[Orbital Clique Group Chat: Morning]

  Isabelle: "Hey, so... I did it. I’m officially registered for the League Circuit. Got my Trainer ID, gear, everything."

  She sent the message with one hand while brushing her teeth with the other, the minty foam almost dripping as she quickly checked for responses. The mirror reflected the mix of excitement and lingering nerves in her expression.

  Her VireBand vibrated against the sink, notifications popping up.

  In another part of Lumora City, Amélie was sprawled across her bed, tangled in her pastel sheets, scrolling mindlessly through her VireBand. When Isabelle’s message popped up, she bolted upright, nearly knocking Floette off her pillow. "OMG WHAT!?? Isabelle!! ??? That’s amazing! We HAVE to celebrate!" she typed, already envisioning the perfect café meetup.

  Clara, still half-asleep, peeked at her VireBand from beneath her hoodie, groaning as she pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. She rubbed her eyes, debating whether she cared enough to respond right away. Finally, she sighed and typed: "...damn. u really did it." before burrowing back under the covers.

  Elliot, perched at his family’s kitchen table, lazily stirred his cereal, watching the message notifications roll in. He took a slow sip of coffee before smirking to himself. "First one to register. You’re setting the standard now, huh? No pressure."

  Across town, Milo sat at his cluttered desk, textbooks open, scribbling notes on battle strategies. The ping of his VireBand distracted him, and he pushed his glasses up, reading the chat. "Congrats. This means we’re all getting together today, doesn’t it?" He sighed, already knowing Amélie would insist on it.

  Amélie: "YES. Gleaming Café. 2 PM. Be there or I will haunt your dreams."

  Clara: "wow. eternal haunting? seems excessive."

  Elliot: "Dramatic is her default setting."

  Amélie: "LISTEN, you all owe me a celebratory meetup for Isabelle! It’s a big deal! ??"

  Isabelle: "I appreciate it, but it’s really not a big deal."

  Clara: "kinda is tho. ur the first one officially signed up. we’re all still stuck studying."

  Milo: "Agreed. Isabelle, you’re leading the charge. That’s worth a little fanfare."

  Isabelle: "Okay, but no actual fanfare, please. I can’t handle a parade."

  Amélie: "No parade. Just overpriced drinks and your favorite people. ?? What’s everyone ordering?"

  Clara: "...water. and the free bread."

  Amélie: "You’re impossible. Isabelle, what about you?"

  Isabelle: "Cherubi Cheer Tea, obviously. You already know."

  Milo: "Something cheap. I have to save for actual supplies."

  Elliot: "Doesn’t matter. Just don’t let Amélie guilt you into paying for hers."

  Amélie: "RUDE. I would never! (Okay, maybe once. Or twice.)"

  Clara: "thrice, easily."

  Amélie: "ANYWAY. 2 PM. Don’t be late! Isabelle, save us a table. And Milo, bring your strategies—I want to talk exam prep."

  Milo: "Will do. Clara, try not to sulk the whole time."

  Clara: "try not to nerd the whole time."

  Isabelle: "I’ll be there early. Azzy’s already practicing her stern glares for latecomers."

  Amélie: "Can’t wait! See you all soon! ??"

  The Gleaming Café was alive with gentle energy, a sanctuary from Lumora City’s bustling streets. The golden light of vintage hanging lamps reflected off polished wooden tables, casting a warm glow. Litwick-shaped candles on each table added a whimsical touch, their soft flickering light paired with the soothing aroma of vanilla. Trainers filled the space, their voices blending with the hum of conversation and the faint hiss of a coffee machine.

  Isabelle arrived early, claiming a corner booth near the bay window. Outside, the afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass, painting the café in a tranquil light. Azzy perched beside her, tail swinging in a slow rhythm as Isabelle browsed the menu on her VireBand.

