Heart of Champions

by stringdog

Dreams have been achieved, what needs to be won has been won, but now there is a burning question that needs to be answered; what comes next? That is a question that Ash and Dawn will soon have answered in this fifth and final installment in 'Hearts' series. One thing is certain though, going forward they will need all the heart they have to rise to what is coming. Pearlshipping.

34. Part CCXXIII: Lunch with the Monarch

Well, here it is, the thirty-fourth part of the fifth and final installment in my 'Heart' series on the right day as promised. Ash and Dawn have arrived in Galar for Dawn to win a Contest there and for them to see their 8th region but almost immediately they were split up by two of the most prominent Galarians greeting them. One of them was Sonia a notable researcher and the granddaughter of the Galarian Professor but the other arguably the most prominent Galarian in their Champion Leon and it was Ash who went with him to have lunch and learn more about the Galar region from its Monarch while Dawn learns from Sonia on the way to the Pokémon Center. What will Ash learn and how will it affect his and Dawn's plans for Galar? Well it's time to find out as that is all the administrative stuff I have for this Part and as there are no guest reviews to respond to or questions to answer I will leave this off here but do please keep your reviews coming as I love hearing from y'all. That is it for this pre-Part note which means that it is once again time to sit back which and enjoy the latest installment in Heart of Champions. Part CCXXIII: Lunch with the Monarch.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.

Part CCXXIII: Lunch with the Monarch

"The Champions Exhibition?" Ash asked confused as he finally addressed what Leon had said after they'd in the private dining room that Leon had taken him to in one of the most famous restaurants in Wyndon but only once the waitress who had brought them their food, and some for Pikachu, had left. "It rings a bell but I don't recall the details."

Leon had brought it up the moment that they'd sat down at the table in the private dining room and were alone. The food was apparently a set menu that had already been sorted out ahead of time, not that Ash minded as he could eat anything so long as it was good, and Leon had said that the reason why the Champions shouldn't face each other, well other than facing Gladion or the potential future Johto Champion, was because of the planned Champions Exhibition.

It was in fact the first thing that Leon had said since he'd greeted Ash and Dawn at the airport as Ash had been too amazed by Wyndon to talk. It was unlike any city he'd been to and it's style vastly different to those in the other regions. It had a simple class to it that lacked the elegance or over the top styles of Kalos or the more modern aesthetics of Unova in favor of an odd formality and interesting design choices like red buses, cobbled streets, and slanted roofs or spires in places.

The trip hadn't been long but Ash had taken in as much as he could as they drove from the airport to the restaurant. Once there the driver had parked behind it and they'd used a private entrance to enter and go up to the room, the manager personally showing them and explaining that due to their statuses this was necessary to prevent them from being hounded by patrons if they entered the normal way.

After the greeting that Ash had gotten at the airport he could understand the precaution and Leon was of course used to it so he thanked the manager as they were shown to the room and sat down. Once settled Leon had started talking before Ash could ask about a battle again but the was interrupted by the waitress.

"Well technically it's going to be called the Champions Seeding Tournament but it is in a sense an exhibition so even the Pokémon League refers to it as the Champions' Exhibition." Leon explained as he began to eat. "It was actually Chairman Rose's suggestion to the organization committee for the PWC as a way to kick it off in style. You should have been told about it, at least in general, after you became the Kalos Champion back when Charles informed you about the PWC."

"Yeah, now that you mention it that is where I heard of it." Ash said as the vague memory of hearing about something like this came back to him as he began to eat as well. "It was briefly mentioned during the party we were having to celebrate my victory over Diantha but a lot was going on then so between the whole revelation about the PWC, the news regarding the Majestic Festival, and all that's happened since then I've completely forgotten about that."

"It's not being advertised so you wouldn't have been reminded about it but that's more because the PWC in general is getting all the attention than the exhibition." Leon said understanding why Ash would have forgotten about it, unlike the other Champions he was engaged to a Top Coordinator who's own global tournament was the priority at the moment. "However, the Champions' Exhibition is going to really whet the appetite for it and get people pumped while also setting things up nicely for how the large scale competition will work."

"Right I'm starting to remember now." Ash said. "It's got something to do with how there will be 8 host cities for the preliminary battles that result in the 8 finalists so to speak. If I recall those 8 host cities are the ones with the gyms in them to deal and then the winners of the 8 blocks meet in Wyndon for the finals but that's about all I can remember."

