It was a quite morning in the Sinnoh Region as dawn approached. The sky was lightening though the sun hadn't begun to peek over the horizon yet. The Pokémon in the forest were rising from their peaceful slumbers and venturing out of their nests and burrows. The air was filled with the scent of flowers and a pleasant aura.
A shiny green bicycle leaned against the trunk of one the trees, certainly looking out of place in this natural environment. Nestled in the branches above the bike was a young woman with golden hair. She slept soundly with a smaller than average Shinx bundled up in her tattered hooded sweatshirt.
The little creature opened his eyes groggily and blinked the sleep out of his eyes before looking up at his human companion. He lifted himself up, paws on the girl's chest, and touched his nose to hers. The girl moaned in protest, but opened her eyes.
"Shinx!" the little blue lion cub greeted her.
"Good morning, Shinx." The girl replied with a sleepy smile.
Shinx licked her face affectionately, causing her to giggle.
"Okay, okay. I love you too." She shifted her weight so she was sitting up properly. "Sleep okay?"
"Shinx shinx."
"Good, I'm glad."
The young lady's smile was replaced with a questioning raised eyebrow as a grumbling sound emerged from Shinx's stomach. The lion cub looked down at his stomach before grinning sheepishly at his companion.
"Hungry already?"
"Shiiinx."
The girl looked off into the distance, able to spot a nearby town through the treetops.
"I don't think any shops will be open quite yet. Not this early in the morning." She looked back at the blue and black feline to see him staring up at her with big glossy eyes, and quickly added with a grin, "Which means if we leave now, we'll be first in line for a hot breakfast."
Shinx's eyes grew wider and a big smile spread across his face.
"Shinx!" He exclaimed excitedly.
"Alright buddy, hop in the hood so I can climb down."
Shinx happily obliged, wriggling out of her sweater and into her hood. The girl proceeded to climb down the tree and hopped to the ground. She mounted her bike and pedaled off towards the town.
* * *
The sun was well above the horizon as the young woman and her shinx sat on the sidewalk in front of a local diner. The girl sat with her elbows on her knees, hands cupping her face as she looked down at the street in front of her in boredom. Shinx sat beside her, ears drooped as he too stared at the ground.
The door to the diner opened and an old man stepped outside.
"Good morning, Opal." He greeted them cheerfully.
The girl and her shinx both shot their heads up and whirled their gazes around to look at him.
"Morning, Mr. Johnson!"
"Shinx Shinx!"
"Early again as usual, I see." The man noted.
"You know it." Opal replied.
"Shinx!"
"Come on in." Mr. Johnson invited, gesturing inside. "I already fixed up a good meal for you two."
"Thank you very much!" She said gratefully as she jumped to her feet.
She walked into the diner, passing by the old man with Shinx at her heels. Shinx looked up at the old man, chiming in his own thanks.
"Shinx shinx!"
Mr. Johnson followed them both inside and took his place behind the counter.
"Would you care for some refreshments, too?" He offered as Opal placed Shinx on top of one of the barstools. "No charge."
"Oh, you're so sweet. We'd love that, thank you." Opal replied gratefully as she took her seat next to Shinx.
"It's no trouble at all. I'm happy to do it for YOU two kids." Mr. Johnson pulled two plates off the cut-out in the wall between them and the kitchen and placed them in front of his two favorite customers. "Here." he said graciously. Opal took money out of her pocket and handed it over to the old man.
"Thank you." He said with a smile, heading over to the cash register. "Enjoy!"
Shinx had every intention of enjoying the delicious meal set in front of him. He was just about to take a bite out of his bacon, when his eyes strayed over to Opal. She had folded her hands in front of her and bowed her head. Shinx immediately sat back down on his stool and bowed his own head, closing his eyes. Opal commenced with her prayer that she made a point to say at every meal.
"Oh Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen."
"Shinx shinx!" Shinx chimed in, lifting his head. He immediately dove head first into his food.
Opal looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Shinx?"
Shinx looked at her, his mouth stuffed to the brim. A piece of bacon was dangling from his mouth.
"Small bites or you'll choke." She said in a motherly tone. "Chew slowly."
