“So Marilyn where are you from?” He asked “... me and Luna are from Celestic town in the Sinnoh region”

"Well, it depends how you look at it. I was born in Kalos but I have spend a large part of my life in Unova."

"Sinnoh, huh? I feel like the region is too cold for my likings. Although Glaceon wouldn't protest."

.

"Yes, indeed. You seriously haven't heard about the Rotom feature?" Marlon asked Cedric. As he noticed Cedric and Marilyn talking about their home regions, he used the moment to have an important conversation with Magnezone. "Hey buddy, there is something we have to talk about."

"You remember when we discussed the day would come for us to part ways? As much as it saddens me, I think that day is closing in. Look buddy, I just got off the phone with mom and to be honest, I think her plans to take over from dad are going terrible. If we don't do something, she will defend the gym with only her baby Pichu. You need to go there soon and defend the Surge name."

Magnezone hovered closer to Marlon and despite having a metal body, it rubbed its body against Marlon's hand. They talked about it before and Magnezone agreed with Marlon's view.

"However, let's wait until we get to Professor Magnolia. I shouldn't walk through this region without a pokemon. And it gives us a chance to spend a little bit more time together."

As they walked back to the others, Marlon overheard that Cedric hails from Sinnoh and that Marilyn came here from Unova (despite being born in Kalos). "I come from Vermilion in Kanto." he said. Marlon didn't mention that his last name is Surge because he wasn't exactly proud of his father.

Overhearing parts of Marlon's conversation with Magnezone, it made Marilyn very silent. How difficult it must be to say goodbye to your very first pokemon after all of those years. She couldn't imagine Glaceon not being by her side anymore.

While thinking of something supportive to say, she suddenly noticed Sonia in the background. "There she is!" At the exact moment Marilyn said this, Sonia noticed them. Marilyn didn't particulary liked her so she let the boys do the talking.

Marlon jumped back into the conversation.

“So your from Kanto? Maybe they’ve asked trainers from different regions to help with research” he said.

He heard Marilyn call out that Sonia was just up ahead. She stood relatively tall with a faded peach coloured hairstyle. He smiled as he approached her.

“Sonia right? Nice to meet you. I’m Cedric Celestia and this is Luna” he said as he signaled towards his Lucario.

“I believe I’ve bumped into some other trainers you were waiting for...” he turned to Marlon and Marilyn

Sonia seemed to be glad to see Cedric and Marilyn but hesitated when it came to Marlon. "Sorry, I dont't seem to recognize you from the selection process. Did my grandmother invite you personally?"

Marlon took out the invitation and showed it to Sonia.

"Professor Magnolia? No, she didn't. It was Chairman Rose that wanted me here. His vice-president and secretary, Oleana, sent me this invitation."

Throwing a quick glance at Magnezone, Marlon added: "However, these two have crossed my path in the most entertaining way and it would be boring to continue my trip solo. If none of you mind, I'd like to tag along to the lab and perhaps even get a local pokemon from the professor. Magnezone here has to go home soon."

Magnezone buzzed in agreement.

Marilyn introduced herself to Sonia and got her phone upgraded with a Rotom, just like Marlon's already had. When she heard that Marlon had been invited by Oleana and Rose, Marilyn wondered why they wanted Marlon in Galar. Last thing she heard the Chairman was sponsoring someone named Bede already.

As they followed Sonia to Professor Magnolia's lab, she noticed how Glaceon seemed to enjoy the company of Lucario and Magnezone.
"Quite the teamwork they did there with that Wooloo." she stated.

When Marlon was talking to Sonia, Marilyn fell a bit behind with Cedric and whispered to him:
"Did you hear that earlier? Marlon is going to send his Magnezone back to Kanto. That is just crazy. I bet it was his starter, back in its Magnemite days. Can you imagine saying goodbye to your starter after all those years?"

She wondered if Magnolia would give Cedric a new pokemon or not. What would he do if she doesn't?

Cedric handed his phone to Sonia after introductions and she upgraded it to the Rotom phone that Marlon had mentioned earlier. He was amazed by the combination of technology and Pokemon. He started to play with his new device on the way to the Professors lab, until he notice Marilyn drop behind the group to talk to him. Cedric wasn’t aware of Marlon’s Magnezone issue from before.

“I didn’t realise that.” He looked at Luna who seemed to be enjoying the company of other Pokemon. “Luna was my first Pokemon, we’ve known each other our whole lives...literally. I was born on the same day Lunas egg hatched. I could never imagine us being apart. Having said that Marlon must have a reason, I’m sure he doesn’t want to give Magnezone up for nothing.” He replied quietly.

“I take it Glaceon was your first Pokemon too? Your bond seems really strong. Your auras are very synchronised.” He asked her

"Indeed, she has been with me first as an Eevee and later as the Glaceon you see now."

