When we last left our hero, Cassie, she had just received her first Pokémon and an important mission from Professor Banner and Doctor Shuri: head to Budpe Town and battle the gym leader, Natasha! Now, she finds herself on Route 616, more than a little lost. Chewy, your starter Pokémon, sniffs around trying to find the right path. Suddenly, a commanding woman in a flight suit approaches you with a warm smile.
?: Lost your way, have you? No worries, new trainers struggle on Route 616 all the time. Where are you headed?
…
?: Budpe Town, huh? It's not far from here. Follow me, I'll walk you there.
Maria: I'm Maria Rambeau, by the way. I'm a pilot over in Isian Town. If you're taking the Pokémon League challenge, you'll meet my fiancée, she's the champion of the MCU region!
Maria: So, you picked GOOKEN as your first Pokémon, huh? A fine choice, my daughter raised one as well, when she was on her journey. You'll have to watch him closely, though. They'll swallow anything they can get their paws on. Have you had your first battle yet?
…
Maria: No?! Well, if you're going to take on the gym, you're going to need practice. I can battle you, if you'd like. I'm actually working on raising this LITLEO here, it would be good for both of us! What do you say?
YES *
NO
Maria: Perfect! Let's go!
You have been challenged by Pilot Maria!
Maria sent out LITLEO.
Go, Chewy!
…
Maria: Impressive. You're sure that was your first battle? Anyway, if you fight like that with Natasha, you might just stand a chance! I'm not trying to scare you, kid, but she can be pretty formidable. You may want to catch some more Pokémon before you take her on. Lucky for you…
Maria: There's some patches of grass here, right next to the entrance to Budpe Town! I've gotta get going, but I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other again. Good luck with everything!
You just met Maria Rambeau, who will surely be a worthy ally in your journey to come!
Will your Pokémon team soon be getting a new addition? On the eve of your first gym battle, how will you strategize? And, most pressingly, who will win?
~To Be Continued~