It was the next morning since the wild opening ceremony and while everyone else was fast asleep in the Bedew Inn I had snuck away into the main lobby connecting my Rotom phone to the main PC awaiting a well-deserved explanation. Tapping my foot I sat down nibbling on a breakfast bar as Zorua fell asleep still too tired. Eventually, the call was answered as I stood up and met with Professor Kukui waving.
"Good evening Cousin, oh, I suppose it's the morning where you are. I wasn't expecting a call from you so soon. Don't tell me you miss us already?"
"Professor, sorry to disturb you, but I just had to ask you a quick question regarding the whole Galar Gym Challenge?"
Kukui nodded arms crossed. "Pretty cool right, I saw your match last night with the Mrs, you are our Champion for sure, even with the odds against you there was no stopping Y/N! Whoo, you got me pumped!"
Grumbling to myself with a dull look I waved off the compliment. "Yes, yes, great, thanks. Listen, professor, I've been wrapped into participating in the Gym Challenge. Like what's up with that?"
"Huh?" He spoke turning around. "You didn't know? I could have sworn I told you..."
Rubbing my face I tried to keep my best smile. "No Professor you didn't tell me. I thought I was here representing Alola and Paldea as a guest?"
Kukui gave it a thought laughing. "No, I definitely remember telling you. I was like, make Alola proud Y/N, take on the Gym Challenge, and become champion. Is it a problem? You took on the Gym Challenge back in Paldea did you not?"
Sighing knowing I was going to get anywhere I shrugged it off. "Trying to argue with you Professor is impossible. No, I suppose I can take on another Gym Challenge. Being here nearly a year now I'd had hoped to avoid any more Gym Challenges."
"How come?"
"They all seem rather... Pointless? I already know Mimi and I are unstoppable, I don't need to prove that to the world. Besides, I'm still not keen on Pokemon battles unless I have to. That's how I was brought up after all."
"I suppose that makes sens- Sorry Cousin I got to go, we've got our first League challenger. A young girl from Paldea coincidentally. I've heard many things about herself and her partner Pikachu, whoo I'm pumped!"
And like that, he hung up on me leaving me staring at the blank screen with an annoyed tone. "Yeah, bye. He sure is a character huh Mimi?"
Zorua gave a very meek whimper half asleep as I leaned back stretching. "There's still time until Zinnia wakes up, shall we go for a walk girl? Huh, another call?"
Leaning back towards the screen I accepted the call jumping back as Nemona had her face pressed against the screen. "Oya! There you are, I finally got this thing working. I told Penny I didn't need her help!"
"Nemona?! This is a surprise, how are you doing?"
"Never mind me, I saw your match last night! Man oh man, it got me so hyped! I'm like super jelly we can't battle right now. You're taking on THE Gym Challenge and you didn't tell me!?"
"To be honest this was very last minute, it's not that big of a deal is it?"
Nemona gasped grabbing her phone and running around her room. "Not that big of a deal!? Y/N it's THE Galar Gym Challenge. It's the most amazing well known and crazy Gym Challenge in the world! Yeah, other regions have one too but like no one does it quite like Galar. The stadiums, Dynamax, and the Undefeatable Leon! Oooh! Why wasn't our school trip there!?"
Rubbing the back of my neck I was taken back over just how big this whole Gym Challenge was. Taking on Paldea's never felt like a big deal, so much in fact I skipped Sinnoh's just because I didn't feel like doing that all over again. Two regions later and I'm back at it again.
"I mean, if it's that exciting you could just travel to Galar yourself?"
Nemona sighed lowering her head in shame. "Sorry my guy, no can do. Because as a matter of fact, I'm going on my own little trip. The academy is bunking with Blueberry Academy and allowing a joint two-tier school trip! I've had a lot of time to think about what you said after leaving and well. I want to see the world, nothing will stop me now."
"That's great to hear Nemona, where are you heading?" I ask sitting up as even Zorua was interested in sitting on my lap.
"I don't know about the 2nd trip but I'm heading to Kitakami today! Ooh, I can't wait to meet all the new Pokemon and people. I'm going to battle just about everybody!"
"Kitakami? Can't say I've heard of the region, you'll have to send me pictures, might be worth a visit myself."
Nemona clapped her hands together agreeing. "I just can't wait, I'm going to capture a whole new team out there so the next time we meet we're battling! But, but, but, enough of my trip. How have you been? You've been keeping us posted less and less these days. I heard you got detoured to Hoenn while on your way to Alola."
Closing my eyes I took a moment having to relive those moments. "Y-Yeah, it's a long story."
"You're still enjoying your journey though right? Or... Do you like miss home."
"I don't think I won't ever stop missing home. But, I sit up before night and just talk to my mother. I tell her what crazy adventure I've been on. The people and Pokemon I've met. I just, it helps. Even for that brief moment no matter how small I feel like I'm with her." I admit looking down at Zorua snuggling into her coat. "It hasn't been easy. We've sure had our ups and downs and a few close encounters but you know what, I wouldn't change it for the world."
Nemona smiled pausing for a moment. "Y/N, you're going to get home. I just know it, trust me."
"Thanks, Nemona. So, when is your flight?"
"Umm, in five minutes?"
"Huh?"
