The soft chime of her alarm broke the stillness of the morning, and Isabelle groaned, pulling her blanket tighter around herself. Azzy, ever punctual, was already bouncing by the edge of her bed, chirping softly as if to say, It’s time, let’s go!

  "Okay, okay, I’m up," Isabelle mumbled, rolling out of bed with a yawn. She stretched, her light hazel eyes blinking against the early sunlight that peeked through her curtains. Today’s the day, Izzy. No pressure or anything—just the start of everything.

  After a quick rinse in the bathroom, Isabelle faced the mirror. Her reflection stared back, hair tousled from sleep and sticking out in every direction. "Looking great," she deadpanned, raking her fingers through her unruly black hair. The straight layers, usually sleek, were now tangled, with one particularly stubborn strand sticking out at an odd angle.

  She grabbed a hairbrush and worked through the knots with more force than finesse. Why does it always have to do this on important days? Like, seriously, hair? Do you just wake up and think, ‘Let’s make her life harder?’

  Once tamed, her hair fell neatly into its mid-length layers, framing her face in a way she almost liked. She reached for her ribbons—one purple, one pink—and tied them with care, pulling sections of her hair back into loose ties that added a subtle pop of color. She stepped back, eyeing her handiwork. The ribbons sat perfectly in place, a small nod to her own style amidst the day’s chaos. Not bad. Cute but not overdone. Functional. Practical.

  She moved on to her skincare routine, dabbing moisturizer across her face and gently massaging it in. The light vanilla scent calmed her nerves, a small ritual that grounded her. Alright, nice and fresh. You’re not trying to win a beauty contest, just not look like you crawled out of a Dugtrio den.

  Next came the outfit—a chic yet casual choice of a black denim dress with button details running down the front, paired with a plaid puff-sleeve top underneath. The combination struck the perfect balance between effort and ease. She adjusted the straps of the dress, smoothing out the fabric as she turned to check her reflection in the mirror. Her light hazel eyes glimmered under the warm light of her room, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

  Is this too much? Or not enough? Isabelle hesitated, tilting her head. No, it’s fine. Comfortable, cute, and—most importantly—not trying too hard.

  She stepped back for one last once-over, smoothing her dress again. Her sneakers, now a polished white, provided the perfect finishing touch, grounding the outfit with practicality. “Alright, Azzy, what do you think?” she asked, glancing at her Azurill, who chirped approvingly from her bed.

  “Good enough for League HQ, then,” Isabelle declared, grabbing her small crossbody bag to match the outfit. She slung it over her shoulder with practiced ease, giving the mirror one last playful wink. Here’s to not making a complete fool of myself today. Let’s do this.

  The League Headquarters loomed above Isabelle like a shimmering colossus of glass and steel, its surface reflecting the midday sun so intensely that she squinted against the glare. Massive banners unfurled along the building’s towering facade, each depicting legendary figures from the League Circuit. Gavin Noir’s Zoroark crouched in a swirl of dark red energy, its piercing gaze seeming to follow passersby. Leonard Hartfield’s Hydreigon snarled, its three heads exuding an aura of raw aggression. Further along, Bjorn “Blizzard” Frostsbane, one of the Elite Four, stood like an immovable glacier. His piercing gray eyes radiated strength, and his Avalugg loomed behind him, the embodiment of unyielding ice.

  At the forefront of it all, reigning Champion Astrid dominated the center banner, her Fire/Dragon Haxorus roaring triumphantly against a backdrop of storm and flame. The golden horns of the dragon gleamed like a crown, a testament to a decade of undefeated dominance. Astrid’s gaze was steely, commanding, as though daring anyone to challenge her reign.

  Ten years at the top. Ten years of perfection. How does someone even begin to measure up to that?

  Isabelle’s hands tightened into fists at her sides. Everyone here looked like they belonged. Like they were born for this. What am I even doing here? I don’t belong in a place like this—do I? Meanwhile, she was here, hoping she wouldn’t trip on her way to the registration desk.

  The sheer scale of League HQ hit her all at once—the polished marble floors stretched endlessly, reflecting the holographic projections flickering above like living ghosts. The high ceilings seemed to reach the heavens, banners of League Champions towering overhead. The space buzzed with constant motion—Trainers pacing, Pokémon chirping, monitors flashing battle statistics, commentators replaying legendary matches.

  She tried to walk with purpose, but someone bumped her shoulder, nearly making her drop her VireBand.

  “Watch it,” muttered a young Trainer who breezed past without a second glance.

  “Sorry,” Isabelle mumbled, even though they were already gone.

  She exhaled, adjusting the strap of her bag like it was armor. She had to get it together—fast.

