the Galar Chronicle - the Challenge Begins [chapter 1]
Story by DanimusPrime on SoFurry
Danimus and Cinder arrives at the Wild Area to make some new friends, gain more experience, and learn more about both Galar and the broader Pokémon world.
Sorry this took so long. Writer blocks, real world events, all that. Plus as a chapter comprised of original events and characters, a lot of work was needed. On that note, the Galar Chronicle now has another home at AO3, so be sure to check it out there!
*LAST TIME: * After finally proving themselves worthy of entering the Gym Challenge and receiving Wishing Stars, Danimus and Hop are endorsed by Leon and given Dynamax Bands. The duo then boards a train the Wild Area to begin their journeys...
Having boarded the train to begin their journey, Danimus and Hop begun interacting with their Pokémon as they explain a few things.
Cinder: So where are we going?
Hop: Monostoke, a place that is surrounded by a vast Wild Area! It's a real sight. There're all sorts of wild Pokémon just wandering about everywhere you look! Plus, you can camp out, do a spot of fishing, all sorts of things! I don't think I could ever get tired of it!
Cinder: Sounds like fun!
Danimus: You said it!
After a while, the train stopped at the next station, prompting Danimus and Hop to disembark. After arriving at the lobby, the group noticed a few Wooloo moving about the station.
Danimus: Where'd all of these Wooloos come from?
Hop: Don't know. Maybe some nearby field. Hmm… *notices a station master nearby* Hey, Mr. Station Master!
Station Master: Hm? Is there something you young chaps need?
Hop: Isn't this the Wild Area? What're we stopped here for?
Station Master: Yes, this is the Wild Area Station, make no mistake. I'm sorry to tell you that the train is halted, due to a flock of Wooloo on the tracks.
Danimus: Wow. Even the railway is affected by them.
Hop: What's there to be sorry about? This is brilliant!
Danimus: “Brilliant"?
Cinder: What is?
Hop: This Wild Area is massive! There are loads of Pokémon to battle here! You get it, don't you, Danimus? This is the best place to put together the greatest team! *runs ahead to the entrance*
Station Master: That friend of yours is very excitable.
Danimus: That he is. Anyway, thanks you for the assistance.
Cinder: Thank you!
Station Master: Anytime.
With that, Danimus and Cinder made their way out of the Wild Area Station where they were greeted to a magnificent sight. Everywhere they look, they saw tall trees, green grass, large lakes, and all sorts of Pokémon. They also noticed beams of light shooting out from different locations of the Wild Area. As they ventured further towards the Wild Area, they see Hop waving them down.
Hop: Look at that! *points to a structure on the opposite side of the lake* That's Motostoke, way off that way! And between there and here are countless new Pokémon waiting to be met!
Sonia: *walks up towards them* Hey, you guys!
Hop: Oh, hello. And if it isn't Sonia.
Danimus: Hey, there.
Cinder: Hi! What brings you here?
Sonia: My gran gave me a proper earful, in her own way *mimicking Professor Magnolia* Those two young trainers are setting out on a journey, but what are you doing with your life?
Danimus: Ouch. Sounds rough.
Sonia: Ah…never you mind that! Nothing to worry yourselves over! Besides, I'd been quite curious about that Pokémon you two met in the forest.
Danimus: Yea…
<flashback>
Danimus: How do you know our names?
???: …All will be clear in time.
<flashback ends>
Danimus: I can't stop thinking about the words she said.
Cinder: Same here.
Sonia: Well, I'd been thinking I should look into her, so the timing works out fine!
Danimus: Huh?
Sonia: If I discover something really huge, then maybe even Gran'll admit I've got some talent!
Hop: Yikes…being an adult has got its own challenges, eh?
Sonia: I said you needn't worry about it! I'm glad to be on the road. Really! It's been ages. It'll be fun to fish and camp and rough it outside again.
Hop: Well, I'm off to go stick my head in as many of those red glowing dens as I can find.
Danimus: Wait, what?
Hop: I'm going to battle the snot out of a bunch of Dynamax Pokémon and fill in another page in the tale of my legend! *runs off*
Danimus: And there he goes again.
Sonia: What cheek! Dynamax Pokémon are really on another level, you know! You'd better Dynamax your partners, too, if you want to take on opponents that strong! *turns to Danimus* You'll find spots here and there in the Wild Area that emit a red beam of light.
Danimus: So that's what they are.
Sonia: If you think you're up to it, check them out. There'll be Dynamax Pokémon lurking inside!
Danimus: We understand.
Sonia: So, with that, how about I send you off with a little treat from me? *gives Danimus a strange device*
Danimus: What's this thing?
