Post by MageShooter on Mar 22, 2020 15:38:56 GMT -5
1. "We made it to Galar! We're here in Hulbury, fresh off the boat!"
As the ferry finished unloading its passengers at the docks of Hulbury, two that were trailing behind the mass of people - a young man with a Cyndaquil carried in his hands - were finally able to step onto the creaking wood of the pier.
The dirty blonde-haired man beamed as he looked around at the new environment, and his companion looked pretty happy, too.
“Cyndaquil!” His little friend announced joyfully.
“That’s right, buddy - we’re finally here in Galar. Here,” Marcus said as he let Cynder down onto the wooden walkway, “now that the crowd’s thinned out, you can walk with your own legs again.”
Cynder looked around in amazement, awestruck by the new sensations. Neither he or his trainer had ever left Unova before. The boat ride was pretty exciting all its own - and a little nauseating - but this…!
“Quil!” Cynder chirped happily as he started trotting forwards.
“Just don’t go running off on me now, right? Don’t know the place all that well just yet.”
Nodding, he ran back and stuck by Marcus from that point on. Marcus grinned and patted the top of his partner’s head. “I know how you feel. I’m excited, too. Let’s see what we can check out.” His eyes lit up when he spotted a lighthouse on the other side of the town. “Hey, take a look at that. Looks like we’ll have to go through town to see it - what do you think about seeing it up close?”
“Quil!”
“Let’s get moving, then,” the trainer announced and started moving forward, Cynder right beside him.
The two swung by and took note of every good spot they could - the busy restaurant, the bustling market, the Pokemon Center - and had to stop for a moment in front of the Water-Type Gym. Marcus crossed his arms as the two looked up to it, amazed at how big the giant blue building was. “They’re not kidding around with their gyms here, huh?” He mused to his friend. “Just think - we might be able to get in there and fight its Leader some day.” Noticing the fascination that Cynder had staring at the gym, Marcus smiled. “C’mon, buddy - let’s keep moving. We’ll have plenty of time to check it out later.”
Finally coming upon the lighthouse, the two took in the sight of the tall white tower, the statue of a Pokémon that neither of them recognized besides it, and the beautiful blue ocean out before them. Even fresh off the boat, nothing beats looking out into the endless blue horizon like that, sunlight reflecting off the rippling waves.
Scanning the area as Cynder happily took in the ocean breeze, Marcus eyed up a spot and compared it up to the lighthouse. He was satisfied that it would be a good spot and took out his Rotom Phone. “Hey, Cynder!”
The Cyndaquil turned to him. “Quil?”
“C’mere for a sec - think I got a good angle here. Something to send to the folks back home, y’know?” He bent down and held his hands out. “I’ll hold onto ya.”
Cynder bounded over and leapt into his trainer’s arms, who held him up to chest level. Marcus held the phone out and let it hover as he checked the angle and background over a few times, making a few finicky adjustments until he was happy.
“Here goes!” Marcus said as he held Cynder closer.
The picture taken showed the beaming duo - Marcus with one green eye closed in a wink and full grin, Cynder calling out happily - with the bright lighthouse clear in the background, backdropped by the view of the ocean and sky right behind that.
Grabbing his phone and showing the picture to the ‘mon in his hands - who voiced approval - he saved it to a new album called “Galar” and sent it to his mom as proof that they made it.
Setting the Cyndaquil back down and readjusting his bag, he took a deep breath of the salty air. “I think it’s about time we got this show on the road. Quick stop at some places for supplies and info, then we’ll hit the trail. Whatcha think?”
Cynder joyfully nodded and started trotting ahead, back into town, with Marcus gladly following behind, excitement building up in the two of them with each step they took.