  “Cherubi Cheer Tea or Slowpoke Slushie?” Isabelle murmured, scrolling through the holographic icons. Azzy hopped forward, tapping the Cheer Tea option with her tail. Isabelle laughed. “Alright, Cheer Tea it is. Your refined palate wins again.”

  A waiter brought her drink moments later, the berry tones of the tea glistening in the glass. Isabelle took a tentative sip, savoring the burst of cherry and pomegranate flavors balanced by subtle herbal notes. “Not bad,” she said, raising her glass toward Azzy. “Here’s to starting somewhere.”

  Azzy chirped, her tail tapping the table as if in agreement. Isabelle chuckled, reaching out to scratch the soft fur behind Azzy’s ear. "You're always my number one supporter, huh?" she murmured, feeling a small sense of reassurance in her partner’s unwavering enthusiasm.

  Amélie burst through the café door at exactly 1:59 PM, her pastel pink jacket flaring dramatically. “HELLOOO!” she called, waving at Isabelle as she made her way to the booth. She plopped down next to Isabelle, pulling out her VireBand to scroll through the menu. “You went with the Cheer Tea, huh? Classic choice. I’m thinking of Snorlax's Napcakes with a side of Tropius Tropic Blend. Gotta keep the vibes fruity, you know? ???”

  Before Isabelle could respond, Clara sauntered in next, dark hoodie slung over one shoulder. She slid into her seat across from Isabelle, muttering, “Water. And nothing else.”

  Amélie gasped. “Clara, you have to order something. It’s a celebration! What about the Vanilluxe Freeze Cream?”

  Clara gave her a flat look. “Do I look like I eat dessert at 2 PM?”

  “Fine, you’re hopeless.” Amélie huffed. “Milo and Elliot better show up soon, or I’m dragging them in by their VireBands.”

  Milo arrived shortly after, adjusting his sweater and muttering apologies for being “precisely one minute late.” Elliot trailed behind, hands shoved in his hoodie pockets. He glanced at the menu briefly before shrugging. “Coffee. Black. Let’s move on.”

  As the group settled into their cozy corner of the Gleaming Café, Azzy hopped onto the table, her tail bobbing with excitement as she sniffed at the assortment of drinks and snacks. Isabelle gently redirected her away from Clara’s water, muttering, “Not for you, Azzy,” earning a playful chirp in return.

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  Amélie leaned forward dramatically, clasping her hands as though she were about to deliver a profound speech. “Alright, Isabelle. Let’s hear it. How does it feel to be officially registered? Are you ready to take on the League Circuit and, you know, become a legend?”

  Isabelle hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass of Cherubi Cheer Tea. She glanced at Azzy, who gave an encouraging squeak, then sighed. “Honestly? It’s a mix of excitement and sheer panic. Like, I’m officially a Trainer now, but... it’s overwhelming. You all seem so much more prepared.”

  Amélie waved a dismissive hand. “Prepared? Isabelle, I don’t even have my own Pokémon yet. Floette’s not mine—she’s my mom’s. I’m just borrowing her until we pass the exam.”

  Isabelle blinked, caught off guard. “Wait, you don’t—?”

  “Nope!” Amélie said brightly. “And I’m not the only one. Clara and Elliot are in the same boat.”

  Clara took a long sip of her water before speaking. “Technically, I’ve caught a Pokémon before, but it’s not ‘official.’ I’ve been waiting to pass the school’s exam so I can get my starter from Professor Ardene.”

  Elliot, lounging lazily in his chair, shrugged. “Same here. Not in a rush. Unlike someone here—” He tilted his head toward Amélie. “—who’s been pacing her room like a Torchic on caffeine.”

  “Hey!” Amélie protested. “I’m excited, okay?”

  Isabelle stared at them, her thoughts racing. All this time, I thought I was the one lagging behind. Had I been making excuses? Second-guessing myself while everyone else was still waiting for their chance? The realization settled in her chest—a mix of relief and uncertainty. Maybe she wasn’t as behind as she thought. Maybe she was exactly where she needed to be. Turns out, I didn’t even need to go to school to start my journey.

