It took Marie and Yuri three full days to reach Motostoke. They had walked, trained, and taken breaks along the way, and by the afternoon of the third day, they were finally standing in front of the city's imposing gate.
"Whew... Yuri, you hanging in there?" Marie asked, glancing at the girl who was clinging to Dragapult's tail and panting hard.
She reached out and patted Yuri's back, then handed her a bottle of water.
"Gulp gulp... haah thanks, Marie!" Yuri said, gulping down two big mouthfuls and wiping her mouth a bit carelessly.
"Yaa~ (Yuri, are you okay?)"
"I'm fine, I'm fine~ Thanks for worrying!" Yuri caught Sobble as he leapt down from Dragapult's head, giving her little partner a fond nuzzle.
"Let's head in then."
Marie pointed up the tall staircase before them, lined by walls styled like ancient city fortifications.
Motostoke was famous for its steampunk aesthetic, and even its red-brick architecture evoked an old-world charm. At the city entrance stood a long flight of stairs, flanked by old-fashioned lanterns styled like gaslights.
It was said the high walls had originally been built to defend against wild Pokémon. Though the city had been renovated over the years, the historic design had been preserved intentionally.
Now, this collaborative marvel between humans and Pokémon felt almost like a city from another world. With its distinct atmosphere and signature style, Motostoke had become one of Galar's most iconic cities.
Even the Gym Challenge's opening ceremony was held here, which said plenty about its importance.
Marie supported Yuri as they climbed the stairs, their Pokémon trailing behind them.
The moment they stepped inside the city, they were greeted by a bustling wave of sound and motion so different from the quiet days they'd spent surrounded by nature. The noise and crowd took some getting used to.
Giant gears rotated steadily. Towering machines worked without pause. Plumes of steam hissed skyward at intervals. Motostoke felt less like a city and more like a living machine, operating in calm, mechanical rhythm.
It was always a lively place, but with the opening ceremony just around the corner, the crowds had swelled even more.
Marie tugged gently at Yuri's sleeve, guiding her toward the Pokémon Center.
"Come back to earth. Let's hit the Center first, then I'll take you to register at the venue."
"O-okay."
Yuri nodded. It wasn't her first time here, but previously her parents had come along. She'd been a bit worried about handling it all by herself thank goodness Marie was with her.
The two girls drew a fair amount of attention as they walked, not because they were particularly eye-catching themselves, but because of the towering Dragapult beside them. He was a rare and powerful Pokémon, and naturally turned heads wherever they went.
"Hey over here!"
A familiar voice called out just as they approached the Pokémon Center.
"Ah, Sonia! It's been a while!" Yuri waved back excitedly.
"It really has! I was wondering when you'd show up. Can't believe you got here before Hop."
Sonia's hand waved cheerfully in the air, and Yuri waved back before Marie stepped forward, eyeing the older woman.
"Sonia, why are you here in Motostoke? What about the research lab?"
Marie and Sonia had known each other for years. Marie often helped with fieldwork, and she'd turned to Sonia for Pokémon knowledge more than once.
"Haha! My gran kicked me out to do new field research. But I'm glad to see Yuri's with you I was getting a bit worried."
"If you were that worried, maybe don't leave her wandering alone in the Wild Area."
Marie sighed. Just imagining what might've happened if she hadn't found Yuri was enough to give her a headache.
"I'd be fine on my own! If Hop can do it, so can I!"
Yuri puffed her cheeks and tugged on Marie's sleeve, trying to defend herself but after traveling together for several days, she'd lost all credibility.
"This big guy must be your new partner, huh? Wow, you finally caught a second Pokémon."
"Rawr~ (Hello~)"
"Oh wow!"
Sonia leaned in and patted Dragapult's lowered head, then turned to Marie in surprise.
"You just caught him? He's already this close to you?"
"He probably remembers your scent. You made Pokéblocks for me once, remember? He ate most of them."
"Ah... right... that explains it..."
"Um... are we still going into the Pokémon Center?" Yuri raised her hand hesitantly, finally cutting into their conversation.
"Ahahaha! Oops, got carried away. Yeah, let's go."
"Right. Dragapult, go into your ball for now. The door's kind of small... plus we need Nurse Joy to do your check-up."
"Alright... (Got it.)"
Dragapult looked at the narrow entrance and sighed, then nodded and returned to his Poké Ball.
The three of them entered the Pokémon Center.
"Welcome!"
"Good afternoon, Nurse Joy!"
"Hello there. What can I help you with today?"
"These two are all yours, please take care of them!"
Yuri gently handed over her Sobble and her other Pokémon to Nurse Joy.
"Of course~"
Nurse Joy's warm smile never faltered. She let the Pokémon step onto a little wheeled cart and led them to the back.
Meanwhile, Marie was kneeling down, locking eyes with Ralts, who sat perched on Umbreon's back.
"Ralts...? (What is it...?)"
"Nothing. Just thought you should go in for a check-up too. Umbreon, can you take her?"
"Alright... (Sure thing...)"
Marie handed Ralts over to Nurse Joy as well. She didn't have professional medical training, after all. It was better to let a pro do a routine check and make sure all the Pokémon were in good shape.
While they waited, Sonia pulled Yuri over to the Rotomi terminal. She woke the machine and began explaining about League Cards.
They were kind of like business cards or collectible photo cards. Most people, especially Gym Leaders, liked to design cool-looking ones. Autographed League Cards were a big draw for fans.
Marie's card was pretty plain Sonia had once teased her about how uncute it looked.
"Oh! Marie! These are so fun!"
"Yeah yeah... if you like it, go make your own."
"Wait, do you have one too?"
"Mm-hm. Made one a while back."
"Can I have one?"
"Sure. Gimme a sec."
Marie dug into her backpack, fished out a case of unused League Cards, and handed one to Yuri.
"Hehe~ So cute! I'll treasure it forever!"
"...Do whatever you want."