“We have to do it their way,” he points out, casting a glance at both their Pokémon, exceedingly grateful that sharp reflexes accompanied her trained and electrified muscles. While he didn’t mind leaving themselves out of the fighting (the portal is more important—getting back to Beacon is more important), he could understand her issue to some extent.

What were they supposed to do while they’re here, anyway? He relaxes and Magnolia relaxes, looking inward, opposite the shore, to the vegetation surrounding the Granite Cave. Dewford is a small town, but it is not completely bereft of natural resources, even if most of them seem to have made their way underground.

“I think…” He looks to Magnolia next, who stares upward. “I think this is their battle, not ours.” So they should see what their Pokémon want, first.