"And would you look at that! Weavile is down for the count! Craig Goodwill's Salamence has wiped Petra Dixon's entire team without breaking a sweat! This guy's tactical prowess is just phenomenal!"
"You said it, Doug. Dixon came in with a solid Ice-Fairy lineup, but Salamence broke through with surprising ease. With this win, Goodwill extends his undefeated streak at the Sunyshore Invitational. Honestly, he might just be this year's favorite for the Fall's End Conference."
"Definitely. That Salamence and Typhlosion duo? Brutal synergy. And we've yet to see the rest of Goodwill's team. Coming up next, Ellis Bahl from Heahea City in Alola versus Pastoria's own Peter Newman—right after this commercial break. Stay tuned!"
I groaned and bonked my forehead against the armrest. The Sunyshore Invitational was literally the only decent tournament still airing during the lull before League season, but of course, they had to squeeze in ads every five minutes—even if the battle barely lasted that long.
"Prrrri!" Togepi squeaked from my lap, flailing her tiny arms.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just bored outta my mind," I muttered, rubbing her head softly.
August was creeping closer, which meant the Sinnoh League registration would reopen soon, just like every year. With most Gyms temporarily closed to prep for the new season and trainers still scattered across the region, the whole scene hit a dead zone. Tournaments slowed down. Broadcasts dried up. I was left watching this glorified exhibition tournament, where some guy clearly in a whole other league was decimating the competition. He probably thought he was hot stuff. Still… credit where it's due. Raising a Salamence? That wasn't for the faint of heart. Between the aggressive instincts and the sheer power? I'd keep my distance.
As my brain went on autopilot during an Ultra Ball commercial, the apartment door creaked open.
"Toge! Prrrrrri!" Togepi bounced out of my arms and waddled toward the hallway.
Weren't you half-asleep, like, two seconds ago?
A balding man stepped into the room, hands full of grocery bags.
"Hey Dad. Was the store packed?" I asked, stretching.
"Not really. Jubilife's quiet during the off-season. Most folks are taking time off—oh, hello, little lady!" he said, scooping Togepi up and twirling her dramatically. "Missed me, huh?"
"Dad, seriously? You look ridiculous," I sighed, walking over to peek inside the bags. "What'd you get? Juice, berries, rice, oh—yes! Chocolate cake? Give me!"
He gently set Togepi down and yanked the cake bag away. "Ah ah dessert's for after dinner. Into the fridge it goes."
While he unpacked, we caught up on the day's highlights. Togepi nestled between us, chirping every so often as if she were part of the conversation. When everything was put away, we flopped onto the couch.
"To! Toge!" she said, squirming her way back onto my chest. Dad hesitated for a moment, then let her go.
"Sunyshore Invitational, huh?" Dad asked, smirking.
"Don't even start," I rolled my eyes. "I already know what you're gonna say."
"Convince you to try the League circuit, yeah, yeah," he said with a chuckle. "Sorry, Grace."
We'd done this dance before. I'd turned fifteen this spring—the minimum age to register as an official trainer in Sinnoh, as per the Pokémon Association's guidelines. Every year, thousands of kids left home chasing the dream: beat the eight Gyms, enter the Conference, challenge the Elite Four… maybe even dethrone the Champion. I wasn't one of them. Sure, I enjoyed watching matches and, yeah, I'd argued at school over whether Fantina or Volkner had the tougher lineup. But sending my own Pokémon into a fight? When I looked at Togepi and imagined her getting injured or worse—I just couldn't.
"Prrri?" She blinked up at me, sensing the change in mood.
I scratched one of her tiny crown spikes soft and squishy, like always and she cooed happily.
Adorable. Dad had gotten her for me on my fourteenth birthday—well, more like he won her Egg at a Pokétch company raffle. He'd only entered to win Pokédollars but ended up bringing home the Egg instead. His real plan? Use her to push me into becoming a League contender. But once she hatched, and I saw those round eyes staring up at me… every ounce of ambition vanished.
Still, watching battles was a blast.
"You know, there's something I wanted to bring up," Dad said, turning the volume down on the T.V.
"Can it wait? The next match is starting soon," I groaned.
"Just a second. I know you're not gonna love this," he said.
"Already not loving it," I said, half-pouting.
"I'm serious, Grace. Work's about to get intense. We're finalizing the next Pokétch model trying to launch before the holiday season. I won't have time to step outside, let alone run errands," he said, rubbing his temple.
I nodded. Dad worked at the Pokétch Company's headquarters here in Jubilife. Every few years, they rolled out a 'new' model, slapped a higher price tag on it, and changed maybe two features. This time, though, he swore it was a game-changer.
"The thing is, I was supposed to deliver a box of specialized supplements to your mom's Herdier," he added. "He's aging, and these help with joint pain and stamina. I just… can't make the trip right now."
"So courier it," I said quickly, heart rate spiking. "Or get Mom to pick them up. She's in Twinleaf, not Mt. Silver."
"Grace… Twinleaf's rural. No delivery service. No Pokémart. No working network, either. She can't get these herself. You need to take them. Just say hi, hand her the vitamins, and leave. No drama."
"And how am I supposed to get there? Walk through Route 202 with an unevolved indoor Pokémon? What if a Staravia swoops down and grabs her?!" I snapped.
Togepi let out a sharp whimper and shrank back from my chest.