  Azzy, sensing her unease, chirped softly and nuzzled Isabelle’s arm. Isabelle smiled faintly and scratched the soft fur on her head. “Thanks, Azzy,” she murmured.

  Amélie leaned closer, her expression earnest. “Hey, don’t overthink it. Everyone’s path is different. You had Azzy, so you could’ve started anytime. But we’ll all be out there soon enough, chasing Gym Badges and making memories. Just wait.”

  Clara set her water down with a sharp clink, her tone steady but firm. “Don’t waste time worrying about what you can’t control. Focus on your own road ahead. If you wait around for us, you’ll just hold yourself back.”

  “Yeah,” Milo added, glancing up from his VireBand. “And by the time you’re on your fourth or fifth badge, we’ll catch up. Then we’ll compare notes and strategies.”

  Elliot smirked faintly, crossing his arms. “Consider yourself the guinea pig for all the Gym Leaders. You’ll make our lives easier by scouting ahead.”

  Isabelle chuckled despite herself, some of the weight in her chest lifting. “You guys are impossible.”

  “Impossible or inspirational?” Amélie teased with a grin.

  Azzy hopped onto Isabelle’s lap and chirped enthusiastically, her tail wagging as if agreeing with Amélie. Isabelle laughed softly, stroking Azzy’s head. “Alright, alright. I get it. No waiting around.”

  “Exactly,” Clara said with a rare smile. “Now, go crush it. We’ll catch up when we’re ready.”

  Amélie leaned back in her seat with a sigh, her hands folded behind her head. “And when we do, it’s going to be epic. I’m talking races, battles, the whole shebang.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Isabelle said, her smile growing. For the first time in a while, the nervous knot in her stomach felt a little looser.

  As they finished their drinks, Milo checked his VireBand. “Alright, back to prep. Some of us have exams to ace, you know.”

  Amélie stuck her tongue out at him. “We’ll ace them together, don’t worry. But first, Isabelle, you better keep us updated. I want to hear about every battle, every catch, and every Gym Badge.”

  “You got it,” Isabelle said.

  Clara leaned back, her expression thoughtful. “Just... don’t get cocky. You know what happens to cocky Trainers.”

  Amélie groaned. “Clara, can you not be ominous for five seconds?”

  Elliot smirked. “She’s right, though. No pressure, Isabelle.”

  “No pressure,” Isabelle echoed, laughing lightly. She looked down at Azzy, who was looking up at her with a determined gleam in her eye. “Right, Azzy?”

  Azzy chirped in agreement, her little tail wagging furiously.

  Isabelle glanced at her friends, feeling a swell of gratitude. “Thanks, guys. I’ll make you proud.”

  “You already do,” Amélie said, her tone softer this time.

  As they stepped out of the café into the bustling streets of Lumora, Isabelle felt a newfound sense of resolve. The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, it didn’t feel quite so daunting. With Azzy by her side and her friends cheering her on, she was ready to take the next step.

  Isabelle unlocked the door to her apartment, the familiar hum of city life fading as she stepped inside. Azzy bounced happily ahead, her tail wagging as she hopped onto the couch and chirped expectantly. Isabelle dropped her bag by the entryway, letting out a sigh that was equal parts exhaustion and excitement.

  “All right, Azzy,” she said, placing her hands on her hips. “Tomorrow’s the big day. Let’s make sure we’re ready.”

  Azzy squeaked in agreement, her little tail thumping against the cushion.

  Isabelle headed to her room, where an open suitcase lay on the bed, her supplies neatly arranged on the desk beside it. She picked up the small pouch of berries the Professor had given her earlier: Oran, Cherri, and Pecha. Their vibrant colors gleamed under the room's warm light, and Azzy nosed curiously at the pouch.

  She opened her VireBand, navigating to the Goals tab.

  Goal #1: Master BubbleBeam.

  Goal #2: Actually register for the League.