Sonia: That's a Pokémon Box Link. With that, you'll be able to put Pokémon from your team into your boxes and vice versa. Nice, right?
Danimus: I'll say! This makes things much easier! Thanks!
Sonia: You're quite welcome! Now go wild and catch as many Pokémon as you like! The Wild Area is waiting for you! This is the start of your real adventure!
Danimus: Right!
With that, Danimus and Cinder bid Sonia farewell as they venture forth and begun exploring the Wild Area. While exploring, they managed to catch a Bunnelby and a Scraggy as well as gather various berries and Cinder learning a new move. Eventually, they reached a spot perfect for setting up camp.
Danimus: This seems like a good spot for now.
Cinder: Yeah! Let's do some camping!
But as they begin to set up, three individuals arrive to greet them. The first is an older male teen wearing camping gear and a large backpack. The second is a younger male wearing a Pikachu theme outfit. And finally, there's a female around the same age as the younger boy wearing an Eevee theme outfit.
Older male: Yo! You're planning on entering the Gym Challenge?
Danimus: Yeah. I'm Danimus, by the way.
Older male: I'm Jack, and these are my younger siblings, Pacco and Evelyn.
Pacco: Heya!
Evelyn: Hello! And don't call me “Eve".
Cinder: Okay. My name is Cinder.
Evelyn: *eyes enlarges* OH WOW! SHE'S TALKS!
Pacco: *slightly annoyed* You are aware that we also have Pokémon that can talk too, right?
Evelyn: *slightly embarrassed* Oh yeah.
Jack: Still, by any chance, she wouldn't happened to have the Pokémorph factor, would she?
Danimus: Yeah. Her and 2 others.
Jack: That's impressive. The three of us have a combined total of four. Of the four…*pulls out a Poké Ball* …only mine have activated the full effect of the trait.
With that, Jack tosses a Poké Ball in the air releasing a gorilla-like Pokémon with various shades of brown, green leaf-like hair with a green vine-like hair falling between its eyes, a leafy green belt, and green cuffs on its wrists. The Pokémon also appears to be female due to the noticeably large breasts visible through the green camping outfit she's wearing.
Jack: This is my partner, Rillaboom.
Danimus: *pulls out Rotom Phone* Rillaboom?
Rotom Phone: Rillaboom, the Drummer Pokémon. A Grass type and the final evolve form of Grookey. By drumming, it taps into the power of its special tree stump. The roots of the stump follow its direction in battle.
Danimus: Wow. So that's Grookey's final evolution.
Rillaboom: That's right, sugah.
Jack: Anyway, you said that you were entering the Gym Challenge, right?
Danimus: Yes, I did.
Pacco: Then let's have a battle!
Danimus: Huh?
Pacco: Me and my twin sister are also joining the Gym Challenge and we could use the extra experience.
Danimus: That's fair. Okay, then we accept!
Jack: Then I will serve as referee.
A few moments later
Jack: As preparation for official Gym Challenge matches, this will be a 3-on-3 Pokémon battle.
Danimus: Got it. *pulls out a Poké Ball*
Pacco: You're up first, Pichu!
Danimus: I'll start with you, Slowpoke!
Pacco toss his first Poké ball out, releasing a very small, yellow mouselike Pokémon while Danimus sends out Slowpoke.
Pacco: Heh, easy win. Use Thundershock!
Pacco's Pichu unleashed a small electric shock at Slowpoke, but it doesn't deal too much damage.
Pacco: What? But Slowpokes are Water-Psychic types, aren't they?
Jack: Well, the normal ones from Kanto are. Danimus appears to be using a Galarian Slowpoke, which are pure Psychic types. That means they'll only take regular damage from electric type moves.
Danimus: Huh. Neat. Slowpoke, use Amnesia!
Slowpoke assumes a simple pose with a vacant look on his face.
Pacco: Use Body Slam!
Pichu runs into Slowpoke and dealt slightly more damage than normal.
Pacco: Now use Tail Whip!
Danimus: Use Slack Off!
As Slowpoke stands vacantly, Pichu wiggles his tail and lowers Slowpoke's defense stats.
Pacco: Once more, use Body Slam!
Again, Pichu runs into Slowpoke, dealing some damage to him.
Pacco: Huh. That's weird. I thought Slowpoke would've been more exhausted after all the damaged it received.
Danimus: That's because of Slack Off, which can restore some of Slowpoke's energy. Granted it costs us a turn, but the extra energy is a good price to pay, especially after using Amnesia to boost his special stats.
Pacco: His special stats? Then that means-?!
