Liko with her Sprigatito and Roy with his Fuececo, along with Friedie with his Charizard and Pikachu (Captain Pikachu) was walking around Paldea until they saw people battling with a gym leader (you)

Friedie: what's going on?

Liko: is that a new gym leader?

Roy: I've never seen them before, the pokémons look powerful too!

Cap Pikachu, Sprigatito and Fuecoco seems interested and curious on the gym leader

Charizard is besides Friedie also curious