"Correct though given the nature of the Spikemuth Gym, the Galar League is currently building a new gym over a Power Spot just outside of the city, which will boost the city a lot, as the current gym leader doesn't use Dynamaxing." Leon said though Ash didn't fully understand why. "It's needed for the PWC and it has the added advantage of allowing Piers to retire and pass the gym onto his younger sister as he's been wanting to do for a few years now."

"Sorry I'm a bit confused." Ash said. "Why is Spikemuth different? I've heard of that gym before and if I memory serves I did hear that the current gym leader is retiring but I don't get how all of this is connected to the PWC."

"Right, sorry I forgot that most don't have a full understanding of how things work in Galar due to a unique phenomenon that only occurs here." Leon said. "All of this comes down to Dynamaxing. Piers, the current Spikemuth Gym Leader, doesn't use it but it's needed for the PWC so Spikemuth needs a gym that can allow for it which it currently doesn't have. Thankfully, Piers has been planning on retiring and handing the gym over to his younger sister for a while and as she's got no qualms Dynamaxing this is the perfect time to build a new gym there. That and there just haven't been the funds for such a project until now."

"Right so this come down to Dynamaxing which I've heard of but know next to nothing about." Ash said as he processed what Leon was saying knowing that he'd ask about that phenomenon in due course. "And it's needed for the PWC so Spikemuth needs this new gym to allow for it and in the process will get a new Gym Leader."

"Correct and this is especially true as in terms of our gym order which determines the locations of the top 8 seeds in the PWC preliminaries as Piers currently ranks 2nd in terms of Galar Gym Leaders so Spikemuth is 7th in the order here and thus will host the block with the 2nd seed in it." Leon said pleased that Ash was understanding thing. "That's going to be huge for the city so the change is needed and as it has been in the works for a while it's finally time for it to happen. I am sure that Marnie will be a good Gym Leader in time. She's got a lot of promise and reached the finals of last year's Galar Cup, our version of a League Conference, so she's almost ready for this responsibility."

"Almost?" Ash asked.

"Piers told me that Marnie wants to experience more of the world and potentially win a League Conference before she returns and with the new gym being built for the PWC this is the right time for her to do just that." Leon said. "According to Piers, right now Marnie's currently in Unova challenging the gyms there, and learning about Contests from a new friend she'd made apparently, so she's going for a wildcard slot or a guaranteed one if she wins the Vertress Conference."

"Runner up in the Galar Cup is no joke, I faced a former runner up and old rival in the final of the Lumiose Conference last season and if he couldn't win it then I know how tough the competition is." Ash said recalling what Paul had told him of his year before Kalos. "She's got a good shot at Vertress if she's a former runner up in Galar as well."

"Her large fan base, a group that calls itself Team Yell, believe so and have been supporting her with a detachment even going to Unova to cheer her on there." Leon said not sure who Ash was referring to as he'd not seen Ash's final in Lumiose but he'd have to check it out to see which former Galar Cup runner up he faced as Leon had likely faced that person in an exhibition challenge well. "You might meet Marnie in the PWC as she's going to qualify for it, she comes from a strong family seeing her brother ranks 2nd in current gym leaders even without Dynamaxing, so no one here doubts that she'll earn a slot and really boost Spikemuth in the process."

"You've mentioned that a few times." Ash said a little confused at the end though if this Marnie girl was a real contender in Unova at the moment then Ash would like to face her one day. "Why is Spikemuth being boosted by all this?"

"Because unfortunately various factors have caused issues for Spikemuth so it's not a popular destination." Leon said. "Piers may be one of the best Gym Leaders in Galar but between his refusal to Dynamax which the Galar League doesn't like as it means that he can't have a traditional stadium gym, the general poorness of the city, and Team Yell, things haven't gone well for Spikemuth. I know Piers wants to change that though so all of this, including it's status as the 2nd seed city for the preliminaries, will help. It's a shame it's taken this long given how unique the Spikemuth Gym is."

"Unique?" Ash asked and at that he suddenly remembered something that he'd heard in Pallet Town before he came to Kalos and finally he realized why Spikemuth sounded familiar to him. "That's right, I've heard of Spikemuth before because it has a unique gym unlike any other known gym. The Kanto League was thinking of asking Piers to come and take over the Viridian Gym because of all that and likely his refusal to Dynamax helped."

