Race of a Lifetime

Chapter Three-Multiple POVS

Hop's POV:

Four years. It has been four years since I have seen her. Adira, my childhood best friend, my main rival, the Champion of Galar. I miss her, the journey we had together is very fondly in my memory back when we were Marie's age, just two eleven year olds. Before she left, she asked me to protect Marie and I never understood why until the next day. Marie running into the lab asking desperately if Adira was here, her eyes watery and a piece of written paper in her hand. I remember reading that paper like it was yesterday. 

Dear Mother, Marie, and Hop,

I apologize, but I am leaving on a training journey alone. This is something I must do. You are not to follow me. You are not to try and contact me. You are not to do anything that involves me. Mother, please do not get sappy over this, I must take the trip on my own. Marie, in your room is a pokemon egg you might have found already. This egg is not only your first pokemon, but a gift to remember me by. Hop, you are to protect my sister at all costs. Be the sibling that I cannot be right now. I ask you this responsibility as I trust you. I hope you understand and do not grudge over my decisions. Lastly, do not be stupid. 

Warmest Regards,

Adira

That is it. That is all she left us with. Her letter regarded us, the people closest to her, like we were coworkers. When will we ever hear from her again? Turning to get off the train I lead the three Alolan visitors outside and into the fresh small town/country air. The girl, Lillie I think was her name, looks around in amazement. 

"This place is so calm." Her older brother nods while I chuckle. The mother looks around before turning to me. 

"Where do we go to get to Professor Magnolia's home?"

"Go up the hill to route 2 and at the end of the trail is her house. It is large with a garden, you can't miss it. I have to go deal with some files before I am in trouble with not finishing them in time. See ya!" With that, we went our separate ways.

Gladion's POV:

Note to self:

Next time you decide to go on a route in Galar, make sure to avoid the excited pokemon before they run up to see the one who has disturbed them. 

"Gladion, watch out!" Turning allowed me to barely dodge a stampeding yellow, white, and tan canine pokemon barking excitedly. For Arceus' sake, how hyper can pokemon be?

"I don't know Gladion."

"What?" How did she know what I was thinking? Mother gave a small chuckle. 

"You were speaking out loud dear." 

"Oh. I didn't realize." Lillie giggled.

"Lets get going before another pokemon decides to make an entrance." Mother smiled.

"You are right, I think I see Professor Magnolia's house at the bottom of the hill." I looked to notice she was right. I smirked.

"Perfect, shall we?"