Shinx bit down on the bacon, letting the stray piece fall to his plate, and chewed slowly.
"Good boy." Opal cooed. She turned to her own plate and picked up her bacon and egg sandwich, digging in herself.
"You say that prayer before breakfast every day." Mr. Johnson spoke up from his position at the register.
Opal looked at him with a mouthful of food. "Hm?" was all she could say in response.
"Oh nothing," Mr. Johnson said with a smile. "I just find it interesting how you say that prayer every time you come in here."
Opal swallowed her food. "Is that weird?" she asked.
"Well, no." He replied. "I'm just not used to seeing people do something like that. You AND your Pokémon are the only ones I know who actually pray such a prayer."
"Well, I was kind of forced to memorize it when I was a kid." Opal said simply. "I guess it just stuck."
"Ah, I see." Mr. Johnson chuckled. "Well that explains it. I'll get you those free refreshments I promised." He turned and disappeared through the large wooden door leading to the kitchen. After a moment, he came back with a carton of orange juice and a bottle of milk and walked over to them. He reached under the counter and pulled out a glass and a tin bowl. He set the glass in front of Opal and the bowl in front of Shinx.
Shinx perked up, staring at his bowl, then at Mr. Johnson, waiting patiently for his drink. The old man poured some orange juice into Opal's glass.
"Thanks again, Mr. Johnson." Opal reiterated gratefully.
"My pleasure." Mr. Johnson replied, pouring some milk for Shinx, who lapped it up happily. "You two ARE my favorite customers, after all." He added, placing the milk bottle aside. "And you're always so nice. Honestly, you two coming into my diner is the highlight of my day!"
"Awww. That's really sweet." said Opal, touched.
"I mean it, too!" The old man added, "You never fail to turn any sour mood of mine into a good one!"
"The same goes for you." Opal said sweetly.
"Shinx shinx shinx!"
Mr. Johnson smiled at them. But then, a thought crossed his mind and his smile faded. "Still...it worries me knowing you're homeless. It's not safe, especially for people your age."
"Oh don't stress about it." Opal assured him. "We've lived this way for a long time. Shinx and I can take care of each other, no problem."
"Shinx!"
Mr. Johnson had every reason to be worried. From the day he met these two, they had always been so sweet and so considerate. He hated to think about them living on the streets and sometimes the woods with no real shelter. Not to mention the way she earned her money. Sure, she was talented, but how long could she keep it up?
"But Opal, what are you going to do when you get into serious trouble, or when you get sick? You don't have any medicine or a doctor to help. You have nothing."
"I have Shinx. And he has me. That's all we need in this world." Opal knew Mr. Johnson's heart was in the right place, but she wished he wouldn't worry so much.
"But you need a home, too—a REAL home!" The old man added. "It's not good to be living the way you do. Also, you need a REAL job. Dancing and singing on the street corner is no way to make a living. And you know I would hire you, but I have no open spots right now..."
"It's okay, Mr. Johnson, I understand." Opal assured him. "But you shouldn't worry so much. I'm 18. I'm a big girl. I know how to take care of myself. I've been doing it for THIS long now...I don't think anything could keep me down and out." She looked at her furry friend. "Right, Shinx?" Shinx looked at her.
"Shinx shinx!"
Mr. Johnson sighed in defeat. "Alright Opal. But I'm serious, you need a better living situation."
"You just wait, Mr. Johnson." said Opal with a twinkle in her eye. "Someday I'm gonna get it. I'll find a way to get to my dream-place and leave this town. Travel all over the place. Make the big time. I have the perfect plan, too. You'll see, Mr. Johnson, I promise." Mr. Johnson examined her face. Seeing how determined she was, he gave in.
"Well...I certainly wish the best for you."
Opal grinned. "Thanks." She looked at Shinx, who had finished off his meal and his drink. His face was wet and full of crumbs. She shook her head, smiling as she did so, and picked up her napkin to wipe off his face.
Mr. Johnson gathered up the dishes. "I'll clean up, you go on ahead. Go make your dreams come true!" He said sincerely.