"You're right, he was offered the chance to become the Viridian Gym Leader in Kanto and was actually going to accept it but I heard that there is now a permanent gym leader there who's reliable, Kantonian, and on top of that a ground type specialist which is what the gym is known for so he's not needed." Leon said surprised that Ash knew about that. "Which is fine as now he can focus on his retirement and helping build up Spikemuth in the wake of the PWC. As for unique, yes it is unique because Spikemuth is the only known dark type gym in the world."

"Right that's what I heard." Ash said as what Sabrina had said in Pallet Town came back to him though it had only been a brief comment. "It made sense as Kanto and Johto like having as many types as possible represented in their gyms so the only types that the Viridian Gym could be were ground, which it was when I technically faced it, fairy or dark. I learned when I was in Kanto preparing for my second attempt at the Indigo League that the Gym Leader there was really unreliable so they were looking for a permanent, reliable, replacement that fit what the Kanto League wanted."

"Correct, due to them reaching out to Piers I learned about the situation and when he was offered the job the only options were ground and dark as you'd not revealed fairy types to the world." Leon said. "So Kanto had decided to approach a dark type specialist who had experience leading a gym and the skill to be one of the highest ranked gym leaders in the region. Piers fit, in fact he was the only one who did, and with Marnie taking over when she was ready it worked out well."

"It was needed." Ash said. "Even when I started out as a trainer the Viridian Gym wasn't reliable. It's good to hear that it is now even if it's not Piers though I am surprised they managed to solve it without him."

"From what I heard when Chairman Rose told me that Piers was no longer going to take the job, the Kanto League had found the new Gym Leader by accident." Leon said. "See, due to the PWC preparations and Marnie's own insistence that she needed at least a year traveling in a region that wasn't Galar, it was going to take a few years for Piers to make the move. In that time the Kanto League found a ground type specialist who could serve as an interim Gym Leader but that person was so reliable that the interim tag was removed and Piers was told that he was no longer needed."

"It's a bit of a bummer that Kanto didn't get a dark type gym as I've never actually faced a dark type gym and I've faced 48 gyms." Ash said wondering just who was the new Viridian Gym Leader as he had no idea who from Kanto it could be. "It's the only one that I haven't faced and that includes the new fairy type seeing as I've faced Valarie after she was allowed to change from a normal to a fairy type specialist following the revelation. Still, it's good that we can keep it a ground type gym with a Kantonian running it even if a dark type gym in Kanto would have been cool."

"Well if you want to face a dark type gym leader just to complete the set then how about facing Piers here." Leon suggested an idea coming to him at Ash's words which would help Spikemuth kickstart its growth, allow Ash to see some of Galar, and position him nicely to end his time in the region in Hammerlocke where he could face Raihan. "A battle with a regional Champion will really boost the popularity of Spikemuth and help Piers get support into the city that will help prepare it for the PWC. Plus as he doesn't use Dynamaxing and Marnie already has her own band you could see if he has a spare he's willing to part with if he loses. He won't Dynamax after all and worst case I can send him one to give to you if you win."

"Huh that is a good idea." Ash said thinking on Leon's suggestion and realizing just how good it was. "In fact it's a really good idea as it means I could earn what I need to Dynamax and face a dark type gym. Yeah, I'd really like that."

"I'll write you a writ, you need it to face gym leaders in Galar as we have a specific order we do things in here so if you want to claim a Dark Badge you'll need it and I'll give you special exemption from the order." Leon said knowing that this would help confirm Ash's decision given his track record with gyms. "You are a Champion after all so you don't need to face our gyms and this is more an exhibition match than anything else but this is may as well be formal so as to complete your set of gym types. Plus if you beat Piers then you can face Raihan in Hammerlocke in a traditional gym battle and that will be a big battle with Dynamaxing."

"Raihan, you mentioned him." Ash said recalling the name. "He's strong it seems as you recognize him as a rival."

"Correct, he's almost as strong as I am and on par with any Elite Four member." Leon said. "He's currently ranked 1st amongst the Galar Gym Leaders and the only one who can challenge me for my title outside of the Galar Cup as the winner of that also gets to challenge me but that's a onetime thing. I suggest that you face him as your big battle here because of the Champions Exhibition. Not only will facing Raihan help you train but you'll likely face Elite Four members in the other regions when you go there with Dawn for her Contests and Raihan is our best equivalent for that."