  Goal #3: Win a Gym Badge (or, you know, not get completely destroyed).

  Goal #4: Knock a Trainer out of their socks (figuratively, of course).

  Then she made some additional goals:

  Goal #5: Make a new Pokémon friend in every major city.

  Goal #6: Have at least one ridiculous but memorable battle story.

  Goal #7: Prove to myself that I belong here.

  Goal #8: Don’t let Azzy charm my opponents into forfeiting (or at least try to control it).

  Goal #9: Actually enjoy the journey, not just stress over it.

  Isabelle turned her attention to her wardrobe, pulling out her traveling clothes first. Durable cargo pants, a few breathable shirts, and her trusty hiking boots went into the suitcase first. She folded her heavy haori jacket carefully, draping it across the bed to admire its design.

  The deep navy fabric was adorned with intricate embroidery of Virelia’s iconic mountains and the aurora borealis streaking across the back. A thoughtful gift from her dad before they moved to Lumora City, it had been a source of comfort on chilly nights and a reminder of home. She ran her fingers over the embroidery, her expression softening.

  “It’s not exactly winter-proof,” she murmured, inspecting the thick hood and the poncho-like design. “But it’ll do for now, right?”

  Azzy chirped in agreement, hopping onto the bed and nosing at the haori. Isabelle chuckled, scratching her partner’s head. “Yeah, I thought you’d like it too.”

  Next, she selected five outfits that reflected her rural upbringing: modest dresses in soft fabrics, each with ribbons and subtle floral prints. The thigh-high socks she folded into the corner of her suitcase were both practical and comforting, a small touch of familiarity.

  She packed a rain poncho, lightweight and versatile, and added a scarf for cooler mornings. Tossing in her sandals and rugged sneakers, Isabelle double-checked her selections before moving on.

  “Clothes, check. Shoes, check. Outerwear... check-ish,” she muttered. Her eyes flicked to the sun hat hanging on her closet door. “Might as well,” she decided, tossing it into the suitcase.

  Isabelle moved to her desk, where the supplies from the Professor were neatly laid out. Five PokéBalls, three Potions, and the small pouch of berries went into designated compartments in her bag. She then carefully folded the envelope containing 2,500 PokéDollars—physical bills, crisp and freshly printed—and tucked it securely into a side pocket.

  “Kind of old-fashioned, huh?” Isabelle mused, glancing at the bills. “But I guess cash is still king.”

  Azzy chirped as if agreeing, though she was far more interested in the berry pouch. Isabelle swatted her away gently, laughing. “Nice try. These are for the road, not midnight snacks.”

  The apartment was quiet as Isabelle stepped out onto the balcony, the cool night air brushing against her skin. Lumora City stretched out before her, a sea of lights and motion that contrasted sharply with the calm, open fields of Verdantia.

  Azzy climbed onto the railing, balancing effortlessly as she looked out at the cityscape. Isabelle reached out to steady her. “Careful, Missy. You don’t need to start your journey with a fall.”

  Azzy chirped, leaning into Isabelle’s hand, her small frame warm and steady.

  For a moment, Isabelle let herself get lost in thought. The day had been a whirlwind—registering at League HQ, the café meetup with her friends, and the Professor’s encouragement. It all felt like a dream she hadn’t quite woken up from.

  She thought of her dad, likely still at work at VireTech, and the promise she’d made to herself to make him proud. She thought of her friends, each with their own dreams, and how they’d catch up to her soon enough.

  Most of all, she thought of Azzy, her first partner, her constant through every twist and turn. Isabelle ruffled the fur on her partner’s head, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

  “Here’s to us, Azzy,” she murmured. “We’ve got this.”

  Azzy chirped in agreement, her tail wagging with unshakable confidence.

  As the city lights twinkled and the night deepened, Isabelle felt a quiet resolve settle in her chest. Tomorrow, the real journey would begin. For now, she had everything she needed—her partner, her memories, and the road ahead.