Danimus: Okay, Slowpoke! Use Zen Headbutt!
Gathering a large amount of psychic energy in his head, Slowpoke rams headfirst into Pichu and knocks him out.
Jack: Pichu is unable to battle! Slowpoke is the winner!
Pacco: Aww. *returns Pichu to his Poké Ball* I thought I had that one in the bag. *pulls out another* But don't think it's over yet! It's your turn, Raichu!
Pacco then tosses his next Poké Ball, releasing a dark orange, rodentlike Pokémon with a long tail tipped with a thunderbolt.
Pacco: Use Thunder Punch!
Danimus: Quick! Use Slack Off!
Before Slowpoke could do anything, Raichu unleashed a powerful electrified punch that knocks him back.
Pacco: Finish him off with Thunder!
With a cry of his natural language, Raichu unleashed a massive thunder strike on the hapless Slowpoke, knocking him out.
Jack: Slowpoke is unable to battle! Raichu is the winner!
Danimus: *sighs then pulls out Slowpoke's Poké Ball* Thank you, Slowpoke. You were amazing. *returns Slowpoke to his Poké Ball* Hmm. As a flying type, Conner wouldn't last long against his electric attacks and Bolt's own electric attacks wouldn't work well against him either. *pulls out another Poké Ball* Vixen, I choose you!
Danimus tosses Vixen's Poké Ball, releasing the battle ready Nickit onto the field.
Vixen: Now here's a cutie who can fight!
Evelyn: Wow! He has a talking Nickit, too!
Pacco: Well, can she handle this? Use Thunder!
Danimus: Use Quick Attack to dodge and get in close!
Raichu attempts to strike the speedy Nickit with a mighty thunder strike, but Vixen proves to be far too nimble for the electric type as she managed to get close to Raichu.
Danimus: Now use Tail Whip!
Pacco: Quick! Use Iron Tail!
With swift grace, Vixen managed to reduce Raichu's defensive stats, but had taken a powerful Iron Tail, knocking her back a bit.
Pacco: Now use Mega Kick!
Danimus: Dodge it, quick!
As Raichu attempts to land a powerful kick, Vixen managed to dodge it as she prepare for her next attack.
Danimus: Now use Tail Slap!
Rushing towards the Raichu, Vixen begins slapping at the electric type with her tail before sending him back with the final strike.
Pacco: Not bad! Raichu, take a breather! *recalls Raichu* Your Vixen is amazing, but he's not my only Raichu! *Readies another Poké Ball*
Evelyn: Wait. Don't tell me-
Pacco: Here's my other Raichu!
Tossing his third and final Poké Ball, he release a second Raichu which, unlike the previous Raichu, has rounder, yellow ears and tail, the latter of which it seems to be riding on like a surfboard.
Danimus: *confused* Isn't that an Alolan Raichu?
Pacco: You know it! Now use Psychic!
Danimus and Vixen can only stare in confusion as the Psychic move collides into the fox Pokémon, dealing no damage whatsoever.
Pacco: Huh? What happened?
Evelyn: Psychic type moves have no effect on Dark types, remember?
Pacco: Aw man! That's right!
Danimus: Use Thief!
Vixen: You got it! *dark aura start enveloping her*
Pacco: Now what?
Before he could ponder it any further, Vixen strikes at the Alolan Raichu, dealing a lot of damage.
Danimus: Don't forget that Dark type moves are super effective against Psychic Pokémon.
Pacco: Mannnnn. In that case, use Quick Attack!
Danimus: You use Quick Attack, too!
With that, the two Pokémon start colliding into each other at high speed.
Pacco: Nice one! But how will you handle this? Use Surf!
Glowing blue, the Alolan Raichu launches a powerful wave at the dark type Pokémon.
Danimus: That won't stop us! Use Quick Attack!
With a white glow, Vixen sped towards the large wave without hesitation.
Jack: Hmm. He's up to something.
Danimus: Jump, now!
Vixen: You got it!
Vixen then precedes to jump over the Surf move, using the momentum of the Quick Attack to clear the water type move. Pacco and Raichu were too stunned to realize they were wide open for a counterattack.
Danimus: Now use Thief!
With a burst of dark energy, Vixen charged at the surprised Pokémon before she could react, causing a small explosion that envelops to two Pokémon. When the dust settles, only Vixen was still standing.
Jack: Raichu is unable to battle! Vixen is the winner!
Pacco: *returns his Alolan Raichu to her Poké ball* Aw man. I messed up big time with that one. *pulls out Kantonian Raichu's Poké ball* Okay, Raichu! It's your turn again!
Pacco once more sends his Kantonian Raichu out to battle, the damage he had taken from the Tail Slap still visible.
