Signing up for the league was a simple affair. It was mostly reading a bunch of rules and contracts and signing at the bottom. In total it took me less than five minutes to finish, mostly due to the fact that I mostly skimmed through all the large walls of texts. The forms for registering new pokemon were also quite simple. All it asked for was the species, any nickname given, along with an optional section claimed to be for ecological surveillance asking where the pokemon was caught. I left that section blank for obvious reasons. Wouldn’t want Haterenne to one day wake up to a bunch of league trainers sticking their nose where they have no business being.

After finishing the forms I decided to start studying for my first gym battle. Laying on the bed I see Twinkle looking out the window at the lights of the city as the sun sets. His eyes sparkle as he takes in the sights. I can’t wait until winter so I can see him experience snow for the first time. On the foot of the bed Gemini and Coraline are looking at the news reporter on t.v. with curiosity. Gemini wonders why he can’t sense the lady’s aura. Coraline is just confused why the lady is in the small box. I just now realize I’m gonna have to explain all about technology to them.

“Just so you know, that lady isn’t inside the box. The box is called a t.v. and it can show something happening somewhere else. That lady is called a news reporter. She has a job of telling people what’s happening in the world.” Gemini flies up and down as if nodding in understanding. Coraline just tilts her false head still confused. I simply chuckle “You’ll get it eventually.” In response she simply slides over nuzzling into my neck. A sound somewhat similar to purring can be heard faintly echoing out from within the body of her costume. Rapunzel hops up onto the bed laying by my head opposite to Coraline. As I pull up the first video I feel a sudden wave of contentment that I quickly realize is originating from Rapunzel. I look at Rapunzel “You’re projecting your emotion into my head aren’t you.” Rapunzel looks back at me confused. She hadn’t realized she was even doing it. “That’s great, One day we will be able to have a full conversation.” Rapunzel wags her hat shaped tail and I feel a wave of anticipation wash over me. “However, first we will need to get stronger, and the next step is beating the gym. So let's get studying.”

While watching a video of a second badge level battle The room telephone starts ringing. Answering the phone I hear “Hello Ms.Kingsleigh this is nurse Joy. I’m calling to inform you that your pokemon are ready to be picked up.” I respond “Thank you, I’ll be right down.” looking at the clock I see it’s only been twenty minutes. That was a lot faster than I thought. I recall the team except for Coraline who hops into my shadow. And head to the main lobby.

While heading to the lobby I pass a board with a bunch of fliers and job requests. One flier in particular catches my eye. In bold lettering it reads “Violet city battle club. Hosted Wednesday through Sunday three pm to seven pm at Violet city trainer academy. Walk-ins are permitted.” Huh, that might be fun. Maybe I’ll go check it out tomorrow. From my shadow Coraline lets out a “Ku” in agreement.

Entering the lobby I see Dad talking to a guy who looks to be in his mid twenties. He has long black hair that rests on his shoulders. Even sitting down I can tell he’s tall, easily over six feet. Spotting me Dad waves me over. Turning back to the man he said “Spencer this my daughter Alice”. Looking back at me he says ”Alice this is Spencer. He’s a ranger that’s stationed at a post I used to be assigned to.”

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Spencer gets up from his seat holding out his hand. As I shake his hand he says “It’s a pleasure to meet the daughter of the Immortal ranger.”

I look at dad confused “Immortal ranger?”

Spencer's eyes widened “She doesn’t know! Alice your Father is a legend among rangers. He was known to take the most dangerous missions and always came back completely unharmed. They say your Dad once defeated a whole swarm of rampaging Gyarados!”

Before Spencer can continue Dad cuts him off “Alright that's enough of that. Most of those stories are exaggerations. Besides it’s only thanks to Empress that I was able to get away with as much as I did.” Dad then blatantly changes the conversation. “Anyway, how have your patrols been?”

Spencer scratches the back of his head and sighs “To be honest not well. Poachers have been increasing in numbers. Every camp we take down two more pop up. I’m actually picking up my partner Ursaring. He took a bad hit in the last raid.”

I’m suddenly reminded of what I was doing “I’m actually picking up some of my pokemon now.”

“It was nice meeting you Alice, remember to be careful on routes. You never know where poachers may be hiding.” Spencer says.

I nod and turn around heading to the counter. Walking up to the nurse Joy “Hi, I’m picking up my pokemon.” I say as I slide my license across the counter. The Joy takes my license. “Of course, One moment please.” she says then turns around heading into a back room.

As I’m waiting I notice a commotion at the entrance. A large crowd has formed swarming the entrance. People begin taking out their phones and other objects, taking pictures and yelling for autographs. Eventually a voice can be heard over the crowd “People please, I promise I’ll make time for you all after my work is done. Please make a path please.” The crowd shockingly complies immediately. Walking past the crowd two men in lab coats with an exasperated looking Alakazam following close behind. I’m in shock as I immediately recognize both men. To the left is one of the most respected professors in Johto, Professor Elm. The man is hunched over and looks a bit anxious, clearly not comfortable with the large crowd. But the man to the right of him outshines him in every way. To Elm’s right is THE Professor Oak, First champion of the united Indigo, Inventor of the pokedex, and most likely the best trainer in the history of Indigo if not the world.

My mind is going a mile a minute. The words Don’t Stare are continually repeating in my head as I continue to stare as the legend walks towards the counter. Oh MY HO-OH, he’s walking towards me!

Nurse Joy walks out with my two pokeballs on a tray just as the two professors reach the counter. Not even nurse Joy can stay composed as she stops on the stop, almost dropping the tray. Nurse Joy to her credit quickly composes herself before walking up placing the tray in front of me before facing the professors. I don’t register this as I’m still staring at Oak. Nurse Joy gives her usual bright smile, “Welcome professors.” Joy then speaks directly to Oak “Champion Oak, it’s an honor to meet you. I must say I was not expecting your arrival. If there is anything you need all you have to do is ask.”

Professor Oak just laughs jovially “Well when my friend professor elm called me saying a trainer had multiple unknown pokemon I knew I wanted to see them for myself.” Professor Elm then speaks up “Speaking of said trainer can you contact them letting them know we arrived. I must say I’m very excited to meet them.”

Nurse Joy just smiles saying “Actually they’re standing right next to you. Both Professors turn to me Oak addressing me “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to meeting your pokemon. If it’s not too much to ask, may I have your name.”

My mind is thoroughly fried. Professor Oak is talking to me! THE Samuel Oak wants to know your name! Quick Alice reply. Don’t embarrass yourself. My mouth begins to open as my mind thinks of what to say. In the end what I end up saying is “ye … o..okay yeah.” Mental Facepalm IDIOT!