Chapter 1: Sandgem Crossing

I heard her before she knocked on my bedroom door. Cynthia, my lifelong best friend, was walking down the hallway to my room. Today was the day that my father would take us to Sandgem Town to receive our starter Pokémon. My father is Professor Rowan's lab assistant, therefore provides me an excellent opportunity to receive a great starter. Professor Rowan must have tons of powerful pokemon.

Cynthia reached my door and knocked. I groaned and thought to myself, I regret giving her a key. I burrowed deeper into my water theme colored bed. You would normally think I would be excited for this day but I was super nervous. I heard the doorknob twist and open.

Cynthia walked through the door, her shoes daintily echoing on the floor. I could feel her cool grey eyes staring me down. She was notorious for that chilling stare but it seemed as though I was the only one immune to it.

"Jessica, you know today is the day we get our Pokémon. I know your nervous but this is the start of a grand adventure. Did you at least pack your stuff?" She calmly asked.

"I did but I'm not sure my parents would be happy with my goals. I don't want to be champion, I just want to be a coordinator or maybe a gym leader." I told her, my voice heavy.

"It's good for us all to have dreams," she said as she sat on the foot of my bed, "Your brother chose to go out and become champion of the Kanto region. You are entitled to follow your own dreams no matter how big or small." Cynthia said.

"I would just love to be a coordinator just because there is endless potential of what you can do. Then I could turn around and help kids grow by taking that contest experience and becoming a gym leader. If I was to open a gym, or take over one, I would pick water types. My heart belongs to water Pokémon after that day." I said.

"I remember that day. We all thought you drowned. I'm just glad that Pokémon saved you. I would have hated to lose you."

"I remember the name of that Pokémon as well. I plan on going back there one day to meet and thank it. But how does one find a legendary Pokémon? Suicune I have heard is not easy to find."

"Well as the old saying goes," Cynthia cleared her throat, "When one life meets another life, something will be born."

"So that means that Suicune and I have a bond."

Cynthia gave a brief singular nod. "If you want to meet Suicune one day you need to start your journey. Besides I know Professor Rowan has a Piplup left that he's saving for you on your father's request."

"Oh really! Yay! Do you think I'll be able to do contests with just water type Pokémon?"

"I think you can. Water type Pokémon are known for their versatility. Maybe one day if you get good enough, you can go from being a gym leader to a member of the Elite Four."

"That sure would be a great dream! Maybe I could even become a rescuer."

Cynthia nodded. "None the less we should get going. Your father is waiting outside to take us to Sandgem Town."

"We should get going then! Will you give me a minute to get ready?" I asked, too shy to change in front of her.

"Of course," she walked to the doorway then suddenly stopped, "You guys don't happen to have ice cream do you?"

I laughed a little, in all of these years, it was still Cynthia's favorite thing.

"We have mint chocolate chip," I said, my cheeks puffing up as I smiled.

She smiled and walked back across the pine wood floor gleaming in the morning sun. Her long honey blonde hair flowed behind her as she opened my door and walked out.

I was left sitting on my ocean bedspread. After Cynthia's moving words, I found a new motivation to begin my pokemon journey. I swiftly got up and crossed over to my closet. I opened the freshly painted white shutter doors and I grabbed my favorite dress, shoes, and my bag that had been already packed last night. I changed clothes and went to examine myself in the mirror. I had on favorite flowy maroon dress with my tan lace up boots. My long dirty blonde hair fell loosely over my shoulder and down to my waist. I compiled it into a messy bun with some layers framing my face. My green eyes stared back at me, well this is it. It all begins now.

I grabbed my blue backpack that had white flowers drawn on it by Cynthia when we were ten. It was hard to believe it was two years ago. I ran out of my room and two doors down, I descended down the stairs. The stairs led straight into the kitchen where my dad and Cynthia were eating ice cream.

"Hey kiddo," my dad greeted me, "Ready to go get your pokemon?"

"I sure am. I am super excited!" I exclaimed. I knew this is what he wanted to hear but in reality, I was still nervous.

"I'm glad to hear that, I need to start on my new research project for Professor Rowan."

"What are you researching this time?" Cynthia asked. She had always taken a special shine to my dad's research. So did I but she lived and breathed factual information.

"He wants to collaborate with Professor Juniper to research pokemon evolution and breeding," my dad announced his chest puffed out with pride, "I will even be able to see my wife. I haven't seen her in four months, with her being Professor Juniper's assistant in the Unova region."

"I see." Cynthia nodded.

"Well we should get going," my dad said, "Let's go hop in the car!"

Cynthia turned to me with sparkling eyes, "I can't believe this day has finally come."

I nodded in agreement and followed my best friend and father out the door to where new experiences are sure to follow.