"Yeah, that would work nicely." Ash said thinking on it and deciding that it was a good idea. "If you can help arrange it that would be great. That way Dawn and I can end our time in Galar with a battle between me and Raihan. It's how we did it in Alola with Gladion so it seems fitting to keep the tradition going. Plus I'll get the extra battle with Piers so a lot of training."

"And a lot of attention, I'll send a message to Raihan once this is over." Leon said, not revealing that he'd already prepared the message once he learned that Ash would be coming to Galar as it was the best battle for Ash to have while here, well the best that wasn't with Leon and Leon wanted to save that for the PWC if possible. "I know he'll take the challenge; you are a Champion Ash so he'll enjoy it."

"As will I." Ash said grinning at the idea before getting back on topic as they'd been knocked off it by the whole Spikemuth distraction, not that Ash minded as it had sorted out one of his own plans for Galar in the process. "But we've digressed even if it's for a good reason. This Champions Exhibition, what exactly is it? I know I've probably been told it before but if you could remind me that would help."

"That's fine, I'm sure some of the other Champions will need to be reminded as well, and basically it's the seeding tournament." Leon said. "A way to cap off all the PWC prep and hype it up one last time with a taste of what many expect to come in the actual PWC while also giving the the Champions a chance to show off and rank themselves. Right now the rankings are based on a mixture of tenure and historic record so I am 1, Lance is 2, Cynthia 3, Alder 4 because you beat Diantha who would have been 4 otherwise, Steven is 5, and you are 6. When it's decided the Johto Champion will be 7 and the Alola Champion be it Gladion or the next Manalo Conference winner will be 8."

"Alright, yeah, I remember that." Ash said as the ranking at least came back to him though that was mainly because he knew that he was ranked 6th. "And this exhibition will sort things out more officially I take it."

"Correct it will be a 3 on 3 tournament held in Wyndon the week before the PWC and 2 weeks after the Majestic Festival has ended so after all Conferences and the Galar Cup as well." Leon explained. "I will face the Alola Champion in the first round, Lance his replacement in Johto, you will face Cynthia, and Alder will face Steven."

"Makes sense and good." Ash said with a grin. "I've always wanted to face Cynthia."

"Well unless there is a change to the top 5 by a successful challenge from one of their Elite Four members, or in my case Raihan, you will get that shot." Leon said. "That change would of course shift the order and the new Champion will slot into 6th and you'll go up as you can't be challenged for your title until after the PWC, but for the moment that's the bracket. Naturally, the winners advance while the losers play a losers bracket that mirrors it. Same goes for the semifinal losers and the losers of the losers bracket. This way we get a determinative ranking of 1 to 8 of Champions that reflects the current strength using only 3 Pokémon and these will be our seeds."

"Right, I think I get it." Ash said trying to process it. "Basically, if I beat Cynthia or if there is a change Steven or Alder or even someone new if there is enough of a change, then I won't be 6th in the PWC but top 4, maybe even 1 if I win out. Conversely I could lose twice and drop to 7 or even 8 with three losses."

"Correct, it's a way to show off, get people pumped, and have a fairer determination of seeds while also ensuring that the Champions have 3 battles each all against other Champions as you never know what might happen in the PWC preliminaries." Leon said. "Once the seeds are determined, we will go to the 8 host cities with the 8th seed going to Turffield which is the first gym location that all challenging Galar gyms must face, then the 7th seed is in Hulbury the second gym city and so on up to Hammerlocke where the 1st seed will be based."

"Ok that does make sense and I recall this being explained a bit." Ash said as he digested it and memories of what Charles had told him began to come back. "And it's there that the 8 blocks compete with the winner of the blocks going to Wyndon. Got it."

"Yup, it's long and complex but that's how it will work." Leon said. "And why I think it's best that Champions don't face each other until then, other than Gladion and the potential Johto Champion that is as the former might lose to the next Manalo Conference winner and the latter is one of 4 potential people. This way at least 6 of us go into the Champions' Exhibition without having faced each other this year which will only add to the mystique of it and really maximize hype."

"Yeah I can see you're reasoning and I agree, I won't face another Champion until the exhibition." Ash said thinking on it and realizing the logic in what Leon was saying. "Alright then Piers and Raihan it is, around Dawn's Contest or Contests of course as they take priority."

"Of course that is why you're here so I will make sure that Piers and Raihan know that things will hinge on Dawn's plans." Leon agreed. "Now that that is sorted though, what else do you want to know about Galar? I'm sure that you have a lot of questions about my region."

