1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 4

As we arrive at the Pokémon Research Lab, we find Leon already waiting for us. "Well done! You reached the goal and managed to find the Pokémon Research Lab! You did a far sight better than I did my first time. I'm hopeless with directions," Leon admits with a chuckle.

"Yeah, we heard it from Hop," Gloria remarks.

"See how your world has already grown, all thanks to having Pokémon with you? I know I'm sure glad I've got Charizard with me...to keep me from getting lost all the time. Now, in we go!" Leon says as we make our way into the Lab.

Once inside, we're greeted by a vast array of books and equipment. "Wow... this place is bigger than Professor Oak's Lab," Alice remarks in amazement.

"I know. I've got to give it to Professor Magnolia. Everything in here looks fascinating..." Gloria adds, admiring the lab's contents.

Just then, a cute dog dashes towards us, catching our attention. Gloria expresses, "What a cute puppy."

"Yeah," Alice agrees, petting the dog fondly.

"What is it today, Leon?" A girl approaches, addressing Leon. "Looking for info on another never-before-seen, super-strong Pokémon? I wish you'd stop with these outlandish requests."

"Good to see you too, Yamper," Leon responds warmly to the trio. "Yamper here is a real champ when it comes to helping you find your way around. He came to my rescue plenty of times back in the day when I got lost on the road. Oh yeah, and that's his trainer, Sonia. What can I say about Sonia? Well, I like the way she cooks. She makes the food you can gobble down in a flash."

"Tsk," Sonia looks visibly annoyed. "What kind of an introduction is that? Did you forget we were rivals during our Gym Challenge? It wasn't just Yamper helping you out. I did, too."

Sonia turns to acknowledge us, introducing herself, "Anyway, nice to meet you! Name's Sonia. I'm the professor's assistant. And I know you, the Champion of 7 regions, Ash Ketchum. It is an honor to meet you."

"Likewise," I respond respectfully with a hand shake.

Leon intervenes, "And they are Alice and Gloria, they are new Pokémon Trainers. Set them on the right path, would you?" Then he departs the lab.

Sonia sighs in exasperation, "What does he think I am? He's always got his head in the clouds. It's no wonder he gets lost all the time."

Sonia notices Gloria's Rotom Phone and acknowledges it, "Oh. Looks like you've got a Rotom Phone. Hey there, Rotom!"

Gloria's Rotom Phone emerges, and Sonia comments, "Rotom Phones are handy little things, aren't they? They've got a map and a navigation tool. That said, Leon still gets lost, so... Oh, sorry. So tell me, Gloria, do you know a lot about Pokémon?"

Gloria responds enthusiastically, "Of course, I like all of them and I even watch all of Ash's matches on screen."

I sigh quietly at Gloria's enthusiastic admiration for me, while Sonia continues, "Well said! In that case, I'll make it so that you can use the Pokédex on your Rotom Phone!"

Sonia helps Gloria download the Pokédex application onto her Rotom Phone. Once the download is complete, Sonia adds, "Just so you know, that Pokédex is a gift from my gran! Could you let Gran know that you received the Pokédex? She lives in the house down along Route 2."

We collectively agree to head towards Professor Magnolia's house, but before that, we decide to show Gloria the Pokémon Center. I take the initiative to explain, "Since you received the Pokédex from Sonia, you can encounter many different Pokémon and start building a strong team. But battling powerful Pokémon in the wild or engaging with other Trainers can take a toll on your team. That's where Pokémon Centers come in handy!"