Opal looked at him. "Thank you so much, Mr. Johnson. We'll see you later!" She hopped off her stool and gestured at Shinx to follow her. "Alright buddy, let's go make some money!"
Before Shinx could so much as lift a paw, there was a loud crackling sound from outside, accompanied by a blinding, flashing yellow light.
Opal turned on her heel and looked to the window. Shinx followed suit just as the light show stopped.
"What on EARTH?" Mr. Johnson exclaimed.
Opal darted to the door, throwing it open. "What the heck was THAT?" She then turned her gaze and let out a horrified gasp. Shinx appeared beside her and followed her gaze.
"SHINX!" He cried out in shock.
There, leaning against the wall of the diner, was their beautiful emerald green bicycle. Now burnt to a crisp and smoking.
"My BIKE!" Opal screamed.
In the middle of the street were two young men, standing with their backs to her. They seemed to be looking at something in the sky. Suddenly, the younger of the two lunged forward, his arms stretched out in front of him.
"PIKACHU!" He shouted. Soon after, a small furry yellow creature landed in his arms. It looked up at its master after realizing it was safe.
"Pika pi!" it exclaimed with a smile.
Shinx looked at them. "Shinx?" he said, puzzled.
Opal looked over at them as well. She eyed the young man and his pikachu, then looked back at her bike. Something snapped inside her and she turned back to them, eye twitching.
"You okay, Buddy?" The young man asked his pikachu, not noticing the girl and her shinx behind him.
"Pi KA chu!" Pikachu exclaimed happily.
"YOU!"
The young man looked up and turned around, spotting the blonde girl who was marching toward him.
Opal grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, yanking him closer so they're practically nose-to-nose.
"YOU'RE the one who ruined my bike, aren't you!?" She demanded.
"Wh-wh-uh-I-uh—" stuttered the young man, unsure of what to say or do. Pikachu, spooked, jumped down to the ground and looked up at the girl.
Opal started shaking the poor boy, causing his baseball cap to fall off. "You MUST be the one, because YOU are the ONLY one AROUND here who has an ELECTRIC-TYPE POKEMON!" She then jerked him forward, forcing him to look at her burnt mess on the sidewalk. "Do you SEE what you DID to MY BIKE!?"
The young man, now dizzy and unable to see straight, tried to focus on the bike but to no avail.
Pikachu watched the scene helplessly, his ears pinned back and unsure of what to do. He didn't want to cause even more trouble by shocking the two of them apart.
Opal spun the poor kid around, yelling in his face again, shaking him some more. "I paid GOOD MONEY for that bike! Now I can't use it EVER AGAIN! Not only that, I'M ALL OUT OF MONEY!" She began shaking him harder. "You better buy me a new bike RIGHT NOW OR I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS, YOU LITTLE JERK!"
"Pika pi!" shouted Pikachu, now even more worried for his master.
Then, the young man's older companion thrust himself between them, knocking the younger one to the ground. He took the girl's hands in his own. "Fear not, my dear! For I will buy you a brand new bike. The bike of your dreams, in fact. All I ask in return is a simple date. Perhaps a picnic and a stroll in the park?" He said this all too fast for her to fully comprehend at first.
The younger of the two sat up, rubbing his head. His yellow friend looked up at him, still concerned.
"Chuu..." He said, ears and tail drooped.
Once he gathered himself, the younger boy looked up at his friend and the girl. When he saw what his companion was up to, a disgruntled expression crept across his face.
"Uhh..." said Opal, startled, "who are you?"
"I'm Brock. And what might your name be, my love?" The older man answered with a dreamy expression. Opal didn't seem to catch the part where he called her his 'love'.
"Opal...?" She said, unsure what to think of this stranger.
"Opal." Brock pondered. "A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. So simple, yet so complex."
Opal's face grew hot and she yanked her hands away. "H-hold on!" She stammered. "Are you trying to ask me OUT!?"
"But of course." Brock answered. "Who WOULDN'T ask an angel such as yourself on a date?"
Opal blushed even harder. "But I don't even KNOW you!" She cried.
Brock dropped to one knee, holding one hand over his heart and the other out to her.
"Love has no boundaries." He said, trying to be romantic.
