By the next morning the road was nothing but golden light and dust. I camped near the edge of Route 201 right before it splits toward Sandgem and Route 202, It wasn't much of a camp...just a sleeping bag, my hoodie for a pillow, and Vulpix curled up against my stomach like a space heater with fur but it worked out.
We started early, mostly because Vulpix decided 6 am was a GREAT time to wake up (it wasn't). The air was cold enough to make me shiver as Vulpix kept walking beside me not seeming to care.
The path to Route 202 was calmer than I expected a few wild Pokémon popped out here and there a Starly that tried to flex on us until Vulpix used ember, a Bidoof aneaking up chewing on my shoe lace (don't ask) even a Shinx that I swear smirked before walking off like it was too cool to fight. I didn't try to catch anything yet I kinda wanted to just...walk. Feel the rhythm of the journey before I started making choices that would stick with me.
By noon we reached the first signpost: Route 202 - Jubilife City Ahead. The letters were scratched up from years of weather and trainers fighting near it. I ran my fingers along the wood, half expecting it to hum with adventure vibes or something but It didn't but I pretended anyway.
"Guess this is it" I said to Vulpix "Our first real route in our adventure to become champion"
She wagged her tail once in the lazy "duh" kind of way.
The grass was taller here and full of movement as Pokémon darted in and out of the blades in quick bursts as I tightened my bag strap and kept walking tracing the dirt path that wound between trees. It was peaceful but...a little too peaceful.
That's when I heard it.
"MOVE COMING THROUGH!"
A voice loud enough to scare every Starly in Sinnoh into orbit came crashing through the trees ahead. A few leaves fell around me and then someone practically exploded out of the brush tripping over a root and faceplanting right in front of me.
I froze in confusion as Vulpix blinked and the guy groaned "...Ow."
He looked about my age maybe 13 too with messy brown hair a yellow jacket that looked two sizes too big and grass stains all over his knees. He pushed himself up brushing off dirt like it was normal for him.
"You okay?" I asked trying not to laugh.
He grinned up at me like nothing happened. "Never better! Name's Kai! Future Champion of Sinnoh!"
Of course...
"Aiko" I said "And uh...same dream...I guess"
Kai squinted. "Wait you're starting too? Awesome! We can race!"
"Race?" i said confused
"Yeah! To everything! Who gets more badges, who catches more Pokémon, who blinks slower whatever!" His energy was like ten cups of coffee and a thunderstorm combined.
I blink even more confused "You blink slower...?"
"Don't question the system!" he said completely serious then he spotted Vulpix "Whoa! You already have one? No fair! I just started and...oh wait I've got this guy!"
He pulled a Poké Ball off his belt and tossed it up as a small Chimchar popped out landing on all fours before standing tall tail flame flickering bright orange. The monkey gave a confident grin like it knew it was hot stuff.
"Meet Blaze!" Kai said proudly "Cool right?"
Vulpix eyed the Chimchar with an unimpressed stare.
"Yeah, she's not easily impressed" I said with a deadpan of my own.
"Good! I like a challenge!" Kai said already holding his Poké Ball like he was ready to throw down. "How about it Aiko? First battle! You and me, right here right now!"
"Wait right now?" i said not expecting this to happen so early.
"Of course right now! It's tradition! Trainers meet then they battle! It's the law!"
"I'm pretty sure it's not-" i try to say but Kai cuts me off.
"Shh It's the spirit of the law."
I sighed but honestly…something in my chest lit up maybe it was excitement maybe it was just Kai's energy rubbing off on me. Either way I nodded. "Alright then you're on"
Kai practically vibrated with joy "Yes! Blaze let's do this!"
Chimchar jumped forward landing in a crouch as flames danced brighter on its tail sparks flying. Vulpix stepped up beside me calm as ever. She didn't need a pep talk, her eyes said everything Finally.
We stood across from each other the dirt path between us glowing orange from the afternoon sun. The air felt still like even the wind was waiting for the first move.
Kai grinned "Hope you're ready to lose future second place!"
I smiled back steady and sure "We'll see about that"
Vulpix lowered herself tails flicking once as Chimchar did the same firelight catching in both their eyes.
For a second nobody breathed until.
"Alright, Blaze!" Kai yelled "Let's start with-"
The sound cut off in a rush of wind as the scene froze in my head like the frame of a movie right before it explodes into motion. My first real battle...my first rival.
And it was just getting started.