Pacco: Use Mega Kick!
Danimus: Dodge and use Tail Slap!
Vixen managed to dodge the attack and land 4 attacks with her tail without issue. But after landing the 5th strike, she began to feel a strange tingling sensation from her tail.
Pacco: Now use Thunder!
Danimus: Quick! Dodge it!
Vixen: You got it-hng!
Just as Vixen was to move out of the way, her body suddenly locked up for a bit as electricity swirled around her. Unable to get away in time, the Thunder attack struck, sending her to her knees.
Cinder: Vixen! Are you okay?
Vixen: Kinda. I may have been paralyzed. But how?
Danimus: Hmm. It couldn't have been from an electric type move, so that mean it could only be… Static!
Pacco: What's Static?
Jack: It's an ability many electric type Pokémon has. It has a chance to paralyze almost any Pokémon that it touch.
Evelyn: Just about the entire Pikachu line has the ability.
Pacco: Neat-o!
Vixen: *try to get back up*
Danimus: Take it easy, Vixen. You've done an amazing job already. *pulls out Vixen's Poké ball*
Vixen: *sighs* Probably a good idea.
Danimus: Vixen, return! *returns Vixen to her Poké ball* Looks like it's your turn, Cinder.
Cinder: You got it! *jumps onto the battlefield*
Pacco: Use Mega Kick!
Danimus: Counter it with Double Kick!
As the Raichu launched a powerful kick at her, Cinder launched 2 kicks. The first kick managed to block the Mega Kick while the second managed to connect and send Raichu back.
Danimus: I need to be more careful here since Raichu's Static could become a real problem. Thankfully, Cinder has a good counter to that problem. Okay, Cinder! Use Ember!
Cinder: Alright! *launch an Ember move*
Pacco: Block it with Iron Tail and then use Thunder Punch!
Raichu precedes to swat away the Ember with Iron Tail before rushing in
Danimus: Alright, it's time to try out a new move! Use Quick Attack!
With great speed, Cinder managed to avoid the Thunder Punch while dealing damage to him.
Pacco: Again, use Thunder Punch!
Danimus: Now use Ember!
Cinder landed a successful Ember attack before being rushed by the Raichu. Cinder managed to dodge the barrage of Thunder Punches before getting hit, becoming paralyzed in the process.
Danimus: Cinder!
Cinder: ngh! I'm okay. That last move did more damage than I expected.
Danimus: And it paralyzed you in the process.
Pacco: Now use Iron Tail!
Danimus: Cinder, dodge and use Ember!
Cinder attempts to move, but felt the effect of the paralysis kick in, preventing her from moving out of the path on Raichu's Iron Tail.
Pacco: Get ready for Thunder!
Danimus: Not good.
Unable to move, Cinder took the full brunt of the Thunder move, nearly knocking her out as she stands on one knee.
Danimus: Are you okay?
Cinder: Y-yeah. Just a bit winded.
Danimus: Well, just in case, time to tag out and give Vixen another chance. *pulls out Vixen's Poké ball*
Cinder: O-okay. *returns to Danimus' side*
Danimus: Okay, Vixen! Time to go again!
Danimus once again tosses Vixen's Poké ball out onto the battle, releasing the dark type again, slightly rested and still paralyzed.
Danimus: Alright, Vixen! Cinder is resting up a bit, so we're gonna have to rely on speed to deal the needed damage!
Vixen: Right!
Pacco: Use Thunder again!
Danimus: Use Quick Attack to dodge and get in close!
Vixen: Got it!
Using Quick Attack, Vixen got in close as she continues to dodge the Thunder attacks while occasionally stopping due her paralysis.
Danimus: I gotta time this right and hope for the best.
Pacco: Time for a big one! Use Thunder!
Danimus: *eye gleam* This is it! Jump!
With one mighty leap, Vixen managed to jump into the air just before the paralysis kicked in. Raichu can only look on as Vixen was high in the air heading towards him, briefly forgetting that the Thunder was about to land.
Danimus: Now dive in using Thief!
Wrapped in a dark aura, Vixen charged into the Raichu, dealing damage to him just before the Thunder attack collides with the both of them, covering the battlefield with a thick smokescreen. When the smoke clears, it's revealed that both Pokémon have been knocked out.
Jack: Both Vixen and Raichu are unable to battle! And since Danimus still has 1 Pokémon left, the match goes to him!
Pacco: Aw, man. *returns Raichu to his Poké ball*
Danimus: *running towards Vixen* Vixen!
Cinder: *running with Danimus* Vixen!