"I do and first off I want to circle back to what you mentioned regarding Piers as it's tied to the main thing I want to learn about while I'm here." Ash said. "You made reference to a Dynamax Band. I presume that that is what is needed to Dynamax but can you explain what it is and from there exactly what Dynamaxing is and how it works."

"There is still a fair bit that we don't know about Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing which is a specialized variant of the phenomenon." Leon said. "The experts on it are Chairman Rose and Professor Magnolia. It was their combined work that led to the creation of the Dynamax Band which is how we are able to Dynamax our Pokémon in certain areas of Galar. They haven't worked together for years though I don't know why their partnership ended, but it was because of their work that we can Dynamax."

"Right and this Dynamax Band?" Ash asked his curiosity peaked. "What is it?"

"This." Leon said as he held out his right wrist and twisted it to show the band on it that Ash thought was part of his glove and which Ash noted was white with a red border at the top near Leon's wrist and a blue one at the bottom with a diamond shaped patch that was raised in the center and a red design in the center of it. "It's got a Wishing Star affixed to it that allows a Pokémon to Dynamax or Gigantamax when it is at a Power Spot."

"Cool but, er, what does most of that mean?" Ash asked. "Sorry, I'm a bit clueless on this."

"That's fine, this is a phenomenon that can only occur in Galar, and even then only in specific locations that can't be moved, so few know about it and it is actually part of why Galar is hosting the PWC as that way it can be included, though also because we do have the largest stadiums so we can properly host such an event." Leon said as he retracted his wrist. "Basically, a Wishing Star is, from what I've gathered, is part of the legendary Pokémon Eternatus's body that rained down all over Galar in the distant past and it from these that we can Dynamax in but only in locations known as Power Spots."

"Right so this Eternatus Pokémon is the reason for Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing." Ash said. "How?"

"That I don't know but it is being researched as Dynamaxing is the main research avenue in Galar." Leon admitted. "What I do know is that according to Chairman Rose, Eternatus is asleep somewhere in Galar and releasing what we call Galar Particles that are the basis of all the energy in Galar, which is good as apparently there is an infinite source of them. That's a bit more technical and involves Hammerlocke City where you will face Raihan but for our purposes what is important is that in several places throughout the Galar region there are what are called Power Spots which are locations that contain such a high concentration of Galar Particles that Dynamaxing or Gigantamaxing can occur there."

"So you need a Power Spot to Dynamax or Gigantamax." Ash said as thing began to make sense to him though not fully as it still didn't something. "Then why do you need a Dynamax Band if the change can occur in these spots."

"Because if a trainer has a Dynamax Band there then he or she can intentionally trigger the transformation and the Pokémon can safely Dynamax or Gigantamax." Leon said. "When a wild Pokémon does so it tends to cause issues but a Dynamax Band allows caught and trained Pokémon to safely do so."

"I see." Ash said not fully understanding it but he had a feeling he was close and pressed on to confirm it. "So Dynamaxing is a transformation ability kinda like Mega Evolution then."

"In a way yes because it temporarily changes the Pokémon though while Mega Evolution is limited to only a certain number of Pokémon species, can change, add or in one case remove a type, and requires the Pokémon to either not have an evolution or be fully evolved, Dynamaxing can affect all Pokémon and doesn't cause any type changes." Leon explained. "What it does is drastically increases a Pokémon's size as well as changing its moves to Max Moves that correspond to the moves' types and the categories of moves while also increasing a Pokémon's max and current health for all Pokémon except Shedinja. It can only be used once in a battle and lasts for three moves but it is a powerful tool for any trainer."

"Woah that sounds really cool." Ash said already excited by the idea of using the phenomenon and understanding why a change like that had to be controlled as something that drastic would cause a wild Pokémon to go on a rampage. "And not limited like Mega Evolution can be though the positives of Mega Evolution do include potential type and ability changes and lasts longer so there are pros and cons to both phenomenon."

"Not that Mega Evolution is a concern for you though." Leon said with a chuckle. "I saw that you have 5 Mega Pokémon and can see that you've recently acquired a Z-Ring from your time in Alola so no doubt you can now use Z-Moves as well. It's no surprise that you've reached the level you have Ash, few trainers have the skill and ability to harness multiple kinds of power ups."

"Oh thanks though it's more that I have 4 Mega Pokémon and Greninja." Ash said. "He's a bit different due to his ability."