As they arrived at Magnolia's, Sonia introduced all of them to the professor. As they received a Dynamax wristband from her, Marilyn realized she knew almost nothing about the concept.

"Which Pokémon exactly are able to dynamax?"

While Magnolia explained how all pokemon can dynamax and only some can gigantamax, Marlon wasn't really paying attention as he had already read that information up front. He used this time however to say his goodbyes to Magnezone. It was an emotional farewell and eventhough they both stood behind the decision, it also saddened them deeply. "Make me proud, buddy. I know for sure you will defend our honor."

While Magnezone got transfered back to Kanto using a device in Magnolia's lab, Marlon tried to get himself together. Not only did he just meet these people, Marilyn in particular seemed to be someone he could impress. This was no time to show weakness.

"So, is there any pokemon without a trainer that can accompany me then?" he asked to break the awkward silence.

Sonia frowned. "You know, it is okay if you.."

"I was thinking something regional." Marlon quickly interrupted her.

Magnolia cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "Actually, I might have one for you. It's not exactly the most easy-going pokemon but as far as I can tell, you are quite the experienced trainer so you should be fine. Sonia, dear, can you reach for that pokeball over there and give it to Marlon please?"

Sonia frowned as she disliked how Marlon had interrupted her while she only wanted to comfort him. She could swear she could notice Marilyn secretly enjoy it but blew it off as her imagination. She reached for the pokeball and gave it to Marlon.

Marlon let out his new companion to greet him. A Galarian version of Zigzagoon popped out and ran straight into Marlon, knocking him over. He then kept giving Marlon slight headbumps and soft bites, as if he wanted to pick a fight.

"Prof wasn't kidding when she said you weren't exactly easy-going. I bet you need some time to get used to me. We will make it work."

As he withdrew Zigzagoon back to his pokeball, Marlon already missed Magnezone. Things would not be the same, that's for sure. He looked over at Cedric and Marilyn and said: "Shall we get going then? Or did anyone want a Scorbunny?"

Meredith listened carefully to the speech about dynamaxing. So basically Glaceon would be able to dynamax but probably not gigantamax. Not that it bothered her.

The goodbyes of Magnezone had gotten Marilyn more quiet than usual. She wasn't sure what to think of Marlon's reaction. The way he handled it rather well made her think that the guy had been through a lot in the past and therefor knew how to deal with difficult situations. It only made him even more interesting. She giggled just a little when Sonia was interrupted.

The sight of the Zigzagoon tackling his new trainer made her cringe just a little. "Talk about a mood." she commented softly.

When asked about a Scorbuny, Marilyn shook her head. "Sugar, if I was going to ask for a Galar starter, it would definitely have been a Sobble. But I think I'm good with Glaceon for now. Surely we will meet many new pokemon along the way so there will be lots of opportunities to catch one."

Inspecting her updated Rotom-phone, she read the map out loud. "The gym challenge opening event is in Motostoke. There should be a train going there from the station nearby. Are you boys ready to roll?"

Despite her flirting with Marlon, she also liked to be around Cedric. The Lucario trainer made her feel comfortable, almost like a brother would. The three of them would have great adventures, she could tell.

On their way to Motostoke, Marlon let his new Zigzagoon out. Once again, it came charging for him. Marlon dodged it, making it run straight into some bushes. "You want to pick a fight huh? Very well, let's fight ourselves a pokemon to battle then."

Not far from them, a Toxel was minding its own bussiness. When Zigzagoon spoted it, he ran straight towards it. "Oh boy. Ziggy sure has quite the energy." Marlon said and ran after his partner. Zigzagoon used a headbutt to attack Toxel. Touching its skin seemed to have an odd itching effect. Zigzagoon snarled at Toxel. In respons, Toxel nuzzled its electric cheeks against Zig, shocking him. "Headbutt it one more time." Marlon shouted. Zigzagoon did as he was told and knocked out the opponent. Marlon used a premier ball to catch the Toxel.

"There we go. Battle experience and a second regional pokemon already. Now we can relax while watching that gym challenge opening event in Motostoke."

Cedric was still trying to take as much of his surroundings in around him as possible, it was his first time out of Sinnoh. He wanted to set off and conquer the leagues in all regions but other plans had kept him in his homeland longer than he expected. He felt privileged in a way to be able to say such a beautiful looking region was his first one to explore.

He listened to Magnolia explain the Dynamax phenomenon carefully. It sounded like it was going to be an integral part of battling in Galar. However Marilyn summed it up rather well - all Pokemon can Dynamax but not all could Gigantamax, changing it’s form. He nodded in understanding.

“A scorbunny huh? You must be the fire starter in Galar..” he chuckled as he registered its Pokédex entry.

