I wasn't planning to stop at the Trainer School as honestly I was just looking for a store that sold better socks but somehow I ended up standing in front of the building anyway staring up at the huge sign that said "Jubilife Trainer Academy - Where Trainers Grow!"
Inside the air smelled like chalk and disinfectant, the same smell every classroom has ever had as kids ran around with notebooks and Poké Balls their Pokémon sitting by their desks or snoozing under chairs. I didn't mean to interrupt anything but the moment I stepped through the door like twenty heads turned my way.
"Whoa! Is that a real Trainer?" a kid whispered.
"I mean…yeah?" I said not sure what else to do with that level of fame.
One of the teachers a tall guy in a brown vest walked up. "You're Aiko right? I saw your registration come through the League system yesterday"
"Uh yeah" I said scratching the back of my head "Just started out and was heading east and thought I'd check the place out"
He smiled "Well you came at a good time we were about to do a mock battle. Want to show the class how a new Trainer handles himself?"
I blinked "You want me to battle…in front of everyone?"
A few kids started whispering again as i look at Vulpix her PokéBall on my belt. She'd probably enjoy this.
I sighed. "Sure why not"
The teacher led me to a small battle court marked out with tape on the floor as a kid with bright green hair and a confident smirk was already standing at the other end "Name's Taro and I've been studying movesets since I was five!"
"Cool?" I said confused at the flex.
That got a few laughs from the class as even Taro cracked a grin.
We both tossed our PokéBalls at the same time.
"Go Budew!"
"Let's go Vulpix!"
Light flashed, and suddenly the tiny green bud Pokémon faced down my fox of fire. The contrast was kinda funny as Vulpix looked calm while Budew just was bouncing around.
"Alright let's keep this friendly" the teacher said then raised a hand "Begin!"
Taro started fast "Budew use Absorb!"
A soft green glow wrapped around Budew who fired off a stream of light.
"Dodge and use Ember!" I said quickly but was internally confused 'isn't this unfair, he's a grass/poison against my fire type?'
Vulpix spun aside letting the energy miss her by inches and quickly sent a burst of flame as it hit Budew right on the side and the poor thing squeaked hopping back with tiny burned petals.
Taro frowned but didn't lose focus "Budew Stun Spore!"
A burst of yellow dust shot toward Vulpix as she hesitated and was too slow — as the spores stuck to her fur making her twitch as her movements slowed.
"Paralyzed…" I muttered "Stay calm Vulpix we got this."
She gave a small bark in acknowledgement.
Budew charged again glowing green.
"Energy ball!"
My eyes widen at the exclamation 'how? Did he teach beduw a TM!'. "Vulpix dodge and use ember again!"
Vulpix pushed through the stiffness and dodged the energy ball and threw a small ball of fire as it hit dead on and Budew got knocked back, landing in a puff of dust. When the cloud cleared Budew was trying to stand up.
The teacher dropped his hand "That's enough! Budew is unable to continue"
The class broke into cheers and chatter as a few kids ran over to Budew while Taro sighed but smiled anyway "Guess I've still got a lot to learn" he said.
"Same" I said kneeling beside Vulpix to check her fur "You did great but had a type disadvantage"
That's when I heard a soft laugh behind me.
"That was really cool! The way your Vulpix moved it was like she was dancing!"
I turned and standing near the back of the room was a girl with bright eyes and long brown hair tied into a loose braid as she was wearing a yellow scarf with a small PokéBall charm hanging from it.
"Uh thanks" I said a little thrown off.
"I'm Lani" she said stepping closer "I'm training to be a Coordinator! I come here sometimes to practice routines and you looked so serious while battling I thought you were gonna explode"
"I was trying not to" I said
She giggled. "You did great though! Vulpix looks strong and graceful too, I'd love to see her in a Contest"
"Maybe one day" I said, glancing at Vulpix who puffed her chest a little at the compliment.
The teacher smiled "Lani's been one of our best visitors as she helps the students with move combinations you two might have a lot to talk about"
Lani nodded "If you're heading east I'll probably see you on the road! I'm going that way too as there's a small contest hall near Oreburgh, maybe we could travel together?"
I hesitated but she looked so genuinely excited as it was kind of contagious "Yeah that sounds good"
She grinned "Great! Then it's settled!"
Vulpix wagged her tails already taking a liking to her.
We chatted for a while longer about Contests, training and before I knew it the sun was starting to dip again painting the classroom windows gold.
I stood, slinging my bag over my shoulder "Guess it's time to head east" I said.
Lani smiled "Then I'll see you on Route 203"
As I stepped out of the Trainer School Vulpix padded beside me her fur still faintly sparkling from the battle as the city lights flickered on one by one behind us.
The road to Oreburgh stretched ahead, longer, wilder, and full of possibilities.
"First gym" I said quietly the word feeling heavy as i breathe out "We've got this"
Vulpix barked once confident as ever.
Ae started walking east the noise of the city faded behind us replaced by the sound of wind through the tall grass as the first stars began to show.
Tomorrow, Route 203.And maybe… a new friend waiting in the tall grass.