Watching my Pokemon battle, I noticed how much they all improved. Maybe some day, I'll go on a journey to challenge gyms. But of course, I'll always remember the first time I ever went to a Pokemon gym.

It wasn't hard to find the gym. I was slowly getting the hang of this whole traveling thing and I was proud of myself. And my Pokemon, of course.

The big building looked impressive, with a beautiful Pokemon, unknown to me at the time, on the front. I've never been to a Pokemon gym before. I felt tingling in the stomach. I hope the leader is a nice person and she'd help me train Vaporeon.

I opened the door and slowly went inside. What mom said was her name again? Where am I supposed to look for a leader?

"Excuse me, are you here to challenge the gym?" I turned around to see a girl about my age with orange hair tied in a ponytail. She was holding a little blue Pokemon. Hey, it was an Azurill. Two points for me!

"Are you the gym leader?" Much later, it came to me I was being a bit rude at that time. Fortunately, she didn't seem to mind.

"Yes, my name is Misty and I'm ready to battle you." She winked. "But don't think I'll go easy or something like that. If you don't mind me asking, where are you from? Your accent is a bit new for me. And what's your name?"

"Ask what you want, it's fine." I smiled, but what I was really trying to do was hide the fact I was a bit afraid of her. What would her reaction be when I tell her why I was there? "My name is Lassie and I'm from Sinnoh, near Floaroma."

"Wow, I've never been to Sinnoh." Misty seemed excited. "Bet you'll show me some really cool Pokemon." Oh great, this girl really wanted to battle me. Well, the sooner the better.

"Actually, I'm not here to battle you." My voice was barely audible.

"Sorry?" Misty really didn't her me and I knew it very well. I didn't know why was I afraid of her.

"I'm not here for a battle. I wanted to ask you to help me train one of my Pokemon."

"And you came all the way from Sinnoh. I don't know what to say, I guess I'm honored." Misty looked a bit uncomfortable.

"It's...it's kinda long story. Do you want to hear it?" my own voice was slowly betraying me. I really hoped Misty wouldn't think I'm a total freak.

"I'm not expecting anyone today and since you came such a long way, I'll listen." She smiled a bit nervously. I did understand her. If I were her, I wouldn't even agree to hear the other person out.

She led me through the gym, to show me the battlefield since I was already there. Everything looked so impressive but I didn't pay much attention. I was too focused on telling the story the best way I could. This redhead was our only chance. The little Azurill she didn't let out of her arms seemed so happy. I wished that was the case with Vaporeon.

I finished my tale and timidly looked at Misty. She was frowning during the whole tale but now she looked like she exploded. I flinched and even closed my eyes for a second.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" Then she took a deep breath and softened. "Oh I'm sorry, it's still hard for me to control at certain situations. Poor, poor thing. Can I see him?"

I nodded, feeling relieved. The water gym leader is on my side and she wanted to help.

I released Eevee first. He was Vaporeon's guardian, maybe that'll help him feel safe. Eevee was super excited to be out of Poke Ball again. She greeted Misty and Azurill. The latter hopped out of his trainer's arms to show the pool to his new friend. The splashed each other with their tails from the edge. Misty really liked my Pokemon. I was proud.

Slowly, really slowly, I reached for Vaporeon's Poke Ball. The blue creature materialized in front of us. Misty's eyes widened. She really liked him, but didn't reach out to touch him. She realized he needed time to get used to this new environment yet.

Unfortunately, the first thing Vaporeon saw was a giant pool full of water. He turned around and quickly ran to me, trying to get me to shield him. He was shivering.

Misty and I exchanged glances. Vaporeon refused to get separated from me. In a way, it was nice knowing he trusted me this much. His brother looked at him with sad eyes. Redhead gym leader seemed to have a plan.

"You said he wanted to be a Glaceon, an ice type, right?"

"Yes." I clutched my Pokemon who refused to calm down. "Water types learn ice type moves easily, right?"

"Of course and you know it very well." She winked again. "So, I have a perfect partner for him."

"Partner? So you won't train him personally?"

"I think he needs so develop some social skills as well and overcome his fears. I have a perfect Pokemon to be his, let's say, therapist or something like that. Of course, your Eevee can be with him all the time, if he wants."

Misty's idea seemed great. She went to get a Poke Ball. White Sea Lion Pokemon, which I recognized from the painting on the outside of the gym, popped out.

"Say hi to Dewgong, Lassie. He is our gym mascot, great with both people and Pokemon and most important of all, he's both water and ice type. He could start by teaching Vaporeon some ice type moves here by the pool." Misty looked proud because she thought of that. "As for you, you can stay at the gym as my student. It'll be completely free, but you'll have to do some favors to me from time to time, like feeding the Pokemon or cleaning the pool."

"I accept. Misty, you're the best, can't wait to tell mom all about this!" I didn't have to think much about this. I knew this was the best I could do for my little Pokemon.

"Vaporeon." I gently called the creature. He looked at me, partially coming out of his hiding place. "This is Dewgong, your trainer."

Dewgong kept a distance from Vaporeon, but there was something in the white Pokemon that made Vaporeon curious.

The Sea Lion Pokemon turned towards the pool. He launched an Ice Beam and froze it completely. My Bubble Jet Pokemon went to check it out up close. He was impressed.

By the pool, Dewgong reached out one of its fins to Vaporeon, to which the latter touched it with his tail. They were ready to get to business. Vaporeon looked happy and excited. Dewgong smiled as well, clapping his fins. It was such a beautiful sight.

"Come, I think those two need some time alone." Misty called me, taking Azurill in her hands. "I'll show you and Eevee around. "

I slowly got up, allowing Eevee to climb on my shoulder. "Hey, Vaporeon, I'm going to have a look around, you be good and listen to Dewgong, okay?"

Vaporeon ran up to me. For a moment I thought he was going to freak out again because I was leaving, but he just sat in front of me, smiled and waved his tail. I was almost certain he was thanking me.

I turned around not to fall behind Misty. This was the first time on my journey when I said to myself everything was going to be fine and really meant it.