"Quil wake up your gonna be late"
Quil heard his mother calling his name and groaned as he rolled over in bed. Blinking awake, his eyes fell on the alarm clock he was running late for the trip. With a jolt, he sprang out of bed and bolted into the shower.
"I'm coming!" he shouted.
His mother, waiting for him downstairs, called back, "Hurry up, you don't want to be late!"
Stumbling down the stairs, one shoe on his foot and the other clutched in his hand. He dashed to the breakfast table, snatched a slice of toast, and bit into it as he shoved on his other shoe and hurried toward the door.
From behind his newspaper, his father muttered, "Aren't you forgetting something?"
skidding to a stop, he spun around, and rushed back to throw his arms around his mom. "Bye! Love you guys!" he called before darting out the door.
His mother smiled warmly. "Bye, I love you too. Have a safe journey and don't forget to visit whenever you're nearby."
Quil sprinted toward the Academy, calling quick greetings to his neighbors as he weaved past every obstacle in his path. "Almost there… today's the day we begin our journey the day we finally become official Pokémon trainers," he said to Chimchar, safely tucked inside the Pokéball in his side bag.
"Quil! Quil! Wait up!"
Quil glanced over his shoulder mid-run to see Orval sprinting to catch up.
"So, you overslept too, huh?" Quil called out, grinning. "If we keep this pace, we'll just make it!"
The two boys pushed themselves harder, reaching the stop right as the other kids were boarding the bus. Gasping for breath, they stumbled into line.
The professor eyed them with a knowing smile. "Good you made it."
Everyone managed to board the bus just in time.
"As you all know," Professor Redwood began, addressing the group, "Twinleaf Town isn't far from Jubilife City. By bus, it's about a twenty-five minute drive. On foot, however, you're looking at closer to two hours."
He paused with a small smile. "I also have something for each of you a starter kit for your journey. Every student will receive a Pokédex, five Poké Balls, and one hundred dollars. From here on, though, you'll need to earn your own money." He lifted a box onto his lap. "I'll begin distributing these now."
As the bus rolled along the route to Twinleaf, the students crowded the windows, faces pressed against the glass. Wild Pokémon darted in and out of the tall grass, and the air buzzed with excitement none of them could hold back.
The students, lost in the sights outside their windows, hardly noticed the time slip away.
"We're here," Professor Redwood announced as the bus came to a stop. He stepped out first, gesturing proudly. "Welcome to Twinleaf Town."
One by one, the students filed out, their eyes widening in awe. What had once been a small, quiet village now shone with new life. Pokémon wandered alongside their trainers, lanterns and streetlights bathed the town in a warm glow even the recently built Pokémon Center and Poké Mart bustled with activity and at the heart of it all stood a grand statue of Lucas, the Champion himself.
"This town was always humble," the professor said with a smirk, "but after our Champion came from here, he made sure to give his hometown a few… improvements."
Professor Redwood led the students through town, pointing out the Pokémon Center and the Poké Mart, making sure everyone knew the essentials. Once the tour was finished, he stopped at the edge of a path and gestured toward the open road.
"This is Route 201," he said firmly. "From here, your journey begins. The route will eventually bring you back through Jubilife City, where I'll be waiting to congratulate each of you on completing your very first stretch as trainers."
The students could hardly contain their excitement. With wide grins and eager steps, they rushed forward, spilling onto the route where their adventures were about to begin.
Quil and Orval locked eyes, each already treating this as a race in their minds.
"See you at Jubilife!" Orval shouted before dashing off ahead.
Quil reached into his side bag, pulling out his Pokéball. He gave it a quick grin and whispered, "Let's go, Chimchar. Time to show them what we're made of." With that, he bolted onto the route.
The moment he stepped into the tall grass, wild Bidoof and Kricketot scurried about, while Starly perched lazily in the trees above. Taking in the sight, Quil tossed Chimchar's Pokéball, releasing his partner into the open. The two exchanged a determined look.
"Alright, partner," Quil said with a smile, "time for us to start training.
But first, let's get you registered." Quil pulled out his Pokédex and aimed it at Chimchar.
¶Chimchar, the Chimp Pokémon.It agilely scales sheer cliffs to live atop craggy mountains. Its fire is put out when it asleep. This Chimchar knows the moves Leer and Scratch.¶
"Good now that that's over let's get started "Quil spotted a lone Bidoof nosing around in the tall grass. Its ears perked up the moment Chimchar landed on the field.
"Alright, Chimchar, let's give it a try!" Quil called.
Bidoof puffed up its chest and let out a sharp Growl, its cry lowering Chimchar's confidence. Chimchar flinched but steadied itself.
"Shake it off,Leer!" Quil commanded. Chimchar's eyes glowed as it locked onto Bidoof, making the plump Pokémon hesitate and shrink back.
Seeing its opening, Bidoof charged with Tackle, slamming into Chimchar's chest and forcing it to skid backward in the grass.
"You're fine! Get it back with Scratch!" Quil shouted. Chimchar leapt forward, claws flashing, raking across Bidoof's side. Bidoof winced, stumbling a few steps.
Not willing to back down, Bidoof growled again, but Chimchar's fiery determination only burned brighter.
"Finish it another Scratch!"
Chimchar darted in faster this time, landing a clean strike. Bidoof staggered, then collapsed onto the soft grass, defeated.
Chimchar stood tall, breathing hard but proud. Quil grinned. "Nice work, Chimchar that's our first victory!"