Jubilife looked nothing like I imagined.
I thought cities were supposed to be gray and boring but the second I stepped off Route 202 it was like walking into a different world. The roads were lined with glass buildings that caught the sunlight and tossed it everywhere and people...so many people they moved like a river.
The noise hit me hardest Twinleaf was quiet enough to hear yourself think. Jubilife was a whole conversation happening all at once.
I had Vulpix's Poké Ball clipped to my belt as she earned a good rest after that battle with Kai. My chest still felt weird when I thought about it I was Proud, nervous and buzzing.
The Pokémon Center was easy to spot with the big red roof and giant Poké Ball logo glowing above the doors. Inside it was bright and clean and looked a cozy as far as hospitals went atleast.
Nurse Joy smiled as soon as I walked up "First day as a Trainer?" she said as I guess my wide eyes gave it away.
"Yeah" I admitted handing over the Poké Ball. "My Pokémon just had her first battle"
Joy took the ball, her Chansey hovering nearby. "We'll take good care of her why don't you grab something to eat while you wait?"
I nodded and found a seat by the big window, trainers were coming and going as some we're loud others we're quiet. I watched a girl about my age talk to her Piplup laughing at something it did and another guy had a Luxio leaning against his leg tired. For the first time since leaving home I felt the world open up in a big way, here there were so many people chasing the same dream.
I wasn't the only one trying to be strongest and next champion.
A soft ding pulled me out of it "Aiko?" Joy called.
I quickly stood up and walked to her trying not to look too eager as she handed me Vulpix's her pokéball with a smile "She's perfectly healthy a bit tired but no burns or strains and" she tapped on a small scanner beside the desk "her Ability has just been registered for your Trainer ID"
I blinked. "Oh right...abilities" i said quietly as i completely forgot about them.
Joy chuckled "Every Pokémon has one, Vulpix her ability is called Flash Fire"
"Flash Fire" I repeated trying to remember what it was.
"It means if she's hit by a Fire-type attack she won't get hurt but instead it boosts her own flames"
My brain immediately jumped back to yesterday's battle. Chimchar's Embers. The way Vulpix powered through them like it fueled her "That…makes so much sense" I said quietly.
Joy smiled again "Sounds like she's already making it work"
I thanked her and stepped outside holding the Pokéball up to the sunlight "Flash Fire huh, guess that explains why you never backed out of those embers"
I clicked the button as Vulpix appeared in a burst of light stretching and yawning like she just had the best nap ever.
"Feeling better?"
She barked once happy her tails waving.
"Good you've got a cool ability you know" I said crouching next to her "It's called flash fire, I think that's how you tanked that Ember from Chimchar"
Vulpix tilted her head and then gave a proud little huff like Of course I did.
I laughed "Alright you show-off"
We spent the next few hours wandering the city as I bought a sandwich from a street cart and Vulpix tried to steal a bite. We watched kids at the Trainer School practicing their throws in the courtyard for a while.
The sun started dipping by the time we reached a small park near the center It had a fountain shaped like a Gyarados spitting water into the air and benches full of tired trainers and their partners. Vulpix jumped onto the fountain's edge, tails high staring into the rippling water like it was some ancient mystery.
I sat down stretching my legs "Crazy to think we're only two routes away from Twinleaf Feels like years already"
Vulpix turned her head her eyes soft.
"Yeah I know we'll keep going But I kinda like this part too the in-between of just…being here"
The wind blew, carrying the smell of flowers and city smoke as somewhere nearby a guitar played soft, lazy notes.
Just then my Pokédex buzzed a notification: Trainer Kai is Registered in PokéNav. Message: "I'm already at the east gate I bet you're lost lol"
I snorted. "Of course he's already there"
Vulpix barked once amused.
"Don't worry we'll catch up but first-" I tossed her Poké Ball lightly in the air and caught it, grinning "let's take the long way the city lights look cooler at night anyway"
We walked through the streets as the sky turned purple and the lamps flickered on one by one as the city buzzed with life, laughter, music, chatter and somewhere in that noise I found a kind of peace.
It wasn't just adventure anymore, It was living.