Pokémon The Divine Truth: The Fight for What Matters

Chapter 3

"Well, boys, we've made it to the Trainer Plaza, and it only took another two days of walking!" Adhira said excitedly.

The Trainer Plaza was a large open area wholly covered in brick pavement. Many people were in the plaza along with their Pokémon. Surrounding the open space were a multitude of buildings and shops. In the center was a giant statue of a horse-like Pokémon. It had very sharp features and a very regal look; however, everything above the neck was missing. The figure was worn, cracking stone, but something about it made it feel alluring; Kori and Haru couldn't help but stare at it.

"Hey, Mom, what Pokémon is this statue meant to be?"

"That is a great question! Sadly, nobody knows. The statues predate the Plaza, which was here when I was a child." Adhira responded.

"So, this plaza was built around this mystery statue, and nobody knows what this is? At least nobody alive, I guess..." Hiro said, sporting a confused expression as if he was trying to put the pieces together.

"Well, we aren't here for a boring statue anyway! You see that large building with the columns? That's called the Trainer Hub. That's where y'all will officially register to become trainers!" she said, pointing at the large building.

As soon as she said that, Kori's excited attention snapped from the statue. Without a second thought, he bolted towards the building.

"C'mon guys, let's go!" he exclaimed, almost running into several people.

"Can't you slow down for just a second!?" Hiro said, chasing after him.

Haru and Adhira walked together in the direction the other two ran. However, Haru had his head down the entire time.

"So, what's on your mind now?" Adhira asked, picking up the pace a bit.

"There's just a lot of people here," he paused for a second, "A lot more than I expected," he said, still looking at the ground.

"I guess this can be a lot to take in, especially since it hasn't been too long since we left the forest." She said, patting him on the back.

Haru nodded, still trying to avoid the other people, but a noise made him look up.

"Mom! Haru! Hurry up before there is a long line!" Kori shouted across the plaza, waving at them, while Hiro had his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

"You know those two, and my sister means almost everything to me. Seeing what they'll become and do with their lives motivates me to do better every day." She paused momentarily, thinking of what would be best to say next, "I'm aware it's only been a short while, but just know that if you ever need anything, I'll come rushing to help just like I would for any of them. As Kori said, you won't be alone anymore, and I can guarantee that." When she finished, Adhira had a smile on her face, holding her arms out, trying to hug Haru.

Haru hesitated for a bit before giving in and reciprocating the hug. Haru had a lot of complex emotions going around in his head, but even so, he was happy about the words Kori and Adhira said.

The other two waited until Adhira and Haru finally reached the Trainer Hub. When all four walked inside, they saw multiple large columns lined up, holding up the ceiling. The ceiling was almost completely covered in lights that were hanging off in the shape of tiny crystals. The inside was large, and there were different desks with lines of people waiting at them. The desks were labeled Registration, ID Renewal, League Records, and Starters. Adhira walked to the registration line, and the other three followed.

Once at the front of the line, the receptionist greeted them, "Good morning, my name is Nurs- I mean, receptionist Joy! I'm assuming these three are hoping to register for the Pokémon League?" she asked, trying to brush past the mistake she made. She had pink hair tied into a bun and blue eyes. She wore a formal-looking outfit and stood in a firm manner. "All you need to do is press your thumb on the pad to the right after reading our terms and conditions," she said, pointing to a screen with a lengthy contract on it and a space to press your thumb.