Galarian Odyssey

The First Choice

Hello, and Welcome to my Pokémon Sword and Shield Fanfiction. I hope you enjoy it.
Constructive criticism is always welcomed and please, be nice with others and respect everyone's opinions.
If you feel like it, I always love to read the comments and interact a bit with you guys.
With all that said, please enjoy the First chapter of this Galarian Odyssey.
*Credits at the end of the chapter*



-And these bright eyes over here... I've got it! You must be Gloria- am I right?
-I've heard loads about you from my little brother.

At that moment, my mind just started to race. I had no idea Hop talked about me, to the point where Leon recognized me just by looking! Speaking of which, he commented about my eyes. Did... did Hop describe my eyes as bright? Nah, I'm probably just overthinking everything like I normally do.

As Leon continued to introduce himself, Hop was already so excited that decided to race me and Leon to their house. Naturally, I stayed behind. Man, I really need to exercise more.
But before Leon run after his brother, I heard him mumbling something, probably thinking out loud.

-That Hop... Always wanting to be the best, isn't he? With a proper rival of his own, I bet he'd push himself to become something truly special...

He then said goodbye to the crowd of people standing there and ran towards home. I've followed him shortly after.

Now, at Hop's house, the three of us were standing on his lawn. He was so excited about getting a pokemon, that he was acting a bit rude and very rushed while speaking. I've always found that trait of his to be quite funny. Sometimes he gets so excited that he doesn't realize that he forgot his manners.
Leon finally admitted that he did bring us pokemon.
I was so excited! Is every child's dream to get their starter and begin their journey, their adventure. Here in Galar, our starters are The grass-type, Grookey; the fire-type, Scorbunny; and the water-type, Sobble. And the usual age that the trainers start their gym challenge is 15. Which is another reason why Leon was so amazingly outstanding, he started his at the age of 10, and won the entire thing! I'm so impressed with his career as a trainer.

Leon then finally revealed the three Pokémon. They ran around each other in excitement. Sobble went to the water, minding its business, until it spets some water at the Scorbuny, making it sprint towards the tree and hitting its head, dropping a berry that the Grookey was playing with. Sobbles are usually very easy to startle, so it ended up getting very scared of the berry and started crying. But the other two then helped it to calm down.

At Leon's command, all of them lined up and faced us, with the most adorable faces.

-Which will you choose? - asked Leon, looking at us.

Hop and I observed the three creatures with endless amazement. We were both very excited.

-Go on-you pick first. I've got Wooloo, after all.

-Thank you so much, Hop! You're very kind.

He didn't say anything but scratched the back of his head while blushing a little.
I started walking towards the pokemon and examined one by one. It was so hard to choose. I had no idea what to do.
The Scorbuny then started to stare at me, looking both excited and kind of apprehensive, I think it was afraid that I didn't choose them. I then walked to it and kneeled to meet its gaze. Something told me that I already knew what choice to make.

-I choose you, Scorbuny. Would you like to be my new partner pokémon?

Scorbuny's eyes lit up in pure joy. It then gave me a fist bump. Our partnership had only started, but I already would do anything for my friend.



-You'd like to nickname it? It's a female. - Leon said, clearly amused by my huge smile.

-hum... I don't know. Would you like to have a name, dear friend?

-Scor, Scor!

-I think that's a yes.

-Hum... How about... Judy?

-Scorbuny!

She ran and hoped around me in excitement. I think she likes her name.

-So it'll be Scorbuny for you? Nice one! - said Hop, praising me for my choice. He then looked over to the little grass-type.

-Then I'll go with... Grookey! You're mine!

-I'm aiming to be the next champion, so be ready! You and I will be doing some serious training!

The Grookey then open his arms and jumped onto Hop's arms, making him stumble back.

-Hah! That's what I'm talking about!
Wooloo then joined the fun and jump on Hop too, making him fall on the ground, overwhelmed with his pokemon's strength.
-We are gonna be the strongest team in the world!

-I bet you will. That's why I brought along these pokemon for you and Gloria. So the two of you can battle and train and grow stronger together... To try to reach me! - Leon said with a big grin.

We then noticed that the little Sobble was alone, looking at us. It started to tear up because neither of us chose it. I was feeling soooo sorry for it. My heart melted.
Leon walked up to it and said:

-And you'll come with me! Charizard will show you the ropes. He's strict - but real strong and real kind, too!

The Sobble then smiled and hugged Leon's foot. Both of them were very happy.

Our mums arrived and announced that the dinner would soon be ready, and it was enough of trainers nonsense for the day.

Hop's mum has a complicated relationship with their sons being Pokémon trainers. She is happy for their successes and supports them in their dreams. But, she was very sad when Leon won the Champion cup and rarely returned home afterwards. She felt guilty for letting him go at such a young age and deal if all that responsibility by himself. And she also blamed herself because Hop didn't get enough time with his brother as a result. That's one of the reasons why she held Hop in the nest as long as she could. She was already missing one of her sons. I can't really blame her for that.



After a pleasant dinner, my mom, Judy, and I went home. I introduced my new partner to my mum's Budews and showed Judy my room. She was very excited. So much so that she accidentally set my carpet on fire. But, nothing a couple of desperate stomps wouldn't fix.

We then talked a little, a pretty much one-sided conversation on my part to be honest. I couldn't understand my partner just yet. Maybe later we'll be able to communicate properly. We ended up sleeping together in my bed.

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End of the first chapter

Your vote will be welcomed, and encourages me to write better and faster!
Thank you so much for reading
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⊱─✯Credits✯─⊰

➢Chapter cover- Original artist: @migelfutosi- https://twitter.com/migelfutosi/status/1194942800208392197?s=20

➢ Story cover- Original artist: 小豆(こまめ)- https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/78465497

➢ Original game footage- Gamersprey- https://youtu.be/RenbxSJmFZs

⊱─✯Special thanks✯─⊰

To my friends who helped me with this story development.