The younger boy had enough. He grabbed his hat and placed it back on his head and stood up. He stepped between Brock and the poor girl, shoving Brock away by his face.
"YOU'RE the one who needs boundaries." He muttered. He turned to Opal, rubbing the back of his head and grinning sheepishly. "Sorry about your bike. Pikachu's Thunderbolt can get a little out of hand sometimes."
"Pika chu..." Pikachu agreed.
"Uhh..." Opal said, taken aback by the boy's sudden rescue and apology. "It's okay, I guess..."
The 16 year old let out a sigh of relief. "Anyway" He said, smiling. "my name's Ash."
Pikachu jumped up onto his shoulder. "Pikachu!"
"And as you probably know, this is my buddy, Pikachu."
"Um...I'm Opal..." Opal replied. She looked over at Shinx, who was still sitting by the diner entrance. "And that's Shinx. He's mine."
"Shinx!" Shinx called from his spot by the door.
Ash looked at the blue creature, intrigued. "A shinx, huh?" He pulled a red device out of his pocket and flipped it open.
"Shinx, the Flash Pokémon." The device spoke in a robotic voice. "When it senses danger, the hairs on its body light up and it runs away, leaving its opponent dazed."
Ash looked up at Shinx. "That's a cool Pokémon."
Pikachu jumped down from his master's shoulder and darted over to Shinx. "Pikachu!" He greeted.
Shinx lifted a paw. "Shinx shinx"
"Pika Pikachu!"
Opal watched them both curiously. "I've never seen a Pikachu before..."
Brock finally spoke up again. "Well, that's not surprising. They're usually found in the Kanto Region."
Opal whipped her gaze back to them. "Are you guys are from Kanto then?"
"Yup." Ash answered. "I'm from Pallet Town. And Brock here used to be the Gym Leader in Pewter City."
"No way!" Opal gasped. "You came all the way here from Kanto!? That is so awesome!"
"And what about you?" Asked Ash curiously. "Are you from around here?"
Opal's enthusiasm dropped considerably. "Um...yeah, kind of. I live wherever I want."
"So does that mean you're a traveling trainer too?"
"Hmph. I wish." Opal mumbled. "No, I just go from place to place. Lately I've been staying here in this town."
"But if you're not a trainer, what are you doing out here all alone?" Brock asked.
Opal, now embarrassed, looked away, rubbing her neck.
"I'm just kind of living on my own with Shinx..." She looked up at them. "We're looking for work by travelling from town to town..." She paused for a moment, hesitating. "Yeah..." She then sighed and dropped her hand. "I'm homeless, okay?" She admitted in defeat.
"Then what's stopping you from becoming a trainer?" Ash asked.
"Yeah." Brock added. "The Pokémon Center offers free boarding to Pokémon Trainers. That beats sleeping on the streets any day."
"And nothing's holding you back. You could get out there and travel the world." Ash chimed in cheerily.
Opal couldn't believe it. She was so used to people drawing back in disgust when she admitted to being homeless. But these two didn't care.
"What's wrong?" Brock asked after Opal didn't answer them.
"N-nothing, I just..." Opal stammered. "...I'm a little surprised you're not..."
Ash, who obviously hadn't been listening, suddenly piped up. "Hey! I have an idea! Why don't you come along with us?" Brock looked at him, a little caught off-guard by his invitation, then looked at Opal.
"Wh-wha?" Opal stuttered. Shinx and Pikachu looked over at the small group curiously.
"Shinx?"
"Pika?"
"Why not?" Brock asked. "It's not a bad idea. You DO want to get out of this town, right?"
Opal looked back and forth between the two of them, confused out of her mind. "You just destroyed my bike, you barely know me, yet you want me to come WITH you?"
Ash looked away nervously. "We didn't MEAN to destroy your bike." He looked back at her. "And the more, the merrier, right?"
"Come on," Brock egged. "What have you got to lose?"
Opal paused. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea. She turned to her buddy Shinx for some insight. Shinx met her gaze, just as confused as she was.
"Well..." Opal turned back to Ash and Brock. "Where are you guys going exactly?"