"Damn it! You made her cry!" I hissed, keeping my voice low so Togepi wouldn't hear the anger behind it. "I'll be in my room trying to calm her down. In the meantime, let me know how you expect me to get through Route 202 and Route 201 with a baby Pokémon without getting us both mauled by a flock of Starly!"
I scooped Togepi into my arms and stormed to my room, slamming the door behind me harder than I meant to. I placed her gently on my bed and started pacing, the way trainers on battle broadcasts sometimes did when they were panicking between rounds.
"I hate him! I hate him, I hate him, I absolutely hate him!" I muttered like a mantra, kicking the side of my bed. "Stupid dad and his stupid vitamins and his stupid job at Pokétch Inc!"
I dove face-first into my pillow, muffled a scream, and kicked my feet against the mattress in protest. I felt two tiny, rounded arms brush against my hair—soft and hesitant. Togepi was petting me, like I always did for her when she was frightened or sad. My heart cracked in half, and I wrapped her up in my arms, my face still half-buried in the pillow.
"I love you, Togepi," I whispered. She chirped softly, curling into me like she knew exactly what I meant.
The next few hours passed in a blur as I lay sprawled on my bed with my Pokétch one of the newer prototypes, which I'd gotten free through Dad's work perks scrolling through Circuit forums and updates. I'd followed the Sinnoh League Circuit online for years, especially in off-season months like this one. This year's roster was finally starting to take shape.
Apparently, some big-deal trainer from Unova had just landed at Jubilife's airport. Her name was Cecilia Obel, and according to the thread I was reading, she was already being scouted by a couple of Gym Leaders. A blurry photo was posted alongside the rumor taken by a local press photographer as she stepped into a taxi, flanked by security. She had dark brown skin, rich in tone, and her black hair was pulled into a crisp, high ponytail. Even through the pixelation, she radiated confidence.
"She's just some carpetbagger hoping to ride her brother's coattails," the top comment read.
"I heard she's been training since she was five. Plus, her family owns a resort chain back in Unova. She'll have all the full restores and vitamins money can buy. I wouldn't underestimate her," someone replied.
"Oh yeah? Well I already signed up for the Circuit, so I'm bound to run into her eventually. My Bidoof and I will destroy her and send her crying back to Nimbasa!" the original poster added.
I nearly dropped my Pokétch. A Bidoof?! Confident much?
Still, I bookmarked the thread. Cecilia seemed legit, and carpetbagger or not.yeah, that was the actual term used in these forums for people who joined foreign League Circuits she might be worth following. Trainers like that either flopped or shot straight to the top. No middle ground.
I kept scrolling for a bit checking updates on known contenders from the last few seasons, noting who was returning and who'd flamed out when I heard a soft knock at my door.
"Don't come in!" I called out.
A second later, the door opened anyway. Dad stepped in cautiously and sat down at the edge of my bed.
"I said not to come in," I muttered, shifting to face the wall. Togepi, now awake again, scrambled across the blankets and began trying to climb his back.
"Listen, kiddo…" he began with a sigh.
"Every time you say kiddo, it's just to sound relatable so I'll forgive you," I said quietly.
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You've got me pegged. But seriously, Grace, I'm not trying to dump this on you. If I had any other way to get those supplements to Herdier, I would've already used it. But Twinleaf doesn't even have a functioning delivery hub. No Pokémart, no formal outpost—just wild grass and retired fishermen."
I didn't reply. The silence between us thickened.
"It's just two routes," he said. "A round trip would take maybe a week and a half if you move at a steady pace. Route 202 and 201 are among the shortest in Sinnoh."
I hummed noncommittally.
"And the wild Pokémon between Jubilife and Sandgem are mostly small and passive. You'll probably see Shinx, Budew, a few Kricketot. Compared to the Mt. Coronet pass or even Route 210? This is a stroll. Honestly, it's a good chance for Togepi to experience the real world. You've been saying I baby her too much."
"Mhm."
He let out a breath. "And… maybe it's time you saw your mom. I know you've been dodging her calls. I haven't forgiven her either—not after she took Herdier like it was her right but she's your mother. And she's been struggling ever since she moved back in with your grandparents. I think it'd help you both."
"I already know her," I said bitterly. "She's a bitch."
"Language, young lady," he said, not angrily, just tired. "All I'm saying is… I'm sorry. But I think this'll be good for you in the long run. A little perspective. A little independence."
He reached out and gently rubbed my shoulder. "Now come on. Gimmie a hug?"
He opened his arms with that silly, pathetic Lillipup look on his face. I resisted for about five seconds before groaning and leaning into the hug.
"I love you, Dad," I said into his chest. "And I'm sorry for yelling that I hated you earlier. I didn't mean it. I know you heard."
He squeezed me tighter. "I know you don't. Every teenager's allowed at least one dramatic 'I hate you' moment."
"Prrrri!" chirped Togepi, snuggling into the space between us.
"Aww, look who's happy we made up," Dad said, scratching the side of her eggshell.
I couldn't help smiling. "So… when do I leave?"
"Two days would be best," he replied. "Gives you time to prep, buy supplies. I'll give you some money for potions and food. Should be fine—you're smart. Careful. Besides, I'm getting a solid bonus when this new Pokétch model drops."
"Alright," I sighed. "Guess it's time. Hope you're ready for this, princess."
"Toge?" she chirped, tilting her head adorably.
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