“I’ve always felt that starter Pokemon should be given to fresh aspiring trainers, so I’d feel bad that I took someone’s chance away when I have Luna already.” He said

“As Marilyn said I’m sure I’ll be able to catch some wild Pokemon relatively soon.” He agreed.

“I’m ready to head off whenever you guys are...” he said to his new companions.
“Thanks for the help Proffesor and you Sonia, I’m sure we will meet again on our journeys.” He smiled and waved as he left the lab.

While watching the opening event of the gym challenge, Zigzagoon nervously moved around. "Remember our deal." Marlon warned him. "If you pick a fight with someone during the event, you get back into your pokeball." Toxel gave Zigzagoon a whack with its paw and Zigzagoon stopped moving. They acted almost like siblings to each other already.

Marlon looked at the gym leaders presenting themselves. They looked like interesting individuals. As they presented Milo, Marlon laughed. "Obviously a grass-typed gym leader. Zigzagoon and Toxel will have little difficulty to get our first badge."

By the time the opening event was over, Marlon suggested going straight towards Turrfield to challenge Milo.

Marilyn had to admitt that seeing Marlon catch both a Zigzagoon and a Toxel, her interest in the local pokemon grew larger. As she managed to her hands on a Ponyta, she noticed how it looked so very different in Galar than it did in other regions.

As they watched the Gym Challenge opening event, Marilyn observed Ponyta and Glaceon. They didnt't seem to bond yet so far. Then again Glaceon had always been quite the introvert.

When her traveling companions suggested Turrfield, Marilyn giggled. "Milo won't even dare to attack my adorable pokemon. He might aswell give me that badge now."

Marlon looked at the map. "If we pass through the mine over here, we get straight to Turrfield."

Along the way, Marlon decided to get to know his traveling partners a bit better. "So, Cedric, Marilyn, do you also have a mom calling you every two seconds?" He laughed about it. It could be annoying sometimes but he realized he should be grateful that there was someone who cared so much about his well-being.

Not far from them, Team Yell was blocking the entrance to the mine. Little did they know, their idol Marnie was closing in to lecture them.

The opening ceremony for the Gym challenge was a spectacle that Cedric had witnessed before. It seemed that a lot more people in Galar turned up to these gym battles. In Sinnoh it was rare for gym battles to ever get a few spectators but here it seemed quite the opposite. Maybe this was going to be harder than he first anticipated.

After the ceremony Marlon suggested that they make their way towards the first gym in Turfield. Cedric looked at his companions who had both started making strides into making their Galar team. Meanwhile he hadn’t caught anything still and he knew he’d need help no matter how strong Luna was.

“You guys go ahead, I’m going to take a quick detour through the wild area. I need some new team members if we’re going to stand a chance in this challenge. I’ll catch you guys up along the next route.” He said as he ventured off towards the open wild area.

Cedric was stunned at the wild area and it’s natural beauty. To see Pokemon being able to roam freely in a huge space they can call home almost made him sad that every region didn’t have the same. As he walked around with Luna he found a nice quiet spot atop of a hill, with a view that spanned the whole wild Area.

“Look at that Luna... Isn’t it just... breathtaking..?” He asked Luna, who didn’t seem to answer

Cedric turned to his partner who seemed distracted by a nearby rock formation.

“It’s just rocks Luna...” he giggled “... you’ve seen rocks before” he laughed once more.

This time as Cedric laughed he felt something on his shoulder. He turned quickly to see that a Pokemon sat on his shoulder

“Hey there little guy, and what might you be?” He smiled as he said to the somewhat excited little guy.

Cedrics Rotom phone jumped out his pocket. “Zzzzz- Dreepy, the lingering Pokemon - zzzz”

“Dreepy eh? Your a cute little guy aren’t you?” He said as he pet the Dreepy who seemed to be happy with Cedrics presence. “Hey buddy, you wanna come with me and Luna? We’re gonna take on the gym challenge?” The dreepy started to float around ecstaticlly as if he agreed with the idea.

“Well that’s set then, we best be going to meet the others before they get to to Turfield before us!” He said to Luna and set off with haste.

Cedric rushed to Route 2 and managed to catch up with Marlon and Marilyn, before they were stopped once more by two big guys dressed in black and pink pink clothing.

They called themselves Team Yell and if it wasn't for trainer Marnie to intervene, Team Yell would have attacked. Marlon couldn't help but roll his eyes at those guys. There was something about them that he didn't take serious. They were definitely no Team Galactic or Team Plasma. That Marnie however seemed to be a respectable trainer. As she told those goons to beat it, Marlon wondered if she was their unofficial leader.

"Alright, let's head through the mines then." Marlon suggested to Cedric and Marilyn. "Oh, did you catch something out there?" he asked Cedric.