Chapter 6: Secrets of Dynamax

At long last, the train pulled into Wedgehurst Station, and our heroes departed for the next step of their journey. Lillie checked the map on her phone to see where to go next.

"According to the map, the lab is located Southwest of here."

"Great, lets go!"

"Hold on a minute, guys."

Goh took out Scorbunny's Pokeball and released him, the energetic fire type running around in a circle briefly to stretch his legs.

"Since you guys kept your Starters outside of their Pokeballs, I thought why shouldn't I?"

"Scorbunny!"

"Hey, that's a great idea Goh!"

The trio set off once more, their partners having a little race to see who could get to the lab the fastest. It was close, but Scorbunny won, much to his pleasure.

"Scorbunny!"

Pikachu and Snowy weren't too happy, and sparks began to fly from Pikachu's cheeks.

"Pika Pika!"

"Vul!"

Luckily, Ash and Lillie got in and broke the fight up.

"Alright you three, break it up. Scorbunny won fair and square."

The two losers relented, but shot Scorbunny dirty looks when Ash and Lillie weren't looking, which he just shrugged off. Once everyone had calmed down, Ash rang the doorbell.

"Coming!"

After a minute of banging and clashing noises coming from inside, the door finally opened to revealed a young woman, a little older than them, with bright red hair. Far from what they were expecting.

"Oh, hello. Are you here to get your first Pokemon?"

"Actually, we're from the Cerise Institute in Kanto. We're looking for Professor Magnolia. You wouldn't happen to be here, would you?"

"Gram, there's some people from Kanto looking for you!"

"I'll be down in a minute! You don't have to yell, you know."

Coming down the stairs, using a cane to support herself, was an elderly woman wearing a lab coat and glasses, much more like they were expecting.

"Ah yes, Professor Cerise told me you'd be coming. Sonia, would you be a dear and please make some tea for us?"

"Sure thing, Gram!"

Motioning for the three to follow her, Professor Magnolia led them into her study, where they all took a seat while she retrieved some papers from a safe before joining them.

"Now, I have some new trainers coming later to receive their first Pokemon, so I can't talk for too long."

"That's alright, we understand. But we'd appreciate if you'd explain everything you know."

"Well, I suppose I'd better start from the beginning then..."

Shuffling her papers around, she took out one that displayed the same red lights that they saw in the Wild Area.

"Thousands of years ago, these strange energy particles appeared. There's been several theories, but no concrete evidence has ever come forth to determine their origin. I've been studying this phenomenon my whole life, yet its the one question I've never answered."

"That's the beauty of science though, isn't it? That every day we're learning something new about the world we live in? At least, that's what my dad believes."

Professor Magnolia smiled.

"Your father is a very wise man, Miss..."

"Lillie, and that's Ash and Goh."

"Right. Anyway, these particles, which I've called Galar Particles, dispersed across the region, creating areas we know as Power Spots. Most of them are located in The Wild Area, but some have found their way into our towns and cities. For whatever reason, whenever a Pokemon absorbs enough of these particles, it causes them to temporarily grow tremendously in size."

"Woah, that's so awesome!"

"Hey, I got some cool pictures of of a Dynamax Pokemon! You want to see?"

"Goh!"

"Its okay, dear. Of course, dear."

Goh handed over his Rotomphone, and Magnolia eyed the pictures with interest. But when she took a closer look at the Snorlax, her eyes went wide with shock.

"Oh my, this is an unusual sight indeed. Goh, you've taken pictures of Gigantamax!"

"Gigantamax?"

"Allow me to explain. You see, most, if not all, Pokemon are capable of Dynamaxing. But a select few, like the Snorlax you saw, are capable of going a step forward. Gigantamaxing also allows them to grow tremendously in size, but they also undergo other physical changes that make them stronger. Some even on par with Legendary Pokemon!"

"Is it anything like Mega Evolution?"

"In some ways, yes, but much rarer. Even among those species capable of, its a rare trait. The only way for a Pokemon to be able to do it would be to inherit it from a parent. Some people can even go their whole lives without seeing one."