"Yeah I heard that that was the case but regardless of how it happened, it would still be fun to face him in the PWC if we cross paths there." Leon said with a smile. "And he'd be your Mega Pokémon for it if he's in your submitted roster."

"I expected that." Ash admitted. "But we'll see, I won't tip my hand to you just yet. If I have to wait until the PWC to have a chance at battling you then I may as well keep things close to the vest. That and I don't know what new Pokémon I might meet this year that could change things."

"I expect no less." Leon said with a smile as he knew that if he faced Ash that he could be up against anything. "But yeah that sums up Dynamaxing I feel."

"For the most part but I'm still a bit confused on a few things." Ash said as he finished his meal that he'd been eating as they'd been talking, the food had been excellent but the conversation was Ash's main focus. "Mainly where these Power Spots are. You've mentioned them a few times and given that Gyms here allow for Dynamaxing with the exception of Spikemuth's current gym, it's clear that they're over these spots but is that it or are there more? It seems like there are more than just the gyms."

"Oh there are, there are several in the Wild Area and a good few exist in some of the more out of the way places like on the Isle of Armor which is an island to the east of Spikemuth and the Crown Tundra in the far south of Galar." Leon said. "And there are a few elsewhere but they are limited and naturally a Power Spot can't be moved. As you noted almost all gyms, and this includes Wyndon Stadium, are built over Power Spots so you can Dynamax and Gigantamax in them. It's actually why our gyms are so big and why almost all gym battles are spectator sports in Galar. It's also part of why Spikemuth has suffered but that will change with their new gym."

"Makes sense and a good way to help show off battles." Ash said filing away the information about the locations Leon had mentioned to ask about in a bit though with his and Dawn's time constraints the only one that sounded feasible while they were in Galar was the Wild Area. "I can't wait to experience that in Hammerlocke as well as to see what a dark type gym is like in Spikemuth."

"I'll make sure that it's all official and trust me Galar will have all eyes on both battles." Leon said. "Hammerlocke Gym will be packed to watch you battle Raihan and Piers will be grateful for this as it will help boost Spikemuth for when his sister takes over. I personally look forward to watching the battles as well."

"I'll put on a good show." Ash said. "I am a Champion now after all."

"I expect it." Leon said. "Now is there anything more about Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing that I can help explain?"

"Actually yes." Ash said as Leon's questioned opened the door for Ash to ask a question that he'd had for a while but hadn't asked because it felt more less important than learning about the general concept but now that Ash knew said general concept he was ready to ask. "What is the difference between Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing? There has to be one if they have different names."

"Correct there are a few slight differences between the two phenomenon." Leon confirmed. "Firstly, though, it should be noted that in general they are the same as like Dynamaxing, Gigantamaxing is a temporary transformation that drastically increases a Pokémon's size and its durability in battle. That said, the main differences are that only 32 known Pokémon have a Gigantamax form and unlike Dynamax which is an enlarged version of the Pokémon, a Gigantamax change causes a significant change in the Pokémon's appearance."

"It changes the Pokémon's appearance?" Ash asked confused. "Like noticeably change?"

"Correct and Professor Magnolia's theory is that the Pokémon distorts space to change its size thus affecting the world around it while altering its appearance." Leon said with a small nod. "For example, I recently had to deal with a Gigantamax Snorlax in the Wild Area and it looked like it had an island complete with a tree on its belly. Quite odd indeed. I should note that every Galar Gym Leader except Piers has a Pokémon that is capable of Gigantamaxing. That said, Marnie has one as well so the set will be complete when she takes over for her brother. Also Opal's replacement in Ballonlea who takes over next year has one as well so that won't change."

"Sounds it." Ash said not bothering to ask about Opal or her replacement as he wasn't going to be able to make it to Ballonlea while in Galar. "I take it that there's a determining factor in Gigantamaxing."

"Good eye, yes there is and it's called the Gigantamax Factor." Leon said impressed that Ash had realized though Ash hadn't actually realized that there was a specific factor he just thought that there had to be something about the species that could Gigantamax in general. "Only certain Pokémon are born with the Gigantamax Factor within the 32 known species that can Gigantamax. If it doesn't have that factor it can't. So for example, based on what I saw in your Kalos Elite Four Challenge and your battle with Diantha, you have at least 4 of the 32 species in Charizard, Pikachu, Kingler, and Gengar but they'd only be able to Gigantamax if they have the factor, if not they can only Dynamax normally."