  Holograms of Gym Leaders floated in designated kiosks, each offering advice or issuing challenges to passing Trainers. Kieran Ignatius of Blazebrook City twirled a baton of flames beside his Arcanine, the fire swirling dramatically in a display meant to inspire.

  “Remember,” Kieran’s hologram boomed, “fire isn’t just about destruction—it’s about adaptability. Stay cool, even when the heat’s on!”

  Isabelle paused briefly to watch before muttering under her breath, Cool under pressure, huh? Easier said than done when you’re one awkward step from falling on your face.

  She adjusted her bag, took a deep breath, and stepped forward. At the reception desk, a bubbly woman with bright teal hair greeted her, her nametag cheerfully proclaiming, “Lana.”

  “Welcome to League HQ!” Lana chirped. “First time registering?”

  “Uh, yeah,” Isabelle said, her voice cracking slightly. She cleared her throat, feeling heat creep into her cheeks.

  “Well, you’re in the right place!” Lana grinned and leaned forward conspiratorially. “No need to be nervous—it’s just registration. We don’t make you battle for your Trainer ID or anything.”

  Oh, great. Because that would be so much less stressful, Isabelle thought dryly, but she managed a smile.

  “Let’s get you started,” Lana continued, tapping her keyboard. “Do you have your VireBand handy?”

  Isabelle handed it over, and Lana slotted it into a sleek console on the desk. A holographic interface sprang to life, displaying her basic information.

  “Alright, first thing’s first,” Lana began, her fingers dancing across the console. “We’ll set up your Trainer ID. This will be your all-access pass to the League Circuit—tracking badges, registering Pokémon teams, accessing tournaments, the whole shebang. You’ll also use it to validate your Gym victories.”

  She slid a small booklet across the counter toward Isabelle. “This is your Trainer Handbook. It’s got everything you need to know about the Circuit: Gym locations, badge requirements, battle strategies, and even tips for packing. You’d be surprised how many Trainers forget extra socks.”

  Isabelle chuckled nervously. “Good to know.”

  The receptionist continued, her tone slipping into an almost rehearsed rhythm. “The goal is to earn eight Gym Badges to qualify for the Virelia Conference, held at Aurora Plaza in Celestia City. It’s a week-long tournament where the best of the best duke it out for the chance to challenge the Elite Four and, if you’re feeling extra ambitious, Champion Astrid.”

  The mention of Astrid made Isabelle’s heart skip a beat. Yeah, right. Let’s focus on not embarrassing myself in my first Gym battle before I think about taking on someone like her.

  “Each Gym Leader adapts their team based on your badge count,” Lana explained, “so whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned Trainer, the challenge scales to match you. And don’t forget to register your badges at League-approved centers. The VireBand tracks everything, so no counterfeiting or shortcuts.”

  “Noted,” Isabelle said, nodding.

  “Now, before we finalize your registration, there’s one more step: the Trainer Ethics Quiz.” Lana tapped her console, and Isabelle’s VireBand buzzed with a notification. “It’s quick and easy—just a few questions to make sure you know the basics of Pokémon care and battling ethics.”

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  Isabelle scrolled through the quiz on her VireBand. The questions were a mix of common sense and specifics. “What should you do if your Pokémon is injured during battle?” Take it to a Pokémon Center, obviously. “Which moves are considered excessively harmful and banned in League battles?” Okay, wasn’t expecting that one, but makes sense.

  One question made her pause: “How should you approach a wild Pokémon showing signs of distress?” Isabelle hesitated before selecting the answer that emphasized observation and caution over immediate capture. Better safe than sorry.

  She submitted her answers, and the receptionist’s console pinged. “Congrats! You passed. Not that I doubted you,” she added with a wink. “Alright, you’re all set.”

  The VireBand vibrated again, displaying a notification: Trainer ID: Activated. Welcome to the Virelia League Circuit!

  Isabelle stared at the screen, her chest tightening with a mix of excitement and dread. This is real. I’m officially a Trainer now. Holy crap.

  The receptionist beamed at her. “Congratulations! You’re now part of the Circuit. Best of luck out there, and remember—every Trainer starts somewhere. Even Astrid had her first day.”

  “Thanks,” Isabelle said, her voice soft but sincere. She turned to leave, the weight of her new reality settling over her.

  As she passed through the bustling lobby, her gaze lingered on the League’s historical gallery. Photographs of past champions, dramatic battle footage, and even a plaque commemorating the first Virelia Conference lined the walls. It was inspiring and daunting all at once.

  Near the exit, Isabelle accidentally bumped into a young Trainer with sharp silver hair and an easy smirk. “Watch it,” the girl said, steadying Isabelle. “First day?”

