokémon eh? You look qualified. I can just tell from your aura! Joking, joking. Let's discuss in the rest area."

"Aye aye!" Polo beamed and Maria just facepalmed.

In the rest area, Professor Topaz continued the discussion.

"The federation rules have changed recently. I have 27 starter Pokemon for you to meet and decide from. Go with the flow, you will want matching personalities."

"Got it! I always go with the flow!" Polo beamed.

"Hahaha seems so…okay go ahead."

Polo spent some time meeting the various starters. Turtwig was chill but a bit boring. Litten refused to engage with Polo. Totodile was hyperactive and play biting. Polo eventually focussed on one Pokemon in the room.

It was a Chimchar. It was standing in the middle of a small sandbox. Polo looked around, the sandbox had various targets with scratch marks in it. Chimchar had been training.

"Hmm…" Polo walked over. "You…my parents say I don't have something called ambition? Looks like you have it. I want to learn from you.

The Chimchar looks over unfazed, and nods in agreement.

"Alright, I choose you Chimchar!" Polo spoke and Chimchar hopped into a Poke Ball.

"Well…I think you two will fit each other well" Topaz mused.

The trio continued to speak at length.

"Hanei is your father? I've already heard great things about his work as a Pokemon Ranger. People's Hero of the Sun in Alola…I hope to work with him in protecting our Pokemon and environment! And you too Polo. And Maria of course."

Maria bowed slightly saying "You're too kind Professor. We graciously accept."

"Yep!" Polo says and the other two chuckle at his apparent simplicity at times.

"Great. First assignment. The toxicology reports indicate water in the last few days hasn't been drinkable in the windmill area. Help me investigate, and Maria can teach you some Pokemon basics whilst you do."

All parties were in agreement, so they set off for the Bransmir Town Windmill…

NEW: Chimchar, Level 5, Hasty Nature ( Speed / - Defense)

CURRENT:

Maria:

Pawniard, Level 10, Quiet Nature ( Sp Attack / - Speed)