"See Lillie, I told you it was a good idea to take those pictures!"

"Very much so. You have a real knack for research, Goh."

"Thanks. Its my dream to become a Pokemon researcher and be the first one to study Mew."

"Well, I think you'll make a fine researcher."

"Tea's ready!"

Sonia entered the study, carrying a tray of tea. But she wasn't paying attention to where she was going, and hit a snag in the rug, sending the tea flying right into her grandmother, splashing the old woman with hot tea. The Professor wasn't hurt, but she was very wet, and very cross.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry! I-"

For her part, Professor Magnolia just shook her head and sighed, but smiled warmly.

"Its alright, dear, accidents happen. Just go fetch me a towel, would you please?"

"Right away, Gram!"

Magnolia sighed as her assistant disappeared into the kitchen, shaking her head.

"Is she your assistant?"

"Yes. After she dropped out of the Gym Challenge, she "found her calling" and wanted to be a Pokemon Professor. Naturally, I offered her an internship here, but...she can be difficult at times. Her heart's in the right place, but I'm just not sure if she's cut out for the job. Still, she's family, and I have faith that whatever path she chooses in life, she'll be great at it."

Just then, the doorbell rang, much to her shock.

"Already? They weren't supposed to be here for another hour! I'm sorry, but I'll have to cut this discussion short."

"That's ok. Would it be alright if we stay to watch?"

"As long as you stay out of the way, yes."

Professor Magnolia left the room, taking a towel from Sonia to wipe her face off before disappearing. She returned with two kids, just barely 11. One was a dark skinned boy with pointy blue hair, while the other was a light skinned girl with long brown hair underneath a green hat.

"Welcome, Hop and Gloria. Are you two ready for your first Pokemon?"

"You bet! I was so excited I could barely sleep last night!"

Gloria sniffed, being less excited than her companion.

"Aye, I suppose. Dinnae need to make such a big fuss about it, though. What's with those three?"

"Oh, don't mind them. Just some fellow researchers who had some questions. Let's head to the backyard, shall we?"

The five exited the building, taking them to a small backyard with a battlefield drawn out. Magnolia took three Pokeballs from her pocket and threw them in the air, releasing their inhabitants. The first, a grass type, was a small, monkey like creature. The second was a blue lizard, and the third was Scorbunny.

"As new trainers, your choices are Scorbunny, Grookey, and Sobble. Hop, you can go first."

"Oi, why does he get to go first? He already has his Wooloo."

"Now now, Gloria, have patience. You'll get your chance."

Gloria scoffed, but backed down. Hop eyed his choices carefully, before landing on Sobble.

"I choose Sobble! What do you say, want to travel with me?"

Sobble backed away shyly for a minute, but when he saw Hop's bright smile he opened up and happily jumped into his arms.

"Alright, I can tell we're going to be the best of friends!"

"Sobble!"

"Alright Gloria, you can go now."

Gloria didn't take long with her decision, and immediately picked up Grookey.

"I'll take Grookey! If Hop can start with two Pokemon, then I should at least have the type advantage."

Magnolia rolled her eyes, but allowed it since Grookey seemed to take a liking to her.

"Alright then, Here are five Pokeballs to get you started."

"Hey Gloria, how about a battle?"

Gloria scoffed, and walked away.

"Forget it, I need more Pokemon. I'll see you when the league starts."

Professor Magnolia shook her head in disappointment, while Ash turned to Hop in annoyance.

"She's a handful, isn't she?"

"You have no idea."

That evening, Ash, Goh and Lillie were getting ready to fly home. Professor Magnolia and Sonia went with them to see them off.

"Thanks for everything, Professor Magnolia."

"You're welcome, Ash. You three are welcome here anytime you're in the region."

"And make sure to bring Scorbunny! He's so cute!"

Scorbunny blushed, and allowed Sonia to scratch his ears tenderly. After saying their goodbye, Ash, Goh, and Lillie boarded the plane, ready for the long journey home. They couldn't wait to share all of the new information they had learned with Professor Cerise and Chloe!