  “Yeah,” Isabelle replied, flustered.

  The girl’s smirk widened. “Good luck. And keep an eye out for rivals—they’ll push you harder than any Gym Leader ever could.” With that, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving Isabelle with more questions than answers.

  Outside, the sunlight felt warmer, the cityscape sharper. Isabelle stood on the grand steps of the League HQ, her VireBand now heavier on her wrist. Azzy’s PokéBall felt warm in her hand, a comforting reminder of why she was doing this.

  Alright, Azzy. Step one down. Let’s see where this road takes us.

  As Isabelle descended the grand steps of the League Headquarters, she took a deep breath of Lumora City’s crisp afternoon air. The day was bright, the city alive with its usual bustle of activity. She reached for Azzy’s PokéBall, smiling softly. “Alright, Azzy,” she said aloud, “you’ve been cooped up long enough. Time to stretch those little legs.”

  With a quick press of the button, the PokéBall expanded, releasing a swirl of light that materialized into her ever-enthusiastic Azurill. Azzy let out a happy chirp, her tail bouncing excitedly as she blinked up at Isabelle.

  “You’d think I just gave you a free pass to a buffet,” Isabelle teased, crouching down to give Azzy a quick pat. “So, here’s the plan: We head over to Professor Ardene’s lab now that we’re official. She promised us a Pokédex and some starter supplies, which I’m guessing we’re going to need, big time.”

  Azzy squeaked in agreement, bouncing lightly on her tail like a rubber ball.

  “But first,” Isabelle said, standing back up, “we grab some snacks. I think we deserve a little celebration after all that nerve-wracking paperwork.”

  The streets of Lumora City were as vibrant as ever, a seamless blend of old-world charm and futuristic tech. Café signs dotted the walkways, each one advertising tantalizing treats and drinks. Isabelle spotted a familiar logo just down the block—Cherubi Cheer Tea.

  “Perfect timing,” Isabelle muttered, quickening her pace with Azzy hopping along beside her. The stand was decked out in berry-themed decor, with a smiling Cherubi mascot perched on top. Isabelle stepped up to the counter and ordered a large tea. The drink came in a sleek bottle adorned with colorful berry motifs, its tagline proudly printed: Berry sweet and refreshing!

  She took a sip and sighed in satisfaction as the fruity blend of cherry, pomegranate, and subtle herbal notes hit her tongue. “Azzy, you don’t know what you’re missing,” she joked, offering her companion a quick peek at the bottle.

  The little Azurill tilted her head quizzically before chirping and pointing at a snack kiosk nearby. Isabelle followed her gaze to a vending machine—one of the many she had noticed on nearly every street corner since arriving in Lumora. It was so different from Verdantia; she couldn't even recall ever seeing a vending machine back home, let alone the arcade she stumbled upon the other night.

  She skimmed the selections: Pikachu Puffs—electrifyingly sweet cereal bites, Munchlax Morsels—hearty oat and honey granola clusters, Lava Cookies—a Johto import, and Rhyperior Rock Crunch—which, despite the name, she hoped wasn't actually made of rocks. After a moment of deliberation, she pressed the button for Munchlax Morsels. The packet dropped into the tray, and she tore it open, popping a piece into her mouth before handing another to Azzy.

  "Not bad," she said, watching as Azzy eagerly chewed the treat. "Munchlax-approved for sure."

  With snacks in hand and tea in tow, the pair continued their walk through Lumora’s bustling streets toward Professor Ardene’s lab. Isabelle couldn’t help but let her mind wander, her thoughts cycling between excitement and doubt.

  Okay, Izzy. You’ve got a Trainer ID now, and you’re heading to get a Pokédex. That’s step two. Baby steps. No pressure. Just, you know… don’t screw this up.

  Professor Ardene’s lab stood as a beacon of innovation and tradition, a modern structure softened by natural elements like ivy-covered walls and blooming flower beds. Isabelle felt a familiar knot in her stomach as she stepped through the glass doors into the welcoming reception area. This time, she wasn’t a nervous guest—she was here with purpose.

  The receptionist waved her through, and Isabelle soon found herself in the Trainer Hub where Professor Ardene was waiting. The Professor, dressed in her usual white coat, greeted her with a warm smile.

  “Ah, Isabelle,” Ardene said, her voice calm but tinged with excitement. “Welcome back. I take it everything at League HQ went smoothly?”

  Isabelle nodded, holding up her VireBand. “I’m officially registered. Trainer ID and everything.”

  “Excellent,” the Professor said, her eyes lighting up. “And how are you feeling about it all?”

  “Honestly? A little terrified,” Isabelle admitted. “But also… kind of excited?”