Vixen: *stirring* Uh, what happened?
Cinder: *sighs happily* You won!
Vixen: *weakly* Doesn't feel like it.
Danimus: Well, you did and don't ever think otherwise.
Jack: I agree. It takes great strength to overpower a status effect and land a strong blow against a Raichu. *grabs a couple of things from his pack* Here you go. *hands her a Oran berry*
Vixen: Thanks. *eats the berry*
Jack : And for Cinder, this Paralyze Heal should do the trick. *apply the Paralyze Heal*
Cinder: *happily* Thank you!
Danimus: *happily* Yeah, thanks.
Jack: You can thank me by helping set up.
Danimus: *confused* “Set up"? Set up what?
Jack: Set up camp, of course! After a battle like that, we could all do for some Wild Area Curry!
Pacco and Evelyn: YAY!!
Danimus: That does sounds good. What do you think, guys?
Vixen: I could use the boost after that battle.
Cinder: Same here.
Danimus: Alright, then. Let's make some curry!
After setting everything up, everybody began adding berries and pasta mix into a large cauldron. Cinder uses her ember to light a small fire which Pacco and Evelyn began fanning while Danimus and Jack stir everything together. Real soon, the curry was done.
Pacco: Alright! It's done!
Evelyn: Yay!
Cinder: Wow, it smells so good!
Vixen: And if it smells good, then it must taste good!
Danimus: I agree. Which reminds me… *pulls out 3 Poké balls* Come on out! It's lunch time!
Danimus tosses his Poké balls into the air, releasing Conner, Bolt, and Slowpoke.
Danimus: Alright, everybody! Time to eat!
With that, everyone starts digging into the curry, savoring every single bite while talking amongst themselves, completely unaware of an unexpected guest.
Pacco: You have a Rookidee and a Yamper, too?
Danimus: Yep. I also have a Wooloo, a Caterpie, a Scraggy, and a Bunnelby, although they are currently in my PC as I don't really have plans to use them in battle.
Evelyn: Wait, you just have those 9 Pokémon?
Danimus: Yes. Why?
Evelyn: Then whose Pokémon is that?
Danimus: Huh?
Danimus turns towards the Pokémon to see a small, blue, armless Pokémon eating with the others.
Danimus: Who's that Pokémon? *pulls out Rotom Phone*
Rotom Phone: Wooper, the Water Fish Pokémon. A Water/Ground type. This Pokémon lives in cold water. It will leave the water to search for food when it gets cold outside.
Pacco: It is getting a little chilly.
Jack: That's true. *turns to Danimus* You see, when making Wild Area Curry, wild Pokémon will become attracted to the scent and come along to try some.
Danimus: Cool. *turns to Wooper* Does it taste good, Wooper?
Wooper: *chirps happily*
Evelyn: *gets up* Why don't catch him?
Danimus: Huh?
Jack: It fairly common for wild Pokémon to want to be caught by trainers if the curry is good enough. I've caught a lot of Pokémon that way, but since I don't really battle much, I just leave them back at home.
Evelyn: Well, I'm gonna play around for a bit. *runs off*
Danimus: And there she goes. But why me?
Jack: Like I've said before, I don't really battle, so I don't try to catch Pokémon. As for Pacco and Evelyn, they have their own gimmick.
Danimus: “Gimmick"?
Pacco: Yep. My gimmick is that I use Pokémon related to Pikachu, whether they're evolutions of Pikachu or Pokémon that resemble Pikachu. In fact, I also have 2 Pikachus.
Danimus: That explains your outfit and the fact that you used a Pichu and 2 different Raichus. And if that's the case, then that means Evelyn uses-
Pacco: That's right. She uses Eeveelutions. Right now, she has a Eevee, a Flareon, a Jolteon, and a Vaporeon.
Danimus: That's cool. Hmm?
Danimus looks down to see the Wooper happily nudging his leg.
Danimus: *smiles* Hey, Wooper. Wanna come with me?
Wooper: Woopa!
Danimus: *pulls out a Poké ball* Welcome to the family, Wooper!
Danimus taps the empty Poké ball on Wooper's head, enveloping him in a red light before sucking him in. After shaking for a few seconds, the Poké ball stops moving, signaling that the capture is complete. Danimus then released Wooper from his Poké ball and made a bowl for him.
Danimus: Here you go, Wooper!
Cinder: *walks towards them* Glad to have you as a friend!
Wooper: *chirps happily then begins eating again*
Danimus: *chuckles*
Pacco: *notice something* Huh?
Danimus: What is it?
Pacco: That's a Dynamax Band!
Danimus: Huh? Oh yeah. I got it from the Professor after wishing stars landed near Hop and me.