"Oh, crap! Got to split! I don't know if there is service in Kitakami but I'll be rooting for you Y/N. Knock them dead!" She shouted running off and leaving her phone. I paused as she came back picking it back up. "Whoops, see ya!"
Chuckling to myself I sat back down feeling better. "I think I needed to see that stupid face of hers. We should visit them the next chance we get huh Mimi?"
Zorua fell back asleep as I took the hint yawning. "You're a very convincing negotiator girl, another hour couldn't hurt anybody."
****
The sun was high in the sky as Zinnia and I stepped out of the Inn taking in the fresh air. Checking my phone Zinnia chuckled. "You slept in all morning sleepy head. Any longer and the Gym Challenge would have already been over."
"Ha, ha. For the record, I was already up well before any of you. You can blame this little diva. It was her who forced me to go back to sleep."
Zorua bit me lightly growling. "I don't think Mimi likes you calling her that."
"Noted. I guess if I'm taking part in this Gym Challenge we should probably start looking to the first gym right? Let me see what town that's in."
Zinnia nudged me mumbling. "Uh oh, fancy pants league members approaching."
Looking up from my phone I saw a handful of the Gym Challenge referees and Oleana approaching. "There you are, Rose had begun to worry you had left town already. You were supposed to meet him for breakfast this morning. Must I remind you that standing up Chairman Rose is unacceptable and a waste of the little time he has to spare?"
"We were? I wasn't told. I'm sorry?" I whisper. "Should we go and talk to him?"
"That won't be necessary. We shall reschedule your meeting with the Chairman for another day. He is preoccupied with discussing important matters with the Professor. He, however, wanted to provide you with these before starting your Gym Challenge." Oleana exclaimed having her workers hand me a sports uniform and my Trainer pass. "I'm sure you don't need any explanation on what these are?"
"New clothes? Thanks." I reply trying to sound grateful.
"You will wear those during your Gym Battles, your chosen number has already been picked out alongside the outfit that has reflected your status as Champion of Alola and Paldea with matching achievements as well as the logo for your academy. Another thing, that Pokemon you battled with last night."
"My Paradox Pokemon, Roaring Moon? What about him?"
"Quite, we have no such data on that Pokemon. Nor is it a part of our approved list of Pokemon brought into the region. Therefore you will be prohibited from continuing to use such a partner throughout your stay."
"Aww... Roaring Moon and Iron Valiant were my aces... That sucks." I mutter. "Why are you lot so stingy with what Pokemon I use? Sinnoh and Hoenn never had any restrictions."
Zinnia shrugged her shoulders smirking. "Galar was never quite the same after Dexit was it?"
"Any Pokemon that could present a threat to our nation is not allowed. Any Pokemon that is not on our national Pokedex is also banned. It doesn't take a genius to work out which Pokemon you can and cannot use. Don't send anything out that is dangerous."
"I guess Darkrai is out of the question then?"
"Excuse me?! You have what?"
"Umm... Nothing." I echo me and my big mouth. "If that's like everything, I'm just going to go."
Oleana cleared her throat stepping aside. "Wait a moment. Chairman Rose has presented you a special gift for your journey. Like all new trainers in Galar they are presented a starter Pokemon. Chairman Rose found it fitting to present you with one such from your home region of Paldea."
"My home region. Right..."
Presented a small capsule it opened up revealing a Pokeball. Reaching for it the Pokeball opened as a small green cat emerged staring up at me meowing. I froze staring at it before breaking down picking it up giggling.
Cuteness overload!
Spinning around I held my new Pokemon up high laughing. "You are quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen. Like oh my Arceus, look at you. Your little paws, wow!"
Zorua stared at me with a blank stare tears beginning to form. "I-I mean, you know you're number one girl! I just, well you know I have such a soft spot for Cat Pokemon. I would be up all night with Mum's Glameow petting her. He's perfect."
Oleana looked away sighing. "I expect you to send Chairman Rose your thanks for such a thoughtful gift. He was in contact with your school for weeks to arrange the trade. We wish you the best of luck in your future matches."
Cradling my new Pokemon I scanned him with my Pokedex. "So you're Sprigatito huh? Man I wish we met sooner in Paldea, you're just to die for!"
Sprigatito meowed licking my face as I sat him on my shoulder turning to Zinnia. "Well?"
"I still don't like her... But, I'll admit, that's a pretty cute Pokemon."
"Right? You little four-legged fiend! You're my weakness. I've only had you for five minutes but I'd die for you. I should put you away before Mimi up and abandons me."
Putting Sprigatito away I began to giggle too excited. Zinnia couldn't help smiling hands on her hips. "It's all fun and games but when they evolve that cuteness fades away."
"As long as he stays on four legs I don't care. Right, Mimi, you ready girl?"
Zorua began to sulk looking away head raised huffing. "Mimi, don't be like that. You have nothing to be jealous of. Come on, you're my number one. You know that."
Still not budging I kneeled to her level poking her with my finger smugly teasing her. "Mimi, Mimi, Mimi, I'll keep doing this until you look at me."
Zorua huffed turning to me as I began waving. "She's still not happy with you."
"Then how about I buy you a slice of cake with extra cream to make up for it?" This didn't take much convincing as Zorua jumped up and down barking with excitement diving into my arms. Hugging her I began to laugh looking to Zinnia. "See, what can I say? I just know how my bestie ticks. It's me and you Mimi, me and you until the very end. Nothing can take that away."