  “That’s perfectly normal,” Ardene said with an encouraging nod. “Every Trainer starts with a mix of emotions. What matters is how you channel those feelings into action.”

  The Professor moved to a nearby counter and picked up a sleek device that immediately caught Isabelle’s eye. It was a black chrome Pokédex, its edges trimmed in yellow with a sleek, modern design. The center featured the “V” logo of VireTech, etched with a subtle glow.

  “This,” Ardene began, holding up the device, “is the latest model Pokédex, a collaborative effort between my lab and VireTech. It’s state-of-the-art, featuring AI integration to enhance your journey.”

  As if on cue, the device lit up, and a small, mischievous face appeared on the screen. “Hello, hello!” the voice chirped. “RotomDex online and ready to go! Assign me to your VireBand already, will you? Let’s get this show on the road!”

  Isabelle blinked in surprise as the Rotom zapped out of the Pokédex briefly, darting around the lab before returning with a cheeky laugh. “This place is great! I could power everything here and still have energy to spare!”

  Ardene chuckled. “Rotom here is a self-learning AI, and it’ll serve as both your Pokédex and a sort of assistant. Be warned, though—it’s known to get a little too close to Pokémon for comfort.”

  “Too close?” Isabelle asked, arching an eyebrow.

  “Let’s just say it’s… curious,” Ardene replied. “You’ll see soon enough.”

  Rotom buzzed excitedly. “C’mon, partner! Let’s scan something already! Or catch a Pokémon! Or—wait, do you have snacks? I could charge up while you eat!”

  “Great,” Isabelle muttered, half-amused, half-wary. I’ve got a hyperactive AI companion. Just what I needed.

  Ardene handed the Pokédex over, and Isabelle synced it with her VireBand as instructed. The device chimed, signaling the connection was complete.

  “Now,” the Professor said, her tone growing more serious, “this is just the beginning, Isabelle. Your journey will be what you make of it—collecting data, catching Pokémon, earning Gym Badges, or even forging your own unique path. The possibilities are endless, but it all starts here.”

  Isabelle nodded, the weight of the moment sinking in. “Thank you, Professor. I won’t let you down.”

  “I don’t doubt that,” Ardene said with a smile. “Remember, my lab is always open to you if you need guidance or support. You’re never alone on this journey.”

  The Professor then turned to another counter, pulling out a small, neatly arranged box filled with supplies. She gestured for Isabelle to come closer.

  “To help you get started, here’s a beginner's kit. First, five PokéBalls for catching new Pokémon. Remember, each one has its limits, so aim wisely.” She placed the small spheres into Isabelle’s hand, their smooth surfaces glinting under the lab’s lights.

  “Next,” Ardene continued, “two Potions for emergencies. They’ll heal your Pokémon in battle or on the road. Keep them close at hand.”

  Isabelle nodded, carefully tucking the Potions into her bag.

  “And these,” Ardene said, lifting a small pouch of berries, “are a few basic berries to help with Pokémon care. Oran Berries restore health, Cherri Berries cure paralysis, and Pecha Berries can neutralize poison. Make sure to incorporate berries into your Pokémon’s diet when you can. They’re a natural, healthy supplement, and some Pokémon adore them.”

  Azzy chirped excitedly, sniffing at the pouch as Isabelle took it. “Guess we’ll find out which ones you like best,” she said with a small smile, giving Azzy a pat.

  “Lastly,” Ardene added, pulling out a small envelope, “2,500 PokéDollars to help you get started. You’ll need it for travel, supplies, and whatever else comes up.”

  Isabelle took the envelope, her chest tightening with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Professor. This means a lot.”

  “Don’t mention it,” Ardene replied, her tone warm. “You’re taking the first steps of something incredible. I’m just glad I can help set you on your way.”

  Isabelle finished packing her new supplies, her bag now heavier but also more secure. As she turned to leave, Ardene gave her a reassuring smile.

  “Isabelle,” the Professor said, “your journey is about more than badges and battles. It’s about discovery—of the world, of Pokémon, and of yourself. Don’t forget to enjoy it.”

  With that, Isabelle tucked the Pokédex into her bag, feeling the added weight as both literal and symbolic. Azzy hopped cheerfully beside her as they left the lab, the future ahead of them uncertain but brimming with possibility.

  Outside, Isabelle held up her Cherubi Cheer Tea for a toast, her gaze sweeping over the vibrant cityscape. “Alright, Azzy,” she said, her voice steady with newfound determination. “Here’s to the first step. Let’s see where this road takes us.”

  Azzy chirped in agreement, her tail wagging with excitement as they headed toward their next adventure.