"Makes sense, things like this seem to be normal in the Pokémon World." Ash said as he conceptualized the reason why some but not all Pokémon within the 32 Gigantamax species could manage it. "And it's 5, I have a Snorlax as well I just didn't use it in the challenge."

"5 then, that's impressive and more than me as I only have 4 that might be able to Gigantamax." Leon said with a grin and not revealing how many actually could Gigantamax. "But yes that's basically how Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing work. Once you get a Dynamax Band you'll understand more about the phenomenon."

"I'm sure I will." Ash said.

"So with that out of the way." Leon said. "Is there anything else that want to know about Galar?"

"Well you did mention something that I'd not heard of, not that I know much about Galar to begin with, and that's the Wild Area." Ash said recalling what Leon had said. "What's that?"

"Ah yes that, sorry it's not really something that is known outside Galar but well worth and exploration if you have the time after you visit Hammerlock." Leon said. "The Wild Area is an expansive area of Galar that runs between the Wild Area Station, a train station accessible from Wedgehurst Station in the far south of the region, all the way to the southern border of Hammerlocke City roughly in the center of the region."

"So it's basically a large expanse of wilderness?" Ash asked trying to get a sense of what the Wild Area was though it did intrigue him. "I'm used to those."

"Pretty much though in Galar it refers to a specific expanse of wilderness that is mostly grasslands and light copses of trees with a few lakes and few other natural habitats for the many Pokémon that call it home." Leon said. "It's a great place for training and catching Pokémon in fact and it covers a large swath of the south central part of Galar."

"Oh so it's actually a set boundary." Ash said surprised. "That's not what I expected. I just presumed that it was the kinda standard area between cities and towns that aren't on a specific route."

"Oh we have those as well and you should see that as well but the Wild Area itself is a specific part of Galar." Leon said. "Pretty much everything from the train station to Motostoke City, which by the way is the third city in our gym order so currently where you'd be for the PWC preliminaries if your rank of 6th holds in the Champions' Exhibition, is the Southern Wild Area. The border of that is the river that runs through Motostoke and there's a bridge over it to the east of Motostoke that leads into the Northern Wild Area which borders the eastern side of Motostoke and extends through the heart of Galar to Hammerlocke which is as central as a city can be in Galar."

"Given the time constraints that Dawn and I are under we'll probably only be able to spend a day or two in the Northern Wild Area and even then only the areas that are within striking distance of Hammerlocke." Ash said. "But that's more than enough time to have an interesting adventure or two while we are there."

"Even a few days can be useful as you never really know what you'll encounter in the Wild Area." Leon confirmed. "Just leave Hammerlock via the southern exit and you'll be in the Northern Wild Area. It's bordered by a river to the west and technically a train track to the east, that was where I found the Gigantamax Snorlax by the way, but it's only a rough border used to map it out. There are a lot of interesting areas of Galar like the two Galar Mines to the east and west of Motostoke, the Glimwood Tangle that you have to pass through to reach Ballonlea, and various terrains ranging from mountains, to snow, to desert, to pretty much anything you could imagine all over the region."

"There's certainly a lot to see just like any region but alas we don't have the time to see all that we'd like to see." Ash said with a sigh. "We'll see a portion of it starting with Wyndon as Dawn has a Contest that's just to the south of the city and then we're going to decide. Thanks to you I can at least make sure we go to Spikemuth and Hammerlocke but that might be it, especially if Dawn loses as that would cut our time here down by a week or so as we find another Contest. I don't expect that but we have to be ready for that possibility and if so then finding another Contest becomes the next priority."

"I fully understand and if I may make a suggestion I know the route you should take." Leon said to which Ash nodded that he was willing to listen and Leon continued. "Regardless of what happens in the upcoming Contest, head to Spikemuth via the mountains to the south east of here see a good part of Galar and it's the fasted way on a direct diagonal from Wyndon to Spikemuth. Along the way you'll pass by the city of Circhester that's located in that part of the region. There may be a Contest over there to check out and you'll get to see another city in the process."

"I'll run it by Dawn when I meet up with her at the Pokémon Center." Ash said though it was a good idea if it worked out. "We need to look at a map and discuss with her friend Emily about how best to tackle the next few weeks as she'll be the one who knows about the Contest schedule here but all this has been a great help."

"I'm glad that I can be." Leon said. "You're an interesting character Ash, major events seem to follow you wherever you go from what I've looked into since you joined the ranks of the Champions, which itself was no easy feat and a great battle to watch. I can't wait to see how your year of travel goes; it will make things really interesting in the PWC."

