The Pokémon journey begins in Galar

Turf Field Stadium.

Yuri and Marie arrived together. The stadium was already bustling with people, many of whom were dressed in trainer uniforms clearly preparing to take on the Gym Challenge today.

Spectators had also gathered in large numbers, observing the challengers from up close.

Marie approached a staff member in a Turf Field uniform. After briefly explaining their purpose, they were led to the side to register.

The person in charge of registration looked to be in her twenties, with ash-blonde hair tied into a ponytail. She smiled warmly.

"Turf Field Gym uses a 2v2 battle format. Please register the Pokémon you'll be using."

"Huh? We have to register our Pokémon?" Yuri asked curiously.

The young woman nodded, still smiling.

"Yes, because Gym Leader Milo needs to select his Pokémon based on yours. For example, if you send out Sobble and Cottonee, and the Gym Leader uses overly powerful Pokémon, it would defeat the purpose of the challenge, right?"

"Oh… I see…"

Yuri nodded as if she understood, though it wasn't entirely clear if she actually did.

When it came to Gym Challenges, the essence was more like a form of evaluation rather than a straightforward competition. It wasn't that weaker Pokémon meant a guaranteed failure.

Instead, the Gym Leader would choose Pokémon whose strength was roughly equivalent to the challengers'. That way, the battle could reflect the trainer's actual capabilities and potential.

If Yuri were to use her current team, Milo would most likely respond with unevolved or just-evolved Pokémon of similar strength.

On the other hand, if Marie chose to challenge with Dragapult and Ralts… she might end up facing Milo's main team, the ones he used in final tournaments.

"Hmm… Then I'll go with Cottonee and Applin!" Yuri declared.

"Got it. And what about you, miss?" the staff member turned to Marie.

Marie glanced over at her Pokémon, then gently patted Eon's head before replying, "I'll use Dragapult and Ralts."

"Not Umbreon...? Oh sorry! I'll get your information registered right away, Marie."

Realizing her slip, the young woman quickly apologized and turned back to the computer to enter Marie's data.

"After this, the Gym Challenge details will be sent to your phones. If there are any scheduling changes, you'll be notified via email. Also, challengers are welcome to spectate other matches in the arena for free before their own battles."

"Thanks. Appreciate it," Marie replied with a nod. As for spectating, it didn't really interest her… she'd rather spend the time training.

"Bye-bye, big sis~!" Yuri chirped cheerfully, waving as they left the stadium together.

"So, Marie what do you want to do this afternoon?"

"Train on Route 4 or 5. Silk's been progressing quickly. I think she'll evolve before the Gym Battle."

While it wasn't possible to predict evolution with perfect accuracy, trainers could generally estimate it based on a Pokémon's physical development and move proficiency.

"Aww… I was hoping to walk around Turf Town a bit more…" Yuri muttered, scratching her head before tugging gently at Marie's sleeve, trying to be cute.

"Come with me, okay? It's my first time in Turf Town!"

"…?"

Just as they were chatting and strolling along the road, a Yamper suddenly darted out from the crowd and ran up to Marie's feet, barking happily.

"Yamp-yamp! (Marie and Eon! Long time no see!)"

"Eee… (Long time no see…)"

Technically, it hadn't been that long, but Yamper was naturally friendly, and Eon had gotten used to him too.

Marie crouched down and picked him up, glancing around. "Where's Sonia? You snuck off again?"

"Yamp! (Sonia's right behind me!)"

"Ah there you are! I figured you ran off for a reason. So it was because Marie's here."

"Sonia-sis~! We meet again~!"

"Yes, we do, Yuri," Sonia replied warmly, smiling as she waved. Yuri beamed and waved both hands in return she clearly liked Sonia a lot.

Marie handed Yamper back before asking, "You got to Turf Town before us, right? Are you investigating something?"

Sonia gave Yamper a little rub, nodded, and said with a smile, "The ancient mural and the stone monuments here seem connected to the Darkest Day. I'm planning to look into Turf Town's legends and history. Maybe I'll find something useful."

"Doing that now, huh… That sounds exhausting," Marie remarked.

Yuri gave Sonia a sympathetic look, then seemed to get an idea and asked brightly, "So are you going to explore the town this afternoon?"

"Huh? Ah… yeah, I thought I'd take a look at the stone tablets and mural firsthand. Why? Are you thinking of joining me?"

"Umm… I kind of want to…"

Yuri scratched her head, then glanced over at Marie, who was standing there with her usual unreadable expression.

"…What?"

"Well… Didn't you say you were going to train this afternoon?"

"I said I was going to train. If you want to go look around, just go with Sonia."

Marie didn't mind Yuri's playful nature. Even though Yuri was the one who saved the world in the game's story, in real life she was just another girl their age.

Marie had no intention of interfering with her choices. Even if Yuri didn't turn out to be a hero, that was fine. Frankly, expecting a girl barely in her teens to save the world was what didn't make sense.

"No, I think I'll train with you instead. If I can get a little stronger before the Gym Battle, that's worth it!"

"Mm-hmm. Then you two go train hard. I'll continue my investigation. Sigh… being young really is great," Sonia said as she lifted Yamper's paw and waved it toward them. Then, with a wistful smile, she headed in the direction of the mural.

"Marie…"

"…?"

Marie glanced over, puzzled by Yuri's suddenly cautious look.

"You're not mad, are you?"

"Mad? Why would I be?"

"About… me wanting to go off and play with Sonia…"

Marie had to admit seeing Yuri all hesitant and nervous like that was a little funny. The corner of her mouth lifted as she replied with a hint of amusement in her tone.

"If you want to explore, just go. Why would I be mad? You're weird for even thinking that."

"It's just… I don't know… something felt off…"

Marie silently raised a hand and gently flicked Yuri on the forehead with her finger.

"Ow-!"

Yuri clutched her head and looked up at her pitifully.

Marie finally spoke again, "You're overthinking. That's what's off. What you should be focused on is planning your Pokémon training better not worrying about whether I'm mad."

"…Okay. Got it…"

____________________

NEXT CHAPTER : Applin's Sudden Evolution

(While training for the upcoming Gym Challenge, Marie and Yuri go their separate ways Yuri in search of an Eevee, and Marie drilling her team to prepare for status conditions. But just as things seem routine, everything changes one morning when Applin, without warning, begins to evolve! The peaceful room is filled with a warm glow as Yuri's sleepy eyes witness her partner transform into a sleek, confident Flapple. As the rest of the team looks on in awe, Silk grows eager for her own evolution. With training, teasing, and tenderness in the air, the day brings surprise and excitement... and Marie hints at an upcoming Gym Battle that's just around the corner.

Next up: Hop's big challenge awaits—will he rise to the occasion?)

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[email protected]/yanxx

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