Pacco: Who's Hop?
Danimus: He's the younger brother of Leon.
Jack: Wow. Leon's little brother. And you said wishing stars landed near you guys?
Cinder: That's right! In fact, they appeared after we managed to convince Leon to endorse us!
Pacco: Wow! You and Hop are endorsed by the Champion of Galar!
Danimus: Yep.
Jack: Where is this Hop, anyway?
Danimus: Last I saw, he was planning on catching more Pokémon while, and I quote, “sticking his head in as many of those glowing red dens".
Jack: That's some very unique enthusiasm.
Pacco: *stands up* Sounds like a fun idea! I need more battle experience! *runs off*
Jack: Aaand there's go Pacco. *sighs* And neither one of them bothered to wash their dishes
Wooper: Woopa!
The 3 noticed Wooper collecting the empty dishes before using Water Gun on them, safely cleaning them. Deciding to help out, Cinder and Rillaboom began drying the dishes.
Rillaboom: *patting Wooper* Thanks, sugah! These dishes would've been harder to clean if it wasn't for you!
Wooper: *chirps happily*
Danimus: It's nice to see Pokémon getting along so nicely.
Jack: Yep, though the bond between trainer and Pokémorphs can be just as beautiful, if not more so.
Danimus: What do you mean?
Jack: *looks to see if Pacco or Evelyn were nearby* Well, as you may already know, there are many strong bonds between trainers and Pokémon. However, because of the Pokémorph factor, those bonds have become a bit more “intimate".
Rillaboom: *sits next to him* That's a fancy way of saying that trainers and Pokémorph can love each other so much that they will mate with each other.
Danimus and Cinder: *blushes very hard* …?!
Jack: *blushes* Rillaboom!
Rillaboom: Ah, relax! They were gonna learn about this sooner or later. Besides, they have plenty of time to decide the direction of their bonds. For now, let's focus on packing the camp up and finding those-
Pacco: Hey, guys! Over here!
The group turns to notice Pacco and Evelyn peering into a small, stone structure that's emitting a red beam. Seeing this, Danimus returns his other Pokémon to their balls as he and Jack ran up to them.
Evelyn: We've found an active den! *jumps in*
Jack: Wait! Ugh! Let's go, Pacco!
Pacco: Right-O!
The 2 brothers and Rillaboom jumps into the den after their sister. After looking back at each other for a bit, Danimus and Cinder jumps in after them. Eventually, they found themselves in a reddish location resembling a wasteland. After looking around, they discovered Jack, Rillaboom, and the twins.
Danimus: *running up do them* What is this place?
Jack: Don't worry. This is a common Max Raid location. You see, it's common for 4 trainers to band together to tackle the Pokémon that appears here.
Evelyn: Yep, like that!
Evelyn then points to a large, pinkish purple Pokémon that resembles a type of fruit. Its body is radiating some red energy.
Danimus: *goes to grab his Rotom Phone* What Pokémon is-?!
Rillaboom: *stops him* Don't bother, honey. That Rotom Phone of yours won't work as there is too much Dynamax energy here. As for the Pokémon, that's a Bounsweet, a grass type Pokémon found in the Alola region.
Cinder: Are they always this big?
Jack: All Pokémon found in the Max Raid dens are this large because of the abundant Dynamax energy here.
Danimus: In other words, we're facing wild Dynamax Pokémon.
Jack: That's right. And they won't pull any punches.
Pacco: Well, we won't either! *pulls out a Quick ball* Sparky! I choose you!
Pacco tosses the Quick ball onto the battlefield, releasing a yellow, mouse like Pokémon with a lightning bolt like tail wearing a hat.
Evelyn: Really? Using an electric type against a grass type?
Rillaboom: Ya realize that ah am a grass type as well, right? Not everyone can have the right Pokémon for the job.
Evelyn: *pulls out a Poké ball* At least I am. Right, Flareon?
Evelyn then tosses a Poké ball, releasing an orange, fox Pokémon.
Danimus: I'm counting on you, Cinder! Use Quick Attack!
Cinder: Right!
Cinder rushed into the Dynamaxed Bounsweet, but collided with a strange barrier, which slightly cracked.
Cinder: What's that?!
Jack: In a Raid battle, sometimes wild Dynamax Pokémon will put up a barrier before or during battle. These barriers can protect them from both status moves and stat reduction moves, but aren't very strong, especially against super effective moves.
Evelyn: Like this! Use Ember!
Flareon launches an Ember at the Bounsweet, widening the cracks and dealing some damage.
Pacco: Sparky, use Thundershock!