"Well you can thank Dawn and the Majestic Festival for that." Ash said just as the manager came in with a waiter who cleared the table and left without a word though the manager remained. "Without that we might not have seen Alola or Galar before the PWC, or we would have just focused on one rather than getting to see both and spend time in all the other regions."

"The Majestic Festival was a great idea by the Contest Committee and really helps their expansion efforts after a successful first year." Leon admitted as he glanced at the manager who was standing by the door. "But I feel like our time is up, for now at least."

"Yes I'm sorry to intrude Monarch Leon but Chairman Rose has requested your presence for a meeting regarding the area around the new Spikemuth Gym and how it will affect Spikemuth's hosting of one of the PWC blocks." The manager said before glancing at Ash. "And to get an update on the Kalos Champion's arrival and his plans for Galar. The Chairman is eager to use the presence of another Champion so early to help show how Galar was the right choice for the PWC so if you have any word on that I can make sure it reaches the Chairman ahead of you."

"Of course and I've already discussed with Ash regarding that." Leon said as he rose followed by Ash a moment later a little taken aback by the sudden end to the meal though he should have expected it given Leon's position. "Please inform Chairman Rose so that he can consider it, though, I'm sure that he'll agree that Ash and I have discussed things and Ash has decided what his plans are while here. Providing that he has the time around his fiancée's commitments, Ash will have two gym battles here that will be aired. The first against Piers in Spikemuth, which will help boost interest in the city, and the second against Raihan in Hammerlocke to conclude his time here. That should show off Galar nicely and do a lot for the region."

"I'm sure the Chairman will be happy to set those up as they are good battles that Galar will enjoy." The manager said with a bow of his head. "He's requested that you go straight to him Monarch and has sent a car for you. Mr. Ketchum, if you would follow me I can make sure that the driver who brought you here takes you wherever you want to go in Wyndon."

"Oh ok." Ash said a bit confused by what was going on as it seemed that the manager was more than what he appeared to be but if it meant that he could have these battles after Dawn had won her Contest then he didn't care. "Yeah I should be getting to the Pokémon Center."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said hopping up and onto Ash's shoulder from where he'd been having his own mean while Ash and Leon talked though he'd listened and like Ash he was intrigued by this Dynamaxing thing and hoped that he could even Gigantamax whatever that was. "Pi, Pikachu."

"It was a pleasure to meet and dine with you Ash." Leon said holding out his hand and Ash shook it. "Next time we meet it may be on the battlefield. I for one hope so."

"Likewise." Ash said as he ended the handshake. "I look forward to it."

Leon just smiled and nodded at that as the manager turned and Ash followed him out. It had been a productive and interesting meal that Ash had thoroughly enjoyed as it had taught him a lot about Galar and really peaked his interest in the region and what it could offer him while he was here.

While there was a lot he and Dawn wouldn't be able to do in their brief time in Galar, there was plenty that they could do and one thing Ash wanted to do was be able to Dynamax his Pokémon. He knew what it was now and couldn't wait to try it out but he had to earn it and like Dawn earning her ribbon Ash fully intended to earn that Dynamax Band and then use it against Raihan at the conclusion of his time in Galar.

It was a big motivator for him and so his own personal journey in Galar began with a strong goal. Between him and Dawn he knew that they'd achieve their goals as they took on this new region. Ash couldn't wait.

I think that's a good place to leave things off after a nice lunch that helped Ash understand what Galar is like and get him ready for most of what is to come. There are still a few things of course that Ash doesn't know like the full story behind Spikemuth's situation but he'll learn those in time as well and now he has his own goal alongside Dawn's to work towards while in Galar. There really isn't much more to say about this straightforward Part as in the end Dawn and Sonia's chat would have just been more of the same so I've decided to save that for the eventual Supplement and focus just on Ash and Leon's chat. With that done though it's time for Ash and Dawn to truly take on Galar and that starts with meeting their friends and learning of Galar Contests and an interesting problem in Wyndon that Ash might be the perfect person for. That's all that I have for this Part so I'll leave it off here. As always if you like my work then please favorite (both this story and me in general to be notified of any new content I post), if possible leave a review as I really like hearing what you think of my work and your suggestions that help complete this story (and respond as best I can) and just in general keep enjoying my work. Until next time.

Stringdog