"We're headed to Oreburgh City so I can challenge the gym and earn my first Sinnoh League badge." Ash answered, clenching a fist in determination.
Opal looked down at the ground thoughtfully. Her attention was diverted as Shinx walked over. Looking up at her with big, round eyes.
"Oh no. Not that face." Opal said, now annoyed.
Shinx didn't falter.
"Shinx, stop it right now."
Shinx still didn't let up.
"Shinx." Opal warned, now losing her patience.
Shinx then flopped down on top of her foot, rubbing against her leg. Opal sighed. How could she say to no to that?
"Alright, fine."
"SHINX!" Shinx jumped up with a big smile on his face. Opal looked back at Ash and Brock.
"Just...hold on a sec. I have to do something." She turned and raced back to the diner, Shinx following along.
"Mr. Johnson?" Opal called, bursting through the door.
"Shiiinx!"
Mr. Johnson was standing by the kitchen door.
"I saw the whole thing." He walked over to her, glaring out the window. "Do you want me to go out there and tell them a thing or two?"
Opal quickly held up a hand, waving him off. "Oh no, it's alright. They didn't mean to ruin my bike. It was an accident. I came in to tell you something else."
Mr. Johnson looked at her curiously.
"Listen, Mr. Johnson?" Opal began. "Remember that big dream I have?"
"Oh, you were telling me just a minute ago. Why?"
"I'm going to make it happen." Opal said bravely after a moment's hesitation.
"I know you can, Opal. I never had any doubts—"
"Today."
This, Mr. Johnson didn't expect.
"Today?" He repeated.
"I'm going to go on a journey, starting today. I don't know when I'll be back or what I'm going to be faced with, but I'll be with two professional Pokémon Trainers. They can help lead me to my dream-place I mentioned to you. So don't worry. I'll be fine."
"Opal..." Mr. Johnson said, taken aback.
"I know this is really sudden..." Opal explained, "...but I have to do it...I'll get there faster with a couple travel companions."
Mr. Johnson averted his gaze to the trainers outside. "Opal..." He looked back at the young woman. "...are you sure about this?"
"They seem really nice and friendly. Even Shinx liked them. I think I'll be okay with them."
Mr. Johnson just looked at her, still unsure about the whole thing.
"Don't worry." said Opal, "I promise I'll come back to see you again. I'll even give you a call sometime to let you know how I'm doing."
Mr. Johnson's expression softened and he looked down, giving a light chuckle. He looked back at her.
"You better not forget to."
"Oh come on," Opal teased, "how could I forget you? After all you've done for me and Shinx..."
Mr. Johnson knew she was right, so he just opened his arms.
"You gonna give me a hug?" he asked.
"Of course." Opal replied with a smile as she walked up and embraced him.
Shinx followed after her and rubbed against the old man's leg.
After a long, tight hug, Mr. Johnson patted Opal on the back and released her. "Don't you hurt yourself."
"I won't."
Mr. Johnson directed his attention to Shinx. "Shinx, you keep an eye on her." He said with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
"Shinx shinx!" Shinx replied happily.
The old man looked back at Opal. "And Opal?"
"Yes?"
"I hope you find what you're looking for." He said sincerely.
"I will." Opal assured him. "And I won't quit until I do."
"But when you become famous, you better promise me you'll mention me." Mr. Johnson said with a wink. Opal giggled.
"Oh I will, definitely."
Mr. Johnson placed a hand on her shoulder affectionately.
"Now, like I said before, go make your dreams come true." He placed both hands on his hips and looked down at Shinx. "Both of you."
"Shinx!"
"Thanks, Mr. Johnson."
"Not a problem, kiddo." Mr. Johnson smiled at her. "You better get going. You got a long road ahead of you." Opal lifted her eyes, her glossy eyes sparkling.
"See you later." She looked down at Shinx, smiling the happiest smile to grace her face in a long time. Shinx returned her gaze, feeling the exact same way. With her heart a-flutter, Opal turned and raced out of the diner. Shinx stayed behind long enough to give Mr. Johnson one last affectionate rub before darting after his friend.
The old man watched them through the window, having full faith that she was going to be okay.