Jack: Rillaboom, use Boomburst!
Both Sparky and Rillaboom launched their attacks at Bounsweet, breaking through the barrier and weakening it.
Rillaboom: That did it!
Jack: Remember, Danimus, that once you break through the barrier, their defensive stats will drop and they take some damage! But don't forget that-!
Evelyn: Look out!
At that moment, Bounsweet launches large seeds around Rillaboom, which then erupted into large mushrooms before detonating, coating the ground in greenery and inflicting heavy damage on Rillaboom.
Cinder: What kind of move was that?
Jack: That's a Max Move. Whenever a Pokémon Dynamax, their moves changes into powerful Max Moves. They not only do damage but also have bonus effects as well. For example, Max Overgrowth, the grass type Max Move, can create grassy terrain which boosts grass type moves and slowly heals all Pokémon.
Rillaboom: Yep, so don't go worrying about me, sugah!
Jack: One more thing. In a Max Raid battle, wild Pokémon can use their regular moves in conjunction with their Max Moves, so be careful.
Danimus: Got it! Cinder…
Evelyn: Flareon…
Danimus and Evelyn: …Use Ember!
Together, the 2 fire types launched their Ember attacks at the Dynamaxed Pokémon, dealing heavy but also activating another barrier.
Danimus: Another barrier is up!
Jack: In that case, use Drum Beating
Rillaboom: You got it, honey!
Pulling out a wooden drum set, Rillaboom began playing it, causing vines to rise up and attack Bounsweet. At that moment, Bounsweet attacks the group with a flurry of sharp leaves, mostly dealing minimal damage to them, although Sparky received critical damage.
Pacco: Okay, so that's how you're gonna play it, huh? Well, I'll have you know the reason why I choose Sparky for this battle. *pulls out Sparky's Quick ball* It's because he has the power to Gigantamax!
Danimus: He can Gigantamax?!
Pacco: That's right! One of 3 species of Pokémon that can Gigantamax without reaching its final evolved form. And you're gonna see what-!
But before he could do anything, Bounsweer used Max Overgrowth on Sparky, causing him to faint and the sky to darken.
Danimus: What's going on?!
Jack: Our time here is already limited, but if our team faints too much, we will be ejected from the Raid Den!
Pacco: Aw, man. I wanted to Gigantamax.
Evelyn: Did you forget that you need a Dynamax Band to Dynamax your Pokémon?
Pacco: Aw, man, that right!
Danimus: Hmm? What the-?!
Looking at his wrist, Danimus noticed that the Dynamax Band he's wearing started to glow bright red, a symbol appearing on the underside.
Danimus: What's happening?
Jack: Your Dynamax Band has gathered enough Dynamax energy! I'll explain more about it later, but for now, just recall Cinder and focus that energy into her Poké ball! Then toss it behind you!
Danimus: Okay! *pulls out Cinder's Poké ball* Alright, Cinder… *recalls Cinder into her Poké ball* Let's Dynamax!
With that, Danimus began focusing the energy from his Dynamax Band into Cinder's Poké ball, causing it to greatly enlarge. Soon after, Danimus tossed the oversized Poké ball behind him, releasing an enlarged Cinder coated in red Dynamax energy.
Cinder: Whoa! I'm enormous!
Danimus: Incredible!
Jack: Remember! Normal type moves become Max Strike, Fire types becomes Max Flare, and Fighting type becomes Max Strike!
Danimus: Got it! Use Max Flare!
Cinder: Okay!
Cinder then unleashed a powerful fire attack at Bounsweet, not only damaging it but also cracking the barrier even further. With that, a bright sunlight appears, boosting all fire type moves.
Evelyn: Now use Fire Fang!
At that moment, Flareon jumps towards the giant Pokémon with fire in its mouth, biting at the barrier, finally breaking it to deal damage and reduce its defensive stats.
Jack: Use Wood Hammer!
Rillaboom: Ya got it!
With a glowing arm, Rillaboom socks Bounsweet while also receiving recoil damage caused by the moves. Bounsweet then launches a series of rainbow-colored leaves at them, nearly knocking Rillaboom out.
Pacco: Don't give up, guys!
Pacco's words resonated with the Dynamax energy around them, restoring some vigor to their Pokémon, allowing Pacco to resummon Sparky to the battlefield.
Pacco: Welcome back, Sparky
Jack: Let's finish this! Boom Burst!
Evelyn: Use Ember!
Pacco: Give it a Thundershock!
The 3 launched their combined attack at Bounsweet, dealing effective damage.
Danimus: Let's finish this, Cinder! Use Max Flare!
Cinder: Got it!
