You created a list of your plans for today as you rounded another corner, your off-white trainers plodding on the gravel path. First things first, go to the lab, where you'd receive your official trainer licence, and your first Pokécat. Secondly, you'd take the next train to Sagebridge, a quaint town on the other side of the hill that bordered your hometown, which was affectionately named Steep Hills. Sagebridge is almost as peaceful as your own town, however the first gym battle was located there, Grass type. You and your mother would watch it whenever it came live. You would study the hope on the challenger's faces as they walked into the field, their eyes glimmering and their Pokécat ball gripped tightly in their hand.

You would let them fade away, placing yourself there instead. You'd prove your mother wrong, you thought as your feet patted out a steady rhythm. You'd become The Champion of the Lilasto Region. But, you reminded yourself as a natural arch set in the large cliff-like hills came into view, that Dawn Harper was the current champion, and she was extraordinarily skilled. She'd stride into the arena, chin up, her auburn hair tied messily into a side bun, but she wore it so well. She'd meet her opponent's eyes, letting the cobalt colour pierce the opponent, promising a challenge and an enjoyable match. She had held the position for 3 years so far, nobody out of the 18 trainers who have gone against her had won.

Ah yes, the rest of the list, you forgot.
Next, you would do a couple of battles, help your Pokécat get experience for the grass type battle. Your cousin Blake would be there too, as your mum mentioned. He would help you find the hotel you booked and he would show you around. After all, he did live there.

You looked up at the sky briefly; it was a slightly chilly morning and clouds dotted the sea of blue. The arch was approaching now, lichen clinging onto the brownish stone. Just up ahead, beyond a few willow trees, was the blinding white shape of the lab. Professor K would be waiting for you, you realised as you checked your phone.

7:58am

You quickened your pace.

«-»

You smiled as you saw the pride flag hanging over the reception as usual. Below it, the receptionist sat tapping the keyboard frantically. Without looking up, they said with a half-bored tone, "She's in room 3".

"Alright, thanks Kai" You said, flashing them a small grin. Kai nodded in acknowledgement.

You pushed a set of double doors back, letting the light echo from the white walls. You'd never been in room 3 before, but you knew many had come in there before to receive their first Pokécat. One of your old classmates, Barney, went in room 3 for his Pokécat. Before he set of to make his own story, he showed everyone his Leaf'kit. Who knows where he is now.

You walked past a couple of rooms, the name printed on the metal plate outside the door.

Room 1
Pokécat checkup

Room 2
Pokécat library

Finally, room 3 came up, the words Pokécat trainer department displayed on the plate. You rapped on the door 5 times, trying to peer through the frosted glass. A white blob with a golden hat was easily spotted in the cream background.

"Come in!" Said the muffled voice of Professor K. You pulled the doors back to see the woman who you admired so much. The local hero who'd send trainers on the journey of a lifetime. Her dark blonde hair was in a ponytail as usual and she wore a long, ivory lab coat. Honeydew, her Pokécat, sat on her head, tilting her head as she saw you walk in. Her darker tabby stripes sparkled in the blazing light of the lab.

"Well hello, Y/N! You're a few minutes late but that's alright. I've got a client at 8:30" Professor K beamed, her blue eyes twinkling, "Anyway, please, take a seat!".

You sat down on a whitish armchair, feeling your muscles relax as it held you perfectly, cushioning every part of you that ached from running. With her lab coat dragging across the floor, Professor K seated herself in a black office chair. She tapped a few keys on her keyboard, a rainbow of colours shining through the gaps. Her computer was a monstrosity; was 4 monitors really necessary? You could see her eyes focused on the screen as she clicked her way through a chaotic forest of files. With a triumphant noise escaping her, she scooted the chair over to the printer, the wheels squealing in protest. You glanced at the screen once again, noticing the sparkle in your eyes from a couple of months ago when you took trainer licence pictures at school. Steep Hills High. What a school...

"Earth to Y/N, Earth to Y/N" Called a distant voice. It sounded awfully like Professor K.

You snapped back to reality, giving Professor K a sheepish grin.

"As I was saying" She began, with a half-skeptical look, "We've got a selection of 3 today, usually we'd have more but Ludwig.co is slacking". Ludwig.co, the supplier to centres like these for years. Belonging to Ezra Ludwig, it was the number 1 company out there for all your needs, except now they only deliver to businesses.

Nonetheless, you were thrilled to bits to see your selection. Professor K rolled her chair to a door on the side of the room, pushed down the handle and beckoned you inside. You practically sprint to the door, unable to contain your excitement for what was to come.