𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 𝕆𝕗 𝔾𝕒𝕝𝕒𝕣 | 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒐𝒏

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 1: 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕

I breathe in the fresh air as I step off the plane, the Galar region in full view. A smile itches on to my lips as I make my way down the stairs, freedom finally at my fingertips. I push my sunglasses down to cover my eyes as I make my way past the gate and to the lobby of the airport. Avoiding crowds like the plague, hoping to the Pokémon god above no one knows who I am. I make my way to baggage claim undetected and quickly pick up my suitcase, my pokédex chimes with a text as soon as I pull it off the conveyor belt.

My smile spreads into a grin when I see Nessa's text notifying that she's out front. I make my way there quickly, desperate to get out of the crowded area. In a slim to nothing chance I hope that she hasn't attracted too much attention. I bite down a groan when my fear is proven reality as I see a crowd already gathered outside in front of a sleek black limo, a head of black and blue hair at the forefront of it all. I lick my lips as I try to think of a way past the crowd without a fuss, however Nessa draws all eyes to me by waving her arm wildly at me. I stood straight and plastered on my show smile as I wave back, the crowd parts like the sea as Nessa makes her way through to hug me.

I wrap an arm around her torso making sure to keep one hand still on my luggage, there have been more than one occasion where someone has snatched my luggage right from my hands. "It's so good to see ya' love. It's been forever!" She grins bouncing on the balls of her feet, "It's good to see you too Nessa, but it would be better if I didn't have the whole city welcome me at the airport." I muse in return.

Nessa lets out a small laugh before pulling us through the crowd as hushed whispers slur together, the noise fills my ears all the way to the limo door. One of her staff members takes my luggage as Nessa pulls me into the long car. I let out a relieved breath as soon as the door closes, I push my sunglasses up from my face and into my hair. "For a Pokéstar ya' get really jittery with crowds." She laughs, "Ex-Pokéstar." I remind with a scoff relaxing into the seat as my body finally relaxes.

"So tell me, what brings ya to Galar?" she questions, "A new start. From what I gathered Galar is one of the biggest entrepreneur regions in the world, next to Kalos of course," I smirk. Nessa hums as she leans back into her seat, "Of course you're here for business." She grunts. "Your Pokémon league is one of the biggest advertised events not only in your region but others as well thanks to your regional battling quirks." I quip, "This is the perfect place to make my mark." I sigh out.

"It's a wonder why your father ever let you go." Nessa muses, "Oh please, we both know I'll always just be a pretty face to him," I hiss. Nessa raised her hands in mock surrender, "So what's your plan then?" She questions. "I did some reading up on the Pokémon league association, apparently the chairman is going all out for this year's competition and things are bound to be chaotic. So I made a few calls and heard that the chairman is looking for a manager for the Champion." I sigh.

"You're looking to be Leon's manager?" Nessa wheezes, "I'm more than qualified, I was the biggest Pokéstar in Kalos for years before starting my own projects. I have all the qualifications to handle the job, not to mention I watched everything from interviews to fan cams of Leon to get a grip on his personality." I laugh. Nessa gave me a doubtful look, "And let's face it..." I mumble leaning forward to Nessa, my face laxs with my eyes growing hooded and a smirk spreading across my lips. "My pretty face isn't the only weapon I possess." I muse before leaning back in my seat.

I see a chill run down Nessa's spine before shifting in her seat, "Look I'm just sayin' Lee is a lot to handle, the guy is a ten year old kid in a grown man's body with overpowered Pokémon at his disposal." Nessa grumbles, crossing her eyes. "A man is still a man Nessa, you should know that more than anyone. I suppose Leon's simple, one track mind, has proven difficult to show he has any depth. But you just have to dig deep enough," I chime.

"Do ya have to make everything so deep and meaningful?" she sighs, "That's like asking you to battle without finding thrill." I sneer. "That's fair," She hums, "And it seems this is my stop." I chime looking out the window to the inn Nessa took upon herself to receive when she heard I was coming into town. I sent her a wink before flipping down my sunglasses and stepping out of the limo when the door opened.

I was then instantly handed my bag, I sent the man a small thank you before heading inside. I sent the receptionist my best show smile as I checked in, however as soon as I'm in my room I toss my luggage aside and fall on top of the bed. I heard the pop of my Pokémon balls before I felt the soft fur of my Pokémon. I turn over to see Zarude laying beside me, his arms caging me in, while Ninetails curls up on my other side, and Houndoom lays out at our feet.

"It's good to finally be away isn't it?" I mumble to them, stroking Zarude's back. They all make soft sounds of agreement, "Let's rest for now, we have to get busy tomorrow if we want to ensure our stay." I yawn. Just like that we drifted off to sleep in the soft bed of the inn. 

Word Count: 1K