With one, last fire attack, Cinder dealt the final blow on Bounsweet, causing it to explode a bit before kneeling down.
Jack: Quick! You can catch it now!
Danimus: Huh?
Jack: Grab an empty Poké ball and infuse it with Dynamax energy before tossing it!
Danimus: Okay!
Danimus grabs an empty Poké ball from his pocket to use. At that moment, Dynamax energy began pouring into the Poké ball, causing it to grow in size.
Danimus: *struggling a little* Okay, didn't expect this! Poké ball, go!
Danimus then throw the oversized Poké ball at the weaken Bounsweet, which is then sucked into the Poké ball before it lands on the ground. The giant Poké ball begins wobbling a couple times before shrinking and clicking, signaling the successful capture.
Danimus: Alright! We have a new friend!
Cinder: Yay!
Later, the group were back at the campsite enjoying some more curry while explaining much of what happened during the Raid battle.
Danimus: Huh. So, in the stadiums across Galar allows trainers to build up Dynamax energy much quicker.
Jack: Yep, although I still don't know what happened when Pacco cheered for us.
Danimus: Well, I'm sure we get an answer for that one day. Besides, we have a new friend in Bounsweet.
Cinder: She's really nice, too! She was just overloaded with Dynamax energy!
Jack: That's actually pretty common with wild Dynamax Pokémon.
Rillaboom: The poor gal.
Jack: Anyway, it's starting to get late.
Everyone looks at the sky and notice the orange hue.
Danimus: Oh, wow. I didn't notice it was getting late.
Cinder: Me too.
Jack: You better get going if you want to get to Monostoke in time.
Danimus: Huh? Don't you guys need help packing up?
Rillaboom: Nah, sugah. Ya already did so much for us.
Jack: Besides, Pacco and Evelyn have no problem picking up after themselves… *glares at the twins* …riiiiight?
Pacco and Evelyn: *nervously* Yes.
Danimus: *sweatdrop* Well, okay, I guess.
Jack: Oh, before I forget! *hands Danimus some disks*
Danimus: Are these TMs?
Jack: Actually, these are Technical Records or TRs for short.
Danimus and Cinder: TRs?
Jack: Like TMs, TRs can teach your Pokémon new moves as well, but they can only be used once before crumbling. On the plus side, they aren't really expensive, so you can stock up on them whereas TMs are generally very pricey due to them not crumbling after use.
Rillaboom: Of course, after you sign up for the Gym Challenge, you can receive discounts at certain shops.
Danimus: That's good to know.
Jack: In any case, these are a few grass type TRs. Leaf Blade, Seed Bomb, and Energy Ball.
Danimus: Thanks!
Evelyn: I have something, too! *hands Danimus some items* These are some toys for playing with your Pokémon. Plus, some stuff you can sell for a high price!
Cinder: Thank you!
Pacco: Aw man! I don't have anything cool to give you.
Danimus: You don't have to, Pacco.
Pacco: After that awesome victory in the Raid battle, you do deserve something cool and besides, I still owe you for beating me in that battle a few hours ago. Oh, I know! *hands Danimus a blue and yellow Poké ball* Here you go!
Danimus: I've been to ask what kind of Poké ball is this?
Pacco: It's a Quick ball. It works best when you use it as soon as possible. But your real gift is inside it.
At that moment, the Quick ball opens up, releasing the cap wearing Pikachu from before.
Sparky: Pika?
Cinder: Isn't he the Pikachu you was using in the Raid battle?
Pacco: Indeed. His name is Sparky.
Danimus: But isn't this a special Pokémon for you? What with its Gigantamax factor?
Pacco: Don't worry. I have a second Pikachu with the factor, and I've only just caught Sparky and haven't thought of a good moveset for him. Besides, I think he can be of greater service to you. *to Sparky* Take care, Sparky. *pats Sparky's head*
Sparky: *happily* Chaaaaaa!
Danimus: Welcome to our family, Sparky! *returns Sparky to his Quick ball* And thank you. All of you.
Pacco: It's no biggie. Well, you better get going. We'll see you again at Monostoke Stadium.
Danimus: Right. Take care, you guys! *starts walking while waving*
Cinder: *starts walking and waving* Goodbye, everyone!
Jack: *waves back* Take care of yourselves!
Pacco: *waving* Bye!
Evelyn: *waving* Bye-bye!
The duo continue trekking through the Wild Area eventually reaching the gates to Monostoke. Their journey in the Gym Challenge is about to begin.
To be continued...
*NEXT TIME: * Danimus and Cinder arrives at Monostoke to sign up for the Gym Challenge and meet some new faces